Sunshine College Deaf Facility

Sunshine College Deaf Facility provides specialist support for Deaf and hard of hearing (HH) students.

Located within the new and purpose-built College, we provide an outstanding and inclusive learning environment for all our students. As the only secondary Deaf facility in the western suburbs of Melbourne, we support a diverse range of students and deliver a broad selection of individualised programs. These programs are designed to foster independence and enable Deaf/HH students to attain their full potential within a mainstream setting.

Sunshine College Deaf Facility caters to the needs of Deaf and Hearing-Impaired students in the Western Region. The Facility provides an educational setting that presents the advantages of a Deaf school with those of a Mainstream school as demonstrated by the achievements of our students. Support includes:

• Qualified teachers of the Deaf and Interpreters on site full-time.
• Experienced Teachers of the Deaf working with mainstream teachers in all aspects of curriculum to modify and adapt curriculum where necessary, including project work requirements and exams.
• Using both Auslan and Oral Aural methods of Communication to deliver quality outcomes.
• All Deaf students participate in the literacy program as part of Sunshine College’s commitment to improving benchmarks in Literacy, resulting in outstanding student growth levels.
• A specifically designed, purpose built deaf facility area within the school with facilities including designed home base area in the school. Within the Facility we have computers, audio-visual equipment, support materials and staff to assist students with student learning.
• Students having weekly Deaf Facility time to work with a Teacher of the Deaf to ensure they have understood concepts taught in mainstream classes and are supported to complete all work requirements.
• Students participating in all mainstream classes, supported by Deaf Facility staff to participate in lunchtime activities, after school events and major school performances.
• Connections with the Deaf community and Deaf organisations to offer the best possible extra curricula activities for Deaf students.
• Working in partnership with other Deaf Facilities/Deaf Schools arranging activities and events that maximise students’ opportunities to socialise.
• Services provided by Australian Hearing to regularly monitor hearing aids and FM units.
• Regular liaison with students’ families regarding all aspects of their child’s education and forward planning to provide a suitable pathway into further education and training or work