About our school

We are a School for Specific Purpose (SSP). We provide intensive learning support for students with mental health needs. Our school provides a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment where every student is recognised and supported to achieve their full potential.

We work with families, carers, external agencies and support staff to make a learning and wellbeing plan for each student. This means all students can learn in a way that suits them best.

We provide a flexible curriculum that includes the following aspects:

Our classrooms are set up to meet each student’s needs. We make sure students feel safe, respected and ready to learn in a way that suits them. Our staff are caring and are skilled to help students feel confident, connected and proud of who they are.

Our school uses a placement process. Enrolment occurs through a formal referral. Families and schools can contact us if they think our school might be right for their child. To learn more, visit our enrolment enquiries page.

Centennial Park School provides personalised educational programs and support for students in Years 7-12 who have been diagnosed with mental health problems and/or disorders. The school has a capacity of 56 enrolments.

Centennial Park School provides access to the core curriculum, with a focus on high quality face to face teaching. Our programs are designed for universal access, and we cater to students who have missed a significant amount of school due to their mental health challenges through to high performing students . Emphasis is given to literacy, numeracy, vocational education, social skills and the development and management of appropriate behaviours and emotional regulation.

All students are encouraged to engage in some form of therapy, either externally or within the school program, and regular school counsellor sessions are available on request. Weekly music therapy, art therapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy sessions are offered with priority given to students not currently accessing outside mental health services. Centennial Park School is committed to delivering high quality, culturally responsive, personalised programs which engage students in a supportive learning environment and prepare students for their return to a regular secondary school or support their transition to other education and training opportunities. There is no time limit on the program and therefore students can complete their studies at Centennial Park School.

Curriculum

We offer stage 6 programs over a three year pathways model. All students can attain their HSC, ATAR and / or a VET qualification whilst working towards completing their schooling. We deliver a small range of HSC and VET subjects in a traditional face to face model, with sufficient units offered through this mode of delivery to make up a HSC. Greater variety in subject choice is also available through Sydney Distance Education High School curriculum offerings, and / or EVET courses such as the virtual TAFE offerings. Students can pick and choose their own HSC pathway and we offer regular support in navigating their HSC journey.

Programs for students in Stage 4 and 5 are developed by Centennial Park School staff in a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) model. These programs were developed in collaboration with UNSW staff and are examples of excellence in teaching design and methodology. UDL is a unique approach to working with students with disabilities, as accessibility is built into lessons, rather than lessons being differentiated to meet the needs of each student. In order to be UDL, lessons must provide choices in three domains: representation, expression and engagement. If you would like to know more about this exciting initiative, please contact the school.

All students have access to a computer and internet technology which is provided by the school. Specific skills in these areas are taught in an integrated manner through all key learning areas.

Transition/ integration

We offer personalised transition support, be that to university, TAFE, other educational providers, supported work placement or a career of students' choosing. We have two full-time student support officers (youth workers) who support the student's transition to post-school life. This is a collaborative process between the student, school, parents/carers and external agencies, if relevant.