Senior Program – Learning, Growing and Preparing for the Future
The Senior Program at Mornington Special Developmental School provides students with engaging, meaningful and individualised learning experiences as they continue to grow, develop and prepare for adulthood.
Our students remain active learners throughout their senior years, building on the skills they have developed while being supported to discover new interests, develop greater independence, strengthen relationships and participate more confidently in their school and wider community.
We recognise that every student has different strengths, interests, abilities and aspirations. Our Senior curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop their skills, make choices, have their voices heard and experience success in ways that are meaningful to them.
Learning for life
Our Senior students continue to develop their literacy, numeracy, communication, health and wellbeing, physical, social and emotional skills through purposeful and engaging learning experiences.
Learning becomes increasingly connected to students' lives, interests and experiences. Students are encouraged to apply their skills in meaningful contexts, solve problems, make decisions, take responsibility and develop confidence as young adults.
Developing independence
Developing independence is an important part of our Senior Program. Students are supported to take increasing responsibility for themselves, their learning and their environment.
Learning opportunities include developing personal organisation, self-care, communication, decision-making, money awareness, safety, cooking, household skills, travel and transport skills and the ability to navigate everyday situations.
We recognise that independence looks different for every student, and we celebrate each individual's progress and achievements.
Communication, relationships and self-advocacy
Our Senior Program provides students with opportunities to strengthen their communication and social skills and develop meaningful relationships.
Students are encouraged to express their opinions, preferences and needs, make choices and develop their ability to advocate for themselves. We support students to understand their emotions, develop strategies for regulation, build positive relationships and participate confidently in group and community settings.
Learning beyond the classroom
Our Senior students have regular opportunities to take their learning into real-world environments. Community-based learning allows students to practise and generalise skills in authentic settings while developing confidence and independence.
Students may participate in shopping, accessing community facilities and services, using public transport, recreation and leisure activities, excursions, physical activity and a range of other community experiences.
These experiences help students understand their community, develop social connections and become increasingly confident and active participants in everyday life.
Exploring interests and developing skills
The Senior Program provides students with opportunities to explore their individual interests and develop new skills through a broad range of experiences.
Students are encouraged to discover activities they enjoy, develop hobbies and interests, build practical skills and explore different ways they can participate and contribute at school and in their community.
Learning is designed to be purposeful, engaging and relevant to each student's developing interests and goals.
Work experience and vocational learning
As students progress through the Senior Program, they have opportunities to explore the world of work through work experience and vocational learning programs.
Work experience allows students to experience different workplace environments, develop practical skills and learn about workplace expectations. Students are supported to explore opportunities that reflect their interests, strengths and capabilities.
These experiences may help students discover new interests, develop confidence and begin to understand the different ways they may participate in employment or meaningful vocational activities in the future.
Preparing for the future
While our Senior Program is focused on students' learning and development throughout their senior years, we also recognise the importance of looking towards the future.
Transition planning is an ongoing process and is developed in partnership with students, families and relevant professionals. As students approach the end of their schooling, we support them and their families to explore the range of pathways and opportunities available after school.
These may include employment, supported employment, further education or training, day programs, recreation and leisure opportunities, community participation and other individualised supports.
Families as partners
Families are an important part of our Senior Program. We value the knowledge and experience families bring and work together to support each student's individual goals and aspirations.
We provide opportunities for families to learn about different programs, services and pathways available to young adults, helping them explore possibilities and make informed decisions about their young person's future.
Growing into adulthood
Our Senior Program is about much more than preparing students to leave school. It is about supporting young people to continue learning, discovering their strengths, building relationships, developing independence and experiencing meaningful participation throughout their senior years.
We want every student to feel valued, capable and connected, while developing the skills and confidence to participate in the things that matter to them.
At MSDS, our Senior Program supports every student to keep learning, keep growing and discover their own possibilities — today, tomorrow and into the future.