Thrive
At Jerrabomberra High School, students with additional learning or specific needs are supported through our Thrive Academy. Thrive includes three specialist support classes that provide intensive support for students with a variety of diagnosed needs. Placement in these classes is determined by a regional panel.
What are support classes?
Support classes provide tailored support for students with a diagnosed intellectual or physical disability, autism spectrum disorder, mental health condition, sensory processing disorder, or behaviour disorder.
These classes are available in select NSW public schools, including some mainstream schools like ours.
Class sizes
Support classes have smaller class sizes to meet the higher needs of students. Numbers vary depending on the type of class and the individual needs of students.
Teaching staff
Every support class has a teacher and a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO). Each student has a personalised learning and support plan that reflects their individual needs and goals.
Teachers work in consultation with parents, carers, and allied health professionals to design these plans, ensuring each student is supported to succeed.
Opportunities
Students in Thrive classes are part of our whole-school community and have access to:
- school-wide events such as assemblies, excursions, incursions, and sport
- mainstream peers for selected learning activities where appropriate
- the same specialist provisions as mainstream students, including NESA disability provisions for exams
- transport assistance through the Assisted School Travel Program (if eligible)
- itinerant support teachers (hearing or vision) where required
How can my child be placed in a support class?
You cannot enrol directly into a support class. The first step is to speak with your child’s current school.
The process involves:
- Confirming your child’s eligibility based on significant support needs and the Department’s disability criteria.
- Determining that this type of specialist support will meet your child’s educational needs.
- Completing an application in collaboration with the school’s Learning and Support Team.
- A local panel reviewing the application (known as an access request) and deciding the outcome.
Need more information?
Our friendly office team can connect you with the right staff member — whether it’s about eligibility, the application process, or support options.
Learning at JHS
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Additional learning support
Discover how we create an inclusive school where every student feels safe, supported and ready to learn — including students with disabilities and additional learning needs.