The Aspect Vern Barnett School was the first Aspect School, established in the early 1970s to provide autism specific education programs. It is an independent school and provides placement for approximately 108 children with an autism spectrum disorder of 3-16 years of age from across Northern Sydney Metropolitan areas and the Far North Coast.
The school operates from Forestville, plus it has eleven satellite classes in both NSW Department of Education and Catholic Schools throughout the northern suburbs of Sydney and at Alstonville on the Far North Coast. Up-to-date satellite class list
Each student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Student outcomes may be implemented at individual, small group or whole school level and many goals are implemented across school and community environments. Aspect’s Core Competency areas are Communication, Social Skills, Behaviour and Sensory. These are taught in conjunction with the Board of Studies Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment, Creative Arts and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. The school places a strong emphasis on Creative Arts. A specialised Art Program is implemented on a weekly basis to teach students visual arts techniques and extend skills of gifted students. An art auction is also held on a yearly basis, with artwork submitted from each child in the school. At the Aspect Vern Barnett School in Forestville, students have access to inside and outside play areas with a variety of equipment, a computer lab, a swimming pool, trampoline, school hall, bush track and a kitchen. Students also access the local shops and library, which are a short walk away. Classroom staff are supported by a Learning Support Team consisting of the Principal, School Counsellor (Psychologist), Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and executive staff. Each class teacher is also supported by a teacher’s aide. The school has an active Parents and Friends group which organises events and fundraising throughout the school year.
Aspect Educational Outreach is a specialist autism intervention team that offers services to support students with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream and SSP schools. The philosophy of the service is based on collaborative partnerships with parents, schools and other professionals. Students who need support in school in the areas of behaviour, communication and social skills are referred to this service. Please direct Educational Outreach enquiries in the Far North Coast region to Meghan Williams at 6628 1009.
View a copy of the Annual Report.
The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) and Aspect have enjoyed a collaborative working relationship spanning over 40 years. We recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DEC to formalise this collaborative working relationship.
Principal: Lara Cheney Phone: 02 9454 8359 Fax: 02 9975 4068 Postal: Aspect Vern Barnett School PO Box 359 Street: 41 Cook Street Forestville NSW 2087
For answers to all your questions
1800 ASPECT(1800 277 328)
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