"Toward Community Inclusion"
"Ko te kura, ko te hāpori, ko tātou"

Welcome to the Website of Allenvale Special School.
 

Since the beginning of 2007, Allenvale Special School has undergone a significant amount of change. A commissioner was appointed by the Secretary of Education late in 2006 to work with the school and to evaluate systems and practices. I was appointed to the position as principal in August 2007, taking up my duties in January 2008. A new board of trustees was elected and took up their governance role in May 2008.

Allenvale Special School has had a history of effectively meeting the pastoral and academic needs of its students. This continues in the present day.

Allenvale Special School is an option for parents to consider if their child is verified to receive ORRS (Ongoing and Reviewable Resourcing Scheme) or meets the criteria of Section 9 of the Education Act.

The school is part of the special education network provision of the Ministry of Education for the Canterbury region.

It has always been my view that options for parents with children who have special education needs must be accessible. Internationally, a range of options for students with special education needs have been maintained in spite of inclusionists who believe that a segregated setting is restrictive and the least effective option. Inclusionists will quote research to support their view; however there is also research to the contrary.

Parents have the right to make informed choices.

In my extensive experience in special education, it is my considered view that for some students, education in a specialist setting for part or all of their education is the best option both socially and academically. It is always pertinent to review a student’s placement during their enrolment in a specialist setting, to ensure that the best possible learning outcomes are being achieved.

Allenvale Special School provides education in a specialist setting with specialist trained teachers and therapists who are supported by competent teacher assistants. The resources that the school have are second to none.
The school also has three specialist areas in addition to the intermediate and senior classes. There is a unit for younger students with autism, a transition programme for senior students and a unit for the more profoundly disabled.

We currently have one satellite unit that is located at Westburn Primary School. It is the intention of the board of trustees to develop, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, additional units during 2009. These are likely to be established where the need is greatest in the Christchurch/North Canterbury regions. It is also intended to negotiate a satellite unit in a tertiary setting for those of our students who attend courses in this environment.

The school provides a safe and nurturing environment. We have high expectations for student achievement and for social and self care skill development. Students are encouraged to extend themselves in all areas of their lives. We have robust internal evaluation systems to ensure that we continuously reflect on our learning and teaching, procedures and practices.

Allenvale Special School has a progressive culture with a focus on continuous improvement.
Our school has a commitment to raising the achievement of all students including our Maori students. Along with student achievement targets, we have also developed a specific strategy for Maori student achievement.

We are working toward being a centre of excellence.

We welcome your enquiry. Please contact the school directly for further information or to arrange an appointment to visit.


Graeme H Daniel
Principal