The aim of the Awatapu Special Needs Department is to:
- Create a supportive environment to enable our students to learn
- Set individual goals that are relevant to each student (IEP)
- Maximise personal autonomy and independence for our students
- Enable students to form social relationships
- Develop our students' communication skills
- Encourage maximum mobility
- Prepare students for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of adult life
Enable access and inclusion within appropriate mainstream classes and activities
Provide a collaborative approach to enhance student-centred learning
Key Focus Areas
- Preparing students with Special Needs for life beyond school
- Mainstreaming and inclusion, if appropriate
- Literacy and numeracy
- Social skills
- Life skills
- South Pacific Education Course (SPEC)
- Work experience
- Information Computer Technology (ICT)
- Personal Social Health Education (PSHE)
- Senior transition
- Communication skills
About Us
The Awatapu College Special Needs Department has:
- Experienced special education teachers
- Teacher Aide support for students
- Assistive Technology Teacher
- Ongoing specialist involvement (physiotherapy, occupational therapist, speech language therapist)
- Team approach to behaviour management
- An environment with up to date facilities and resources


