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Supported Program of Applied Readiness for Community (SPARC)

What is SPARC?
The Supported Program of Applied Readiness for Community (SPARC) is an individualised, special education program designed for students who have significant social and academic challenges within the mainstream classroom. A respect for individual difference is an implicit value in the SPARC program and reflects the Biblical foundation that we are uniquely created in the image of God. The program is conducted in a small group setting and aims to create opportunities for students to learn and practice important life skills while learning functional Literacy, Numeracy, Personal and Social Development. These skills include developing independence, social participation, and making meaningful connections and contributions to society. The skills learnt with the course are tailored to meet individual needs and prepare students for vocational readiness and the ability to effectively function and flourish within society.

Differentiated, Individualized Curriculum
The SPARC curriculum focuses on functional literacy, numeracy, personal and social development, and work-related skills. Students learn at their own pace through practical activities which prepare them to participate in the community and increase their employability in readiness for the workforce. In addition to the academic program, below are some of the regular activities SPARC students undertake:

  • Cooking
  • Shopping
  • Working in the SPARC Café
  • Gardening
  • Using public transport
  • Personal development program (including Wellbeing, Safety and Empowerment)
  • Use of Technology and the online environment

The SPARC program in 2024 will be streamed into junior secondary and senior secondary levels. Students in our junior level will participate in Literacy, Numeracy and Integrated Studies in accordance with their Individual Education Plans. Students in our senior level will have the option to participate in the VPC pathway for their Senior Secondary education. More information about the VPC program is available in the College’s VPC handbook.

Camps and Excursions
Students within the SPARC program participate in two camps each year. For one of the camps, students accompany another year level in the secondary sub-school on their year level camp. They participate in activities in a supported way, while being encouraged to immerse themselves in the experience of a larger scale year level camp alongside their peers. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know other students and for other students to get to know our SPARC class. The second camp experience is a smaller, supported, Independent Living Camp where students plan for and prepare their group experience for the week. The destination and accommodation is booked for them and students plan transport, an itinerary and a menu for their camp, taking into consideration the preferences and unique needs of the group. During the week, students are responsible for working as a team to shop for all required ingredients, prepare meals, make beds, clean up after themselves and complete basic housework duties in a supported home environment. Students plan recreational activities they would enjoy and budget their leisure activities accordingly.

Parent Partnership is a core value of the SPARC Program and families maintain regular communication with SPARC Teaching and Support Staff. Regular PSG meetings are held each term which include the SPARC teachers, parents, and relevant allied health professionals. Regular student-led SPARC Expos and Café Open-House events are held where families are invited to join SPARC students on campus for a celebration of their learning and achievements each semester, along with a display of student work, creative arts and highlights from the semester.

Suitability Criteria
Students are considered suitable candidates for Waverley’s SPARC Program if they meet the following criteria:

  • Secondary SPARC students must be between the ages of 12 to 18 to be enrolled in the program
  • SPARC students generally have a reading comprehension level within the junior-mid primary range.
  • SPARC students usually have a diagnosed intellectual disability and/or moderate ASD and/or other learning difficulties which require extensive intervention.
  • SPARC Students need to have a recent (no more than two years old) psychological assessment report that overviews the results of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III).
  • Any other assessments from medical specialists (i.e., pediatrician, psychologist, audiologist) or allied health professionals are also beneficial to assist the school to best support each individual student in the most effective way possible.

Admission Information:
Waverley Christian College exists to support Christian families in the education and training of their children. It is the intention of the College?to work with Christian families by supporting them and reinforcing Biblical values and standards of conduct. The College aims to see students engaged in meaningful learning experiences that will enrich their lives and help them to know God and understand their place in the world.

Families seeking admission to the College should review information on the College’s website, including the College Prospectus, Enrolment Agreement, Terms and Conditions of Enrolment, Parent Code of Conduct, Privacy Notice and Fee Schedules. The regular Waverley enrolment process applies for families wishing to enrol their child in the SPARC Program.

Families interested in enrolling in the SPARC program are encouraged to contact the College Registrar.