Alex is a cheeky girl, who loves swimming, dancing and reading.

The 10-year-old, who lives with autism, started prep at specialist school St Paul’s College in 2020. Her mum, Liz Turner, says while 2020 was an unlucky year to begin schooling, once remote learning moved back to the classroom, her daughter has thrived.

“Before, we would have considered her non-verbal, but now, Alex can express what she needs in three or four words,” Liz says. “She’s come quite a long way because the teachers have really encouraged her. Communication is so important because it reduces her anxiety and she gets what she needs, when she needs it.”

The Australian Government is currently considering a recommendation made in the Disability Royal Commission’s final report to phase out segregated education by 2051.

St Paul’s College has run a dual-school program for many years (where students can try both a mainstream school and St Paul’s as part of their educational experience). Liz says this was one of the drawcards for enrolling Alex at St Paul’s, but in the end, mainstream school didn’t support her needs.

Alex has quite specialised needs and behavioural issues. At the moment the small class size is really helping her. I don’t think she could cope with the noise (in a mainstream school) because of her sensory issues and I don’t think she’d learn a lot. She’d probably need two staff members with her at all times. St Paul’s is the right place for Alex and her abilities.”

Alex’s teacher Carmen Walters agrees.

I personally feel that Alex would benefit more from a specialist school, as we can offer smaller classes, one to one support, and our smaller size also helps Alex with establishing and maintaining friendships at school,” Carmen says.

“Alex is a very bright student who has grown in many ways. She is working more independently, reading and writing with more confidence, and she is positively engaging in group activities.”

Liz says along with the dedicated teaching team, the facilities offered at the specialist school, such as the sensory room, physical aids and equipment for all abilities, have also been amazing, equipping Alex for her future.

I’m hopeful Alex can get the practical skills she needs to eventually live by herself and maybe get a job. The school has been really supportive, and I know they do a lot of practical things to help support students in the next stage after school.”

If you would like to learn more about St Paul’s, call 8595 2470.