The programme includes up to 90 students at any one time. Special Needs Coordinator Rachele Poole manages the programme with the support of the MOE, outside agencies, class teachers and the invaluable assistance of support staff:

Janet Marsh 

Cate Thorne 

Corina Taylor 

Susan Wise

Anna Osborne

Special Needs
Definition: At Fernside School we will use the following definition in identifying our special needs students:-
Special Needs students will have behavioural, physical or emotional needs, which require support from Outside Agencies.

Gifted Programme
Definition: While various models of giftedness exist, at Fernside School we will use the following definition in identifying our gifted students:-
Gifted students are students who require differentiated educational programmes and services beyond those normally provided by the regular school programme in order to realise their potential as learners.
Gifted students are working two or more curriculum levels above that expected for their age

Highly Able Programme
Definition: At Fernside School we will use the following definition in identifying our highly able students:-
Highly able students are those who have excellent abilities and are capable of performing at high levels of accomplishment. They demonstrate all three abilities of task commitment, above average ability and creativity when compared with others of similar age, experience or environment.
Highly able students will usually achieve well in standardised tests.

Moderate Needs Programme
Definition: At Fernside School we use the following definition in identifying our moderate needs students:-
Moderate Needs students will fall below expectation in reading, writing and/or mathematics as measured by standardised testing, teacher judgment and Fernside School assessments.