About Us

Established in 1976, Ashwood School is a specialist school with a fine reputation in educating students with a mild intellectual disability who will benefit from the school’s range and diversity of quality educational programs. The school is geared to maximising individual students’ self-esteem and skills of independence to ensure a successful post-school life. Students come to Ashwood from a wide geographical area. Those in nearby suburbs are provided with free and supervised bus transport while others travel independently or with family assistance.

Situated in landscaped grounds between High Street and Highbury Road in Ashwood, Ashwood School’s well maintained, modern facilities provide an excellent venue for teaching and learning for both primary and secondary students.

The school is organised into three departments:

• The Primary School – 5-12 years
• The Secondary School – 13-16 years
• The STEP Program – 17-18 years

Core curriculum consists of a modified learning program in the three Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) of Disciplinary Learning, Inter-disciplinary Learning and Physical, Personal and Social Learning with all domains covered under these strands. All class sizes reflect the learning needs of students and range in size from 6 to 13 students.

In addition to the core curriculum Ashwood has an extensive range of specialist programs provided for all students. These include:

• Visual Arts
• Performing Arts
• Technology (Wood)
• Technology (Computer Lab and all classrooms are networked to the Internet)
• Library
• Physical Education
• Language enrichment
• Home Economics
• Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The school is also well known for its innovative off-campus programs which enhance program diversity at different year levels. Currently these include:

• A Catering and Food Management program at nearby school canteens, for older students
• A finished goods textiles production program, based at "Storage King" near Highbury Road
• An industry, vocational and living skills program based in the John Sharp Transition Education Centre opposite the school
• An active and well-supervised work experience program for secondary students at a range of settings.
• Opportunity to complete VCAL and attend a TAFE college for some sessions.

All teachers at Ashwood School are trained and experienced special educators. Ashwood teaching positions are highly valued and when a position becomes vacant, selection from high calibre candidates maintains the school’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Experienced Teacher Assistants support the teachers in the delivery of learning. Speech Pathology and Student counselling are allocated according to student needs and are provided by a qualified speech therapist and social worker and psychologist.  In addition the school runs a subsidised after school care and vacation program.