Curriculum
The College aims to meet the requirements of the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration in the breadth of the learning experiences offered to students, specifically, to:
“promote equity and excellence” and for students to become “successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens.”
Our students will follow the Australian Curriculum and our teaching and learning programs will be adjusted to meet the needs of our unique students, for example, content may be thoughtfully reduced or altered to take account of areas of special interest.
In this, we aim to: develop each student’s ability and skill in a wide range of traditional and contemporary subjects and disciplines;
- assist all students to achieve their maximum potential in all areas of the curriculum, but with special emphasis on literacy and numeracy for all students;
- cater for individual differences and sensory needs,
- provide equal opportunity for participation and success for all students, providing appropriate pathways and programs which foster enterprise skills, with a view to allowing flexibility and adaptability in the future;
- foster the values of perseverance, resilience and independence;
- develop in students the capacity and skills to use technology creatively, effectively and confidently;
- develop in students the capacity and skills for creative and effective problem-solving and analysis;
- foster a sense of stewardship for themselves, others and the environment.
Prep - 3
In the Early Years at Josiah College, we provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for children with autism. Our school has a dedicated space tailored to meet the needs of our young students. The environment is designed to foster growth, provide essential support, and create a sense of belonging for every child.
At our school, we understand that early intervention is crucial for children with autism. Our teachers specialise in supporting our young learners employing strategies to promote their social, emotional, and cognitive development. We create a structured and predictable routine that fosters a sense of security and stability, enabling our students to thrive.
The Josiah program is aligned with the Australian Curriculum. We adapt and modify the curriculum to suit the learning styles and needs of our students. Our focus is on communication, social interaction, and self-regulation skills while fostering academic growth. We utilise visual aids, sensory integration techniques, and individualised learning plans to ensure each child’s progress and engagement.
Our classrooms are designed to accommodate the sensory needs of our students. We provide sensory spaces that minimise distractions and promote a calm and comfortable learning environment.
Collaboration and partnership with families are central to our approach. We work closely with families to create individualised education plans and provide ongoing support.
In the Early Years at Josiah College, we strive to create a positive and inclusive environment where every child can reach their full potential. We believe in celebrating each child’s unique strengths and abilities while providing them with the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.
Year 4 - 6
The Middle Years program at Josiah College aims to foster the growth and development of students as learners. Building on the early intervention in Prep to Year 3, students in Years 4 to 6 demonstrate increased maturity and independence, engaging with the Australian curriculum.
Similar to the Early Years, Middle Years students are supported by a dedicated Teacher and Educational Assistant in purpose-built classrooms designed to accommodate their sensory needs. Academic units are thoughtfully planned to integrate key components of the curriculum, providing students with diverse learning experiences that allow for flexibility in demonstrating acquired skills and understanding of the content.
Close communication between teachers and parents ensures a strong relationship between the school and home, collectively striving for the best possible social, emotional, and academic outcomes for each individual child.
Middle Years students at Josiah College have the opportunity to engage in project-based learning, where they participate in educational experiences tailored to their interests. Additionally, they have access to a variety of extra-curricular activities, including music tuition, co-curricular dance, drama, and other programs offered on the Emmanuel College campus. Students in Years 4 to 6 also benefit from excursions to the wider Emmanuel College campus, visiting the Library on a weekly basis and participating in activities such as the National Science Week and student mentoring at certain points in the year.
Year 7 - 10
Our unique high school model is designed to create a calm, supportive learning environment where students feel confident and ready to engage. Students remain in one classroom while teachers rotate between subjects, reducing transitions and making the high school experience less overwhelming.
We nurture each student’s strengths, interests, and wellbeing through a creative and flexible approach to learning. Every student has a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) and in Years 10, 11 and 12 a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET).
Learning and Curriculum
- Year 7-10 students follow the Australian Curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Technologies, The Arts, and Health & Physical Education
- Years 11 and 12 access to a range of QCAA subjects for a QCE and vocational pathway: Applied and vocational subjects offered on campus, certificate and ATAR subjects can also be supported in shared campus arrangements via distance education.
- Differentiated teaching and modified assessment to meet individual needs, extension opportunities for twice exceptional students
- Encouragement of independence, with academic and emotional support available
- All students access the curriculum without the requirement of ongoing 1:1 support
Supportive Environment
- Small class sizes with a teacher and educational assistant in every classroom
- Teachers and educational assistants trained in neurodiversity and additional needs
- Strong student and staff rapport, whole child focus
- Sensory-informed spaces, including quiet rooms and breakout areas
- Access to sensory tools to support regulation and focus
- A consistent classroom setting to reduce noise, stress and transitions, classes remain in one classroom, and teachers move across the day to various subjects
Wellbeing and Social-Emotional Learning
- Embedded social-emotional learning across all subjects
- Explicit Life Skills lessons, including interoception and self-regulation strategies
- Opportunities for reflection through restorative practice and check-in sessions
- A strong focus on self-advocacy and understanding neurodiversity
- Christian Living, Chapel, and daily prayer as part of the Josiah Compass
- Service learning and leadership opportunities
Enrichment and Opportunities
- Annual school camp and regular excursions
- Access to extracurricular activities with Emmanuel College including APS sport (optional)
- Opportunities for vocational learning, work experience, and volunteering
- Exposure to trade pathways through Trade Taster programs
- Enrichment opportunities in innovative projects and external competitions
Pathways and Future Planning
- Individualised Senior Education and Training (SET) plans in Year 10
- Collaborative planning with students, families, and teachers
- Student choice in vocational and senior pathways
- Flexible timetable allowing for work experience, certificate courses and distance education for ATAR pathways
We are committed to creating a flexible, creative and nurturing environment where every student is supported to grow, explore their interests, and thrive.
Year 11 - 12
About Senior Schooling at Josiah College
Josiah College is committed to supporting students to grow into people of strong character who pursue truth, independence, and purposeful pathways into adult life.
The senior years place a strong emphasis on personalised learning, resilience, and informed decision-making, equipping students for further study, vocational training, or employment. Josiah College provides a flexible timetable for students to embrace opportunities both on and off campus.
Academic Structure (Years 10–12)
Year 10 provides a foundation for senior schooling, with a focus on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills while preparing students for the expectations of Years 11and 12. We nurture each student’s strengths, interests, and wellbeing through a creative and flexible approach to learning. Every student has a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) and in Years 10, 11 and 12 a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET). Years 11 and 12 access to a range of QCAA subjects for a QCE and vocational pathway: Applied and vocational subjects offered on campus, certificate and ATAR subjects can also be supported in shared campus arrangements via distance education.
QCE Requirements
To achieve a QCE, students must: Complete a minimum of 20 credits Achieve a C grade or higher in contributing studies and complete an approved pattern of learning meet literacy and numeracy requirements
Subjects at Josiah College
Josiah College offers a variety of practical and applied learning subjects, including:
- Essential English
- Essential Mathematics
- Science in Practice
- Social and Community Studies
- Certificate II in Active Volunteering
- A range of short courses and vocational learning opportunities
Students wishing to pursue General (ATAR) subjects may do so through partnerships with approved distance education providers.
Pathways Beyond School
Students are encouraged to reflect on their interests, strengths, and future aspirations when selecting their pathway.
Josiah College supports a range of post-school options, including:
- University study
- Vocational education and training (VET)
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Direct entry into the workforce
Additional Opportunities at Josiah
To support real-world readiness, students have access to:
- Self-directed learning opportunities
- Work experience placements
- Vocational education pathways across a variety of industries