COMMUNICATION
At Malkara School, we recognise that developing students' communication skills is essential for their wellbeing, independence, and access to learning. We make adjustments at the whole-school, classroom, and individual levels to ensure every student’s communication needs are met.
Assessment
We assess students' communication skills using the Roadmap of Communicative Competence (ROCC). The results guide our whole-school communication focus and inform individual goals within each student’s Individual Learning Adjustment Plan (ILAP).
Whole-School Supports
To support communication across the school, we use PODD communication books as a universal adjustment. Every staff member is provided with a PODD book and trained in its use. Our Communication Focus Group also uses the Malkara Communication Profile Tool (MCPT) to drive continuous improvement in communication practices school-wide.
Classroom Supports
Classrooms are designed to meet the diverse communication and learning needs of our students. Each room includes a range of visual supports such as:
- Visual schedules
- First/Then boards
- Choice boards
- Timers
- Instructional visuals
These tools help students understand routines, make choices, and engage in learning.
Individual Supports
Many students use personal communication devices. We work closely with families and external therapy providers to support progress toward individual communication goals. These needs are also considered in assessment tasks and lesson planning to ensure students have optimal access to learning and can participate as independently as possible.