Forest Lane
Forest Lane is a vital part of our
school community.
The Forest Lane is a designated space in the school that encompasses wellbeing and learning support for all students. The analogy of the Forest is used to help differentiate the different levels of support available to students at our school.
Our lane is made up of:
- Nunga Room
- Learning Hub
- Regulation Room
- Allied Health meeting rooms
Findon High School is committed to the wellbeing and learning of all students. Our team is made up of; Wellbeing for Learning Leader, Inclusion Leader, LEAP (Learning Engagement and Pathways) coach, Wellbeing for Learning Student Support Officer, Classroom Support Staff, Pastoral Care Worker, Aboriginal Education and SAASTA Leader, Aboriginal Education Teacher and Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers (ASETO).
Inclusive Education
At Findon High School, our Inclusive Education Strategy is based on a tiered model of support that recognises the diverse learning needs of our students. This approach ensures that all students have access to high-quality teaching, with additional and more intensive support provided where required.
Outlined below are our approaches to inclusive education and how we support student learning needs.
Tier 1 - Good For All
- High quality differentiated teaching practices for every student, every day.
- Ongoing professional learning for staff in making adjustments for students with additional needs, including ADHD, autism, self-regulation challenges, and specific learning and language difficulties.
- Use of Class Context Profiles to Know Our Students, informing differentiation, adjustments, and engagement strategies.
- Use of assistive technologies, including text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools.
- A sustained focus on Conditions for Learning through practical, classroom-based strategies.
- Diagnostic screening to identify individual literacy and numeracy gaps and guide targeted, evidence-based interventions, with ongoing progress monitoring (e.g. DIBELS).
- Year 7–10 Literacy and Numeracy Mastery classes providing explicit, data-informed instruction to strengthen foundational skills.
Tier 2 - Necessary For Some
- Maintain up to date One Plans and Student Adjustment Guides to support consistent, high-quality planning for individual needs.
- Team Around the Child meetings to ensure consistent understanding of student needs and coordinated support strategies across staff.
- Access to additional in-class support through Student Support Officers (SSOs) to enhance engagement and learning.
Tier 3 - Essential For A Few
- In collaboration with Flinders University Speech Pathologists, selected students are identified for assessment and receive targeted support in communication, language development, and classroom engagement.
- Targeted small group numeracy and literacy interventions for foundational skill development.
- Referrals to DfE Student Support Services to access specialist assessment and support.
- Eligible students in their final year of schooling are supported through the DfE Disability Transition Program to assist with pathways beyond school.
- Eligible students are provided with opportunities to achieve SACE through a modified pathway tailored to their individual capabilities and goals.
Wellbeing for Learning
At Findon High School, we foster an environment of belonging and connectedness that supports student wellbeing for learning. Our community understands that students learn more when they are healthy, safe and happy, and we are committed to creating environments and structures that support this.
Tier 1 - Good For All
- Mentor Group sessions serve as a platform to deliver our Personal and Social Learning programs, which is thoughtfully designed to provide age-appropriate learning and strategies in the vital area of wellbeing. Additionally, Mentor Group encompasses other essential programs such as Open Parachute and Career Education, which further enhance the students’ overall development and readiness for the future. Mentor Group occurs on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays throughout the full year.
- Open Parachute aims to create generational change by equipping young people with practical mental health and wellbeing skills. The program focuses on prevention and resilience, giving students opportunities to develop strategies to manage current and future challenges that may impact their wellbeing. For further parent information please visit the Open Parachute page on our website
- Year 7 and 8 Healthy Lifestyles is designed to develop lifelong habits that support wellbeing, healthy eating, and active participation in physical activity. The subject provides a strong foundation for personal growth, resilience, and overall health and wellbeing, with the curriculum delivered across two full years. It also incorporates the What’s the Buzz, Rock and Water, Shine and Child Protection Curriculum.
- Forest Lane Appointments are available to all students who would like support from the Forest Lane team at school. Through the online booking system on Student Central, students can book a 20-minute appointment with a staff member of their choice at a time that suits them, encouraging independence and positive help-seeking behaviours.
- Peer Mentors are Year 10 students who receive specialised training to support and guide new Year 7 students at Findon High School. They undertake the Peer Mentoring Australia program in Year 9 and then nominate to mentor the incoming Year 7 cohort the following year. Peer Mentors are actively involved in important events such as transition days, learner profile interviews, orientation camp, and mentor group activities.
- What’s Up Wednesdays are held for each year level on a regular basis throughout the year, providing students with an opportunity to connect with the School Leadership Team and contribute to creating positive school experiences and a strong sense of community.
Tier 2 - Necessary For Some
- Student Clubs provide a safe and supportive space for students seeking a sense of community, offering opportunities to connect and belong. For example, during break times we offer Sports Clubs, Art Club, Music Club, Esports Club, STEM Club, and Robotics Club.
- Wednesday morning programs are available for students who arrive before regular lessons begin at 10:40 am. Breakfast Club (8:30 am – 9:20 am): Enjoy a healthy breakfast and socialise with peers in a welcoming environment. Homework Club (9:20 am – 10:20 am): Dedicated time and support for students to complete assignments and develop strong study habits. Both programs foster a positive start to the day.
- Self-regulation tools are available for individual students to borrow through our online library booking system, Oliver. Students can browse available resources, collect them from the Discovery Centre, and return them at the end of the lesson. These tools are designed to support focus in the classroom.
- Active Regulation Zone This outdoor space is equipped with both traditional and nest swings designed to support student self-regulation. The gentle swinging motion of nest swings helps students manage their sensory and emotional needs, promoting a sense of wellbeing and preparing them for learning. This zone provides an environment where students can reset and return to class feeling calm and focused.
- Targeted Group Interventions Our Forest Lane staff regularly assess student needs and offer specialised group programs to provide extra support. Students may participate in activities such as Social Stories, Minecraft Wellbeing, Creative Safe Spaces, Seasons for Growth, and Meet Your Amygdala, all designed to enhance resilience and emotional intelligence.
Tier 3 - Essential For A Few
- Regulation Room This space supports students in developing self-regulation and interoception skills. Students learn, practise, and trial a variety of regulation strategies in a safe and supportive environment, with an emphasis on transferring these strategies back into the classroom.
- Case Management Students who need ongoing, intensive wellbeing support are assigned a dedicated Forest Lane Case Manager. This staff member provides regular meetings and check-ins, ensuring students receive consistent guidance and care.
- Kickstart for Kids This dedicated support program is designed to help high school students stay connected, engaged, and on track to achieve their goals both inside and outside the classroom. The Kickstart team will work with young people who may benefit from extra encouragement, structure, and practical support to stay engaged in their education.
- School Mental Health Service This service provides short-term, in-school therapeutic support for students experiencing mild to moderate or emerging mental health concerns. These may include behavioural changes, anxiety or withdrawal, friendship or bullying issues, low mood or motivation, poor concentration, mood swings, low self-esteem, grief and loss, or superficial self-harm.
- Social Work Therapeutic Counsellor A qualified counsellor is available onsite every Thursday to support students with mental health concerns. Access to this service requires a GP referral and parental consent. Students can attend up to ten sessions per Mental Health Care Plan, with the frequency of sessions tailored to each individual's needs.
- Centacare's Reconnect Program offers onsite counselling for students, with a social work counsellor available every fortnight. Sessions can be arranged during school breaks or through organised activities, usually for up to six months. If needed, students can be referred for ongoing support with other organisations.
Aboriginal Education
At Findon High School we support each of our First Nations students to enjoy and succeed at school through:
- Ensuring we provide a culturally safe environment at school for students and their families
- Data informed next learning steps
- Designing flexible learning within subjects that build on each student’s strengths, experience and passions
- Emphasising the importance of explicit teaching of functional literacy and numeracy in all learning areas within a high challenge student centred learning framework
- Supporting our First Nations families to be partners in their student’s learning including literacy and numeracy
- Enabling cultural learning with First Nations people
- Setting and regularly reviewing each student’s career goals and next learning steps
The Findon High School Aboriginal Education Team comprises of an Aboriginal Education and SAASTA Leader, Aboriginal Education Teacher and two Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers.
Tailored Learning Program
At Findon High School, our Tailored Learning Program, delivered through the Learning Hub on Wednesdays, is designed to support and engage students by focusing on their individual needs, strengths, and interests.
The program provides intensive wellbeing support to ensure every student feels valued, understood, and connected to their learning.
Students also participate in literacy and numeracy development through the BKSB platform, which offers personalised learning pathways to strengthen foundational skills and support individual growth.
A unique feature of the program is our Passion Projects, where students are encouraged to explore and connect with their personal interests. This approach fosters engagement, promotes creativity, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey, supporting both academic and personal development.
The purpose of Tailored Learning at Findon High School is to provide a flexible, student-centred pathway that empowers young people to reconnect with and engage in their education. As a Tier 3 learning adjustment, the program offers the highest level of personalised support for students with complex learning, engagement and wellbeing needs. Through personalised learning, strong relationships, and holistic wraparound support, we create meaningful opportunities for success and future pathways.
“Our Tailored Learning Program inspires students to rediscover purpose and achieve their potential through flexible, student-centred support.”
We are committed to working alongside students and families to provide purpose, voice, and strong advocacy. Through an inclusive and holistic approach, we support wellbeing, engagement, and learning growth while helping students build meaningful foundations for life beyond school.
At Findon High School, we believe every student’s voice matters and that learning should be flexible, meaningful, and tailored to each learner’s unique strengths and aspirations.
Information on Tailored Learning can be found here:
