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Why NextSense?
Under the banner of NextSense School, we offer three specific programs at Macquarie Park, each with specific educational programs to support children with sensory impairments.
Our approach
We offer three distinct schools for children with hearing or vision loss. Our educational programs ensuring high-quality education in an inclusive and accessible setting. We follow the national curriculum enhanced by an expanded core curriculum to meet our students’ needs.
Spoken Language Program
For children who have hearing loss and are learning to listen and speak.
Sign Bilingual Program
For children who access learning through Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and English in its written form.
Personalised education
Our students are all unique, and we encourage them to explore their talents and interests. Our educators create personal educational and social goals for each child. We celebrate their individuality, strengths, and natural desire to learn.
Student wellbeing and support
Your child’s wellbeing and happiness while learning with us are our top priorities. We are part of NextSense, a national organisation with expert specialists on site. Your child will have access to allied health support beyond the classroom. Services which may complement your child’s journey include:
- Speech Pathology
- Audiology
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Orthoptics.
Curriculum
Our curriculum provides a well-rounded education for your child. All three school programs meet our students’ individual abilities, interests, and unique needs. This includes the disability adjustments that they need for success. NextSense School is registered and accredited with NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority). We deliver all Key Learning Areas with a strong focus on:
- communication
- literacy
- numeracy
- social and emotional learning
- independence.
As a school of a kind, NextSense School adopts a balanced approach to learning. Our educators use both explicit teaching methods and more child-centred approaches.
Co-curricular opportunities
All students have access to a wide range of co-curricular activities. These include visual art, sports, dance and drama. Students extend their learning by engaging with their peers and expressing themselves creatively.
Purpose-built facilities
NextSense School officially opened in August 2024 in the Macquarie University precinct. Our state-of-the-art building is custom designed for children with sensory disabilities. Our students use the latest technology to discover and develop their talents.
Staff
Our teachers are highly qualified and very experienced. They are specialists in their field and put the students’ wellbeing front and centre. Together they deliver a holistic education, so our students develop into confident young adults.
Professional education is ongoing and part of the workday. Our teachers commit to continuous improvement.
History
We’ve been innovating education in Australia for more than 160 years.
- In 1860, we opened the first school for deaf children.
- In 1911, we were part of a key campaign for the mandatory education of children who are deaf and blind.
- In 1935, we established The National Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf. We’ve been pioneers in teacher education for close to 100 years.
- In 1965, we teamed up with the Department of Education. Together, we launched the first service for deafblind children in the Southern Hemisphere.
- In 1991, we launched the first Masters in Special Education. We continue to train and elevate teachers through our partnership with Macquarie University.
