Expert’s students warning

MICHELLE HERBISON
NELSON Park School risks a “backwards step” if senior and junior students combine at its main campus, according to a special education expert.
Deakin University’s director of special needs education, Wendy Kortman, said a separate campus for senior students was in-line with mainstream education.
“We hope we’re past those days of putting people with younger age groups just because they have a low intellect,” she said.
“In the past this was very prevalent but things are improving and we need to continue with that progress.
“Enrolments are not decreasing in the area. Therefore, maybe there needs to be a commitment to provide a suitable long-term facility for senior students to have the chance for social, academic and personal growth with opportunities for transition into the community.”
The Independent reported in January that Nelson Park was desperately seeking an alternative senior campus because State Government would acquire its Corio site mid-year.
Principal Di Leverett said the school community disagreed with an Education Department decision that enough room was available to accommodate year-10-to-12 students in the main campus at Bell Park.
Labor MP John Eren last week called on Education Minister Martin Dixon to stop the closure.
He warned that overcrowding would compromise students’ safety.
Dr Kortman believed Nelson Park School’s main campus at Bell Park would “not be optimal” for holding students from prep to year 12.
“If you’re going to lump them all in together just because that’s the place available I’d question whether those facilities would be suitable.”
Dr Kortman said campuses needed play equipment, facilities and general space areas dependent on age groups.
“I have worked in p-12 schools myself that have been well-planned but at the present site at Nelson Park that would not be possible.”