The Supported Transition Education Program (STEP) is designed to serve students who are having difficulty accessing the curriculum effectively in mainstream classrooms.
Who is STEP for?
The STEP program is for Secondary students who are operating significantly below their year level academically. The aim is to provide students with the individual attention they require to support their academic growth, balanced with the opportunity for maximised social interaction with their peers in the general mainstream classroom.
Class Structure
The class size is generally around 5-8 students. The small class is designed to maximise the amount of attention and support available to students by the STEP teacher.
Where difficulty learning in the comparable mainstream classroom is identified, students take part in a STEP subject tailored to their needs through a personalised Individual Learning Program (ILP) for core subjects. For example, a student may take part in STEP Literacy, STEP Prac Maths, STEP Science, and STEP Humanities as an alternative to the standard core subjects for their year level.
Students in the STEP program are part of a general year level homeroom. Students participate in mainstream subjects including PE, Science Pracs, and Biblical Studies with their general class as well as elective subjects including Agriculture, Food Technology, Performing Arts, Music, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, and Art. Year 10 students also participate in VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) industry electives.
External Consultation
Your child may have a support team outside of school that includes professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Industry professionals can provide a wealth of insight into your child’s strengths and needs. The College will endeavour to use recommendations from the student’s professional care network in developing support plans for your child. Professionals are welcome to participate in support group meetings for your child.
Reporting
Students receive Semester reports in all subjects as STEP students which reflect their participation and progress rather than academic outcomes. Literacy and Numeracy outcomes are reported and Individual Learning Plan reports are also provided every Semester.
Eligibility Criteria
The student is chronologically in Year 7-10 in 2025 (expanding to Year 7-11 in 2026). The student is academically working three or more years below their expected year level as indicated through previous school
reports and/or specialised testing such as from an educational psychologist. A recent educational psychologist report is recommended.
Senior Secondary
If students in STEP have the capability to participate in the VCE or VCE VM program, they are able to do so. If they do not have the capability, the College offers the Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC). This inclusive and flexible certificate offers additional support for students to develop work-related skills and capabilities.
STEP Fees
STEP tuition fees are the same as the College fees outlined in the College’s annual Schedule of Fees and Charges.
How to Apply
Contact the College on (03) 5971 6700 or email the Registrar registrar@baysidecc.vic.edu.au to indicate your interest in the program. A College tour can be arranged as part of the Registration of Interest process to provide an opportunity to view the STEP classroom and meet the teaching team.
Please complete the below form to contact our Registrar for a Prospectus Pack or to arrange a tour of our campus.