Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Collaborating to empower learners

Telephone02 4968 1939

Emailwaratah-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

English as an additional language or dialect

At Callaghan College Waratah Technology Campus, we embrace diversity and have many students, and some teachers, who speak another language or come from a different cultural background.

The EAL/D program supports students with a diverse range of literacy levels, delivered by highly experienced teaching staff, an Arabic speaking Student Learning Support Officer and Community Liaison Officer. 

In addition to literacy support, student wellbeing is a priority, with targeted support programs delivered in partnership with a range of specialist services.

The principal and students holding Australian flags.
Image: The principal with some of our multicultural students.

Intensive English class

Students requiring intensive English support are included in the IEC program in year 7, 8 and 9.  The program introduces students to the Australian school system, provides intensive English language tuition, as well as orientation and welfare support. Lessons are in English and cover key high school subjects such as maths, science, history and geography. Bi-lingual staff provide support in the classroom.

Students and teachers around a round table.
Image: Planning day activities.

Targeted support for EALD

Support is available for students who need to develop their skills in the English Language by helping them in the classroom, withdrawing them for small group work or individual lessons.

EALD homework centre 

A weekly homework center operates in the school library on Thursday afternoons in partnership with Northern Settlement Services and community volunteers. This provides support for language fluency, homework tasks and assessments.

Three female students in front of some indigenous artwork.
Image: Three of our multicultural students.

Journey to success program

There are three main features to the JTS course:

  • learning about the range of work and career opportunities in Australia
  • learning about pathways into further learning by visiting Jesmond Campus, Newcastle TAFE and The University of Newcastle
  • working together to identify an important issue in our local and/or school community, before we create either a solution, or raise awareness about that issue. The project work helps to develop Employment Related Skills.

Visit Our Journey to Success Page

Group of students and teachers on an excursion photographed near a fountain.
Image: Some of our students on an excursion.

Work experience support

The Careers Advisor and EAL/D Community Liaison Officer work in partnership with students to source relevant and appropriate work experience opportunities across a range of industry placements.

Support programs

Callaghan College Waratah Technology Campus works closely with a range of service providers including to deliver additional support for students.

STARTTS – NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors helps people and communities from refugee backgrounds, including asylum seekers, who are forced to leave their country due to persecution. STARTTS also supports and resources service providers, educational institutions and volunteer groups to work more effectively with refugees.

Settling In is a group program for newly arrived refugee and migrant students, which aims to help students adjust to life in Australia. During the ten-week program students:

  • Learn from each other
  • Have their feelings and reactions normalised
  • Learn coping strategies
  • Form good relationships

Project Bantu introduces the Brazilian art of Capoeira Angola to young people from refugee backgrounds and is delivered in partnership with STARTTS.

The program combines music, song, physical movement and group work, to empower young people and support their healthy development.

Some of the benefits for the students may include: improved relationships; increased confidence and self-esteem; increased self-discipline and improved physical fitness.

Students participating in a project class exploring the music and culture of Brazil.
Image: Project Bantu Capoeira Angola

Cultural diversity events

Harmony Day

Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live. Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’. The day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and to foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

Students holding flags of different nations.
Image: Harmony Day celebrations.

Refugee Week

The school community celebrates Harmony Day in March by sharing music, food, art and performance of a variety of cultures.

Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees and to celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. 

Our school community celebrates with guest speakers, video screenings, cultural discussions and diverse activities.

Departmental policy

For more information see the NSW Department of Education's Multicultural Education Policy.

Related content

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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