LEARNING
Diversity
Inspiring Futures Together Through Growth
Discover how our College celebrates individuality and fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student, regardless of background or ability, is supported to thrive and seen as a valuable member of the learning community.
Learning Diversity
Learning diversity is a living embodiment of the Church’s mission to uphold the dignity of every person and nurture their unique potential. Its philosophy is deeply rooted in Catholic social teaching, particularly the belief that each individual is made in the image of God and deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their learning journey.
Intention of Learning Diversity
Learning Diversity aims to:
- Ensure equitable access to education for all students, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance.
- Provide tailored support that meets the academic, emotional, and social needs of diverse learners.
- Foster inclusion and belonging within the school community, so every student feels valued and empowered.
- Promote excellence and growth by nurturing both strengths and challenges, whether a student is gifted, has a disability, or is learning English as an additional language.
- Promote a growth mindset to build resilience and strive for individual success.
- Make real world connections and explore diverse perspectives.
- Promote supportive learning environments where students have the courage to take risks.
Philosophy and Guiding Principles
Learning Diversity operates on a foundation of compassion, inclusion, and high expectations. Its philosophy includes:
- Whole-person development: Supporting not just academic achievement but also emotional wellbeing, cultural identity, and spiritual growth.
- Personalised learning: Recognising that students learn differently and require differentiated approaches, adjustments, and interventions.
- Collaboration: Working closely with families, teachers, and specialist staff to co-create learning plans that reflect each student’s needs and aspirations.
- Celebration of diversity: Embracing cultural, linguistic, and neurodiversity as strengths that enrich the school community.
- Commitment to justice: Advocating for students who may face systemic barriers and ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Who it Supports
Learning Diversity provides targeted programs and resources for:
- Students with disabilities (physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental)
- Students who speak English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
- First Nations students, with respect for cultural heritage and identity
- Students with learning difficulties or complex needs
- Gifted and talented learners, through enriched and rigorous learning pathways
- Students requiring additional support for literacy and/or numeracy
In essence, Learning Diversity is not just a support hub, it’s a beacon of inclusive education, where every student is seen as capable, worthy, and destined for growth. It reflects the College’s commitment to forming compassionate, confident, and capable individuals who thrive in community and contribute to the world.
The Mercy Diversity Tree
The Mercy Diversity Tree is a visual framework that illustrates the breadth and depth of support services available to students across a spectrum of diverse learning needs. Designed to foster inclusion and equity, the tree branches out to represent tailored assistance for students with disabilities, those learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D), First Nations students, learners with cognitive or processing difficulties, and those requiring literacy or numeracy intervention or enrichment through gifted and talented programs. Each branch symbolises a distinct pathway of care, while the firm foundation reflects Mercy’s holistic commitment to nurturing every learner’s growth, identity, and potential within a supportive educational environment’.
What we offer
Inclusive Education and Student Support
At Mercy College, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our diversity is our strength, and we proudly support students from all backgrounds and abilities through a range of tailored programs and services.
The Diversity Team is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive learning environment where every student can thrive. Through a whole-school approach, we collaborate with staff, families, and the wider community to support diverse learners and build teacher capacity in inclusive education.
Whole-School Support Strategies
- Inclusive Planning: Collaborating with teachers to ensure all learners can access and engage with the curriculum
- Culturally responsive pedagogy: Meeting the learning needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students through inclusive teaching practices
- IEP Development and Review: Partnering with families and staff to design, implement and monitor personalised learning plans
- Professional Learning: Building staff capacity in inclusive education and culturally responsive approaches
- Data Use: Using diagnostic, engagement, and wellbeing data to guide targeted interventions and support strategies
Support for Students with Disabilities
We provide individualised support for students with physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. Our Learning Support Team works closely with families, teachers, and external specialists to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that ensure equitable access to the curriculum and school life. Adjustments may include assistive technologies, modified learning materials, and flexible assessment strategies.
We ensure students with diagnosed disabilities receive the adjustments and support they need to succeed.
Focus Areas:
- Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Making reasonable adjustments to curriculum and assessment
- Working with specialists and support services
- Supporting social emotional needs to enable students to thrive
The Wellbeing Curriculum, including protective behaviours, online safely, mental health, and drug education is modified and adapted to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities.
Focus Areas:
- Modifying and/or differentiating the curriculum by using simplified language, visual supports, and concrete examples to support understanding
- Adapting the delivery to suit individual learning needs e.g., such as cognitive impairments or communication difficulties
- Providing individualised support to help students engage with and apply wellbeing concepts in meaningful and practical ways
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D)
Students who are learning English as an additional language receive targeted support to develop their language proficiency across all learning areas. Our EAL/D program includes small group instruction, in-class support, and culturally responsive teaching practices. We celebrate linguistic diversity and encourage students to maintain and value their home languages.
We ensure EAL/D learners can access the curriculum and develop English language proficiency through targeted support.
Focus Areas:
- Scaffolding instruction and vocabulary development
- Creating language-rich classroom environments
- Providing bilingual or peer support where possible
Support for First Nations Students
We honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our First Nations Education Program provides academic mentoring, cultural learning opportunities, and strong connections with community Elders and organisations. We are committed to reconciliation and embedding Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum.
We support culturally safe and affirming learning environments that honour the voices, histories, and perspectives of First Nations peoples.
Focus Areas:
- Embedding First Nations perspectives across the curriculum
- Partnering with local Elders and First Nations communities
- Promoting First Nations cultural competencies among staff and students
- Integrating culturally responsive pedagogies
- Celebrating cultural events and raising awareness
Support for Students with Learning Difficulties
Students experiencing learning difficulties are supported through early identification, evidence-based interventions, and ongoing monitoring of progress. Our specialist staff collaborate with classroom teachers to implement differentiated instruction and provide additional support through literacy and numeracy programs, tutoring, and access to learning support assistants.
We assist students with learning difficulties through personalised and differentiated approaches.
Focus Areas:
- Collaborating with teachers on inclusive planning
- Developing and reviewing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Using assistive technology and co-teaching models
Gifted and Talented Students
We recognise and nurture the unique abilities of gifted and talented students through enrichment opportunities, extension programs, and differentiated learning pathways. Our approach encourages critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning. Students may participate in academic competitions, advanced coursework, leadership development, and specialised projects, especially in STEM, designed to challenge and inspire.
Literacy Support
At Mercy College, we are dedicated to ensuring every student has an opportunity to succeed in literacy. The Students at Educational Risk (SAER) in Literacy Guidelines provide a clear framework for identifying, supporting, and monitoring students who require additional help. Through early identification, targeted intervention, and evidence-based practices, we aim to deliver timely and effective support tailored to each student’s individual needs, promoting equity and enabling all learners to thrive.
We provide targeted literacy interventions to help students develop essential reading and writing skills. Focus Areas:
- Implementing evidence-based programs e.g., Mini Lit (Years 1-3), Macq Lit (Years 3+)
- Using data to guide instruction
- Engaging families in literacy development
Mercy Care Centre
The Diversity Team works in partnership with the staff who operate the Mercy Care Centre. The school’s Care Centre serves as a vital hub for student wellbeing, offering comprehensive support that spans both physical and emotional health. Staffed by trained professionals, the centre provides immediate first aid and medical assistance, ensuring students receive prompt care for injuries, illness, or chronic health conditions during the school day.
Beyond physical care, the College promotes mental health and emotional resilience, offering access to counselling, wellbeing programs, and referral pathways to external services when needed. Whether a student needs help managing stress, navigating personal challenges, or simply finding a safe space to talk, our pastoral care program fosters a nurturing environment where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
We invite parents and guardians to contact the Diversity Centre for further information.
Enrolments
Start Your Child’s Mercy Journey
Choosing the right school is an important step. At Mercy College, we welcome families into a caring Catholic community where students are known, supported and encouraged to grow with confidence.
