The Gideon Program at King's College is an intensive literacy and numeracy program that supports students with diagnosed learning needs by providing a differentiated learning program and environment that is better suited to the sensory needs and routines of students with high learning needs.
The aim is to see students not just survive, but instead thrive in their learning, social connection, and wellbeing in order to be more purposefully engaged in learning and live a full and purposeful life.
The following scriptures guide our approach in the Gideon Program at King's College:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:13-14)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… (Proverbs 31:8)
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
King’s College has had a long association with Ararat Christian Junior School in Kampala, Uganda. This school provides an education for young children, many of whom are orphans. Gideon Kabenge, who is the Principal of this school, grew up on the streets of Kampala as an orphan himself, after losing both of his parents to AIDS.
In the Bible, Gideon was a judge and a mighty warrior. He was the youngest of a poor family from the tribe of Manasseh. God called him to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.
Gideon’s story shows that God can use anyone. Gideon was the weakest man from a weak family of the smallest tribe in Israel. Yet God chose him and used him as a warrior with only 300 men.
God does not depend on numbers or strength. He needs faithful people who are ready to be used by Him. In the Gideon Program, we want students to find hope and to develop their unique gifts and talents.
The Gideon Program caters for three levels:
At lower and upper Junior School, students spend approximately three periods per day, where the focus is on literacy and numeracy skills, following the Australian Curriculum. Learning is targeted at the individual student level.
Our literacy teaching uses the Promoting Literacy Development (PLD) program. An Austrailan literacy program developed by teachers, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.
The Gideon Program caters for students who are formally diagnosed with high functioning cognitive and/or social-emotional needs. These students will either have a substantial or extensive diagnosis under the NCCD framework, supported by documented evidence from a medical practitioner or psychologist. These students often need a highly structured and modified learning environment in order to thrive.
The Gideon Program teaches the Australian Curriculum in line with teaching practice across King’s College. Adjustments to the curriculum will be determined in consultation with parents based on the students’ needs and will be documented in an Individual Learning Plan.
Participation will be determined by a variety of information. This may include but is not limited to: professional assessments, proof of diagnosis via a professional report(s), visit(s) to the student's current school, interview(s) with the family and the student and consultation with professionals to help ascertain the level of support the student will require.