Students learn lifesaving skills

A corps of students brushed up their lifesaving skills at the Supported Learning Centre at Wairarapa College on Thursday.

Amanda Kawana, Supported Learning Centre head of department, said the New Zealand Red Cross People Saver's Course involved several of the 17 students with impairments who study a curriculum of six elective subjects at the centre including English, maths, PE, alternative PE, science, thematic units, sensory, art, music, practical skills, and drama.

She said the centre also taught students with high health needs and boasted three specialist teachers including herself, Helen Braybrook and Karen Lett, who worked alongside seven "amazing" teacher aides.

Community trainer Kathy Cornford was leading the Red Cross course, which focuses on the DRSABC system of medical emergency response, which is a technique to remember the lifesaving steps. She also takes a drug awareness course for students beyond the centre called Saving A Mate (SAM).

Mrs Kawana's students are aged from 14 to 21 and other areas of study offered include physiotherapy, gym, swimming, work experience, STARS and students also are taken to Riding for the Disabled.

"We also offer individual support to students including speech therapy, art therapy, relaxation or whatever the need may be," Mrs Kawana said.

Every subject is differentiated to meet individual needs, she said, and every student works a tailored education plan.