The Joshua Centre | Flinders Christian Community College

The Joshua Centre opened in 2022 at our Flinders Tyabb Campus. It is a special-purpose educational facility that supports students on the Autism spectrum by providing a differentiated learning program and environment that is better suited to the sensory needs and routines of students on the Autism spectrum.

We seek to see autistic students not just survive, but instead thrive in their learning, social connection and well-being in order to live a full and purposeful life. The Joshua Centre caters for students who are formally diagnosed with level 2 autism. These students may struggle to cope in their current school setting and need a highly structured and modified learning environment in order to thrive. Students will be expected to have a particular level of independence i.e, being able to work independently on learning tasks without 1:1 aide support.

Some students may have a diagnosis comorbid with Autism Spectrum Disorder e.g. an intellectual or speech-language impairment, a physical disability, ADHD, etc. The College will review and consider the educational adjustments that will need to be put in place to meet the student’s needs and whether the Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the primary diagnosis, will have the greatest impact on the student’s education. This will determine whether the Joshua Centre learning program and environment is able to support the student’s level of needs.

Enrolments at the Joshua Centre commenced in 2022, and we are adding additional Grades & Year levels as follows:

  • 2024: Grades 1 - Year 7
  • 2025: Prep - Year 8
  • 2026: Prep to Year 9
  • 2027: Prep to Year 10
  • 2028 and beyond: Prep to Year 10

Expansion of the Joshua Centre

We are delighted to announce that we are expanding our current Joshua Centre. With this expansion, we aim to create an even more dynamic space that fosters learning and collaboration for our students. Below are some artist impressions of the new facilities that will be ready in early 2024.

What does education look like at the Joshua Centre?

  • The Joshua Centre provides a Christ-centred education for students on the Autism spectrum.
  • With small class sizes, the Joshua Centre provides students with an individualised and differentiated learning program.
  • Each class will have a full-time Educational Support staff member who will work with the teacher to provide for the academic, social, emotional, and functional life skills of each student.
  • The Joshua Centre is located on the Tyabb Campus of Flinders Christian Community College.
  • Where possible, students will have opportunities to integrate into a range of mainstream classes and it is hoped that over time, some students will transition fully to our mainstream setting.
  • The Joshua Centre staff work collaboratively with Allied Health Professionals ensuring supports are targeted to student needs. To facilitate this families can arrange to have privately funded Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and other approved practitioners work onsite with their child.
  • The learning, play spaces and uniform have been designed to provide students with a sensory environment that maximises students’ comfort when at school.

Enrol at The Joshua Centre

Online applications for enrolment at the Joshua Centre are now open:

Apply now

Expression of Interest

If you would like to know more about the Joshua Centre, you are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest below:

Trampolines at the Joshua Centre – Benefits for Autistic Children

We have added two Vuly trampolines to the Joshua Centre playground. Vuly trampolines have been selected for their safety features, quality and therapeutic benefits, particularly in promoting sensory integration and physical activity among autistic children.

Rebounding, or jumping on a trampoline, has been shown to offer a range of benefits for children on the autism spectrum, including:

Sensory Stimulation - rebounding provides proprioceptive and vestibular input, aiding sensory integration and self-regulation.

Physical Exercise - jumping on a trampoline promotes physical activity, cardiovascular health, and muscle development.

Emotional Regulation - the rhythmic motion of bouncing can help reduce anxiety, stress, and promote relaxation.

Social Interaction - group trampoline activities encourage social engagement, communication, and cooperation among students.

Motor Skills - rebounding can improve coordination, balance, and motor planning skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for enrolling a student into the Joshua Centre?

Please complete our online enrolment application. Applicants are to supply all requested supporting documentation online. Once we’ve received your online enrolment application with all relevant supporting documentation, it will be reviewed. If a position in the centre becomes available and College believes the Joshua Centre may be a good fit for your child, then an initial meet and greet will be arranged to share more information about our program and the enrolment process.

Student interviews will commence in Term 2 and continue in Term 3. Students will be offered a place based on an interview, in-class observations at the student’s current school and/or in the Joshua Centre and places being available in the selected grade. Enrolment offers will start going out from the end of Term 2 (and continue in Term 3) for the following year.

Is there a minimum or maximum level of diagnosis required before applying to the Joshua Centre?

The Joshua Centre caters for students who are formally diagnosed with level 2 autism. These students may struggle to cope in their current school setting and need a highly structured and modified learning environment in order to thrive. Students will be expected to have a particular level of independence i.e, being able to work independently on learning tasks without 1:1 aide support.

Is a differentiated curriculum taught?

The Joshua Centre teaches the Victorian Curriculum in line with teaching practice at all Campuses. Adjustments to the curriculum will be determined in consultation with parents based on the students needs and will be documented in the Individual Learning Plan.

Will NDIS supported therapy be allowed onsite during school hours?

A central part of our Philosophy is strong collaboration between the Joshua Centre, families and therapists. To support this, NDIS and privately funded therapy will be accommodated and encouraged at The Joshua Centre during school hours. Facilitating these services not only allows us to support the students, but also the families who otherwise may have to seek therapy outside of school hours.

What suitability criteria are students required to meet to enable them to enrol in the centre?

Enrolment 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.

Are the school hours at the Joshua Centre the same as the main school?

Students at the Joshua Centre have a slightly different start and finish time compared to our mainstream school. Students at the Joshua Centre start at 9am and finish at 2:30pm.

What are the fees for the Joshua Centre?

It is the same as our regular school fees. 

If you would like more information, please contact our Enrolments team on 5973 2000 or via email, enrolments@flinders.vic.edu.au