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STUDENTS       DOE STAFF               

Paul MatewsWelcome to the School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE). SIDE is the main centre for K-12 distance education and online learning within the Western Australian Department of Education. The school provides quality education for students who for various reasons cannot attend classes in a regular school.

Founded in 1918 as the Correspondence School, SIDE has a rich history of student success and achievement for students studying in all years of schooling. This tradition continues with a commitment to excellence in all aspects of school life. SIDE staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality learning experiences to students, no matter their circumstance or location.

SIDE maintains strong links with parents, schools and their communities. In K-6, relationships with parents as partners in their child’s education is crucial, while in Years 7-12 there is a focus on increasing independence by students and partnerships between SIDE and the students’ supervisors.

Parents and carers, student supervisors, schools and students are always welcome to contact us or visit our campus in Leederville. We know how important it is to have good communication and nurture a positive relationship between SIDE and our community.

SIDE offers the same education opportunities and support as most primary and secondary schools, including support for students with disabilities, students with learning difficulties and gifted and talented students. A feature of the student experience at SIDE is the support from teachers and SIDE’s extensive Student Services team. SIDE staff have a focus on supporting the specific needs of individual students.

The school uses digital technologies to deliver online education programs. It occurs in two forms:

  • Synchronous, real-time communication via the Department’s WebEx web-conferencing platform. Students have access to scheduled ‘live’ instruction.
  • Asynchronous, 24/7 access. Moodle is used to deliver curriculum materials and facilitate student and staff collaboration online.

Please browse our website to see the range of opportunities on offer which make SIDE unique in Western Australia.

 

Paul Mathews

Principal