Facilities and resources

Our school offers a range of spaces, tools and resources to support student learning. Whether it’s for study, sport, creativity or technology, our learning environments and resources give students what they need to succeed.

Our school facilities

We offer a range of learning environments. They help students stay engaged, build confidence and enjoy every part of their school day. Our facilities may include:

• bright and comfortable classrooms

• a well-stocked library for reading and research

• a covered basketball court

• art and music resources for creative learning
• a specialised sensory room with an OT developed program focusing on individual student sensory and regulation needs

• 1:1 student devices for digital learning.

Sensory room

The Sensory Room contains equipment and tools which have been intentionally selected to offer students different sensory experiences to enhance and promote self-organisation, de-escalation, relaxation, movement and support positive change.

The Sensory Room is a specialised space and students are offered access based on their identified needs. There are many benefits for students using the sensory room. These include, but are not limited to, reduced feelings of anxiety, meeting sensory-seeking needs, assisting to re-engage in learning and transition to the classroom.

There are three different styles of swings, illuminated bubble tubes, a pressure roller, a spinning board and a fidget and textures board just to name a few of the exciting pieces of equipment available. The room has a new underwater mural, and the lighting can be adjusted from a brightly lit space to a low-lighting level which promotes a sense of calm.

Some students choose to swing, spin, roll, jump and challenge their balance, while others take the time to watch the bubbles, interact with the light panel and practise their belly breathing.

The Sensory Room is designed to support students with a wide range of needs and has been an asset to The Bidgee School.

Therapy Dogs

Our trauma informed approach to wellbeing at The Bidgee School encompasses a variety of strategies and initiatives. One of the most beloved aspects of our approach is our incredible team of therapy dogs; Frankie, Zeppie, Bruce and Theo.

Our therapy dogs are experts at bringing smiles to the face of our students and staff. Their daily interactions are filled with plenty of pats, cuddles and puppy kisses, which provides comfort, alleviates stress and anxiety and fosters a sense of connection in difficult situations.

These beautiful dogs possess an innate ability to sense when students need their presence. They are quick to respond by leaning in for a cuddle, sitting close for a pat or even climbing onto a lap. These actions have a soothing and comforting effect, providing students with the emotional support and encouragement necessary for self-regulation.

Scientifically, it has been proven that dogs increase the production of oxytocin, also known as the happy hormone, while decreasing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This makes it much easier for students to access their learning, ultimately promoting confidence and improving motivation.

So, what does that look like in our school?

Improved attendance, decreased anxiety, enhanced engagement in academic tasks, improved social skills and most importantly, happier students.