The Satellite Class consists of a group of special needs pupils who are enrolled at Allenvale Special Needs School but based at Westburn School.  The class was set up twelve years ago as an innovative system which allows the benefits of social integration with mainstream peers in the playground and for certain classroom based programmes, while allowing specialist programmes to be provided in the non-threatening environment of a separate classroom. 

In their own classroom, the children work on special programmes which meet their educational and therapy needs as identified in consultation with parents and teacher.  They enjoy the support of visiting therapists and work with the assistance of a class teacher and teacher aides.  The programmes include community based activities such as riding for the disabled, swimming, accessing the public library and shopping at the local supermarket.  The class works on an integrated curriculum programme based on the New Zealand National Curriculum.