Vocational education is a key component of the senior phase of learning curriculum. Five teachers, together with the principal, are accredited with certificate iv in training and assessment and in partnership with the Special Education Training Alliance (SETA) teach certificate 1 in hospitality and certificate 1 in work preparation. As a registered training organisation, the school also offers certificate 1 in agri-foods.
Senior phase learners operate the school's coffee shop known as 'coffee on the point' which is patronised by school staff and family members, students, and members of the wider community.
Students also take part in other vocational activities including operating garden plots at the Beeralong community garden at Morningside, the Lota community garden, and achieving attractive gardens on campus.
Contracted to James Hardie Pty Ltd, the school operates a machining program where timber chocks are made to retain concrete pipes on pallets as they are transported around the nation. Currently students participating in this program made at least 3600 chocks weekly.
Likewise, the school’s laundry program achieves pristine jerseys for the Wynnum manly seagulls rugby league sides. These programs teach vocational skills in safety, communication, functional academics, social skills, retailing, food preparation and hospitality. Students are encouraged to participate in work experience and job shadowing opportunities.
Darling Point Special School has a wide range of industry partners who make inclusive opportunities for our students possible. These partnerships are often negotiated to provide opportunities for students linked to their specific interests and strengths. Q rail has become a key partner by providing work experience opportunities at the railway museum in Ipswich and also at the q rail centre at Bowen hills. Other partners include various retail outlets in the local area, real estate offices, child care centres, sports clubs and cafes.
Since 2013, Darling Point Special School has operated the STEP UP to Employment program for year 12 and 13 students who present talents and skills that with expert tuition and positive programming has potential to enter the workforce as volunteer or supported workers. The STEP UP to Employment program is modelled on the STEP UP program that operates within the Institute of Applied Behaviour Analysis service delivery stream in California, USA. There are key operating principles that guide this program and these include inclusion within the wider community, individual programming incorporating the young person’s hopes and aspirations and goals linked to transition to the next life phase. The program is based in the Wynnum library, and students engage in a wide range of learning opportunities including English, literacy, mathematics, numeracy, information technology, fitness, fun skills, social and relationship skills, community and domestic skills for independence, and work experience.