On the 26th November, 3rd December and 10th December, four RSD pupils took part in a Work shadowing scheme in Sperrinview Special School between break time and lunch time. The four pupils that took part were put into different classes with Jamie Creaney in the Sunlight class, Stephen Wylie in T1, Miley Fallon in J2 and Emma Gilmore in M3.
One of the activities we were involved in was “Fun with Drums”, entailing a music therapy-type session where the children got to play a range of percussion instruments like djembe drums and shaker eggs. We also helped the children with their schoolwork, which tested our ability to adapt and even change our language and behaviour according to the needs of the individuals in our classroom.
This has developed everyone’s communication skills, patience, empathy and adaptability, and has enhanced our understanding of young people with Severe Learning Difficulties and Special Educational Needs at a variety of ages and abilities. I would like to thank all the teachers, classroom assistants, Sperrinview’s principal (a former RSD pupil!) and Vice Principal (who gave us a tour around the school and responded brilliantly to any questions or queries we had) and Mrs. Matthews alongside any other members of staff (not forgetting Miley’s grandfather for transport to and from Sperrinview on the first day) for making this marvelous scheme possible to carry out.
This scheme was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved. Hopefully this isn’t the end of our links with Sperrinview as some of us ought to have jobs in Primary/SEN schools, Pediatric nursing and other areas where Work shadowing in this amazing school would be of great benefit to both us and Sperrinview (provided they want to keep us!)
Thanks to Jamie Creaney (Year 13) for this report.
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