The Special Schools project is an exciting programme of activity operating in Special schools throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf as an added extra to what is currently offered to young people in school.
Themes of Culture & Citizenship are being worked on using highly specialised tutors, artists & organisations to deliver recognised or certificated workshops, courses, activities & events in an ‘all inclusive’, safe, fun and nurturing environment.
Maesgwyn and Park Lane Schools, along with Ysgol Ty Coch and Ysgol Hen-Felin are participating in the pilot programme
The project seeks to engage young people with a view to raising self-esteem and confidence with each young person getting the opportunity to learn a range of new skills, including social interaction and team work. They also have plenty of opportunity for creative expression.
Provision is delivered by highly specialised artists, tutors and organisations that have several years experience working with young people living with disabilities & special educational needs. Work delivered is creative and exciting and all activity will ensure inclusivity for each of the participants. The initial consultation phase will inform future coordination, ensuring young people have access to activity of their choice and likewise, the evaluation process will ensure that appropriate activity is chosen for the longer term programme. Workshops are tailor made according to the needs of the young person which will include sensory based provision for those pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities as well as, profoundly autistic participants.
As well as the external provision Building the Future Together also organised for Cardiff- based Taking Flight Theatre to provide a three day project at Ysgol Ty Coch in October where Ysgol Hen Felin and Park Lane school pupils also attended. This is a multi-sensory project designed for young people living with profound and multiple learning Disabilities or autism. The theatre company took pupils on a magical and imaginative journey using the Welsh legends from the Mabinogion.
Eligibility Criteria
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Young people aged 11-19 years who have moderate, severe & complex needs, a learning disability, those with autistic spectrum disorder.
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Young people attending one of the four special schools in R.C.T
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Participants must have (at minimum) a learning disability as:
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A state of arrested or incomplete development of mind;
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Significant intellectual impairment
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Deficits in social functioning or adaptive behaviour (basic everyday skills) Which are present from childhood
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Participants may also have more complex needs arising from additional problems, including:
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Physical Impairments
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Sensory Impairments
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Mental Health Problems
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Behavioural difficulties
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Neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy, cerebral palsy)
The schedule of activity is jam packed with diverse and exciting activities such as rock school, glee camp, digital stories, contemporary dance, puppetry and much more.
View the Special Schools Project Spring/Summer programme|
For further information on the Special Projects contact the Co-coordinator - Lowri-Mair Owen on:
Tel: 01443 744011
E-mail: Lowri.M.Owen2@rctcbc.gov.uk|