Date: 20th July 2006
Norwood and JFS Children Move Forward Together Hand In Hand
JFS once again played host today to pupils from the Annie Lawson School, Norwood’s special needs school that provides educational services for pupils aged 11–19 who have complex and profound learning disabilities. This latest one-day visit marked the culmination of a four-week project called Hand In Hand, during which pupils from both schools participated in a series of activities designed to break down social barriers and enable children of all abilities to have fun together.
During the first three days of interactive sessions, the year 9 pupils at JFS were given insights into living with a disability and also learned communication skills such as basic sign language. For the final day, which had a sporting theme, they laid on a fantastic, fully accessible mini-Olympics for their guests, which included prizes and hand-made medals! They also sang a song for their visitors, utilising not only their vocal skills but also their signing skills at the same time! To round off the day, Michael Levin, Norwood’s Cultural Advisor, presented JFS Headteacher, Dame Ruth Robins, with a wall hanging made by pupils from the Annie Lawson school.
This is the third year running that the Annie Lawson School, based at Norwood’s Ravenswood Village in Berkshire, has visited JFS as part of Hand In Hand. Liz Auchincloss, Deputy Head teacher at the Annie Lawson School, stressed the importance of forging links with mainstream schools such as JFS. She said: “JFS pupils have become great friends of our school. These visits enable our kids to have the normal social interaction with their own peer group that they aren’t usually able to enjoy. Projects such as these are extremely beneficial to all concerned.”
Fourteen-year-old Jayde Talbot-Scobie, who is a year 9 pupil at JFS, explained how her experiences with the Annie Lawson School have changed her outlook on life. She said: “The past few weeks have made me realise how privileged I am. The next time I have a minor complaint such as a headache, I will be able to put things in perspective. I hadn’t had much contact in the past with people who have disabilities, but these activities have made me realise that they are just people like you and me.”
For further information please contact David Wosner, Public Relations Officer at Norwood on 020 8420 6942 or email david.wosner@norwood.org.uk
For more information about Annie Lawson School, please contact...
Chris Harmon
Head Teacher, Annie Lawson School
telephone: 01344 755 505
email: chris.harmon@norwood.org.uk
