May Highlights
Blissful weather for most of the month meant everyone enjoying the outdoors even more than usual.
Gaisce trip
Our group went to the wild and beautiful landscapes of Donegal for a three-day Adventure Journey with 12 participants working towards their Bronze and Silver Awards. Over the course of the trip, they covered 50 kilometres, travelling from the dramatic cliffs of Sliabh Liag to the scenic village of Glencolmcille. Unfortunately the weather was a little wet but it made for a more adventurous and thrilling experience
Watch the video to see how they got on here.
Musical performance
Musical performers have been working on finalising the songs and score of their production, and getting everything ready for performance at The Factory in June. This project really showcases the variety of skills and opportunities present in our school – songwriting, musical composition, dramatic script writing, costume design, choreography, stage design, directing, props and behind the scenes stage management. Everyone involved is an essential part of the show. We can’t wait to see them on stage next month.
Workshops
Some of our teenagers have been attending Foróige’s REAL U (Relationships Explored and Life Uncovered) programme at school with a visiting facilitator from Foróige. REAL U is a comprehensive and holistic approach to relationships and sexuality education (RSE) for young people aged 12-18.
In addition, Staff have carried out workshops on Freedom & Responsibility with all age ranges, exploring some of the challenges with managing our freedoms and responsibilities at school and in society.
Gardening
Gardening – there has been lots of planting happening both in the polytunnel and outside,watching the seedlings grow, preparing beds and transplanting young plants. A big challenge has been coming up with effective but non-lethal slug traps.
ATU Labs tour
A group of our senior students enjoyed a visit to ATU Sligo during May, including a walk through the forensics labs and a hands-on demonstration in the biomedical science labs. Ailish Breen Flaherty, Lecturer in Biopharmaceutical Engineering Science and Geraldine Duignan, Lecturer in Science Communications and Ethics at ATU Sligo, gave students a demo in the biomedical science labs and a 30 minute talk on the type of science programmes offered at ATU Sligo and what our students do and where they go after. We were also lucky enough to have a demo in the maker space (3D printing etc). followed by a coffee in the canteen. The students really got a taste of life as an undergraduate in Higher Education and are very excited about the possibilities ahead. Thank you to Ailish and Geraldine for taking the time to arrange this visit and show us around.
Staff Training Social Audit
Staff carried out a Social Audit of our school recently, examining our practices, school routines and social expectations to reflect on how neuro-inclusive our school processes and social environment are.
Self-directed education is based on the premise that all learners are different, with unique requirements and preferences in regard to their interests, communication style, and ways of being. As such, we believe it is a naturally neuro-inclusive educational model. Some of the ways in which self-directed education is neuro-inclusive include making autonomy and consent foundational to all activities, reducing the pressure and anxiety typically triggered by perceived demands; inviting students into learning, rather than compelling their involvement, thereby increasing their sense of safety and intrinsic motivation; providing freedom to move, access the outdoors and quiet spaces, and to choose how they engage; fostering open communication and trust in relationships through listening and adapting ways of communication and expression; and co-creating routines with students which allows them to engage on their own terms.
Using resources from Ausome Training, staff carried out a reflective workshop together to explore and examine how safe, respectful, and affirming our environment is for all students. The outcomes will inform us in ensuring that our school environment remains a place where all children can truly be themselves.
Fundraising news!
The Money Bees and students have been working consistently on raising energy, momentum and funds for the CEIDE project. Coffee Mornings, School Markets, Student Newspaper, and Bottle Recycling Campaign are all ongoing supportive events and activities raising valuable contributions.
During May, one of our parents Khanitthanan, offered a Thai Culinary Class as a Fundraiser for this project. Khanitthanan offered a Thai culinary workshop, teaching attendees hands-on preparation of Green chicken curry ( or vegan version), and Deep-fried vegetable spring rolls. After cooking, the participants enjoyed their creations. Places were limited for this fabulous experience. We hope that Khanitthanan will offer another workshop soon.
Coming up around the corner is another exciting event – Pizza Island. The brainchild of a group of our entrepreneurial students, Pizza Island is a haven where children (and adults) live on pizza and ice cream as they enjoy campfires and games in the outdoors. Marshmallows are an optional extra :)
Looking forward to water fun (boats, paddleboards, water pistols all welcome), all the pizza you can eat (while stocks last!!), Fabio’s icecream. a cosy campfire hangout, Games, giggles, and good times, and optional wild camping under the trees.
We would like to say a very special word of thanks to Derek and Karen Mapp who made a very generous donation of £10,000 to the CEIDE Project Fund. We are very grateful for their support.