Structured activities and national celebration days offer autistic students both joy and important learning opportunities. Participating in activities that spark their interest helps maintain their focus and motivation, enhancing their educational experience.

In the weeks leading up to half term, several engaging activities were organized. Read below about what has been going on at Sybil Elgar School.

For more details on upcoming events please visit our our key information page where you will find our special events calendar and term dates. 

To learn more about our our ethos about teaching and learning please visit our curriculum page. 

Empowering digital safety: teaching students how to be safe online during Safer Internet Day
 

During the Safer Internet Day workshop, students engaged in discussions about various online scenarios. They categorised these scenarios into two groups: safe and unsafe. The students also explored strategies on how to handle situations that made them feel upset. This included the importance of involving a trusted adult and understanding the appropriate channels for reporting such incidents.

Pushing autism teaching and learning boundaries with the use of virtual reality
 

The students enthusiastically participated in their weekly VR session, showcasing one of their beloved VR games, KayakVR to our esteemed visitor, Dr. Khursh. Dr. Khursh expressed eagerness to give it a try and was impressed by the impact of the game. The VR team have adapted a kayak paddle so that students can practise kayaking in virtual reality, giving it a very real feel. They then take what they have learnt and try to apply it in a real world kayaking scenario.  

Enhancing student wellbeing during Mental Health Week

During Children's Mental Health Week, themed "My Voice Matters," schools undertook unique activities tailored to promote mental health and well-being among students. At Woodlands, students participated in yoga sessions accompanied by soothing music, focusing on achieving reduced stress and calmer minds. This emphasis on yoga underscores the importance of incorporating mindful practices regularly to support mental health.

At Havelock, Year 3 celebrated the week by engaging in various calming activities, including the creation of sensory bottles, and took a distinct approach by expressing themselves through music. Pupils selected their favourite instruments and were empowered to improvise melodies. This variety of activities from primary to post-16 highlights the multifaceted approach to mental health education in our school, recognizing the significance of both physical and creative expressions in enhancing the emotional well-being of students.

National Handwriting Day: using assistive technology to support writing for autistic students

This half-term we celebrated National Handwriting Day at Havelock. This day motivates us to engage in writing or making marks on a page or iPad to express our thoughts, preferences, and motivations, highlighting the importance of this practice even for those who do not write in the conventional sense. It offers an opportunity for everyone, particularly autistic students, to rediscover the essence and fun of handwriting or mark-making in a digital age. This creative experience can be especially beneficial for autistic students. By exploring different methods to write, there are opportunities for students to foster their expressive skills.

Autism-friendly work experience: therapeutic horse grooming for autistic students
 

The students had a delightful time at the stables, where they enjoyed grooming the horses, preparing their food, and engaging in leisurely activities with them.​ Meaningful engagement is core to the ethos at Sybil Elgar School and students were  not only delighted in grooming the horses and preparing their food but also benefited from the therapeutic interaction with the animals. This activity is significant as it provides a unique work experience opportunity, enhancing skills in a supportive environment and fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection, crucial for personal and vocational development.

The year of the dragon

In 2024, the celebration of Chinese New Year marks the year of the dragon, one of the 12 different animals in the Chinese zodiac. On Monday 12th February at Woodlands we had an art workshop and we celebrated Chinese New Year by creating a large dragon. We used cardboard, colour paper, tissue paper, string and glue. The students really enjoyed the creative activities as they created artistic installations using the colours of the flame.
Celebrating the year of the dragon can serve as a reminder of our potential to overcome challenges and embrace individuality, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-confidence.

A closing note from our therapy team...

Visual supports act as a guide, painting a clear picture with words and images to help young minds navigate social scenarios, remember key points, and stay focused. 

See our latest TDT newsletter for tips and tricks on how to write effective visual support.