This term at Sybil Elgar School has been filled with meaningful experiences for our pupils and students that helped them grow in confidence and independence. Across our two sites, from reception through to FE, there have been outdoor learning, creative arts, sensory exploration and life‑skills activities that supported development and celebrated special events. 

Pupils and students have enjoyed mark making, reading outdoors, music and movement workshops, conservation work, VR learning, cookery, gardening and a wide range of imaginative tasks. World Book Day and Science Week brought excitement across classrooms, while our Go Create theatre programme encouraged pupils to express themselves through instruments, scarves and movement.  

Celebrations that bring us together

There were many opportunities to celebrate the rich cultural life of our school community together this term. Pupils took part in events for Easter, Holi, Ramadan and Eid. They also had opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Red Nose Day. These national and global events help our pupils explore traditions and experience the joy of celebrating together. 

Our Award Ceremony recognised students’ achievements across ASDAN, BTEC, OCR and other qualifications, and we were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Ealing to present certificates at our 16–22 site. 

The Student Council met to gather ideas from every class about possible Easter activities, including egg hunts, parades, decorating, baking and storytelling.  It was lovely to see such enthusiasm and responsibility from the group. This is why we empower our students to contribute to decisions made in and around the school.  

Innovative technology that supports engagement 

As part of our drive towards incorporating innovative technology into the curriculum,  students explored mixed‑reality apps that helped them develop motor skills, hand‑eye coordination and early maths concepts by catching virtual objects and tracking their scores. Many pupils remained engaged for longer periods, particularly when using the Open Brush app to create abstract art in an immersive and enjoyable space. 

We have also collaborated with UCL on another round of MotionInput games developed by undergraduate and Master’s students as part of the Industry Exchange Network (IXN). The technology uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer vision and machine learning, that recognises body and hand movements to control actions on the computer using only a standard webcam. 

One of our Innovative Technology team leads, Mareli Smit, attended the UCL Computer Science showcase earlier this month and was blown away by the potential of some of the games designed with autistic users in mind.  

Real‑world learning and shared experiences 

A group of pupils enjoyed a sunny day at Boston Manor Park as part of their work experience programme. They helped plant tree whips for future woodland areas, working together confidently and contributing to an environmental project that benefits the whole community.

Other exciting outings included a trip to the cinema, the Science Museum and several students attended a youth conference with other SEN schools.  

Giving autistic pupils and students opportunity for outdoor learning experiences is an excellent way to support holistic development. More information on the key benefits of outdoor learning can be found here. 

As we come to the end of a full and joyful term, we wish all families a peaceful Easter break and we look forward to welcoming pupils back on Tuesday 14 April 2026.