Ron Dearing UTC has strengthened its relationship with a special school in Hull which caters for pupils with severe and multiple learning difficulties, including those on the autistic spectrum.
Students in Years 10 and 12 at the UTC visited Tweendykes School on World Book Day to deliver an interactive session for the school’s junior children based on the popular children’s novel, George’s Marvellous Medicine, by Roald Dahl.
Ron Dearing students performed a short, interactive retelling of the novel, helping to immerse the Tweendyke children in the story.
The pupils then got hands-on to re-create the medicine in a stimulating sensory activity, which gave the younger pupils the opportunity to engage with the story by exploring different textures and sounds to unleash their creativity and have fun.
There was also a quiet area for children to sit and read together if they wanted some downtime.
Ron Dearing’s Lead Practitioner for Literacy, Lucy Thompson, said: “I started the partnership between Tweendykes School and Ron Dearing last year when their students visited us on World Book Day.
“I’m an advocate for integrating mainstream students and special school students in social scenarios, and celebrating literature is a great way to do that.
“We had an incredible response from all the students and staff involved at both schools, and we can’t wait for more opportunities to work together again.”
Ron Dearing’s Head of Key Stage Four, Richard Stark, added: “It was a fantastic enrichment opportunity for our students and it was a great way to connect them with other young people in the city who they possibly wouldn’t get to meet.
“Both groups of students were a credit to their respective schools and the whole day was brilliant.”
Ron Dearing students who took part in the day said it had been a fantastic opportunity to meet other youngsters in the city, and share their joint love of literature.
Year 10 student, Lacey Jobling said: “It was interesting to see how all the students played with the activities. It was funny because you realise how differently we relate to books, but also how we’re all the same too and enjoy a good story.”
Fellow Year 10 pupil, Louie Robinson said: “It was a really wholesome experience. I loved throwing rice and making musical bands with all the kids. I hope to do it all again soon!”