Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn is a special school � for pupils aged 4 to 19 with moderate to severe learning disabilities and severe and challenging autism. Many of our pupils have additional physical, sensory, medical and associated behavioural difficulties. All pupils have an educational statement which is reviewed annually. We pride ourselves in the education � we provide and believe that everyone at Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn is entitled to have access to the very best learning opportunities.
Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn were successful in a bid to secure funding for: � Supporting transition of Penybryn Special School and ALN STF pupils into � appropriate learning pathways within Gower College. To achieve this we had to: � Identify and allocate staff to the project � Quantify the actual Wednesday activities and participants � Develop positive relationships between Penybryn and Gower College � Develop and support transition between Penybryn and STFs � Develop/work with the college to produce materials to support the inclusion �
The term transition is used to These are just some of the � � describe the process of moving feelings some of the students from childhood into adult like. in Year 12 at Pen-y-Bryn had This can be an exciting and when asked how they felt challenging time for young people, about going to college with lots of changes and choices to be made about the future. For those with alternative learning needs the procedure can be even more difficult. During transition there will be practical changes as well as emotional changes to go through as the young person starts the journey to become more independent.
Oh no! scary it’s big worried n e r v o u s will I be in the same class as my friends? too many who will people my excited teacher but a bit be? nervous
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� A Teaching Assistant It was essential that sustainable transition protocols were developed was employed on a early on in the project between part time basis to Pen-y-Bryn and Gower College. enable the project leader, Bev Pearce, This was done through open discussion time to manage the between both parties ensuring the focus and the outcome was the best thing for project, communicate the students accessing college. Building with Gower College transparent working relationships with and partner STFs the college has been vital in transforming our transition process
� Pontarddulais, Morriston and Cefn � The next step was Hengoed schools were offering the initially approached opportunity of joining but because of Pen-y-Bryn students at numbers and other Gower college to STFs with no 6 th form factors only Cefn Hengoed were able to provision . join the project.
Two year 11 pupils and 2 year 10 pupils joined Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn during the Wednesday morning college sessions in January. It was a successful union from the very beginning and gave enormous pleasure to staff from both schools to see the friendships blooming from day one. Both Year 11 pupils were due to start Gower college in September 2013 and to be able to access the college and get to know tutors and the vast building was hugely beneficial. We were delighted to receive a letter from Cefn Hengoed noting their appreciation for including their pupils in this pilot project. Natalie Bevan, STF Manager, went on to say before joining the project she was aware that her pupils were apprehensive about the change from school to college. However since attending with Pen-y-Bryn students the pupils are less anxious about the move. This change was noted in a recent annual review when the careers advisor was surprised how enthusiastic one pupils was about going to college compared with the last time she interviewed him. Furthermore parents of participating pupils have also commented that their children look forward to Wednesdays. She finished by thanking Pen-y-Bryn for including Cefn Hengoed in the project and hoped the partnership would continue in future years.
Agored Cyrmru – NOCN accredited units Health and We have agreed a three year rolling Hygiene programme where students have access to Sport and Leisure, Health and Hygiene and Dance and Drama. These are areas we felt the college were able to specialise in with their Sport and facilities and were covered less so in Leisure school. Over the three years students could gain up to 6 Agroed Cymru NOCN units. We also included this on our electronic tracking system which will be accessed when Dance and the students move to college. Dance and Drama Drama
Sport and Leisure Click for video link
Dance and Drama Click to play video
Health and Hygiene
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Former Pen-y-Bryn student – Jamie Cooper has been at Gower college for a year and he was asked for his thoughts on accessing the college prior to starting full time. Click for video link Click to access video
All children and young people with special educational needs should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential. They should also be supported to make a successful transition into adulthood, whether into employment, further education or training. This has been a fantastic project. Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn has established At the end of this very strong transition protocols with successful partnership project Gower College, developed promoting effective transition and inclusion it is sad to note partnerships with other local that unfortunately due to schools, provided and supported funding Cefn Hengoed and training in augmentative Morriston Comprehensive communication for college staff. schools are unable to make a commitment to join Pen-y-Bryn in the 2013/2014.
Memories of a very successful UPOSS transition project where good practice was shared across partners for the benefit of the most important people – OUR STUDENTS
Smile please!
Last days at Ysgol Pen-y-Bryn – good luck in Gower College
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