On July 11th, 6 young people from Bladon House School attended a science activity at Littleover Community School.
The mystery of who had stolen Amanda’s cake had to be solved using a series of clues and evidence: Fingerprints were compared, sugar and urine samples tested, using microscopes, a bunsen burner and microscopes.
On July 3rd, we had a visit from Kwame, a practitioner from ‘African Activities’. Young people from across school, and staff members took part in drumming, dancing, stories and singing. As you can see from the pictures, we had a great time!
The Summer Term was an extremely busy for the Outdoor Education team. Forest school, climbing and archery have continued throughout the term. With the good weather, many students have also been enjoying mountain biking and canoeing.
We also had several residential trips this term with students enjoying Duke of Edinburgh and canoe expeditions.
Forest School
Forest School has continued through the Summer Term with Draco, Ara, Vela, Lynx and Orion all learning about working with clay, water movement and shelters this term. Of course, no forest school session would be complete without the appearance of the giant marshmallows, which the students have expertly roasted on an open fire.
Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)
We have had a total of eight candidates for the D of E Bronze award this year. All candidates took part in a qualifying expedition in the Derbyshire Dales that required two days of walking with an overnight camp. Everyone did extremely well on the expedition and we were delighted to see seven students complete their DofE Bronze awards, an achievement they can all be extremely proud of.
Canoeing
Canoeing took place all through the Summer Term with all classes given the opportunity to experience paddling a Canadian Canoe in a taster session. This year many students have progressed to completing a river journey on the River Trent. Two students managed to complete a 12 mile journey while five students managed a 16 mile expedition with an overnight riverside camp.
We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful wizard of Noz!!
While the youngsters of Rowden House School had enjoyed a very successful Prom evening, the residents of Winslow Court & Cedar Lodge were eagerly anticipating the weekend’s festival.
Now in its 21st year, Nozstock is one of the UK’s longest running festivals. Family-run, very much home-made and proudly independent on a beautiful working farm set upon rolling hills, the Nosworthy family continue to curate one of the UK’s finest emporiums of music, arts, food and drink, with a huge focus on keeping all kids and families entertained in the Little Wonderland Kids Area.
Highlights included a DJ set from Rudimental, Soul II Soul and The Sleaford Mods, while the energetic and uplifting Oh My God! It’s The Church returned to the main Orchard stage for their Sunday service !!
We collected their festival bands from the entry tent and followed the yellow brick road to the wonderful Rainbow, which then took us all in to the enchanted world of OZ (This year’s festival had a Wizard of Oz theme, complete with tin men, cowardly lions, witches, munchkin men & and an emerald city.
The Orchard (main) stage was the main focal point, where we enjoyed listening to the bands play Sunday morning and watching the performers weave & dance their way through the morning crowds.
We had a really good time and we would like to thank the Nozstock team, especially Cara, who made this visit possible.
On Thursday 18th July 2019, the pupils from Rowden House School enjoyed their leaving Prom. Pupils wowed the staff with their choice of attire and dance moves for the evening! For those who leave us this year, we wish you well, we are very proud of you and what you have achieved whilst being with us at Rowden House School.
This year’s prom was held at The Bank House, Bransford, Worcester. The students had been busy prior to prom night, making many fantastic decorations for their night. It was a night of lights, camera, action!! (Hollywood Theme) in the Elgar suite. Well done to everyone who was involved in creating such wonderful pieces of artwork.
The students all arrived looking absolutely fabulous, supported by the staff, who also looked every part of prom night too! They slowly made their way in to the Elgar suite, stopping to have the obligatory prom photo taken under the banner. Upon arrival the students had the option to get down and boogie on the dance floor with DJ Richie Palmer, enjoy the bubble machine or have photos taken with the Hollywood backdrop/picture frame booth.
The students had a fabulous evening, dancing to all their favourite tunes and asking for many requests from Rich, who was happy to oblige. Song requests played right up until the end of the evening. A delicious buffet was served, along with drinks. There was also a cake displaying portraits of all the students, This was carefully cut in to sections for all to enjoy.
The students (and staff) all had a great prom night. Thanks go to all the staff for supporting the students and the parents, family members, friends who came along to enjoy the night with their son/daughter. Thank you to the staff who gave up their time to decorate the suite, the staff who came along in the evening in their own time and all staff at The Bank House who looked after us all evening. thank you to DJ Richie Palmer for 
the tunes and most importantly the students who had a fabulous evening.
Huge congratulations go to our Chief Executive Officer, Brian Jones who was been awarded an Honorary Master Degree from Derby University, to recognise him for his work to promote and ensure the equality of education for young people.
Brian has been Chief Executive Officer for the SENAD Group since 2006. Using his significant experience in specialist education with local authorities, the voluntary sector and independent sector, he has successfully led the group in designing and operating high quality education, therapy and care services for young people and adults with autism, speech language and communication needs and mental health needs.
Brian is relentless in his dedication, determination and ambition to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our society and their families are treated with the respect, dignity and have equal opportunities to maximise their potential. He is highly respected figure within the sector and works closely with the Department for Education, educational institutions, including the University of Derby to develop policy and practice that will increase equality for all people with additional needs.
Congratulations to Jamie Thomas, Registered Manager and his staff team at One Nine Five in Burton on Trent, who were finalists in this years Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards. Jamie attended the awards ceremony at Newcastle and Stafford Performing Arts College.
Although not the winner this year, being a finalist is a fantastic achievement and acknowledgment of Jamie’s great leadership and the dedication of the staff team to provide the very best care for residents. Well done to you all!
The Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards are now in their 5th year. the awards recognise groups and individuals who care for the most vulnerable in society with dignity and compassion. The awards are organised by Staffordshire County Council.
Sporting Achievements at Bladon House School Sports Day 2019
Bladon House School students enjoyed the fantastic weather at their sports day, held at Shobnall Leisure Complex on 5th July.
All classes attended either for a morning or an afternoon session and activities were planned to be inclusive for everyone, even staff! There were relay races, egg and spoon races, throwing and jumping activities and football dribbling skills.
Ensuring the emotional wellbeing of young people is at the heart of the work at Alderwasley Hall School and Sixth Form.
Watch our video to hear how our wrap around team of experts ensure that every young person who gets a place at the school has excellent emotional wellbeing outcomes.
Didn’t get chance to see us at the Autism Show in Birmingham? Don’t worry we’ll be in Manchester this Friday and Saturday. Come along to hear our Therapists talking in the Hub Theatre or book to talk to us in our parent clinic.
