We are excited to be hosting a special workshop from our partners Action Your Potential, called ‘Build a Resilient Child’ this Thursday at 6pm. This workshop is for all parents, carers and young people and it is focused on how parents, carers and students themselves can build a resilient brain everyday. The workshop will also explore the impact of a phone-based childhood on the mental health of young people and offer guidance and solutions based on evidence-based approaches. The presence of smartphones in schools and wider society presents an increasing problem for school leaders to manage, and you may recall that I shared my concerns with parents and carers about the impact of smartphone usage on the developing teenage brain last year. The workshop promises to be exciting, engaging and passionately delivered, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this important topic with parents and carers. You can view a promo video here, and sign up for the workshop here. Mr Curtis-Brignell.
It was Neurodiversity Celebration Week in school last week. We have had a week of assemblies helping students understand what we mean by neurodiversity and celebrating neurodiversity here at Priory. Neurodiversity is about recognising that everybody’s brain works differently. Both children and adults have their own unique way of thinking, interacting and experiencing the world. We more commonly think of neuro diversity as an umbrella term for: ADHD, ASC, Tourette’s and dyslexia. The World Health Organisation say that worldwide 1 in 100 people have autism, here in School we have 94 students with an ASC diagnosis. ASC and ADHD have to be diagnosed by a psychologist and currently the waiting list to get this done is between two and three years, so there are many more students on the pathway who receive support in school. There are also students with obvious traits who choose not to get a diagnosis. Whilst many of us would recognise traits in ourselves of ASC, ADHD or dyslexia, this does not mean we would get a diagnosis, as the thresholds are high. If you are concerned that your child does show traits and would benefit from the diagnosis, please make an appointment with your SENDCo or your GP. There are both positives and negatives of being neurodiverse, but the world is essentially set up for the people who are neurotypical. Young people with ADHD often have engaging personalities, can be quick decision-makers and have an abundance of enthusiasm for interests. The positives of autism often include honesty, integrity, logical thinking, hyperlexia and being very detail orientated. Those with dyslexia can be creative, making connections, visualising ideas, and communicating well. School can be difficult, but many neurodiverse young people go on to achieve great things later in life. Let us not just be aware but celebrate difference. We can read books and blogs written by neurodiverse people, listen to podcasts, shine, a light on their talents, passions and fortitude. Let’s avoid harmful stereotypes, use positive language be curious, admire and be an advocate. If you’d like to know more, please check out some of the websites below: CLASS+ Amaze Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust If you would like a book to book an appointment with one of the SENDCos , please click on the link.
We are pleased to announce that Lola G in Year 8 has recently been elected to the East Sussex Youth Cabinet by the students in her year group. The East Sussex Youth Cabinet consists of young people aged 11-18 who run co-produced campaigns and work with local leaders to bring about change and improve services. Lola will be representing the students of Priory School in this new role and we know that she will do an excellent job. Well done, Lola!
We are starting the recruitment process for a team of Student Wellbeing Ambassadors! The Ambassadors will act as a mentor for a fellow student who is struggling; providing emotional support, listening and helping them to find their own solutions to their problems. All Ambassadors will be provided with training from the anti-bullying charity Kidscape. Any students interested in taking up this opportunity should speak with their Head of Year, Tutor or Reception to obtain an application form—entries will close at the end of Term 5.
Congratulations to Jessica B in Y8 who won the 11-17 years category of the South Down National Park’s youth photography competition with her image of a cow at Woodingdean, Brighton. Fitting the brief of “a new perspective” the picture has won Jessica and her family a trip to Marwell Zoo in Hampshire. Well done Jessica, what a wonderful picture!
Tickets for Alice are almost sold out! This photo was taken at our last Saturday rehearsal where we had a special guest visit from Ember Dimoglou - Ms Dimoglou’s beautiful Labrador who helped collect up the croquet balls in Act Two and was especially excitable when the White Rabbit came running onto the stage. Ember provided brilliant fun for our cast while they were waiting for scenes, playing fetch on the school field, supportive well done cuddles when the students came off the stage and barks of support when the rest of us applauded. She has had a brilliant preview of the show already! Click here to grab yourself some tickets https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DDCN.
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