A Special School

Episode
Episode Two
Broadcast Info
2023 (29 mins)
Description
Thieves have broken into Britain’s biggest special school, and have taken valuable watersport equipment. As the young people come to terms with their emotions, we are reminded by teacher Dan that positivity and laughter should always prevail. Love is all around as Valentines day lands in Ysgol y Deri. a school that caters for a wide and diverse range of differently able pupils in Penarth, just outside Cardiff. Leo, a young romantic has written his very own love song, and with the help of his teachers and pal Kai he hopes to win himself a new girlfriend. Thirteen year old aspiring author Liam, is learning about puberty and what affects his diagnosis of Prader Willi-syndrome could have on the process. With the help of behavior support Craig, he’s able to talk, sing and dance through his worries. The summer show is one of the highlights of the year in Ysgol y Deri, and as rehearsals get under way deputy head teacher Kerrie has her director’s hat on. As she takes the pupils on a magic carpet to Aladdin’s Agrabah, Ella who plays Jasmine explains the reason why she’s working so hard to control her stage fright, "To do a pantomime like this- you’ve got to try and push all you’ve got, to make what you want to be - and this pantomime will be the best of the best." Since the Covid pandemic, the nurses’ station has been closed to non-essential visits - but today it’s re-opening - and for one pupil it’s an extra special day. Esme, who was diagnosed late with the sever neurological disorder called Leigh syndrome, loves spending her time on work experience with the nurses, nearly as much as the nurses love her determined and wicked personality. Watch as the staff and pupils push boundaries and challenge misconceptions in this infectiously positive series that will leave you smiling, laughing and crying.
Genre
Education

How to cite this record

The Open University, "A Special School". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ou/search/index.php/prog/244096 (Accessed 09 Jan 2025)