To launch KEHS’ third Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we delivered an assembly last week to remind everyone what neurodiversity means and dispel myths that are often found on social media, as well as promoting the events that occurred this week.
On Monday lunchtime, we welcomed back writer and historian Simon Jarrett to KEHS. As a KES alumnus, he gave a fascinating talk to a crowd of staff and pupils on the perception and treatment of mental disability throughout history; from the pertinent and integrated presence of the so-called ‘idiot’ in 18th century cartoons, to the horrific realities of eugenics and institutionalised care in the 20th. Most interestingly, perhaps, was his point on what History can teach us about acceptance; we might naturally think of societies before us as regressive or resistant to difference, but there is, really, much we can learn from the generally unquestioned acceptance of those with learning disabilities in 18th century families and communities. It was an important reminder, and a perfectly historical start to a week of looking toward bettering present support for neurodivergent conditions. We’d like to extend a massive thank you to Simon Jarrett for giving up his time to come speak to us; if you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can check out his book, Those they called idiots: the idea of the disabled mind from 1700 to the present day, from the Senior Library.
On Tuesday lunchtime, four neurodivergent pupils shared their experiences of school and lessons with teachers. They explained strategies that that they find effective and supportive, and were very brave taking questions from teachers. Many members of staff attended, who gave really positive feedback and found the session so useful.
On Wednesday, we opened up the Warnock Room to everyone. It was an opportunity to see the space and ask the SEND team any questions. There were also sweet treats on offer, the chance to pick up a pin badge to support Neurodiversity Celebration Week and try out a range of different crafts.
On Thursday lunchtime, we celebrated our Neurodiversity Fair joint with Beaufort House. We all had the chance to take a quiz finding out our brain type, whether this indicated to us being more organised or compulsive as a person. We were excited to learn more about ourselves using the QR code results. Mr Staite ran a ‘guess the weight of the cake,’ and ‘guess how many sweets in the jar,’ activity whilst also selling red noses in support of Comic Relief. Hopefully, his baking skills won’t disappoint the winner of the competition!
Members of the SEND team also helped organise the sale of fidget toys and distribution of information cards on various neurodivergent conditions. We know that these fidget toys will be very helpful for many pupils considering the upcoming exam season. Most popular however, was the cake sale where we offered various sweet treats raising funds for Comic Relief. You may have heard us walking around the corridors with speakers towards the end of lunch and hope that everyone had the chance to pick up whatever treats they wanted.
Thank you to everyone who helped this fair take place and all the pupils who brought in cakes for our sale! We hope that everyone had the opportunity to show their support for both Comic Relief and Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Fingers crossed this is a tradition KEHS can continue in the future!
