Since September 2020, the beginning of the new academic year, Brook View School have partnered up with Let’s Grow Preston who were delighted to offer work experience to our pupils at their garden in Grange, Preston. This practically supported the new gardening curriculum we offer at Brook View School, allowing for hands-on experience that supports the work the students undertake in the classroom.
Jake Davies has attended every Monday since September. Initially, Jake would only attend for just over an hour, however this activity now lasts for the whole of Monday morning, as a result of his enthusiasm. Jake’s ability to engage in a task for an extended amount of time has been achieved through him participating in experiences outside the classroom. Although supervised, Jake works independently once he has received instructions or a demonstration. The work experience has had positive repercussions in the classroom, with Jake now being far more attentive.
Further developments are that Jake has a new-found confidence and his social interaction with relative strangers has improved dramatically. Jake will now initiate conversations with Chris, the manager at Grange Community Garden, as well as other volunteers at the site, which go beyond pleasantries. There was a time when Jake would not tolerate others in his vicinity, however this has now abated. Some of these changes will be due to Jake maturing, however there is a suggestion that these positive changes have occurred since the start of this work experience.
The classroom need not be four walls, floor and a ceiling, as Jake has shown. Along with the practical skills, Jake has achieved vast progress in his social skills, confidence, tolerance and perseverance.
Well done Jake, we are all so proud of you – you have achieved this yourself!
