BBC One - A Special School, Series 1, Episode 1 (original) (raw)

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Episode 1

The reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school. Pupils conquer their fears at an outdoor adventure centre in Exmoor, and for many it’s their first time away from home without family.

For the first time cameras capture the reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school. This observational documentary shows what is possible when boundaries are pushed while educating children and young people with additional learning and physical needs. Through sheer determination, headteacher Chris Britten and his positive team of staff have shattered previous misconceptions.

In this episode, pupils conquer their fears at an outdoor adventure centre in Exmoor. The focus of the trip is for young people to challenge their disability by being included in physical opportunities, as everyone should be. Activities include abseiling in a wheelchair.

Back at the school, teacher Lisa Rees-Renshaw helps children who are nonverbal to communicate. Seven-year-old Felix has Miller-Dieker syndrome, which means the surface of his brain is abnormally smooth. Children with his condition don’t normally live past infancy. 'I don’t think he would be here if it wasn’t for the school,' says mum Alex, who describes her son as a little miracle. The school is definitely a big part of his life. Through using an eye-gaze device that enables pupils to control a cursor using their eyes, Lisa can give Felix the ability to express himself and make decisions.

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