More than the classroom
School is about much more than what happens in the classroom. At Sandymount School, pupils have opportunities to learn, play, explore their interests and take part in a wide range of activities and experiences.
These activities are an important part of the school day. They provide opportunities for physical development, communication, sensory exploration, creativity, social interaction and enjoyment, alongside classroom learning.
Swimming
Swimming is an important part of school life at Sandymount School. As well as being an enjoyable activity, the water provides pupils with opportunities for movement, exercise and physical development in a supportive environment.
The buoyancy of the water can make movement easier for pupils with physical disabilities and can support mobility, strength, balance and coordination. Swimming also provides valuable sensory experiences and opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Pupils can develop their water skills at their own pace while enjoying time in the pool with their classmates.
Drama
Drama gives pupils opportunities to express themselves, communicate and use their imagination. It can support confidence, creativity and interaction with others, while providing a fun and engaging way to explore different characters, stories and ideas.
For pupils who communicate in different ways, drama can also provide opportunities to express themselves through movement, gesture, sound and other forms of communication.
Multi-sensory room
Our specialist multi-sensory room gives pupils the opportunity to experience and control a range of sensory experiences in a dedicated environment.
The room is used by teachers and SNAs for short periods throughout the school day and can provide sensory stimulation for pupils with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments and other complex needs. It can support pupils to focus their attention and engage with their learning, while also providing opportunities for sensory exploration, communication, social interaction and awareness of their surroundings.
Soft play
Our specialist soft play and therapeutic room provides a secure environment where pupils can spend time out of their wheelchairs and take part in movement and play.
Pupils can be hoisted safely from their wheelchairs into the soft play area. Teachers and physiotherapists work collaboratively to support pupils to maintain posture, develop movement and physical skills, and learn through play. The room provides an important opportunity for pupils to experience movement and activity in a different environment from the classroom.
School library
Our specialist school library is a dedicated space for children with special needs. Pupils visit the library each week and are encouraged to choose and borrow books to take home.
The library is managed by the Special Duties Teacher. Specialist library equipment and books are purchased each year to ensure that pupils have access to a good range of appropriate and up-to-date resources.
Student leadership
Student leadership gives pupils opportunities to have a voice in school life and to take on responsibilities that are meaningful to them.
Through leadership activities, pupils can develop confidence, communication and decision-making skills while contributing their ideas and helping to shape aspects of school life.
Green Schools
Our Green Schools activities give pupils opportunities to learn about the environment and take practical action within the school community.
Taking part in environmental projects can support learning across a range of areas, while giving pupils opportunities to work together, make choices and contribute to something beyond their individual classroom.
Activities and experiences throughout the year
Alongside these activities, pupils take part in a range of events, projects and experiences throughout the school year.
Each provides another opportunity to learn, develop skills, spend time with others and enjoy being part of the school community.
