GIRFEC Story: Championing neurodiversity at Kelso High School

The ALLIANCE's Children and Young People Programme made a visit to Kelso High School recently.
“GIRFEC itself is for all children and young people. It’s about improving wellbeing, improving outcomes and trying to sit in that space that’s preventive and trying to help people realise their own potential”
Here Miss Ward reflects on her own experiences at Kelso High School as an Additional Support Needs Teacher. Her role is all about supporting students with additional support needs, finding a huge amount of joy and inspiration in working with these young people. She reflects on the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of her job, emphasizing how much she learns from her students every day. “The best part of my job is definitely the students, because I learn so much from them.”
Miss Ward’s dedication to her students goes beyond just teaching; she sees herself as their champion, advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Working closely with the team of Support for Learning (SfL) colleagues to support and nurture students with a wide range of needs, she is a champion of adaptive teaching, working to help her colleagues learn about more about meeting the diverse needs of their students.
At Kelso High School, Miss Ward runs various social skills groups, catering to students from different year levels. The S1 social skills group comprises young people with various neurodiversities. These groups provide a relaxed space for students to learn about neurodiversity, self-regulation, and managing their unique challenges within a mainstream environment. One of the students describes it as “a place to download and relax”.
One of the highlights of Miss Wards’s work is the senior social skills group for students aged 15 to 18. This group focuses on personal development and employability, helping students with CV skills, interview preparation, and exploring different career paths. Miss Ward highlights how shy students have flourished through these activities, gaining confidence and essential life skills.
Miss Ward’s commitment to her students is evident in the way she fosters a sense of community and understanding among them. She believes in empowering students by helping them see their neurodiversity as a strength rather than a limitation. “I want them to be proud of who they are,” she says.
Mrs Ward uses different frameworks for classroom observations, identifying strategies to support individual students and create a more inclusive environment. She collaborates closely with primary schools to ensure smooth transitions for students with additional needs, creating detailed profiles to inform their future teachers.
One of the school’s notable initiatives is the annual Neurodiversity Celebration Week, spearheaded by Mrs. Dyer, the principal teacher. This week features assemblies, videos, and activities like Wear a Hat Wednesday, aimed at celebrating differences and raising awareness about neurodiversity. Miss Ward highlights the impact of these events, sharing how they have led to increased awareness and support for students with neurodiversity.
Through her work, Miss Ward demonstrates the importance of understanding, respecting, and adapting to the diverse needs of students. Her efforts not only empower the students at Kelso High School but also create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for everyone.
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