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 The
P.A.S.E. Unit or communication Disorder Unit was set up in September 2004
as there was a growing need within the Authority for placements in
mainstream schools for pupils
on the Autistic Spectrum. Due to the success that Blaengwawr has
experienced over the years with the integration of pupils with special
needs, it was felt that the school would prove an ideal venue for this new
venture.
Most
of the pupils presently in the Unit have been diagnosed with Asperger’s
Syndrome, a degree of Autism which can be exhibited in many various and
different behaviours. Our other pupils have varying degrees of
communication problems including ADHD.
The
Unit follows a strictly ‘pupil led’ curriculum with the emphasis being
upon eventual integration into the mainstream with their peer groups. At
present there are 10 pupils, all male. We have 2 Yr. 7 ; 1 Yr 8 ;
3 Yr. 9 ;1 Yr 10 and 3 Yr 11 pupils. We also have responsibility
for one Yr 11 pupil who attends mainstream on a full time basis. The
groups follow the same year curriculum as far as is possible, with partial
integration in some selected lessons with small mainstream groups. Whilst
the initial structure for the group was envisaged as being totally
exclusive, we have found that with carefully planned strategies to
overcome some of the fears and apprehensions of the individuals, we have
been able to join far more mainstream sessions than was ever thought. This
has proved to be most beneficial for the pupils as they are now accessing
lessons taught by specialist teachers. Also, interaction with peers has
increased their level of confidence and movement around the school is now
managed without fear.
While the pupils attend mainstream lessons for the most part,
provision is also made so that they access support lessons in the Unit.
These sessions are used for catching up on classwork if necessary or for
sorting out individual problems and anxieties. Also this is a time for
speech and language sessions which may take the form of games around the
table or speaking and listening exercises in circle time. This is a time
for fun and hilarity.
The
Unit is also a base to which the pupils arrive and from which they depart
every day. Here they are greeted and registered and time is allotted for
news around the table. This is where they are helped to organise
themselves for the day ahead. It is here that the pupils take their break
times and lunchtimes where they are able to relax and chat with their
friends.
The PASE timetable has time built in for Gardening activities and
guitar sessions. This takes place at Park lane School and is extremely
well organised and most enjoyable. The pupils look forward to these
sessions and gain valuable practical experience.
At the end of the summer term, our pupils together with pupils from
the SEN Department take part in the Welsh Special Games in Bangor. They
form part of a team of 150 competitors from all over South Wales. Over a
period of 5 days they compete in Athletics and Swimming
against a team from the North.
They stay at Bangor University, a first time away for all. Despite
all of the challenges the group usually
return with medals from all
of their events.
This
year is the first time for PASE to have a year 11 group. They have worked
hard all year in preparation for their entry level G.C.S.E.s. After the
Easter holidays they will return to school for a more practical curriculum
base with emphasis on
developing social skills. This will involve beautifying the entrance area
into PASE with hanging baskets and bedding plants. Also they will make a
wooden plaque welcoming people to PASE. It is planned to make use of the
community by accessing the local Library, museum, Sports’ Centre and
shops. We are particularly looking forward to the Treasure Hunt following
a clue led trail through participating shops in Aberdare.
Here
in PASE every individual is unique. No pupil has Aspergers they ARE
Aspergers!!!!!!!
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