Episode 1
The reality of life in Britain鈥檚 biggest special school. Pupils conquer their fears at an outdoor adventure centre in Exmoor, and for many it鈥檚 their first time away from home without family.
For the first time cameras capture the reality of life in Britain鈥檚 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鈥檛 normally live past infancy. 'I don鈥檛 think he would be here if it wasn鈥檛 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.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
You are at the first episode
Next
Clips
-
Residential trip
Duration: 02:06
-
A Special School
Duration: 02:59
Music Played
-
London Grammar
Strong Eq
-
Mumford & Sons
Guiding Light
-
Fickle Friends
Say No More
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Narrator | Iwan Rheon |
Producer | Ffion Humphries |
Director | Ffion Humphries |
Executive Producer | Geraint Rhys Lewis |
Executive Producer | Aled Llyr |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
2021 BAFTA Cymru nominated
麻豆社 Nominees for the 2021 British Academy Cymru Awards
Inspirational Wales
Get the feel good factor with a collection of inspirational stories from across Wales.
Feel Good Collection
A hand-picked selection of uplifting shows from Wales to help boost your mood.
Best of 2020 from 麻豆社 Wales
All of 2020's finest programmes in one place
Binge-watch Series
Binge-watch all of your favourite Wales series
Count Us In
Exploring the many voices of disabled Brits
Real-life Stories
A collection of some of the best documentaries in Wales.
Winter Warmers
Curl up and cwtch with our feel-good favourites
Made in Wales
Spotlighting the people, places and stories of Wales.
Celebrating Neurodiversity
Learn with us for 2023's neurodiversity celebration week
Explore a Special School for yourself with The Open University.
Find out more about supporting young people with diverse needs, with The Open University.