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Episode 1

A Special School Series 1
Episode 1 of 3

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.

7 months left to watch

28 minutes

Last on

Tue 20 Sep 2022 19:00
±«Óãtv Two Wales HD & Wales only

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:07

    London Grammar

    Strong Eq

  • 00:09

    Mumford & Sons

    Guiding Light

  • 00:15

    Fickle Friends

    Say No More

Credits

Narrator Iwan Rheon
Producer Ffion Humphries
Director Ffion Humphries
Executive Producer Geraint Rhys Lewis
Executive Producer Aled Llyr

Broadcasts

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Watch The Open University’s exclusive interviews with some of the Special School team

Find out more about supporting young people with diverse needs, with The Open University.