Redwood students on the way to success

A joint venture between a special school and a training charity has set two students on the way to success.

Redwood School students Debra and Dominic Chatburn (15) have been spending one day per week at Rathbone, where their creative talents have helped them learn important life skills.

“I made Christmas and Valentine cards with glue and glitter and hands from Modroc plaster” said Debra, “it was fun.”

Dominic also enjoyed getting his digits dirty but preferred putting together a newsletter named The Rathbone News which taught him much about design and writing headlines. “I have enjoyed my time at Rathbone” said Dominic, “and am looking forward to studying at their Bury Centre soon.”

Debra and Dominic are amongst two groups of Year 10 and Year 11 students who’ve been using practical activities to help them learn about everything from religious festivals to healthy eating. “The students get their formal learning at school and then come to us to improve key skills such as communication and teamwork” said Rathbone Tutor, Dorothy (Dot) Hall. “The relaxed sessions are absolutely ideal for those who have a short attention span or are in need of extra one-to-one-support.”

Debra and Dominic have earned a City & Guilds qualification called, “Working With Others.” Taking three to four months to complete, this involves improving skills within a group environment. Candidates have to assess the groups’ and their own performance – so successful completion is quite an achievement.

Redwood is a pioneering new secondary special school situated on a co-located site with Oulder Hill Community School in Rochdale. Formed through an amalgamation of three local schools, it works with students with disabilities and special educational needs. Redwood teamed-up with Rathbone last September. The charity has years of expertise in helping disadvantaged, and sometimes vulnerable, young people move on to college and find work.

Vicky Sinfield, Rathbone Centre Manager for Rochdale said: “Our mission is to help every young person to achieve their maximum potential. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the students from Redwood. They really seem to be having fun while they’re with us - but at the same time are absorbing so much.”