Insight into life at Sparrow Schools…

A volunteer’s report….
In 2007, Natalie spent six months working at Sparrow Schools, before which she was the Head of Drama at a comprehensive School in Essex.

“My time at Sparrow has been varied and rewarding. With a bit of determination and a lot of support from my Head of Department and the school principal, I was able to make breakthroughs which led to a positive and rewarding experience. Once I overcame my anxiety about differences (in age, culture and language), I realised that the pupils would respond to what I planned for them if I was consistent and fair.

I also realised how important it was to have some awareness of what kind of home life the children faced. As well as having learning difficulties, several of them had to deal with poverty and bereavement due to HIV and AIDS. One girl in my class had a small boy who lived in a sheltered home with her. She was so ill at the end of term that she did not come to school. We thought that she would not make it, but, with a lot of care from the home, she was back to fair health within a couple of months. As soon as she was well enough, she was back at school and wanted to know exactly what she had missed so that she could catch up. Bearing in mind these difficult circumstances, I was overwhelmed by the determination and positive will of many pupils. This hunger for education and the reward of success was something I had not often encountered in my previous teaching experience. It humbled me, and gave me the determination to provide them with the best learning experience I could.

As an arts teacher, one of the highlights of my experience was seeing the pupils develop and express themselves through drama - it was clearly something that built up their confidence. At the end of one term we put on a concert which included short sketches about drugs and school life; cultural songs, dances and poetry readings. It was a great opportunity to get to know the children in a new light. One girl told me that she had always been very shy, but that the group work in drama helped her to gain confidence and she felt she could be herself.

Teaching at Sparrow seems to go beyond getting through a curriculum, and often includes listening and mentoring. This holistic approach leads to strong and meaningful relationships in the school and creates a sense of purpose.

I went to Sparrow to experience cultures different from my own. I have been so inspired by what can be done in a special education environment that I have decided to work in this field back in the UK.

Sometimes life calls us to step outside of our comfort zones and to try something new. Although I didn’t know where my experience as a volunteer would take me when I started, I can honestly say that it was the best decision I could have made as it has opened new doors in my personal life and career that I may not have otherwise found. I have returned to England a richer person for the experience I had with staff and students at Sparrow, and I am looking forward to building on those experiences in my new job. “