Inclusion

At Hillside we offer a wide variety of opportunities for our pupils to access additional experiences outside of the school and college.

We have strong links with accessing local community events, sports activities and provide placements for some pupils to participate in work experience.  Some trips are linked directly to the curriculum such as museums and sporting venues.  Other visits develop life skills and communication skills, such as visits to the supermarket, the library, outdoor pursuits and food providers.  

Pupils have represented Hillside at many sporting events alongside other schools, such as Boccia, football, multi-sports and swimming.  These provide community involvement, develop team co-operation and are a chance for the pupils to meet other young people.  The college students are part of an SEN FE Network and have presented their craft skills at an Enterprise Market, and will also be working towards music and performance events.

Some of our college students attend regular work experience placements.  They are looking at progressing with industry specific skills with the thought to move into these areas as a job, but it also provides vocational understanding.  Current areas of specialism include cafes and animal welfare farms or sanctuaries. 

On occasions we have identified a few courses at other establishments that we have found beneficial for our own pupils to attend, and we have supported them in this.  They work alongside other pupils in a different educational environment.  This allows them to gain specialised knowledge when this is appropriate. 

We also like to celebrate achievement, and pupils enjoy visiting the cinema and particular fast food establishments.  There have also been one-off opportunities for the college students to try skiing, and they are currently planning a residential.