Partnership with Turney School

JAGS used its historic Botanical gardens and extensive grounds in July to host two Year 8 and 9 teaching groups from neighbouring Turney School. which teaches 150 primary and secondary pupils with moderate to severe special needs, Drawing on the expertise of Dave Strong, JAGS' Botanical Gardens manager and an environmental expert, the children were taught how to pond dip using latex gloves and long nets, and Year 10 JAGS pupils were on hand to identify their catch before returning to the water everything from endangered greater crested newts to whirlygig beetles...although the dragonfly nymphs were the most gruesome and therefore highly- prized to the boys! Turney class teacher, Susanna Cox, said the children had a wonderful time and were keen to come again.

The link with Turney School began four years ago, when an enterprising Year 13 Design Technology pupil from JAGS, using her research at Turney School, came up with a wondrous toy design for her A level project based on squares and hexagons made out of foamed PVC in primary colours, to give an autistic child climbing inside a few precious minutes in his own interactive world.

Other opportunities to strengthen the partnership soon emerged. Lying-in was not an option for 20 senior JAGS girls in the first two weeks of their summer holidays, because they had volunteered to join classes at Turney School in the closing weeks of its term, assisting the pupils in cookery, art, English, music, swimming, Sports day-indeed every activity going on at this busy school for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. This is a two-way benefit: the JAGS girls have time, energy and skills they can offer, making it easier for some of the activities to take place, and they themselves learn to value education in its broadest sense. None of them will forget their time with the children from Turney, the patience and persistence of the teachers, and for some it is a life-changing experience.

Indeed, Year 12 JAGS pupil, Hannah Beecham, found the challenge so inspiring that is has helped her to plan her future career as a dance therapist for children with special needs. Since April she has run a popular after-school dance club for some primary children at Turney, leading the way for teachers there to take further dance training themselves.

Turney School Headteacher, Linda Adams, said how delighted she was to have the JAGS girls in the school; not only do they develop new skills and gain a different perspective on life, but their pleasure in the involvement is obvious. Their contribution enhances the lives of autistic children, giving them a level of attention the school wouldn''t be able to fund. They have been the inspiration for another idea for a partnership springing from these successful links: Turney is currently applying to Lambeth for funding to run a summer holiday playscheme.

JAGS has for years shared its grounds, facilities, equipment and teaching expertise with others, as well as funding places for girls whose families cannot afford the fees. The link JAGS has with Turney is a priceless partnership, which has developed from mutual respect, co-operation and understanding. It represents only a fraction of what the school does, but a very important and inspiring fraction.

Alison Venn