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type is kept under constant review. The partially-hearing children are
accepted quite happily in other classes and this integration has helped
considerably in their social development.
Progress in reading and number has been maintained and in some
cases greatly increased. It has been necessary to use much time on individual
auditory training, speech and language work. This has partially offset
difficulties caused by insufficient use of body¬worn aids outside the "Unit
when in an environment of meaningful sound. Tribute must be paid to those
parents who do undertake such activities as programmes of interesting
visits and generally give special attention to speech and language. Potential
speech production tests show a very satisfactory level of proficiency
(2 children 100%).
The Junior Unit, like the other Partially-Hearing Units at Kingsley
School has been helped considerably by the National Deaf Children
Society. Opportunity has been taken to extend the use of visual aids and
recorded sound and to add to the wide range of books and apparatus so
necessary to help the children progress according to their individual needs
and abilities.
Partially Hearing Unit, Riddlesdown Secondary School
Three boys from Kingsley Junior School and one girl from Holman Hunt
Junior School, all of first year secondary age, came to the Unit on September
16th.
With perhaps one exception, these children have settled down quickly
and are obviously happy and stimulated in their new surroundings. They
integrate with the hearing pupils for dinners, playtime, P.E. and all practical
subjects. The girl is now also integrating for Maths. This amounts to 35%
for boys and 47% for the girls. This integration is spread between three
different classes, thus allowing much individual tuition on language, speech
and reading in the Unit. This is essential owing to the range of hearing loss,
reading ability, etc. within the group.
Science, History, Geography, Religious Instruction and Maths are being
tackled, but progress is unavoidably hindered due to language difficulties.
It is hoped that the children will be integrated in these subjects by their
second year, if not before.
There are three other children attached to the Unit. A 13 year old boy
placed in Form 1D, a 14 year old girl placed in 3B and a 12 year old girl in
2C. These three were already in the school, and come to the Unit for individual
speech training each week. A check is also kept on their general
progress and well-being. They, like the others, seem very happy.
The Unit is acoustically fitted, and makes use of projector, tape recorder
and a small language laboratory. The latter is used mostly for speech
training at present. This will later be expanded to other lessons as and when
the pupils are ready.