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156
imaginative drawings and paintings of places of interest seen during
the trips were often outstanding.
An innovation with the legal backing of the Education Department
has been the shopping expeditions in pairs to West Wickham
High Street to buy ingredients for cookery or materials for woodwork.
Both boys and girls enjoy cookery and proudly take the
finished products home for their family to sample.
The entire staff work to help each individual child develop to
his or her utmost potential, and their outlook is broadened and
the social side is encouraged by many projects within the school
and by visits to places of interest outside it.
Grovelands School, St. Pauls Cray
Twenty-two children have been admitted during the past year
including seven from other special schools and five from Special
Opportunity Classes.
Of the eleven pupils who left, one transferred to an ordinary
school, four moved to another special school and six entered
employment including work as a hospital orderly and pet shop
assistant.
Staff changes have been minimal which is always a help with
regard to familiarity and continuity. One member is attending a
full time course which necessitates temporary replacement and
one has changed from part time to full time work.
Speech therapy has been more regular and an Amplivox ring
amplifier has been fitted for the benefit of a child with a severe
hearing loss.
The usual medicals and dental inspections have taken place
which have often provided useful contact with parents to discuss
problems and give advice.
The provision of a pet rabbit and a guinea pig for the admission
class has given much pleasure as has the practical room for
the senior girls. Here once a week a meal is provided for themselves
and an invited guest which gives practise in budgeting,
shopping, cooking, etc. which is of great use after they leave
school.
The usual trips to places of interest and as suggestions for
future employment, have been made in addition to swimming,
sports and social activities.
As much touch as possible has been maintained with the
ex-pupils many of whom return for regular visits. Considerable
effort is put in by everyone concerned to enable each pupil to fit
into the community as well as possible.