New Futures is an annual scheme run in conjunction with our Tirabad partner schools (Emmbrook and Maiden Erlegh) and pupils from Addington Special School, Reading.  Six sixth formers from each partner school travel with 18 students from Addington School to Tirabad, where we work with them on a one to one basis in different activities over the course of five days.  It is an incredibly rewarding trip for all who are involved. 

Activities during the week are tailored to ability levels and we started on the Saturday with a waterfall walk where we were divided into three groups: upper ability, middle ability and lower ability. Some of the 6th Form students were surprised at the dramatically different physical ability levels, but that made it all the more important that they could work with the students one on one.  We were all kitted out in attractive (!) red waterproofs, but it helped everyone feel more of a team.

Some of the more able students got to walk behind a waterfall, although some were a little scared or less confident, so they stayed behind and took photos. The Addington staff were really helpful and let us know if we were being too helpful and allowing the students to be lazy. They also let us know different strategies to deal with the different students’ needs.

In the evening there was a quiz and we all joined in (it was a Disney quiz so most of us were relying on the Addington students for the answers!)

For the rest of our time in Wales, we split into three groups and either went gully scrambling, canoeing or caving.  The caving really scared some of the students (and us!) as it was dark and wet! Some of the more able students were able to crawl through a gap called ‘The Letterbox’. In order to get out, we had to wade through knee deep, freezing water- we were all very wet and muddy when we got out, but it was well worth it as everyone had an amazing time.

The canoeing and gully scrambling were just as popular and allowed the students to really get to know their allocated partners. None of them were particularly homesick as we were so busy, but if they were there was always a friendly sixth former to talk to.

One of the best evening activities was ‘binbag fancy dress’, which had a pirate theme. All the students enjoyed this and those who didn’t want to participate were more than happy to dress one of the sixth form up instead!

All in all it was a thoroughly successful trip and we all learnt so much. It gave the supporting students confidence to handle all kinds of situations and made them appreciate how lucky they are. Working closely with the Addington students also made them realise that they don’t let their various needs define who they are, they were all such great people and they all didn’t want to say goodbye.

We’re hoping to see them again in the summer term after the exams have finished.