Deaf and Hearing Impaired Department.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Department

The department opened in September 2003 providing deaf pupils in the Wakefield area with a High School Resource Base. Castleford High School was chosen because of its inclusive philosophy and welcoming nature. Before opening, staff were consulted on how to include the deaf pupils in mainstream and what adaptations needed to be made. All new teaching staff are also required to attend an introductory deaf awareness training session, thus giving them access to information which will aid them in teaching deaf pupils inclusively with the mainstream classroom.

A fabulous purpose built resource was completed in April 2006 to accommodate the growing number of deaf children coming to Castleford High School who require resource based provision. The department is extremely well equipped with all the technology needed to provide support to pupils who need a more visual hands on approach to learning. We also continue to promote an inclusive philosophy by sharing our new facilities with the mainstream school and often have small groups working within the department.

The support that is given to the pupils is assessed according to their need. Some pupils who use British Sign Language (BSL) need a sign bilingual approach. A qualified teacher of the Deaf, using BSL, teaches some lessons discreetly within the department. In mainstream classes mainly a Communication Support Worker (CSW) who has at least level 2 BSL, supports the children. Deaf instructors work with pupils on deaf related issues, deaf culture and BSL. Another aspect of their job is to teach BSL to hearing pupils, parents and staff.

Children who have good residual hearing, and do not need BSL for educational reasons, are supported in class either by a CSW, or an Educational Support Assistant (ESA), who work as a note taker.  Notes are photocopied so at the end of each school day the pupil takes home a record of the lessons. Pupils are encouraged to store these notes in subject files at home so that their records are easily accessible. Pupils also have lessons in the Department with a teacher of the deaf; this time is used for pre and post lesson teaching, thus aiming to ensure that the deaf pupils understand the work carried out in mainstream lessons fully.

Contributions to the Curriculum

  • The department runs an ‘Independent Travel’ unit of work to prepare the pupils within the resource for life outside school.  When Deaf and H.I. pupils leave school they often have difficulty accessing public transport.  This inhibits them from getting to college or work.  This unit of work, which begins in Year 7, helps them build their confidence and break down any barriers they may face.  The content of work includes how to use mobile phones, what to do in case of emergencies, how public transport works as well as communication skills with the wider public.  The emphasis is on making the work practical and fun.  One week in the year is ‘Independent Travel’ week where the pupils plan full day trips out and about in Yorkshire.
  • A group of mainstream students learn signing skills within the base as part of their regular timetabled lessons, these sessions are run by the Deaf Instructors.

Extra Curricular Activities

  • The department runs an after school club known as Beethoven’s Buddies (BB’s).  This club meets every week and is open to all students in the School. The aim is to allow deaf and hearing pupils to integrate and socialise together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere whilst doing a range of activities, a different one every week.

2.           Other Opportunities:

  • Signed performances at the Pantomime each year.
  • Participating in the Arts day at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
  • Regional Deaf Sports Day
  • Local Deaf Tag Rugby tournament
  • Visiting the Museum of Photography, Film and Television
  • Thackray Museum in Leeds