Head's Newsletter 1 April 2022

NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK

Our celebration of Neurodiversity Week is coming to a close, and the SEN department would like to thank all those who were involved in raising awareness of neurodiversity. The event was a rousing success, and we were able to enlighten both students and teachers about what it means to be neurodiverse. By shining a light on this issue, we aimed to challenge stigmas and misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals by highlighting the valuable contributions they can make by approaching problems in a different way. Staff and students were able to learn about some of the challenges of neurodiversity and celebrate the fact that we are all unique. This is something that we aimed to achieve, and I think that Tiffin excelled in its endeavour. From the neurodiversity assembly where students were offered a brief glimpse into the biological working of the human brain, to the tutor time exercises, students were given an opportunity to explore a different perspective and appreciate what makes people unique. As part of the celebrations, a display was also set up outside the JLT highlighting the many aspects of neurodiversity, including some designs for products useful for those with neurodiverse needs designed by Year 11 GCSE Design Technology students. A large variety of exceptionally well - made items were created, and we showcased three: an alarm clock designed to help vulnerable youngsters develop better sleep patterns; a writing slope to aid students with dyspraxia; and an accessory that supports restless learners who have an ADHD diagnosis. We would like to thank the three year eleven students George, Hamza and Sufyaan who graciously allowed their DT projects to be displayed. These projects showed the creativity of Tiffin students and their ability to think outside the box. In celebrating Neurodiversity Week, we hope that everyone at Tiffin has gained a greater understanding of and appreciation for the wonders of neurodiversity found in all of us.