Success ALL the way for PMLD students

August 2009

St Margaret's School, one of the UK's only schools to cater exclusively for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex health needs, celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of its students on 10th July.

Holding a special awards ceremony, the school congratulated 13 of its students on gaining certificates as part of the Accreditation for Life and Living (ALL) scheme certified by Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR).

The students, all of whom have profound and multiple learning difficulties, gained certificates for modules covering a variety of areas including The Community, Creative Arts, Leisure, Personal Skills, Home Management and the World of Work. All students in St Margaret's Further Education classes have gained at least one certificate each this year - with one gaining an incredible six.

They were joined by 17 young adults from two residential homes run by Sussex Health Care who receive education from St Margaret's teachers as part of a special outreach programme. The scheme has been so successful it has expanded and is now run five days a week.

Combined the students gained over 60 certificates this year!

The modules allow each student to build an evidence-based profile of their own achievements which reflects their own needs and skills. The school selects ALL modules which will fit within its own specially developed curriculum which emphasises sensory awareness and promotes the inclusion of therapy procedures within the classroom.

A highlight of the event was also the premier of a short film made by St Margaret's Further Education students called 'No Space Like Home' that was entered for this year's Oska Bright Film Festival which showcases pieces made by people with learning disabilities. Students were involved in the filming, props and sound effects for the piece which will be the first of many films they hope to make.

Jan Cunningham, St Margaret's School's Head Teacher, said: "I am thrilled with how much our students have achieved this year - they have worked incredibly hard as all of their certificates show. It's also a great testament to St Margaret's School and our teachers that we can be joined by so many young adults from Sussex Health Care. This is a very special day."

• St Margaret's School is hosting a special one day conference for specialists working with children and young people with PMLD on 24 October. For more information visit  the Children’s Trust website.