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Mady, our Assistant Head, is travelling to the Ellen Sharma Memorial School in Chennai, India. They are our partnership school in India and they opened an Autism Unit in 2020.
Mady is observing their SEND provision, delivering CPD (continuing professional development) training to staff, receiving CPD from their team, teaching students and collaborating on an art project. It will be a mutually beneficial experience for both schools.
Teachers from the school visited LVS Hassocks last year (see first picture).
Keep checking back here for updates on her exciting visit to Chennai.
The School….
Day One in India
I’ve arrived in Chennai with teachers and students from Downlands Community School, as part of our international school partnership cluster visit. Like Downlands, LVS Hassocks are proud partners of the Ellen Sharma Memorial School – a vibrant and inclusive school supporting children from early years through to secondary level.
After the challenges of COVID in 2020, Ellen Sharma School recognised a growing need within the community for specialist support for children with autism and other SEND needs. From that vision, the GSM Centre was created – starting with just two students and now supporting 32 learners with personalised education and care.
Today, I had the privilege of touring the school with the Headmistress Mrs Sangeetha and joining in on maths, English, and a fantastic art lesson led by Ms Keerthi. Life here in India is different in many ways, but one thing really connects our schools: the genuine care and respect every teacher has for their students.
Just like at LVS Hassocks, the learning at GSM is flexible and student-centred, with a strong focus on life skills, respect, and individual progress.
Take a look at today’s video to get a glimpse inside the centre and see some of the brilliant work the students created today!
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR DAY ONE VIDEO
Day Two in India
Today began with a wonderful cooking lesson where the students learned how to make rice flour roti which is such a staple and delicious part of their diet. Just like at LVS, cooking is seen as an essential life skill and is taught to all students here.
Next, I spent an hour outside for some sensory play. The children engaged in water and sand play, as well as explored natural sensory objects like smooth stones and shells — a regulating and calming lesson for them. Adults are also encouraged to join in and I had good fun ‘cooking’ in the sand.
Afterwards, I joined a sewing class where the students were practicing their running stitch on handkerchiefs. Their concentration and pride in their work were a joy to see!
Lunch is a deeply valued part of the day at GSM. The headmistress, Mrs. Signitha (as I mentioned in my previous post), ensures every child receives the right nutrition to support them throughout the day — both physically and mentally. Her care and attention to each child’s well-being is a big part of the success at GSM.
In the afternoon, I was lucky to attend a beautiful traditional storytelling session. It featured paper puppetry and traditional signing — such a powerful and engaging way to bring stories to life and keep cultural traditions strong.
We ended the day with stunning mehndi (henna) designs and had the opportunity to meet teachers from other schools in the area — a lovely and creative way to connect and share ideas!
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR DAY TWO VIDEO
Day Three in India
I started the day by observing circuit training for occupational therapy — an energetic and purposeful session that included balance beams, trampolines, and jumping activities. It was wonderful to see how physical movement is used to support the children’s sensory and motor development.
Later, I had the joy of teaching art to the children in Tulip Class. Together, we created beautiful paper flowers using watercolours, which we then assembled for a collaborative garden project with LVS Hassocks. The children were so proud to contribute their part to something shared and meaningful.
Afterwards, I joined a painting class that used the wet-on-wet technique — a method inspired by Waldorf schools. It encourages children to explore the flow and blending of colours, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Watching their creativity unfold so freely was a real highlight.
Lunch was extra special today. I had a long and inspiring conversation with the headteacher about the school’s ethos — all over a delicious homemade meal she kindly prepared for me: biryani, chicken, and a refreshing curd and onion salad. Her warmth and passion for education were so evident.
Another truly wonderful and inspiring day!
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR DAY THREE VIDEO
Day Four in India
Today was a very special day at the GSM Center. School manager Mr Venkatesh and the principal Mrs Sangeetha asked me if I could design a mural for one side of the new learning center. The center already has 2 murals representing the elements fire and earth. They asked me if I could design the water element. As both our schools are situated near the sea, this was a beautiful way to honour the connection our two schools have formed. After a quick sketch, student from GSM helped me sketch onto the wall in chalk and we spent a bit of time mixing the right colours. Then we got stuck in painting for the whole morning! Lots of differnt students came to help and design their own sea creatures and boats. The end result was a wonderful collaboration that will last for many years to come.
In the afternoon I invited some of the students and teachers from Downlands to help me deliver an art class to some of the older students. This was a lovely opportunity for all 3 schools involved in the partnership programme to come together and build new connections. After making some incredible paper flowers, we went outside for some games and traditional rice flour kolam. A kolam pattern is made every morning on the front doorsteps and during the day ants will come and find nourishment from the flour. It’s a meditative way to start or end the day through an act of service to even the smallest of creatures.
Today was my last day with the student from GSM as on my last day we will have an INSET day for staff training. I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome here at GSM and I’m looking forward to hearing all the updates from Mrs Sangeetha over the coming year. Thank you to all the students at GSM!
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW FOR DAY FOUR VIDEO
Day Five in India
Today was my last day at GSM and the Ellen Sharma Memorial School in Chennai, India. Today we had a whole staff discussion and problem-solving session. This was a great opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other’s valuable experiences. Not only have I enjoyed going into every classroom, but I can honestly say I have learned something new in every lesson.
I would like to thank all of the teachers at both GSM and Ellen Sharma for the wonderful welcome, care, and openness you have shown me this week. I also would like to say a special thank you to Mrs Sangeetha, who often took much of her precious time to sit and talk with me about her vision for neurodivergent education in India. I have felt truly inspired this week and I look forward to continuing a long and meaningful partnership between our two schools!
