Learners enjoyed a festival atmosphere full of fun and games at the LVS Hassocks Summer Sharing on Friday, with many of them demonstrating new-found confidence and impressing their families by taking to the stage to perform music, dance and comedy routines. There were also awards given to mark achievement and development throughout the past academic year.
The traditional end to the summer term at LVS Hassocks is always a highlight as many students who a year ago would not have been able to stand up in front of an audience show how much they have developed under the care of the school’s teachers and therapists by singing or dancing at the celebration.
Students manned their own stalls in the school field, talking to customers as they made and sold smoothies and cakes, and helped visitors play games such as hook a duck and lucky dip. This gave them valuable experience in communication, handling money and practising being in a customer service role.
Former learners Gregor, Matthew and Toby were delighted to return to be part of the event, and were welcomed back with open arms by their excited friends who enjoyed catching up with them. Matthew’s mum Isabelle Garnett said: “There are some fantastic teachers here and Matthew loves the school. It means the world to me to see him so happy again, it is a very special day”. Toby presented the annual Toby Salter Cup award to the student with the best manners which went to Alex Bigsby.
One performer who lit up the stage was Tom Walker, who has been at the school for a year and made his first appearance on stage as he sang and played the drums having introduced the performance over the microphone. His mother Annie Hargreaves said: “I have really enjoyed watching Tom perform. We have seen a big difference in him since he came to LVS Hassocks as he has improved so much and really blossomed. He has grown in confidence and matured”.
Academic awards were given out, as well as 100% attendance awards, and presentations to those who will be leaving this summer, on a day which showcased the amazing development of learners over the past year in terms of progress, achievement, confidence and wellbeing.
LVS Hassocks raised £690 from the event, with many contributions coming through the ‘Soak The Teacher’ stall. The day was finished by learners emptying buckets of water over the Head of School Terry Kelly and Assistant Head Rachel Smith to raise money and smiles at the same time.
You can view our album of images from Summer Sharing here.