Jody
Jody has thrived within the caring and supportive environment of LVS Hassocks.
Joining the school eight years ago, at a time when the school offered primary provision, Jody has become something of a school ambassador, representing LVS Hassocks at various events and even being interviewed by ITV News for a story about the school.
A keen footballer, Jody plays for Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, which offers sporting opportunities for children with a diagnosis of autism.
“LVS Hassocks has given me so many opportunities.”
“As well as representing the team in matches around Sussex and training at their grounds in Lancing, I’ve also had the opportunity to represent the school at football,” says Jody, who also offers mini coaching sessions for fellow pupils. “I’m absolutely passionate about football – I first started playing when I was two-and-a-half – and I love being able to give students coaching tips.”
Jody’s accomplishments don’t end there. He is currently completing his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, having achieved his Bronze Award last year, and he is also preparing for his forthcoming GCSEs – with his mock exams amply demonstrating how well his studies have been going. Jody has already attained a Level 1 and 2 qualification in home cooking skills, plus a qualification in ITC skills, and he hopes to achieve a grade 4 in is art GCSE. He is also achieving good results in maths and English and is confident of doing well in his final exams.
“For art, I’ve done several paintings as part of my coursework, one of the school and two of the beach, plus I’ve painted portraits of teachers and even a self-portrait,” says Jody, whose pride for LVS Hassocks is immense. He is eager to talk about the number of awards the school has won in recent years, including the Independent Schools Association’s SEND School of the Year Award 2023.
“LVS Hassocks has given me so many opportunities. I feel that had I stayed in a mainstream school environment I would have struggled, because often schools are unable to cope with people with autism. Here, we are in a safe environment, with lovely teachers and staff members. Every morning they will talk to us about how we are feeling, and if we need to leave class to go somewhere quiet to discuss things, we can do that. Teachers here are well able to support the students.”
As Jody prepares for his onward journey into further education, he is keen to emphasise how LVS Hassocks has helped prepare him for the future, from life skills classes, his weekly work experience in the school’s onsite café and shop, to his regular attendance at the local college, where he studies a Level 1 qualification in hospitality and catering.