This week has been Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Mrs Smyth launched the week in assemblies and pupils have been learning about neurodiversity in form time. The SEND team have enjoyed seeing the brains that Lower School pupils have created and brought down to the study centre!
On Monday lunchtime, we welcomed back writer and historian Simon Jarrett to KEHS. As a KES alumnus, he gave a fascinating talk to a crowd of staff and pupils on the perception and treatment of mental disability throughout history; from the pertinent and integrated presence of the so-called ‘idiot’ in 18th century cartoons, to the horrific realities of eugenics and institutionalised care in the 20th. Most interestingly, perhaps, was his point on what History can teach us about acceptance; we might naturally think of societies before us as regressive or resistant to difference, but there is, really, much we can learn from the generally unquestioned acceptance of those with learning disabilities in 18th century families and communities. It was an important reminder, and a perfectly historical start to a week of looking toward bettering present support for neurodivergent conditions. We’d like to extend a massive thank you to Simon Jarrett for giving up his time to come speak to us; if you’d like to learn more about this topic, you can check out his book Those they called idiots: the idea of the disabled mind from 1700 to the present day from Senior Library.
On Tuesday lunchtime, four neurodivergent pupils shared their experiences of school and lessons with teachers. They explained strategies that that they find effective and supportive, and were very brave taking questions from teachers. Many members of staff attended, who gave really positive feedback and found the session so useful.
We hope that everyone had the opportunity to show their support for Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
