We were delighted to be invited to Oakleigh School at the end of last term to run a day of Zambian themed workshops. Oakleigh School has an existing link with Choongo Basic School in Zambia, and two of the teachers visited Zambia over the Easter holidays. Our day of workshops on Monday 26th March was in preparation for their visit to Zambia.
Oakleigh School caters for children aged 2 – 11 years who have severe and complex learning difficulties. Some of the children have profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) including sensory or physical needs. Other children have autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and severe learning difficulties (SLD) or PMLD.
The students took part in activities inspired by our time in Zambia and the amazing artifacts we have brought back, many made from reused materials. Students enjoyed getting messy using clay and bottle tops to make mosaics, making Zambian homes in boxes, trying on clothes made from Zambian fabric (chitenge), exploring Zambian artifacts and instruments and listening to Zambian music. In their classes the students also made bunting to decorate their school inspired by the colourful patterned Zambian fabric called ‘chitenge’. The day was finished with a Zambian themed assembly by Emma, the teacher who has built the link with Choongo Basic School.
We had a wonderful day at Oakleigh School, and would like to say a huge thank you to the staff and students for inviting us!
For more information about Oakleigh School and our day there, please visit their website at http://www.oakleighschool.co.uk/index.php/teaching-learning/global-education-blog
