Outreach Open Day – Curriculum Sessions

Science

  • Demonstrate the use of modified apparatus (often cheaply and simply)
  • Provide the opportunity to try on simulation specs in an attempt to understand some of the difficulties which your students may have to overcome.
  • Offer practical advice regarding exams and coursework support.

Music

  • Discuss why we should learn Music Braille
  • Describe how we introduce Music Braille
  • Introduce resources for teaching Braille
  • Provide strategies for KS3, GCSE and A Level
  • Introduce sequencing using Sonar with screen-reading software
  • Demonstrate using Sibelius with screen-reading software
  • Provide useful contacts

PE

  • Discuss inclusion for PE at KS3
  • Demonstrate adapted games
  • Discuss the long term health considerations of VI students and its impact on the PE lesson
  • Discuss how to assess in terms of national curriculum
  • Share contacts links, and resources.
  • Practical session of lesson adaptation.

Delegates need to be aware this session is an active session so PE kit or active wear is required.

Braille

  • Learn to track successfully along a line and find out which is your optimum reading hand
  • Learn that spaces and gaps are just as important as the dots in learning Braille
  • Learn a range of tactually contrasting signs
  • Do pre-Braille and pre-reading exercises
  • Read some Braille 'gobbledegook'
  • Read your first Braille word by touch
  • If there is time, read your first Braille sentence
  • Experience your first 2 lessons in reading Braille by touch.

All the above will be related to how to teach a beginner from scratch. You do not need any previous knowledge of the Braille Code or of teaching.

Geography

  • Discuss how to adapt resources for the classroom and exams
  • Offer practical advice and support
  • Discuss how students can access work
  • Sessions are adapted to individual questions and issues

Mathematics

  • Discuss how to prepare Mathematics in Print and Braille
  • Demonstrate how to use equipment
  • Discuss how to prepare diagrams
  • Discuss issues related to exams
  • Answer any individual questions

Independent Living Skills

  • Demonstrate a range of techniques for supporting learners development of independent living skills
  • Demonstrate the use of a range of equipment to assist with identification of products and settings on appliances
  • Discuss how individual students can adapt their environment
  • Provide the opportunity to try out a variety of techniques and equipment
  • Share good practice and contacts for external links

Art

  • Provide the opportunity to exchange ideas and concerns
  • Offer advice on how a visually impaired student can gain access to GCSE, AS and A Level courses
  • Show examples of work produced across the age ranges
  • Consider some of the practical implications of teaching art to children and young people with a visual impairment

IT

  • Spontaneous/informal IT “clinic” with advice/solutions where possible
  • Hands-on screen reader software
  • Teaching tips & strategies for efficient keyboard shortcuts
  • Braillenote overview leading to discussion
  • Introduction to Duxbury Braille Translator and Embossing

Mobility

  • Delegates choosing this session will be contacted individually to understand what they would like to cover
  • Sessions can either be a practical session covering basic mobility guidance techniques or a discussion based covering individual cases and concerns