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18th June 2010 To whom it may concern, Open Testimonial on behalf of Dr. Stephan Natynczuk. Stourminster School is a large special school that is responsible for the education of 120 young people who have a ‘Statement of Special Educational’ need. Whilst all the students have Cognitive Learning Difficulties, they all have additional complex needs ranging from ADHD to ASC and from BESD to communication related issues. And invariably their social situation and their emotional vulnerability produce complex and challenging behaviours that impact significantly into their ability to access their educational entitlement. There has been a considerable increase in the numbers of such children being referred to Stourminster who have had considerable difficulties accessing their learning entitlement through traditional schooling. Stephan has worked effectively with us since 2005, creating bespoke and personalised programmes that have forged positive relations with these very complex and hard too reach students, using his professional skills and knowledge of outdoor education as a medium for his therapeutic work to great effect. Due to the significant increase in students who require alternative-learning approaches linked with the effectiveness of Dr. Stephan Natynczuk and his team our use of his organisation has been increased significantly over the years. I have worked with complex Special Education Needs for over 35 years and it is without a doubt that Stephan and his team leave other providers way behind, he is at the cutting edge of the work with such youngsters and fully committed to improving their outcomes and experiences. I have every confidence in Dr. Stephan Natynczuk in his ability to respond professionally with flexibly and creativity to the changing needs of today’s youngsters. Therefore, it is without hesitation or reservation that I can recommend him and his organisation to you as a provider of the highest quality personalised outdoor adventure education. Yours sincerely Ian Hardicker Headteacher. 8th June 2011 Open Testimonial on behalf of Mother. F has always had difficulties in the realms of schooling, often labeled a 'naughty boy'. Many children did not understand F and he struggled with the relationships and social settings. At the age of 9, F was taught completely alone with a TA and was not included in school activities at all. At the age of 11, F was excluded from his special-education school, from there he met with My Big Adventure. Here he found skills he never knew he had, rock climbing fast became his domain and we saw positive changes in his behaviour. F made very strong relationships with the guys, each teaching him new skills, and not just sport skills, social skills and the confidence to believe in relationships and most importantly himself. F has now been placed into a residential school that will hopefully nurture these skills. His time at My Big Adventure has enabled him to manage this transition very well. |
Case Study
The naughtiest boy in year 9.
Can you do something with him?
The naughtiest boy in year 9.
Can you do something with him?
'R was a bright but disaffected pupil at risk, lacking direction and an outlet for his considerable energy. R joined me for a week's residential work experience and consequently took up rock climbing, something he then developed to winning competitions and climbing at an international standard.
Channeling his talents for positive outcomes has led R to considerable successes in life including a place at Oxford University.'