SEN Deep Learning Day (DLD) 3: Fireworks

Our fourth and final Deep Learning Day of this half-term was on the Gunpowder plot and fireworks!

We started the day using the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform’s (BERR) fireworks resource pack, which was really useful.

In it there is a wealth of stuff on the gunpowder plot, which we started off with, followed by firework safety and care which took up the rest of the day.

We also managed to bring in some maths by making rockets from decorated cylinders and cones, and, with some carefully attached dowel and string from technology, each student had a personalised rocket each to take home.

I was amazed by the manner in which the story of Guy Fawkes brought the group to life; they loved the part about the torture especially!

It was another really successful day. Making the rockets was a demanding teacher-intensive activity, but a worthwhile one.

At least it meant that some of the young people out on bonfire night had a good understanding about firework safety. Let’s hope other young people with specific needs who wanted to attend a display were also given clear instructions, as there is always a certain amount of danger involved in firework night. Even with our group, who are now informed on the possible dangers involved, there is some worry involved, as some of the chidren (particularly those on the Autistic Spectrum) do not find it easy to transfer these ‘lessons’ into a real context.

So the success of the day will only truly be noted as such when we return from the half-term to an injury-free class!

Our rockets