Whitchurch High pupils with additional needs achieve national recognition through Arts Award

Congratulations are in order for 62 pupils from the Ty Calon Centre at Whitchurch High School in North Cardiff who have graduated with a nationally recognised Arts Award.

Ty Calon provides specialist provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) with an enhanced student/teacher ratio, access to bespoke resources and staff experienced in teaching students with additional needs.

The Arts programme has been delivered by Cardiff Council’s Curriculum Team, The Impairments Team, Passport to the City, and UCAN (Unique Creative Arts Network) Productions.

In its second year, the programme has grown to support over 62 learners across six groups and is designed to ensure every student can participate and succeed at their own level, earning a nationally recognised qualification in the arts.

Image: Cardiff Council

At a university-style graduation ceremony held at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, students wore caps and gowns, speeches were given and official photographs taken, thanks to Passport to the City. As one graduate said: “This has been the best – I’ve had so much fun!!”

Sarah Williams, lead educator at Ty Calon, said: “It’s been such a joy to see the learners open up and express themselves with such joy.”

Paul Morgan, Assistant Headteacher at Whitchurch High School, added: “Being able to collaborate to give our young people these opportunities to excel and to achieve in their own right is invaluable.”