As part of our commitment to inclusion we are marking Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March; celebrating different minds by reflecting upon how we at Norwich High support our students. Neurodiversity Celebration Week helps to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024
In the Prep School, there was a special assembly to help the girls begin to understand terms such as neurodiversity, neurotypical and neurodivergent. Some of the most common types of neurodivergence such as dyslexia, ADHD and ASD were explained. Mrs Roberts, Head of Prep School and Nursery commented: “The girls really understood that these differences in the way our brains work can present some challenges but that they also bring some different abilities, something our parent speakers, Mr Owen Morris and Mrs Charlotte Davey both from Aviva, built on as they talked about the advantages neurodivergence can bring in the workplace. We are also excited to be welcoming author Louise Gooding to speak to us about her books, ‘Wonderfully Wired Brains’ and ‘Just Like Me’.”
In the Senior School, our SEND team sat down with some Senior School students to hear their thoughts about their neurological differences and individual learning styles, and how Norwich High has supported them.
“I joined Norwich High in Year 9. It often takes me longer to make sense of what I read. I know it’s nothing to do with my intelligence. I just learn differently. The staff here help me to keep on top of my homework, coursework and revision. My teachers check that I’ve understood something before they move on. My favourite subject is PE and I love getting involved in all the sport and activities on offer here.”
“I joined Norwich High in the Prep School and am autistic. When I received my diagnosis, it helped me understand more about myself, but my autism is just a part of who I am. I like the size of the classes here because it feels like teachers can get to know me. The teachers here listen to me and don’t judge me. I like that I am able to reach out for support on my own terms because every autistic person and what they need or want is different. There’s a lot of trips and speakers and events through the school year; there’s something going on all of the time. The sciences are my favourite subjects; I’d like to work in something Science related after school and university.”
“I feel that sometimes I have to work harder than other students to get the same results because of my dyslexia. It was harder when I was younger but I’ve got better at knowing what works for me. I don’t need as much support as I did when I was younger. Teachers knowing about my dyslexia means that I get the help I need in lessons. I really enjoy the creative subjects on offer here. I’ve been able to go on a lot of school trips and have seen a lot of interesting places and people. After Norwich High, I’m thinking about university but also apprenticeships. I want to do something creative after leaving school.”