The Pathways department at Aquinas College provides specialist educational opportunities for teenagers working towards Entry level and Level 1 qualifications. It focuses on developing independence skills and preparing the students for life after college.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Upon discovering Pathways, I was determined to work with the students and involve them in mainstream activities. I therefore decided to organise a dance class that they could come to every Wednesday lunchtime to learn new skills and express their emotions. Setting this up required effective communication with teaching staff; securing a suitable performance space; and, choreographing routines that were accessible to all participants. 

​​

10-12 students with various learning and physical difficulties benefited from sessions where we danced to YMCA, You Can't Stop The Beat, and This Is Me. They then had the opportunity to perform these sequences in front of their fellow students in a mini talent show.

​​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​​​​​​

It was amazing to see how happy and confident the members became, especially those that were non-verbal. This experience has inspired me to continue similar work throughout my early career.