Music, art and Japanese culture took centre stage at a series of creative workshops for students at Trent View College in Scunthorpe.
Dancing Tiger Scrapstore, a creative and community hub based in the town, delivered the workshops along with Humber Taiko, which develops and promotes Japanese style taiko ensemble drumming.
The creative workshops came about thanks to the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, which has been supporting the development of a working relationship between Dancing Tiger Scrapstore and Trent View College.
Dancing Tiger specialises in delivering activities and workshops using unwanted materials. The workshops delivered by Directors Lucy Hewes and Lillie Allen to students with special educational needs aimed to harness their creativity and confidence, incorporating music, art and Japanese culture.
Communication and teamwork skills were all integral parts of the sessions, which were designed to support and develop the students’ readiness for work.
“It’s been great to bring together Dancing Tiger and Trent View College,” said Alex Nightingale, Enterprise Coordinator at the Careers Hub, part of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
“Supporting SEND students (special educational needs and disabilities) has been a Careers Hub focus this academic year, and the workshops are another example of how the business community has begun to work more collaboratively with SEND across Greater Lincolnshire.
“We knew the workshops would give the students the opportunity to try something different and develop their skills, and they once again showcased the value business can bring to the SEND community.”
Trent View College is a specialist centre for learners with special educational needs. The workshops focused on the students who need the most support with communication and confidence, and the sessions also encompassed Japanese culture to link with the taught curriculum.
The directors of Dancing Tiger Scrapstore are hoping to work with Trent View students more in future and offer them voluntary opportunities and potentially work experience.
“Sourcing work experience placements for students with SEND has always been a challenge, and this working relationship will provide some students with an additional opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Alex.
One student from Trent View College commented: “I have really enjoyed the two workshops, which have allowed me to showcase my creativity working in a team while trying something new and different. I feel like it’s developed my confidence and communication too.”
The Careers Hub is funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Humber Outreach Programme.
