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A Special School

Documentaries

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Factual: Disability

Cameras capture the reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school.

For the first time cameras capture the reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school, pushing boundaries and challenging misconceptions.

Series 1

A Special School 

BBC One

Simulcast of BBC One Wales in high definition. From 29/01/2013

BBC One Wales HD

BBC One Wales

Wales

BBC Two England

England

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

Iwan Rheon

Ffion Humphries

Aled Llyr

Geraint Rhys Lewis

A Special School: Series 1: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Two - A Special School, Series 1, Episode 2

Anything is possible in Britain’s biggest special school. 

The reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school where anything is possible - extreme sports, defying the odds of medicine and a big Christmas tree. 

Working at Ysgol y Deri, Britain’s biggest special school, is one of the most emotionally demanding jobs in the teaching profession, but the rewards are enormous. This compelling observational documentary series shows what’s possible when boundaries are pushed while educating children and young people with additional learning and physical needs.

Headteacher Chris Britten says, 'When I first came into the special sector, people told me a lot about what children and young people couldn’t do. I’ve always wondered what they might do.' Through sheer determination Chris Britten and his positive team of staff have shattered previous misconceptions.

Rebecca Jones has a class of eight competitive, autistic boys, each with their own individual needs. Ethan likes to answer the school’s telephone, and every day, he’ll stand and stare at the phone until it rings. Rebecca has a plan to make sure he’s settled and able to start learning and playing.

Fifteen-year-old Luke, who likes watching documentaries and discussing religion, was born with a hole in his brain 'like a doughnut' Luke says, 'but I have sprinkles on mine'.  Schizencephaly is a rare condition that has left Luke with long-term physical health problems. He is a very intelligent young man, and mum Lowis describes Luke’s frustrations of being trapped in a body that doesn’t function. Ysgol y Deri is his lifeline and with voice-generating software, teachers are helping him to express his emotions. Communicating via computer he says, 'I hate it when people patronise me, especially when people talk to me like a baby. It makes me feel hurt and uncomfortable. There are some people who don’t patronise me - my mum, my family, my school staff and my friends - who accept me for who I am. It makes me feel humble.'

A viewing experience that will leave you smiling, laughing and crying. This is more than just a school, this is A Special School.

A Special School: Series 1

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

For the first time cameras capture the reality of life in Britain’s biggest special school, pushing boundaries and challenging misconceptions. 

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A Special School

Series 1

Episode 2

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