A Special School 

Original version

Simulcast of BBC Two Wales in high definition

BBC Two Wales HD

A Special School

Documentaries

Factual

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 2

BBC One

BBC One Wales

Wales

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

BBC One Wales HD

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

BBC Two Northern Ireland

Simulcast of BBC Two Northern Ireland in high definition

BBC Two Northern Ireland 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

Geraint Rhys Lewis

Aled Llyr

A Special School: Series 2: Episode 1

Episode 1

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

Anything is possible in Britain’s biggest special school. Expect the unexpected.

First day back, first school trip, first meltdown - this is Britain's biggest special school. Heartwarming, humorous and infectiously positive.

Cameras return to capture the reality of life in Britain's biggest special school as staff and pupils push boundaries and challenge misconceptions. There are plenty of laughs and a few tears at a school where every child’s achievement is celebrated.

It's the first day back after the summer holidays in Ysgol y Deri, a school that caters for a wide and diverse range of differently able pupils in Penarth, just outside Cardiff. Headteacher Chris Britten recalls the strain of staying open during the pandemic and looks forward to the school getting its mojo back.

It's also the first field trip of the year for some of the young pupils, and the excitement is palpable. Kai cannot wait to tuck into his huge packed lunch on the beach at Barry Island, but he'll have to wait until the adventurers have conquered Cardiff Castle. As the pupils challenge their fears, so does newly qualified teacher Josh, who's taking a few highly anxious pupils out for the very first time.

Back at school, a sixth former who finds it hard to control his emotions and temper has had an outburst and escaped class. Staff have to act quickly to try to control the situation.

Out in the yard, 13-year-old Grace is having her favourite lesson of the week with assistive technology teacher Lisa Rees-Renshaw. Grace is currently a manual wheelchair user, but with a piece of new technology, Lisa hopes to teach Grace to drive her own electronic chair and perhaps enjoy a little bit of tennis at the same time.

A Special School: Series 2

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A Special School

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