Student Stories
Our students come from varied backgrounds, but most of them have struggled to cope with mainstream education. Once at LVS Hassocks they are supported by excellent pastoral care.
We encourage independence, well-being and healthy lifestyles with pupils learning life skills in and outside of the classroom in a safe and secure environment.
Below are some of their stories.
Thomas
Thomas, currently in Year 11, is looking forward to taking his next step in his educational journey – leaving school to join a local college to study Games Development.
While it is a daunting prospect for any student, Thomas says he is well-prepared for the transition to study in a mainstream environment, to specialise in a subject he loves.
“I’m nervous and busy trying to get as much done here, before I get to college, and I’m doing things, like practising with various software, to help me get ahead.”
Thomas praised LVS Hassocks for supporting him with various issues, including help with burn out. “They are understanding and supportive of sensitive topics,” he says, adding that he is going to miss his friends and teachers.
Laurie
Year 11 student Laurie, joined LVS Hassocks in the final year of secondary education, but in terms of his studies and personal development, this short time at the school has delivered huge benefits and results.
Laurie was a former school refuser, but now enjoys attending classes and is excelling in a subject he loves. With the school’s help, he now looks forward to taking his next steps into college to study catering.
“There is a lot of support here, with two teachers at least in the class at any one time…. There’s also help available outside the class periods, if you need a catch-up lessons or support in non-core subjects”.
Murron & Francis
Children are able to make strong and lasting friendships at LVS Hassocks, with Murron and Francis sharing their story of how they first became friends in Year 7 – through the love of Pokémon.
Now in Year 8, both children are fully immersed in school life, with their favourite lessons being art and English. But Murron has also discovered she has musical abilities, learning to play the keyboard, while Francis, who doesn’t consider himself a sporty person, gets involved in the lunchtime football club.
The Sensory Room is a space both Murron and Francis appreciate having access to. “It’s a good place to go when I feel dysregulated,” explains Murron. “I found in my last school that I was getting blamed for lots of things, whereas here I feel understood.”
Jody
Jody has thrived within the supportive and specialist environment of LVS Hassocks and, as a Year 11 student, he is well-prepared for the next stage in his life journey.
Having achieved numerous qualifications and accolades during his time at LVS Hassocks, Jody is now ready to join a local college to continue his education in a mainstream environment. LVS Hassocks has helped prepare him for this transition, including enabling him to study at the college for a Level 1 & 2 City & Guilds in Catering & Hospitality.
“LVS Hassocks has given me so many opportunities… in a safe and supportive environment, with lovely teachers and staff members.”
Jack
From Duke of Edinburgh Awards to work experience in the onsite school café, Jack enjoys the variety and the opportunities that comes with being a student at LVS Hassocks.
“What I like most about LVS Hassocks is that everyone here is autistic. I feel like we are all on the same page. It’s easy to make friends and meet people with the same interests – I like playing video games and I really enjoy the ITC club.”
Jack adds: “The café is really good too and I like the fact that it keeps adding different things for us to try.”
Sienna-Grace
Sienna-Grace enjoys performing arts and has been delighted with the school’s new drama and dance provision.
She is also taking GCSE art and although Sienna-Grace is only in Year 9, she has already begun her coursework. LVS Hassocks believes it is beneficial for students to begin their GCSE studies a year earlier than in mainstream education, as it gives them more time to prepare.
With student wellbeing always at the forefront of all education strategies at LVS Hassocks, there is no homework. Instead, pupils and their families are free to enjoy time at home without the stress and anxiety that home learning can bring. This enables children, like Sienna-Grace, a keen gymnast, to enjoy activities outside of school.
Fletcher
From making new friends to learning to live more independently, Fletcher believes LVS Hassocks is a great environment for students with a diagnosis of autism. With the school’s specialist provision, including therapy clubs and a sensory room, Fletcher feels he has the support to help him get the most from classes.
Fletcher also enjoys the school’s vast outside space, which includes a horticultural area, and he gives a special mention to his favourite pastime – handling the resident ducks.
“The school does things in a really good way to help you feel more in control, and to help you prepare for the future – from making new friends to learning to live independently in the future,” says Fletcher.