| Special
Needs schools in Northern Ireland provide
an excellent support base for children with
learning difficulties and with special educational
requirements. The Planetarium Director has
a particular interest in this field, and under
his leadership, the Planetarium has worked
closely with schools in Newry, Banbridge and
Belfast. The small size of special needs classes
means that much of this work is carried out
on a one-to-one basis, with the class teacher
and classroom assistants helping to deliver
the programme and working with the other class
members. |
| HOW
DOES OUR SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMME RELATE TO
THE CURRICULUM? |
 |
| The
support work offered by the Special Needs
programme presents practical demonstrations
of science principles from the curriculum
which are both interactive and fun. The programme
is run in a similar fashion to that delivered
in the mainstream schools. Extensive use of
props and toys allows the children to explore
many scientific principles in the classroom,
with balanced delivery of scientific content,
but by stimulating interest in how things
work through cause and effect. This may involve
experimenting with balloons, batteries, buzzers
and lights. The child's actions make something
happen, and this can be explained and worked
up as part of constructive play. |
| An
attempt is usually made to incorporate other
skills such as drawing and writing, to provide
a broad-based, curriculum enhancing experience.
All of this work is done in close co-operation
with the class teacher, as their advice and
guidance is invaluable when working with individuals. |
|
ARMAGH
PLANETARIUM, COLLEGE HILL, ARMAGH, BT61
9DB TEL: 028 37523689
© 2003 ARMAGH PLANETARIUM
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