A Q&A with Stormont House School

About Us

Stormont House is a secondary special school (age range 11-17), so all our students have special educational needs and/or disabilities. They also arrive with untapped strengths and talents. It is our mission to address those needs but also to identify and nurture their interests and talents, challenging as well as supporting every student to prepare them for adulthood.  We celebrate the rich diversity of our students, many of whom are neurodivergent and so we approach interactions in a unique way. (Kevin McDonnell, Headteacher)

Which UAL qualifications are you delivering and why were they selected?

We deliver Entry Level 3 Certificate in Art and Design, Level 1 Award in Art, Design and Media, Level 2 Award in Art and Design

We have picked these qualifications as they allow us to plan and deliver a scaffolded curriculum where students gain skills and knowledge at a pace and level that is suited to them.

What are the benefits of delivering these UAL qualifications and how has it supported students learning and progression?

The UAL qualifications have broad specifications which allows plenty of scope for the teacher to plan and deliver as they see fit. With this autonomy teachers are able to create suitable and bespoke projects/curriculums that meet the needs of their students whilst also meeting the requirements to achieve a qualification. For us, having the 3 levels of qualification (Entry Level 3 Certificate, Level 1 and Level 2) means that students can grow in confidence, skill and knowledge as they progress through the qualifications.

What strategies have you found effective in adapting creative arts curriculum to meet diverse learning needs?

Within the Art and Design department we place significant emphasis on fostering creativity and artistic expression. All our students are artists, and through different mediums they learn to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. We aim to create excitement, curiosity, and engagement through practical based lessons and by introducing a range of artists and creative practitioners. Art lessons are carefully sequenced to allow for progression of skills and embedding of knowledge to support those skills. Resilience is key and mistakes are taught to be ‘happy accidents’ as well as opportunities for learning and growth.

How do you incorporate students’ individual interests and strengths into your arts curriculum?

We spend time getting to know our students, and as teachers we aim to be flexible, adaptable, and creative. We are on a learning journey with our students, and we try to ignite a passion in them for lifelong artistic exploration though understanding their interests, their talents, their needs, and their goals. Our curriculum is forever evolving as we respond to individuals and groups of students.

What role do student exhibitions or presentations play in your curriculum, and how do these opportunities contribute to students' engagement and growth?

Students are always proud of their work and progress; whether it be a final piece or the journey they made to that final piece. Displays, Student of the Month and our annual whole school exhibition are ways of celebrating their achievements and enabling them to share success with their peers, teachers, friends, and families.

Can you tell us a bit about what your students hope to do after they finish school and their ambitions for the future?

Most of our students stay at Stormont house after Year 11 for our unique Year 12 experience. This a part time transitional year where students are prepared for full time at college in Year 13. Many of our students go on to study game design, digital media, UAL Level 1 or 2 in Creative Arts and Media and some even A Level Fine Art.