Empowering our SEN Learners w/ Ail Durban and Tamaryn Yatu

How do we EMPOWER our SEN learners?

What if by accomodating for their unique needs, we were able to create a more student-centered environment for ALL learners?

Provided alternative methods of assessment. Allowed for hands-on projects. Built learning around common themes. Emphasized life skills as much as academic ones.

That's exactly what founder Ali Durban and Head Teacher Tamaryn Yatu have assembled at Gesher School; a through way school for children from ages 4-16 with mild to moderate needs. In this episode, we learn as student-centered practitioners:

• How to design and build more inclusive environments
• How to design learning experiences that engage and ignite our diverse learners
• The science behind neurodiverse learners and their needs
• How to assess learning that moves beyond paper/pencil tests
• How to create student-centered environments that create JOY and empowerment

Connect with Ali on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-durban-6228233/

Connect with Tamaryn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaryn-yartu-b5074751/

Learn more about Gesher: https://gesherschool.com/ Access their database of projects: https://gesherschool.com/school-life/projects/

Pre-Order "Where is the Teacher: The 12 Shifts for Student-Centered Environments." www.transformschool.com/whereistheteacher

Take the 12 shifts Scorecard: www.transformschool.com/12shiftsmastermind

Ali's Bio: Ali Durban is a parent and co-founder of Gesher, an all-through school designed especially for children who are differently able and who learn differently. Gesher School has been awarded Ofsted outstanding twice since it opened in 2017. Ali is also the founder of the Gesher Assessment Centre, which offers a bespoke multi-disciplinary assessment, diagnosis and report service for children and young people who may have ADHD, Autism or a range of varying learning differences. Ali's journey from exhausted SEND parent to co-founder of a thriving school community has transformed her into a ringleader for system-wide transformation. Ali currently chairs a SEND council for the Foundation of Education Development which is creating a 10-year plan and vision for UK education. Ali also sits on the Education Council for the Autism Centre of Excellence. Gesher School welcomes you to register for The Bridge, Gesher's professional journal for the learning and continuous development of schools and staff.

Tamaryn's Bio: Tamaryn is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, where she completed a Bachelor of Education Foundation Stage and worked within a specialist environment catering for children with a range of learning differences and a focus on early intervention. Tamaryn has always had a passion for teaching as inclusively and creatively as possible and therefore moved to London to explore different learning environments within this specialist field. As a SEND specialist, Tamaryn hs honed her skills over the years to support inclusive practice within several schools both locally and internationally. Through a transformative education approach, I have used Project Based Learning and dynamic learning designs to create innovative and purposeful curriculum programmes.

Tamaryn has been a part of the Gesher journey since the very beginning, and became Headteacher at Gesher in April 2021. She planned and oversaw the school's move to a new site alongside the Governors, staff and various external organisations, including 'planning learning spaces' as we evolved into the secondary phase. A big part of this work included the development of our learning spaces to deliver our authentic hands-on curriculum for our students while meeting a range of needs. This year my focus will be to continue to develop the school's provision alongside my new co-head while we work to make a systemic change in the education system through sharing best practices and advocating for our students.