Worthing Updates
So much has been happening this spring at Red Balloon Worthing! Read on to see what the staff and young people have been up to!
Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day happens each year on 1st March. Zero Discrimination Day acts as a catalyst for positive change in schools and communities with global campaign promoting diversity, tolerance, and inclusion. It is a day to embrace our differences and stand united against all forms of discrimination, to make a world where every child, regardless of their background, is accepted. We chatted about how every one of us is unique, with different strengths, interests and skills.
The symbol for Zero Discrimination is the butterfly, widely recognised as a sign of transformation and hope. Learners used the butterfly symbol as inspiration for delicious cakes and beautiful bracelets!
Careers Event
we held a Careers event where local professionals volunteered their time to come and talk to the learners and parents/carers at the East Worthing Community Centre.
A range of careers were represented, including emergency services, a solicitor, HR advisors and a midwife.
This event was received so well by learners and parents/ carers. Lots of our learners now have some new ideas of paths they might like to follow in the future.
The learners were great at engaging with everyone and showed just how confident they have grown within social situations.
We are very grateful to everyone who donated their time and expertise!
In the Centre
World Book Day
Thursday 6th March was also World Book Day. Learners were given the opportunity to come in to the Centre dressed up as their literary heroes. The staff also chose to dress up!
Favourite books included: Dogman, Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Matilda and The Wizard of Oz.
Pancake Day
Learners had great fun making pancakes!
This started the great pancakes debate- which are better – American fluffy thick pancakes or English thin crepe-like pancakes?
English pancakes won on their “flip-ability”.
Bikeability Training: Empowering Our Learners with Essential Cycling Skills
our learners embraced the opportunity to participate in the government’s national cycle training programme—Bikeability. This initiative equips cyclists with practical skills and vital road safety knowledge, ensuring they feel confident and prepared to cycle safely for life.
The programme consisted of two sessions. The first session, which took place at Brooklands Park, Lancing, prioritized safety, emphasizing the importance of being visible, as outlined in the Highway Code. Learners were introduced to essential bike maintenance techniques, including the ABC (Air, Brakes, and Chain) checks, and proper helmet adjustments. They also honed their awareness of road dynamics, such as sharing the road responsibly, identifying hazards, making frequent observations, signaling effectively, and understanding road priorities.
our learners embraced the opportunity to participate in the government’s national cycle training programme—Bikeability. This initiative equips cyclists with practical skills and vital road safety knowledge, ensuring they feel confident and prepared to cycle safely for life.
The second session offered a hands-on, two-hour cycling experience on local roads. On a sunny, idyllic day for riding, participants began with a safety recap and an interactive quiz. They then practiced start-and-stop techniques, safe overtaking of stationary vehicles and oncoming traffic, navigating junctions, and adhering to road signs, signals, and markings. The session concluded with a scenic ride along the promenade, weaving through pedestrian areas, main roads, and cycle lanes. This practical journey gave learners a comprehensive understanding of real-world cycling scenarios. We are incredibly proud to share that six learners successfully completed the training, earning the prestigious Level 2 Bikeability certificate and badge.
Congratulations to all participants—safe and confident cycling is now a skill they can carry with pride throughout their lives!
Task Master Returns: Cultivating Creativity and Confidence
After the success of the first Task Master learners participated in a second round of Task master with all new tasks to try.
Learner’s abilities to think about tasks from different perspectives both inside and outside of the box really works well with task master and it is great to see the confidence boost that his provides.
Building on the success of last term’s Task Master, learners enthusiastically participated in a second round featuring an array of fresh, innovative challenges. This exciting activity was designed to foster creative problem-solving, quick thinking, and the ability to follow instructions—all while navigating absurd and unpredictable scenarios.
Learners were divided into teams, with each group tackling a series of challenging tasks. These activities pushed participants to think outside the box, develop inventive solutions, and make decisions swiftly within set time limits. The unpredictable and often humorous nature of the tasks encouraged learners to adapt to changing circumstances and confront unexpected challenges head-on. This not only made the experience enjoyable but also sharpened their ability to remain resourceful under pressure.
Collaboration was at the heart of the event, as teams worked together and interacted constructively. It was inspiring to see the confidence boost this activity provided, especially as learners began to recognise and celebrate the unique advantages of their neurodiversities.
