Malvern College pupil wins Independent Schools Award

07 Jan 2014

Many congratulations go to Malvern College pupil Sibyl Beaumont on successfully winning the Independent Schools Award for ‘Special Needs Initiative of the Year’. This fantastic achievement recognises Sibyl’s achievements in designing and developing a series of textured, multi-layered maps that students with impaired sight can feel and interact with for The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford, in response to their expressed need for additional teaching resources.

Dr Holroyd, who coordinates the volunteering initiative at the RNC said: “Sibyl is an extraordinary young person who understands very well what it means to struggle and overcome challenges and discrimination in the educational process”. Miss Shales, Sibyl’s tutor and D&T teacher who has supported Sibyl throughout, added, “In spite of being dyslexic, she has fought to achieve high standards in all aspects of her own education.”

“Accessibility is key to successful learning,” said Sheila Tallon, RNC Principal. “For our students, having access to a variety of tools and methods generates a positive classroom experience and enables a greater academic understanding whatever the eye condition. Working with Malvern College continues to be of benefit to both sets of students.”

The teaching aids have been used at The RNC, where they have been so successful that she has been asked to use the same techniques to create a map of the new College campus.

“The judges were very impressed by Sibyl’s work,” said Andrew Maiden, Events Organiser, “She is clearly a role model for young people and we expect great things of her in the future too.”

Sibyl will complete her A level in Design and Technology next summer, and would like to continue with the subject into higher education.

 

Photo : Left to right: John McCarthy CBE, Sibyl Beaumont and Roy Blackwell, Chairman, Independent Schools’ Pension Scheme Pensions Cttee