The Sybil Elgar Summer Social took place on Sat 23 July 2022. Pupils, students, parents and staff, old friends and new, all got together to celebrate the achievements and see our graduating students off in style. This is always a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved in your children’s lives to get together and enjoy a day of fun and good company. 

Celebrating achievement for over 20 years 

Our summer social has been an annual highlight for many years, come rain or come shine. From covering equipment to keep it dry in a downpour of rain to tying gazebos down to stop them from flying off, we’ve been through it all. 

This year however, was perfect. It was a beautiful sunny day that was brightened up even more by everyone getting dressed up in this year’s theme: ‘Glitter and Shine’!

After a barbeque lunch and social festivities, the event culminated in the graduation ceremony presented by the Mayor of Ealing, followed by student performances and then the legendary Sybil Elgar staff song. This year’s song was: ‘Shiny Happy People’.
 

Why the Summer Social is so important

Transitions make up a big part of the day to day movement within any school. Whether it is starting a new school, switching schools or starting college or university, our autistic pupils and students benefit from extra support to prepare for next steps.

For our pupils and students, there are a number of transitions that happen every day, from waking up to getting ready, coming to school, moving between activities and then going home again. With targeted and consistent strategies, these regular transitions become familiar over time. 

However, there are only a few big changes in a person's life, such as when they graduate. Transitioning to a new college or placement after finishing school can be an anxious time for many of our children and the people who care for them. Whether it is moving to a new home or residential, going to college or starting an apprenticeship, with a person-centered approach to transitions, we aim to make this process much smoother for our young people. 

Effective transitions help us shift attention from one activity or situation to another in a structured way, allowing pupils and students to consolidate and reinforce what they have learnt and helping them move their focus to what is coming next.

This is why we believe the Sybil Elgar Summer Social serves as a key part of the transition process to a new placement, giving them the chance to finalise their learning with us in a meaningful way. 

You can find out more about transitions here. 

Student aspirations - supporting all the way

From small beginnings to greater accomplishments, the journey of each child is celebrated. 

As a school we try to think out of the box to include the preferences of our young people when it comes to making decisions about their future. This means giving them as much opportunity as possible to discover, define and extend their passions. 

The Summer Social is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their skills. All departments can get involved to provide entertainment, including music and dance performances, art and DT decorations and catering. 
 

We couldn’t have done it without you

To everyone who came to enjoy the day we want to say a big thank you. You have contributed greatly to the success of the day by being there and we are grateful for your support. 

It is wonderful to witness the boom in confidence that many students undergo while at our school, allowing them to achieve beyond expectation, go on stage to receive certificates and rewards and be publicly recognised for their achievements. 

Thank you all and see you again next year!