Bassett House has celebrated the launch of a unique community partnership with Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre
Pupils, parents, ponies and stable staff celebrated the official launch of a community partnership between Bassett House School and Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre (WSPC). Bassett House children in Years 5 and 6 are now enjoying riding lessons and ‘living curriculum’ classes at WSPC, just a few minutes away from their school.
As well as learning to ride – on both real and mechanical horses – the pupils are finding out about all aspects of horsemanship, including caring for and grooming ponies. Bassett House is also using this opportunity to take learning out of the classroom, so rather than a biology lesson in school pupils are studying animal science and physiology in the Centre’s dedicated learning centre.
The school’s support for the WSPC helps to ensure its long-term viability. The much-loved west London charity, which was founded in 1989 and is an RDA school, provides riding opportunities and equine therapy to students with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. It also offers riding and other horse and pony care activities to members of the local community.
The official ribbon at the celebration event was cut by Bassett House Head Kelly Gray and WSPC’s Founder and CEO Sister Mary Joy Langdon. “We are so grateful for this community connection with Bassett House School. Long may it last and develop,” says Sister Mary. “There is so much more than riding here, so much for young people to gain from coming to the Pony Centre.”
Kelly Gray spoke of the “precious experiences” that Bassett House pupils are having at WSPC – their commitment to community service as well as the thrill at being with the horses and learning to ride. She also touched on the wellbeing aspects of the pupils’ experience. As WSPC is a registered equine therapy centre, children are taking part in therapeutic exercises during their riding lessons designed to enhance their wellbeing.
As for the pupils of Bassett House, they are in pony heaven, with regular opportunities to ride and engage with the wonderful equines of WSPC and understand more about this community charity’s vital work. One parent has commented that her daughter didn’t draw breath for about an hour describing the grooming, the riding and a pony called Magic. Another pupil said simply: “I have had my best day at Bassett yet!”
Bassett House School bassetths.org.uk
To find out about the SEN work of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, visit wormwoodscrubsponycentre.org.uk
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