Wilnecote School is proud to announce the successful re-launch of its impactful Autism Advocate Course, with the inaugural cohort of students from the Junior Leadership Team and School Council now certified and ready to make a difference.

The pioneering programme, spearheaded by course leader Miss Jones, aims to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment within the school community. Students who completed the weekly sessions have not only gained a deeper understanding of Autism but have also earned a prestigious AQA award in Autism Awareness, alongside certificates from Miss Jones and Headteacher Mr Foskett.

These newly qualified Wilnecote Autism Advocates will serve as crucial points of contact for their peers, offering friendly faces and safe support for students needing help, guidance, or simply a reassuring presence around the school. The comprehensive weekly sessions equipped them with the knowledge and empathy required to become invaluable advocates.

Miss Jones expressed her immense pride in the group’s achievements, stating, “They will all be fantastic Advocates for the school to support students in lessons and around the building.” She elaborated, explaining that the advocates are now equipped to offer peer-to-peer support, assist with social interactions, and help create a more accessible and understanding learning environment for all students. “I look forward to rolling out the course to the wider school from September,” she added, highlighting the ambition to embed this understanding and support system across all year groups.

Echoing this enthusiasm, Mr Herbert, Assistant Headteacher and Senco for the school, commented on the strategic importance of the initiative. “This programme is a powerful testament to Wilnecote School’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity,” he remarked. “Empowering our own students to be advocates for their peers with Autism not only enriches their personal growth but also cultivates a truly empathetic and supportive school culture, ensuring every student feels understood and valued.”

The positive impact of the course is already evident in the feedback from the participating students:

Student Perspectives on the Course:

When asked about their experience, one student remarked, “Great, it has educated me, and I now know how to offer help if needed.” Another added, “I enjoyed it learning about a condition I didn’t know much about,” while a third found it “very useful and eye opening.”

The advocates also shared concrete ways they plan to implement their new understanding. One student highlighted future aspirations, saying, “It will be beneficial if I can go on to teaching and knowing why others may need more support and possibly creating more autism advocates.”

Demonstrating a proactive approach to support, another advocate committed to intervening if necessary: “If people are taking the mick out of someone for a certain action or item, I will attempt to intervene and explain why they might need it so they won’t do it in the future.” A practical application was also cited, with a student keen to ensure continuity: “Seating plan in class if a sub is there, and someone is in the person’s seat, I will make sure they get in their original seat.”

The re-establishment of the Autism Advocate Course marks a significant step forward for Wilnecote School in promoting awareness, understanding, and a truly supportive atmosphere for all its students.