EDUCATION is important for success in the future and at Green Lane Community Special School in Warrington, some old students came back to talk about how they’ve done well in their lives despite facing difficulties. Rory, one of these former students, led the group.
From left to right: Rory, Nicole, William, standing together as proud former students of Green Lane School, inspiring the next generation with their stories of resilience and success.
The event was for Year 10 and 11 students. The goal was to motivate these students and help them believe that they too can achieve great things. Rory, who loves helping people with disabilities and is involved in community projects, was a great role model for the students.
Rory himself was a student at Green Lane Community Special School, and he’s very passionate about encouraging students in the school needs to find work. He understands how hard it can be for people with disabilities to find good jobs. Through his work and public speaking, Rory has become a key figure in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusion.
Rory saw a post on social media from Green Lane Community Special School asking for old students to come back and share their stories. He knew how important these stories could be in motivating the students. So, he helped organise an event where former students could talk about how they found jobs. The idea was to give the students hope and encourage them to discover their own talents and potential.
Lesley Fernyhough, who taught all three former students, Rory, Nicole, and William, was delighted with their growth. She said, “It’s fantastic to see the wonderfully positive, confident adults our former students have grown into. I couldn’t be prouder.”
The event at Green Lane Community Special School was a great opportunity for old students to share their inspiring stories. They talked about their own challenges and how they managed to find jobs. Their stories highlighted the skills and support that helped them succeed. The aim was to inspire the students and make them believe in their dreams.
Former student Rory speaking to students.
Peter Connor, project manager at Macintyre Great Communities, said, “It has been a pleasure to see Rory lead the way on this project. He connected with his old school alongside Nicole and William to share their journeys as people with a learning disability and or Autism into employment. The students in the class were so engaged in the talk and asked lots of questions. It was such a positive experience for all.”
Rory has done more than just this event at Green Lane Community Special School He has taken part in big events like the Think Local Act Personal conference in Manchester, where he impressed over 200 people with his talks. He also supported the Warrington Borough Council’s employment conference and was part of a supported internship program. His involvement in a community project, the Cycling Social Group, shows his determination to create inclusive spaces for everyone.
Lynne Ledgard, Acting Deputy Head at Green Lane Community Special School said: Rory, Will and Nicole were inspirational in the way that they confidently shared their experiences with our current Year 10 and 11 pupils. I am so proud of all that they have achieved, their resilience and their hard work and determination. Our current pupils were enraptured, listening to them talk about their employment journey and were offered practical advice about how to get a job. In particular, I am proud of the resilience they have shown in the face of setbacks. Ultimately, they are a perfect example of what we as a school aim to achieve, which is a confident, successful individual, making a positive contribution to their community.
The event was an inspiring moment that made Year 10 and 11 students believe in their own abilities. Rory’s passion for helping others, combined with his own experiences, made him a fantastic role model. Through their stories, Rory, Nicole, and William showed that with determination and support, anything is possible.
This event showed how committed Warrington is to including everyone in education and giving all students a bright future.
