A poorly pupil and a pastoral head have pioneered a new way of learning at Ladybridge High School. Just weeks after he started at the school, Year Seven pupil Hamzah Barbar fractured his right leg in a playground football match. The injury was so severe that he spent three weeks in Manchester Children’s Hospital and spent months with pins in his leg.
Hamzah Barbar with : Head of pastoral care, Janine Baille-Eames Janine Baillie-Eames, head of pastoral care at the school, said: “We had a meeting with Hamzah, his mum and healthcare professionals to discuss the feasibility of him returning to school, but it was decided that it would be very difficult to ensure his safety with his injury.” She sought help from the local authority, who told her they had just started using AV1 robots, and that they would be delighted to loan one to Hamzah. “I was shocked then excited when I found out,” said Hamzah.
“I was also very glad because it meant I could engage in lessons, especially maths and art, which are my favourite subjects. “It also enabled me to communicate and socialize with my friends, despite not actually physically being in school for four months.” The AV1 robot, named Ruby, has a built-in camera that can be moved left, right, up and down.
It enabled Hamzah to read worksheets and text books. Its speaker allowed him to join-in conversations. Whenever he wanted to contribute to lessons, or ask a question, Hamzah could press a button making Ruby’s eyes glow green.
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