SENSE

(The following information is provided by the school.)

Background

SAHK B M Kotewall Memorial School is an aided special school for primary and secondary students with physical disability or multiple disabilities.

In line with the values and mission of SAHK, the school has adopted the principles of “Conductive Education” (CE) and "Invitational Education" (IE) to provide quality education to our students who are physically disabled or have multiple disabilities, due to neurological impairment or other factors.  The school arranges all kinds of activities and has developed a physical setting for students to develop their potentials, to achieve comprehensive growth, to become good citizens, to integrate and contribute to the community, through a systematic integration of education and therapy.

The school’s teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, social workers, nurses, health workers, educational psychologist and other support staff form a trans-disciplinary team.  By way of trans-disciplinary collaboration, the school implements the concepts of CE and IE to support students’ growth.

 

Highlights

A Cherished Highlight – Sport for All 

The school has been proactively implementing “Sport for All” in recent years.  In order to boost self-confidence and encourage a positive and optimistic attitude to life, the school engages students, parents, teachers and staff to do physical activities for optimal health and to make sport part of the daily routine.

In order to encourage students to do more physical exercise, the school provides many opportunities for students to do exercises throughout the school day.  Two methods are used for the daily morning exercises: stretching exercises that all students can participate in and smaller group exercises.  Group exercises align students to a specific type of physical activity that matches their ability and capability, such as wheelchair skills training, balance training, rope skipping training, step training and breathing training among others.  Moreover, students will do exercises between lessons.  These inter-lesson exercises are designed by the specialists.  Implementing simple and progressive stretching exercises into lessons can enhance students’ learning.

To cultivate a habit of doing regular exercise and making good use of leisure time, students can ride bicycles and use the interactive floor in the hall during lunch break. Physical education teachers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists work collaboratively to provide a specially designed curriculum and tools for students to embrace the physical challenges and to enjoy doing exercises.

The school provides suitable trainings for students with different abilities and needs.  For example, weight management, horseback riding and water sports (among many others).  These activities can improve students’ physical condition and provide them with a path to integrating into the society.

In addition, the school works with The Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled to provide trainings for students who have potential to participate in various competitions.  The school also holds trainings for students who are interested in running a marathon.

The school holds diversified activities for students, parents, teachers and staff, and provides ample opportunities for students to engage in sporting activities.  The inter-house competitions include sitting volleyball, triathlon, e-sports and world cup themed games.  The school forms a soccer club as well.  The school Sports Day also includes a wide range of athletic activities.  Various track events such as the 800 meters race and inclusive family games are some of the regular features.

The school invites parents, teachers and school staff to participate in the annual marathon as participants or support runners.  In addition, the school arranges the annual “Be good to yourself” activity, where a number of sports facilities are available for staff with the twin aims of enjoying sport together and building a team spirit.