Report for our visit from 23rd February till 27^th February 2026

During the educational visit to London, we had the opportunity to visit several schools and colleges in order to learn about their educational systems and modern teaching methods, particularly those used to support students with learning difficulties. This visit was a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and observe new strategies that can be applied in our schools.

On Monday, February 23rd, we visited Cardinal Vaughan School in Hammersmith. Upon our arrival, we were given a tour around the school to become familiar with its different departments and facilities. The tour was conducted with a group of students who introduced us to the various areas of the school. During the visit, we also communicated with teachers who specialize in supporting students with learning difficulties. They explained the methods used for diagnosing these students and the procedures followed to support their development. In addition, we attended two classes to observe the teaching methods used in the school and how teachers interact with students in general and with students who have learning difficulties in particular.

On Tuesday, February 24th, we visited St John’s Roman Catholic School which supports children with learning difficulties. We began the visit with a tour around the college to explore its facilities and learning environment. During the tour, we observed several educational displays and boards and took photos of them so we could benefit from their ideas in our own schools. We were also introduced to sign language, which is used to communicate with some students, and we were provided with training sheets to help us learn its basics. Moreover, we attended a music therapy session organized by Suffolk Music Therapists, where we learned how music can be used as a supportive educational and therapeutic method. The music therapists also provided us with musical instruments that can be used to apply this method in our own school.

On Wednesday 25^th February, we returned to Cardinal Vaughan School, where we attended several intensive lectures about child protection. These lectures focused on how to deal with different situations related to child protection and the procedures that must be followed to ensure the safety and well-being of students within the school environment. We were also provided with important documents and guidelines explaining the appropriate steps to follow when dealing with different child protection cases

On Thursday 26^th, we visited St John XXIII Catholic Primary School. During this visit, we were given a tour around the school to learn more about the teaching methods used there and the strategies applied when working with students who have learning difficulties. We were also provided with materials and papers related to sign language to help us further understand how it can be used to communicate with students.

On Friday 27^th February, we returned once again to Cardinal School to continue attending classes with teachers inside the classrooms. During these classes, we had the opportunity to  understand the lesson. In addition, the school provided us with several academic books that include various educational strategies and teaching methods designed specifically for students with learning difficulties.

In conclusion, this visit was a very valuable and enriching experience. It allowed us to observe modern educational practices, gain new knowledge, and learn effective strategies that can be applied in our own schools to improve teaching methods and better support students with learning difficulties.

 

Father Mamdouh