SEN Inclusion Service

What the Future Holds: Life Beyond Secondary School

Lee Mitchell has been supported by our service throughout his education at both a mainstream primary school and a mainstream secondary school over the past twenty years. We asked Lee to write a short piece for us about his time at secondary school and what life has been like for him since he left. This is what he had to say:

My name is Lee Mitchell I am 23 years old and I live at home with my mum and dad and dog Ola. I went to Drumragh Integrated College for secondary school. I was there for five years. My favourite subjects were Technology, Drama, Art and Cookery. The

hardest subjects were History and Science. I had a classroom assistant called Maura and she helped me if things when things were difficult for me. Sometimes I found it hard to

follow instructions and Maura would bring me to a quiet space and help me to understand what I needed to do. I still go back to Drumragh every Christmas and have my Christmas dinner and see the staff.

When I finished in Drumragh college I went to Arvalee Special School for two years and then I went on to the South West college in Omagh to do the STEPS Programme. This is my last year in STEPS.

I also do lots of other activities.

On Monday nights I go to Skyzdalimit Drama Group. Every year we put on a show in the Strule arts centre in Omagh. Our last show was the Lion King and my character was Banzai the hyena. On Fridays I go to the gym. I am also a volunteer with the Saturday club in Omagh and on Sundays I sometimes do the Bible reading in church.

Left: Lee working hard in Technology class to make a table. Above: Lee’s finished coffee table

I am a member of Omagh Spires Special Olympics Club. Last year I went to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics World Games and I won two gold medals for horse-riding. My ambition is to get to go to the next World games which will

be in Germany and win some more medals for swimming

By Lee Mitchell

We are very proud of Lee and all our school leavers and what they have achieved during and since their time with us. Work hard, follow your ambitions and never give up. Life is full of opportunity and adventure!