Spotlight On: Spectrum Project

Monday, September 19th 2016

The Spectrum Project targets service users with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Spectrum aims to increase and develop SEND provision in the areas of sport, leisure and personal development through tailored programs, within special schools and other specialist providers.

The Spectrum Project is designed and planned - as well as being delivered and evaluated – by experienced and qualified specialist teachers from the SEN/disability sector.

The project was shortlisted for the BREAKTHRU Award at this year’s Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards at the House of Commons.

Programme manager, Kris Tavender said: “The nomination and shortlisting for the All-Parliamentary awards is a real testament to the hard work that has gone in from all the coaches, volunteers and service users at the Spectrum Project.

“The fruits of these labours can really begin to be seen now as our community provision in wheelchair rugby, all-abilities basketball and pan-disability football all go live.”

SHORTLISTED: From left, Kris Tavender, Spectrum Project programme manager and Nino Genua, who was shortlisted for Premiership Rugby's Volunteer of the Year at the Parliamentary Awards.

Alongside its sporting delivery, Spectrum also delivers a Disability Journalism Programme (DJP) - a five-week scheme run in full partnership with Bristol Rugby Club for secondary students from special schools and specialist education providers.

The DJP gives students the opportunity to develop game analysis and report writing skills, before participating in an ‘access-all-areas’ Bristol Rugby match-day experience - observing pre-match build-up, interviewing players and posting game updates online through official social-media channels.

The programme is run off-site at Ashton Gate Stadium, and supported by Bristol Rugby and its first team players.

Sessions are prepared and delivered by experienced and qualified specialist teachers, providing appropriate differentiation and support at an individual level.

For more information on any of Spectrum's provision, please email programme manager, Kris Tavender at ktavender@bristolrugby.co.uk