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Individual Motor Skills Programmes for pupils with D.C.D. at Perth Grammar School

Why was this partnership activity necessary - concerns, aims, difficulties etc?
In August 2000 in consultation with mainstream staff, Support for Learning staff, parents and Occupational Therapy staff, it was agreed that we had a number of pupils with significant difficulties with motor skills and with organisation and planning skills, who require additional support in order to make progress in the curriculum. Their difficulties were evident in all areas of the curriculum and it was hoped that by addressing their individual needs, we could develop the particular skills relating to their DCD difficulties as well as impact on their self-esteem, concentration and behaviour.

Where does this partnership operate?
Perth Grammar School

When does this work happen?
A pilot with 4 pupils was organised over a period of 6 weeks in the form of 4x15 minute exercise sessions each week. These sessions took place before school and the pupils received breakfast afterwards in the school canteen.

How does the scheme work? How is it maintained, sustained and evaluated?
Bridgid Duthie, APT SEN and Dave McCaw, PT Guidance teacher implemented the pilot. Evidence in the form of video recording of motor skills, teacher, parent and pupils questionnaires, self-esteem questionnaire, and sample of handwriting was used to evaluate the effectiveness and success of the pilot. Improvements in fine and gross motor skills, organisation and planning, self-esteem, concentration and behaviour were evident to varying degrees in each case.

What are the benefits? What difference does this partnership make?
The successful pilot enabled a bid for funding to be made to broaden the project to include a larger group of pupils. In 2001/2002 approximately 30 pupils took part in individual exercise programmes during lunchtimes and the project was extended to 12 weeks, with a 6 week gap in the middle to enable pupils to consolidate new skills. Again positive results reflected improvements as the pupils achieved their targets and developed new skills, to support the value of the exercise programmes.

3.4 Perth Grammar School, Perth