An 18-year-old Deaf student from London has moved hundreds of miles to Doncaster to experience a specialist education.
Sudio Suodi was a residential pupil at Doncaster School for the Deaf before starting her college journey at Communication Specialist College Doncaster (CSCD).
The student, who has been studying at CSCD for one and a half years, chose the residential college in Doncaster she knew that she would have lots of support from staff who are deaf aware and use British Sign Language.
Sudio said: “I like the size of this college. Large colleges can feel overwhelming and CSCD is the perfect size for me.
“The residential setting is great, and I was used to living onsite from being a school residential pupil.”
Sudio is studying a Health, Education and Social Studies qualification – level 2 certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce along with English and Maths.
“I like learning new things, especially information about child development and psychological theories such as Freud. I have enjoyed learning about how the mind/brain can influence development and behaviour and how other external factors can influence behaviour.
“I would like to do a job that helps young people who live in residential care homes like Dickson House where I stayed.
“My favourite thing about living at college is that I feel comfortable, and I have staff that I can talk to for support.”
The qualification that Sudio is studying is designed to help learners to build the knowledge and skills needed to work with children and young people from birth to 19 years of age.
Sudio’s tutor, Lisa Booker, said: “Sudio is a great student. She is learning about a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in children’s environments including early years and social care. It is as great course for people who wish to work in a supervised role in the Children and Young People’s Workforce in England.
“The course covers a wide range of units, 13 in total, which include topics such as equality and inclusion, safeguarding, child development, partnership working, building positive environments, and encouraging positive behaviour.
“Our students enjoy the opportunity to go on work experience in real life settings and learn to develop their skills and knowledge in these settings. They also enjoy the varied nature of the theory topics that they cover.
“We work hard to ensure that the resources and delivery are adapted to meet the specific needs of each student. It is always extremely rewarding when a student completes this qualification as it is such a large qualification and I love to see them using their skills and knowledge whilst on work experience.”
Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust who manage CSCD said: “It is fantastic to see how well Sudio has done at college. She has grown with in her learning and her confidence during her time with us.
“With our specialist support Sudio has become more independent and has recently moved off campus and into the community with the support of our team. Sudio will continue to get support from Doncaster Deaf Trust and Doncaster Council and via our links with the Doncaster deaf community.”
