BBC Wales docu-series A Special School begins airing its second series on Monday, January 16. In the new series, cameras have returned to Ysgol y Deri, Britain’s biggest special education school. For some of the most emotional moments of the first series, read here.
Viewers are set to, once again, be reduced to tears as headteacher Chris Britten breaks down while discussing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the school. Whereas many schools shut shop during the difficult time, Ysgol y Deri in Penarth stayed open.
Filmed in 2021, the new series opens with Chris saying of the pandemic: “It’s the kind of year that makes you wonder whether you should carry on.” After breaking down, he adds that he is happy that life is slowly but surely returning to normal. He recalls how, during one week, some staff worked 90 hours.
Read more: Penarth special school Ysgol y Deri is expanding with new building and 150 extra places
Elaborating on the strain that the pandemic has had on staff, Chris adds: “Lots of us thought about getting through it and then leaving.” Despite this, he thankfully says that the staff “made it” through the hardship.
Elsewhere in the first episode of the new series, excitement levels are high for the first school trip in two years – starting at Cardiff Castle, then on to Barry Island. Rehearsals also begin for the summer play, Aladdin, and deputy head Kerrie Britten informs the students who's playing who.
The episode also sees behaviour support teacher Tom check in with a sixth-former who struggles to control his emotions and temper. Catch A Special School on BBC One Wales at 8.30pm. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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