RUN OF THE MILL - Ruskin Mill Trust

Following a successful educational visit by
Ruskin Mill Students and Staff down to the West of
England School and College for young people with
little or no sight on the 10th of June 2010, Ruskin Mill
Students, including members of the Student Council,
hosted a return exchange visit by the West of England
School and College on 17th June 2010.
Seven students and four staff arrived at 11am,
were partnered up with a Ruskin Mill College student
each and then taken to sessions to do some peer teaching,
mostly for the next two hours. The sessions included
cooking, green woodwork, third year seminar, living
skills at Horsley Mill, office skills at Ruskin Mill, plant
dying and willow work at the farm shop on Gables Farm.
Here are short reports from students on how they found
working with each other:
‘I felt really impressed and touched by the
challenges that Sioban has to deal with. I wouldn’t be
able to deal with blindness and being in a wheel chair. I
asked how do they keep a positive frame of mind with
those disabilities?’ Richard, 3rd year.
Sioban wrote about the experience:‘I thought
it was really good because it shows you don’t have to put
everything on paper. It shows you can learn lots with
natural materials. It was really nice and relaxing.’
Gemma Rowe (3rd year), wanted to
comment; ‘ It was wonderful. But we need more ramps
and less stairs for people who cannot walk. The wheels
of the wheelchair kept getting stuck’ Her exchange
Ashleigh writes: ‘It was good working with Gemma
in the office and making the menu, and looking at all
the grounds. It was nice and quiet and a wonderful
environment.’
According to Sarah (2nd year); ‘It was good fun
Ruskin Mill College
Run of the Mill ~ Winter 2010
The West of England School and College Visit
and interesting because it tested
my knowledge. I am doing
a level 2 OCN and I had to
explain about plant dying, and
it put me on the spot, but that
was good.’
And from her exchange
student Ashleigh: ‘I liked
Sarah because she is funny and
energetic like me, and likes
sports. She showed me around
the farm, which was smelly
and big and I liked it when she
nearly pushed a boy in a stream!’
Peter (2nd year) reports: ‘I was teaching them about
willow and gave them a go on one of my baskets.
Teaching stuff to other people is fun.’ And from George:
‘A very enjoyable and interesting day. I really enjoyed
being shown around the college.
Tom (2nd year): ‘ I thought it was a very good
day, they enjoyed what I taught them. I taught them
some basket making and talked about harvesting and the
box scheme. I’d like to do it again. One or two of the
students said they were scared about coming before they
arrived.’ And from Stephanie; ‘Everyone made us feel
very welcome, Ruskin is a fabulous place, I’d like to visit
again. Thank you for a great day.
Ricky (3rd year) reports: ‘I was doing cooking
with Ricky. I was a bit nervous because I have never
showed anyone how to cook before. I showed Maria how
to do some jobs. She peeled potatoes and cooked with
me, and then I showed her around. She said she really
enjoyed it. I felt proud of myself. I would love to do it
again.’ His exchange Maria writes: ‘I really enjoyed
visiting Ruskin Mill and working with Ricky. We cooked
fish cakes. He and I ate them whilst the others had
cheese rolls. Mind you they were nice too.’
After the classes, we had a tour for those that
were interested and able and lunch for all in the lovely
new greenwood work shelter at Horsley Mill. The West
of England College hopped back on their mini bus,
having had a taste of what we do at Ruskin Mill and by all
accounts they were very impressed. Another exchange is
on the cards for 2011. Watch this space!
Report by Sam Blomfield
Student Journey Manager
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