LEAVERS from a Coventry special education school have been treated to motivational messages from city rugby players.
Wasps stars James Gaskell and Phil Swainston visited the Corley Centre, which offers education and support to students with complex social and communication difficulties, to meet Year 11 leavers at their awards dinner.
The rugby players met the students and their friends and family over a fish and chip dinner before answering questions and offering their pearls of wisdom.
Lisa Batch, headteacher at the Corley Centre, said: “The evening was a huge success and everyone who came along said how much they enjoyed themselves.
“James and Phil were absolutely brilliant, the Q&A session was extremely interesting and both spoke about how they keep themselves motivated and there were some great messages for our former students.
“It was a real pleasure to have both James and Phil come along to the event.
“To be supported by a club such as Wasps means a lot to the students and staff of the school.”
Following the Q&A session, the former students’ achievements were then recognised in a special ceremony, in which James Gaskell was given the honour of presenting examination certificates, while Phil Swainston handed out prizes for each subject, as well as the final award of Outstanding Contribution to the School Community to the chair of the Student Council, Tom Siddles.
Lisa added: “The event is a way for everyone to keep in touch, find out how students are doing on their new courses and celebrate the achievements of all our leavers.
“While the youngsters were handed their certificates, I let everyone know the college and school courses they are now attending. It was a really positive event, which reflected the huge successes of this group of young people.
“I am so pleased it went well and that James and Phil were able to come along.”
