Work Experience at Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children (FBS) - by Nathan 

On 5th December 2025, I visited a Deaf school for the first time with Louise, my Teacher of the Deaf, called ‘Frank Barnes School’ in London. I met Dani Sive, the Headteacher of Frank Barnes School and we discussed me being a volunteer in the school because when I finish college, I want to become a sports coach or a PE teacher for Deaf children as I want to provide a positive role model for them. I had never experienced, or known what the environments are like in a Deaf school, especially with full BSL communication. I was therefore intrigued to experience this new environment and how it would help me to understand how to 

deliver a session with the right adaptations for children to meet their needs when I become a sports coach / PE teacher.

Monthly visits

I go there once a month on the last Friday of the month (March to July 2026) and I assist with various classes, Nursery or years 2 - 6 wherever they require extra support to help them to run their lessons smoothly. I also went with staff and children to the swimming centre, and the staff and I had responsibility to ensure that we were keeping them safe, which taught me about health and safety with children, especially with walking across the roads and making sure that the car or cyclist stopped while they were walking across.

When we arrived at the swimming centre, I was required to be a BSL communicator for a swimming instructor in one of the groups and that is where I was in my element, as I translated what he said, with some demonstrations; for example, freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. I was pleased with the way that I delivered my demonstrations to the children as they understood and performed better than they had before, which showed me that I have the skills to become a sports coach / PE teacher.

What is FBS like?

FBS is an incredible, inspiring and inclusive school for Deaf children and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a school for their child. This school provides multiple activities and opportunities for them to explore different hobbies, or develop new skills, which completely blew my mind! They also have many events and trips to learn interesting and creative subjects, especially a recent sleepover at school which made me smile so much, as it shows how the children physically enjoy being at school, and are fully ready to learn new things.

Why I want to be a role model for younger deaf children

I want to be a role model for younger deaf children because I had been told that I could not play sports due to my deafness, but that has not stopped me from achieving my goals, or continuing to participate in the hobbies that I adore. I do not want that same situation to impact other young deaf children and I hope they will feel confident, believe in themselves and know that they can succeed at school, make friends especially with hearing people and know that deafness is not a barrier to becoming who they want to be. Lastly, I want them to know it is okay to ask for support, to be proud of being deaf and have self-belief in who they are.

Barney

Congratulations to Barney for trying something new!

During half term Barney attended an England Para Talent Days at Brentford FC, where he had the opportunity to showcase his amazing football skills and to meet other deaf children.

Barney really enjoyed the trials and did so well that he has been invited to attend their monthly talent hub. This is his first step on the England Para Talent Pathway - very well done Barney!

These talent days are hosted by the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust's Disability Department in partnership with the FA. They are open to young male and female players aged 7-16 who are deaf/have a hearing loss or visual impairment. Their ultimate goal is to support the next generation of players to fulfil their potential and, one day, wear the Three Lions as part of England's Para teams - Para Lions!

Ella 

You shouldn’t let being deaf stop you from studying subjects that make you happy.

When my Mum was pregnant, she contracted CMV (Cytomegalovirus) which resulted in me being born with profound hearing loss in my right ear, and a deteriorating loss in my left ear. I also suffer from tinnitus, especially when I am tired or run down.

When I tell people that I am deaf and I study two languages at A Level, they often look at me with surprise! However, I am a firm believer that you shouldn’t let being deaf stop you from studying subjects that make you happy. I have just applied to University to study Spanish and History.

In addition to being busy with my studies, I also run the school newspaper. Recently, I interviewed Hattie Taylor (an Olympic Bronze Medalist in Rowing), Martha Collison (contestant on the Great British Bake Off) and Eve Humphrey (who starred in Starlight Express). I am Chair of the Community Committee (the Prefect Team). This gives me an opportunity to engage with individuals across our whole school community.

Both of these roles require me to communicate with people with a wide range of backgrounds and ages, be honest and, most of all, stick up for what I believe in. This is another example of how I don’t let being deaf hold me back.

Having something that makes you “different” to anyone else, doesn’t mean you can’t do something that everyone else has done. It might just mean you have to do things slightly differently, and there is nothing wrong with that! I want people to look at me, knowing that I am deaf, and see that I don’t let it stop me from pursuing my passions.

Nathan

My love for tennis started 12 years ago when I joined the local tennis club in Windsor, I enjoyed it so much that I joined a National Deaf Tennis team. 4 times a year we attend training camps in London and Nottingham. These camps are hard but it also gives me the opportunity to socialise with other deaf players and coaches. 

I have won the National Junior Championships twice, and represented Great Britain in Germany, and am now working my way towards the Men’s GB Deaf Tennis Team, hopefully competing in the Deaf Olympics in Japan later in the year.

My career path has been influenced by my love for tennis, I have completed my Level 1, Level 2 in Sports Coaching , and am currently studying my Level 3 which is a 2 year course at BCA. When I complete my course I would like to become a deaf tennis coach and help other children access the sport where needed.