Transforming learning: Sensory room unveiled at Aurora Ivy Lane School

Using modern technology, it can create a range of fun and educational environments. As well as the ability to set moving scenes, there are three scent machines with a library of scents, plus a wind machine, so the experience ignites all the senses and is as realistic as possible.

Once in the room the projected light can be interacted with so you can do things such as draw on the wall with your hands.

As well as being fun or calming, the room provides learning and therapy opportunities too. Some of the students for example have a fear of public transport so they can become sensitised to it in a safe and controlled way in the room first until they’re happy to try using it for real.

Over 100 options

Students have access to over 100 interactive learning opportunities including:

• Riding in an ambulance
• Creating interactive artwork
• Sitting on the edge of a volcano
• Touring the solar system
• Taking the train or bus
• Visiting roman baths or a WW1 battlefield
• Taking part in interactive stories such as Lion Witch and Wardrobe
• Adventuring overseas

Head Teacher, Michael Walsh said: “The room is fantastic as it allows children to experience the learning environment projected all around them. They can interact with the environment to find information, answer questions and create artwork. They can experience changes in wind and temperature to match the location or smell a range of smells linked with the occasion. It’s a great opportunity for students to experience their learning being brought to life.

The room is fantastic as it allows children to experience the learning environment projected all around them.

“The engagement so far has been fantastic. It’s brilliant to see such concentration and see how keen students are to be involved with learning presented in this way. It’s added a real wow factor to many lessons and created an environment students don’t want to leave, which is amazing.

“It’s a brilliant resource for teachers to include in their planning to give students such a rich variety of experiences across the curriculum and I can’t wait to see how it gets used over the autumn term.”

Aurora Ivy Lane School in Wakefield is a specialist school providing education for young people aged 11 to 19, with complex care needs including behaviours that challenge and learning disabilities, often in association with autism spectrum conditions.