FLOWER power saw staff and students turn back the decades for a sensational swinging sixties prom.
Hippies, flares, wheelchair camper vans and micro mini skirts all made an appearance at a groovy end of year celebration at The Dales School, Morton on Swale,.
Dressed up students past and present, teachers, families and friends all joined in the with the psychedelic theme which included a flower power decorated hall at the all age school for young people with severe and complex learning needs.
Assistant head teacher Anne Baker said: “As always our students decide upon the theme for the prom and this year they have really excelled themselves.
“The costumes were fantastic and it really felt like we had gone back in time to the 60s.
“This was our fifth prom and it was great to see our students enjoying their celebration just as many other teenagers across the country have been doing this week.”
The Dales School prom also marked the end of sixth form education for 12 of its current students. Ten will be moving on to further their education by following personalised learning pathways locally focusing on independent living, employment and personal progress.
Marie Dowson, whose son Kieran, 19, has been at The Dales School for 17 years, said: “It’s a very emotional night knowing that Kieran will soon be leaving The Dales School.
“It’s a big change for him but also for me. The school has been fantastic; the staff have been with me through the ups and downs. It will be like leaving part of my family behind but Kieran is ready to move on now to a learning pathway specifically tailored to him to help him progress and achieve new goals in life.”
The school also said goodbye to six of its teaching staff who are retiring or moving on to new positions, including secondary teacher Bev Lawrence who has been in post for 17 years and sixth form teacher Alayne Pearson who has taught at the school for 26 years.
Head teacher Hanne Barton added: “Everyone looks forward to our prom each year but it is also hard to say goodbye to students and staff who have become such a big part of The Dales School family.”
