Donaldson's is Scotland's national school for pupils who are deaf or have communication difficulties.
Success Through Communication
Donaldson's offers an environment of inclusive communication. We accept and value all methods of communication and aim to ensure that whatever method is used is effective and successful. We provide a bilingual language environment with both English and British Sign Language (BSL) given equal status.
Donaldson's ethos and environment benefits both our deaf pupils and those who have significant speech and language difficulties. How each pupil communicates and learns is individual, therefore we tailor the support accordingly.
- We utilise a wide range of approaches to communication based on each pupil's individual needs, with signed support as appropriate.
- Our campus incorporates the latest technology, which provides an optimum environment for our pupils, many of whom use hearing aids.
- All the teaching areas in Donaldson's are acoustically treated, with Soundfield systems and Smartboards to enhance the learning experiences of our pupils.
- Donaldson's has been accredited with the RNID Scotland's prestigious Louder than Words charter mark. Louder than Words is a best practice charter for organisations that have shown a commitment to improving access to their services for deaf and hard of hearing people, in line with current disability discrimination law.
- School and residential staff work closely together to ensure the communication needs of our pupils are met at all times.
- We provide opportunities for day pupils to mix with residential pupils in a bilingual & inclusive communication environment in the evenings, while participating in a range of age appropriate social and leisure activities.
- All staff are committed to working in partnership with the families and carers of pupils at all times.
"The use of Sign Supported English in school and at home has been fundamental to developing the communication skills the rest of us take for granted. That communication is the essential tool that allows us to enter his world and for him to participate in ours. Without it, we would still be whistling in the dark."
Parent commenting on his sons progress at Donaldson's, March 2011
- 01506 841900
- Textphone/Minicom 01506 841902
- Donaldson's, Preston Road,
Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6HZ
Donaldson's (Governors of Donaldson Trust) is a registered charity (SC017417)
Donaldson's is a Grant Aided Special School supported by the Scottish Government
