Event showcases groundbreaking immersive learning experience
A SCHOOL and sports college has become the first in County Durham to host a groundbreaking immersive learning experience for students with complex needs.
Durham Trinity School and Sports College welcomed over 200 students into its Aykley Heads campus, to an event showcasing a state-of-the-art immersive space designed to support diverse learning and sensory needs.The event also welcomed professionals from Durham County Council, who were impressed by the capabilities of the space, which gave students the opportunity to engage in multi-sensory, interactive environments that enhance curriculum delivery, stimulate creativity and support emotional regulation.
The immersive classroom experience blends virtual reality with storytelling, game design, and sensory stimulation without the need for headsets, making it fully inclusive and accessible for all learning abilities. Other key features of the space included multi-sensory experiences that support visual and auditory learning styles; interactive elements; customisable environments and repeatable scenarios. These environments can be adapted for calming sensory sessions, energising motor skills or realistic simulations that teach life skills such as road safety and shopping.
Durham Trinity is the first school in the county to host the mobile immersive unit, marking a significant milestone in bringing cutting-edge educational technology to the region. Post-16 teacher Fiona Goodrum-Steele, organiser of the event, said: “The feedback from both staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive. It was inspiring to see how engaged our pupils were.
“The immersive space allowed them to explore, learn and interact in ways that are tailored to their individual needs.”
Regional education providers and special educational needs coordinators from across the North East also attended the event, and were equally impressed by the technology and expressed their enthusiasm about its potential.
