The Orangery, a performing arts after school group for young people with learning and physical disabilities originally threw open its doors over five years ago.

It provides weekly opportunities for young people to be away from their home and school life gaining confidence and learning creative skills which will encourage problem solving, making choices, team participation, negotiation and self respect.

Over the years, a changing group has tried out loads of different arts activities, been inspired by exhibitions here at The Point and performed in mainstream schools and for the public.

For example, Get Doncaster Dancing was an initiative to encourage people of all ages and abilities to dance to keep their bodies and minds healthy and active. The group performed on the celebration day at the Point and met Darren Gough, Strictly Come Dancing winner who supported the event.

They have also created a film called Parklife and a music video for an original song called Daydream which earned them Bronze Arts Awards accreditation.

Physically the young people explore their abilities and push and challenge their minds and bodies. The activities also impact on curricular topics… learning and creating songs and rhythms adds value to literacy and mathematical skills and the themes and topics we discuss help them gain a broader understanding of the wider community and cultures from around the world.

The Point opens up more opportunities to visit exhibitions, enjoy a public cafe area, gain extra confidence in going to new places and enhances their experience of being part of the wider community.  The young people love the building, have great fun and it is evident that parents and staff can see the benefit sessions bring.

Recently the group has returned to a well loved activity – drumming.

With Musician Jamie Fletcher working alongside African drummer Godfrey Pambalipe and dancer Hayley Beecher, the group has attempted new rhythms, songs and movements, and even tried their hand on a koas pad (a piece of musical equipment that lets you add effects to music by a simple touch of a finger). The sessions took the group on themed journeys from sailing to the jungle to being aliens visiting space.

At the end of each session, parents pick up their smiling young people, bursting with confidence and excitement.  As they leave the building you can hear them buzzing, talking and singing about all they’ve done and the fun they’ve had.