School Lyndensteyn School Lyndensteyn is a mytyl and tyltyl school for Special Education and Secondary Special Education in Beetsterzwaag. Our school is attended by approximately 200 physically and multiple handicapped pupils, as well as chronically ill children and youths in an age range of 4 to 20 years. In addition, School Lyndensteyn offers Ambulatory Guidance to handicapped and chronically ill students who are in the mainstream education system. What is so special about School Lyndensteyn? School Lyndensteyn aims to prepare its students to achieve their full value in our society. Taking into account a pupil’s specific needs, we tailor an individual education and guidance programme. At School Lyndensteyn the focus is on the students abilities, not their disabilities. The pupils learn how to reach their maximum potential. Mytyl School is for physically handicapped children while a Tyltyl School is for children with multiple handicaps. Mainstream if possible, special where needed Through close collaboration with the neighbouring rehabilitation centre ‘Revalidatie Friesland’, education and rehabilitation are inextricably linked at School Lyndensteyn. Therapies and other guidance activities take place during school hours. While the one pupil requires physiotherapy, the other may receive music therapy or go swimming. The pupil is guided through these activities by a team of education and rehabilitation therapists. The team has regular meetings to monitor the progress of the pupil, and thereby co-ordinate these activities according to the pupils development. Parents play an important role in this process. These activities are all aimed at maximizing the growth of a pupil’s personal qualities. The groups and classes are kept small and it is always possible to consult with such specialists as the remedial teacher, the psychologist, the guidance councellor, the social worker or the pastor. Depending on their level, the pupils receive the same study material that is taught in the mainstream schools and other forms of Special Secondary Education. School Lyndensteyn tries to be as ‘regular’ as possible, but then with a very slight difference. Special Education Pupils between the ages of 4 to 12 years are placed into Primary Education. They are taught at their particular level and in small groups. Their individual progress is closely monitored. Regular testing measures their progress and if necessary adjustments are made in their curriculum. As a result of this approach, a good connection is maintained with the mainstream or special (secondary) education system. Special Secondary Education Pupils between the ages of 13 to 20 years are placed into Secondary Education. Here they attend classes at their own particular level, which may vary between HAVO (advanced high school) or VMBO (Preparatory Secondary Vocational Training) and ZML (Moderate Learning Disability). In the last two years of Secondary Education, the chosen set will be done in consultation with both the students and their parents, taking into account their individual future prospects. Extra attention is paid to the student’s ability to work independently. School Lyndensteyn uses the same tests that are utilized in the mainstream education to make an eventual transfer to a different form of education possible. Ambulatory Guidance A child or youth that is handicapped or chronically ill and unable to cope with the learning pace of a mainstream school qualifies for Ambulatory Guidance. These pupils will receive support and guidance in their own school from a specialist team member in our experienced Out-reach staff. In addition to teaching the pupil, our Out-reach Staff member also offers advice and guidance to the mainstream schoolteam, the parents and other involved parties. As a result, Ambulatory Guidance allows a pupil to continue his or her education in familiar surroundings. School Lyndensteyn in Beetsterzwaag is a multilingual school. Dutch, Frisian and English are taught as subjects, and are used for instruction as well as in conversation. Attention is also given to the history and culture of the immediate region and the province. School Lyndensteyn strives to create a safe environment, one in which their students will feel inspired and stimulated. For this goal, our personnel make an enthusiastic effort. The Frisian saying: 'Wês grutsk op dysels en wiis mei in oar' translates into 'Take pride in yourself and have respect for each other'. This motto reflects the attitude of the staff of School Lyndensteyn. Celebrations, commemorations and extra curricular activities In addition to the traditional Celebrations of Sinterklaas and Christmas, Cornelia Day is celebrated by the students every May to honour the Honourable Miss Cornelia, her initiative lead tot the founding of Revalidatie Friesland and School Lyndensteyn. In addition, much attention is given to extra curricular activities such as ski camps, outdoor weekends, sailing weekends, sport groups, football camps and football days with star football players in the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium.

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