Tree of hope creates platform of possibility for SEND students

Students from Rotherham Opportunities College are stepping into the Christmas spirit in a bid to spread some festive cheer to passengers at Meadowhall railway station by unveiling a special tree of hope.

Displayed in the station’s waiting room, the special Christmas tree was unveiled by Giselle Roderigo, the immediate past Mistress Cutler, at a special event that celebrated the college’s adoption of the railway station, which attracts over 1.8 million passengers every year.

In the coming months, unique artworks produced by students at the college will be installed on the platforms, and the college is also planning to host a series of special events and activities, designed to highlight and showcase the achievements of young adults with special educational needs.

Rotherham Opportunities College decided to adopt the station, after working with SYMCA as part of a travel training scheme called Try the Train. The scheme offers groups, including young adults with special educational needs, the chance to learn new skills and build confidence in using public transport independently which has helped students to plan journeys effectively, manage money, broaden their horizons and stay safe.

The unveiling of the tree marks the completion of a week of activities organised by Rotherham Opportunities College to celebrate the Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week, a UK-wide initiative organised by Natspec, the Association of National Specialist Colleges, to highlight the important role specialist education can play in improving the life chances of young adults with special educational needs.

Cathrine Ashworth, Community Rail Officer, SYMCA, said:

“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in bringing the station to life for the local community. Through ROC’s dedication and creativity, Meadowhall will become more than just a travel hub—it will be a welcoming space that reflects the spirit of the area. I very much look forward to working with the college and its students.”

Danielle Clarkson, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager, East Region, Northern Rail, said:

“Since its introduction, our station adoption scheme has transformed many of the 479 stations we operate across the north. This work has helped to transform our stations into welcoming community hubs, helping to strengthen links with the communities our stations serve.
We believe that rail travel should be something enjoyed by everyone, and I hope that our work with Rotherham Opportunities College will help to make Meadowhall station an even more welcoming and inclusive place for every passenger.”

Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal, Rotherham Opportunities College, said:

“Adopting Meadowhall station is an incredibly exciting prospect for our students. We encourage our students to play an active role in the local community, and with more than 1.7 million people starting and ending their journeys at the station, it will help to showcase some of the incredible work our students produce each year.
Our tree of hope will allow visitors to the station to leave a positive message, remember a loved one or share their dreams, and it not only marks the beginning of our exciting plans for the station but also will help our students to develop the vital skills needed to realise their full potential as they prepare for life after college.”

Rotherham Opportunities College is an independent specialist college that supports young adults aged 16-25 who have a wide range of special educational needs. The college provides tailored education programmes, which take a holistic learning approach towards helping its students to develop the vital skills needed to live independently, secure employment and build rich and fulfilling lives during adulthood.