Heathlands School features in BBC One's 'Old Hands New Tricks'

Heathlands School debuted on the screen last Wednesday, in 'Old Hands New Tricks', a show presented by Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Rose Ayling-Ellis speaking to the children in 'Old Hands, New Tricks'. (Image: BBC 1) The heart-warming two-part series sees the ex-Strictly Come Dancing star experiment teaching a group of retirees British Sign Language (BSL).

In episode two, pupils at the St Albans school are enlisted to help Rose "reignite" the elderly group's passion for learning.

Co-headteacher Ms Aitken called Rose a "fantastic role model" for pupils and praised her ability to "communicate seamlessly" with students during her visit.

Co-headteachers Ms Aitken (right) and Mrs Reeves Costi (left). (Image: BBC 1) "We are great advocates for the wider community learning BSL to reduce isolation and loneliness," the head added.

"Developing and fostering a positive deaf identity is very important at Heathlands and over half of the staff team are deaf themselves providing the children with many further role models."

During the episode, Rose visits the school and shares her struggles learning at "mainstream school".

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Rose Ayling-Ellis hugging a student in 'Old Hands, New Tricks'. (Image: BBC 1) After communicating with many children, she picks five to join her and help the elderly residents learn expressiveness to accompany the basics of signing.

The retirees hailed the Heathland students for being "confident" and bringing "joy" to them while playing bowls and potting plants.

What begins as an intergenerational meet-up turns unexpectedly poignant as residents and children open up about their fears and dreams.

Elderly man George bonds with young Chloe as they swap stories of being teased for being different.

In the programme George (left) and Chloe (right) share their hardships. (Image: BBC 1) Heathlands School is the largest signing school in the country delivering the national curriculum for children whose first language is BSL. 

The school has a BSL centre onsite which the community can attend to learn BSL and take nationally recognised qualifications.

You can find out more about these courses via the school's website: www.heathlands.herts.sch.uk.

The two-part series was aired on March 26, and is now available on BBC iPlayer.