Change and adaptability

Aimee • 4 February 2021

We are all trying to deal with change in our own way

Change is something that a lot of us can struggle with and can be difficult to manage. Changes can happen every day such as changes in routine, changes in environment or changes in mood. When we expect something to happen a certain way and it changes, this can sometimes feel quite unsettling.

Change is ever evolving, and we are all trying to deal with this in our own way. Our students are currently coming in on limited days of the week and some of our staff are having to self-isolate.

This is a big a big change and I really miss having everyone together at school.

Change can be scary, but I have been so impressed at how well our students have dealt with some huge changes at Running Deer including new classrooms, new staff members and new ways of learning. We as caseworkers are here to support our students through these changes and make them as positive and as manageable as possible.

Despite this, there are some things that will always stay the same; Savannah will always be cold, Dave will always love cake and I will always be short. It’s lovely to come to work and know that despite the ongoing changes in the world, there are some things that will never change at Running Deer.

Changes can be positive and sometimes we want change to happen. Sometimes it can get annoying when it’s just been our birthday, and everyone says “Hello! Did you have a nice birthday?” We might wish for someone to ask us something different or change the subject! I often wish to change the song on the radio or for a change in the weather. We might be better at handling change than we think we are.

Change is inevitable but we can learn how to cope with it when it comes our way. Even if Dave were to ever stop loving cake, at least there would be more for us.

by Geraldine 7 July 2025
Despite the biblical rain and almost the need for an arc, members of the local community came to support a charity fundraiser organised and ran by pupils of the school on Thursday 12th June 2025. Not only were there delicious freshly baked cakes, scones, cheesecakes and goodies for all to purchase and enjoy, but also glazed pottery and pupil made artists inks – with live demonstrations on the day. A huge £101.50 was raised with all proceeds from sales going to charities chosen by the pupils themselves. Charities chosen to support were Chagford Youth Club; NHS Royal Devon Hospital Exeter; Rape Crisis UK each gaining an equal share of £33.33. Credit and thanks go to the pupils and staff for the hard work put in leading up to and during the event, parents who were able to support in person or via cake donations and members of the local community for supporting the pupils with this important event. We are incredibly proud of our students and the mature and considerate citizenship demonstrated in the important event.
by Joanna Winterburn 12 June 2025
Summer Newsletter 2025
by Andy Nash 21 November 2022
Although Running Deer is based in woodland, and a lot of what we do is based around outdoor life and skills, that doesn’t mean we aren’t keeping up with modern technology.
by Gabriella 21 February 2022
February in the forest can be pretty bleak...
by Amber 21 February 2022
I look forward to the learning nature will bring me.
by Alex 3 February 2022
Who doesn't like to learn a new skill?
by Nick 28 January 2022
Trauma informed school status.
by Dave 9 December 2021
This is just the beginning as now we have mastered the basic idea there is no holding us back. 
by Evie 9 December 2021
Another successful day with the Running Deer.
by Darren 8 December 2021
P.S. don't forget to send all those Christmas cards.