A SCHOOL launched a project celebrating the "superpowers" of its neurodiverse students and those with disabilities.

This year Maldon's Plume Academy staff and students launched a exciting project in support of ADHD Awareness Month.

Hannah Wells, Plume's Deputy SENCO, said: "ADHD Awareness Month seeks to highlight the positives of neurodiversity - meaning that all of our brains function slightly differently, and this is what makes us brilliant and unique.

"Neurodiversity encompasses lots of conditions, such as ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Autism and more.

"Plume Academy are proud to be an inclusive school community, where our large Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Department supports neurodiverse and disabled students throughout their academic careers.

"We have many students with a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and students with this condition are often expected to be full of energy.

"Whilst it is common to talk about the barriers this can cause in a classroom, it is also important to highlight the strengths of individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

"These individuals are often incredibly creative and expressive, socially intelligent and empathetic.

"Celebrating these strengths - also known as 'superpowers' - is all part of ADHD Awareness Month."

To show its support Plume have launched The Umbrella Project across both of its Mill Road and Fambridge Road campuses.

The Umbrella Project is run annually by the ADHD Foundation and is an interactive display in locations across the UK to encourage children to consider their learning differences as a superpower - rather than a disability.

"This is because often society focuses on the barriers faced by neurodiverse students and adults, rather than the wonderful things that come with being unique," Hannah added.

During October staff and students all decorated their own personal umbrella - making it as unique and individual as they are.

These displays can now be seen across both campuses showing the range of "superpowers" at Plume Academy.

"From headstands and baking to empathy and Autism, all of our staff and students are proud to be different," Hannah continued.

"This is what makes us such an incredible community to be a part of.

"Now that ADHD Awareness Month is over, it is important to remember that with every new day comes a new opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate neurodiversity."

For more information visit adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Umbrella-Project-2021-Compressed.pdf.