Sacha Heath-Wolsak

Name: Sacha Heath-Wolsak
Exam taken: Classical & Jazz, Cello Grade 7
Category nominated under: Overcoming challenges - qualification success despite difficult circumstances or barriers to access
Nominated by: Fritha Wolsak, Parent

Our son Sacha was born with significant challenges. He is on the autism spectrum, has dyscalculia and dyspraxia, and struggles with working memory, social communication and executive functioning. Sacha’s educational journey has been a difficult one. After being out of school for two years, he was admitted to a specialist school with an Education, Health & Care Plan where he was able to take a limited number of GCSEs in a supportive environment. Like many young people, his sense of isolation was further compounded by the Covid-19 lockdowns. Throughout this time, the one area of his life that gave him a sense of consistency and confidence was learning to play the cello with his extraordinary teacher, Naomi Yandell. For fourteen years, Naomi has provided Sacha with the perfect balance of patience, compassion and high standards. Defying all expectations, Sacha was able to earn a Merit in his Grade 7 cello exam in the spring of 2024.

Sacha would say that playing music has given him a voice. Not only has it been physically therapeutic, helping him manage his dyspraxia, it has helped him process painful emotions. Ultimately, playing music has enriched his life and given him a reason to feel proud. We would be delighted if Sacha (and Naomi’s) hard work could be recognised.