I read Graham’s blog with much interest this week as he focused on Wednesday evening’s Panorama programme. As you can imagine, it has sparked both discussion and a sense of horror amongst staff. It seems particularly pertinent at the moment as many of our students are preparing to move on from the Learning Centre to different destinations, many of whom will be going to Horizons. Along with many I was sickened by what I saw, however I also felt an immense sense of pride when I reflect on the care, nurture, patience, compassion and empathy shown by our staff to every young adult in our care, regardless of need, or how challenging their behaviours may be. I’m going to expand on Graham’s title ‘That’s how we do it in Oldham’ to include ‘that’s how we do at New Bridge!’

On the theme of transition, we’re aware that this can be a stressful time for students, therefore we are continuing to offer timetabled transition sessions both for those Year 11s moving up from New Bridge School and the Year 13 and 14 students moving on from the Learning Centre. We are also supporting students through a range of focused interventions and support. The Year 11s are already looking at potential options for September and to help this process, the Learning Centre Options booklet will be sent home after half term which gives information on the different options available and how students can make their choices. If you would like any further information please contact the Learning Centre and speak to Mr Hagan, our Year 12 Lead.

Our students have been very active this week and on Wednesday Mr Smith’s Sports Option group spent the day at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for the Schools Disability Football Festival. There were 18 different activity stations and the students were challenged on each station – it was a great day and all of our students loved it! Mr Smith reported that the students definitely ‘did us proud’ in both their attitude and efforts, and they returned with their medals proudly displayed. Here’s a report from one of our stars, Cherrie (Year 13)..

On Wednesday the whole sports group went to Bolton’s training ground for an activity sports day. It was an epic, fantastic, brilliant day. Because we all got along with each other and kept supporting each other and we all worked as a team throughout the day and all the students in the sports group would like to say a massive thank you to the staff like Mr Edwards, Mr Smith and Miss Burston for taking us all out for the day we all appreciated it a lot.

Have a great half term whatever you may doing and I look forward to another successful half term. It promises to be truly exciting time with awards ceremonies, Year 11 and Year 14 Record of Achievement celebrations and our annual Prom.

Dawn

You can find Gavin’s blog for the school site here

For news on our Key Stage 5 pathway groups at Medtia Square please click here

Click here to read this week’s news from Graham

You can find my previous blog posts here