We’re now up and driving…Forklift Truck driving that is! Today we’ve had our latest fantastic resource installed…the Tenstar VR Simulator.

At New Bridge we continually look to be innovative with our curriculum, finding new ways to engage our young people and support them in reaching their aspirational destinations. We’ve really raised the bar this time, using virtual simulator technology. Today we’ve just delivered staff training for teachers of our Key Stage 5 pathways and Springboard students but we hope to roll this out further once we’ve seen how successful it can be and reflect on the challenges it brings.

This is such an exciting time and it was clear to see on the faces of pupils as their jaws dropped when they saw the stunning kit. Staff are also very excited about working with such an amazing resource…Mr Handrick and Mr Wilkes had a little competition but neither really impressed at their first attempt. I’m sure they will with time..

What is great is that the equipment is not just a gimmick and comes with full training modules that are mapped out to FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association) qualification criteria. We can also analyse data from the course in order to assess progress. Today Mr Handrick didn’t do too well with a number of crashes! He’ll need to do better next time because this is attached to his personal progress file.

They weren’t the only members of staff who tried their hand at it..

I even had a go myself!

I’d like to say a massive thank you to the Ian Karten Charitable Trust who have helped with funding this innovative project. Watch this space! There’s much more to come from the world of VR technology.

Mr Bright