Well this was it, after many months of preparations and build up, this was the week when all of our pupils were given access to their iPads. There were a lot of excited young people keen to show me their new devices and as I toured the school this week, dropping into lessons, several pupils shared with me how they were using their iPad in their learning. In Geography, pupils were mapping the school using the camera function to take photographs. In English, apps such as Teach Your Monster to Read, Literacy Planet and Spellzone, were helping pupils to develop their reading and writing skills. In our Nurture Base, the groups were exploring the Purple Mash app that covers a wide range of curriculum subjects. In the Interactive Base and Communication Groups, the staff teams were examining the use of mounts, clamps and Bluetooth switches to determine how best to enable individual pupils to access and interact with their iPad.

We’re now entering a very important phase in our One to One iPad Project, as the staff team continue to explore with the pupils how we use the iPads in our teaching to support their learning. Now that both the pupils and staff team all have the devices, questions are arising that we could not have anticipated until we actually got them out and started using them. This makes for a very interesting period as we work through the answers to these questions, uncover and iron out problems, and gradually begin to integrate this technology into teaching and learning.

The Nurture Group have also enjoyed using their iPads in Art with the Sandbox app..

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They are also using their iPads in Maths lessons..

7JFN used their iPads to research different road safety signs in their Life Skills lesson on Tuesday..

This week we are taking a closer look at our Key Stage 4 Sports Pathway, Activ8..

Over the years the Activ8 pathway has grown from strength to strength and our popularity within the school has increased our student numbers to record levels. This year’s Activ8 pathway is made up of both established and new pathway students. Within the group the students are encouraged to participate in all sporting activities and events. They are also encouraged to increase their independence around school with this having a positive effect on their confidence and self belief.

The group has settled well and are now enjoying the benefits of attending the Activ8 pathway. Over the last couple of weeks they have continued to make new friendships whilst developing their fitness in the sessions both within school and the wider community..

This is also a continuing theme within their Life Skills lessons where the students are learning about healthy living and eating wisely.

Over the last two weeks, students within the Activ8 pathway have been accessing both the boys and girls ability football tournaments that are facilitated by Manchester City FC at their training dome. The students displayed exemplary behaviour throughout the sessions, with all having a fun, positive experience..

These sessions allow the pathway students to play alongside other students from New Bridge School whilst giving the other students a taste of pathway life. These close links with the wider school community ensure the development of the pathway students into positive role models here at New Bridge. Over the coming year, the students will be accessing facilities within the local community, whilst continuing to develop their skills and fitness within practical sessions like these..

Finally, here is a visual reminder of the students’ uniform..

• the Activ8 polo shirt and jumper should be worn in the classroom..

• the round neck Activ8 t-shirt is worn for sport..

This is the Activ8 kit list that is required for our different activities..

I will leave you with news of one of our former pupils, Mike, who you may remember came into school last year to talk about the different jobs he has done since leaving New Bridge. Mike recently decided he would like a change in career and he has been successful in gaining a new role with the NHS – he started his new job earlier this month and is really enjoying it. Congratulations Mike, I am looking forward hearing more about it on your next visit.

Have a good week,

Gavin

You can find Dawn’s blog for the Learning Centre 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