Well, I have lots of news to share in this week’s blog but I want to start by congratulating our incredible Activ8 students! Every Thursday morning Lewis, Jojo, Brandon, Jamie, DJ, and Callum do work experience at New Bridge School. This week we have had the most fantastic feedback from some of the staff down there! This week, the boys led a lesson for AB2 down at school and after setting up for the session over their break time, we got this fantastic feedback from the staff:
“The Activ8 boys this week led the lesson from start to finish and I just want them to be recognised for the absolutely fantastic lesson they provided for us. All the lads were polite and helpful to both staff and students. All the students in AB2 were fully engaged and thoroughly enjoyed it. Those lads are a credit to New Bridge. Well done!”
This is such fantastic feedback and is a real credit to the hard work of the boys. Well done guys, you will be receiving a special award this week for your hard work! Just brilliant!
Now on the last week of the half-term we have an extremely exciting project for our Lumenus, Activ8 and Digit4ll 1 and 2 pathways. They will be off timetable for the week to participate in a huge enterprise project with a company called Digital Advantage! Over the week they will work in teams to create their own digital marketing companies and they will set up websites, social media content and web content to promote a new business. More information can be found here.
For this week, students can wear their own clothes to college each day. The students will be supported by their usual teachers and a number of industry professionals. It is such a fantastic opportunity that has been funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company through our work with the Greater Manchester Careers Hub.
Now over to our students and staff for this week’s updates, starting with our job coach Tisha..
I would like to offer a big ‘thank you!’ to David Lloyd Club, Manchester North for allowing our Activ8 and Lumenus students to use their Multi Activity Hall which is available during term time. The General Manager David is allowing our students to use the hall as a way of giving back to New Bridge… as you can see, they are getting great use out of it..
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As for our Pre-Internship Students beginning their new term at David Lloyd Club Manchester North, Michael and Alan have settled in well. They are currently learning prompt customer service skills and how to make beverages on the Barista machine..
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Alan has been nominated for Worker of the Week for his strong independent work ethic. Julie, the restaurant assistant, says ‘Alan is a quick and efficient worker’ and Kath, the chef, is delighted – ‘Alan just gets the pace of work. He is very good, the best I’ve ever worked with back of house.’
Well done Alan and congratulations on achieving Worker of the Week! You’ve come far, stay positive and keep thinking about your future goals.
On Mental Health Day 2019, the Pre-Internship students talked about the theme of this year’s Mental Health Day which was the current suicide rates with Mrs Nelson. They discussed the different types of Mental Health First Aid and problems such as insomnia and other sleep problems, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for help and support. They decided it would be helpful to do a poster about Mental Health explaining how you can talk to Mental Health First Aiders about your feelings and how you feel.
Dom and Alan discussed with Mrs Nelson how you can talk to an adult you trust and do things to help including being creative, eating well and healthily, valuing yourself and others and keeping physically active. They talked about how you need good mental health to live a healthy, happy life and how important it is to talk about your feelings, keep in touch with your friends and loved ones, care for others and get involved and make a contribution. Mrs Nelson also talked about emotions – laughter was one of them and how it improves your well-being..
This week’s Girls’ Group with Mrs Nelson was also based around Mental Health Awareness week. The girls discussed the importance of mental health and where and how to seek help for yourself or on behalf of others.
The girls were given a few activities to complete, one of which was to write down all the good qualities they possess. It was a very positive morning and all the girls supported each other. The work that the girls have produced will go on a Mental Health display board at Medtia.
If anyone wants any information about mental health please visit the Mental Health Foundation website here.
The girls have also discussed some exciting new projects that they would all like to work on in the coming months – keep your eyes peeled!
Now over to Mrs Joubert who has news of Digit4ll..
A day in the life of Joe
Digit4ll Key Stage 5 IT PathwayJoe is furthering his studies at Medtia on the Digit4ll 2 pathway underpinning his knowledge in ICT, Digital skills, English and Maths. He is a delight to teach and takes everything in his own stride, participating in all challenges and events. He is very punctual, proud and enthusiastic.
This week Joe has participated in further developing his business skills and identifying where his skills will be more suited within our Business Enterprise – he has expressed an interest in being the Finance Director at our latest board meeting..
Joe has shown an interest in driving the business forward and identified the need to raise further awareness around mental health. We are rather excited about our product and it will be launched in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, Joe and the Director attended the Young Enterprise meeting at the Team Spirit Centre to learn more about starting a business, what is involved, expectations and the options available to drive our business forward to success.
It was great to see Joe involved with students from different schools and backgrounds (even seeing his cheeky side slipping a few wagon wheels in his pocket and enjoying a cup of coffee and biscuits).
Well done Joe, I am proud of what you have already achieved and your enthusiasm in the group. Exciting times ahead. Your input, dedication and professional attitude to this project are much appreciated.
Now over to our job coach Hayley for news from the Royal Oldham Hospital..
On Bridging the Gap over the past couple of weeks the students have been settling into their routines on placements and getting to know the staff they will be working with. All the students look really smart in their new uniforms and are eager to learn new transferable work skills. The students would like to share where they will be working on their first placements.
- Patrick – I work at the Laundry in the mornings and I sort all the washing for the hospital and also Police suicide blankets.
I also work in portering in the afternoons with Julie and collect all the recycling for the hospital.
- Nathan – I go out on the pharmacy porters round with John delivering patients’ medication and collecting pharmacy requests, which I really enjoy.
I also work in the post room on a Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning with Jade who is showing me the post route and how to organise where the post goes. I am enjoying both jobs I am learning.
Cherrie – I work in the shop, I am getting into a routine with my job tasks. I am enjoying helping the customers and filling up the coffee machines when they are busy. It was ‘Free Costa day’ last week which was really busy and I helped fill the machines with Costa refills and milk. I am replenishing all stock within the shop.
- Dylan – I work in the medical equipment library. I input data into the computer for jobs we need to do and items of medical equipment which have left the stockroom. I go on ward rounds with James who I work with and get on well with. We go to collect equipment which needs changing or fixing. I am enjoying it.
It’s been a busy few weeks in the Maths department, as Mr Holland explains..
As part of our offer, all pathways students receive four lessons of Maths each week.
Our aim is for all students to gain the highest qualifications (Functional Skills or GCSE) that they are capable of attaining and also to embed problem solving skills that they will utilise within a working environment.
Mr Holland’s groups have been working on calculation skills, without the use of a calculator. Over the last few weeks they have looked at addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, area, perimeter, compound shapes, ration and problem solving. Mr Holland’s groups are aiming at securing Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications this year with a view to progression to GCSE for those who so wish.
Mrs Brierley’s groups are operating at a level where Functional Skills Level 1 is an anticipated final outcome and they will sit any Entry Level examinations they need to complete, prior to this.
Have a fantastic weekend,
Daniel
Head of Key Stage 5 Pathways
You can view our previous blog entries here
News from the Learning Centre and New Bridge School can be found here
Click here for this week’s news from Graham
