I thought I would use my first blog for the college to actually introduce myself. Some of you may have met me but for many of you I will be a new face. I started my journey in special education in April 2015 when I was appointed the Key Stage 2 lead for Hollinwood Academy – which was still being built. That term before we opened I spent most of it visiting our new pupils and families, planning and creating a new curriculum and also teaching classes at New Bridge School. I mentioned to Ms Dunne that I enjoyed teaching Science and I spent most of the teaching time, teaching Science to New Bridge Year 7, 8, 9 pupils. This was my first insight into teaching in special education and I haven’t looked back. Hollinwood Academy opened in September 2015 and I spent the first year supporting pupils across Key Stage 2 but also teaching classes from reception all the way to Key Stage 3 pupils. I then took over the post as the Head of Site in September 2016 and saw the school increase in school capacity to now over 215 pupils, an extension and more staff. The desire to grow myself and learn something new never goes away, so when the opportunity to work as Head of College came about – I had to apply. This week has been fantastic! I have been out and about meeting the students and staff on site and I am so happy that I applied and got the position. I know that I am going to enjoy working with everyone here at Medtia.

Now over to the staff to tell you a little bit about what the different pathways have done this week, starting with Mr Handrick..

HO HO HO! It’s been a real crazy week for Digit4ll as we start our preparations for school shows, school nativities and also Christmas Markets in the next two weeks. The Elves were all working hard and then, just for good measure, Ofsted decided to drop the bombshell and pay a visit. I’m sure they loved all the stuff that our students do on a daily basis but we will have to wait until January to see their published report.

Our Digit4ll Elves have cracked on making all the goodies that we are going to sell at the markets we will be attending over the next few weeks. Here are Abigail and Danielle putting together the tasty treats for people to enjoy – sweets, hot choc mix and goodies for everyone..

Digit4ll Media have been out this morning filming our first of several shows that the guys will be filming over the coming weeks. We had the pleasure of filming St Margret Mary’s EYFS and KS1 students. The students in the shows performed brilliantly and our lads worked hard and did a fantastic job. So next week it’s time to edit. Here is Paddy filming some of the students for a interview for the promo film..

..and Thomas filming the students that are getting ready to perform..

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend and if you see us about over the next few weeks, please say hello.

Don’t forget we still make mugs, canvas prints, filming jobs, t-shirts and personalised tote bags, as well as our famous Sea Clear bag that is still there for you to purchase – if you are wanting some work done please get in touch

• email nbenterprise@newbridgegroup.org
• visit our website www.nbenterprise.co.uk
• or call in to Medtia to pay us a visit

Now over to Mr Lawrence for an update from Activ8.

This term Activ8 have been really busy. The sports we have focused on have been basketball, football, fitness, dodgeball and kickboxing. We have had some great sessions on DofE and have begun working on the next level of our Sports Leaders journey.

Here to tell us how much he enjoys about Activ8 is Saaim:

Life in Activ8 by Saaim Ahmed

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ACTIV8
We can have a laugh with each other, we trust each other, we show good teamwork and we support each other if there are any problems. Sometimes we get very lively, but we have a good relationship with our staff and they can support us to get back on track.
Activ8 has helped me by building my confidence and helped me become a role model, it has brought the best out of me. We trust our staff and can speak to them about anything, especially when we are struggling. We have just started a talking group with Jack Bayley which helps us to get things off our chests.

SPORTS/ACTIVITIES WE DO IN ACTIV8
Sport has helped me to learn how to compete against a variety of opponents. It has helped me develop my confidence and become a better leader. What I learn in lessons I use in my leadership sessions when supporting younger students. I’ve really enjoyed basketball and fitness..

..but my favourite sports this term have been dodgeball and kickboxing. I really enjoy it when staff join in.

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At first I wasn’t keen on DofE lessons and I tried to get out of them. However, I’m starting to really enjoy them now.

I like being out in different places and doing fun activities like getting stuck in the mud!

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I really enjoying going out and doing activities with Activ8.

We have played in basketball and football tournaments this term. I really enjoyed the Trafford sixes competition when we won and I scored in the final. I like showing other schools and colleges that we are as good as them in every way.

Our job coach Maria has an update on what our our Pre Interns have been doing this week..

Over at David Lloyd in Cheadle, Dom, Kamran and Michael have been busy with the hospitality team keeping things shipshape as they go through an extensive refurbishment. Michael has been on the front line in their small pop up café serving customers and helping the front of house staff. Dom and Kamran have been assisting in the different gym areas helping keep the equipment clean and also clearing leaves poolside and around the sauna. They have all worked really hard and been a great help.

Congratulations to Ethan on being awarded our latest ‘Worker of the Week’ for using his initiative and improving his communication with customers at our other David Lloyd placement in Middleton – well done!

Finally, Miss Begum has news of our Girls Group..

This week in Girls Group at Medtia, we have been making decorative labels for the Christmas presents that the girls are going to give to the children’s ward at Oldham Hospital. We have also come up with a list of ideas of presents that we think the children will like! We will be visiting the Royal Oldham Hospital on the 17th December to hand over presents to the children’s ward. If parents and friends would like to help this worthy cause, please send any donations to Medtia or contact Nicola Nelson for any further information. We will be very grateful!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward meeting you all in the near future.

Jaina
Head of Key Stage 5 Pathways

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

You can view our previous blog entries here

News from the Learning Centre and New Bridge School can be found here