I had the absolute privilege of attending the British Education Awards this week in support of a Jordan, a New Bridge student, currently studying on our Key Stage 5 Digit4ll Pathway at our Medtia Square campus. I’ve only ever known of Jordan, rather than known him personally, as he joined New Bridge in our 6th Form. I’ve known of him in his capacity as a member of the Sea Clear team, a business enterprise he and his fellow students established as part of their studies, and one that produces re-usable bags with the intent of reducing the use of plastic bags and ultimately the accumulation of plastics in our oceans. As part of their drive to develop their business, Jordan and the Sea Clear team regularly pitch their concept – Dragon’s Den style – to convince individuals and organisations to invest in their business. I was privy to their pitch when the team presented to all the Heads of School and members of the Trust’s Senior Leadership Team at one of our meetings not so long ago. Alongside the rest of his team, I was struck by Jordan’s confident presentation and the way in which he so clearly articulated the vital importance of their environmental cause and therefore the value of their product. “I’m in” as Duncan Bannatyne might say!

Impressed by his ambition and self-belief, it came as no surprise to me when I heard that he had been nominated for the Special Achievement Award at the British Education Awards. However, it was only reading his blog post (please click here) describing his journey to this point that I began to further understand why he deserved to be nominated for, and ultimately win, such a prestigious award. Jordan’s story is one of reflection and self-understanding, in which he has developed an appreciation of his unique qualities and abilities, accepted the parts of himself he has wanted to change and committed to being the best version of himself he can be. His journey highlights the value of developing our own self-awareness and awareness of others, accepting and valuing diversity, recognising our individual vulnerabilities and learning how to care for oneself. In doing so we increase our strength and resilience and with these, our chances of success in relationships with others and consequently the endeavours we choose to pursue. Jordan stands as an example not just to other young people, but to all of us, parents and professionals, that change is always possible, challenges can be overcome, and you really can become the best you can be, when you truly commit to making it happen.

On Monday, Mrs Fennelly’s and Miss Orgacki’s Communication Groups were treated to a fantastic morning at The Bridgewater Hall with Live Music Now and the wonderful A4 Brass Quartet – as you can see, the pupils loved the experience and had a great time joining in..

Wednesday had more music in store, as our Trust choir headed off excitedly to join over 8,500 school children at the Manchester Arena for the incredible Young Voices concert. Our pupils certainly had an amazing time!

8CGD have been working hard in Living Skills with Mrs Goddard. The topic this term is Basic First Aid and the class are working in groups looking at dangers they can find in different situations..

They have also been doing practical work, sorting food into correct storage (fridge, freezer or cupboards) in the kitchen..

These images are showing the class working on emotions with play dough..

Although Christmas is now a distant memory, they were very proud of the class tree they decorated..

..and the fudge they made..

On Friday they also enjoyed helping Mrs Hollinworth celebrate her birthday….with plenty of cake!

I hope you have a good week,

Gavin

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

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

You can find my previous blog posts here