It’s been a poignant week for Mrs Lamb. She decided at the end of the Summer term it was time for her to retire but the implications of that decision only started to feel real when the advert went out nationally. She has promised to write down some of her thoughts, feelings and most treasured memories before the end of term – ‘Spare us, please!’ we hear you say were her next words but we’re sure that’s not the case at all.
At the start of the week she met with her School Council to talk about their involvement in finding a replacement for her role here at New Bridge. She
was very proud of them on Wednesday when they asked the candidates some well thought out questions that helped to determine the type of personality and leadership qualities the candidates had. Their involvement promotes the pupil voice within school and includes them in a democratic process that is real and meaningful. We are looking forward to finding out which candidate has been successful and we will let you know as soon as the appointment has been made.
Wednesday afternoon saw our first Learning Centre Parent and Carer Group meeting of the year. There was a fantastic turnout of 11 sets of parents and it was lovely to welcome some new faces. We would like to thank Mrs Gillett and her Food Industry students for once again setting up and providing refreshments, as well as Michelle Lane, our Year 14 Pastoral Manager, for attending and being the font of all knowledge! Everyone had an opportunity to talk about any worries or concerns they might have in an environment where they could all support each other.
For future meetings it was decided that the group would benefit from inviting Michelle Lane to talk about the transition to adult social services, as well as respite and individualised budgets. Families would also like to hear from a solicitor regarding issues pertaining to trust funds, power of attorney and wills and from Natalie Stenson, Transitions Nurse Practitioner, about the transition to adult services from a health perspective. These talks will be arranged to run alongside the regular Parent Group meetings which we agreed should be held monthly with the next one pencilled in for Wednesday 15th November at 2pm. Please watch this space for future meetings – everyone welcome!
On Wednesday evening the New Bridge Scout group set off after school to see the Blackpool illuminations. They had a great time seeing the lights and sharing a fish and chip supper! Thanks go to all the staff who made this trip possible and to James for sending Mrs Lamb these pictures that he took especially for this blog..
Miss Bickerstaff’s class have been acting out the scenes from Pandora’s Box which has been their theme for this term. The children all did really well and loved dressing up as the characters..
Jo Turner from the local branch of the charity MIND was in school on Friday in assembly talking about Healthy Young Minds as part of a mental health and well-being initiative. Jo signposted the pupils to all the services available and will be working with our Key Stage 4 pupils, helping them make sound friendships and giving them coping strategies.
Miss Allison is happy to report that she was treated to ‘Huevos Rancheros’ (Baked Eggs) by Mrs Gillett’s Living Skills group, a slightly spicy dish that definitely hit the spot. The students couldn’t decide if they wanted to use hotter chillies or play it safe….Danny decided to be brave and gave his verdict after eating his – “It’s like a party going on in my mouth!”
It’s been a real treat to see some outstanding practice and just how well our young people are progressing during this current round of lesson observations; Horticulture, Hortus, Maths, English, Living Skills and Drama to name a few – well done, all!
This week our curriculum focus is on Creative Arts. Our Autism Base pupils have supported their learning of the Gruffalo story by exploring how each animal moves using familiar symbols and actions. The pupils have followed a set pattern of Sherborne movements and then communicated the actions they like to do the most. They have really enjoyed being in the theatre and especially working in the green lights!
Space is the theme that many of our young people are working on this term, including our Key Stage 4 Dance and Drama pupils. They have been exploring basic keywords and especially how to move in space to create a filmed performance for the IB Space installation at the Gallery..
Our Interactive Bases are also looking at Space and have focused on sensory stories linked to it. We have explored our objects of reference linked to our story, used different art materials and textures to create our very own planets and explored different way to move around in Space..
In Art Jayden has been working on collage skills to create a piece of art work inspired by Outer Space which will be part of an interactive installation in January at the Learning Centre Gallery..
Key Stage 5 students at the Learning Centre on a Tuesday have also been exploring Space, looking at how astronauts move, talk and what clothes they wear. They have explored dynamics by moving fast and slow and the feelings of loneliness you would have if you were left in space. The students will be creating a video performance to be shown at the Christmas showcase..
Key Stage 5 students on a Monday have been exploring Dance and Drama keywords in preparation to begin rehearsals for a number of chorus roles for the school show, the Jungle Book, in April..
Pupils in Year 9 have been exploring the use of masks throughout history in Dance and Drama. They have looked at Mask Etiquette and the skill of showing states of tension when you cannot rely on facial expressions to depict a character..
We’re looking forward to seeing all these productions!!
Please could we remind you about school uniform? Trousers and skirts should be black or grey, tops should be blue or white and joggers should be plain and not branded i.e. Nike. You can also check the full details on our website here.
Don’t forget that we break up on Friday for the half term holiday and we will be back in on Monday 6th November. You can view the other term dates on our holiday pattern here.
We hope you have a lovely week,
Judith and Dawn
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