As we finish our second full week back in school, Mr Lyons is getting to grips with a very important part of his new role as Head of School…that of writing this weekly blog! After a decade working in special education, writing a blog is a new experience for him and he is looking forward to keeping you all up to date with the weekly goings on here at New Bridge as he begins to find his feet.

Looking back on his first few weeks at New Bridge, Mr Lyons would like to thank our amazing staff members whose support has made him feel part of the team and whose hard work and dedication make New Bridge the outstanding school that it is. He has also had the pleasure of talking to many parents and carers who have given him the opportunity to discuss how we can work together to achieve the very best for their child. For those parents and carers he has yet to meet, he look forwards to taking the time to get to know you and your family. Most of all, however, he has been struck by the warm reception he has been given by our young people who have really embraced him as part of our New Bridge community.

So, with our pupils and students in mind, let’s take a look at what they’ve been up to this week..

Covy, Joseph and Bobby-Joe, our Year 11 pupils, were very excited to start their new work experience placement at the Mind charity shop in Chadderton on Friday..

Covy and Bobby-Joe got straight to work, arranging the books and DVDs. Bobby-Joe placed new stickers on each item before Covy carefully wrote the right prices on (£1.00 for books and £1.50 for DVDs)..

Covy priced up the books independently..

..and they were soon ready to go on the shelves..

Joseph enjoyed sorting out the clothing labels with the correct prices, sizes and week numbers..

Our hardworking students can’t wait to go back to the shop again next Friday!

This week our curriculum focus is on our Interactive Bases. At the school site, this term’s theme is ‘animals’ and IB3 are looking at the film ‘Madagascar’. They have (of course!) made their own zoo and this week they have been busy counting the animals in their enclosures..

We’re not too sure about that snake! They have been reading the story of Madagascar, playing ball games on the beach..

..exploring the ships and crates the animals travelled in and dancing to the lemurs’ music..

They have also been baking – as you know, the chocolate is never far away in the IB!

At the Learning Centre, IBLC2 are currently doing ‘Grease’ as their sensory theme so they have been making 50’s pink ice cream to do floats..

..and taking part in their sensory story..

The students in IBLC1 are travelling around the world this term! They have started their journey with a visit to Paris and they are all working hard creating their own Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline..

We can’t wait to see what the finished city looks like!

As usual, we have a busy week ahead. Our boys’ football teams are looking forward to the next round of Manchester City’s Disability League on Wednesday at the Etihad (particularly as it will be played indoors!). You might be interested in some of the free sessions that Manchester City are running as part of their ‘One City’ Disability Sport programme..

Mrs Velti from Touch Solicitors will be coming to talk to parents on Wednesday 24th January about legal matters such as wills, trust funds and power of attorney. All our families are very welcome to attend and we hope to see you at the Learning Centre at 2pm.

Our Year 13 students are gearing up for their eagerly awaited residential to the Calvert Trust next month and parents have been invited to a meeting on Thursday 25th January at 4pm to find out more about the arrangements and talk to the staff who will be going on the residential. Our young people always have a fantastic time in Keswick, as you can see from last year’s pictures..

We hope you have a lovely weekend,

Gavin and Dawn

For news on our Key Stage 5 pathway groups at Medtia Square please click here

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