Our students have had another very successful week, here’s just a taste of what’s been going on at the Learning Centre..

Mrs Robinson’s Year 14 group presented speeches they had researched and have been writing over a number of lessons. Sarah, Jake and Conor all stood up and confidently talked about their respective subjects, namely: Jess Glynn, Bastille and Hollywood Undead, while Jordan very kindly presented the speech Leah had written. All the students then gave their peers some very complimentary comments (in true XFactor style!). I’ve asked Mrs Robinson to let me know next time so I can come and listen.

As you may be aware, the Hortus pathway has opened up to students not only from the Learning Centre but across the Trust. Here’s a report from Mr Blackman on their latest project..

In the landscape and construction polytunnel we are installing another purpose built area for the teaching of how to lay paving slabs/flags. To do this the group have to measure, mark out and roughly dig out a trench the size of the area needed, transfer the levels from the existing bay using spirit levels, string lines, metal pins and a long piece of timber. We tie a string line to the pins at the level needed and begin to install the kerb edgings following along the string line.

I have to say I was very impressed with the skills shown by all and I’m wondering, Mr Quinn, if we could hire them out?

Now to Mrs Gillett’s Food Industry group..

We have rounded off the half term with a Pescatarian recipe. This is for the fish fans out there! The recipe is Goan Fish Curry. The students of Year 13 worked very well and produced an excellent curry. They each picked a curry paste that suited them and the dish was well received ~ Mrs Gillett

I’d like to thank Lewis for feeding me on Tuesday. It was, I can promise you, as lovely as it looks and I’m embracing the world of ‘Pescatarianism’ (real word!)

This week has also been another successful week for our sporting students, as Mr Smith reports..

On Wednesday students from the Learning Centre and Activ8 led a multi skills primary event for 5 different primary schools. There were 45 Year 3 primary students from across Oldham. The young people from the Learning Centre have been working extremely hard on leadership and they put their skills to the test on Wednesday and did an outstanding job. Nathan, Sabiha and Cherrie all independently led activities. Michael, Ellie, Malcolm and Lewis also supported the event, helping with equipment and even enjoyed joining in the activity themselves.

I am very proud of all of our young people and they now know what it’s like when the roles are reversed from student to teacher 🙂

On Monday we held our latest Parent Group meeting. We invited Andrea Greenwood from the Oldham Parent Carer Forum and Chris Hepburn from Oldham SEND Information Advice and Support (IAS) Services. There was a fantastic turnout of 23 parents and carers who were keen to find out what support could be offered. Andrea and Chris spoke briefly about their services and how they can support us as parents and carers.

Andrea spoke about how Oldham’s Parent Carer Forum was free to parents and carers of children and young people who have an additional need and/or disability (aged 0-25 years). The forum hosts and supports many events across Oldham aimed at bringing together a range of organisations and services who all support SEND families through information about activities, education and care/support of the carer and their families.

Chris spoke about how Oldham SENDIASS provides support services tailored to individual needs, including support around the EHCP assessment and planning process, the Local Offer, Personal Budgets and the law on SEN and disability. They also empower parents, carers and young people through signposting to local and national sources of advice, information and support.

There followed a robust discussion around transport and some of the challenges that families are facing. Andrea and Chris gave some valuable advice and it was a good opportunity for parents to share experiences. At the end of the meeting a number of parents filled in application forms to join the group – if you were not able to join us, you can find out more here. The Parent Group will be looking to invite Andrea to future meetings to provide advice and support.

A big thank you once again to Mrs Gillett and her group for providing refreshments. We have pencilled in Monday 11th March for our next Parent Group meeting.

If you’ve been around the Learning Centre this week you will have noticed the beautiful new canvasses displayed throughout the building. They show our very own New Bridge Destination Champions and what they have been able to achieve..

This was the focus of our assembly today and we read some inspiring quotes from our Champions offering advice for our students today. It’s truly emotional when you see just how much our young people can achieve with support, guidance and determination, they are a credit to themselves and us all.

“It’s a great school, work hard and the staff will always help you” ~ Abu, now working full time at Tuffnells as a warehouse assistant

“Stay focused and listen to your teachers, it goes really quickly!” ~ Jack, now working part time at Ikea and doing a Level 3 Sports course at Oldham Sixth Form College

“Opportunities are out there, with hard work, dedication, passion and self-belief, they can be achieved!” ~ Kyle, now working as an Apprentice IT Technician at MMU

“Work hard to get what you want to achieve” ~ Lauren, now working as an apprentice Teaching Assistant at New Bridge School

“Work hard, dreams do come true!” ~ Leon, now working as a professional actor

“Aim high to get where you want to be” ~ Liam, now working at the Royal Oldham Hospital as a porter

“Work hard. Be positive.” ~ Max, now living independently and doing 5 volunteering jobs, mainly with children

“Have fun!” ~ Mia, now accessing Horizons and working on her leisure and life skills

“Work hard, enjoy it and get a job!” ~ Sam, now volunteering at Oldham Library

“Try your best and that’s good enough” ~ Whitney, now accessing Horizons and working on her communication and life skills

Please remember that Monday 25th February is a staff training day and we are looking forward to welcoming our young people back to the Learning Centre on Tuesday 26th February (click here for a reminder of our term dates). I hope you all have a wonderful half term break,

Dawn

You can find Gavin’s blog for the school site here

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

Click here to read this week’s news from Graham

You can find my previous blog posts here