It’s been a real delight welcoming back both students and staff this week to the Learning Centre and it’s been a really positive start back.
The Year 12 students seem to have managed their nerves and feelings of apprehension, embracing every activity and lesson and starting to form new friendships and positive relationships with staff. I’ve also been very proud of the Year 13 and 14 students who have supported the Year 12s, helping to make them feel so welcome. Well done Team Learning Centre!
It is of course still early days, and students may understandably still feel nervous. We hope that through continued support and encouragement, and as relationships are formed, each day gets a little easier. Pastoral staff are always on hand throughout the day and we encourage students to talk through any concerns they may have. Likewise, if parents or carers have any concerns or queries then please do not hesitate in contacting the Learning Centre. Information can also be found on the New Bridge Group website.
As a Multi Academy Trust, we continually strive to shape our curriculum offer around the needs of our students to better prepare them for future opportunities and destinations. You may be aware that this September we started a new ‘Employability Pathway’ at the Learning Centre. The programme caters for Year 13 and 14 students who are looking to develop a broad range of work based skills and experience. Students will be accessing a variety of different work placements throughout the year whilst also focusing on developing appropriate employability and life based skills in addition to core subjects.
The Employability pathway is designed as a stepping stone for students interested in moving on to our Pre-Internship pathway, our Bridging the Gap project, Future Finders or into paid employment. I’m sure you’ll agree that this is an exciting time and I look forward to sharing their progress within my blogs during the weeks and months to come.
I was lucky enough to go away on holiday over the summer, however on my return I found that the summer’s plentiful rain and occasional sunny spells had turned my garden into a secret ‘overgrown’ garden! It was a similar picture at the Learning Centre and Mr Blackman has been working tirelessly with Ryan from Year 13 to bring it back to its former glory. I look forward to sharing some pictures in my blog next week.
I’d like to wish Mrs Tootill and her team all the very best as the ‘Springboard Project’ opened this week at Medtia in Oldham town centre.
Have a great weekend,
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
