Another week passes by at an extraordinary rate.

Monday saw Apple Education come and visit our site. They were very impressed by how we use their technologies in numerous ways from teaching in Mr Handrick and Mrs Joubert’s ICT lessons to how ePorfolios are used in Pre Internship to evidence learning and progress. They were given a tour of our building before moving to the Atrium where they saw how Mr Morrison is creating QR codes that link to instructional videos of how to use different tools and equipment in the café. Very impressive.

Mr Handrick and Mrs Joubert’s Digit4ll 2 Young Enterprise class made a great sum of money at David Lloyd Middleton gym’s Christmas Fair selling their ‘Key Minds’ products that are raising money for Mental Health. All students and staff really enjoyed the experience and it gave them a really great confidence boost.

The Digit4ll 1 Young Enterprise Class have been busy at work making their ‘Cosy Cuddlers’ ready to be sold at upcoming Christmas fairs and markets..

Now over to our job coach Maria for news of an exciting new work placement that Daniel mentioned a few week’s ago..

I have just returned from Tameside Radio with Jordan and he had a fantastic first visit to the station. He met the station manager who was very impressed by Jordan’s skills and was excited that he would be asset to the team and have plenty to do.

We were given a tour by Anna Hughes, the Volunteer Co-ordinator at both the radio station and also the newspaper The Tameside Reporter. What an exciting morning as the paper is on deadline day for stories to be in for Wednesday 5pm, so they were all very busy!

The radio station was on air so we were unable to go into the studio but we could see all the action going on behind the glass. We then went into the podcast room for a photo opportunity and Jordan looked right at home..

His duties will include contributing to the newspaper, writing pieces of interest to him and also looking at the local community. He will learn how to put together a podcast and many other jobs around the station when he gets going – as you can see by the pictures, we had a great time and he is really looking forward to starting next week. Go Jordan!

Now our job coach Hayley has an update on our Bridging the Gap students over at the hospital..

It has been all go at Bridging the Gap at the Royal Oldham Hospital! The students have all been doing amazing work whilst on job placements and have also completing some fantastic work for their qualifications. Below is a brief update of each one of our students and something they would like to share with you all.

• Cherrie was in London yesterday with her Auntie to collect her GOLD Duke of Edinburgh’s Award..

“I had the best day ever, I had an early morning and late night to travel to London and back on the train. I really enjoyed getting my award at St James’ Palace”

Well done Cherrie, we are all very proud of you!

• Dylan has done some admin work laminating and making our BtG board look a little tidier and fresh this week.

He has recently started to work in the Cafe Royal and is doing a great job in the busy environment..

“I like working in the cafe, I enjoy my independence working on job tasks. I like the staff team I am working with.”

• Nathan has gained lots of skills since starting on his job placements of Portering and working in the post room.

“I am enjoying both of my work placements. “I really like working with John, we do lots of important jobs like delivering medication to wards and clinics. I also work in the Post Room twice a week. I sort all of the hospital letters into the correct pigeon holes, so that they get delivered to the right place. I also go out on the post round with Jade or Lisa delivering and collecting mail.”

Nathan has earned himself this week’s ‘Worker of the Week’ award for his consistent achievements and fantastic relationships with the staff he works with – well done Nathan!!

• Patrick has done some fantastic pieces of work in the base room for his qualification which includes work on communication and first impressions.

“My work placement is going really well, I have to be aware of health and safety at all times and I am enjoying leaning new skills such as communicating as part of a team and the sorting of Police blankets. I also really like working with Julie in the afternoons and working on the recycling.”

As we approach our last few weeks of the students’ first work placements, it is fantastic to see how each student has gained transferable work skills and confidence in such a professional work setting. The team strive to keep these standards high on the run up to Christmas!

If you read last week’s blog (here), you will already know the fantastic news about our pre-intern star, Josie. Our job coach Tisha has more to tell us..

As you know, Josie has returned to David Lloyd Manchester North where she has settled back in very well. During her placement there last year Josie had become a well liked student at the club and everyone had missed her.

Last week I met with the David Lloyd Clubs’ cleaning company area manager, Graham. I introduced him to Josie and asked about the possibility of a cleaning contract for Josie with suitable hours on a Saturday. 

Her application process has been successful and it is now official – Josie has secured a Saturday job working 4 hours a week as a Housekeeper! Fantastic news, as we know Josie enjoys cleaning and has a settled routine..

I thought it would be nice for people to see what Josie has been getting up to. Here she is with Clement learning how to use the Ghost Duster to clean the gym floors with – especially good for getting behind those treadmills..

..completing her Health & Safety induction with Johnny the Health and Safety manager..

..learning how to use the till and provide great customer service with Bailey..

..and finally setting up tables for afternoon tea with Alan ready for various managers of the David Lloyd Clubs team..

This is what some of the staff had to say…

‘Josie is always ready to clean and she is very enthusiastic about becoming a part of our housekeeping team which is great’. ~ Clement,  Housekeeping Manager

‘Josie is so lovely. She’s always enthusiastic about helping out and more than happy to learn. She’s a great help as part of the team at David Lloyds. Always a delight to work with. Thank you!’ ~ Faith, restaurant assistant

‘Josie is a great help to the team at David Lloyd. She’s so helpful and always has a smile on her face. She is keen to help out in any way possible and very friendly with all staff and members. Thank you Josie.’ ~ Megan, DLicious Manager.

On Wednesday Mr Lawrence and Activ8 had a fantastic day at the Heads Up tournament at Trafford Fives soccer centre. They worked well as a team showing great sportsmanship. A great day was had by all, made even better by Activ8 winning the tournament. Activ8 would like to thank Ryan and Heads Up for inviting us and running a great tournament..

Next week sees the arrival of our new head Mrs Walton. I’m really excited to get the opportunity to work with her and I’m sure you’ll all give her the same warm welcome that I received when I started here.

I hope that you all have a great weekend,

Mr Pidlyskyj
Deputy Head of Key Stage 5 Pathways

Click here for this week’s news from Graham

You can view our previous blog entries here

News from the Learning Centre and New Bridge School can be found here