First Full Week of Timetabled Sessions… The Buzz Continues!
Last week I stated that from the moment our students arrived through the doors that there was a real sense of excitement and purpose across the Campus. For me, the buzz has continued as we end a successful first week of timetabled lessons.
Walking around College throughout the week, it has been a pleasure to see students settling quickly into routines, engaging positively in their learning and embracing the opportunities that a new academic year brings. Classrooms have been full of enthusiasm, curiosity and determination, with students demonstrating a genuine commitment to making the most of every experience.
The College staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that the transition back into College has been a smooth and successful one. From carefully planned lessons and enrichment activities to the countless conversations that help students feel supported and valued. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all staff for the energy, professionalism and care they continue to show every day.
This week has also highlighted the strength of our College. New students have been welcomed warmly by both peers and staff, quickly becoming part of Campus life and building new friendships. It has been wonderful to witness students supporting one another, working collaboratively and demonstrating the respect and kindness that make our College such a very special place.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the week has been the positive atmosphere that continues to be felt throughout the Campus. Whether in lessons or around the corridors, there is a genuine sense of pride, belonging and optimism. These qualities create the foundations for success and reinforce the values that underpin New Bridge College.
Thank you to all students, staff and families for contributing to such a positive start to the academic year. The excitement and momentum we experienced on at the start last week has not diminished this week. If anything, it has grown stronger. I am incredibly proud of how our students and staff have embraced the new term, and I look forward to seeing what we can all achieve together.
Wishing you all a safe, positive and happy weekend.
Mr McKeown
Digi 11.09.2026
Activ8 Update... Active Beginnings!
Students have made a fantastic start at New Bridge College, settling in quickly and engaging positively in college life. They have successfully completed gym inductions, learning how to use equipment safely and confidently.
Students have also played an active role in redesigning the college gym, sharing ideas to create a more welcoming and motivating space. Alongside this, they have enjoyed taking part in a range of activities including basketball, bench ball, dodgeball, and yoga, helping to develop teamwork, communication, confidence, and wellbeing.
It has been great to see students embrace new opportunities, stay active, and make such a positive contribution to the college community.
Activ8 11.09.2026
Community Living Update... A Fantastic First Week!
What a wonderful start to the new term for our Community Living group! Students have returned with enthusiasm, positivity and a willingness to get involved in a range of exciting activities designed to build independence, confidence and life skills.
One of our main focuses this week has been developing communication skills. We have been taking part in discussions, working collaboratively and practicing how to express our ideas clearly and confidently. Whether through group activities, conversations or practical tasks, students have shown great determination in strengthening these important social skills.
In mathematics and creative learning sessions, students explored the fascinating world of tessellation. We investigated how shapes can fit together perfectly without leaving gaps or overlapping, creating colourful and eye-catching patterns. The activity encouraged problem-solving, spatial awareness and creativity.
We have also been spending time developing our understanding of the features of the local environment. This work helps build knowledge and confidence for navigating and engaging with the world around us more independently.
Alongside these learning activities, we have begun preparing for our upcoming Macmillan Coffee Morning. Students have been exploring ways to contribute to the event and support Macmillan Cancer Support's important fundraising work. From discussing ideas and creating plans to thinking about how to welcome guests, we have been eager to play a role in making the event a success. The preparations are also providing valuable opportunities to develop communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
It has been fantastic to see us supporting one another, embracing new challenges and settling into college life so positively. We are incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm shown by all students during the first week.
Mr Giblin
Community Living 11.09.2026
A Huge Welcome and Well Done to Our BTG Students!
What a fantastic start to the academic year for our BTG students! We would like to extend a massive welcome and congratulations to everyone for successfully completing their first week with us.
It has certainly been a busy week. Students have been getting organised by providing identification documents for DBS applications and applying for bus pass cards, helping to ensure they are fully prepared for the exciting months ahead.
One of the highlights of the week has been seeing how well our students have settled in. It has been wonderful to watch the group come together, get to know one another, and begin forming new friendships. The positive atmosphere and support shown between students has been fantastic to witness.
Liam M had the opportunity to visit a potential placement setting this week, where he experienced a very busy lunchtime service and gained a valuable insight into the world of work.
Kurt and Kayden have also been working incredibly hard as they complete their training at The Royal Oldham Hospital before starting their placements. Both students successfully completed a range of essential training sessions, including Safeguarding Adults and Children, Welcome, Values and Induction, and Counter Fraud training. Their engagement and enthusiasm throughout the sessions were exceptional, and both walked away with valuable new knowledge and skills to support them in the workplace.
Meanwhile, Kyra has been enjoying some quiet time, relaxing with a good book and a hot chocolate. Caitlyn, Nina and Maia have also been developing their independent living skills, enjoying the process of making delicious hot chocolates complete with sprinkles and marshmallows!
Three of our young men, Aaron, Andrew and Dontay, have settled brilliantly into their placement at Destiny. They have had an excellent first week, learning new photography skills while confidently stepping in front of the camera themselves.
Overall, it has been a fantastic first week back. BTG staff are incredibly proud of how our students have embraced new experiences and opportunities. Over the coming half term, we will continue with inductions, training and placement visits to ensure every student feels supported, confident and ready to take their next steps into the world of work.
We are excited to see what the rest of the year brings and look forward to sharing more of our students' achievements along the way.
Natasha Hughes - Senior Job Coach
BTG 11.09.2026
