Back Together and Looking Ahead

As we reach the end of our first week back after half-term, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for the positive start to the new half-term. It has been fantastic to see students and staff return with such enthusiasm, energy and determination.

The changing season is certainly becoming more noticeable. With the mornings starting a little darker and the evenings drawing in earlier, we are reminded that Winter is just around the corner. While the shorter days can make those early starts and journeys home feel different, they also mark the beginning of a very exciting period in the College calendar.

Behind the scenes, staff and the Student Parliament are already busy planning a range of festive activities and celebrations for our students. The festive season always provides wonderful opportunities for our College to come together, celebrate achievements, create memories and enjoy a variety of engaging events. We look forward to sharing more details with students, families and staff over the coming weeks.

Thank you to all our students for their excellent attitude and commitment throughout the week, and to our staff for your continued dedication, professionalism and care. Your hard work makes a real difference every day and is greatly appreciated.

I hope everyone has a restful weekend and I look forward to another successful week ahead.

Mr Scott Mckeown, Head of New Bridge College

BTG Update... First Week on Placement at Royal Oldham Hospital

Kurt and Kayden have had an excellent first week on placement within the Catering Department at Royal Oldham Hospital and have settled into their new roles extremely well. 

Kayden has been working within the hospital café, a busy and fast-paced customer-facing environment. Due to staffing shortages, Kayden has had to adapt to his role quickly and has risen to the challenge admirably. With support from staff, he has been responsible for maintaining the café floor area, ensuring tables are kept clean and tidy, changing bins when required, and operating the dishwasher to clean cutlery and utensils. He has already begun completing some tasks independently and has received very positive feedback from staff, who have commented on his proactive attitude and ability to work with minimal prompting. Well done, Kayden, keep up the fantastic work! 

Kurt has also settled well into the kitchen environment and has quickly become involved in a range of catering tasks. He has been supporting the team with food preparation activities, including wrapping naan breads, cleaning and sanitising workstations, and assisting with meal preparation. Kurt has also had the opportunity to develop his practical catering skills by helping to prepare pies, custard and soups, as well as portioning meals into ward trolleys ready for lunchtime service. Kurt has approached every task with enthusiasm and has thoroughly enjoyed his first week. When asked how he had found the placement so far, Kurt said, "It's been a blast! I have thoroughly enjoyed it." 

A huge well done to both Kurt and Kayden on a successful first week. We look forward to seeing their skills, confidence and independence continue to grow over the coming weeks. 👏🏽🎉 

BTG 06.11.2026

Activ8 Update... Stepping Out of Comfort Zones and Into New Opportunities

Since returning from the summer holidays, the students have taken part in a wide range of activities and sporting opportunities. They have recently completed a six-week dance programme, during which they learned a full routine and performed it at Madhlo in front of their peers and staff. This experience helped to build their confidence, teamwork skills, and performance abilities. 

 Alongside dance, students learned the fundamentals of netball and were challenged to design and deliver their own drill aimed at primary school-aged children. On Mondays, students have continued to attend regular kickboxing sessions, where they have developed a range of offensive and defensive techniques, including combinations using their hands, knees, elbows, and legs. 

Every Friday, students have taken part in Venture Out activities, experiencing a variety of outdoor pursuits such as canoeing, archery, mountain biking, and caving. These activities have encouraged resilience, teamwork, and personal development. 

Within their Living Skills classroom sessions, Activ8 Group 1 have been focusing on developing their social and communication skills through a range of interactive games and opportunities to socialise with their peers. Activ8 Group 2 have been learning about food safety and successfully planned and delivered their own "Come Dine with Me" experience, creating and serving a three-course meal. 

As we have entered a new term, students have begun learning the foundations of Hyrox training, focusing on the key exercises and techniques involved. In addition, they have recently started participating in padel sessions, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills and experience another exciting sport.

Activ8 06.11.2026