Pathways Blog - 3.10.25
As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding week at New Bridge Pathways, the darker evenings and return of the rain remind us that autumn is here. Despite the change in season, there’s been a real sense of energy enjoyment and engagement around the building.
Pupils have been working hard, showing real focus in lessons and continuing to build strong, supportive friendships. It’s been great to see so many positive interactions, whether during lessons, at breaktimes, or during extra curricular activities.
Year 11 annual reviews are underway and these will continue throughout the autumn term. These are an important part of planning for the future, and it’s clear that pupils and families are already thinking carefully about what comes next in Year 12.
“Student Leader” Adam has worked hard in supporting staff and peers, and has been a real asset to the site. Next weeks Student Leader has some big shoes to fill, but I’m sure whoever it is will approach the job in a mature manner.
Staff have been brilliant, as always! Providing steady support and helping to keep things calm and purposeful. Our pastoral team have been especially busy this week, checking in with pupils and making sure routines are in place to help everyone feel secure, settled and ready to learn.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend
Miss McMurray 😊
Art Options
In art options so far, our students have begun exploring self-portraits with a focus on Pablo Picasso (whose full name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso!) The students began by exploring a brief history of Picasso’s work beginning in his Blue period, an era of melancholy for the artist, until his development of Cubism and surreal art. Students began exploring the use of colour in Picasso’s work before having a go at making their drawing in the style of Picasso and Cubism. I’m sure the artist himself would be very proud to see the stellar work that’s come from our artists!
Art Options - 3.10.25
CL5 Trip to Oldham Library and Living Skills Fun
This week, CL5 visited Oldham Library to apply for their own library cards. The students showed great independence by speaking to staff, filling out forms, and choosing books they were interested in. It was a fantastic opportunity to build confidence and practise communication skills.
In our Living Skills lesson, we explored budgeting by looking at menus from some of the student's favourite cafes. Everyone was given a set amount of money and had to decide what they could afford to buy. This helped them think carefully about prices and make choices based on their budget. Keep up the good work CL5!
Mrs Taylor & Miss Harrison
CL5 - 3.10.25
Digi 2 Day Out: Quentin Blake Takes Over The Lowry!
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Today, Digi 2 set off on an exciting day trip to The Lowry to see the fantastic exhibition “Quentin Blake Takes Over the Lowry This Summer!” — and what a brilliant day it was!
We started our adventure by hopping on the tram from school, heading straight to Salford Quays. For some of us, just riding the tram was part of the fun — it’s always a nice change from the classroom!
When we arrived at The Lowry, we were greeted by a world of colour, imagination, and that classic Quentin Blake style we all know and love. The exhibition was absolutely packed with his quirky characters, wild creatures, and expressive linework, spread across all three gallery spaces. It was amazing to see his illustrations up close — so much energy and personality in every piece!
There were drawings from books like The BFG and Matilda but also loads of artwork we hadn’t seen before. Some of it was a bit more unusual or experimental, showing just how creative and bold Quentin Blake really is. Everyone had their own favourite, and we spent lots of time exploring each room, sketching, chatting, and taking it all in.
After finishing at The Lowry, we jumped back on the tram and headed into Manchester city centre, where we made our way to the Arndale Centre. We had dinner there – plenty of options to choose from!
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Everyone found something they liked, and it was nice to relax together after all that walking and gallery exploring.
Before heading home, we had a quick look around a couple of shops — a great way to end the day. Then it was back on the tram for the final stretch of our journey, returning to school with tired feet but big smiles.
It was such a fun and inspiring trip — full of creativity, laughter, and a few snacks along the way! A big thank you to the staff who helped organise it, and to The Lowry for hosting such a fantastic exhibition. If you haven’t seen it yet, we recommend going before the summer’s over!
Digi Trip - 3.10.25
History Options
Over the past couple of weeks in our options class, we have been exploring early human history, beginning with the Stone Age. We learned how people crafted tools during that time by practicing knapping techniques using soap blocks to simulate stone. We then moved on to study Mesopotamia, widely known as the cradle of civilisation, where we discovered how writing first began. To connect with this ancient culture, we used clay to create our own cuneiform inscriptions, experiencing firsthand the earliest known form of literacy.
History Options - 3.10.25
