Curriculum (College)
Activ8 Pathway
The aim of the Activ8 Pathway is to give all students a broad and varied skill set they can use in further education or the workplace. Using sport as a vehicle to engage and deliver progressive sessions with employability skills at the heart of our teaching. The College aims to create a welcoming environment for all students working at any ability level. We challenge students to act, think and speak like those working in the fitness industry. We strive to reach each student’s aspirational goal and offer them opportunities to access local community sporting facilities. Activ8 offers students opportunities to access local community sporting facilities. Activ8 offers students opportunities to progress the skills learnt in KS4 alongside focused study promoting their independence and fundamental employability skills required in the workplace. An extension to this pathway is Bridging the Gap where in work experience placements around sport can be facilitated within MMU supported by job coaches.
Attainment
- Level 1 and Level 2 BTEC Physical Exercise Activity
- Sports Leaders Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
- Entry to Football Coaching
- Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Award
- YMCA Health and Fitness qualification
Digit4ll Pathway
The intent of this pathway is to:
- Develop and enhance each student’s digital media and enterprise skills and apply them to the work around them
- Use technology to engage and inspire students
- Develop appropriate social and communication skills using technology
- Provide opportunities to create digital content
- Develop IT skills using technology
- Develop IT skills for students to gain further independence in the wider world
- Ensure students are safe and respectful users of technology
As well as gaining a qualification, there is a huge focus for students to develop their digital media and creative skills and apply them to running their own enterprise. A continuation to further develop skills offer ‘Destiny’ which focuses on work experience around the digital and media elements of work experience placements at SHARP supported by job coaches.
Attainment
- WJEC Entry Level 3
- NCFE Level 1 Certificate
- Young Enterprise
Lumenus Pathway
The Lumenus Pathway is the ideal next step for students who are already following or interested in joining the Performing Arts pathway. The overall aim of this pathway is to extend the young person’s people skills in Performing Arts and develop their professional experience of the performing arts industry. Through a well-structured curriculum, engaging teaching methods, and strong partnerships with industry professionals, Lumenus at the College provides exceptional opportunities for students to excel in their performing arts education. Links externally with Oldham Theatre Workshop, The Palace Theatre and The Royal Exchange.
Attainment
- BTEC Level 1, Level 2 and Level 2 in Performing Arts
- Assessed rehearsal and performance
- Stage and prop design
Pre-Internship Pathway
The Pre-internship curriculum aims to enhance students’ independence and ability to work independently. It focuses on developing communication, independence, resilience, life and employability skills through explicit lessons and embedded learning during placements. The curriculum is flexible, fun and relevant, reflecting EHCP targets and supporting students’ wellbeing. The pathway is structured over a five-day week, with two days spent on placements from host employers. These placements help students gain confidence and develop practical skills for different working environments. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, fun and relevant to EHCP targets and support students’ wellbeing.
Attainment
- Level 1 and Level 2 in Employability Skills
- Two days’ work experience
Bridge The Gap Pathway
The Bridging the Gap curriculum aims to enhance students’ independence and ability to work independently. It focuses on developing communication, independence, resilience, life and employability skills through explicit lessons and embedded learning during placements. The curriculum is flexible, fun and relevant, reflecting EHCP targets and supporting students’ wellbeing. The BTG pathway is structured over a five-day week, with three days spent on placements at local hospitals and Integrated Care Centers. These placements provide students with hands-on experience in their desired field and offer a variety of opportunities to experience the work of the NHS, including cafes, laundry, post rooms and community nurses. The curriculum is designed to support students’ wellbeing and align with EHCP targets.
Attainment
- Level 1 and Level 2 in Employability Skills
- Three days’ work experience:
- Royal Oldham Hospital
- Manchester University
- Destiny
Health and Social Care Pathway
The intent of the Health and Social Care provision in the college is to empower students with the knowledge, skills and values required to pursue successful careers in the health and social care sector. Our overarching goal is to provide outstanding education, promote personal development, and nurture compassionate individuals who will make a positive impact in society.
Attainment
- BTEC Level 1 and Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification
- Work experience within the sector
Key Curriculum Strands
All of our students access accreditation curriculum, carefully adapted to meet their individual needs, learning styles, and abilities. Lessons are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and meaningful, ensuring that every learner can experience success, make progress, and enjoy their learning journey.
Our lessons are designed to be inclusive and engaging, allowing every student to:
- Make progress at their own pace
- Experience a sense of achievement
- Develop confidence and enjoyment in learning
We ensure that all learners are supported to reach their full potential across a range of subjects. These subjects form the foundation of our curriculum and are closely linked to the development of communication, cognition, and essential life skills:
- English – Focused on communication, reading, writing, speaking and listening, with emphasis on functional literacy and self-expression
- Mathematics – Practical and functional numeracy, including number, money, time, and problem-solving skills that apply to everyday life
- ICT (Information & Communication Technology) – Basic digital literacy, using technology for communication, creativity, and learning how to stay safe online
- RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) – Supporting personal development with a focus on friendships, healthy choices, consent, safety, and emotional well-being
- Living Skills – Promoting independence through daily life skills such as hygiene, cooking, laundry, personal organisation, budgeting, and shopping
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Outcomes
Each student has personalised goals, sometimes called small step targets—that break down their annual EHCP targets into manageable, achievable milestones. These goals might focus on areas such as:
- Social and emotional well-being
- Mental health support
- Physical or sensory development
- Communication and interaction
- Building independence and confidence
These sessions are delivered by your young person’s Form Tutor, who knows them well and plans bespoke, meaningful activities to support their development in these areas. Whether it’s learning how to manage emotions, improving communication, or developing key physical skills, Learning for Life helps ensure your young person is supported in every aspect of their growth. Not just academically, but as a whole person. This targeted, nurturing approach is at the heart of our commitment to preparing every learner for their next steps in life, both in and beyond college.
Progress and Assessment
We use a variety of approaches to track progress in a meaningful and personalised way. We use a secure online platform called Evidence for Learning to gather photos, videos, and written observations that capture your child’s achievements across both academic subjects and personal development areas. This helps us build a clear picture of how your child is progressing. Not just in their learning, but in areas like communication, independence, social skills, and emotional well-being.
Progress is measured in several key areas:
- Attainment progress and Achievement – through personalised frameworks and accredited frameworks.
- EHCP outcomes – by tracking small-step targets linked to your child’s individual plan
- The 7 Destinations – our long-term life goals that guide everything we teach, including independence, community involvement, and personal control
Every student has their own set of tailored targets, which are reviewed regularly and updated in response to their needs. You’ll be invited to take part in review meetings. This joined-up approach helps us celebrate every success, identify areas for support, and ensure that your young people is always moving forward on their own unique pathway.
Curriculum Communication Throughout the Year
At New Bridge, we believe that strong communication with families is key to supporting each child’s learning journey. Over the course of the year, you will receive regular updates about your young person’s progress and the curriculum they follow.
Each term, we will share a Curriculum Newsletter giving you an insight what has been happening at the College.
You will also be invited to attend Parents’ Evenings in the Autumn and Summer Terms, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak with staff about you’re young person’s progress, strengths, and next steps.
In Spring and Summer, you will receive a written report covering both academic progress and EHCP outcomes.
In addition, your young person’s Annual Review will provide a further opportunity to discuss curriculum engagement and progress in relation to their individual needs and targets.
We’re committed to working in partnership with you every step of the way.
