Pathways Blog - 12.6.26
Looking out of the Pathways windows, we usually have a stunning view of the Saddleworth hills and beyond, but all I could see this morning were clouds and rain...the half term heat wave seemed like a distant memory.
It got me thinking about some of the journeys we go through. We know where we want to get to, but sometimes the path isn’t clear, or the view isn’t as visible as it was yesterday. However, the goal is still there and we might need to wait a little longer for it to become clear
Whilst I was writing the blog, there was a break in the cloud and the vista of the Peak District came into view – just a reminder that sometimes we just need to be patient to see the rewards.
Enjoy your weekend, stay safe
Mr Southerington
CL2 English
This week in CL2 English we looked how people feel when things get tough and discover what it means to be resilient.
We talked about when things go wrong, we might feel:
- Frustrated (like a steam train!)
- Sad (like a rainy day)
- Worried (like butterflies in our tummy)
In class we tried to build tall towers, and then how did we feel when they got knocked over.
We discussed how resilience isn't about never failing. It's about what we do after we fail.
Mrs Palmer
CL2
CL3
This week CL3 have been working in teams to plan their way to survival on a desert island! In their teams, CL3 have created their own characters with special skills and worked together to plan out their means of survival. Teams have used their knowledge of survival to discuss how they can boil water to make it drinkable, and ways that they could use natural resources around them to build shelter. Teams will continue next week as more trouble strikes their island, and we’ll see just how they pull together to make sure everyone escapes!
Mr Banks
CL3
Digi 2
This week, to enhance their English skills, Digi 2 turned their hands to the fantasy realm of ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, helping their new friend ‘Sean the Griffin’ send a message to his friends. They used the cloud in the sky to write a sentence to his friends below, with correct grammar and the foresight to add additional details using appropriate punctuation! They helped Sean get his friends where they needed to and, for their success, won a Griffin feather for their characters.
Digi 2
English
Celebrating Our Speaking and Listening Success
Over the past term, our English classes have been full of energy, confidence, and creativity as learners from Entry 1 right up to Level 2 have focused on developing their speaking and listening skills. These important skills support not only exam success but also everyday communication, helping learners to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Student Voice at the Heart of Learning
A key part of our recent success has been giving learners the opportunity to choose their own topics and create their own presentations. This has made discussions more meaningful, engaging, and personal, allowing everyone to talk about subjects they are passionate about or interested in.
The range of topics has been fantastic and reflects the diversity of interests across the group. Some of the highlights have included:
The Importance of Passwords – Learning how to stay safe online
Animatronics – Exploring technology, robotics, and creativity by Kenzie
Manchester City – Sharing opinions about football and team success by Rhian
Boxing and Ju Jitsu – Discussing sport, discipline, and fitness by Daniel
David Bowie – Celebrating music, culture, and individuality by Evangeline
The Pros and Cons of Social Media – Debating modern-day issues -Level 1 and Level 2 students
By creating their own presentations, learners have taken ownership of their learning and shown real pride in their work.
Building Confidence Through Communication
Across all levels, learners have worked extremely hard to develop their ability to:
Take part in discussions with others
Ask and respond to questions
Share opinions clearly
Listen carefully and respect different viewpoints
From simple conversations at Entry 1 to more detailed and structured discussions at Level 2, the progress has been excellent. Many learners have grown in confidence and are now speaking more clearly and with greater independence.
Exam Success and Achievement
The speaking and listening exams have been a great opportunity for learners to showcase their skills. It has been fantastic to see the effort, preparation, and determination shown by everyone involved.
A Big Well Done!
Well done to everyone who has worked so hard and taken part in the exams. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to challenge yourselves have been outstanding. You should all be very proud of your achievements.
We look forward to continuing to build on this success, developing skills, exploring new ideas, and growing in confidence together!
Mrs Taylor
English
Science
This week in Science, students have been learning about ‘states of matter’ and how particles are rearranged when changing states. Classes investigated “How quickly does ice melt in different temperatures of water?” Using beakers, stopwatches and thermometers, pupils safety recorded data to conclusively find that ice melts faster in higher temperatures!
Mrs I
Arnold Schwarzenegger 2026 Event
