Pathways Blog - 30.1.26
Where did January go? I cannot believe that we are nearly halfway through the academic year! Well, they do say time flies when you’re having fun!
Over the past five days, pupils have worked incredibly hard completing their mock Functional Skills exams in Maths and English. These mocks have given pupils the chance to experience a realistic exam environment, help to build confidence and ease anxieties by becoming familiar with the exam format. They have also provided staff with valuable insight into each pupil’s strengths, as well as the areas where a little extra support may help them continue to grow and succeed. Well done, learners - We couldn’t be prouder of you.
Earlier this week, we interviewed and appointed new staff in Teaching Assistant roles. We are excited that these appointments will bring skills and experience that will enrich and enhance our offer at Pathways.
Once the onboarding process is complete, we will share more information about our newest members of the Pathways team.
With Pathways being located in the Town Centre, it does give our pupils unique access to the community that other schools cannot offer. Our pupils get to put their class-based theory into real world practice, whilst also exposing them to opportunities that wouldn’t necessarily be made available. Our weekly class focus on the Blog has highlighted the experiences our learners have, and this week is no different.
Letters have been sent to interested families of pupils in Year 11 about our Wales residential in the Summer Term – places are limited and will be allocated by a random draw in the week commencing 16th February.
A big thank you to all our staff, families and stakeholders for your continued support for our learners.
Have a restful weekend, Stay Safe.
Mr Southerington & Miss McMurray
Art Options
This week in our Art Options class:
Recently, our classroom has transformed into a vibrant studio as students dive deep into the world of Eco-Art. But this isn't just about pretty pictures—it’s about using the natural world to speak up for the planet.
To explore these big ideas, our young artists have been focusing on a classic subject with a modern twist: drawing fruit.
We are so proud of how our students are using their creativity to champion a greener future!
Art Options
Business & Enterprise
As part of the business and enterprise options, students have been busy developing creative, practical skills through a Valentine’s gift making project. The aims of this project is to give students hands-on experience of designing, making, pricing and selling products for a real occasion.
Students explored what makes a successful Valentines gift by researching popular trends, considering customers preferences and discussing cost versus profit. From this, they planned a small range of unique gifts to create and sell.
Our valentines product range:
- Mason Candle Holders
- Edible flower bouquets
- A selection of other handmade valentines gifts.
Through this project, students developed:
- Creativity and design skills
- Teamwork and communication
- Basic budgeting and pricing
- Understanding of customers and sales
- Pride in producing a finish product
We will be having our Valentine’s Day sale on the 11th February for the pathway students.
B&E
CL3
The recent rain did not deter CL3 from exploring Oldham landmarks, students visited the old town hall, where Winston Churchill once stood as an MP for Oldham, and another local heroine Annie Kenney, a suffragette.
We made our own culture plates after researching the diverse culture in Oldham.
Students made rag puddings (a local Oldham food tradition) the old-fashioned way using cloth and steaming them. We also tasted a rare Lancashire delicacy, Vegan Black Pudding. Some students really enjoyed it, others were not so keen but well done for trying something new. We invited staff to sample our cooking. Everyone enjoyed it.
We did try to relax a little on our weekly trip to the library.
CL3
Food
This term in food it is all about Fake Away, the pupils have been researching local take away options and have been making their own cheaper, healthier versions in class. So far we’ve made pizza, practicing our weighing, measuring and kneading. Last week we made chicken strips, some classes even pushed themselves to make a Katsu curry sauce from scratch to go alongside! They have demonstrated excellent hygiene and understanding of how to judge when meat is cooked and safe to eat.
Food
History
In our History Option lessons this term, we have been exploring the fascinating world of the Vikings. Recently, we have focused on Norse runes, discovering how these ancient symbols were used not only for writing but also for communication, identity, and storytelling. Alongside this, we have been studying Viking longboats, known as Drakkars and learning why their sleek, sturdy designs made them so effective for travel, trade, and exploration. As part of our practical work, we have built our own replica Drakkars, using historical designs to guide our creations. Soon, we will be testing their durability to see how well our models might have handled the seas. We’re excited to put our craftsmanship and historical knowledge to the test!
History
