Pathways Blog - 9.1.26
We hope everyone enjoyed a peaceful and refreshing winter break. As a school, we’re delighted to open our doors once again and welcome our pupils, families, and staff back for the new term. There’s something uplifting about this time of year, a sense of renewal, fresh motivation and the excitement of new opportunities ahead.
Can I also take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Mr Banks and Mrs Iwaneczko, who have recently joined the New Bridge Pathways teaching team. We are delighted to have them with us. We know they will both play an important role in enriching our curriculum and strengthening the support we offer our pupils.
As you’ll have noticed, winter has arrived in full force. With the snowy, cold spell continuing, we want to remind everyone to stay safe and warm over the weekend. Wrap up well, take extra care when travelling and look out for one another. If you’re heading out to enjoy the snow, make sure it’s done safely.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend
Miss McMurray 😊
A Fantastic First Week Back for Activ82!
Activ82 have had a brilliant start to the new term, settling back into their learning routines with enthusiasm, focus, and energy. It’s been fantastic to see how quickly they have re-engaged after the two-week break.
This week, learners have begun exploring the sport of boxing, developing a strong understanding of the discipline. They have been learning about the history of the sport, equipment, rules, skills, and roles, and crucially, applying this knowledge directly to their BTEC assignment. The group have displayed excellent knowledge and understanding, and they are already raring to go with the practical element - they can’t wait to get those boxing gloves on!
Alongside this, Activ82 have had very positive Maths and English lessons, receiving excellent feedback from Mrs Taylor and Mr Goup. Their attitude, effort, and engagement across these sessions has been exceptional and a real credit to the group.
At MAHDLO, learners were fully engaged in competitive relay races, bringing out the competitive side of their personalities. It was fantastic to see them working together, pushing themselves, and trying their best to beat both staff and friends in a supportive and energetic environment.
Overall, it has been a great start to the term, and I am really looking forward to seeing how Activ82 continue to progress and develop throughout the year.
Well done, Activ82!
Important Reminder for Parents/Carers
A quick reminder for any parents or carers who have not yet returned trampolining consent forms - please ensure these are signed and returned by Monday. Trampolining sessions begin next week, and we don’t want anyone to miss out.
Thank you for your continued support.
Have a lovely weekend!
Mr Wilson
Welcome Back, CL1!
Welcome back to school, CL1, and Happy New Year! We hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Christmas break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the term ahead.
It has been fantastic to see how well the class has settled back into school routines. CL1 have returned with a positive attitude and have been working hard in all of their lessons, showing great effort and focus. We are really proud of how smoothly they have adjusted back into learning.
We’re looking forward to another exciting term full of progress, achievements, and great learning moments together. Well done, CL1 – keep up the brilliant work.
CL1 - 9.1.26
Mr Banks – Digi 1
Since our return after Christmas, Digi1 has carried on exploring how to make their own movies. Last term, the students made a video tour of the Pathways building using their iPads.
Now we continue to develop their use of iMovie and creative writing skills as they begin to make their own trailers. This week, we have explored what is meant by genre, and students have begun to write their own elevator pitches to really sell us on their films.
We hope Netflix better give us a sponsorship so all of these brilliant ideas can be made!
Digi 1 (9.1.26)
Reheasals In Full Swing for Opan Youth Festival
With February fast approaching, excitement is building across Lumenus as our KS4 performers prepare to take the stage at this year’s Opan Youth Festival. This year, our students are taking on a powerful and imaginative role in The King of the Trees—they will become the Healers, guardians of balance, wisdom, and renewal.
As the Healers, our KS4 group plays a vital part in restoring harmony and guiding the characters through moments of challenge and change. It’s a role that demands focus, creativity, and a strong sense of ensemble work—something our students have embraced with enthusiasm.
Over the past few weeks, the rehearsal room has been buzzing with energy. Students have been exploring movement, experimenting with vocal work, and developing the unique identity of the Healers. From choreographed sequences to atmospheric group work, Lumenus is building a performance that feels both grounded and magical.
Our KS4 performers have also been working closely with staff to understand the themes of the piece, growth, healing, and the power of community. These ideas are shaping not only their characters but the way they collaborate and support one another throughout the creative process.
Preparing for a festival performance is about more than learning lines or perfecting blocking. It’s about teamwork, resilience, and discovering new strengths. Students have been pushing themselves to try new techniques, take creative risks, and trust their instincts. Watching their confidence grow has been one of the highlights of the journey so far.
As the festival draws nearer, the cast is refining their scenes, polishing transitions, and adding the final touches that will bring the world of The King of the Trees to life. There’s a real sense of pride in the work they’re creating and a shared excitement about performing alongside KS5 Lumenus and other talented young people from across the region.
We can’t wait to see our KS4 Healers shine on stage in February. Their dedication, imagination, and teamwork are already something to celebrate.
Lumenus (9.1.26)
