Newbridge Learning Community
May 2015 Newsletter
Parent Questionnaire’s
Following the completion of the parent
questionnaires a raffle was held and Josh Gaffney’s
parents were the winners. They received a £25.00
voucher. Well done!!
Complimentary Therapies
Growing Up Online
As children grow and become more independent, it is
only natural that they take this independence online.
In their teenage years they explore, try new things
and sometimes push boundaries and take risks. This
is an essential part of growing up.
With all of the potential that the online world and
new technology offers, young people now have
access to huge opportunities. They use technology to
express themselves, explore, and be creative; it has
changed the way they communicate.
The internet has changed all of our lives, and as
children grow up. Many of the things that confuse,
baffle or even scare them are part of their everyday
lives. For many of us, this can all be a bit too much.
Whether you’re a technophobe or a technophile, it’s
still likely that you’ll be playing catch-up with the way
children are using the internet.
You might wonder whether what they are doing is
safe.
At Newbridge pupils are taught about e-safety and in
March all of the pupils attended a whole school
assembly. This outlined the risks of the online world
and included videos of how children can be groomed
and exploited in a range of ways.
Bowen Therapy, Reflexology and in the new school
year September 2015 Indian head massage.
Shirley Benson who is our science technician also
offers complimentary therapies to staff and pupils.
Note from Shirley:
I am a fully trained reflexologist, Bowen therapist and
soon will also be able to add Indian head massage to
the list. I have been offering treatments for over a
year now to both staff and students, the response has
been huge. Staff wellbeing has improved
significantly. Pupils are actively requesting time to
access therapies as a reward for good behaviour as it
offers them one to one care and attention, but
crucially they report feeling more relaxed and able to
cope which is reflected in improved behaviour and
attitudes to learning. Bowen therapy is also used as
an intervention therapy to support pupils in their
learning and promote positive attitudes. This work is
complimented by my training in Neuro Linguistic
Programming (NLP) which uses language to reframe
how people perceive problems and therefore problem
solve.
Focus Event ‘Britishness’ – 27th march
2015
Students involved themselves in a number of
activities to celebrate “Britishness”. Students
participated in traditional British croquet game as
well as cricket; Students also cooked Britain’s
favourite dish (can you guess what that is) ;a group
also took the Great British Tea test (which is an
essential ritual of Britishness) and had to identify
three different teas and to make and serve the
perfect cup of tea. Students also completed an arts
based project and also were involved in discussion on
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the topic “Britain a Cohesive Community” and a
number of students also sat the British Citizenship
test – discovering that it wasn’t as easy as you might
think.
Newbridge showing the Best of British
Pupils cooked a range of dishes in their lessons e.g.
Pea and ham soup and Bangers, mash and roast
vegetables. Some groups got the time to do it as a
team and then sit down to eat together.
May 2015 Newsletter
Duke of Edinburgh Award
This year we introduced the Duke of Edinburgh
Award into the year 11 curriculum and we currently
have 6 students on track to achieve the award. As
part of the award students are required to complete a
practice and assessment expedition. This involves
being able to follow a map, plan all their meals as well
as cook them and organise all their equipment for the
two day, one night trip. The input on the expedition
from the staff is minimal.
And then on our Focus day we looked at Britain’s
favorite Take- away – Curry
Groups were guided towards their favorite or
someone at homes favorite from a mild Korma to “I
think I put too much chili in……can I have a bucket of
water please “
The practice expedition took place on 29/30 April.
The students were amazing and completed all
elements of the trip. On the Wednesday they
completed a 4 mile walk around Rivington following
the route on their map. In the evening they cooked a
meal of spaghetti bolognaise before organising their
breakfast and lunch for the next day. On Thursday
another 4 mile walk, again around a different part of
Rivington, before returning to school.
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If the assessment expedition follows the same pattern
then the students should complete the award. Well
done to all.
May 2015 Newsletter
plays in the band outside of school ‘Disturbance of
the Peace’. Josh Fifield is playing the rhythm on the
acoustic and Jamielee has now branched out to
keyboards as well as guitar. The school band is
currently working on cover versions of heavy rock:
“Numb” by Linkin Park, the Circle by Slipknot, Viva La
Vida by Coldplay, and Wonderwall by Oasis, Arabella
by Arctic Monkeys and by Many of Horror Biffy Clyro.
Year 11
Congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils who have
already gained the results to secure college
placements in a variety of fields: Childcare, Web
Design and Gaming, Music Technology, Public
Services and Catering. Good Luck to all of you!
All year 10 and 11 pupils who re-sat their English
Exams in November moved up from a D to a C. You
know who you are and congratulations to all of you!
Likewise, a big well done to all our Year 10 and 11
pupils who have gained their level 1 and 2 in
Functional skills in English.
Well Done Conor
Year 8 Update
This term Connor Hughes of Year 8 has had the
opportunity to attend Hawkley Hall to have
mainstream experience.
Connor has already
attended twice and has represented Newbridge well.
We are extremely proud of Connor!
Jack Bissell, also in Year 8 has been successfully
chosen for the raft challenge organised by ‘Engage in
their Future’ in May. Jack along with his mentor,
Mark Webster will be put through their paces! We
wish then the best of luck!
Pop to Rock Music!
In music, the band is moving from pop to rock! Paddy
Connor is becoming a proficient bass player and now
A special well done to our ‘Most Able’ pupil in PE
Conor Mckeown. He was identified by our School as
being Talented in football and school has supported
him in helping him find a club, working closely with
his manager, helping with fees and transporting him
to training. We are proud to say Conor is now thriving
in his new team Golborne and playing every week in
the Warrington League!
Blood Brothers Theatre trip
Black cats, shoes on the table, a lone magpie, a
smashed mirror, twins separated at birth only to both
die when the truth comes out; these were the
highlights of the English Literature trip Blood
Brothers Theatre trip to Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl. We
had front row seats and all our key stage three and
four pupils were on the edge of their seats only to
finish on their feet as they gave all the actors a
standing ovation. This was without doubt the best
trip in years for the English department as pupils
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seemed genuinely moved and excited by the whole
production!
May 2015 Newsletter
Animal cell pizzas
Todd’s Creations
Year 8 pupil, Todd Travis with his own creation of
‘Plankton’ from the Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob
Square Pants. Todd spent several lunch times
creating his paper maché model. Next term he plans
on expanding his skills by making a mask. Check out
the next issue to see his latest creation.
World Book Day 2015
A well done to all our winners on
World Book day. Winners were
rewarded for their focus and stamina
in reading and their book reviews with
a book of their choice. Now winners,
make sure you read it! Enjoy!
Science Club
This term the Science club have been revising Cells
for their iGCSE Biology Exam in May. We decided to
try and teach this in a new way that incorporated
other subjects that they particularly enjoyed, one of
them being Catering and Nutrition. Bearing that in
mind the made an animal cell pizzas and plant cell
pillows. The results were amazing and they really
enjoyed the different approach taken to cells.
Camping trips 2015
Following on from the success of the summer
camping trips to Black Rock Sands (Porthmadog,
North Wales) in 2013 and 2014, more camping trips
have been arranged for the summer holidays this
year. Black Rock Sands is recognised as a place of
natural beauty and has recently retained the ‘David
Bellamy Gold Conservation Award’. The area is not
only pleasing to the eye but is also designated as a
Newbridge Learning Community
May 2015 Newsletter
place of ‘Specific Scientific Interest’. This is due to the
vast range of rare flora and fauna that flourish in this
virtually unspoilt region of Wales.
Fundraising for Nepal Appeal.
The plans are similar to last two years with much of
the time being spent exploring the beach, caves and
nearby countryside. Those brave enough to endure
the cold might have a dip in the Irish Sea. The
evening meal will be a barbecue, which is always very
popular after a day spent breathing in the fresh sea air
and building up a very healthy appetite.
The second day will begin with a cooked breakfast
followed by a trip to Llandudno. In Llandudno pupils
will get a chance to check out the amazing views from
the top of the Great Orm, before going for a stroll
down the pier and sea front. Finally, in line with
Newbridge camping tradition, staff and pupils enjoy
an ice cream before heading back home.
Any pupils interested must discuss this with their PFP
worker to see if they are eligible for one of the limited
places that are available.
Students and staff are helping to raise money after
the devastation the earthquake left behind for the
people of Nepal. Pupils came up with the idea to get
their thinking caps on to fundraise. The pupils have
been working hard to come up with ideas... Owen
Cooke and Thomas Charlson from Year 7 have
donated their school points earned for good work and
good behaviour. Changing to money and donating
well done boys! The pupils have lots of plans in place
to help the people of Nepal and we are hoping to set a
date in the summer term for fundraising. Look out for
the summer newsletter for pictures and updates of all
the different fundraising ideas.
Poland 2015
We are counting down the days until our Y9 trip to
Krakow in Poland. This will be our fifth visit and a
total of 19 pupils have already made the trip. We will
be flying out on June 12th and returning on June 15th.
We have a really busy itinerary planned with trips to
Auschwitz, Salt mines and Wodney Waterpark. The
students will also be able to try out the food and
absorb the culture. We will be taking lots of pictures
so watch this space.