College Blog - 3.7.26

📱 Beyond the Screen – Super Learning Day 2026 

What a fantastic Super Learning Day 2026! Students came together to explore one of the most important topics facing young people today – the impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing. After students shared their interests through an online safety survey, social media and mental health emerged as one of the most popular topics, making it the perfect focus for this year’s event. We were also fortunate to be supported by Rebeckah Hollingsworth, Executive Advisor for the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust. 

 
This year’s Super Learning Day was proudly planned, organised and delivered by the New Bridge Parliament. A special mention must go to our Parliament President, Ben Greenwood, and Vice-President, Haidan Keating, who hosted the day with confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm. The duo were absolutely fantastic and made us incredibly proud. Their leadership, energy and commitment helped make the event a huge success. We are also immensely proud of all our Parliament members, who worked behind the scenes and throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their hard work, teamwork and dedication truly shone through. 
 
Throughout the day, students discussed both the positive and negative effects of social media, learning how online platforms can help us stay connected, express ourselves creatively and access useful information, while also recognising the challenges that can come with spending time online. Students explored topics such as online kindness, healthy digital habits, confidence, wellbeing and where to go for support if they ever feel worried or unsafe online. 
 
A real highlight of the day was hearing from our talented students. Jayden from Activ8 delivered a thoughtful and engaging piece on online safety, encouraging everyone to think carefully about their online choices and how to stay safe in the digital world. We were also treated to Andrew’s brilliant rap performance, which captured important messages about social media, wellbeing and online responsibility in a creative and memorable way. Both performances captivated the audience and helped bring the day’s learning to life. 
 
Students then worked collaboratively in teams to create awareness campaigns designed to educate others about the impact of social media on mental health. The creativity on display was incredible, with groups producing a range of engaging projects and presentations. The confidence, teamwork and communication skills shown throughout the day made everyone incredibly proud. 
 
A huge congratulations goes to Activ8 Pathways for their outstanding work. Their effort, creativity and teamwork shone throughout the event, and they should be incredibly proud of their achievement. To celebrate the fantastic campaigns produced, prizes were awarded to the winning teams, with a £30 Sainsbury’s voucher presented for first place and a £20 Sainsbury’s voucher awarded for second place. 
 
The day was a wonderful reminder that while social media can offer many benefits, it is important to use it safely, responsibly and in ways that support our wellbeing. Most importantly, students left with a greater understanding of how to look after themselves and others online. 
 
Well done to every student, member of staff, Parliament representative and student leader who helped make Super Learning Day 2026 such a success. Together, we are building a safer, kinder and more positive online community. 🌟 
 
#BeyondTheScreen #SuperLearningDay2026 #StudentLeadership #NewBridgeParliament #OnlineSafety #MentalHealthMatters 

SLD

Salford Dance Explosion 2026 – A Celebration of Music, Movement and Togetherness

This week, students from Lumenus College and Lumenus Pathways had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Salford Dance Explosion at the prestigious Quays Theatre, The Lowry. This event is always a highlight of the Lumenus calendar, and this year’s experience was no exception.

Performing on a professional stage is an unforgettable experience for our students. Not only did they showcase their talents in front of an audience, but they also had the chance to work alongside technical theatre professionals, gaining valuable insight into what goes on behind the scenes of a large-scale production.

The evening featured a wonderful variety of performances, with dancers of different ages and abilities coming together to celebrate creativity, expression and inclusion. It was inspiring to see so many young people sharing their passion for dance and supporting one another throughout the event.

Our performance this year was inspired by the World Music topics explored in our music lessons. Through dance, students took the audience on a journey across continents and cultures. The piece began with powerful African rhythms and traditional call-and-response songs before tracing the musical journey to the Caribbean. From there, it explored the vibrant energy of Cuban rumba and culminated in an uplifting finale inspired by salsa and Latin pop influences.

Using movement, our students told a story of music, culture, resilience and togetherness, bringing their learning to life in a creative and engaging way. Their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work were evident throughout the performance, and they should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

There was also a little time to enjoy some sporting excitement during the evening! While eating tea and getting changed between activities, staff and students managed to catch parts of the England v DR Congo match. Thankfully, the result gave everyone even more reason to celebrate!

Most importantly, the students thoroughly enjoyed every part of the experience. They represented Lumenus with confidence, professionalism and joy, supporting one another and embracing every moment of the day.

A huge well done to all of the students who took part and a big thank you to the staff, organisers and families who supported them. We are already looking forward to next year's Salford Dance Explosion! 💃🕺✨