Pathways Blog - 9.2.26

I hope this blog finds you and your families safe and well.

Another week of learning at Pathways completed, and pupils continue to remind me why being in education is the best job in the world. The moment a pupil “gets it”, attempts something new outside their comfort zone or uses prior knowledge to enhance their learning is inspirational, and it is a privilege to be able to teach and interact with them on a daily basis.

It is also an honour to work with our dedicated staff teams – Admin, Premises, Pastoral, Catering and Class Based – all working together to ensure our learners create meaningful futures.

Mr Southerington

CL4

CL4 continue to make me proud with their efforts and achievements in school.

In Community Living we have been learning about Oldham’s history and culture. We’ve looked at Annie Kenny, the courageous suffragette and Oldham landmarks such as the Town Hall. Next week we will see the landmarks in person when we complete a walking tour of the local sites!

Oldham's folklore includes tales of giants in Saddleworth (Alphin and Alder), local ghost stories, and its connection to regional legends like the Pendle Witches, with owls symbolizing the town's name ("Owldham"), featured in its coat of arms alongside the "Oldham Family" crest. So much history in such a small town!

We studied a local Oldham born artist called William Stott. Using a variety of mediums the class modernised one of his most famous paintings ‘Seascape’ (1884). I am so inspired by their artistic individualism!

In Science CL4 have examined at how air resistance is of use to skydivers when they open their parachutes. Materials such as silk trap the air, so move more slowly to the ground.

Amazing achievements have been made in PE, as many students tried trampolining for the first time! Mr Hollingworth, their teacher was so impressed with their skills!

Well done, CL4! Another incredible week. Mrs I, Mr Miah and Miss Atkinson are all so proud of you.

CL4

Activ8 1

We had a vape awareness session for Activ8-1 during Living skills. Pupils engaged in the session taking keen interest in knowing about the harmful effects of vaping. Many interesting questions were asked by the pupils.

Activ8 1

Lumenus KS4

As part of our Living Skills lesson, students took part in a practical trip to IKEA, designed to develop independence, confidence, and real world problem solving skills.

Before the trip, learners work together to plan the journey, including.

Check both timetables

Working out journey times

Identifying the correct bus route

Discussing how to travel safely and responsibly

This preparation helped students understand the importance of planning ahead of managing time using public transport.

Students travelled by bus, giving them hands-on experience of

Catching the correct bus

Paying fares

Following travel etiquette

Staying aware of stops and journey duration

This experience, built confidence and reinforced skills needed for independent travel.

At IKEA, students enjoyed lunch in the restaurant. This provided a relaxed opportunity to develop communication and decision-making skills. Students also had the opportunity to purchase items, supporting learning around handling money, making choices, understanding value and needs versus wants and interacting with shop staff.

Students engage positively throughout the day and demonstrated excellent effort when applying the skills in a real-life environment. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

IKEA

This week whilst attending PE at MAHDLO, CL5 have been continuing to develop their Kurling skills. The have focused on shot strength and direction. They have also shown great leadership skills. Well done.