PSHE

As part of the PSHE curriculum, this term, students in Year 7 were given a wonderful opportunity to meet some delightful animals and to gain valuable insights from their knowledgeable owner about the proper ways to care for them, ensuring their well-being and understanding their needs. The experience not only provided a chance for students to interact with the animals but also helped them develop a deeper appreciation for animal welfare and responsibility. 

As part of the PSHE curriculum and to support Year 11 students in preparing for adult life, we organised mock interviews with the invaluable support of visitors and governors.

These sessions allowed students to practise their interview skills in a realistic setting while receiving constructive feedback. This hands-on experience helps build their confidence and equips them with essential skills for future education, employment, and beyond.

English

In Ms. Fusella’s Year 7/8 English class, Thursdays are dedicated to Oracy through independent reading and discussion, giving students the freedom to explore books beyond the curriculum. After eagerly awaiting warmer weather, they were finally rewarded on March 20th with a beautiful 21°C day—perfect for some outdoor reading.

Our students fully embraced basking in the sun as they read their books. Their selections range from fascinating dinosaur fact books to thrilling detective stories, enchanting tales of witches, and magical adventures.

What a wonderful way to enjoy a sunny afternoon!

Stitching and Sewing Club

Last term pupils designed and created pencil cases or purses from fabric. This was pupils first attempt at sewing in a zip and we chose to make a feature of the zip by attaching it to the outside. Below are some examples of the pupils' work.

Spanish

Year 7 pupils learnt about piñatas - the brightly coloured  containers broken apart at parties and celebrations to reveal sweets and treats inside.

Pupils learnt about the origins of the piñata and discovered that the traditional 7 pointed star piñata symbolizes the 7 deadly sins in the Mexican Catholic church. They also found out that by breaking apart the piñata, this symbolized good overcoming evil.

Pupils chose their own designs for their piñatas and used Spanish to request different materials demonstrating some fantastic team work and creative thinking.

                                                        A Tribute to Mr Taylor

Mr Taylor joined The Bridge in 2014 when we moved to our Third Avenue site, and from the very start, he became an integral part of our school community. Kind, dependable, and with a brilliant sense of humour, Mr Taylor brought warmth and laughter to every corner of the school.

There was no job too big or too small — whether he was unblocking drains, repainting walls, dealing with squirrels, securing breakfast club funding or negotiating with the council, Mr Taylot got things done. Behind the scenes, he kept the whole building running smoothly, enabling us to remain in our old premises for eight years until our new building was ready.

As a valued member of our senior leadership team, Mr Taylor balanced the practical with the strategic, always putting the needs of the school and its pupils first. And who could forget his unforgettable performances as the pantomime dame in our annual staff show? He threw himself into his role with flair, fun, and fabulous costumes, and always brought the house down.

Sadly, Mr Taylor never got the chance to see our brand new premises — a place he worked so hard for, and which simply wouldn’t exist without his dedication and effort over the years. In recognition of all he gave to The Bridge, we plan to create a memorial for him here, so that his contribution is remembered by all who come here.

Bridge School meant the world to Mr Taylor. His humour, heart, and unwavering support will never be forgotten. He will always be a part of The Bridge family.

Sayers Croft Residential Trip

Key Stage 4 students set off to Sayers Croft for their residential at the start of the term. It was a little chilly back in February but that didn't stop us from getting stuck into all the activities and having an unforgettable time!

Those of us who were brave enough, scaled up the gladiator challenge and abseiled down the climbing tower. We learnt to map read and navigate using a compass. We showed particularly amazing teamwork and resilience when, despite the torrential rain, we worked together to solve clues to rescue a secret agent who had run into trouble out in the field. We trusted our friends to lead us, blindfold, down the obstacle course - with some getting our blindfolded partners extremely muddy in the process! 

The evenings were every bit as busy as the daytime with a torch-lit walk into the pitch black forest, listening for nocturnal animals. Everyone agreed that Ms Turjaka and Mr Giscomb were the survival experts after they successfully built a roaring campfire for us to roast our marshmallows on. All in all it was a really fun way to kick off Term 4!

Science Week

This Term, the school celebrated Science Week. The theme was Change and Adapt.

As part of Science Week, SMBS welcomed Greener future leaders from the University of Westminster. Students learned how to distinguish between wet, dry and non-compostable food waste. Students calculated how many miles their food had travelled using a map. They learned about green farming using a Hydropod machine which uses water and artificial sunlight to grow plants and can practice growing their own plants in SMBS's very own hydropod machine which the University of Westminster have agreed to generously donate!

Some students watched a Science film during lunchtime "The Wild Robot" - a movie about a robot stranded on an island who has to adapt to his surroundings in order to survive.

Build a Bridge Workshop

The Year 7s and Year 11s took part in an exciting and interactive workshop where they built a life-size bridge in the sports hall. They worked together, using teamwork and problem-solving skills to ensure the bridge was strong and stable.

Throughout the workshop, they explored different careers in construction, such as architects, civil engineers, and site managers. They learned how these professionals plan, design and build structures in the real world.

The activity encouraged creativity, communication, and critical thinking. It was a fun and engaging experience that inspired many students to consider future careers in engineering and construction.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please take a look at the School's Mental Health Bulletin here to find out more about how pupils' mental health and wellbeing are being supported.

Free access to audio books

We would like to highlight to families these sites where children and young people can access audio books free of charge:

https://www.calibreaudio.org.uk/

https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6103.htm
Audio books are available for free but membership of a local library is required.