Bridge College is shortlisted for the Natspec awards 2021

Bridge College in Manchester has been shortlisted for two Natspec awards: Innovative use of technology and Curriculum innovation. Based in Manchester, Bridge College is part of the Together Trust and offers specialist education for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism. 

The Innovative use of technology award

Innovation and Technology are core pillars of the culture at Bridge College. The college has an onsite IT team and Assistive Technologist and works closely with the wider Trust’s Head of Digital to ensure technological advancements are continuously informing the college’s development to enable learners to make exceptional progress.

The college has been shortlisted for the award based on the ongoing work we are doing with LuxAI and AoC. The college has introduced a QT Humanoid Social Robot (QT robot), which supplements our existing teaching methods to enhance the social interactions, communication skills, levels of engagement and mental wellbeing of learners on the autism spectrum. This is as many people with ASD respond well to highly structured and predictable events and interactions

“This is the longest that he has engaged in an independent learning activity, without the need from me to prompt him, in the three years I have worked with him” (Rebecca, Support Worker)

The curriculum innovation award

Bridge College has also been shortlisted for the Curriculum Innovation, recognising its ability to support learners to make exceptional progress towards fulfilling their aspirations, employment and independence.

The innovative curriculum provides the integration of highly specialist therapeutic interventions that are seamlessly taught in all aspects of leaners education. The college’s extensive therapy team, which consists of: Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT), Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technology, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Clinical Psychology, Physiotherapy and Nursing, works in collaboration with tutors and the wider curriculum team and is fundamental in the design and delivery of this curriculum.

“I want to have my own flat when I leave college; I learn the right skills that I need to do this” (Mckenzie, student)

Natspec will be announcing the winners in a glittering virtual awards ceremony later in the year.