Bridge College’s big award win

We are proud to announce that we have won a Natspec award for our innovative work in specialist education at Bridge college for introducing robots into the curriculum.

Our Bridge college won the Innovative use of technology award for our ongoing work we’re doing with LuxAI and Association of Colleges.

The Natspec Awards celebrate the best in effective innovative practice within the specialist education sector. The Innovative use of technology award was announced by Nigel Evans, The chair of Natspec Awards judging panel.

We were recognised for introducing a QT Humanoid Social Robot (QT robot), which supplements the existing teaching methods to enhance the social interactions, communication skills, levels of engagement and mental wellbeing of our learners’ on the autism spectrum. 

The project is part of the Greater Manchester Mental Health in further education colleges programme and is funded by the partnership: https://hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/fe/

We at Bridge College are extremely proud to win this award!

Dr Sandeep Ranote, executive medical lead for mental health, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with the Bridge College, and other partners, on this innovative pilot project that is already showing positive impacts for the students involved. Building communication skills and emotional resilience can help to reduce levels of anxiety for young people and enhance their wider mental health and wellbeing.”

“This is part of a broader programme, funded by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, that seeks to transform mental health provision in education. We are working with colleges on new ways to engage and support young people with mental health issues as they transition into further study or the world of work.” 

Jeremy Hoare, Assistive Technologist at Bridge College, said

“I am really proud. It has been a really great Mixed Disciplinary team effort. From the Senior Leadership team who were open to and saw the value to such an Innovative piece of technology, to the curriculum and therapy teams who have helped implement its use in sessions and the support workers who have delivered the sessions."

“And of course, the students who have been so brilliant in responding so well to the robot.”

We were also very proud to be shortlisted for Natspec’s Curriculum Innovation award, recognising our ability to support our learners to make exceptional progress towards fulfilling their aspirations, employment and independence. 

A huge congratulations to all the colleges that were awarded for their resilience and determination that ensured learners continued to achieve during such a difficult year.