Bridge21 launched with a bold and ambitious announcement
Last week was a joyous & celebratory one for Bridge21!
On Tuesday evening, 3rd May, a crowd gathered with the team in Oriel House to officially launch the programme, complete with new brand design and website. Students, teachers, supporters and friends were all there – many familiar faces and some new ones too.
After some words of welcome from Dr. John Hegarty, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, and Dr. Colman Farrell, CEO of Suas, the Director of Bridge21, John Lawlor, took centre stage. John told of the work we have been doing with 5 schools in Dublin over the past year and made a bold and ambitious announcement about a nationwide pilot for 2011-12.
Special Advisor to the Minister for Education, John Walshe, spoke very highly of our acheivements until now and assured everyone present that the new Minister is eager to make radical changes at Junior Cycle. We were delighted that Danny McCoy, Director of IBEC, also spoke favourably about our programme and pledged that Bridge21 be a change agent in the new government’s plans.
We know there will be challenges ahead. We know we are a small team with big ambitions, which is why bringing a team of Bridge21 champions and supporters together is so important for maintaining momentum.
Stars of the show, undoubtedly though, were Transition Year students Aisling Mullen from Mercy, Goldenbridge and Keith Kenny from Drimnagh Castle and teacher Paul Flynn from CBS Westland Row. Paul’s belief in the Bridge21 way of teaching and learning was plain to see as he shared stories of the dramatic changes that have happened in his classroom this year. His students are happier, they’re more active, their behaviour has improved, and they’re working harder. You couldn’t help but be inspired by his enthusiasm and positivity. Aisling and Keith perfectly demonstrated the communication skills and confidence they developed during their time on the programme this year as they delivered an entertaining, yet reflective speech without a hint of nerves. We’re very proud of both of them and they are a credit to Kevin (Programme Coordinator) and the work he has put in this year.
A big thank you (and a high five!) to all the students who gave up their Tuesday evening to be in Oriel House and impressed all our visitors with their projects and achievements. Their turn to shine was less than 12 hours away, as the Graduation Ceremony for the 2010-11 Bridge2COllege programme was happening the very next morning in the Dining Hall in Trinity College. More on this soon…!
If you have any questions about our roll-out plan, feel free to leave a comment below or send us an email or a tweet (@bridge21learn)
