Education News April to June 2011
Hitting the high notes
Young musicians in Hackney are getting first-rate tuition and support, according to a Government report.
A review conducted by the Federation of Music Services, in partnership with the Department of Education, said The Learning Trust's Music Service was 'outstanding' and praised its work to give pupils opportunities to learn and perform music. The service was also commended for offering Hackney pupils the chance to play alongside professionals.
James Thomas, Acting Head of the Music Service, pointed to flagship event the Hackney Schools Music Festival as an example of how students get a great showcase for their talents in the borough. This year's fortnight-long festival will take place from 1 to 14 July at The Round Chapel, Clapton, and features singing and instrumental concerts.
James added: "We try to provide as many opportunities as possible for pupils to learn music, whether that's singing with their classmates at our summer music festival or learning a new instrument.
"If children are exposed to music at school from an early age, they will develop a love of playing and learning that stays with them into adulthood. Our vision is that music becomes a 'normal' activity for all young people in Hackney schools."
Residents are invited to several Hackney Schools Music Festival free events: Borough Beats on 7 July; dance shows on 1 & 4 July; and infant singing from 11-13 July. Other events are reserved for parents.
More information
For info on the service, call: 020 7241 7408; email: musicservice@learningtrust.co.uk; or visit: www.learningtrust.co.uk/musicservice
20 June 2011
Pitching big ideas
They razzled the audience with their 'augmented reality' (AR) ideas then dazzled them with designs for 'quick response' (QR) codes.
Eleven Skinners' Academy pupils revealed their adeptness with smart phones and tablet-based marketing when they presented ad campaign ideas to 20th Century Fox and Metro newspaper.
The sixth-formers were taking part in charity The Ideas Foundation interagency challenge: a project where they worked with leading creative agencies. Fox and Metro gave the students two weeks to develop an advertising strategy to promote upcoming sci-fi film 'In Time' staring Justin Timberlake.
Ewelina Sniegon, 17, said: "This project proved that I can achieve more than I thought I could and I feel like some doors have opened."
Sophie Robinson, from Metro, added: "Many of the ideas were good enough to run and we will be discussing this possibility with Fox."
The foundation aims to identify and nurture innovative young people and prepare them for work in the creative industries.
20 June 2011
Pupils asked to help educate
A charity is calling on schoolchildren to remind dog owners to pick up their pooches' poop.
Dogs Trust hopes pupils will back the 'Paws Up For Poop Scoop' campaign this summer by creating leaflets in schools and working with people they know to raise awareness of the need to clean up after dogs. The trust suggests using social media to spread the message or contacting local Dog's Trust education officers for additional support.
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, said: "If every dog owner fulfils their duty we can all look forward to summer strolls and picnics in parks free from the worry of dog poop. If everybody remembers the importance of picking up after their dog, we will be amazed at the difference we can make."
For more info visit: www.poopscoopweek.co.uk
20 June 2011
Fashion's more than a fad
A student from Our Lady's Convent High School is set to present her designs at London Fashion Week.
Shaunette Vincent, 17, has made it through to the finals of 2011 Fashion Futures 2, a project organised by charity FAD. The competition saw more than 100 young people from London and Manchester enter, with 23 reaching the final. Shaunette will now take part in a week-long summer school at the University of East London to prepare, then have five days to create the designs for a London Fashion Week catwalk show in September.
The competition, now in its seventh year, aims to bring the fashion industry and creative 16 to 18-year-olds together to develop skills, encourage self-esteem and raise aspirations for the future.
For more info visit: www.fad.org.uk
20 June 2011
Wimpy kid
Popular children's author Jeff Kiney read extracts from his latest book during a visit to a Hackney school.
The creator of 'Diary Of A Wimpy Kid' picked Grasmere primary as the first UK school he visited as part of a tour to promote his books and a second film based on the series. The US author took questions about writing and presented Year Five and Six pupils with signed copies of his books.
Headteacher Mark Derrington said the visit was 'quite a coup for the school' and left children eager to read
more of his work.
20 June 2011
Roll out
Six sports wheelchairs, which have been donated to the borough, were put to the test at a Hackney Downs event.
Pupils from Stormont House and Berger schools tried them out, joining forces with Team GB Paralympic basketball player Helen Turner and Cllr Jonathan McShane to take on the Hackney Sparrows Wheelchair Basketball Club on 18 May.
The wheelchairs were provided by the University of East London (UEL) as part of the Chairs in the Community programme, which promotes healthy lifestyles in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. UEL secured grants funding to provide 40 sports wheelchairs and training sessions across the 2012 host boroughs. Hackney was given six for community clubs across the borough. Around 40 sports sessions are also set to be held in Hackney.
Cllr McShane, Cabinet Member for Health Social Care and Culture, said: "Through Chairs in the Community anyone can get a taster of Paralympic sports."
Helen Turner added: "This project is important in developing an infrastructure that will support many young people to participate in sport and also help develop the next generation of Paralympians."
More information
Contact Tom Smith on: 020 8356 3896; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/2012-games
6 June 2011
Taking steps for health
Hackney pupils set the pace last month in a bid to get fitter and happier with a daily walk.
Getting their families to ditch cars and buses, the students were showing their support for Walk to School Week, from 16 to 20 May. Launched in 1995, the annual nationwide campaign aims to encourage parents and children to make walking part of their daily routine. Seven borough schools took part, with five offering pupils breakfasts if they walked in, while others continued the project in the classroom, holding a photography and banner design competition to mark the week.
The Council also offers nine weekly walks for adults, some of which are in partnership with local GPs. For info call: 020 8356 2897; visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/movebyfoot; or: www.walktoschool.org.uk
6 June 2011
'Outstanding'
A London Fields children's centre has secured an 'outstanding' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.
The Ann Tayler Children's Centre in Triangle Road, received the highest score possible from the education watchdog after a two-day assessment in March. Inspectors praised the centre for its 'highly integrated and coordinated work across health and family services'; and added that parents and carers 'cannot praise enough the considerable impact its work has had on their lives'.
Noting the friendliness and enthusiasm of staff, Ofsted described the centre as having a 'central place in the local community'.
It caters for youngsters aged up to five-years-old and works with two other children's centres in the area, Mapledene and Morningside. It also provides a range of services for parents and the local community and offers outreach work such as employment advice.
Kaushika Amin, Interim Head, said: "We are delighted with the Ofsted report and particularly that parents spoke so highly of the centre - we pride ourselves on involving parents and carers in our work and are pleased that this has shone through."
6 June 2011
Good luck from the stars
Hackney-born stars have sent good luck messages to students ahead of the exam season.
The Learning Trust, which runs the borough's schools on behalf of the Council, contacted some of Hackney's old boys and girls who have gone on to successful careers on stage, screen or
in sport.
Former Our Lady's convent pupil Freema Agyeman, now of 'Dr Who' and 'Law and Order' fame, said: "Heads down and study hard. Boyfriends, girlfriends, going out and having a laugh will still be available to you after your exams. But this moment is short - so take the opportunity, use it wisely. Whatever you choose to do in life, education will always give you a solid foundation. Give your future as much potential as you can."
Patsy Palmer, 'EastEnders' star and former Haggerston Girls School pupil, added: "Having been there myself and as a mum, I know exam time can be extremely stressful. Try to keep calm and stick to your revision timetable and it will all be worth it in the end."
Another 'EastEnders' star, Arinze Kene, formerly of St Scholastica's, said: "Good luck to all the students in Hackney currently revising hard for their exams."
'Skins' actress Lily Loveless, tennis player Anna Keothavong, and actor Adam Deacon all sent good luck messages to Hackney pupils as well.
6 June 2011
Addictive viewing
Just when you thought it was safe to light up . The Grim Reaper rests a hand on your shoulder.
This final scene closed short film 'Smoking Will Get You' - Stoke Newington School pupils' chilling entry to national film competition Cut Films.
The contest challenged young people to produce a short about the dangers of smoking, then put them to the vote on social networking sites.
The three Hackney entries were screened to an appreciative audience of friends and family at the Rio Cinema on 12 May.
Stoke Newington was joined by Skinners' and City academies, which entered 'Do Not Jump On The Stairs' and 'Your Life Will Be Incinerated', respectively.
Each presented their research and experiences before judges, who ranged from film-makers to health professionals, who awarded Skinners' the regional
first place.
Gillian Forbes, Tobacco Control Co-ordinator for NHS East London and the City, said the competition challenged students to 'explore attitudes towards smoking and create persuasive films which can be shared online'.
She added: "The research evaluation for this project shows that making the films strengthened young people's attitudes towards not smoking."
Smoking is the UK's most preventable cause of early death and two out of three smokers start in their teens. Hackney has some of the highest levels of smoking among young people in the country.
More information
To see all entries visit: www.cutfilms.org
23 May 2011
They mean business
A company set up by Clapton Girls' Technology College students is set to represent Hackney in the East London finals of the Young Enterprise Awards.
DragonZ Enterprize won the borough competition at University of East London in April. The sixth formers will now face eight other teams from across East London at financial services company Citi's offices in Canary Wharf on 25 May. The winners will go on to compete at the London final on 23 June.
Since last September, students across the capital have been setting up companies with support from teachers, business volunteers and mentors from charity Young Enterprise which runs the awards. The Clapton students' advertising and marketing service has so far generated over £500, and seen them win local business contracts.
More information
Call: 01865 776 845; or visit: www.young-enterprise.org.uk
23 May 2011
Circus skills
Running away to join the circus generally conjures up images of high wire walks and fearless trapeze artists.
But far from these death-defying acts, Lauriston Primary School pupils got a more businesslike take on life under the big top during their time creating and presenting design ideas for a Cirque du Soleil show.
Experts from Rolls Royce, City of Westminster, the Royal Albert Hall, as well as the internationally renowned circus troupe examined the pupils' model and listened to how the design was conceived.
The 3 May presentation at the Royal Albert Hall marked the final day of the Evolution project - run by the Royal Albert Hall Learning and Participation Team and Rolls-Royce - which aims to stimulate interest in design and engineering among younger children.
23 May 2011
You're not a-loan
University students needing advice on loan applications can now use Twitter and Facebook to contact the Student Loans Company (SLC) directly.
The company announced it is to run financial surgeries on the social media websites for those attending university this year.
SLC administrators, which manages the student loan process in England, will answer questions in real time ahead of the loan application deadline for first year students on 31 May. The deadline for those in their second year and above is 30 June.
Frequently asked questions include how to apply and when repayments begin. Students are advised not to disclose personal or financial details on the public sites.
To take part in the surgeries and post questions between 1-3pm, on 23 and 25 May, visit: www.facebook.com/SFEngland; and: www.twitter.com/sf_england
23 May 2011
A new school in Hackney
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A new school offering courses that combine vocational learning with traditional GCSEs could be opened in the borough.
Funding has been secured to develop proposals to create a University Technical College (UTC) - a career-focused school for 14 to 19-year-olds - in Hackney.
UTCs are sponsored by a university or further education college, and offer clear routes into higher education and work.
Students follow a full-time curriculum of technical study, alongside compulsory GCSEs in English, maths, science, IT, a modern language and humanities subject. Hackney's UTC would specialise in health and digital media because of the local employment opportunities in these fields.
The curriculum would be influenced by employers and universities in order to increase students' chances of continuing into higher education and work. So far, top-level staff from the University of East London - Hackney UTC sponsor - Homerton hospital and BT Group are among the new institute's board members.
The UTC would be on the Hackney Community College (HCC) campus in Hoxton and is scheduled to open in September 2012. Enrolment next year will only be open to Year 10 pupils, who leave their current school to join the UTC. Currently, the Government has released funding for around 24 UTCs across the country.
Ian Ashman, HCC principal, said: "This is a really exciting, new opportunity for young people. They will get the best education possible, with state-of-the-art facilities: a strong preparation for their successful future."
More information
For more info call: 020 7613 9090; or visit: www.hackney.ac.uk/hackneyutc
09 May 2011
PEAS walk for schools
The Bridge and Mossbourne academies are among 50 schools taking part in a sponsored 10km walk to raise money for secondary schools in Uganda.
The 'Bridges to Africa' event will see thousands of students walk through the capital to raise £50,000 for PEAS, a charity that builds schools in the East African country.
The 15 May walk begins in Vauxhall, continues across central London and finishes at Tower Bridge.
PEAS seeks to widen access to secondary education in Uganda, where only one in four children attend secondary school.
Now in its sixth year, 'Bridges to Africa' aims to widen its support work to include Zambia with its latest event.
For more info call: 020 3117 2497; or visit: www.peas.org.uk/bridges-to-africa
09 May 2011
Life's a stage
Performing arts academy Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School celebrated its 10th year with a variety show at Hackney Empire.
The Clapton-based drama school has produced actors who have gone on to feature in BBC soap EastEnders, as well as high-profile West End productions.
It showcased its current crop of students in a show featuring famous scenes from stage and screen, including 'Dr Who', 'My Fair Lady' and 'Phantom of the Opera' and ending with a medley of feverish disco classics.
Principal, Anna Fiorentini, who grew up in the borough, said: "Apart from the students and their families, the success of the school has been down to the wonderful enthusiasm and passion of my staff."
Organisers also thanked celebrity guest speakers Michelle Collins and Ashley Walters, as well as other supporters who included Kate Garraway, Rudolph Walker, Sarah-Jane Honeywell and Rebecca Grant.
The school was set up in 2001 to offer professional performing arts opportunities to seven to 18-year-olds locally.
It now also includes the Fiorentini Foundation to support children from lower income families to increase their confidence, self-esteem and life skills through the performing arts.
For info call: 020 7682 1403; or visit: www.anna-fiorentini.co.uk/
09 May 2011
Funds to reach for the stars
Budding astro-scientists searching for ways into the space industry may start looking to Hackney to provide that giant leap for their careers.
Satellite communications firm Avanti, based in Shoreditch, hopes its space scholarship scheme will support five young people with a flair for sciences to pursue a career in the sector. Open to A-level students, the scholarships provide £3,000 a year in funding, a five-week summer internship, mentoring, and a six-month contract that could lead to a permanent job with Avanti.
Candidates should have A* to B grades and a place studying astrophysics, astronomy, space science or physics at UCL, Imperial, Plymouth or Lancaster universities. The scheme is geared towards students from lower income families - with combined salaries under £34,000 and £24,000, but one place will be awarded to a student regardless of their family income.
Avanti sells satellite broadband to telecommunications companies.
More information
Applications close on 30 June. For more info call: 020 7749 1600; or visit: www.avantiplc.com
09 May 2011
On a pedestal
A Hackney boy's design for a prestigious art award made a final short list from a record 500 competition entries. 
Pupils from every London borough entered the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards to create a public artwork that could be displayed on the fourth plinth of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square. 'Gender' by Joel Davids, 14, of Hackney Free and Parochial School, was judged the best entry from Hackney, and is in keeping with the art programme's move away from the male dominated, often war-related statues that have historically graced the square. Joel said: "I was so pleased, especially when I saw how good the other entries were."
His art teacher, Patrick Sanders, added: "The artwork promotes a positive message of peace and equality. We are all very proud of Joel."
The competition was judged by Yinka Shonibare whose artwork 'Nelson's Ship in a Bottle' currently adorns the Fourth Plinth. Joel's artwork, along with the overall winners and other finalists, will be on display at City Hall, SE1, until the end of April.
18 April 2011
'Outstanding'
Two reinvigorated borough schools are enjoying success after receiving high marks from Ofsted inspectors.
In a remarkable turnaround, London Fields primary in E8 was rated 'outstanding' - the highest Ofsted grade possible - after being deemed a failing school in the education watchdog's last inspection four years ago.
Special school Horizon was classed as 'good', with some areas 'outstanding', improving on a 'satisfactory' rating in 2008.
Special measures were put in place at London Fields primary in 2007 to closely monitor the school - such moves can result in closure, but this March, the Ofsted report stated: "Pupils' achievement is outstanding, not only in their acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills, but also the skills needed to learn effectively. The quality of teaching is consistently excellent across the school."
It added that 'the pace of learning is unrelenting'.
Executive head teacher, Greg Wallace, said: "I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of staff, pupils and parents at London Fields has been recognised."
Inspectors also found that things had radically changed at Horizon School, in Stoke Newington, which caters for pupils with special educational needs. Their report noted that pupils make excellent progress in their learning. KT Khan, Horizon's new head teacher, said: "We are on our way to becoming an outstanding school and are looking forward to being a Centre of Excellence for young people with complex needs."
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "Both these schools have made great strides in improvement, which Ofsted justly recognises. It is gratifying to see yet more good schools securing a good future for Hackney's children."
18 April 2011
Let's dance
Was it abstract athleticism or arty fun? For some Hackney primary school pupils, probably somewhere in between, as they experienced the physical demands of being a professional dancer.
Rambert Dance Company brought contemporary dance to youngsters, leading technique and choreography workshops at seven borough primaries: Berger; Morningside; Lauriston; Orchard; and St Dominic's, all in E9; Daubeney, E5; and Wentworth Nursery, E9.
The work culminated with a show at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, in Greenwich, on 1 April. A 200-strong audience watched the four to nine-year-olds perform routines inspired by Christopher Bruce's award-winning 'Hush' and samba-inspired 'A Linha Curva' by Itzik Galili - both from the Rambert repertoire.
Joce Giles, Rambert's head of learning and participation, said: "It was fantastic; the facilities at Laban are wonderful so it was great for the young dancers to have the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a professional venue. The performance went really well and the feedback has been really positive."
He added the children gained understanding and experience of an art form they may not have engaged
with before.
18 April 2011
Computer surprise
Pupils at the City Academy in Hackney are to receive lap tops donated by City firm KPMG.
The company is giving over 1,000 computers, worth £100,000, to 100 schools and charities throughout the UK.
City Academy will benefit because KPMG is its co-sponsor, but a number of Hackney-based organisations such as St John at Hackney Church, Arcola Theatre and the East London Business Association are also set to gain.
Father Rob Wickham, Rector of St John at Hackney, (above) said the computers had come as a 'wonderful surprise'. Members of a new joint youth club with St Thomas's Church in Upper Clapton, as well as older people's group 'The Senior Saints' will use the equipment.
Mike Kelly, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at KPMG, said they wanted to put their old computers to good use."We hope this donation will make a difference," he added.
18 April 2011
In the picture
A Hackney student business that won £500 for an idea to improve their community has secured a site to host a mural project.
Downsview Special School, E5, will be the location for the 'We Are Hackney' welcome mural, which will overlook Hackney Downs, and aims to promote a positive image of the borough.
It is the brainchild of Clapton Girls'Technology College students who set up their own company 'Tick for Change' in order to get the project off the ground.
They plan to incorporate sign language into the design to promote inclusion for the special school's students.
Tick for Change has also organised a competition inviting local primary schools to submit drawings of some of their favourite things about Hackney to add to the wall art.
The group won the cash in a competition sponsored by charity Envision, which helps organise community projects by working with teenagers in schools.
The students will create a final mural design later in the year, with painting set to take place in July.
Tick for Change needs to continue its fundraising efforts to secure all the materials it needs.
More information
To donate materials or equipment to help the girls with their mural, contact Mary McFerran at: maryk.mcferran@gmail.com; or call: 07703 680 834
4 April 2011
A glowing school report
Mapledene and Queensbridge Children's Centre has received the highest possible rating in its latest Ofsted inspection - 'outstanding' in all 17 indicators.
In a glowing report, the Government watchdog said: "Children achieve exceptionally well in all areas of learning."
The centre was also praised as 'an extremely safe environment where caring and trusting relationships are nurtured very effectively'.
Inspected in January, it was the first children's centre in Hackney to face a new Ofsted assessment, which covers education, care of children, extended services - such as parenting classes and Jobcentre Plus services - and the impact on the wider community.
Sarah Bailey, Headteacher at Mapledene, said:
"Getting this outstanding report feels absolutely fantastic. The whole team have worked so hard - it's good to have that recognised. We really know our parents and our families. They become part of the Mapledene community."
As well as day care and a nursery, parents can access free services at the centre, including a breakfast club, counselling from mental health charity MIND, Citizens Advice Bureau, a sewing club and English language classes.
Tricia Okoruwa, from The Learning Trust, said:
"Hackney's children's centres do great work in reaching out to families and making sure that every child in the borough has the best possible start in life."
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "Excellent quality early years provision gives children the best start possible, and this children's centre warrants this significant external recognition"
4 April 2011
Slam dunk
The Hackney Community College (HCC) men's basketball team has been crowned champion of the British Colleges Sports Cup. In a close final, the team beat Loreto College, Manchester, 92-81 to win the tournament and bring back the trophy to HCC for the sixth year in a row. HCC said its sports academies - most notably basketball - have notched up a string of successes over recent years. Academies for both men and women give students the opportunity to train and compete in high-profile competitions. Karen Nixon, HCC's Academies Administrator, said: "Having to set off at 6am on the long journey to Douglas Ellis Stadium, Birmingham, suddenly seems worthwhile when you were coming back with a minibus full of medals."
4 April 2011
Tale of two cities
Twenty-five French pupils swapped the Parisian boulevards for the creative streets of Hackney in an exchange visit with Berger Primary School last month.
Travelling from École Elementaire, the 10 to 11-yearolds were entertained by Berger's choir, met with guests including Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, and visited the British Museum accompanied by the E9 school's pupils.
Last year, 20 Berger pupils visited École Elementaire and another trip is planned for June.
Berger's Deputy Headteacher, Jacqueline Reay, said:
"It's important that our children learn about other countries and cultures. They have been delighted to meet our exchange school and find out about life in a Paris school. As well as many differences, they can also share many similarities and particularly around living in a bustling and diverse capital city."
4 April 2011
Page updated: 20 Jun 2011
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