Education News January to March 2011
Exchanging trade
Skinners' Academy has secured nearly £19,000 worth of funding to set up a trade and culture project with a Turkish college. 
Working with Lutfi Ege Anadolu Ogretmen College in Denizli, Turkey, students will explore art history, textiles and the onyx stone industry in both countries, as well as the import and export of Fairtrade goods.
The two-year British Council programme will provide a practical context to teach design and technology, art, business studies, modern languages and ICT skills. In addition, the project is aimed at enhancing pupils' historical, cultural and business knowledge.
As part of the partnership, 20 sixth-formers travelled to Turkey last month, visiting the partner school. Students also gave presentations about their academy, Hackney and the English education system to the Ministry
of Education in Denizli.
The trip coincided with Fairtrade Fortnight from 28 February to 13 March, which campaigns for better prices, working conditions, sustainability, and trading terms for international farmers and workers.
Ozlem Oz, a Skinners' Year 12 student, said: "We learnt so much about the history of the town and the textiles industry. It was good to see how strong the community was and how they support one another in terms of Fairtrade and textiles."
More information
Visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk; or: www.skinnersacademy.org.uk
21 March 2011
Out of Africa
Transported to Africa, via Hackney, schools from across South East England enjoyed a concert performed by Hackney pupils alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Queensbridge Primary School pupils led nearly 2,000 young people in song for charity The Classical Road Show's production of 'Zambezi Tales' at Cadogan Hall, in Chelsea. The 30 schoolchildren performed solo sections and encouraged the audience to join in with parts of the performance.
The concert - a collection of African tribal folk tales set to music - featured the prestigious orchestra, and narrators including Hackney Empire's favourite panto dame Clive Rowe, as well as a selection of African dances and drumming styles.
The 3 March event aimed to give children the opportunity to perform with professional orchestras and hoped to make classical music more accessible to young people.
Sarah Bailey, Queensbridge headteacher, said: "We are really proud; they were sensational."
21 March 2011
Leafy future
A Hackney school and college are among the first to be given a green makeover as part of a London 2012 host borough initiative.
BSix sixth form college and Skinners' Academy students planted 66 and 14 trees in their respective grounds for the 'Trees for the Hosts' programme. Delivered by London Wildlife Trust, the project intends to transform the environment around the Olympic Park, and in schools and colleges across the host boroughs. So far, a total of 409 native trees have been planted, including ash, field maple, hawthorn, hazel, silver birch, wild cherry and dogwood.
For info visit: www.wildlondon.org.uk; for info on sustainability and London 2012, visit: www.london2012.com/sustainability
21 March 2011
Clever cricketers
Grasmere School has out-bowled, out-batted and out-foxed its opponents to land a place at the British Land Kids Cricket League Grand Final.
After playing first-class cricket against London-wide opposition, the N16 school was one of eight schools to earn a chance to bring the championship home.
The British Land Kids Cricket League, now in its fifth year, is the largest of its kind in the UK, with over 2,500 girls and boys from 250 state primary schools taking part. The Grand Final takes place at Lord's Cricket Ground on 24 March.
For more info, visit: www.capitalkidscricket.co.uk
21 March 2011
Paddling to the top
World-beating kayaker Tim Brabants led a lesson at Haggerston School to boost pupils' anticipation of and enthusiasm for London 2012.
The Beijing Olympic gold medallist joined other leading figures from the worlds of business, media, sport and politics, to swap the corridors of power for those of schools across the country as part of National Teach First Week (7-11 March).
Run by charity Teach First, the scheme gives guest teachers the chance to share their passion and expertise in their chosen subject.
Tim said: "To achieve your absolute best, you need support from those around you - family, teachers, coaches. I've been lucky to have received some of the best there is. This opportunity enables me to pass on some of that support and help future generations start on their road to success."
Clapton Girls Technology College was also visited by Aiyesha Andrade, a senior account analyst at Shell, who taught a Year 13 business class as part of the week.
21 March 2011
Beacon colleges
Two Hackney colleges have scooped prestigious national awards for best practice.
Hackney Community College (HCC) picked up an Association of Colleges (AoC) award for 'widening participation'. While BSix sixth form won a City & Guilds accolade for 'staff development'. Only 18 prizes were given out to UK colleges at the AoC Beacons Awards on 9 February - making Hackney's two gongs a major achievement.
HCC Principal, Ian Ashman, said he was "so proud" of the mental health education and employment team, which won the award. Adding: "This is yet another accolade for the college that recognises our strong partnerships and the significant role we play in our local community."
The service - partnered with East London Foundation Trust, NHS City & Hackney and voluntary groups - provides training for mental health service users, and has helped more than 4,000 people into education and work.
BSix's winning initiative was its 'University for Teachers' project, which aims to bolster student success by also driving up teachers' aspirations. Principal Ken Warman said: "Our staff and students really put their hearts into all of the development opportunities we provide and this award is a great acknowledgement of everyone's commitment
to learning."
Four years ago, Ofsted inspectors rated both colleges as just 'satisfactory'. Today HCC is graded 'good' overall, while BSix is 'good for leadership and management' and its 'capacity to improve', having made significant progress overall.
An independent report about A-level results concluded the performance of both establishments is comparable to the top 10 per cent of schools and colleges in the country.
For the list of award winners, visit www.aoc.co.uk.
8 March 2011
Buildings for their future
Young architects from Lauriston school triumphed in the 'Design My Learning Space LIVE!' competition, winning £1,000 of IT equipment for their school in the process.
Pupils took their designs for improvements to their E9 school site, including adding a tree house that doubled up as a learning space, to the ExCeL exhibition centre event, and with help from architects, created hand-crafted prototypes of their blueprints.
The 23 February contest aimed to bring together architects and schools, enabling children to express their views on their buildings and recommend design improvements.
8 March 2011
Silver medal to Cardinal Pole
Cardinal Pole Catholic School secured the runner-up spot in a contest looking for events that could be held in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
For the 'Make It Our Future' project, the Homerton students devised a jobs fair to show-case careers including fashion, retail, catering, sport, design and the performing arts. Their pitch was pipped at the post by a community culture festival proposal, the brainchild of pupils from a Waltham Forest school.
Over the last three months, a selection of host borough schools have been visited by staff from the Olympic Park Legacy Company and Westfield Stratford City to discuss pupils' ambitions to transform the area with new homes, shops, sports venues and community facilities.
For info about how local schools are getting involved in the 2012 Games, visit the Learning Trust's website.
8 March 2011
Help before the big move
Sixth formers from Our Lady's Convent High School have been helping primary school children deal with anxieties about moving to secondary school.
They led sessions for Gayhurst Primary School pupils on being ambitious and the importance of communication at secondary school.
The proxy teachers also used a budget of £50 to offer activities such as designing a T-shirt about peer pressure and writing messages on helium balloons.
During the lesson, Priscilla Boonin, 17, said: "We asked them what they wanted to do when they grew up and they are role playing it. We also got them to write on stickers the skills they will need to do the job well."
The project was part of the 'Stepping Up' programme, run by education business partnership Inspire! and supported by investment bank UBS.
Stepping Up gives young people the chance to undertake a team project that benefits their community while developing enterprise and employment skills. After getting tips from the bank, the sixth formers returned to UBS to give a presentation on what they had learnt.
For more information about 'Stepping Up', please visit the Inspire website.
8 March 2011
London 2012 Chair Seb Coe visits Hackney school
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), yesterday visited Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney to see for himself how young people in one of the six host boroughs are inspired by the London 2012 Games.
As part of his visit, Seb was given a tour of the Academy by students and shown how they are incorporating the Olympic and Paralympic values into their school activity.
Seb Coe also witnessed the Met-Track Schools and Communities Involvement Programme (SCIP) in action, which offers coaching in athletics or general fitness as a healthy alternative in life for young people who might not otherwise get the opportunity. Mossbourne Community Academy has been running the programme since Autumn 2010, led by current UK number one long jumper JJ Jegede. Seb met with a number of students from the Academy who are already benefiting from their involvement in the programme.
The end of the visit concluded with a debate and Q&A session, led by GCSE PE students about the legacy of the London 2012 Games.
Seb also presented the Academy with the Get Set Network plaque, to formally recognise it as a member of the Get Set Network, London 2012's domestic education programme.
Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: "I'm thrilled to have visited Mossbourne Community Academy and seen for myself how inspired its students are by the London 2012 Games. Our vision has always been to use the power of the Games to inspire change and this school is making this a reality. Meeting some of the students today has shown me how they are making the most of the London 2012 Games coming to London in just over 500 days time."
The Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, also attended the visit. Mayor Jules Pipe said: "The Youth Ambassadors who welcomed Seb Coe, the young athletes who performed in front of him, and the students who asked questions during the debate, were all a credit to Hackney. Mossbourne Community Academy is the 25th Hackney school to achieve Get Set status and there are another five in the pipeline. I would encourage as many schools as possible to take part."
Outstanding
City Academy has made 'outstanding progress towards raising standards', according to its first Ofsted report. Inspectors visited the 18-month-old school and found its Year Eight students, who are currently the oldest pupils, progressing at an above average rate for their age.
This is despite the fact that 'at the beginning of Year Seven, most students enter the academy with standards of attainment which are below average,' according to the report.
It added that 'all students do well, including those from different backgrounds and those entitled to free school meals. Students with special educational needs or disabilities make particularly good progress in English and maths because of early identification of learning needs and effective support'.
Ofsted also recognised the Homerton school's ambition to build on community links with projects like developing an orchard; sports courses for non academy students; and hosting conferences and courses for local groups. The report added students make 'a positive contribution to the local community'.
City Academy Principal, Mark Emmerson, said: "This was the most rigorous inspection I've ever been involved in and we can be absolutely certain that this was a well earned grade. There are so few schools that achieve this outcome at this stage in their development and it is a team effort by staff, students and sponsors that makes the academy outstanding."
Year Eight pupil, Mariah Darko-Coby, said: "I made progress by setting myself a target to become more focused. My teachers helped by pushing me in lessons and explaining work to me where I was struggling."
The academy is sponsored by KPMG and the City of London Corporation, and was developed in partnership with The Learning Trust, which runs the borough's education services on behalf of the Council.
More information
Read the full City Academy report at: www.ofsted.gov.uk
21 February 2011
Putting some energy into 2012 legacy
Hackney Community College (HCC) and BSix sixth form college have teamed up with youth charity Envision and a London 2012 partner to help develop post Games community projects.
The Legacy Champions - young ambassadors bridging the gap between their college and Games organisers - will get professional help from 30 mentors from Envision and project funder EDF Energy to help them work on social action schemes. An HCC event on 11 February saw students discuss some of their hopes, issues and ideas for their communities.
Envision will work with students for six months on how to best run their projects, and offer advice on skills from working with partners, to fundraising and applying for grants. Similar projects are pencilled to run for the next three years.
Benjamin Oladunjoye, a student at BSix, said: "I feel very excited to be involved in such a good project.
I am looking forward to putting the work into creating a project I know I am responsible for and seeing the end result."
21 February 2011
Big career ambitions?
Sixth formers who see a future striving at a law firm or making waves in finance have an opportunity to give their CV an early boost as the City of London Corporation opens up its summer trainee programme.
The scheme places Year 13 school leavers in paid apprentice roles at top City firms for up to 13 weeks, providing a brilliant start to a business career.
Organisers said interns can gain experience across departments including finance, HR and communications, as well as a salary of up to £400 a week. The scheme also aims to provide young people with the experience to stand out in the future when they apply for graduate roles.
Applicants for the City of London Business Traineeship are assessed according to their GCSE grades and selected through an interview and workshop process. Successful applicants are matched with City businesses that interview and then choose trainees.
In 2010, host firms included UBS, Royal Bank of Canada, Bloomberg, Allen & Overy, and the Bank of England.
Applications close in May, with roles typically running between July and September.
To apply visit: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cbt
21 February 2011
Last chance for 2012 jobs
The official scheme offering school and college leavers Olympic and Paralympic Games jobs closes at the end
of February.
'Get Ahead' gives young people who have completed, or are set to complete, their A-levels or equivalent studies, the chance to learn new skills and gain work experience at the world's biggest sporting event. This is the fourth and final round of applications before London 2012.
Chosen recruits will join the workforce this August to take up permanent roles in sectors such as technology, Games services and Games operations.
The scheme is run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the roles last until the end of the 2012 event.
The scheme offers a salary and the chance to study with a local college to gain an NVQ qualification.
For info visit: www.london2012.com/getahead
21 February 2011
Mentors move in
A youth volunteering charity has begun working with its third Hackney school - Shacklewell primary.
Ten young people from City Year London joined the E8 school this term to start as tutors and role models, as well as lead after school programmes and community projects.
In return, the mentors gain training in leadership and life skills as well as a £1,000 Citizen Service Award to help them in education and employment.
Launched in London in 2010, the charity already works with Sebright and Whitmore primary schools in Hackney.
Shacklewell's Executive Head Teacher, Michelle Thomas, said: "I'm aware of the importance of ethos, and the local community to a school's ability to raise pupil standards.
"The City Year team starting in Shacklewell this term will be an invaluable boost to the amount of manpower available in the school, supporting before and after-school clubs and classroom learning, as well as break and lunchtime activities.
"More than that, the team will be inspiring and energetic young role models, who will help us encourage a positive attitude to learning and raising aspirations."
Originally founded in Boston in 1998, City Year now operates in the US, South Africa and London.
Since its inception, over 12,500 young people worldwide have completed more that 20million hours of service, working with 1.2million children.
7 February 2011
Duty of care
Staff and students have celebrated the dedication of caretaker Jim Doyle, who has retired after 39 years at Queensbridge School.
Everyone at the E8 school saluted Jim on 14 January, marking his long service with a 'This Is Your Life'-style ceremony. There are also plans to unveil a commemorative bench in his honour.
Jim, 69, who joined the school when it was known as Edith Cavell, was praised for his sense of fun and always going the extra mile for the children.
He said: "I was truly touched by all the effort, time and heartfelt messages. Being a caretaker at Queensbridge was a great experience and a massive part of my life. It has been a pleasure being part of the lives of so many children and their families and making so many friendships over the years. I am still looking through all the portraits and poems which bring a tear and a smile."
Jim retired after suffering from ill health last year.
7 February 2011
Game on for London youth
Arsenal Ladies and England international football star Rachel Yankey visited Clapton Girls' Technology College to crank up anticipation for this year's Balfour Beatty London Youth Games (LYG).
The footballer launched the games on 31 January with a training session at Clapton Girls, one of the many schools across the borough preparing for the five-month event. Now in its 34th year, LYG is Europe's largest annual youth games, and in 2010 over 50,000 participants from 33 London boroughs took part in 60 competitions across 30 sports. Heats begin this month and the games conclude with a series of grand finals over the summer.
Rachel, a former LYG competitor, said: "The London Youth Games is one of the most exciting events any young Londoner could wish to experience.
"I would urge anyone with even a slight interest in sport to give it a go, it is very competitive, but loads of fun too."
For info call: 020 77171570; or visit: www.londonyouthgames.org
7 February 2011
Stage magic inspires
Learning the science behind the magic of theatre may have put City Academy schoolchildren on the road to a career in stagecraft.
Technical theatre pupils from the E9 academy visited the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in January to learn more about jobs backstage. They took in the costume department (below), scene and prop construction, and a lighting workshop to illuminate the mechanics behind the drama school's stage.
Mahmud Ansari, Year Eight, said: "We discovered how important working backstage is and how important the technical crew are. They are the glue that holds a production together."
Nitasha Rajoo, Acting Head of Drama at The Academy, said: "I am so proud of the students' maturity in the questions they asked the industry professionals. Many of them are now keen to take on backstage roles."
Ben Sumner, the Guildhall's Director of Technical Theatre, added: "The students were attentive, inquisitive, bright and enthusiastic - what more can you ask for?"
7 February 2011
Blazing a trail
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A pupil who achieved a top grade in Spanish after losing her sight was just one of the inspirational stories told at the Trailblazers 2011 awards.
The annual Learning Trust (TLT) celebration of Hackney young people honoured over 240 secondary school pupils on 17 January in categories such as 'turning your life around' and 'outstanding achievement'. BBC football pundit Garth Crooks and entertainer Kat B featured among the supporting cast at the Hackney Empire event.
Sidony Warner, 17, lost her sight last year, but continued her studies to attain an A grade in her Spanish GCSE oral exam. Now back at school full time, her sight has returned in one eye, but she remains partially sighted. Receiving an 'achievement against the odds' accolade, she said: "When I lost my sight, I threw myself into my work. I wasn't much of a reader before, but now I love books and read regularly now my sight has started to return."
Picking up the same award, Jeanine Jarvis, 13, was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, leaving her with severe joint pain and tiredness. The condition often prevents Jeanine from attending school, but teachers nominated her for
the high quality of her work.
She said: "I want to do well at school but I do find it hard to get there and to do my homework. I am pleased that I won this award and think it's a good achievement."
Dean Cox, 13, won a 'turning your life around' prize after improving his behaviour and excelling on the rugby pitch. He has now been asked to train with Premiership side Saracens. He said: "I love playing rugby and can take my frustrations out on the pitch. I can see how important my GCSEs are to my future and want to get the grades."
TLT Chief Executive, Alan Wood, said: "Trailblazers gives us a chance to showcase the extraordinary determination of young people in Hackney, whatever barriers they may face, to do the best they can."
Entertainment on the night included the Our Lady's choir, the Hackney Borough Youth Choir and the City Academy Jazz Band. The pupils also heard from Tony Talburt, of aspirational charity Excell 3, and motivational speakers Action Jackson and Alim Kamara.
24 January 2011
New school opened
Eight thousand bricks, 518 lights, 1,150 cubic metres of timber and 250 metres of cables later, Lauriston Primary School has moved into its new home - the first primary to be rebuilt in Hackney in 30 years.
Two years in the making, the new £8.2million, three-storey building now houses twice the number of pupils, features an all-weather area the size of a sports hall, has a facade designed by Turner Prize nominee Liam Gillick and was developed through consultation with the community by Meadowcroft Griffin Architects.
Pupils banged the drum in celebration at the 7 December opening ceremony (pictured), where the school orchestra and choir entertained guests.
Parent Alice Bruggen said: "It was very exciting watching the new building go up bit by bit and the children feel proud of their new school and very much a part of it.
"The high ceilings and large windows offer wonderful views, natural light and a real sense of space, and you are hit by a refreshing smell of wood when you enter the building."
Former head teacher Heather Rockhold, who retired this Christmas after 25 years' service, said: "I'm delighted that this day has finally come. We have a wonderful school building that will support and enhance the learning of south Hackney children for generations to come."
10 January 2011
School keeper departs
Christine Doyle was in fine form during her retirement party after 37 years' service at Cardinal Pole Catholic School, E9.
Things she will miss? "Cleaning up toilets and sick," the former school keeper said.
An ex-Cardinal Pole pupil herself, Christine started as a cleaner in 1974, becoming school keeper in 1992. Over the years she has worked with four head teachers and seen 7,500 pupils pass through the doors.
She described some of her favourite memories including the school's Queen's Jubilee party; attending Cardinal Pole's evening classes, where she also met her husband; and a previous winter that saw the children screaming to keep the playground full of snow.
Christine also recalled getting into trouble as a youngster for swapping the contents of one teacher's briefcase with bricks - the teacher didn't realise until he got home.
10 January 2011
The social change networks
Two enterprising student businesses have won £500 each to develop their social change project ideas.
Industrious teams from Clapton Girls' Technology College and Our Lady's Convent School presented plans at charity Envision's 'Pitch for Change' event - a Dragon's Den-style contest providing funds for social and sustainable living ventures led by young people.
Clapton's pitch, for promoting a positive image of the borough with projects including painting a community wall and creating a community garden, was commended for its imaginative approach.
Our Lady's, which developed a project to send cards to women in prison, was praised for tackling a sensitive issue by highlighting the effect imprisonment can have on a family.
Clapton student Rashida Khanom said: "Pitch 4 Change was an amazing experience. It helped us to get passionate about something that everyone feels is a big issue - improving the image of Hackney."
10 January 2011
Learning volunteers cheered
Volunteers have been praised for 'helping others in their communities get a second chance at learning'.
Twenty nine Community Learning Champions (CLC) picked up their NVQ certificates in advice and guidance from The Learning Trust on 17 December.
CLCs help residents who may be apprehensive about finding out more about educational opportunities. At the last count, they had clocked up more than 3,450 volunteer hours and helped over 300 adults.
As a result of their experience and the programme's qualifications, five CLCs have gone on to secure paid employment as advice and guidance workers. Others will continue to work voluntarily in their communities.
Jill Walker-Murrain, 50, said: 'In the beginning I was very excited about gaining a qualification, especially as I had left school with hardly any qualifications at all. There were times during the course that I wanted to give up. Now I'm so happy I persevered.
"Doing this has proved to me it doesn't matter how old you are - you can still be successful in going back to study."
10 January 2011
Page updated: 4 Apr 2011
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