Education News - October to December 2011
Top Provider
The Learning Trust, has won a top national award for education.
The trust, which runs educational services in Hackney on behalf of the Council, was named 'outsourced provider of the year' on 17 November.
The awards, run by EducationInvestor magazine, recognize organisations that have made a notable contribution to the education sector.
Judges said the trust was chosen for its 'excellent learning service for everyone from infants to adult learners'. Adding that 'Hackney has become synonymous with both rapid and sustained achievement'.
At Key Stage Two in primary school, Hackney was the most improved borough in the country between 2007-11. This year, 57 per cent of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at A* to C, including maths and English.
Another of the trust's successes has been its English for Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL) service. Eighty residents celebrated their achievements with tutors at the Ann Tayler Children's Centre, E8, in November.
Many spoke of how classes had improved their quality of life in the UK.
The ESOL team also focuses on offering classes to parents, with 13 courses currently running in borough children's centres and three in schools.
Students become more involved in their children's education, take an active role in the community, and increase their chances of finding employment.
One former student said: "Learning English is very good for all parents - staying at home and looking after children can be very boring. When we go to class for two hours, children play in the crèche and we all feel better. We mix with the teacher and people from other countries and that makes us feel good.
More information
For more info, call: 020 8820 7167; or visit: www.learningtrust.co.uk/adult_learning
12 December 2011
Hackney duo win opportunity to promote Hollywood movie
Two Skinners' Academy students have been given the star treatment after winning a competition to promote a Hollywood blockbuster.
Ewelina Sniegon and Katarzyna Sadowska saw their idea to promote sci-fi thriller 'In Time' picked up by 20th Century Fox and Metro newspaper, which ran a contest to find the next generation of creatives. The prize included tickets to the film's London premiere.
Katarzyna said: "The premiere was fantastic, we had fun walking the red carpet and being the first to see the film, which we had heard about since the summer."
The duo came up with a competition idea where people collected codes across multi-media, and the person with the most winning £26,000, meant to represent 'a
year of their life'. The students worked with charity The Idea Foundation and advertising professionals from The Creative Floor and PLBR to come up with the strategy.
The campaign ran for two weeks and 14,000 people took part on Facebook alone.
12 December 2011
Kingsmead school awarded top marks by Ofsted inspectors
Kingsmead Primary School has been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors.
The education examiners gave the E9 school top marks for its development, commenting that 'every aspect of the school's provision has improved'.
The report stated: "The rich, stimulating curriculum in the hands of skilled teachers inspires pupils' learning. Expectations are high."
It also commended students' development in mathematics and English as well as the minimal attainment differences between boys, girls and different ethnic groups.
Headteacher Louise Nichols said: "The school serves the Kingsmead estate and is an amazing success story. It's well known for its creative projects and, combined with outstanding academic achievement, is proving that great results can be achieved against the odds."
12 December 2011
Right on course
More details about the borough's first technical college have been revealed this month.
Hackney University Technical College (UTC) will be a different kind of educational centre for 14 to 19-year-olds, that offers courses designed in partnership with employers, skills agencies and universities. The college will develop students' technical, vocational and employability skills.
Sixty per cent of study time will be in core subjects including English, Maths, Science, modern languages, humanities and sport; as well as skills such as financial literacy and IT.
The remaining 40 per cent will be devoted to digital and health technologies.
The college will operate like a business: students must wear smart attire, projects will be employer-led, and the hours will be 8.30am to 5pm. They will leave with a combination of GCSE and BTEC-style qualifications.
The UTC's headteacher, Annie Blackmore, said: "With unemployment at an all-time high, the employerled curriculum, combined with our partnerships, will provide students with a real opportunity to gain valuable skills for working life."
The UTC, which is based on Hackney Community College's Shoreditch campus, is due to open next September.
Applications can be made from next month.
More information
For more info, visit: www.hackney.ac.uk/about/hackney-utc
12 December 2011
Winning formula
Clapton college that transformed itself after being in danger of closure, has been hailed a 'phenomenal' education institution.
BSix College was crowned education provider of the year at the 2011 Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education Awards.
The accolade recognises bold, imaginative and innovative initiatives that better the reputation of a college.
Judges heard that following difficulties five years ago, the college had increased student numbers by 50 per cent, launched an extended programme to prepare students for work and higher education, and established summer schools at top-flight universities including Oxford and York.
Judges said: "Back in 2006 ... it was in danger of closure. Now it is oversubscribed. The college is just phenomenal. The staff are outstanding. They really go the extra mile."
BSix principal, Ken Warman, said: "It is difficult to explain how much this means to us. It is the biggest tribute to the dedication of our students and staff we could receive."
BBC journalist and Dragons' Den presenter Evan Davis gave out the award, at a ceremony in London, on 11 November.
More information
For more information, call: 020 3194 3000; or visit: www.tes.co.uk
28 November 2011
A total art-burst
Children with communication difficulties are being offered free workshops to improve their confidence and social skills.
Hackney-based social enterprise, Artburst, is looking for children with language needs to take part in its 'Speak Out' sessions.
The workshops use storytelling, drama, art and music to improve self-esteem among youngsters with speech problems.
They are targeted at two to five-year-olds and 10 to 12-year-olds and will run throughout the borough next year.
Penny Embden, co-director, said: "Artburst's Speak Out workshops offer a really valuable opportunity for children in the borough with speech and language difficulties."
28 November 2011
Clapton girls got talent
Students at Clapton Girls' Academy showed panache as stage performers when they took part in their school's new talent show.
The competition showcased a variety of acts including vocalists, musicians, dance troupes and indie bands.
Magician Milly Croft, 13, took first prize, with singer Zoe Sadler, 16, and contemporary dancer Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner, 14, in the runner-up spots.
Theatre and film school director, Anna Fiorentini, awarded scholarships to attend her performance academy in Hackney for many of the line-up.
Meanwhile, successful playwright and Hackney Empire panto creator, Susie McKenna, gave out places on the theatre's Youth Takeover Weekend project.
Sixth former, Sophie Jemeljanova, who helped choreograph the 17 November show said: "The whole experience was absolutely amazing - from planning the event to the live final. Even though we were all under pressure, it's definitely an experience me and the girls would love to relive again and again."
The show, called Clapton's Got Talent, raised over £1,500 for extracurricular activities.
Headteacher Cheryl Day said she hoped it will become a regular fixture in the academy's calendar.
More information
For more information, call 020 8985 6641, or visit: www.clapton.hackney.sch.uk
28 November 2011
Free dinners
Parents and carers are being urged to claim free school meals for their child, after research found that 20 per cent of those eligible may be missing out.
Government figures show that close to 40 per cent of Hackney families could apply for free school meals. But data from The Learning Trust - which runs education services in the borough - found one in five are not taking this up. At secondary school, this figure rises to over a quarter of eligible pupils.
Families receiving Income Support, or similar benefits, are entitled to apply for free school meals, with an average saving of £390 a year. The Learning Trust has launched a campaign to persuade parents to apply.
As well as a financial break for parents and health benefits for pupils, schools receive additional funding for every child that receives free meals.
Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "School meals are an excellent way to ensure your child has a healthy lunch, which is proven to aid concentration in lessons."
14 November 2011
Brighten up!
Kingsmead Primary School pupils have helped paint eight community murals in Homerton.
The London 2012-inspired wall paintings can now be seen across Kingsmead Estate, E9.
Artist Ryan Durrant and writer Penny Cliff worked with the youngsters, as well as residents and community groups, to come up with ideas to visually transform the estate. These workshops were run by environmental charity ecoACTIVE. The final designs were then produced using recycled paints.
The end result sees four estate walkways brightened up by paintings based on Olympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality.
The project was funded by Sanctuary Housing and the Council. An afternoon of games and music was held to mark the unveiling of the murals on 18 October.
Resident Saada Omar said: "This project has been a great idea and has involved everyone from the start. The kids loved the painting days and are now very proud of the finished murals. Every time we go past, they shout to passers by that they painted them."
Sanctuary's regional director, Stephanie Killer, added: "The murals will leave a lasting legacy on the estate."
14 November 2011
Youngsters' achievements recognised at awards
Some of the borough's most determined children and young people were recognised in the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards.
Over 100 students were presented with medals and certificates at the awards ceremony in Stoke Newington Town Hall on 1 November. The awards recognise young people's personal accomplishments and services to the community.
Those honoured included Esme Kirk, 15, who battled through dyslexia to excel as a GCSE grade A student; Damilola Fasulu, 14, who won for her work on a Save the Children project involving a live link-up with Bangladesh; and Courtney Finch, 13, for her project to help primary pupils prepare for the move to secondary school.
All winners received medals, certificates and a £200 cheque for their school. The show was organised by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which aims to develop the potential among young people across London.
Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, said: "It was great to be part of tonight's celebrations. A big well done to the Jack Petchey Foundation."
14 November 2011
Hackney College wins two events at sports festival
Hackney Community College (HCC) has taken second place in the third annual Host Boroughs Inter College Sports Festival.
Four hundred students from nine colleges in 2012 host boroughs took part. HCC won two of the 11 events, including cricket and indoor rowing.
The games, from 7 to 14 October, aimed to widen participation in sport by targeting students that wouldn't usually represent their college in competitions.
Paul Lazarus, head of sport, said: "Every Hackney student represented the college proudly and displayed great sportsmanship, respect, enthusiasm and commitment to their opponents and their chosen sports. Congratulations to everyone involved."
14 November 2011
First steps to building career
Thirty-eight people have been recruited as construction apprentices this year, thanks to an initiative developed by the Council.
The Sustainable Training Employment Pathway (STEP) creates employment and training opportunities for residents on building projects worth more than £3million.
The scheme trains and places successful applicants in long-term employment, with an apprenticeship lasting two years.
Unsuccessful candidates are given advice to help their development, including finding college courses.
STEP aims to recruit a further 150 apprentices by the end of 2012. Furthermore, planned developments in the borough, worth £1.3billion over the next five to six years, could translate into employment for up to 800 apprentices across the sector locally.
Syma Khatun, 34, was one of the scheme's first recruits and is working as a junior plumber with a construction company.
She said: "I used to work in retail, but I always loved DIY. STEP has helped me to gain the practical training and confidence I needed in order to make a career doing something I love."
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, added: "The feedback from employers and apprentices has been very positive and we believe it is a model that will continue to give many more local people that step-up to a career within the construction industry."
31 October 2011
Soap star helps celebrate black heritage
Eastenders star Rudolph Walker helped The Urswick School celebrate Black History Month when he dropped into its new drama studio. The actor, who plays Patrick Trueman in the long-running BBC soap, spoke to students about his upbringing in Trinidad and being one of the first black actors on UK television.
Rudolph also congratulated the school on its GCSE drama results. He said: "A career as an actor can be very demanding, but it is also incredibly creative and exciting. It's good to see that students at The Urswick School enjoy the subject so much."
Head of Drama Sarah Conway added: "It's been great for the students to speak to a professional actor and to learn about some of the difficulties black actors faced in the 1960s and 1970s, while trying to get their 'big break'."
Throughout October, students took part in many Black History Month themed sessions: from learning about the slave trade to exploring ancient Egyptian artwork.
The Urswick School, formerly Hackney Free & Parochial School, re-opened in September following the completion of a £17million Building Schools For the Future project.
31 October 2011
Regulator invites parents to rate their child's school
Ofsted has launched a new online questionnaire to allow parents and carers to rate their child's school.
Parent View is a 12-question survey covering issues such as levels of homework, bullying and the quality of teaching.
The survey was set up to help parents make informed choices about their child's education, as well as provide the education watchdog with information to help set priorities for its school inspections.
Measures such as a registration process and monitoring systems have been put in place to limit site misuse and ensure schools are treated fairly. In addition, the survey does not allow free text comments instead inviting responses through a series of closed questions.
For more info, visit: www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
31 October 2011
It's Playtime
William Patten Primary School pupils have been breaking in their new playground following a refurbishment.
The £250,000 play area now includes an outdoor classroom, football pitch, soft play area, vegetable patch, play sculptures, slide and wooden bridge.
Builders worked over summer, with the N16 playground completed two weeks into term.
Bursar Karin Farrelly said: "We tried to do as much as we could over the break, but the children really did appreciate seeing the work being done and got to experience the anticipation of the project.
"It has got a fantastic reaction from the pupils and parents who think it was worth the wait."
Headteacher Kathryn Kyle added: "The playground has quickly become an extension to the way we teach the children, and we're very much looking forward to finding new ways of incorporating our new space into the school's every day life."
The project was completed by FHAplay, a borough-based design and building firm.
17 October 2011
Careers inspiration
Borough pupils welcomed visitors from Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and beyond ahead of the WorldSkills London 2011 contest.
Nearly 400 delegates arrived in London to take part in the international competition, from 5-8 October, at the Docklands ExCeL centre.
Teams from each country met with youngsters from 16 local primary schools as part of the event. The visits on 4 October were designed to inspire pupils to learn about the cultures, skills and career opportunities in other countries.
Gainsborough primary pupils welcomed visitors from Canada after learning about their country as part of citizenship studies.
Headteacher Clare Pike said: "The event is a great way to expose our children to the array of skills and talents required in the world of work.
"We hope to inspire and motivate our children to be the best they can be and to aspire to a wide range of professions when they leave school."
Schoolchildren from Benthal primary in Stoke Newington got together with the Saudi Arabian team to talk about IT.
Headteacher Tim Hunter-Whitehouse said: "In these difficult economic times, it's even more important than ever that children are shown there are better things to aspire to than being a footballer or a singer."
Vocational contest WorldSkills sees young people vie to be the best of the best in 46 categories, ranging from creative arts and fashion, to transportation and logistics. For more info, visit: www.worldskills.org
17 October 2011
Work experience leads to jobs
A joint project run by Arcola Theatre and the Council is helping young people get a foot in the door of the arts and sustainability industries.
The Creative Network offers young people on Job Seekers Allowance six-months paid work with companies in London. The programme ensures participants have a supportive and creative working environment to develop their skills in.
So far 35 people have joined the network and 80 per cent have gone on to paid work at the end of the placement.
Cllr Guy Nicholson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: "Hackney is at the forefront of developing the creative, media and green technology industries, and projects like The Creative Network ensure our borough continues to lead the way."
Arcola's Executive Director, Ben Todd, added the theatre is on the look out for new partners to support young people and the continued development of the network.
For more, visit: www.arcolatheatre.com
17 October 2011
Summer holiday with a twist
Running from rhinos and washing in crocodile infested waters - how's that for a summer holiday?
Sixth formers Tania Hossain, Briony Lambert, Titilope Badru and Alexie Telan from Clapton Girls' found themselves sleeping under the stars - on a 15-day wilderness trail in the Imfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa.
The quartet also helped construct a school in 36 degree heat, lived with local families and got an insight into the community life of the Sangoma people.
Tania said: "It's so good to be away from the pressures of a modern world, to think about how we affect the environment, as well as see the daily life and values of a very different community. The trip taught me so much."
The group were working on Wild Swans Women's Leadership scheme, which addresses the gender gap in business, environmental and social leadership. For more info, visit: www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/
17 October 2011
A different approach
BSix College is up for three gongs from The Times Educational Supplement.
The weekly newspaper for schools and college staff published the Star Awards shortlist in September, nominating the Clapton college for provider of the year; outstanding innovation in teaching, learning and training; and outstanding communications and marketing team prizes.
Rebekah Harris, head of external relations, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved this success. We see awards as tributes to the hard work, dedication and talents of our students and staff."
One example of BSix's advances has been the success of its politics club, which sees notaries give talks and take questions. Guests Eddie Izzard and Ken Livingstone both attended last month. Other speakers since launch include Liberal Democrat thinker Richard Grayson.
The college received additional attention when journalist Polly Toynbee met with staff and students for a BBC Radio 4 show. Students spoke of how the college has helped boost their confidence to apply for higher education, and headteacher Ken Warman explained the importance of promoting aspirations and giving students a 'public school experience'.
The winners of the Star Awards will be announced on 11 November.
For more on the Star Awards, visit: www.tes.co.uk
3 October 2011
Free family fun
'Starting New Adventures Together' is the theme of this year's Family Learning Festival.
The two-week festival aims to bring families together through taking part in fun, informal learning activities in accessible locations all over Hackney.
The free activities and workshops cover a wide-range of subjects including Spanish language, food, music, arts and crafts, maths and hula hooping.
The Learning Trust's Family Learning Manager, Seema Khan, said: "This year's Family Learning Festival will be the best ever for our families. We hope that the festival will create lots of opportunities for them to spend quality time through having fun and learning together through a range of different and exciting activities."
The programme has been coordinated by the Family Learning Team at The Learning Trust, Hackney children's centres and Hackney libraries in association with local hertitage centres and community groups.
The Family Learning Festival runs from 15-30 October.
For more, call: 020 8820 7186; or visit: www.learningtrust.co.uk/adult_learning/family_learning
3 October 2011
Secondary School 2012 application deadline looms
Parents and carers have until 31 October to submit their child's application for a secondary school place.
Completed 'common application forms' (CAFs), which ask for preferred schools, must be returned this month to maximise the chances of a secured spot for the start of the 2012 school year. For faith schools, a supplementary form must also be completed. CAFs are available from www.eadmissions.org.uk; supplementary forms can be picked up at the school and The Learning Trust.
Further information on local education was presented at the annual Hackney Secondary Schools' Fair at The Urswick School - formerly Hackney Free and Parochial School - on 13 September.
The event showcased Hackney secondary schools and gave families a chance to meet teachers as well as hear about student life directly from pupils.
Leyla McNicholas, of Grazebrook Primary School, attended the fair with her mother Shirley. She said: "You have to think about which subjects you like and whether the schools are specialised in that area. I like Maths. It has been good to hear from the schools and from other pupils."
Omowunmi Fagbamila with daughter Zainab added: "It was nice how the pupils were there. I think I will make my decision later, I have a few schools in mind. I love Hackney and the schools here - the new buildings are fantastic."
Speaking at the fair, acting chief executive of The Learning Trust Steve Belk was pleased with the 'real buzz' around borough secondary schools with children succeeding irrespective of their background. He also advised that families think about the right school for the child and consider the order of preference.
To find out more on applying for school places or to pick up a CAF, call: 020 8820 7501/7245; or visit: www.learningtrust.co.uk/
3 October 2011
Page updated: 18 Jan 2012
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