Education News
Welcome to our world
Budding young photographers and filmmakers from across Hackney have proudly exhibited their work.
They were mentored by professionals on a project to document their local area in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Youngsters received expert tips on photography, film and music as part of a project to showcase Hackney’s culture to the rest of the world.
Pupils from Skinners’ Company’s School for Girls, E5; Kingsmead Primary, E9; Berger Primary, E9; Rushmore Primary, E5; and Millfields Primary, E5, began work on the Welcoming the World project in February.
They were among more than 450 children from across the five Olympic host boroughs who contributed – as part of the London 2012 Education Programme.
One Millfields pupil said:
“I loved learning to take photographs because sometimes when you want to tell someone something, it’s not that easy, but by taking photographs you can show them and explain. I found out that people see different things in a picture.”
The finished work was unveiled at a celebration event on 4 July in Greenwich.
Ballroom to bathroom
A ballroom dancing display was just one way of celebrating the success of Hackney’s youth – and the business people who support them.
Inspire! – Hackney’s Education Business Partnership – hosted a reception in the City last month to mark its fourth year.
In the past 12 months, the charity has sourced 2,154 work placements with more than 1,200 employers. It has also attracted over 400 business volunteers to support primary school children with numeracy and literacy, and delivered over 2,500 work-related sessions in secondary school and colleges.
Alhaji Jabbie, 16, a former pupil at Hackney Free & Parochial School, is a graduate of the Inspire! Ready 4 Work programme, which provides intensive support and workplace learning for students who need help and motivation.
He said: “I was in school and doing good, but after Year 8, it got boring. I did an extended work placement at Division 5 builders in Dalston, and in September I’m looking to study plumbing and have applied for apprenticeships.”
Pupils from Lauriston, Jubilee and Gayhurst primary schools were a star attraction on the night, as they showed off their fleetfooted skills.
Inspire! director, David Blagbrough, said: “We hear a lot about problems and difficulties. But we have some very talented and remarkable young people. Volunteers enable them to fulfil their potential.”
PE with predator
Over 700 pupils from Haggerston School for Girls got the opportunity to train with a Gladiator and compete in the fit4schools programme to raise money for their PE department.
Olympic medalist Du’aine Ladejo, otherwise known as Predator in the popular TV series, was on hand at the E2 secondary school to get the girls moving through a series of simple circuit exercises.
“We are thrilled to have a Gladiator come down and help raise money for a worthwhile cause,” said staff member Kiersten Donohue.
“The fit4schools programme will help motivate our girls to keep them focused, entertained and inspired to raise £5 each towards new PE facilities.”
The programme, founded by Gladiator Du’aine almost ten years ago, aims to get children involved with out-of-school activities and raise awareness of healthy eating.
“Actively participating in sports helps concentration, memory and learning,” Du’aine said. “We’re looking forward to making a difference in these children’s lives and hope the sporting skills they learn on the programme will remain with them for life.”
Page updated: 5 Aug 2008