Education News
The science of crime
Budding CSIs got to follow in the footsteps of their TV heroes as part of a novel science workshop.
Students from BSix Sixth Form College learnt about the crime scene forensic techniques, which form the basis for hit detective shows on both sides of the Atlantic, from CSI to Waking The Dead.
The sixth formers dusted for fingerprints, watched a cast of a footprint being taken, lifted fibre samples and found out how to interpret blood spatters.
They then had the chance to try out these techniques at a reconstructed crime scene, recording their evidence and trying to work out the perpetrator’s identity.
The half-day session, run by CSI Workshops, was part of Science For Us, a new programme delivered by Inspire – Hackney’s education business partnership – and designed exclusively for BTEC Applied Science students.
The aim is to bring science to life by showcasing some of the many interesting career paths available in the field.
Other elements include a Ready For Work course to develop enterprise and employability skills, including a visit to the Science Museum, a weeklong work experience placement in a sciencerelated environment, and an end of programme celebration at the Emirates Stadium this September.
More information
For further details visit: www.inspire-ebp.org.uk.
Courtroom dramas to boardroom sagas
A Hackney Academy governor has been handpicked by the new Mayor of London to advise him on strategies to benefit the capital’s young people.
Former prison officer, Ray Lewis, was appointed Deputy Mayor for Young People by Boris Johnson, because of his track record of working with young men who are in danger of falling into crime.
In his new role, Ray will be working with voluntary groups across the capital, to try ensure that young people’s life opportunities are improved.
The trustee and governor at the Petchey Academy in Shacklewell Lane, has also been instrumental in developing leadership skills among young African and Caribbean males as director of EastSide Young Leaders Academy in Newham.
Ray was born in Guyana in 1963 and went to school in Walthamstow.
He began his career as an administrative officer in the Civil Service, before becoming a Clerk in Holy Orders for the Church Commissioners in 1990.
During this time, he also gained a degree in Theology and Pastoral Studies from Middlesex University.
Describing his motivation, Ray said: “We see no shortage of young black males in the courtrooms, so my vision is to seek to prepare as many as possible for the boardrooms.”
A spit off the old block
An 18-year-old from Hackney is on cloud nine after scooping a flying bursary from the Spitfire Society.
John Maflin of 444 (Shoreditch) Squadron was chosen from over 1,000 Air Cadets in London and the South East to receive the financial support.
John, a Cadet Flight Sergeant, was presented with the Pat Butler Award and a cheque for £400 by former World War Two Spitfire pilot, Dennis Nichols, who fought in the Battle of Britain.
John said: “I’m very proud to be the recipient of this award and looking forward to putting this bursary towards furthering my flying career.
“I’m working towards my private pilots’ licence and then hope to join the RAF to fly the Typhoon fast jet.”
John, who recently completed his RAF Flying Scholarship of twelve hours, is also a staff cadet at 614 Wethersfield Volunteer Gliding School, working towards his Grade 1 glider pilot’s wings.
The Spitfire Society Group was formed in 1984 by former flier Captain David Green. The aim was to link people throughout the world whose lives had in some way been connected to this famous fighter plane.
It also now encourages aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
More information
For further details visit: www.444sqn.org.
Tales of young triumph
Over 100 young Hackney people celebrated their involvement in ground-breaking schemes aimed at teenagers in danger of dropping out of education or work.
The Government-backed Learning Agreement pilot helps 16 and 17-year-olds undertake accredited training while in a job.
While the Activity Agreement pilot tries to reengage those in the same age group who are not in education, employment or training.
The event, at the Lloyds building in the City, was organised by London East Connexions Partnership. It was the end of two years work by teams running both pilots.
Host for the evening was musician Ben Smith, aka Doc Brown, who has worked with top names including Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, and is a keen advocate of the benefits of both projects.
But the stars of the night were the young people who took to the stage to perform and share their personal tales of triumph.
This was complemented by presentations from training providers and employers who have worked on the pilots.
Jennifer Izekor, Director of Children and Learners, Government Office for London, said: “We see too much negativity in the media about young people. What we don’t hear about are the young people here today. These are the names we don’t see in the press, these young people who work hard and are redesigning and shaping the agenda. We should salute these young people, providers and parents, for supporting young people to achieve their best.”
More information
Call: 020 8536 3630; or visit: www.yourroutes.co.uk.
Moveable feast for school cooks
School cooks are giving celebrity chefs a run for their money with a book of healthy dinners.
Together, they have pooled over 100 years of experience to create the Hackney School Cooks’ Recipe Book.
The six local masterchefs selected a range of healthy, tasty food for the collection, which aims to help schools meet Government standards. The recipes encourage cooks to use more fruit and veg, and provide healthy meals using meat, fish and other non-dairy sources of protein.
The cook book was launched at Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, E2. Contributor Christina Abolo, from Holmleigh Primary School, said: “My Headteacher was very supportive, which made a huge difference. It’s the first time I have done anything like this and already I have new ideas.”
Lesley Miller, of Shacklewell Primary, E8, added: “The children have already had a chance to taste some of the recipes. The response has been really positive – the bran flake cookies are a real hit.”
The other cooks involved are Karen McCormick from Randal Cremer Primary, E2, Lorna Jarrett of Holy Trinity CE Primary, E8, and Kathy Stewart of Rushmore Primary, E5. The book is illustrated by pupils from the schools involved.
The Learning Trust CEO, Alan Wood, said: “We see a lot of recipe books written by popular or famous chefs – this one has a different flavour. It’s great to see how passionate school cooks are about healthy eating. Every school in Hackney will receive a copy of the book and I think this is going to have huge benefits for Hackney children.”
More information
Download the recipe book at: www. learningtrust.co.uk.
A wheel splash
Year Eight pupils from Tawhid Boys School have been paddling the River Lea and cycling around Hackney every Wednesday – thanks to the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP).
Over the past year LOCSP has been running sports sessions at the Stamford Hill school, and recently introduced canoeing and mountain biking to their programme, in conjunction with the Leaside Educational Trust.
“The school sports curriculum can be rigid at times,” explained Yassin Abidou, LOCSP Community Development Officer for Hackney. “So we sat down and thought about what sports we hadn’t covered yet. It’s nice to get a chance to do something a bit different.”
LOCSP Coach, Lloyd Boateng, agreed: “A lot of the kids are always sitting down in the classroom and this is a great reason for them to get out. We cycle around Hackney. You need good technique for some of the way, but the boys listen well and do everything the instructor asks them to.”
The canoeists are currently training for their One-Star British Canoe Union (BCU) award. For PE Teacher, Abid Sami, the activities are a way of engaging his pupils. He said:
“These sessions are only a short walk away from school and give our boys an opportunity to try something new and improve skills and confidence. There is a lot of camaraderie as they learn how to be part of a team and, hopefully, we will uncover some future Olympians.”
More information
Call: 020 8556 5973, or visit: www.locsp.org.
Page updated: 28 May 2008