Education News
Not far to go to learn new skills
New school services including homework clubs, cookery classes and parenting advice are all within easy reach of Hackney families.
According to new figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, local extended primary and secondary schools are under a mile away from most households with children and young people. These offer before and after school activities in a safe environment from 8am to 6pm.
There are now over 14,000 schools across the country offering additional activities for children, parents and their communities. In total, 65 per cent of all schools are already helping families to juggle work and home life.
The Government wants every school in England to do this by 2010.
Beverley Hughes, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Extended schools make a real difference to children, young people and their communities.
“Studies have shown that students who get involved in extra curricular activities behave better, are less likely to be excluded, are more motivated and do better at school. Parents benefit too – those who go to classes and seek advice through extended school sessions tend to be more involved in their child’s education and change to a healthier lifestyle.”
Proof is in the pudding
Students at Hackney Community College took up a sweet challenge when they put their skills to the test to feed a hungry group of youngsters.
Pupils from the hospitality and catering department – known as the London City Hospitality Centre –made a healthy and cost-effective bread and butter pudding for 220 children at a local school, in only the second week of their course.
The lucky tasters of the puddings, aged three to 11, were from St Monica’s RC Primary School in Hoxton Square. The youngsters loved the pudding, with many asking the chefs for the recipe.
“I love it, it’s the best” said Bisoln Giwa, nine. Rachel Odumosu, 10, agreed, adding: “I want my mum to make it for me.”
The challenge was part of Colleges Week, from 10 to 16 November, which celebrated the role these institutions play in unlocking talent in communities and transforming learners’ lives.
The centre works with companies to train staff as well as individual young people and adults. It was set up to meet the demands of the growing hospitality sector in east London.
More information
For details of the London City Hospitality Centre at HCC call: 020 7613 9123.
Building a star future
Two talented Hackney students considered future stars of London’s construction industry were honoured at an awards evening.
Declan Kiernan and Aaron Bacon, both from Cardinal Pole School, were among those who gathered to celebrate their achievements after completing the Capital Xperience programme this summer.
The two students were among 50 other young people who took part in the scheme. They were presented with certificates and mingled with big names in the construction industry at the Livery Hall of the Carpenters’ Company in the City.
Capital Xperience encourages students from the five 2012 Games host boroughs to consider careers in construction, while providing them with valuable work experience.
Declan, who spent four weeks with Taylor Woodrow, said: “I have realised how varied and fulfilling a career in this sector could be. I feel I can make a more informed decision on my future.”
Colin Barber, Project Management Consultant for the scheme, said: “Capital Xperience has proved itself an excellent programme to raise awareness of the construction professions as a career option and complement the school curriculum by demonstrating how subjects learned at school can be applied in the workplace.”
More information
Businesses interested in offering work experience placements or students hoping to take part in 2009 call: 020 8522 5722 or email: capitalexperience@newham.ac.uk.
Page updated: 2 Dec 2008