Success in the Making
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Eyes wide open: careers fair for North and East London pupils
At a time when university access is deemed more financially challenging than ever before and words/acronyms such as “NEETS”, “recession” and “unemployment” dominate the news agenda – a local Academy has invited North and East London schools (in Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Newham) to join forces in tackling uncertainty and negative student perceptions head on, acting together to raise aspirations.
Skinners’ Academy in Hackney, a business and enterprise specialist academy is taking action to raise aspiration and access to career information – by organising a Careers Awareness Fair – targeted at students from secondary schools across North / East London.
Eyes Wide Open: The inaugural Skinners’ Academy Careers Awareness Fair on Thursday 3rd November is targeted at Year 10, 11 and 6th form students based in North & East London. Featuring individual speakers (including ITV1s on-air Daybreak personality Gavin Ramjaun and author of 3 Steps to Success Raphael Mokades); 25+ businesses (including representatives from Virgin, the NHS, Accenture, the BBC, Ogilvy & Mather, Sungard and more); local businesses including Hackney Empire, Graeae Theatre Company, Ministry of Stories and Fashion Awareness Direct; and 11 universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Coventry, UCL, Westminster and more – students attending will have unique access to key professionals in a range of industries.
Jenny Wilkins, Principal at Skinners’ Academy, said: “As a community, it is important for us to ensure we are working together to increase the confidence of today’s students when it comes to their future career prospects. Through this Careers Awareness Fair, we are providing an opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and exposure about a wide range of industries through one on one contact and a series of panel discussions, and will also have the unique chance to hear the personal stories of professionals in their field… ensuring students are reminded that whatever the economic climate, they can succeed in their own journey, through hard work and determination.”
The fair is open to Year 10, 11 and 6th form students based in North & East London. You can register by emailing gvisram@skinnersacademy.org.uk
Some companies and organisations represented
Accenture
BBC London / BBC School News Report
British Army
The Brokerage
Connexions (Hackney)
Degrees Ahead
Fashion Awareness Direct
Graeae Theatre Company
Hackney Empire
Ideas Foundation
Kids’ Company
The Learning Trust
LOCOG: London 2012
Ministry of Stories
NHS
Ogilvy & Mather
Rare Recruitment
STEMNET Ambassadors
Sungard
Virgin
Youth Media Agency
Representatives from the following Educational Institutions:
Cambridge University (Jesus and Clare College)
Coventry University
Greenwich University
London Southbank University
Oxford University (Wadham College)
Portsmouth University
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London
University of Surrey
University College London (UCL)
University of East Anglia
Westminster University
Hackney school teacher tops ‘pink list’ for work to tackle homophobia
A Hackney school teacher has taken the top spot in a list of the 100 most influential gays and lesbians in the UK, beating other famous names like Clare Balding, Alan Carr and Evan Davies.
Elly Barnes, a teacher at Stoke Newington School, was nominated for the accolade by readers of the Independent on Sunday for her pioneering work in tackling homophobia in schools.
Elly’s work in Stoke Newington school has transformed attitudes to gays and lesbians. Across the country 95% of school staff say the word “gay” is regularly used as an insult. In Stoke Newington School, as a result of Elly’s work, such use is now virtually unheard of.
Elly’s work includes leading assemblies, training other staff, promoting positive images (e.g. Oscar Wilde in English, Alan Turing in ICT and Maths, Frieda Kahlo in Art) and ensuring adults and children in the school know how to respond to discriminatory remarks.
“I am delighted that Elly Barnes has been awarded this accolade”, commented Headteacher Annie Gammon. “Elly has inspired staff and students over the past years at our school through her commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice.”
She added “We are a very diverse school, with students from many cultures. However staff, students and parents have all supported this work. It is a tribute to the approach that Elly uses that she has successfully united the whole community in tackling homophobia.”
“I believe Elly’s example is a real credit to the school and the local community. It is still all too common, for instance, for people in public life to seek to hide their sexuality. This type of secrecy should not need to happen and Elly’s work ensures people are not afraid of being who they are. At our school we believe in “all different, all equal” and are very proud that Elly’s work has been recognised.”
Elly has worked at Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form for over ten years as a music teacher, head of music, head of year and as a leader on promoting equalities. In addition to her work at the school, she also involved in trying to change attitudes at schools across the country.
To read a blog posting by Elly about her pioneering work, click here
Wild Swans in South Africa
Four Sixth Formers from Clapton Girls’ Academy found themselves sleeping under the stars in a game reserve this Summer.
Briony Lambert, Tania Hossain, Titilope Badru and Alexie Telan were chosen to be part of the Wild Swans Womens’ Leadership scheme which takes young women with leadership potential on a remarkable journey of self discovery over a four year period. The programme promotes the values of women’s leadership and addresses the gender gap in business, environmental and social leadership, empowering participants to lead their communities to a better future.
Armed with skills from leadership workshops and the benefits of mentoring and training from powerful female leaders over the past year, the students set off for a fifteen day wilderness trail in South Africa. Surrounded by wild animals in the Imfolozi Game Reserve, the girls were definitely out of their comfort zone as they carried all their possessions in backpacks, spotted hyenas in the campsite on night watch, washed in crocodile-infested waters and ran away from rhinos for five days!
Construction work was on the agenda for the second week, sieving sand, mixing concrete and plastering school walls in 36 degree temperatures on a project in Mabandla. Living with families in their homes the group learned they could live simply without electricity and running water. They got a full insight to community life as they met the chief, joined in with traditional dancing and browsed the craftwork of the Sangoma people, as well as paying a visit to the HIV clinic and patients’ homes.
Team member Tania Hossain reported, ‘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 and I am pleased I was able to help the people in a small way.’
Hackney musicians given royal accolade as they prepare for showcase
Hackney’s young musicians have been praised by royalty – as they prepare to perform in front of hundreds of people at the Hackney Empire.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent stunned young music makers in the borough by mentioning them during an appearance on the primetime where she talked about the importance of music education.
She said: “Someone wonderful at The Learning Trust in Hackney recognised that rhythm is the most uniting language amongst the 40-50 languages spoken in there. We are finding the most wonderful Samba bands [in the borough] and I’d like to see some of them perform at the opening of the Olympics.”
For now, the Samba band is gearing up to perform at The Learning Trust’s second ever Gala Concert which will take place at the Hackney Empire on Thursday 10 November at 6.30pm. Bridge Academy student Terence Telfer said:
“I started learning Samba in my primary school, London Fields, when the Hackney Music Service placed an after school band there, and I’ve been playing ever since. I worked my way up to being part of the Hackney Bateria and this gave me the chance to play for the Duchess of Kent at the Tate Modern and other place like the Festival Hall and in Birmingham, for the finals of the Music for Youth festival. We also played in the City of London Festival parade and every year at the Hackney Schools Music Festival. It’s just the best thing ever.”
Over 200 schoolchildren will perform a diverse repertoire at the concert, from orchestral symphonies to jazz improvisation and gospel singing. This concert features some of the most gifted and talented musical pupils in Hackney and will also feature former pupils who are now studying at music college.
James Thomas, Acting Head of the Music Service, said: “Hackney is home to some of the best young musicians around and I’m delighted that Katharine, the Duchess of Kent has recognised this so publicly. We’d urge local residents to come along to our Gala concert in November to see our performers in action before they go on to what I’m confident will be bigger and better things.”
He added: “With several choirs, orchestras and jazz ensembles there really is something to suit everyone’s musical taste.”
Tickets cost just £5 or £3 for concessions and are available from the Hackney Empire – 020 8985 2424 or www.hackneyempire.co.uk
The clip featuring HRH the Duchess of Kent can be found here and it can be found around six minutes in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8leDmDZIG8
Parents urged to pick primary places as deadline looms
Parents and carers in Hackney are being urged not to leave it too late to apply for a primary place – and to think carefully about their choice of schools to avoid disappointment.
Applications for September 2012 primary places for children born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 are now open. Thousands of parents across London have already applied for places and others are urged to do so soon, to avoid forgetting in the pre-Christmas rush. The final deadline is 15 January 2012.
Although given six preferences, many parents only pick one school mistakenly thinking that it gives them more chance of getting in. Instead, applications are given priority for other reasons including how close you live, whether your other children attend the school and, for religious schools, whether you practise a faith.
Steve Belk, Acting Chief Executive, at The Learning Trust said: “I know that any one of our primary schools will give your child an excellent start to their school career. To help chose the right place for your child, visit the school, have a good look round and speak to the Headteacher.”
“There’s a fantastic choice of primary schools in Hackney. Think carefully about how closely you match the admissions criteria for each school. If you live far away from a school and it is particularly popular, you could be wasting one of your preferences.“
Parents are also reminded that their child does not automatically get a place if their sibling attends a school and that they must apply for a reception class even if they are enrolled in the school’s nursery.
The Learning Trust has published an admissions guide for parents which is available at http://www.learningtrust.co.uk/schools/primary_schools/ps_brochure_2012.aspx This details the admissions process, the criteria and number of applications last year for each school. The outcome of applications will be released to parents on 18 April.
Primary Schools battle it out at sports champs
Gainsborough Primary School have won the first day of the Hackney School Sports Championships, after battling it out against other primary schools in paralympic sports such as Wheelchair Basketball and Boccia. On Day Two, which took place on Tuesday, Grasmere Primary took the top spot.
Over 2500 London schoolchildren of all abilities will come together over this week to take part in the country’s biggest inclusive school sports competition. An overall winner will be announced on Friday.
School teams from all six host boroughs will compete against each other in Paralympic sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball and Archery at the Hackney Schools Sports Championships, organised by The Learning Trust. All teams will have children with and without Special Educational Needs.
This is the fourth year of the Championships, which takes place from Monday 10 October to Friday 14 October, and is set to be the biggest event yet. Children as young as 3 will also take part this year at a special Children’s Centre day held on Friday 7 October.
For some students, this will be the first time they have experienced Paralympic sport such as Boccia or Wheelchair Basketball. Many others have tried Paralympic sport at their schools, following work by The Learning Trust to ensure Hackney’s PE lessons include all pupils, regardless of their ability.
Pupils at St John of Jerusalem hold ‘no pens day’
Pupils at St John of Jerusalem primary school put down their pens last week to mark No Pens Day, the launch for the Hello campaign – 2011 national year of communication.
The Hello campaign (www.hello.org.uk) is a year-long campaign to make children and young people’s communication development a priority in homes, nurseries and schools across the country. Hello is run by The Communication Trust, a coalition of 40 voluntary and community organisations with expertise in speech, language and communication in partnership with Jean Gross, the Government’s Communication Champion. Hello is sponsored by BT and Pearson Assessment and backed by government.
On Wednesday 28 September, St John of Jerusalem pupils did not use any pens for a whole day. This saw them taking part in things like drama, team exercises that involved making things like bread and a tall tower and interviewing characters from a poem. They also acted out a news report, taking on the roles of news reporter, news anchor and spokesperson.
Carly Richards, Inclusion Manager at St John of Jerusalem Primary school, said; ”I found the day extremely rewarding because our teachers showed how creative and versatile they could be with the curriculum and all the children enjoyed the day.”
She added: “Some children who have difficulty in manipulating pens and pencils can become quite anxious when faced with the prospect of writing, which can be very stressful for them. On that day these children weren’t at all anxious.”
One Year 6 pupil said: “I liked it because it was fun and we worked as a team without pens.” Whilst another said: “It was a challenge in maths. We used peg boards to work out sums.”
Hackney schools welcome WorldSkills Competitors from across the globe
Hackney school pupils are looking forward to a special visit today (Tuesday 4 October) from children from Mexico, Canada, Luxembourg and beyond who are arriving in London for the WorldSkills event.
Around 400 Competitors and Team delegates will visit 16 schools in Hackney for a special Welcome Event organised and hosted by students.
WorldSkills London 2011, the world’s greatest international skills competition and careers event, will be held at ExCeL London from 5−8 October. Competitors have arrived in London from over 50 regions and countries including Australia, China, Brazil, Canada, Finland and Spain to compete in 46 skill categories in front of an audience of over 150,000.
Benthal Primary School, in Stoke Newington, has been learning about Luxembourg for several months as part of the One School One Country program which gives students the opportunity to learn about the values, traditions and cultures of other countries, and develop international awareness. They will welcome 7 competitors from the country today.
Headteacher Tim Hunter-Whitehouse said: “In these difficult economic times it’s even more important than ever that our children are shown that there are better things to aspire to than being a footballer or a singer.
These are talented young people with a craft, a trade and the One School One Country world skills event allows these skills to be showcased in schools across London. Who knows, it may be one of the children who are watching today that might be competing in the future!”
Meanwhile, pupils at Gainsborough Primary School near the Olympic Park have been learning about Canada as part of their studies in Citizenship, Personal Social and Health Education and Personal Learning Skills.
Headteacher Clare Pike said: “At Gainsborough we have three core values; Excellence, Integrity and Respect. The World Skills event is a wonderful way to demonstrate excellence across a wide range of skills and to expose our children to the wonderful array of skills and talents that are 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.”
She added: “We are delighted to welcome Canada to our school and sharing some of the talents shown at Gainsborough. We are looking forward to cheering them on at the event on Wednesday!”
Celebrating success at St Matthias’
Pupils at St Matthias’ Primary School in Hackney had a visit from the Speaker of Hackney last week, as she presented certificates at their weekly celebration of school success.
Every Friday the school holds a celebration assembly to highlight all the great things that have happened that week. Classes with the best attendance are given bowls of fruit whilst pupils who made an outstanding contribution to the school that week are given a golden certificate. They are also invited to Golden Tea with the Head.
The Speaker also presented certificates to the newly elected pupil members of the School Council and the Food Council and invited them to meet her at the Town Hall for a tour of the Council chambers.
Hackney pupils help launch Paralympic torch relay
Pupils from St Scholastica’s School and Northwold Primary School joined top athletes and VIPs at the launch of the Paralympic Torch Relay last week.
Presented by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will showcase the very best of teamwork by shining a light on those who have worked together to reach a collective goal and the amazing feats that have been achieved as a result of individuals combining their skills and abilities.
Building on the traditional Torch Relay format, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay programme will begin on Friday 24 August 2012 with the first flame lighting event to be held in London. Over the Bank Holiday weekend, Greater Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff will each host a flame lighting moment and an evening Paralympic Flame Festival.
Each of the four flames will be lit by the energy of physical human endeavour, with each place creating its unique method of lighting. The flame lighting method for each nation will be announced closer to the time of the Paralympic Torch Relay next year.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘Day after day our Paralympians show the energy of human endeavour both on and off the sporting field of play. By lighting the flame which heralds the start of their competition through the energy of human endeavour, the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay is a tribute to their inspirational stories of courage and determination and a celebration of teamwork right across the UK.”
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