HEADLINES
By
James Saunders
INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, ACHIEVE
A huge congratulations to Jemima Stowers; Rosa Swain; Keira Martin; Sam Mead; Freya Hutchinson; Sofia TaylorShort; Jessica Wells; Calum Rider; Ellie Zahra who all received awards at the Jack Petchey Achievement Award ceremony held at Alec Hunter School on Wednesday night. The Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme is their flagship programme which recognises outstanding young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex.
The event itself was excellent. There was a real sense of community and a can-do attitude throughout the night. Honywood shared the stage with award winners from a range of local schools and clubs. It was lovely to see our learners on stage whilst hearing about their achievements in our community. Many of which were very personal and demonstrated excellent character and perseverance through challenging circumstances.
“If you think you can, you can!”
The Jack Petchey Foundation was set up by Sir Jack Petchey CBE to inspire and celebrate young people. Since 1999, over £160 million has been invested in programmes to benefit young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. Sir Jack Petchey set up the Jack Petchey Foundation to inspire young people across London and Essex to work hard and reach their full potential. Sir Jack was an incredible inspiration to everyone who works at the Foundation. Sir Jack passed away last year and even at the age of 98 he took a very active interest in the running of the charity, as do the rest of his family who share his vision today.
He was born into a working class family in the East End in 1925, left school at 13 and then joined the Navy in 1943. After leaving the Navy, he began working as a clerk for a solicitor’s firm. He applied for management training but was told he would never make a businessman. Instead of giving up, Sir Jack used the £39 he was given from the Navy to buy a second hand car and started a taxi business. Through hard work and innovative thinking, he proved them wrong and built a multi-million-pound empire. Sir Jack’s experiences led to his passion to increase young peoples’ aspirations by rewarding their achievements.
What all of the award winners had in common was a positive mindset and a can-do attitude. They were not afraid of failure and embraced challenges head on.
C11 PARENT’S EVENING
Yesterday we held our parent’s evening for C11 learners - their final one. As usual, we filled the hall with exam desks and teachers and then parents and C11s flocked in. There was a real sense of energy in the hall as our teachers engaged with families and learners. I have spoken to many C11s and teachers today about the evening and they have all provided positive feedback. Teachers enjoyed being able to share their love and enthusiasm for their subject and the C11 learners all felt that it provided a welcome focus and the push they need as they enter the final stages of their GCSEs. I often talk about owning the choices we make. For our C11’s this really is the time for them to shine and make choices that positively impact them for years to come. The hard graft is done. It is now about sustainability and not losing momentum. And above all else - being in school, giving it 100% every day and owning their future.
We have almost made it through January now and the nights will be starting to draw out. Here’s looking at warmer things to come.
Have a lovely weekend.
James Saunders
A foundation for teaching excellence since 1994
