Amessage from our Chief Executive
Dear NCLCommunity,
As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my best wishes to everyone for a well-deserved break. It has been a long and challenging term, and staff wellbeing remains a priority in our work. Our students can only thrive when we are healthy, present, and able to give them our best.That's why I'm so pleased that we are making good progress toward achieving the Wellbeing Award for Schools across theTrust.
This year is proving to be a transformative one for ourTrust, and the word that stands out for me is collaboration.As six schools united in oneTrust, we are committed to working together in ways that benefit all the young people we serve. We are already seeing the positive impact of our initiatives, such as attracting talented new teachers from our local community through the SCITT, strengthening SEND provision across our schools in partnership with Learning in HarmonyTrust, making significant long-term savings through bulk purchasing, enhancing the life chances of older students with the Fresh Start phonics programme, and the shared use of Lister’s IER.
We’re also in the process of strengthening the community aspect of ourTrust by inviting recent alumni to join theTrust Board. If you know of any alumni who are in the early stages of their careers and might be interested in giving back to the community in this way, please encourage them to get in touch with me. OurTrust Board already includes a talented and diverse group of individuals, and adding alumni who have recent experience of our schools would bring valuable insight and perspective.
We are also thrilled to congratulate our eight SCITTtrainees for successfully completing their first term.This is a significant achievement in their journey to becoming qualified teachers.They have demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to their professional development, and have been a real asset to our school community. We are incredibly proud to have them with us and wish them continued success throughout the rest of their training year. We remain committed to providing our SCITTtrainees with the best possible training and support. If you're interested in learning more about the SCITTprogramme, please feel free to contact Kate Naylor at kate.naylor@ncltrust.net
Wishing you all a restful holiday, and looking forward to a bright new year ahead. Warm regards,
Anthony Wilson, CEO of NCL
AVisit from MPStephen Timms
Students from across the Newham Community Learning came together for a special visit by MP StephenTimms, hosted by Rokeby School.The event brought pupils from Rokeby, Eastlea, Sarah Bonnell, and Selwyn Primary School together for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on key community issues.
During the session, students explored pressing topics such as reducing child poverty, creating safer, cleaner streets in Newham, addressing crime, tackling the impacts of inflation, improving access to housing and education and fostering stronger community involvement.Their questions were insightful and solutions-focused, showcasing their passion for making a positive impact in their communities.
MPStephenTimms commended the students for their thoughtful contributions and active engagement. He emphasized the importance of hearing from young voices and incorporating their perspectives into policymaking.
This event reflects Newham Community LearningTrust’s dedication to empowering students by connecting
them with local leaders and encouraging them to shape the future of their communities. It was an inspiring and memorable experience for all involved, leaving students motivated to continue making a difference.
NCLLearning Day at Lister
Lister recently hosted a successful professional development day for over 460 colleagues from across our trust and neighbouring primary schools.
Rachel Macfarlane delivered a thought-provoking keynote speech, inspiring us to think critically about how we build a strong curriculum from EYFS to KS4 that meets the needs of all of our students.
staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Staff then had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the students learning journey from EYFS to KS4 in their subject specialism. Experts from HFL, Ofsted, Oak Academy, and other outstanding trusts shared their insights and expertise, providing valuable perspectives and best practices in curriculum design.
The day concluded with collaborative team time for staff to reflect on what they learnt and how this could positively impact student outcomes and enjoyment in each subject.
NCLLearning Day at Sarah Bonnell
This November, Newham Community Learning hosted its much-anticipated NCLLearning Day, themed around Mind, Body, and Soul.Aimed at supporting staff, the day was a vibrant tapestry of workshops and stalls designed to enhance personal and professional wellbeing.Attendees left feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with tools to nurture every facet of their lives.
The event featured a variety of interactive workshops, each offering unique insights into personal growth and wellness. Sessions included managing stress, anxiety, and emotions, Level 2 RQF skills in youth mental health first aid, masterchef finalist,Abhilasha Chandak, demonstrated the art of mindful cooking, showcasing how food preparation can nourish the mind, body, and soul and many more.
explored diverse avenues for wellness.The stalls also included guidance on home organisation, nutrition and health, functional medicine, and apprenticeships and courses, offering something for everyone.
The NCLLearning Day was a wonderful opportunity for staff to connect, recharge, and embrace a holistic approach to their wellbeing. Whether through learning a new skill, exploring creative outlets, or simply taking a moment for self-care, participants left inspired to bring balance to their lives.
NCLSixth Form at Rokeby School
Newham Community Learning (NCL) is excited to announce a formal consultation with stakeholders and the local community regarding the proposal to open a 400-place co-educational sixth form at Rokeby School, planned for September 2026.
The NCLSixth Form at Rokeby will provide a high-quality, varied curriculum for post-16 students, offering bothA-level and BTEC courses across a broad range of popular academic subjects.Alongside academic excellence, the sixth form will feature an enhanced extra-curricular programme designed to inspire and engage students.
As part of NCL's Multi-AcademyTrust, the new sixth form will be based in a high-performing school and maintain strong links with theTrust’s other secondary schools: Eastlea Community School, Lister Community School, and Sarah Bonnell School. Courses will be taught by subject-specialist teachers from across the Trust, with additional new appointments to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.
PlannedA-level and BTEC subjects for September 2026 (subject to sufficient enrolment) include:
● Art and Design
● Biology
● Business Studies
● Chemistry
● Computer Science
● Physics
● Economics
● English Literature
● Drama
● Geography
● History
● Maths/Core Maths/Further Maths
● Music
● Media Studies/Film Studies
● PE
● Photography
● Politics
● Psychology
● Sociology
● MFL(French or Spanish TBC)
● BTEC Sport Extended Diploma
● BTECApplied Science
● BTEC Health and Social Care
● BTEC PerformingArts
● BTEC IT
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to thrive in an environment dedicated to academic and personal development.
We encourage parents, carers, staff, and other members of the community to share their views on this exciting proposal by taking part in the consultation.Your feedback will help shape the future of this new sixth form.
Year 11 Work Experience
OurYear 11 students had the opportunity to select industries that interested them and visit organisations across a variety of sectors. Students visited companies and workplaces such as Octopus Energy,Alexandra Palace, ShaftesburyTheatre, Linklaters Law Firm, and theTate & Lyle Factory.These visits provided valuable insights into the range of jobs available in different fields and the skills required to succeed. Students developed essential employability skills through engaging in hands-on tasks, discussions, and activities with professionals from these industries.These experiences were both inspiring and educational.
Year 9 RSE
The Little FishTheatre Production team visited Eastlea to perform their impactful RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) show, “Cancelled”.The performance was designed to help students navigate challenging relationship situations and make positive choices.Year 9 students were exceptionally well-behaved throughout the event—well done to the entire cohort!
The Big Sing
Year 7 students took part in the annual Big Sing Concert, an event that showcased the incredible talent, knowledge, and effort they have put into their music studies this term.The students delighted the audience with performances in a range of languages and styles, including a cappella pieces, three-part
Their enthusiasm and professionalism were truly inspiring, reflecting their dedication and hard work. Supporting them was a skilled band ofYear 8–10 students, who accompanied several performances with guidance from our peripatetic music staff. We had a fantastic turnout of parents, whose support created a warm and encouraging atmosphere. Thank you to all the students and staff who contributed to this wonderful event for their efforts in making this concert a really memorable occasion.
AFantastic Report from Ofsted Ofsted visited on 8th and 9th October 2024, marking our first inspection since December 2018. Over the past few years, the school has faced a number of challenges, but it was gratifying to receive the finding that the school "has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection." This means that Lister Community School continues to be rated as GOOD.
Here are some key highlights from the inspection report:
● "Lister Community School is highly supportive of its pupils. Pupils are benefiting from recent changes that have improved learning and behaviour."
● "The school has raised its expectation of what pupils should achieve.The curriculum is more ambitious.The school is fostering a culture of joy in learning. Pupils are responding well to these new standards."
● "The provision for personal development is well-planned and considered."
● "Everyone is working together to ensure pupils’experiences are consistently high quality."
We are thrilled that Ofsted recognised the many positive aspects of school life that we see each day at Lister. The full inspection report is available here, and further details can be accessed on the Ofsted website.
At Lister, we are proud of this outcome and look forward to continuing to build on the progress we have made.
Geography Field Trip
Year 9 Geography students embarked on an exciting field trip to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.The museum’s interactive exhibits offered a deep dive into maritime history, with artefacts ranging from ancient ship models to modern maritime technology.The students explored key topics such as navigation, shipbuilding, and the impact of seafaring on global trade and exploration.
Ahighlight of the trip was the opportunity to board the iconic Cutty Sark, where students admired the ship’s detailed craftsmanship and imagined the lives of sailors who once sailed her across the seas.They also had the chance to engage in hands-on activities, including tying nautical knots and experimenting with traditional navigation instruments.
The Scholastic Book Fair turned the library into a hub of excitement, filled with colorful books for all ages. Students browsed, bought books and stationery, and raised funds to expand the library’s collection.The event sparked joy and a love for reading in everyone who attended.
Work Week
Students across all the years have participated in Work Week, where different years have focussed on different fields of from design to engineering. We explored various famous landmarks from around the world, discussing the people involved in constructing these iconic structures. Students also learned about the different types of engineering careers available.
One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity to design and build our own structures, with support from special visitors who shared their expertise with the class. It was an exciting and educational experience, giving students a hands-on insight into the world of construction and engineering.
Year 6 Imperial War Visit
OurYear 6 trip to the Imperial War Museum was a memorable journey of discovery and learning.As we toured the impressive galleries, we explored exhibits on both World Wars, the Holocaust, and modern conflicts, gaining a deeper understanding of history and its effects on society.The immersive displays, including real tanks, planes, and personal artefacts, brought history to life in a powerful way.
understanding of sustainability and marketing. They were tasked to design a product which incorporated coconut as a main ingredient and following this, to calculate production costs, consider branding and work effectively within their teams.They then pitched their designs to the company’s marketing team. Well doneYear 6 - great teamwork and excellent business strategies.
Jack PetcheyAward
The Jack PetcheyAchievementAward Scheme is a prestigious programme that recognises exceptional young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. Participants in the scheme celebrate young people's achievements and can apply for grants of up to £6,400 per year to support their activities.At Rokeby School, we use our core values of Respect, Success, Passion for Learning, Personal Challenge, and Harmony to nominate students for the Jack PetcheyAward each month. Congratulations to the students recognised for their outstanding contributions to the school and their commitment to "DareTo BeThe Best."
Visit to Royal Festival Hall
The GCSE Music group attended an inspiring concert at the Royal Festival Hall, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.The concert was lively and everyone was kept engaged.The music was broken down in an interactive and fun way.
Year 9 Talk2Learn Debate
The topic of the debate was "AI is a threat for the future of life and human existence," and the winning team from 9EBYconsisted of Fazal Shah, Muhammad Rafay, and Wais Hussain.The 'Best
Bertha Earth Progress
Our new Bertha EarthAmbassadors had an incredible time connecting with nature and building stronger bonds with each other.The experience was both educational and inspiring, leaving everyone feeling more connected to the environment. We are so proud of ourAmbassadors and look forward to seeing them continue to lead with
Year 11 Educational Journey
OurYear 11 girls had the chance to explore a range of post-16 options at the Exam Prep & Post-16 Fair.The providers shared valuable insights with the students, helping them plan their next steps on their educational journey. We are excited to see our students take the next steps towards their futures!
Year 9 RSE
Sarah Bonnell also welcomed “Cancelled”, a powerful play that delves into the complexities of teenage relationships, the influence of social media, and the responsibilities that come with living in a 24/7 digital world.The performance was both engaging and thought-provoking, and the girls absolutely loved it! It was a fantastic opportunity for students to reflect on these important issues in a meaningful way.
Pupil Leadership
We provide our children with a wide range of leadership opportunities at Selwyn. From class-based roles such as book and line monitors, to our School council and Head children.This half term, our Pupil Leaders have been very busy, particularly those involved with the promotion of reading across the school. OurY6 Reading Buddies have been doing a great job supporting our Reception children to read and the Selwyn Librarians can always be relied upon to ensure that our Reading Bags are distributed each week. Our Councillors and Head children were excellent ambassadors for the school when they represented Selwyn atTrust and Newham events.
Music lessons
We have had a very musical half term.The children have all learnt new songs for their class Winter assemblies and all of the children in KS2 have enjoyed learning ‘Doe a Deer’in their singing assemblies, which they recorded for families to enjoy. We have also been widening our knowledge of different music types and the instruments that are associated with different styles and countries. Samba drumming lessons have been a huge hit and Y5 made use of their Diwali song, sung in Bengali for their performances.
Christmas Lunch
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their Christmas lunch last week. Wearing Christmas jumpers; pulling crackers and sharing silly jokes made the meal a special community event.
Happy retirement to Mrs Bhamra
After 21 years of service at Selwyn, Mrs Bhamra is starting her well-earned retirement at the end of this term. She has been a wonderful member ofTeam Selwyn and will be greatly missed by all.
Click to see the list of available winter HAF programmes
Kevin Jenkins OBE ChristmasToyAppeal! Each year, theAppeal brings Christmas magic to disadvantaged families in Newham, providing children with special gifts to open on Christmas morning. If you’re able to help, there are several ways to get involved:Amazon Wishlist: Choose a toy or gift from our curated wishlist. JustGiving: Make a direct donation, with every contribution going towards purchasing gifts for children living in Newham.Any support—big or small—makes a difference! If you’d like to donate in person, please reach out to us at info@theaaazone.com.Thank you for helping to make Christmas special
School
Eastlea Girls of the World
Lister Spring Concert
Portway Spring concert
Rokeby Spring Concert
Sarah Bonnell School Spring Concert
Selwyn Primary School Women Of the World (WOW) Festival
06/03/2025
17/03/2025
Contact
sandra.corbyn@eastlea.ncltrust.net
Sandra Corbyn Head’s PA
heads.pa@lister.ncltrust.net
Melissa Brown, Head’s PA
24/03/2025 rachael.wiley@rokeby.ncltrust.net
Rachael Wiley, Head’s PA
24/03/2025 rebecca.clark@sarahbonnell.ncltrust.net
03/03/2025
johnny.slater@sarahbonnell.ncltrust.net Jonny Slater