Summer 1 2024 Newham Community Learning newsletter

Amessage from our Chief Executive

Dear all

The summer term is reaching that stage of emotional goodbyes and final curtains for some of our community - and some fantastic events to round out the year. The NCLShowcase, Dance shows, Concerts, and a production of Bugsy Malone will give us something to cheer about alongside the progress of England in the Euros… (or perhaps to commiserate, who knows?)

This is also the period when we do a lot of work to set up for a successful year ahead. We are taking a close look at Governance, and how we can develop communication across theTrust.

We also have taking place early in the summer term, the first meetings of two important staff groups - the NCLEqualities Working Group and the NCLStaff Wellbeing Group. Part of what makes us different from so many otherTrusts is that we are very locally focussed.Akey benefit of that local focus is that it is much easier for us to bring staff together and to make staff voice a genuine part of what we do. In the next newsletter, we will share updates on what these groups are aiming to achieve over the next year.

I am also delighted to announce that we have appointed two current members of staff toTrust Associate Leader positions for next year.This means they will be leading projects to support raising standards across theTrust, in addition to their existing roles (Associate Leaders receive some time and a responsibility point for the work they do). Congratulations to Nazanin Shirani of Eastlea, who will be leading a project on developing positive feedback for teachers, and Mike Boxall of Selwyn, who will be leading a project on sharing curriculum expertise. We look forward to these and also to more opportunities in the future for colleagues to gain experience working across theTrust.

Best wishes,

Anthony Wilson, CEO of NCL

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Governance Spotlight

Janet Moore has been a Governor at Eastlea for nearly 3 years, and Vice Chair of Governors for over a year.

Janet has been a teacher for many years, working mainly in London secondary schools, and has spent a few years abroad with VSO and for the last 20 + years in Newham. Janet has witnessed and participated in a huge amount of change in education and witnessed the incredible impact the schools and their staff have had for Newham children.

What do you feel is the most important aspect of your role?

To understand the school and its context both locally and nationally.This allows you to be able to support and challenge the school to make the best decisions for its community when implementing its vision and achieving its potential.

What’s been most interesting for you about your role so far?

Being a Governor as opposed to a member of school leadership and understanding and developing the role from a new perspective. Additionally having the privileged position of working with the hugely dedicated members of staff at Eastlea and the seeing firsthand the achievements of their students.

In July, Janet and her team members atTaplow Sea Bears are attempting to swim the English Channel together!

The team is raising money and awareness for the Samaritans, a charity providing emotional support for people who don't know where else to turn. Everyone at Newham Community Learning wishes Janet and her team the best of luck. We think you are all brilliant! Please click on the link below if you would like to donate to this very important cause.

Taplow Sea Bear's channel relay swim for Samaritans

Our students journeyed back in time with a trip to the iconic William Shakespeare's Globe Theatre!

They got a unique perspective of the stage from the yard gallery, explored the upper and middle sections, and even had the chance to see the theatre come alive. To top it off, students participated in a workshop led by GlobeTheatre directors.This workshop brought their recent studies of "AMidsummer Night's Dream" to life as they re-enacted a pivotal scene between Helena and Demetrius!

Talented piano students visited the legendary Steinway Hall in London for a once-in-a-lifetime masterclass with renowned pianist Alexis Ffrench.

Alexis collaborated with the group, composing music inspired by their passions—from climate change to world peace. One highlight was Cristaline, a year 9 student, performing on a Steinway Model D Concert Grand piano forAlexis himself!.

Success for our netball team

Huge congratulations to the year 11 Netball team on winning the Newham Netball League.The girls played extremely well throughout the year, coming together as a true team while at the same time working hard towards their G.C.S.E. exams. Well done, girls.

Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

OnApril 24, 2024, the Jack Petchey Foundation carried out their Newham Regional Finals at St.Angela's Ursuline School. Gurleen Singh Kaur proudly represented Eastlea Community School, delivering a powerful and heartfelt speech on the need to end judgement in our community and

Gurleen’s voice and stage presence were a standout, truly setting the bar that all other contestants needed to follow. Gurleen showed great spirit and conviction as part of the Eastlea Way.

Sweet Success for Our Charity Cake Sale!

Thank you to our dedicated students for putting on their aprons, rolling up their sleeves, and baking delicious cupcakes to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts, the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students and the overwhelming support of our school community, we are delighted to announce that we raised a remarkable £102 for the NDCS!

The event was not only an opportunity to indulge in scrumptious treats but also a meaningful way for our students to make a positive impact on the lives of deaf children and their families. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting the vital work of the NDCS, including providing essential services, resources, and advocacy for deaf children and their families across the UK.

Lister does the West End

Our Wonderful Lister students have had a fantastic time at the theatre this half term!

Selected students went to see a matinee performance of Hamilton at the Victoria PalaceTheatre and were able to stay behind after the performance for a question and answer session with the cast, perhaps inspiring a new generation to take to the stage or write that next smash hit musical!

Chosen students from years 7-9 were also lucky to see a matinée of Les Misérables.After the show, they were treated to a 'behind the scenes' experience where non-acting employees such as wigmakers and lighting operators demonstrated what they do to enable the show to be performed.

MiSST Organisation's 11thAnniversary Concert

Our school had the honour of participating in a momentous occasion—the 11th anniversary concert of the MiSSTorganisation!The event took place at the legendary Roundhouse in Camden, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. We're incredibly proud to have been a part of this celebration.

Year 2 Farmyard Fun

Year 2 visited Mudchute Farm to explore the animals in preparation for their science learning next half term.The children were excited to see sheep, cows, donkeys, chicks, llamas, and many more creatures.They even had the opportunity to feed some of them. It was scary at first, but if you kept your hand flat, they would lick the food right off! We can’t wait to learn more about these animals adaptations after the holiday!

National WellbeingAward Success

We are really proud to share that, after a successful assessment this half term, Portway has once again received the Wellbeing for SchoolsAward, which we will now hold for the next 3 years.Ahuge thank you to all of the family members who kindly supported Portway during the visit; it was lovely to have you involved in the process!

Anti-Racism Week

Educating our pupils about diversity and racism forms a key part of our RSHE learning, it is important to dedicate time and space to allow pupils to deeply reflect on the meaning of racism, so Portway students have been taking part in a whole school ‘Anti-racism Week’project. Nursery students explored what makes us different from our friends, and learnt about the importance of respecting differences and being kind to each other.

Year 5 students investigated the effects of racial socialisation and how societal influences shape perceptions and attitudes towards race.

They were presented with a series of cartoon figures, depicting a diverse mix of males and females from various ethnic backgrounds.They were provided with a list of characters and tasked with determining which figure should portray each character, prompting them to discuss the concept of racial stereotyping and the underlying reasons behind racial biases.

Language Leaders InspireYounger Learners

Our language leaders have been exceptional role models, sharing their Spanish skills with year 5 and 6 students at New City Primary and Star Primary Schools!They made learning fun and engaging with games, activities, and even some creative role-playing scripts.Their dedication extends beyond these visits, as they've also been lending a hand with the school's speaking exams. Well done,

Rokeby Rockets to Writing Success

This year, we have launched several writing competitions, asking students to submit poems, short stories, and non-fiction.

We have been impressed with the quality of entries we received, sending off over 100 entries. Well done to everyone who has taken part in these competitions!

Here are some of the students who have successfully been published.You can read their stories in the Rokeby School library.

Y9 andY10 Cricket

Congratulations to ourY9/10 cricket team, who played brilliantly in their emphatic win over Royal Docks Academy. Some top bowling led to a score set of 45, which we chased down in 4 overs. Special congratulations to Zain Khan for his player of the match performance with

LilleAdventure

Our girls recently embarked on a memorable adventure to Lille! Despite facing some hailstorm challenges, their spirits remained high thanks to delicious croissants and pastries.The trip even included an exciting encounter with a local chess club, adding a touch of friendly competition to their cultural exploration.

RLAM Inspires Our Students

Students had a great day at Royal LondonAsset Management, working with professional volunteers who provided the students with practical tips on how to build a successful future.They also shared their own experiences, highlighting the importance of working hard and staying determined!

Book Fair Success

Our recent Book Fair has been a big hit! Students have enjoyed snagging amazing reads at half price from our Learning Hub.Thank you to everyone who participated and made it a success!

Students Escape the Ordinary

Our students tackled a Big Brain Escape Room, generously loaned from Oxford University! It was an incredible experience, filled with challenging puzzles and teamwork.

Educational Visits

Cultural Day

On May 21, we welcomed our families into school to share in an afternoon of music, food, and art activities. Everyone came to school dressed in traditional clothing, and the children completed art activities linked to the countries they were learning about in geography lessons.

We were very lucky to have musical acts from a Japanese drummer, a Bengali singer, musicians from the Gurdwara, Bhangra by Miss Pam, and singers from the school. It was a great day, despite the weather!

Our students have been on visits across London this half-term. Reception went to Stepney Farm;Y2 visited West Ham Park and the National Gallery;Y3 took a trip toTate Britain;Y4 spent time at the Haywood Gallery; andY5 were very lucky to spend the day at ‘GoApe’.

Science Learning

Many of our year groups have been studying plants in their science lessons this half term.To help them with their understanding, they observed plants in the park and helped water the school’s gardens. In the early years, they learned about worms, and Reception even made a giant turnip!