Summer 2 2024 Newham Community Learning newsletter

Issue 8 July 2024

Trust Newsletter

A message from our Chief Executive Dear colleagues Firstly, my warm congratulations to colleagues at Selwyn, Portway and Carpenters - the results in both the NCL primaries, and for our friends at Carpenters (for whom we are the lead School Improvement Partner) were substantially up this year. We are not a Trust that focuses exclusively on exam outcomes, but the results our students achieve are still hugely important to us, and these results are a great achievement. Let’s hope we can be similarly positive about the GCSE results in August…!

Even without a general election and football, it has been a busy term, and we are now at the point when we look back on the successes of one year, and plan for the year ahead. Most of my highlights tend to be the opportunities to see students performing, but I have to add to that one unusually enjoyable Executive Group meeting this term, when we heard back from each school’s Literacy lead. The energy, expertise and enthusiasm that those colleagues have brought to their work in developing support programmes for those young people who need extra intervention for reading was really heartening. Those programs will not simply boost exam results - they are life changing in terms of young people’s confidence, and also their ability to access the world of reading.

I am really looking forward to seeing these develop.

I wish everyone a very happy holiday - we have a huge amount to look forward to next year, including welcoming the first ten entrants in the NCL School Centered Initial Teacher Training programme, all of whom live locally, and three of whom are ex-students. It’s great to see that pipeline of local talent being developed. But in the meantime I hope you will enjoy the last few days of term, and enjoy the holiday you all deserve after a year of hard work and commitment to supporting our young people, Best wishes Anthony

Anthony Wilson, CEO of NCL

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Summer Showcase This term, Lister School hosted a spectacular Summer Showcase, bringing together students from all of our NCL schools to share their fantastic performances. This event provided an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of our students.

We were thrilled to see each school brought their unique flair and dedication to the stage. We are immensely proud of all the participants who worked tirelessly to make this event a success.

We are already looking forward to next year with great anticipation.

“It was a brilliant event. Pacey, lots of variety, pupil focused and well-supported. It indeed showcased some of the remarkable team and individual talent in NCL schools. This includes the staff and 'behind the scenes' people who make these events reality.

Thank you and well done.”

Christina Parry, Trustee We can't wait to see the schools return with even more amazing talent, creativity, and passion.

From musical instruments to beautiful voices, the showcase highlighted the diverse and vibrant abilities of our young performers.

Thank you to everyone who participated and attended, making it an unforgettable celebration of our students' achievements!

Pride Celebrations This month we celebrated Pride Month. The events brought together students, staff, and community members in a joyous celebration of diversity and inclusion. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, unity, and pride as we honored the LGBTQIA+ community.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise, for the incredible work and dedication in making this event possible. The students learnt about the importance of equality and respect for all. The day included topics such as, the history of discrimination and the brave ‘trailblazers’ who have fought for equality.

It was a memorable experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to continuing this commemoration of inclusivity in the years to come and to extend the celebration to all of our schools in the future. Thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support.

Governance Update An update on Janet Moore, our Eastlea Governor’s progress: Janet and her team successfully swam to France, completing an 18-hour and 52-minute journey through the night despite brutal currents, waves, and wind. This remarkable feat showcased their incredible teamwork and determination. The support and laughter between the team and from their community played a crucial role in overcoming the mental and physical challenges of the swim. This accomplishment stands as a testament to their perseverance and unity. They’ve now raised over £24,00 for Samaritans - a charity that provides crucial emotional support to individuals in crisis or distress.

We are delighted to announce that ten aspiring teachers will be joining our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme this September.

This new cohort of trainees will embark on an exciting journey to become qualified teachers, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our classrooms.

This week, our incoming trainees attended a welcome event where they had the opportunity to meet their fellow trainees, key staff, and discuss the programme in detail. They also visited their placement secondary schools, gaining a first-hand look at their future classrooms and the supportive environments in which they will be learning and growing.

This term, our experienced mentors participated in comprehensive training to provide the highest level of support and guidance to ensure our trainees have a smooth transition into the teaching profession. We are confident that this strong mentorship will play a vital role in the success of our new trainees.

We are excited to welcome these dedicated individuals to our SCITT community and look forward to supporting them as they develop into exceptional teachers.

Eastlea Eco Projects Group Our Y10 EEPG group has been busy as work this term!

After presenting the proposal to install solar film along all the windows in the buildings at Eastlea, the governors approved the funding for the project to move forward. The EEPG students met with the site staff and managers to agree the final type of film and this was installed over the half-term. This means that this project has officially been completed and is working! Thus, removing the need for electric fans and air conditioning for all but the hottest days.

The EEPG group also got through to the final working with 2 organisations to build an eco-corridor between Eastlea Community School and Star Primary School. Although the team were runners-up, the project is still moving forward with help from TreesforCities and the Woodland Trust, as well as initial funding from Jack Petchey. We’re eager to see how the collaboration continues with Phase 2 underway.

World of Work Day Eastlea's Year 10 students recently immersed themselves in the World of Work Day, an enriching experience designed to introduce them to the professional world. Throughout the day, students enjoyed engaging actorshop performances; students participated in team-building activities; took part in mock interviews and engaged with professionals from various fields learning more about the different paths they can take and learning more about what field might interest them.

Barclays Bank Aspire Programme This term, a group of Eastlea’s Year 11 students travelled to Barclays Bank for the graduation of the ASPIRE programme. They have learnt many skills along the way to make them wider world and work ready. The students have networked with various professionals and learnt about the different routes people can take to get to Barclays. They have learnt about communications, stakeholder engagement, influence, authenticity in workplaces, teamwork and tactical operations, personal branding, transferable skills, personal resilience, cybersecurity, influence, leadership and affecting positive change. Some of them have even set themselves up with interviews to join onto the Barclays apprenticeships. We’re delighted to see that the Y11’s continuously demonstrated Eastlea’s school values throughout all of the sessions. All students left with professional headshots to take on the next stage of their educational journey. We are so proud of all of their achievements.

Music at Eastlea This term has been a musical extravaganza at Eastlea School, with a variety of events showcasing the incredible talent of the students.

We kicked off with the Summer Showcase at Trinity Buoy Wharf, an event organised by World Heart Beat, where our students delivered outstanding performances.

Next up was Eastlea Fest, which was a huge success, featuring bands; the keyboard club; Eastlea Rising Stars; the guitar club with the string ensemble; and some wonderful solo acts.

One of the highlights was the Restore the Music Battle of the Bands, where our Year 7 band, "The Hot Wires," competed at Central Foundation School in Old Street and made us all proud with their stellar performance.

You can watch clips from all these fantastic events on the @MusicatEastlea Twitter account.

Celebrating Our Deaf Children’s Achievements at the Panathlon Competition!

We are thrilled to share the fantastic achievements of our deaf students from Lister Community School at the prestigious London Youth Games, where they represented Newham with exceptional spirit and skill.

Our students received an impressive total of 2 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

This outstanding success showcases their hard work, determination, and the inclusive environment at Lister Community School. Congratulations to all the participants and a special thank you to the Deaf Support Department staff and parents for their continuous support.

Students Meet Olympians Ahead of Paris ‘24 Our sports students had an incredible opportunity to watch Great Britain's men's and women's hockey teams play ahead of the Paris Olympics! Following the matches, our students had the privilege to meet the players, getting autographs and taking pictures with their sporting heroes. They also engaged in mini games throughout the day.

World of Work Week Year 10 at Lister School participated in WOW (World of Work) Week, which helps to provide a broad and balanced careers education for the students. During WOW Week, Year 10 students engaged in various activities aimed at educating them about the world of work. The week began with a full day of workshops, featuring a range of speakers from diverse professions. This inspiring event opened students' eyes to future career possibilities they may never have considered before! We’re excited to see what all of our students do in the future after Lister and we’re sure that all of them are well equipped in their future moving forward.

Lister Goes to the Polls!

On Wednesday, 3rd July, Lister Community School hosted an in-school election to give our students a taste of what a real General Election feels like. Although our students are too young to vote, we believe it is crucial for them to be politically active and knowledgeable early on.

Throughout that week, we used Form Time to run various activities linked to the upcoming General Election, including engaging with the manifestos of some major parties. This was to encourage students to make informed decisions when voting and to truly understand what is being promised.

For election day, we transformed our Library into a polling station, and students were very excited about getting a chance to have their say!

Lister’s election day was a great success!

Sports Day Sports Day was a lively event filled with school spirit and enthusiasm. Students from all year groups supported each other in various athletic events and teamwork activities.

From closely contested relay races to competitive games, each event highlighted the collaboration and dedication of Lister students.

Whether running on the track or participating in the long jump, students showed their commitment to their teams by giving their best effort in every challenge.

Sports Day exemplified sportsmanship, teamwork and the students doing their best.

Congratulations to all participants for their enthusiasm and hard work.

We’re already looking forward to next years Sports Day.

Transitioning to Next Year This term, KS1 and KS2 students thrived during their three days of transition. The children worked particularly hard on Portway’s value of collaboration, building new relationships with their peers. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing the children settled in their new classes in September. Teachers will continue to build on the fantastic wellbeing foundation during Together Time next year. Additionally, the children will be welcomed into beautiful classrooms, thanks to their impressive artistic contributions to their classroom environments.

Exploring Nature and Creativity in the Forest Y1 students had a great time exploring the forest, looking for and identifying the different animals that live there.

Once they had chosen their favorite creatures, they carefully placed them into pots and used them as models for a drawing session. This hands-on activity not only sparked their curiosity about nature but also allowed them to express their creativity through art.

Y2 learned about composting and recycling by decorating compost-based faces with natural materials like twigs, stones, and leaves. A great lesson to learn early on to preserve the world we live in

School Activities this Term Y4 engaged in a class debate on how children's lives improved in Victorian times with compulsory schooling. One tea, argued that it allowed children to learn new skills for better future jobs, while the opposing team noted that the quality of education was still lacking.

Year 5 visited a gurdwara, learning about Sikhism and enjoying warm hospitality, including drinks in the food hall where free food is provided to all.

Year 6 dazzled everyone with their lively performance of Bugsy Malone, transforming the school hall into 1920s New York with catchy songs, energetic dances, and stellar acting, creating a memorable show for all. The Year 3 students experienced the excitement of watching the play, giving them a preview of what they will do in just a few years..

They enjoyed the performance and are excited for their own turn already!

Sports Day Sports Day was a fantastic event full of energy and school spirit. Students from all year groups participated in various events, from relay races to hop play showcasing their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

The day was a celebration of teamwork and community, with students cheering each other on and enjoying the fun.

We are proud of all our students for their effort in the day. Congratulations to the winning teams, and thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success.

Artificial Intelligence at Pinsent Masons Rokeby’s Computer Science students had an enlightening visit to Pinsent Masons this term where they delved into the fascinating topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This incredible opportunity allowed our students to gain insights into the professional world and the future of AI. The discussion not only broadened their understanding but also inspired them to think about the impact and potential of AI in various industries.

Foreign Language Translation Bee KS3 students participated in the regional final of the Foreign Language Translation Bee at North London Collegiate School. This incredible experience was a significant confidence builder for our young linguists. Competing at such a high level not only showcased their language skills but also provided them with invaluable exposure and inspiration for their future studies. Congratulations to all our participants for their hard work and dedication!

Sports at Rokeby This term, the boys at Rokeby Community School have continued to excel in competitive sports, culminating in an outstanding Sports Day where four school records were broken. Their dedication, hard work, and team spirit have shone brightly, setting new standards and inspiring their peers. Congratulations to all the athletes for their remarkable achievements and for making this term a memorable one in Rokeby's sporting history!

DofE Congratulations to our Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) group for successfully completing their bronze practice expedition at Wanstead Park! The students demonstrated great teamwork, resilience, and navigation skills as they trekked through the beautiful landscapes of the park.

We wish them the best of luck on their next expedition and look forward to seeing them achieve their bronze awards. We encourage more students to take part in the DofE programme, as it offers a fantastic opportunity for personal growth, adventure, and the development of valuable life skills.

Sports Awards We are thrilled to announce that Rokeby School has been awarded the School Games Gold Mark Award! This accolade recognises our commitment to providing exceptional physical education and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among our students.

Throughout the year, our dedicated PE department has organised a variety of sports activities and competitions, encouraging all students to participate and excel. The Gold Mark Award highlights our success in engaging students of all abilities, fostering a spirit of teamwork, and instilling the values of fair play and perseverance.

Winning this award is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our students, staff, and the wider Rokeby community. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this remarkable milestone! Here's to continuing our journey of sporting excellence and inspiring our students to stay active and healthy.

Sports Day Sarah Bonnell's Sports Day was a blast this term! The girls showed incredible spirit and sportsmanship in running events, tug of war, javelin, long jump, speed bounce, and more. The lovely weather added to the fun, making it a perfect day for all the participants and spectators.

Congratulations to everyone for their enthusiasm and outstanding performances!

'Tycoons in Business!' Enterprise Challenge Sarah Bonnell’s Year 9 students excelled in the 'Tycoons in Business!' enterprise challenge this term. They showcased a brilliant understanding of competitive and collaborative markets, impressing everyone with their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their future successes!

Future First This term, Sarah Bonnell School partnered with the charity, Future First, embracing the motto, "I can't be what I can't see. Show me what I can achieve and watch me shine."

This inspiring collaboration aims to broaden our students' horizons by connecting them with relatable role models and demonstrating the limitless possibilities for their futures. We're excited to watch our students shine even brighter with this new partnership!

Term Full of Activities This term, Sarah Bonnell students have been engaged in a variety of exciting activities, making the most of every opportunity to learn, explore, and have fun.

On being, our new enrichment program, SB Skaters, run by School of Skate UK started last week and has been a huge hit. Students are loving being active out in the sun and having fun on their skateboards.

Secondly, our Year 10 girls had an amazing time at the theatre watching "Wicked"! From the stunning set design to the unforgettable performances, it was a magical experience full of learning and inspiration.

We also had a lovely visit to Hackney City Farm. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together outdoors and have new experiences, reinforcing the bond among our students.

This term has truly been memorable, filled with enriching activities that have allowed our students to grow, connect, and enjoy themselves.

Elections Students from Sarah Bonnell School joined Chapters from across the UK to celebrate their campaign work and the importance of having their voices count. The event highlighted the significance of youth engagement in democratic processes and the power of student voices in shaping the future.

Our students showed remarkable dedication and passion in their campaigns, demonstrating that young people can make a meaningful impact in their communities.

This celebration served as a reminder of the importance of civic participation and the difference it can make.

Congratulations to all the students involved for their hard work and commitment to making their voices heard!

Phase Leader celebration time We have added another opportunity for children’s hard work and positive behaviour to be rewarded by introducing ‘Phase Leader celebration time’. The first group of children chosen for their excellent attitudes were very lucky as they went to the Olympic stadium to watch a major League baseball team practice their hitting.

DT Week DT week was jam-packed with lots of fun and engaging activities. All of the children’s projects are linked to learning across the curriculum to support the children to understand the purpose for different products. Year Five became mechanics; Year One rocket designers; Year Four embroiders and Year two vehicle designers. Throughout the week, the children designed, created and evaluated their products.

Sports Days It is the end of the school year and that means that all of the children are enjoying their Sports Days.

KS2 spent the day at West Ham Park and despite the temperamental weather conditions enjoyed a full day of sport..

Our younger children have taken part in their Sports Days on the school Astro. They were supported by our Y5 Sports Leaders who did a super job!

Resident Gardner As it is the summer, our resident gardener visits each week and delivers lessons to children across the school.

The children love these sessions as they enjoy searching for mini-beasts; watering the gardens and using plants to design.

Selwyn Community events This half term has been very busy with community events and opportunities to invite our parents into school. We celebrated another successful ‘Reading Cafe’ in Year Two and the first ever ‘Selwyn Time Table competition’ was a huge hit!

Curriculum Enrichment To further enrich the children’s curriculum, we take every opportunity to invite visitors into school and take the children on educational visits across London. Over the past few weeks, this has included Y4’s trip to the Discovery Centre; Y3 experiencing a Team GB hockey match; Y1 enjoying the Young V&A museum; Y6 taking part in a First Aid session and much more!

AAA Zone - Ambition Aspire Achieve Youth Clubs AAA Zone offers dedicated spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build their confidence They offer clubs for all interests: Sports: Sports Activities and Clubs Creative Crew: Arts & Crafts, Music, Make-Up Active Adventures: Cycling, Cricket Inclusive Fun: SEND-specific clubs Check out their website here to find activities and clubs that work for your family: https://www.theaaazone.com/ Important notice: Booking is required before attending www.theaaazone.com @ambtionaspireachieve

@theaaazone

@AmbitionAspireAchieve/

Summer Holiday Youth Activities

Kids Eat Free (or for £1)