newsletter
Winter 2018
Determined Maheraj wins Eton scholarship PIONEERING student Maheraj Ahmed has won a £76,000 scholarship to Eton – the school attended by Princes William and Harry – thanks to our new Prestigious Colleges Programme. Maheraj will rub shoulders with the elite when he takes his place to study A-Levels in history, chemistry, biology and physics at Britain’s most famous school in September. He won his place after coming through a gruelling three-day assessment at the Berkshire School, which included three entrance exams, seven interviews and a public debate. He is the first graduate of our new Prestigious Colleges Programme, which helps students win places at fee-paying independent sixth forms. The programme, which was pioneered at our partner school Forest Gate Community, was introduced by the Community Schools Trust last year. Maheraj, who was mentored throughout the application process by Executive Headteacher and CEO of the Community Schools Trust, Simon Elliott, said: “The second I knew I had been accepted by Eton I knew my life had changed beyond all recognition. What Mr Elliott and Headteacher Ms Dineen have done can never really be repaid. “I can’t imagine any school in the East End or any state school where you have your own mentor, who works with you every day, who pushes you and is willing you to succeed. “It has been hard at times, balancing all of
Proud: Maheraj with his family
this with my revision and studies. Every time I feel tired, I think of how much Mr Elliott has helped me. I did not want to let anyone down.” He added: “People would not think that I would have much in common with the boys at Eton, but they just want to do well in life and that is all I want.” His mum Rani, whose daughter Sanzida is in Year 9, said: “We are so proud of our son. Ever since he was a little boy, he has always been
so smart. He has always been top of the class. We are very lucky because Maheraj goes to the best school in the area. “The Cumberland School has changed our son’s life and we are very grateful to Mr Elliott and Ms Dineen.” Headteacher Ms Dineen said: “Maheraj is a wonderfully hard-working and determined student. His success is richly deserved.” n Scholarship’s huge impact on students: Turn to Page 2
Students can now reach for the skies CEO of the Community Schools Trust Simon Elliott (right) says Maheraj Ahmed will become the first of many students to win a life-changing scholarship... pioneered this programme at Forest Gate Community School and the impact to the culture of the school was transformative. In becoming the first-ever graduate from the Prestigious Colleges Programme at Cumberland, Maheraj
has set the bar for other students to follow. Our students see that one of their own has won a place at the very best fee-paying school in the country. They can say to themselves now, if he can do it, I can do it. This kind of opportunity is not out of reach to our students. Maheraj will be the first of many to win places at these types of institutions.
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AS a headteacher the biggest challenge in a school is not to improve the grades or the behaviour of the students, as you may expect. As our GCSE results last year show, very quickly we have been able to make a significant improvement in exam results. Behaviour has also been very quickly improved. No, the hardest job at school is something much less tangible: it is to create a culture of high expectation and aspiration among students. We
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
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PRESTIGIOUS COLLEGES PROGRAMME
Scholarship chance has created a buzz
Off to Eton: Maheraj Ahmed now hopes to inspire others
Maheraj Ahmed, who has won a place at Eton, says the Prestigious Scholarship programme has had a huge impact on Cumberland students. Colleges Programme is all anyone talks about in Years 10 and 11. Everyone wants to get on it, to be a part of it. The students now call me Eton boy, but in a nice way. They are really happy for me. I really want them to see me and think, ‘I can do this’. It would be a great feeling for me to know that because I had succeeded in winning a place at Eton, it had inspired other students in the school to do the same.
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Before the Prestigious Colleges Programme, I had only ever heard about Eton in books, newspapers and on television. It was certainly not a place I would ever think I could go. But as soon as I heard about students who had won places and had studied at Forest Gate Community School, I knew it was possible for someone like me. From that moment I knew I had to do absolutely everything in my power to get in. Having Mr Elliott as a mentor also gave me confidence. If the executive headteacher believes you can do it, then you start to think maybe you can. The Prestigious
Students simply need self-belief to succeed FORMER Cumberland student Supti Akhtar, who is now studying at the world’s best university, has urged current students to work hard at their exams. Supti is now in her third year of a history degree at St Hilda’s College, Oxford, ranked the top university in the world last year. She went on to study A-Levels after she left The Cumberland School with straight As in her GCSEs, thanks to extra study classes before and after school. She has advised current Year 11s to take advantage of the support on offer in revision sessions and to study hard over the next few months to get top grades in their GCSEs. She said: “Studying at Cumberland really helped me to understand that with hard work there is nothing you cannot achieve. “I will always remember the morning revision sessions with Mr Jagwani, going through past papers, and the afternoons with my English teachers. “I learned a lot about myself in those years – how to become self-motivated, how to concentrate on my goals and not get distracted. “The Year 11 students who are at the school now have so many resources available to them that you would not get at other schools. “They should go to all the revision sessions and should take advantage of the support from teachers. Thanks to the help the teachers gave me, I am now studying my favourite subject at the top university in the world.” Supti says she has settled well into life at
Wise words: Supti Akhtar has advice for Cumberland students
Oxford but says it is lacking the diversity of her home town of Canning Town. She said: “We need more students at places like Oxford from my background and the background of the students at Cumberland. “There are far more students at Oxford from privileged backgrounds, who went to private schools, than there are from where I
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
grew up. It is not a question of intelligence because there were lots of students at Cumberland School who were smart enough to go to Oxford. “They just have to believe and have confidence they can do it. “If you have the right mentality then you can do absolutely anything.”
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NEWS
Reggie’s amazing story helps motivate students FORMER student Reggie Nelson inspired students with his remarkable success story when returning to the school this term. During a visit in October, Reggie explained how knocking on the doors of Britain’s most expensive homes set him on the path to a top career. His bravado earned him work experience at a top city firm after impressing a wealthy banker. He then enrolled on an economics degree at university and now earns a top salary working as a finance analyst for Legal and General Investment Management. He said: “I hope that having someone like me come to talk to students, someone they can relate to and who grew up in the same place – and in this instance went to the same school – can help them see a more positive path. “I share my story because I want people like me to understand that you can change, you can make a better life for yourself. If I can do it, these students can do it.” Reggie, who combines his job in the City with motivational talks at schools and mentoring young people, added: “Schools like this one have a big part to play. At this school the teachers never gave up on me. “The support and care that I received at The Cumberland School is one of the main reasons I was able to get where I am today. “I am hoping these young people understand that.” Headteacher Gillian Dineen said: “Reggie is the embodiment of what we try to instil into our students every day. His story is proof
New leaders pledge to give peers a voice Return visit: Reggie with his former teacher Janet Moore
that if you have the right support at school, if you are determined and ambitious, if you believe that your background should be no barrier to success, then anything is possible.” Year 9 student Sarah Carvalho said: “Reggie is my hero. When you have someone from your area talk to you and show you a positive way then it is really inspirational.”
The school’s new student leadership has vowed to canvass opinion of their peers and to give students a strong voice at the school. Head boy Craig Bukenya Bagosera and head girl Effat Tayiba say they want to develop stronger links with the senior leadership team at the school. The pair were chosen along with other prefects at the school, having submitted an application. Students were then shortlisted by their head of year before being interviewed by Headteacher Ms Dineen. Effat said: “It is such an honour to be named as the head girl of the school. Being given this responsibility has made me determined to make a real difference at the school. “Having a strong voice for students is important for everyone at the school. “We need closer links with senior leaders here so we can help to represent our peers.”
Smashing the language barrier Cumberland students have achieved 34 A-A* grades in their GCSE languages exams. The grades, made all the more impressive given they were taken a year early, span 13 different community languages. Clara Lopes scored an A in Portuguese. She said: “Being bilingual opens up so many more doors for you when you are looking for a job and career. “It is also really helpful to get this exam out of the way a year early as it gives us more time to concentrate on other subjects.” Maryam Ahmad achieved an A* in German. She said: “I want to have a career in law so being able to speak German is really helpful. “It also broadens your cultural horizons because you can talk with people from different countries and cultures.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
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FOCUS ON OLIVE DINING
New caterers win seal of approval in canteen
STUDENTS have given the thumbs-up to the delicious food being served up by new caterers in the school canteen. During the summer holidays, a panel of student council tasters were tasked with choosing a new canteen supplier. And it was Olive Dining, with their selection of handmade food, cooked with fresh ingredients, which was judged to be the best. The catering firm boasts that it offers fine dining drawn from different cultures, which replicates the sort of food offered at top restaurants. And as far as our students are concerned, the company has more than lived up to the billing since taking over the canteen in November.
At your service: The new caterers in the school canteen
Food designed to keep the students alert Olive Dining Business Development Manager Kelly Spratt (right) says the secret of good food is listening to your customers...
So what do the students think?
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We are very happy to now be the catering suppliers to The Cumberland School. Since starting in November, we have introduced a new and exciting menu, offering students a healthy option for their breakfast, break snack and lunch. We work with the staff and the students to make sure that the food we serve is not only of the highest quality, but it is right for each individual school. Since our dishes are made from fresh ingredients, families can be assured that the quality of food their child is receiving is of the highest calibre. Our food at breakfast, break and lunchtime is specifically designed to ensure that students retain the right level of blood sugar in their bodies so that they are able to concentrate throughout the day. Next term, we will be conducting surveys among the staff, students and families to find out if there is anything we could be doing better and if there are other dishes they would like to see on the menu.
Sara Dajani, Year 11, said: “It is a vast improvement on what we have had previously at the school. “Now there are so many different options to choose from. “I particularly like the homemade pizzas, because they are healthy pizzas.”
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The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
Mirradoor MUlonso, Year 9, said: “What can I say about Olive Dining? It has been a real game-changer for the school. “It really helps when you have good quality food on offer at break and lunch times. I cannot speak highly enough of the food here.”
Natasha Nansu, Year 9, said: “The food here is of a really high quality. I have really found that it has helped me to concentrate in my class. “It seems to have helped me stay ahead with my studies.”
Tc King-Allen, Year 9, said: “I really like the variety that is on offer with the new caterers. “You can tell the food is freshly prepared and that makes a real difference to the quality.”
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NEWS
A celebration of real talent Headteacher Gillian Dineen looks back at another highly successful term at The Cumberland School...
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Students thrive on challenging science course
CUMBERLAND students have given a huge seal of approval to an advanced science workshop at the University of East London. Year 9 students were awarded their Crest bronze certificates after completing the threeday course in September. A survey completed after the course revealed students enjoyed the classes, felt it made science more fun and are now considering studying the subject at university. Student Alexandra Bucioaca said: “I took part in the cosmology classes and it was really
good fun. We learned lots that will be helpful as we continue our studies at school. “The subjects we covered went beyond what we have learned in the classrooms so it really felt challenging but exciting. Fellow Year 9, Ace Correa, added: “The lecturers have a really great way of making science fun and engaging. “My favourite part is when we got the chance to make and then launch our own rockets. Seeing it shoot up into the air, something I had made, was great.”
Headteacher Ms Dineen talks to newly qualified teachers at a recruitment fair hosted by partner school Forest Gate Community.
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
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Achievement: Ms Dineen with the students who attended the science workshop
Whilst a lot of the focus will be on the incredible success of Maheraj and his place at Eton College, I would also like to talk about the incredible progress the school has made this term. Staff are challenging themselves to ensure we are provide outstanding opportunities for all of our students. There have been many successes, including our students participating in a classics programme, our spelling bee competitions, numerous trips and our annual Christmas concert. This term has been a real celebration of the talents of our students across all year groups. However clearly one of our proudest moments is the offer of a full scholarship to Eton College for one of our Year 11 students, Maheraj. The Prestigious Colleges Programme started over a year ago with students, then in Year 10. Maheraj’s success is something we can all share in. He will be the first of many. This is an excellent example of the determination and ambition of The Cumberland School community. By working together we will ensure that our students are in positions to lead and shape a better future for this community and others. All at The Cumberland School wish our students, their families and our community a peaceful and prosperous new year! We look forward to continuing the hard work and success in 2019.
The school’s student literacy leaders were able to develop their leadership skills by helping a group of Year 7 students with their reading.
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NEWS
Poignant visit to war exhibition OUR Year 8 students visited the Shrouds of the Somme exhibition at the Olympic Park to mark the centenary of the end of the first world war. Each handmade 12-inch model in the project represents one of the 72,396 British Commonwealth servicemen killed at the Somme with no known grave. Pupils also got the chance to meet the artist who created the work, Rob Heard, who spent the last five years hand-crafting the shrouds. In total, more than one million soldiers were killed or wounded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Student Sebastian Tertelici said: “The thing that struck me most about this exhibition is just
how many soldiers had died but did not have any graves. “That means their families would not even be able to visit their graveside and mourn their deaths. It was very sad.” Student Anisah Amin, said: “What I didn’t realise was how young some of these soldiers were that went to fight in the war. “Some of them would have been the same age as students in our school. It made me think some of them would have walked around the same streets that we walk around. “They would have gone to the same school that we do and may even have lived in the same houses that some of us live in. It gave me a real personal connection to these soldiers.”
Determined students play their part to help Aids fight STUDENTS sold red ribbons during break and lunchtime to raise money for an Aids charity. They collected more than £100 from students and staff, which will be donated to the National Aids Trust. The fundraising took place throughout November and was part of a series of events to mark World Aids Day. Year 10 student Myka Defoe said: “We know that in years gone by there was a lot of attention paid to charities supporting AIDS. “Now, it is somehow not a priority for people anymore. There is a misconception that there is now a cure for HIV and AIDS, and that is not the case. “It is still a very big problem throughout the world, and we want to do our bit to help.” Year 10 student Fathima Rahman said: “I tried to put myself in the position of a person who is suffering, and ask what I would want people to do. “That way I was able to empathise
Careers fair gives food for thought
with their situation, making me more determined to do everything I can to help.” PE teacher Mr Green said: “These students have shown great maturity and empathy to give up their time to collect for a very worthwhile charity.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
Students were showered with praise after attending a careers fair hosted by the school. They learned about their post-16 options from representatives of sixth form colleges and universities. A representative from the London Academy of Excellence described the event as the “best-run we have attended” and our students as “friendly, polite and articulate”. The Bsix College representative described the atmosphere as “energetic” and said our students were a credit to the school. And the University of London rep said: “It was a really organised event and lovely speaking to your students. They asked some really insightful questions about university.”
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NEWS
Ambitious duo eager to grasp course opportunity TWO keen students learned about classical civilisations from leading professors at King’s College London after winning a place on a prestigious course. Craig Bukenya Bagosera and Kawsar Shirazul were the only secondary school students to participate in the eight-week programme run by senior lecturers at the world-famous university. The course is designed for A-Level students but Craig and Kawsar were accepted after impressing in the selection process. It is aimed at students hoping to study classics at university and also those with an interest in exploring the links between the ancient and modern world. Subjects covered in the session included classical art and architecture, ancient religion, Latin, Shakespeare and modern
multilingualism. Craig said: “Being a part of this programme has really opened my eyes to the wonderful world of ancient civilisations.
Getting the chance to be taught by some of the world’s leading professors in this subject really takes my learning to a new level. “Being the only secondary school students on the course was a bit daunting for us at first, but once you get involved with the learning you soon become more confident.” Kawsar said: “We were working at a much more advanced level than we are at school. “This programme really prepared us for what life and learning will be like at the top Russell Group universities.” Headteacher Ms Dineen said: “This is an extremely prestigious course with only the very brightest students accepted. “That Craig and Kawsar were the only two not studying for A-Levels is reflective of just how engaged and eager to challenge themselves these two students are.”
In brief
Performers shine on stage STUDENTS left the stage with applause ringing in their ears after a spellbinding performance at our winter concert. The Cumberland Orchestra wowed with a very impressive rendition of the Harry Potter theme in their first performance in front of an audience before making way for the Year 8 dancers. Next up was the Drama Club, whose hours of rehearsals more than paid off with a pitch-perfect retelling of Cinderella. There were also stunning performances
from our Year 9 singers, the Cumberland Choir and our cheerleaders during the one-hour show in December. Head of Music Ms Morelle said: “This year’s Christmas Show was bigger and better than ever. Our students worked hard and were excited to show off their talents. “The Cumberland Orchestra introduced themselves with truly stunning performances alongside winter concert stalwarts such as the Drama Club and choir.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
STUDENTS learned about their career options after life at Cumberland School at the Skills fair in November.
Outstanding effort CUMBERLAND students were recognised for their outstanding achievement in contribution to their school community at the Jack Petchey awards ceremony.
Weekend revision
YEAR 11 students have been staying behind after school and coming in on weekends to revise for their GCSE exams.
Published poems
YEAR 11 students have had poems published in the First Story Connect anthology.
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SPORT
Young leaders’ fine example
Big stage awaits new champions THE school’s Year 9 handball and basketball teams have been crowned Newham’s finest after victory in the borough championships. The boys’ basketball team (above) went undefeated in four matches, beating partner school Forest Gate Community in the play-off. The girls’ handball team (below) won their competition on goal difference after outscoring their rivals in the final match. After one win and a draw, the girls had to score more goals than Sarah Bonnell School in their respective matches to get through to the next stage. Both teams will now test their skills against the capital’s best teams at the London Youth Games early next year. Basketball captain Vilius Kuzminskas, who also plays for National League side Baltic Stars, said: “We played extremely well in this tournament. We were by far the most talented team and fully deserved to win the tournament. We know that tougher opponents
will be waiting in the next round at the London finals but if we play like we did in this competition, then we have got a real chance to win.” Handball captain Fuchsia Fletcher said: “To have two teams from the school playing in the London Youth Games finals makes us all really proud. “We really had to put a lot of effort into the last match, to make sure we scored more goals than our rivals. “We are all really looking forward to the next round and will try our best to make both our school and our borough proud.” PE teacher Mr Robinson said: “I am immensely proud of the performance from both the boys and the girls at The Cumberland School. “They have put the work in on a weekly basis to push themselves to such a strong performance. The hard work has just begun for both teams. Now it’s on to the next round.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Winter 2018
Year 7 sports leaders have been described as a “credit to the school” after helping to run a primary school mini Olympics. Our students were on hand to referee, support and encourage Year 1 and Year 2 students from 14 primary schools across Newham. The event was held at the Newham Leisure Centre and included football, athletics and hockey. Year 8 Leonardo Balde said: “I really enjoy being a sports leader because it gives you the opportunity to represent the school.” Fellow student Lukas Gumauskas said: “There is a big focus on leadership at the school. This event was a good place to show what we have learned.” PE teacher Mr Robinson said: “Our students were an absolute credit to the school. It is clear many of them are natural born leaders. There were many students in attendance who had very complex special education needs. “Our students were excellent at making them feel comfortable and involved. I was so proud of them.”
Joe’s Hammers call FORMER student Joe Powell made his West Ham United debut in an 8-0 victory over Macclesfield Town in the EFL Cup in October. The young midfielder, who was also on the bench for two other first-team games in the same month, is pictured below in his Cumberland School days (front row, far right).
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