newsletter
Easter 2019
Going places: Clever Alwiya is on her way to King’s College School
Scholarship delight for talented Alwiya A CUMBERLAND student has become the second from the school to win a scholarship to a top independent school. Year 11 Alwiya Mohamed will cross London to study A-Levels in biology, chemistry, maths and psychology at the world-famous King’s College School in Wimbledon. The school counts Hollywood actor Ben Barnes, Betfair founder Andrew Black and Mumford and Sons singer Marcus Mumford among its alumni. She follows fellow Year 11 student Maheraj, who has won a place at Eton College on a £76,000 scholarship. Alwiya was offered a place after coming through three entrance exams and impressing during an interview held last year. The school were so impressed they offered to pay all of her fees, totalling £43,000, over
the two-year course, something described as “highly unusual” by the college. She said: “First Maheraj and now me – I can’t really believe it has happened at this one school in Newham. “We are lucky in this borough that we do have lots of good sixth forms but the level of education they can offer at King’s is on a different level. “I was so surprised to get in because I was told they very rarely offer full scholarships. I had to get the full scholarship as my family couldn’t afford to pay any of the fees. “I know the students will be different from me but I am not worried. I am extra motivated to do well because of my background.” Alwiya and Maheraj won their place thanks to The Cumberland School’s Prestigious Colleges programme, which supports students
with applications to fee-paying independent schools. Each student was given help with applications and preparing for interviews and exams by a teacher mentor at the school. Alwiya said: “It has changed my life, there is no other way to put it. There is a lot of talent in Newham but very little opportunity. “What Cumberland has done is give students like me the chance to really fulfil our potential. I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity.” Headteacher Gillian Dineen said: “We are extremely proud that Alwiya has become our second student in as many months to earn a place at a top independent school. “Like Maheraj, her example will not only act as an inspiration to her fellow students but will also help to raise the expectations and aspirations of the entire school community.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
1
Przemyslaw heading to top stage school AN aspiring young actor who couldn’t speak English when he arrived in the country four years ago has now been offered a place at singer Adele’s old stage school. Cumberland School student Przemyslaw Glowacki added to his list of already impressive achievements when he was offered a spot on the BRIT School’s two-year theatre course. Przemyslaw will cross London to learn stage craft from the country’s top tutors, who have helped to produce a conveyor belt of top stars in the entertainment
industry. Known as the country’s leading stage school, other big names to have passed through the school’s halls in Croydon, south London, include Spider-Man actor Tom Holland and singers Amy Winehouse and Jesse J. This is not the first time Przemyslaw has been given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his acting idols. Last May, the Forest Gate teen was accepted by the National Youth Theatre, which has turned out talent including James Bond actor Daniel Craig, Oscar-winning
actress Dame Helen Mirren and Luther star Idris Elba. His success is made all the more remarkable given he did not speak a word of English when he arrived at The Cumberland School in 2014. He said: “Without question it is my school that has made this happen. When I came to Cumberland, I was very shy, not really knowing the language. “They made such a big effort to make me feel welcome and part of the school. They helped me with extra classes to get my English up to scratch.”
World Book Day brings literary characters to life STAFF and students dressing up as their favourite literary characters were among the highlights of World Book Day. There were prizes for the most interesting and innovative costumes, a quotation quiz for students and themed lessons. Our teachers also donated more than 400 of their own books to our students at our mystery book fair. Year 10 student Samantha Yeboah said: “World Book Day is one of my favourite events of the year. “There is a real sense of community and fun at the school because everybody is sharing their love of reading and books with each other.” Fellow Year 10 Emma Dunboya added: “It was kind of the teachers to donate all the books to students. All the books were wrapped up so you didn’t know which one you had until you opened it. “World Book Day really helps promote reading because students are able to see that not all books are the same.” Literacy Lead Ms Sultana said: “This year’s World Book Day is a true marker of just how much the school has progressed in the last year. “The exemplary manner in which the students conducted themselves and engaged with the day showcased a new chapter in the life at The Cumberland School.”
Tips: Former student Hally acted as a mentor this term
Hally returns to advise students FORMER pupil and London School of Economics graduate Hally Nguyen has given her top tips on how to break into the finance and banking sector. The master’s degree graduate, who left Cumberland in 2010, spent this term running mentoring sessions for Year 10 students. Hally, who works as an associate for multimillion-pound investment firm Long Harbour, has discussed education and career pathways during a series of visits. Hally puts her success down to the dedicated staff at Cumberland. She said: “Right from the start in Year 7, I was awarded the Jack Petchey Award, and that was a very strong motivation to redouble my efforts to study, even at a young age. “From the beginning, teachers put their faith in me and told me I could succeed. I suppose that’s where it all started for me.” She recommends that Year 10 students start researching their future career options now for the best chance of success.
Hally said: “If students want to push themselves, and reach their full potential, they have to do their own research. Careers advice is great, but can often be too generic. “I found that the teachers at The Cumberland School were a goldmine of information. These are people with previous careers, degrees, mothers, fathers, and I think their insight and knowledge is invaluable, particularly when it comes to work experience.” Looking back with fondness on her time at the school, Hally said she loved all of her teachers, but that Miss Harvey in maths stood out. She said: “Every member of staff helped me along the way, but my favourite subject was definitely maths, which Miss Harvey taught me. “The dedication of the staff at Cumberland put me on the right path to go on and get not only a BSc in economics from Royal Holloway, but a masters in economic history from LSE.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
2
Myka’s mission to say thanks for hospital’s help KIND-HEARTED Cumberland students have been described as “true inspirations” after raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Year 10 pupils Myka Defoe and Sara Daboto asked fellow students to contribute as little as just one penny in a month-long fundraising drive. The pair gave up their lunchtime and breaks throughout January to raise a total of £225 for the children’s hospital. The project was inspired by Myka’s brother Joshua, who was treated for E. Coli at Great Ormond Street but sadly died aged just one month. The inspirational youngster says she wanted to raise money for the charity as a thank you for the support given to her brother and family. Myka said: “I know it was a very difficult time for my parents and I know that Great Ormond Street did lots to try to help them and my brother. “They put my parents up in a flat near the hospital. They tried their best to save him and
I just wanted to say thank you to them for all the support they gave my family. My mum is very proud of what I have done and my dad is as well. It makes me proud that I have done something to thank the hospital.” Sara, 15, from Plaistow, said: “I wanted to help a charity that was really deserving. When I heard Myka’s story I wanted to be involved. “Everyone can afford a penny so it meant that almost everyone at the school could contribute. Most people gave us more but everyone supported us, it felt like a real whole school effort.” Headteacher Ms Dineen said: “Whenever there is fundraising going on at the school these two students are inevitably involved. “While we are a school focused on the academic success of our students, it is also incredibly important to encourage and praise those who are displaying qualities such as compassion, kindness and responsibility. “These girls are true inspirations for their fellow students. We could not be prouder of both of them.”
Inspiring: The two girls are always at the heart of charity fund-raising
Ambassadors see change in attitudes over bullying
Question time: Year 10 geography students surveyed members of the public to investigate the economic opportunities in the central business district of Newham.
OUR new anti-bullying ambassadors have spoken out about the “positive changes” they have already made in their roles. Students Brenda Katonia, Pijus Dragunas and Brooklyn Attwood are among ambassadors who students can speak to if they need support. Pijus said: “Before no-one was keen to speak out about bullying but us raising awareness is definitely changing that. Students will feel confident to speak to other students about any concerns they might have.” The volunteers learnt about all types of bullying, including that which takes place online, at a conference in south London earlier this year. Brenda said: “I wanted to take part in this because it’s a good way of making the school a better place. It is down to the students to make the changes they want to see in the school.” The ambassadors have received training in how to change attitudes, behaviours, and cultures by building skills and confidence. The UK-wide programme is delivered through The Diana Award’s renowned peer-led approach.
Brooklyn said: “It’s all about making positive changes.” In the coming weeks each year group will take part in an assembly about bullying. Brooklyn added: “People are taking more responsibility. We will talk to someone who says they are being bullied and see how bad the situation is. “We try to find out both sides of the story and see what is the best way to solve the problem.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
3
Students can be proud of achievements Headteacher Ms Dineen reflects on the many opportunities that have been embraced by the students over the last term
‘
This term has been packed full of exciting opportunities for our students, both inside and outside of the classroom. More students are following in Maheraj’s footsteps, graduating from our Prestigious Colleges programme. Alwiya will take her place at the worldfamous King’s College School Wimbledon in September, and Przemyslaw will be studying at Adele and Amy Winehouse’s old college, the BRIT School in Croydon. In school, our anti-bullying ambassadors have completed their training and are settling in brilliantly to their new roles, and our Pride Youth Network is fully up and running, providing an inclusive space for all of our students within the school community. Staff and students from across the school dressed up for World Book Day highlighting the importance of reading for students and adults alike and the English team have been busy training our new Literacy Mentors, who will be leading peer reading sessions with younger year groups in the summer term. The science department ran some wonderful experiments and competitions during science week. Outside of school, our students mixed with royalty on a visit to the London Stock Exchange, and in sport we are proud to be home to the Year 9 borough champions for rowing, after Jaden and Meaden scooped gold in the championships. Our student orchestra made the most of the opportunity to work and perform with the Nofa Modulo Orchestra and our Year 9 dance group performed at the Barbican. All of these additional opportunities are such an important part of our students’ curriculum, ensuring they have the opportunities to develop both academically, socially and culturally. All of our students have been set a Master Mission challenge by their Heads of Learning – I hope that our parents will encourage them to get involved in this vitally important programme. Academic success combined with a strong sense of cultural capital is a real recipe for success. Next term will see our Year 11 students facing the challenge for which they have been preparing for the past five years. With their determination and ambition to succeed, we are on course for a record-breaking set of results. We hope all of our students take time during the Easter holiday to relax, and for Year 11 to combine this with an effective revision programme, returning to school full of energy and confidence for the summer term. All staff at the Cumberland School wish our students and parents an enjoyable and safe Easter break.
Spotlight: Millie (circled) found herself standing between the Countess of Wessex and leading entrepreneur Sherry Coutu on International Women’s Day
Memorable trip to tour London Stock Exchange CUMBERLAND students got the chance to mix with royalty during a trip to the London Stock Exchange to celebrate International Women’s Day. As part of the trip, our pupils got the chance to chat in round-table discussions with several women business leaders, including serial entrepreneur and angel investor Sherry Coutu CBE. The conversation with the top executives focused around this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, which is Better Balance. They then got a unique insight into the heart of the UK’s financial sector by touring the London Stock Exchange during the visit in March. Included was the chance to see the newly installed ‘Fearless Girl’ statue which highlights the importance of female leaders in business. And the trip got even better for student Millie Roche, who was pictured standing next
to the Countess of Wessex during the Stock Exchange opening. Year 9 Millie said: “I don’t know how I ended up standing next to the Countess. I got pushed forward and then all I could hear was the cameras going off around me. “It was a pretty strange experience but quite exciting. The whole day was great. We met lots of interesting women who had been really successful.” Year 9 Kirsty Bush said: “It was an incredible trip. The London Stock Exchange is a really interesting place and very inspiring. “When you meet all those women who have been successful and are telling you that you can do it as well, it is motivating. I am going to try to do work experience there because that is what I want to do as my career.” The trip was organised by Founders for Schools, which aims to increase employability and social mobility by connecting schools with inspiring local business leaders.
AFTER 11 years of service, Helen from the catering team departs for pastures new. We wish her well.
STUDENTS raised money for Comic Relief on Red Nose Day by selling noses and cakes.
‘
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
4
THE CUMBERLAND SCHOOL: ROAD TO SUCCESS
I’m certain this school is building success
Mum Ruksana Akthar explains why despite having never heard of The Cumberland School when her daughter Arifah was allocated a place, she is now happy she is a student at the school...
‘
Cumberland wasn’t even on my list – if I’m honest I hadn’t heard of the school because I live quite far away in Forest Gate. My first choice was Forest Gate Community and when I didn’t get that or any of my other choices, I was disappointed. When I realised Cumberland was being helped by Forest Gate Community School, I
she is happy at this school and is making friends and progressing very well in her studies. As a parent that is what you want. It is clear that they are building success at this school brick by brick. There is work to be
‘
was glad and decided that I would give it a try. I knew Forest Gate was not a very good school when the headteacher took over but now it is one of the best in the country. Ms Dineen, the headteacher here, sat and talked to me for half an hour in her office and I was convinced that Cumberland was going in the right direction. I am so pleased with my daughter’s development since she has been here. She talks a lot about how helpful all the teachers are and how much support she gets. Most importantly,
done but they have the right team to make it happen. My advice to any parents who are in the same position as I was last year, is to stay here and try Cumberland. It was the right decision for us.
Latest students have settled in nicely Our current Year 7 students have completed nearly two terms at The Cumberland School. Here four of them talk about their experience so far...
Arifah Akthar joined us from Earlham Primary School. Arifah said: “The teachers here are just amazing, they are so helpful and really make you feel welcome. “I was a bit worried coming here from primary school because it is a big change but now I wonder why I was worried. It’s so nice here.”
EriK Davtyan joined us from Dersingham Primary School. He said: “I was worried that it would be difficult to make friends but all the activities the school put on make it really easy. “You take part in lots of activities to make sure that you are able to make new friends quickly and settle at school.”
Aleena Baig joined us from Central Park Primary. Aleena said: “We did not get to do a wide variety of subjects at primary school so having the opportunity to learn more subjects is great. “I love my history lessons because it gives you a chance to learn about the past and its impact on life now.”
Diamond Correa joined us from Ranleigh Primary School. She said: “Since I have been at Cumberland I have been involved with lots of extracurricular groups after school. “There is something here for everyone and every interest. I really like music club because I love to sing.”
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
5
Jaden shows his strength to earn rowing success
Golden performance: Jaden Taylor took first place
A sporty Cumberland School student is celebrating phenomenal success at the Newham indoor rowing championships. Year 9 student Jaden Taylor took home a gold medal in his race at the competition last month. Jaden beat top competition from students across Newham to take first place at the event, organised in conjunction with London Youth Rowing. He said: “It was quite exciting. I haven’t always been a sports person so I was surprised when I won. I didn’t do that much training. “We were on rowing machines and I don’t really want to try getting on the water in a real boat. “I might take up boxing next instead. My mum says I should start training for the Olympics.”
STAFF led storytelling lunchtimes in the library to celebrate National Storytelling Week.
Kalkidan earns praise for her poetry writing A TALENTED poet is set to have her work published for the first time after working with a professional writer. Kalkidan Biruk (below) is among a very select group of students picked to have their poem published in the First Story anthology. Her success comes after getting top tips from award-winning writer and the co-founder of charity The Special Relationship, Jarred McGinnis. Jarred hosted several workshops with our students as part of the national literacy charity First Story project. Kalkidan is set to have several poems published in the anthology. She said: “My favourite poem I wrote was based on a short story I liked. “I like telling stories and building up characters and I just wrote a few poems. Our teacher just told me I should enter them into the competition.” Kalkidan added: “It’s a great programme because we get to learn to write. We also get to do things like design the anthology front cover and come up with a name for it. I like that because it’s really creative.” Kalkidan says she is sticking to writing poems at the moment but hopes to write a novel when she is older. She said: “I have written a few short stories. And then maybe one day I will write a novel. This is a really good experience for me because it has given me the confidence to try new things.”
FORMER students Mihaela and Sheila delivered an assembly promoting their Wings of Hope charity fundraising project to supports schools for orphans in Malawi.
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
6
Project students prepare for life beyond school CUMBERLAND students will learn life skills and prepare for the world of work on a three-week programme run by the National Citizenship Service (NCS). The government scheme will see our Year 11 students spend much of their summer holidays learning crucial development skills. This includes taking part in outdoor activities, living on their own for a week and learning public speaking skills at workshops. The NCS programme is aimed at promoting social cohesion, social mobility and social engagement among teens. Year 11 student Nahida Hakim said: “I am so happy to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime
project. As soon as I heard about it, I knew I wanted to take part. “In the summer you are not really able to do much that is going to help you improve your employability and life skills, so this is the perfect opportunity.” Year 11 Patricia Conescu added: “I am really looking forward to the activities we are going to take part in. I think public speaking classes will be good for me because that is something I struggle with. “When you are at school it feels like you are never going to be given the opportunity to prove your maturity. This is the chance to do that.”
Students take Pride in backing equality fight A GROUP of students are flying the flag for acceptance, equality and diversity at the school. The Pride Youth Network (PYN) have held assemblies, made a display inspired by the LGBT flag and created art and poetry. They also plan to attend the Pride Festival and hold a bake sale to raise money for an LGBT charity. The group meets every Friday lunchtime to work on projects, socialise and plan events at the school. Student Danielle Heather said: “Without a place where you can say to someone that whatever your race, sexuality, religion or gender, you are welcome and you are equal, then you only have a world where there is anger.
“We are fighting for equality for everyone, fighting to help everyone who feels they face discrimination. We are lucky to live in a country where tolerance and respect is promoted. We are trying to spread that message at our school.” Year 10 Louie Day said: “We have equality in the UK but that is only because people have campaigned for that equality. “That is the inspiration behind Pride Network. We want to create a welcoming space for the students at this school.” Ms Hinse, who helps to run the club, said: “Pride Youth Network is a space for the students who are part of the LGBT community in the school, and their friends and allies, to do activities in a safe and supportive environment.”
YEAR 9 sports leaders helped to run a primary school sports competition, held at Cumberland.
MOTIVATIONAL speaker and former student Reggie Nelson returned to the school to present our Master Mission awards.
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
7
Science buffs get hands-on Budding scientists from The Cumberland School have been blowing things up and getting experimental for British Science Week. British Science Week, now in its 25th year, is a national campaign that encourages young people to get involved in science, technology, engineering and maths. Going head to head with partner school, Forest Gate Community, students took part in the spaghetti challenge, wherein students build a tower using only spaghetti and marshmallows. In addition, students got to learn about the structure of DNA, made slime, bath bombs, ice cream and lava lamps, as part of the celebrations at the school. Mr Jagwani, Assistant Headteacher, said: “Here at The Cumberland School, we encourage our students to make the most of their education and get involved with extra-curricular opportunities. “Studies have shown that schools offering 40 or more extra-curricular activities have significantly better exam results than those who offer little to no enrichment outside of the classroom. “Our students were passionate and engaged with the activities during British Science Week, which will go on to provide them with the practical experience to support their studies.”
STUDENTS from each year group who have accumulated the most merit points were rewarded with breakfast with the headteacher in March.
Reading mentors proving popular OUR Year 10 Literacy Leaders have given up their lunch and breaktimes to mentor younger students in reading. The ten-week programme saw Year 7 students assigned a reading mentor who gave them extra support with their literacy. Year 7 student Johnny Smith said: “I found it difficult to pronounce long words at first, but my mentor William really helped me. I started reading more difficult books, which I wasn’t doing before. “It was nice seeing William every week and reading to him. I feel proud of myself for improving my reading – because my reading age has increased – and for being selected for the group.’ Johnny’s mentor, Year 10 student William Doga said: “As an older student and a Literacy Leader, it was really important for me to support students who needed extra help with reading. It’s important to have this group because reading is the key to education. “It’s an everyday necessity and it’s how we make sure we succeed.”
OUR U14 boys’ basketball team played with spirit and determination in a narrow defeat to Riverside School in the London Youth Games.
Literacy Lead Ms Sultana said: “This programme was specifically created for Year 7 students who we, as a school, wanted to challenge further and increase their ability to read fluently. Our Year 10 students willingly gave up their time to support our younger students and in the process promoted excellence in reading and literacy across the school. “They demonstrated great leadership qualities and showed our Year 7 students that they are supported and cared for.”
THE U14 girls’ basketball team gave a brave performance in a narrow defeat to Barking Abbey in the London Youth Games play-off.
The Cumberland School Newsletter n Easter 2019
8