newsletter
Summer 2018
Students have chance to inspire a generation
Top schools now within reach TALENTED Cumberland students are among our first cohort of scholarship hopefuls applying to top independent schools. The school has identified hardworking pupils with the potential to make the grade at the UK’s leading fee-paying schools. The Prestigious Colleges Programme was pioneered at our partner school Forest Gate Community School, where two pupils have won places to Princes Harry and William’s old school Eton College. Other options open to the students include world-famous institutions such as Winchester College, Bancroft’s School and City of London School. Throughout the process, they will get support writing personal statements and applications, and preparing for entrance exams and selection interviews. If successful, our pupils will have their tuition fees, often
costing up to £36,000 per year, paid for by a bursary. Year 10 Monira Khanom, who is taking part in the scheme, said: “I realised that if I am getting this opportunity through school, I need to make sure that I seize it. “It has set my sights higher than I ever thought possible. “Before I was looking at local colleges that were not bad, but now I have realised I have the chance to take my education to another level. “Teachers at Cumberland have been fantastic during this scheme, they are really encouraging me and motivating me to do my best.” Headteacher Gillian Dineen said: “As a school we are extremely ambitious for our students. There is a belief among our students that there are no ambitions too high. “This cohort of students will go on to inspire the next generation of Cumberland pupils.”
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Aspiration: Students will be able to target leading schools such as Eton (above). Below, Cumberland students learn about the Prestigious Colleges Programme
THE JOURNEY TO OUTSTANDING
Trust partnership will be key to academic progress THE Cumberland School has taken its first step towards becoming Outstanding after formally joining the Community Schools Trust (CST). That is the verdict of our Headteacher Gillian Dineen (below) after our partnership with the high-achieving Newham-based trust was finalised in April. The two schools will share expertise, good practice and resources but each school will have their own identity, including name and uniform. CST is run by the leadership team of Ofsted-rated Outstanding Forest Gate Community School, which last year posted the sixthbest GCSE results in the entire country. The trust has promised extra funding to help recruit experienced teachers, resources for special education needs provision and a free breakfast for all staff and students. Ms Dineen said: “We are fortunate to be working closely with the leadership team at Forest Gate Community School, the sixthhighest performing school in the country. “Their input has already proven incredibly useful, and I am confident what is being implemented will impact significantly on the academic progress of pupils. “The school’s journey to Outstanding is an exciting one and I look forward to our whole
school community celebrating the future successes of our students.” Cumberland School executive headteacher and Community Schools Trust CEO Simon Elliott said: “We understand that by partnering with Cumberland School we are making a very
big commitment to the students, families and staff at this school. “We accept this challenge and welcome the opportunity to offer more young people in Newham the kind of education that provides life-changing opportunities.”
Writing project fuels students’ creativity YEAR 10 students have been flexing their creative muscles after being inspired to write poetry and stories by a new project. The project included time with a professional writer, Jarred McGinnis, who gave the class tips on how they could improve their work. Mischa Wright said: “The course was designed to help us improve our imaginative writing and I definitely think I did that. “Before I did not feel confident in my writing but now I am so much better. It has been such a worthwhile opportunity and it will help so much when I sit my GCSEs next year.” Although she may have been shy about putting pen to paper before, Mischa’s newfound confidence has led to her writing poetry in her own time. She added: “I think the fact that I now write poetry for fun shows how much of an impact the project has had on me.”
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THE JOURNEY TO OUTSTANDING
Healthy breakfast is the ideal preparation
STAFF and pupils will start the day with a healthy, hot breakfast to make sure they are engaged and ready for the day. Children can attend school from 7.30am, where they can study, socialise
and eat in a safe and stimulating environment. The school will also shortly be reviewing its catering options in the school canteen.
Driving up standards to make us one of the best ADDITIONAL homework clubs, recruitment of experienced teachers and a culture of high expectation will make the Cumberland School Ofsted-rated Outstanding. Community Schools Trust CEO Simon Elliott says a rigorous approach to driving up academic standards will help students to reach their potential. Mr Elliott, who is also executive headteacher at CST partner school Forest Gate Community, said: “At Forest Gate Community School, we worked extremely hard to turn it from a school failing to live up to its potential to one of the very best in the country. “Families at Cumberland School can expect the same rigorous approach to driving up academic standards. “The Community Schools Trust have no lesser ambition for The Cumberland School than to become Ofsted-rated Outstanding.”
Spotlight on behaviour
THE school has introduced a new behaviour policy – adopting a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive conduct. New rules mean students will be sanctioned for disturbing classes and misbehaving in the playground or outside of school. At break and lunchtimes there will be an
increased visibility of staff in play areas who will ensure the new standards of behaviour are upheld. Headteacher Ms Dineen said: “Disruption
and poor behaviour that impacts on students’ capacity to learn in a safe, stimulating and aspirational environment will not be tolerated and will be met with sanctions.”
Reward scheme popular with pupils PUPILS have been rewarded for their hard work and exemplary behaviour with fun activities. Year 7 to 10 pupils have been earning Vivo points throughout the school for excelling in class, demonstrating good behaviour and using their initiative. Bronze, silver and gold badges have been handed to students for reaching certain points landmarks as the year has progressed. Those who reached a certain number of Vivos by the end of term were invited to take part in a fun activity, including laser tag and trampolining. Ianis Craciun, whose 280 Vivos was the highest total for Year 7, said: “I thought it was a good way to let
me know that what I am doing is good and that my work is progressing well. “I was really surprised when I found out I had the most Vivos out of anyone in the year. “I knew I had done well but I didn’t realise I was first, it made me really happy.” Year 9 winner Kira Maiberg, who amassed 338 Vivos, added: “It is a nice way to reward people, especially when we have been working so hard all year. “I was not thinking about getting Vivos when I was doing my work, I just wanted to do my best. “But to find a way to recognise the work students are putting in is a great thing to do.”
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STAGE SET FOR YOUNG ACTOR
Theatre dream for Przemyslaw
Rumman knows importance of perfect spelling YEAR 10 Rumman Islam was crowned Cumberland’s Year 10 spelling bee champion after a hard-fought contest. Rumman emerged victorious after fending off challenges from fellow students in a series of increasingly tough spelling rounds. He said: “It feels amazing, I was so nervous that I was going to make a mistake. Then I was lucky – I got a word at the end I knew how to spell. “Good spelling is such an important skill to have in life. It is just something extra you have that can make you stand out from the pack.”
ASPIRING young actor Przemyslaw Glowacki is set to follow in the footsteps of his idols after winning a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre. The Year 10 student has been accepted into the world-famous company, which has produced talent such as Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren and Idris Elba. Around 5,000 youngsters apply for the programme each year but only 500 are offered places. After a two-week induction in August, he will be put forward for various auditions, including film, television and West End productions. His achievement is even more impressive given that he couldn’t speak English when he moved to London from Poland just three years ago, in 2015. He said: “I always wanted to act. My parents used to watch soap operas when I was young and I would try and recreate the scenes and wanted to be a part of it. “When I first started school, I did not know anyone. I was the new kid and I was really lost in the new language. “I had never had the chance to do drama before, but when I started to make friends they asked me to go to drama club with them and I loved it.” Przemyslaw had previously missed an audition with the company due to difficulties arranging travel. However, the school organised for representatives from the National Youth Theatre to hold try-outs in our drama studio. He added: “This is an amazing school with amazing teachers. They are really focused on helping you fulfil your potential and realise
STUDENTS learned about fashion from top designers at Marks and Spencer during a careers guidance trip in June.
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dreams. I don’t think this would have happened to me at another school. “I was so excited when I found out I had a place, it is such an amazing opportunity. “I have been looking on the website at some of the previous members, like Helen Mirren, who I think is great. “When you see the actors who have been a part of the theatre in the past, you realise you are going to join this incredible community.” Head of Drama Davina Wiltshire said: “I am so proud of what Przemyslaw has achieved. He joined us halfway through Year 7 and he was very reserved and he did not seem to have any interest in performing. “But now he is completely different, he not only has confidence when he performs, he has confidence in all his academic work. He is really excelling.”
STAR of stage and TV and former student Jimmy Akingbola gave a drama masterclass at the school for a new Sky One programme to be aired later in the year.
TENNIS TEAM DEFIES THE ODDS
Lamisa’s poetry debut earns an anthology place BUDDING writer Lamisa Mazumber will have her poem Memories published in an anthology showcase for young poets. The Year 10 student was among a select group of students from across the capital to have work included in the publication Young Writers Poetry Games – Immersed in Words. The poem covers themes of love and loss and centres around a young
woman mourning the break-up of a relationship. Lamisa (left) heard about the competition from her English teacher Miss Hurst. Her achievement is all the more remarkable given that English is her second language. Lamisa said: “I was really happy to be chosen for this book. “This was my first real attempt at writing poetry so to be published
first time is a great honour. When I moved to Cumberland School from Italy I did not speak English very well. The teachers here were amazing at supporting me and getting me up to date. “To now win a writing competition in English gives me a real sense of achievement. “A big vote of thanks have to go to my English teachers for inspiring me.”
Mentoring scheme is paying off
It’s Games gold by just a point AS Wimbledon got underway and the greatest tennis stars from across the world descended on London, The Cumberland School pupils were creating a quiet revolution in the sport on the other side of the capital. Despite Newham’s lack of green space compared to leafy south west London, pupils from the school claimed gold in the London Youth Games in June at the Westway Sports Centre in Kensington. The mixed team, made up of two boys and two girls, represented Newham in the Davis Cup-style regional final, beating teams from Haringey and Wandsworth to reach the final. Representatives from 16 boroughs took part. In the final against Croydon, each team won two matches – one win each for the boys and girls. It came down to points won and when the scores were tallied up, it was Cumberland who emerged victorious – taking the title by just one point. The school put their tennis talent down to breakfast, after-school and lunchtime clubs giving students plenty of time to hone their skills. Team member Anchal Mohanty said: “I
started playing tennis in Year 7 when I came to Cumberland and now I come and play twice a week after school. “It is a way to learn a new sport and make new friends and it is also a great way to stay fit and healthy.” Krystian Wisniewski from Year 9 added: “First I came along because my friends went and I wanted to have some fun and mess around a bit, but after a while I got more serious and wanted to be as good as I can be. “The best part of taking part in tennis is the winning. It was so good when we won but it was very competitive and challenging.” Ekow Manly-Spain, head tennis coach at Cumberland, said: “We run many clubs at the school where children can come and play and enjoy themselves, but we entered the tournament for those who want to take it more seriously and be competitive. “Cumberland is special as not many schools in this area have tennis court facilities or even if they do, use them to their full potential. “It was great for the children to win the competition, they really rose to the occasion – so many of them have improved their tennis vastly since coming to the school.”
OLDER pupils are lending an ear to help younger peers on our Reading Mentor programme. The scheme sees Year 9 and 10 paired with Year 7’s who are in need of additional support with their reading. Year 10 mentor Hafsa Ahmed has been working with her mentee, Daniela Ramos, on building confidence. Hafsa said: “Our goal was that Daniela would become more confident and we decided to play games and just talk about our lives. “The experience has taught me how to become an active listener and how to ask the right questions at the right time.” Daniela said: “We have become friends now. Hafsa always says hello to me and asks me if I need to talk about anything. “I feel like when I tell her about anything that is bothering me, it just takes all the stress away and I feel much better.”
YEAR 10 Bridget Konan (above) represented Cumberland at the Newham Jack Petchey Foundation Speak Out Challenge in May.
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ACCELERATED READING SUCCESS Handball squad go close in Games SPORTY handball students finished a highly respectable fifth in the London Youth Games finals in June.
Scheme brings book benefits OUR Accelerated Reading scheme has been given the thumbs-up by Year 7 students. The school recorded huge improvements in reading and literacy for participants of the programme since the project launched. Students are allowed to pick books based on their reading ability from a special shelf in the library. Once they have finished a book, students are surveyed to test their knowledge and understanding of the text. Alfie Gammon-Turpin and Yasin Miah, both in Year 7, said the programme has turned them into real bookworms. Alfie has so far scored full marks on 24 book quizzes, while Yasin has received 100 per cent grades in tests on 17 books he has read this year. Alfie said: “The library at Cumberland has so much more choice in books than the one at my primary school did. “Doing the tests helps me a lot because if I pass, it makes me realise that I understood it and I am learning.”
Late library a bonus for revision YEAR 11 students preparing for their exams took advantage of extended opening hours at Cumberland’s library. The library remained open until 6pm on school nights, providing a space for children to revise in peace. Staff also remained on hand after the end of the school day to offer help to students, while refreshments were also available. Student Shifa Ali said: “There were past papers printed out and we used the computers. It was a quiet place where we
could study. There were teachers there to help and water and sandwiches were given out so we could keep going for longer.” This year’s GCSE exam period began on May 14, with a busy programme scheduled up until students sat their final exams on June 22. Year 11 Sheila Nganga added: “When you are at school, you are in a studying mindset so it helped to extend that time to get some extra studying in before you go home to relax in the evening.”
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Simarpreet’s art accolade PROMISING student Simarpreet Kaur has been recognised for academic achievement in art over the school year. The humble Year 10 (above) was selected for her talent and effort but expressed surprise at winning the award, saying her peers were more deserving of the award. She said: “I really do love art, it is a subject that I try to do my best in every day. “But there are so many people in my class who are very, very good at art, so I was really surprised that I won the award. “It is really nice to be acknowledged for something that you are good at and passionate about.” Simarpreet is now focusing on getting a good grade in her GCSEs so she can study art at A Level and beyond.
HEADTEACHER’S COMMENT
Positive developments allow us to aim higher Headteacher Gillian Dineen reflects on a highly successful final term of the academic year. opened and Sports Day will no doubt be an opportunity for all our talented sports leaders to push themselves to the limit. We are also very proud of the Year 10 students who are participating in the Prestigious Colleges Programme. They are working hard to ensure they broaden their horizons and produce college statements that reflect their personal attributes and aspirations. As one of their mentors, I can say it is truly inspirational supporting their progress. We are currently very busy ensuring we are fully prepared for September and are planning for the best year yet.
Our expectations of our students and staff have never been higher and, having already welcomed our new Year 6 students for their transition day, we are confident that we have a record-breaking year ahead. There have been so many positive developments in school and I am very grateful for all of the support from parents and families. I look forward to continuing to work together to support and develop Cumberland’s ‘Determined, ambitious learners’.
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WE have had a hugely positive summer term with our students excelling both inside and outside of the classroom. Aspiring young actor Przemyslaw Glowacki is set to follow in the footsteps of his idols after winning a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre. Budding writer Lamisa Mazumber will have her poem Memories published in an anthology showcase for young poets. Our Year 11 students have taken their GCSE exams incredibly seriously, many of them working in the school library until after 6pm. Their exams have now finished and they are looking forward to their prom. In the past few weeks we have been astounded by the maturity of our new Year 10 prefect group and our Head Boy and Head Girl and their deputies. Our annual summer art exhibition has
CAPTION
Students’ hard work comes to fruition under the spotlights STUDENTS left the stage with applause ringing in their ears after a stunning performance of the musical Guys and Dolls at our summer play. Year 7 to 10 pupils brought the house down with a fine display of acting, singing and dancing which had the audience of friends and family in raptures. The showcase in July was a culmination
of months of hard work with students giving up their time to rehearse twice a week. Head of Drama Ms Wiltshire said: “Cumberland students are some of the most talented in the borough and this is another way they have showcased this. “It was a truly wonderful evening enjoyed by all and we look forward to the production next year.”
Artworks on show THE school held its annual art exhibition celebrating the fantastic work of our talented students. Friends and family were invited along for a private viewing of art and photography created by Cumberland students in June.
Transition taster THE school welcomed primary students set to join us in Year 7 next September at a transition day in April.
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NEW HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL
Students all set to make most of their opportunity Cumberland has selected a new Head Boy and Head Girl, as well as deputies, who will represent the school for the next year. Craig Bukenya and Effat Tayiba have been chosen as the new Head Boy and Head Girl by teachers following several rounds of interviews for the positions. Maheraj Ahmed and Madison Merritt have also been selected as their deputies. The group of Year 10s will be tasked with
Farewell after year of service OUR Head Boy and Head Girl will sign off on their year’s service to the school at the end of the term. Jeremy Whyte and Mihaela Revencu were selected for the posts by teachers last year and have spent the time since trying to help their peers. Mihaela said: “Being Head Girl has allowed me to talk to and meet so many people. We deal with students and we deal with teachers.” Jeremy added: “I have got a much better understanding of what I want to do with my life than before I became Head Boy.” Along with their deputies, they have organised sessions providing revision advice to pupils of all ages at the school.
representing the school and their peers at various functions and events over the next year. Craig and Effat will replace outgoing Head Boy and Head Girl, Jeremy Whyte and Mihaela Revencu, who have left Year 11 following the completion of their GCSE exams. We asked all four students why they applied to be part of the student leadership team. Read below what they had to say:
Craig Bukenya
Effat Tayiba
Maheraj Ahmed
Madison Merritt
“I am looking forward to learning from the role and I think there is an awful lot that it is going to be able to teach me – it is a big responsibility. “I want to go into politics when I get older, so I will benefit from the leadership skills being Head Boy can teach.”
“The reason I applied to be Head Girl is because I have the urge to make a difference around the school. “I was able to see how I would be able to help people and I think this is going to be such a great learning experience for me in general.”
“I have a lot of ideas for how I would like to improve the school and also the changes I would like to see to help students. “We will be able to make our voices heard and tell members of staff how we think the school could be better.”
“I was a prefect this year and this seemed like the next step to take because I am interested in making the school as good as it can be. “I was so happy when I found out I would be the Deputy Head Girl, I think it really made my family proud.”
Head Boy
Head Girl
Deputy Head Boy
Deputy Head Girl
Punctual pupils given school council’s reward OUR school council spent their £250 grant reward on prizes for students who consistently arrived at school on time. The funds were given to the student council in recognition of their hard work
representing their peers throughout the school year. Humaira said: “I have really enjoyed being on the school council because I feel it makes me a role model for other students.” Kevin added: “I really feel
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like I am doing something that will help my friends and everyone else around the school. It has been a great experience being on the school council. I want to make the school a better place and I would love to do this again next year.”