newsletter
Summer 2019
Nima’s Fourth Plinth design earns plaudits ASPIRING artist Nima beat thousands of students from across the capital to secure second place in the Mayor of London’s Fourth Plinth competition. The Year 7 student was tasked with designing an environment-themed sculpture prototype for the famous fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square. His tree theme won huge plaudits from the judges after making it through to the final 42 students out of a field of more than 2,500 entries. He was narrowly beaten to the top prize at a ceremony at City Hall in June. Nima said: “We had to design a statue for the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. I picked the environment as the theme for my piece because it is a very important subject. “I felt really happy when they called out my name and had to go up on stage to collect my prizes. I won lots of art supplies, like brushes and paints. That was amazing because art is my favourite subject.” Students aged between five and 15 from every borough in London are invited to enter the Mayor’s competition. The winning students’ work was put on display in City Hall throughout June. Nima said: “My mum was really proud of me because I was the only student in Newham who got a prize. “I’m really glad I got the opportunity to be part of the competition and I can’t wait to enter again next year as well.”
MP Lyn Brown (seated) with students and headteacher Gillian Dineen
School’s level of ambition praised by MP LYN BROWN MP met with students at Cumberland School after receiving an invitation to visit from Head Boy Craig Bagosera. The Shadow Treasury Minister spent a morning in May chatting with students about politics, covering topics as diverse as Brexit, the Olympic legacy and careers. The MP, whose sister attended The Cumberland School, also spoke about her life and her motivation for entering politics, with students from across the school. She praised the students and the school for its success and having the most improved GCSE results in Newham last year. Cumberland joined the Newham-based, multi-academy Community Schools Trust last year, partnering with high-achieving Forest Gate Community School. Ms Brown said: “Clearly, The Cumberland School is going from strength to strength. “Like its partner school, Forest Gate Community, which has a track record of success, The Cumberland School has huge ambition for its students. “If my sister hadn’t come here, she wouldn’t be enjoying the amazing career she has. We all
have teachers to thank for where we are, and Cumberland has always been ambitious for its students.” She added: “I’m looking forward to coming back to the school to see more of these students in the future, because I’m certain I’ll be meeting them in various political circles before too long.” The Cumberland School’s Head Boy Craig wrote to Ms Brown and invited her to talk about local politics. He said: “Lyn Brown represents us at a local level, and I’m really grateful to her coming in and for her insight into local politics. “She didn’t give a generic view or try to be politically correct, she’s just a genuine person who has a lot of life experience. “Today has definitely planted the seeds for a future career in politics, not Prime Minister but something that represents local people.” Headteacher Gillian Dineen said: “I’m delighted that Lyn Brown made time to visit Cumberland and that she recognised the transformation that has taken place at Cumberland School. We now have the right team in place to deliver the high quality of education this community needs and deserves.”
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Aspirations of students are still growing Headteacher Ms Dineen reflects on the many opportunities that have been embraced by the students over the last term
‘ Master Mission STUDENTS have been developing physically, culturally and socially while improving their learning skills, thanks to a new initiative at the school. The Master Mission programme sees students take part challenges across four categories – extension, enrichment, challenge and service. The project has seen students visit museums, volunteer and fundraise, as well as contributing to the school and wider community. More than 30 students from Years 7 to 10 were presented with awards in May for their outstanding work and commitment in the Master Mission. Year 10 Ibrahim Al Islam said: “It is a fantastic programme because it makes you to do things outside of school you might not do usually. “It’s really varied and to complete all the
levels you have to exercise your mind and body. It is fun but it also makes you learn more because you will visit places you might not have considered going to.” There are three levels of Master Mission – bronze, silver and gold. As students complete more tasks, they move up the levels. Year 7 Arifah Akthar said: “I visited the Statue of Liberty while on holiday and definitely wanted to discover more about its history and why it was such an important landmark. “When I came back I told the other Master Mission participants about my visit and what I had learnt. The programme has made me appreciate things more. “I’ve also visited the National Portrait Gallery and the Natural History Museum for the Master Mission and it made me think more about everything I saw.”
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initiative helps exercise minds
As Cumberland’s headteacher I often reflect on how lucky I am to have such an amazing job. This year more than any other, I have seen our school go from strength to strength. We have introduced a range of new behaviour systems to create the kind of calm and focused environment where all students thrive, both in lessons and outside of the classroom. Reading through this newsletter, you will see the amazing opportunities that Cumberland’s staff are working hard to offer your children. This includes sporting events, a ski trip and the chance to talk to our MP Lyn Brown. There has been participation in a huge number of art, music and drama events both inside and outside school; academic and leadership mentoring; rewards trips and events. I could go on. Through these opportunities you see the ambition, confidence and aspirations of our students grow. Finally can I wish all of our students and their families a relaxing and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming you back in September.
STUDENTS with the most merit points over a term were rewarded with a three-course meal with Headteacher Ms Dineen.
YEAR 6 students joining us in September enjoyed a science taster session at our transition day in June.
STAFF and students have been selling healthy vegan flapjacks in the courtyard to raise money for the STEM Uganda / Cumberland charity project.
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Fun and learning STUDENTS spent the Easter holidays taking to the slopes at a world-famous resort in Andorra during our annual school ski trip. They also got the chance to put their modern foreign languages learning into practice when conversing in Spanish and Catalan with locals.
Champions’ ideas aim to create new opportunities
THE school’s first peer mentors have spoken out about how they are improving the school and creating opportunities for their peers. The recently introduced HeadStart Champions delivered a talk to students across the school, focusing on future career opportunities. The role is part of a Newham-wide programme that aims to improve resilience and develop problem-solving and communication skills in young people aged 10 to 16. They also created posters which were displayed around the school and ran a workshop on the theme “My Future” in the literacy zone. Year 9 Champion Kalkidan Biruk said: “We get together and talk about problems that students might be having or things they would
like to see improve. Then we work out ways we can make things better. “We set up workshops so we can all come up with ideas together. It’s all about making positive changes at the school, even if they are just small things.” Year 9 Abdulahi Balogun-Abiloye said: “We have already done an assembly and a presentation about mentoring, getting work experience and learning how to apply for jobs. “One of our ideas, which will be implemented next year, is to have an extra page in our school planners that is all about careers.” Samir Mazumder said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the scheme. It’s improved my communication skills and it’s nice to see we can actually make changes and help the other year groups.”
Students quiz local residents YEAR 9 students conducted surveys with the public during a geography field trip, to investigate the economic opportunities available to Stratford residents and visitors since the area’s regeneration.
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Top law firm gives advice in mentoring programme STUDENTS have received mentoring and careers advice from employees of one of the world’s largest and most prestigious law firms. Year 10s were given the opportunity to work with Clifford Chance lawyers as part of a pioneering mentoring programme. Students were paired with a professional from the firm and were able to ask for careers, CV or education advice. Year 10 Mupisha Amalathas said: “It was a really good opportunity. They could help with career advice and show you how to set out a good CV. “It was nice to be able to speak to someone with a really good career and find out what they did to achieve it. “I want to be a surgeon or something in the medical profession, so it was useful to speak to someone who has been though university and knows what that is like.” The mentoring scheme was set up as an initiative to give students from less privileged backgrounds the opportunity to experience a law firm environment.
The company also sponsored and ran specific events to give students exposure to legal skills and a real-life workplace. The students met with their mentors four or five times between November last year and June. Their last face-to-face session was in June, but the students can still contact their mentors for advice and support via email.
Mupisha said: “I found the face-to-face meetings so useful and there were little workshops where we learnt about the law. “I think one of the most important things was experiencing a real-life workplace. I don’t think a lot of people our age have the opportunity to do that. The whole scheme has been really helpful and I’m thankful the school set it up.”
Myka warned of impact of stereotyping SELF-confessed outspoken Year 10 student Myka gave an inspirational speech about the dangers of stereotyping. The Year 10 narrowly missed out on a prize at the public speaking competition for Newham Schools which took place in May. Myka spoke about the impact stereotyping can have on the selfesteem of young people after being selected to represent the school following a workshop. The self-penned and delivered oneminute talk, entitled Stereotypes, won praise from the panel of judges but was not selected in their top three. She said: “I really wanted to talk about how a person should not be defined by what everyone else says they should be. “Stereotyping people, particularly young people and teenagers who are not always at their most confident, can really reduce someone’s self-esteem. “We had someone come into the school from the Jack Petchey Foundation who really helped me face my fears. They told me to speak about someone I was truly passionate about. My teachers also helped me.”
Saria’s gratitude to EAL team after learning third language A YEAR 7 student who only arrived in England this year was among a number of graduates at our English as an Additional Language (EAL) awards ceremony in June. Student Saria has soared academically despite being born in Bangladesh and moving to Italy at the age of six – this making English her third language. She puts her success in learning the language down to the support and guidance given by Cumberland’s
EAL team. Saria said: “When I arrived at Cumberland, I felt really nervous because in Italy we don’t have big schools like this. “This is my third language to become fluent in, so it is hard. “However, the teachers were really friendly and the building here is so modern with lots of facilities. “I’ve felt at home here at The Cumberland School. That has been a surprise.”
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Murshed’s summer school chance gives him a taste of university life YEAR 11 Murshed did not get much break from learning this summer after being selected to take part in the London School of Economics Summer School. Just weeks after completing his GCSEs, the talented pupil spent a week on the worldfamous university’s widening participation scheme in July. He took part in a series of workshops covering a wide variety of topics including economics, sociology, government and politics and law. He also got the chance to meet current students and attend lectures, tour the campus and find out about life as an undergraduate.
Murshed (right) was among just a handful of students from across the country picked for the programme after coming through a rigorous selection process. His maths teacher Mr Ahmed said: “Murshed is a highly intelligent young man with amazing potential. His thought processes and ability to solve problems are unique but extremely logical. “Having the opportunity to learn in one of the finest educational institutions in the world will not only broaden his learning but give him the belief he can one day return as an undergraduate.”
Newspaper item helped Maheraj believe in Eton YEAR 11 student Maheraj says being accepted to Eton College finally sunk in when he saw his name printed in The Times newspaper in June. As is the custom for the world-famous school, the names of students offered a scholarship place in the upcoming academic year are published in the announcements section of the paper. Maheraj won a £76,000 scholarship to Princes William and Harry’s old school Eton in December last year, thanks to our new Prestigious Colleges programme. He will rub shoulders with the elite when he takes his place to study A-Levels in history, chemistry, biology and physics 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. Maheraj said: “It has been a bit like a dream after getting accepted to Eton. “Once the excitement and shock wore off when I first found out, it did not really sink in. “I have been concentrating so much on my GCSEs and making sure I get the grades I need that I have not really had time to think about it “It was only when they were over and I read my name in The Times newspaper that it has become more real. It is just around the corner now – I can’t wait.” Executive headteacher Simon Elliott, who mentored Maheraj through the application process, said: “Maheraj has been very diligently studying for his GCSEs. He is a
Ibrahim goes so close to success CUMBERLAND students came together for a celebration of spelling with partner school, Forest Gate Community School. Year 9 Forest Gate student Zahaara Jones was crowned spelling bee champion after a hard-fought contest. Zahaara emerged victorious after fending off challenges from fellow students in a series of increasingly tough spelling rounds. Ibrahim Al Islam, Year 10, made it the furthest in the competition for Cumberland. He said: “It was more nerve-wracking than last time, but still incredibly worthwhile.” Zahaara said: “Its feels amazing to win. I love reading, and am currently reading The Fault In Our Stars. “Good spelling is such an important skill to have. I was very nervous that I was going to make a mistake, but this proves the importance of practice and hard work.”
Climate change and architecture
very level-headed and mature young man and certainly not someone who would get carried away. “Seeing his name in the Times must have been a bit strange but I am afraid he may have to get used to being in the spotlight as I am certain he is destined for great things.”
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CUMBERLAND students learned how environmental concerns are shaping the capital’s architecture during a trip to The Crystal. They took part in sustainability and development workshops and heard from speakers during the geography trip to the Royal Victoria Dock exhibition. Year 10 Student Pijus said: “As the young people in this borough, what happens with climate change is going to have the most impact on us. “We want to make a positive difference to our environment and local community by making sure we have our say and things actually get done. “It was great to learn how sustainability is impacting on what is being developed in London and hear from people who are shaping the future.”
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Science students given workshop opportunity YEAR 10 students got a taste of life after Cumberland during a science workshop at the NewVic College. They took part in a STEM workshop and met current students and course leaders to help prepare them for making their A-Level choices next year. Year 10 Deborah Apoeso said: “The teachers from the NewVic were really nice, and the day was absolutely amazing. “There was so much to do, and I think this has definitely made me think twice about where I go after Cumberland.” Students were given the opportunity to take part
in experiments, including chromatography and examining urine. Deborah added: “Although science is not a subject I am looking to pursue, it was a really good insight into what it will be like when I leave Cumberland. “I want to be an accountant and they have excellent facilities there, so it really was a fantastic opportunity. “It is certainly on my list of places to go.” The NewVic College is The Cumberland School’s linked VI Form and the school is planning to take more students there for taster sessions.
FOCUS ON ART
Display of GCSE work the result of two years’ effort GCSE Art and Photography students have had their final coursework displayed in an exhibition open to the general public. The showcase is the culmination of two years of work, which saw them produce pieces inspired by themes such as reflections and colour. Year 11 art student George Webster said: “I’m really proud of how my work turned out, and just a bit surprised how prominently it featured. “I am excited that people will get to see it. Staff have been very
supportive from day one and I have loved studying art, as it is one of the few lessons that I can be really creative in.” Year 11 photography student Zarah Vasim said: “This is the first of hopefully many exhibitions. “I’m incredibly proud of my hard work and want to thank everyone who has been so supportive. “In the future, I want to go into photography, and Cumberland will be the place the seed was sown. “It is great that the school gives students the chance to show their creativity.”
Exhibition goes on flourishing
ARTIST Ruth Fox gave a motivational talk and offered tips on how to pursue a career in art before taking questions from students.
STUDENTS’ artwork has been put on display at the University of East London as part of the East London Schools’ Art Exhibition. The Cumberland School, a founding member of the exhibition over 20 years ago, sent paintings and photography to the July showcase. Head of Art at The Cumberland School, Ms Millward, said: “This is a fantastic celebration not only of students’ work but also a look at creativity as a whole across Newham and East London. “Lots of staff come together too which is great for sharing tips on how to encourage creativity amongst our students. “We’ve been exhibiting since the initiative began and it’s been amazing to watch the exhibition grow year on year.”
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FOCUS ON SPORT
THE Year 9 boys’ football team finished a highly respectable sixth at the West Ham Lyca Mobile cup.
Year 9 futsal girls played with skill and passion but fell at the final hurdle to a narrow defeat in the borough final.
No stopping badminton girls on way to top title YEAR 9 girls are celebrating being crowned Newham’s badminton champions after storming through a borough-wide competition. Reegan Wilson, Ly Nguyen, Maddie McKenna and Fatmata Janneh won an impressive 19 out of 20 matches on their way to becoming Under-14 Newham winners. They trounced the competition during a tournament in May between local schools at Newham Leisure Centre. Fatmata said: “It was really surprising when we won. I can’t believe we won every match we played apart from one, and even that one was pretty tight. “I haven’t really played much badminton since primary school either. “We competed against several other schools so it was a pretty tiring day, but it was all worth it
when we took home the trophy.” Reegan added: “Mr Robinson, our PE teacher, is the best. The teachers really supported us, which definitely helped us get to the finals and win in the end. I can’t wait to take part again in the next competition.” The girls, who played in doubles and singles matches throughout the day-long competition, took home a trophy and merit certificates after their win. Ly said: “My family were so proud that we came first. We got a lot of support from our teachers and I’m looking forward to the next competition.” Maddie added: “It was such a good day. Some of the matches felt really hard at times but we battled through. It has definitely made me want to continue playing badminton and take up other sports as well.”
STUDENTS went head-to-head with their peers in a series of athletics events, including tug of war, at our annual sports day.
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FOCUS ON SPORT
Golden athletics performances
Handball girls take on capital’s finest
MORE than 50 sporty Cumberland students pulled on the white and blue jersey to represent the school at the borough athletics championships. Special mention goes to gold medal winners: Year 10 Jeicy (400m), Year 9 Fatmata, (800m),
OUR Year 9 girls’ handball team followed victory in the Newham borough championships with a respectable fifth-place finish in the London Youth Games. After being crowned the borough’s finest, they tested their skills against some of
Year 9 Naianka (300m) and our Year 10 Girls’ Relay team. There were also strong medal performances in other events. Jeicy said: “Being the best athlete in my event in the borough gives me a lot of pride. It is good to take the gold medal back to Cumberland.”
the best sides in the capital, winning their opening match against Harrow. They came up slightly short in their remaining matches but still had the consolation of a group picture with the England Ladies team goalkeeper.
Basketball ace Vilius has set his sights on Olympics
ONE of Cumberland’s top athletes is celebrating taking third place at the country’s most prestigious basketball competition. Year 9 Vilius Kuzminskas is a member of the elite Baltic Stars team, one of the UK’s best independent basketball clubs. The under 14s team took bronze at the England National Basketball Championships in Manchester in May. Vilius, who is also the school basketball team’s captain, said: “We came third in England, which was a good result. We weren’t really expecting to do so well, but it’s a great feeling knowing that you are in one of the best basketball teams in the country. “Our families and coaches were really proud of us and it was nice to know that all our hard
work, all that training was paying off. There is still room for improvement though.” Vilius, who one day hopes to play in the Olympics, trains almost every day before school with Baltic Stars. He said: “We have training almost every morning and then a lot of times after school as well. The teachers at the school are really supportive and want us to succeed academically and in physical education. “I also train in PE lessons with the school team. It is a lot of hard work, but it will be worth it if I ever get to become an Olympian.” Fellow Cumberland student Pijus competed with the Baltic Stars club in the Under 16 championships and also went very close to success. The basketball duo are pictured right.
Students’ big chance to test their leadership skills OUR sports leaders helped to organise two mini Olympic Games for primary schools in the borough. In May, Year 8 students put on a series of events for children from Calverton Primary and Rosetta Primary. Student Arminas said: “It’s fun helping out the younger children. We have to organise sports events and make sure everything runs smoothly. “It’s a good way of improving our communications skills and teaching us to be patient
because you are put in charge of children quite a bit younger.” Activities included the relay and target throwing, while primary school children pushed themselves to gain most points for their team. Student Shiloh said: “We had a great time getting everything together and organising the day. It was a real privilege to host the primary schools.” Later in the term, 15 of our Year 10 students ran an event for Year 5 and 6 students from across the borough at
Newham Leisure Centre. Year 10 Pijus said: “I really enjoyed working with the young students because you get a real sense of achievement when you see them learn and do well.
“Leadership is the type of quality I am keen to have and this event goes a long way to developing that. It has also helped my confidence and communication skills.”
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