Newsletter
Spring 2018
High Aspiration, High Expectation
Clever Anup’s all set for top maths school AN EASTLEA student will take his place among the brightest and best young mathematicians in the country after winning a place at a prestigious specialist sixth form. Anup Das was offered a place at the King’s College London Mathematics School after passing a rigorous two-hour problemsolving exam and impressing in two interviews. The 16-year-old, from Plaistow, will take his place next September to study A Levels in maths, physics, further maths and economics. The school has the best results for maths and science in the country, outstripping even the top independent schools like Eton and Winchester College. Anup, who was among just 60 students to have been accepted this year, was at home with his family when he discovered he had won a place. He said: “It was a bit surreal. It came by email so I was on my own in my room. My brother and
Stepping up: Anup Das is ready for Mathematics School dad were in and I went to tell them. “I was in a bit of a daze because I really did not think I would get in. My family are so proud of me. They have always stressed the
importance of education and I guess that message got through to me.” Last year, the school, inspired by the famous Kolmogorov Physics and Mathematics School
in Moscow, sent 25 percent of graduates to either Oxford or Cambridge. The rest went to Russell Group universities. Anup added: “We are talking about the best of the best from all over the country. In school I am used to being one of the smartest but here I will have to start again. “I am looking forward to the challenge. To work and collaborate with people who have the same interest in maths and science as I do will be great.” Eastlea Community School Headteacher Stephen Gillatt said: “We keep telling our students that they should set for themselves extremely high aspirations and expectations. “But words mean nothing if we can’t back it up with examples of students leaving this school for the very best colleges and universities. “Anup has proven that with the right kind of education, support, motivation and desire, absolutely anything is possible for our students.”
Students present their inventions live on BBC BUDDING technology designers at Eastlea Community School held their nerve to present their projects live on the BBC. Our world-class coders showcased their latest micro:bit inventions to a room full of tech professionals, which was broadcast live for TV show BBC Click, presented by Spencer Kelly and Kate Russell. Their ideas included a Morse code protocol, boat, a remote-controlled car and a walking robot. Year 9 Andre Nohai impressed with his micro:bit navigation for boats. He said:
Pressure: The students on BBC Click “Seeing it all come together was the best part of this project for me.” Year 8 Muska Hatimi said: “In the first half of the day when I presented to my
peers, my robot didn’t work. “I think he was a bit shy but when it came to the main broadcast everything went well.” The BBC’s Make It Digital project, which saw Year 7 pupils around the country given a micro:bit, was launched at Eastlea in 2015. ICT and computing teacher Mr Richards said: “The great thing about this project is the ongoing and developing relationship between the school. “This BBC project is exactly the type of coding employers will be looking for in the future.”
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Scholarship reward for Teniola’s efforts EASTLEA Community School student Teniola Akinola has won a £30,000-a-year scholarship to a top independent school. Teniola will study A Levels in history, physics and chemistry at City of London Freemen’s School, Surrey, next September. Teniola was awarded the scholarship having been recommended for a place by youth charity Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy. She follows in the footsteps of Iyanuoluwa Agbedejobi, 16, who left us last year to study A Levels in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry on a £76,000 scholarship at Wellington College. City of London Freemen’s School, which is located in Ashtead Park, counts Clash singer Joe Strummer, BAFTA award-winning actor Andrew Garfield and artist Gavin Turk among its alumni. Teniola said: “It is going to be a big adjustment. East London is a very different place to Surrey. Yes, I want to fit in but I have to be true to myself, and that is what I will be. “It is an amazing opportunity for me because I will get to meet and mix with different sorts of people. I can’t thank Eastlea School and Eastside enough for the help they have given me. Teniola has set her sights on a place at a top university and after hopes to work as a human rights lawyer. She added: “I have not accepted a place at the school just to be bottom of the heap. I am very competitive. When I get there, I want to be the best and prove I am there on merit. “This opportunity is the kind of springboard I hope will be the first step towards the career I want. “There is so much injustice in the world where people are not treated fairly. I think the place where you can make a difference is in human rights and the law.” Eastlea Community School headteacher Stephen Gillatt said: “We are very fortunate that we have such a strong relationship with the Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy. “Following on from last year’s success, we now have yet another pupil leaving us for a top independent school. “The message this sends to our pupils is that if you have the right attitude at this school there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
Moving on: Teniola is aiming for a career in law and human rights
Careers workshop
YEAR 10 students took part in a Careers Day workshop as part of our Mentoring Programme with City firm PWC.
Drama masterclass
YEAR 9 students were given a drama masterclass from a Globe Theatre actor ahead of a visit to watch Much Ado About Nothing.
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Well done: Headteacher Mr Gillatt presents awards to the winners of the Year 9 Spelling Bee
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Transition Special A closer look at how Eastlea and our new students manage their step up from primary school
Councillor impressed by improvement drive NEWHAM Councillor Kay Scoresby has hailed our new headteacher for bringing a renewed focus on academic achievement to the school. She said Mr Gillatt was building on the “strong foundations” laid by former headteacher Chinye Jibunoh to raise the aspirations and expectations of pupils. Cllr Scoresby said she is confident the new student progress portal The Dynamic Progress Report introduced by Mr Gillatt will improve results. She also praised his “open and collaborative” leadership style following a tour with staff and students in March. She said: “I was extremely impressed with the work that Stephen has already put in to improve the school. “Chinye was an excellent headteacher, whose focus on good behaviour management brought a calmness to Eastlea Community
Working together: Headteacher Stephen Gillatt with Councillor Kay Scoresby School. It is clear the new leadership is building on those strong foundations to bring a renewed focus on improving educational outcomes for students.
“We talked a lot about the expectations and aspirations he has for his pupils and how he can complement the work of Chinye. “This new progress tracking system they have introduced will be a fantastic asset for the school and I am sure it will help improve exam results.” She added: “This has always been a school right at the heart of the community and I am pleased that Stephen wants to continue that work.” Headteacher Stephen Gillatt said: “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to welcome Cllr Scoresby to our school. “We were able to talk about some of the new initiatives we have introduced as well as the new direction the school is heading. “Like us, it is clear Cllr Scoresby has the best interest of our pupils at heart and we look forward to working closely with her to continue to drive improvement at Eastlea.”
No barriers to success at Eastlea
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A message from Headteacher Stephen Gillatt... You are joining a school that has no lesser ambition than to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted. As you will read in this newsletter, I have already begun to introduce systems that made my previous school Forest Gate Community the sixth-best in the country. The Dynamic Progress Report (DPR) is a system that allows parents and students to log in from anywhere in the world to check their progress in real time. This is a unique offer that allows for meaningful discussions about how best to support our
students. The most important step I have taken at the school can’t be measured by numbers, fact or figures. Belief that you can achieve, a culture of high aspirations and high expectation set the tone for a school. Background is no barrier to success. At this school there will be no limits on what we feel pupils can achieve. I don’t expect you to take my word for it, which is why we are offering you the chance to see the school for yourself. There you will have the opportunity to tour the school with students, meet other parents and speak with myself and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. We look forward to welcoming you.
Come along to our Welcome morning...
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It is a huge privilege as headteacher of this school to welcome my first Year 7 cohort to Eastlea Community School. From the moment that I arrived, I realised this was a school with enormous potential. I have been welcomed by a supportive, ambitious community and warm, engaged and open pupils with a thirst for learning and desire for success. That is largely down to the support they receive not just from us, the leadership team, but from our uniquely supportive staff, students, parents and our governing body. I have also been incredibly fortunate to recruit a committed and talented Deputy Headteacher to compliment an already extremely dedicated team of teachers and leaders. Our exam results will continue to improve year on year until they are up there not only with the very best in the borough but the best in the country.
Eastlea Community School will be hosting Welcome mornings on Wednesday April 25, Wednesday May 23 and Wednesday June 13, all from 9.30 to 11am. Please apply by emailing: Reanne.Graham-Marquis@eastlea.newham.sch.uk with “Welcome morning” in the subject line.
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Transition Special Pupils explore space travel PUPILS from our feeder primary schools enjoyed a space travel theme at our Mission X event. Pupils built up their space fitness and replicated the weightlessness of space flight, launched rockets and used laser cutters at the event held in February. Our Year 7 and 8 students acted as school ambassadors, supporting teachers to run the events for younger children. Vice Principal Ms Winkelman said: “The topsy-turvy world of space flight was a real treat for the students – and some of the staff, who had snuck in there at lunchtime to have a go. “We also had space hopping, and some of the moves students were bumping out were phenomenal, using the trampolines. They had an actionpacked day that hopefully left them exhausted, as our staff were completed bowled over by their energy, enthusiasm and general loveliness.”
School’s fulfilling its enormous potential
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Juliann Wissart talks about her experience of being a parent of a Year 7 student at Eastlea Community School…
Prior to his arrival, students were allowed to use mobile phones during break. I had a real issue with that! I was about to raise the issue of mobile phones in school when I received a letter from Mr Gillatt saying all mobile phones would be banned in school. Since his arrival, there is a noticeable difference in the message coming out of the school and culture being created. He wants our children to be aspirational, go to the top universities and get the top jobs. He has very high expectations for them and why shouldn’t he? His previous school have done remarkable things for their students. Why not here? My son has definitely thrived since he has been at Eastlea Community School and I have recommended the school to many other parents. Don’t take my word for it, come and visit the school yourself!’
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I first visited Eastlea Community School when my son was a Year 4 student at Grange Primary School. For me, it was important that my children go to their local secondary school and Eastlea is right on my doorstep. In my view, it is not enough to visit when the school is holding an Open Evening, because you only see what they want you to see. I wanted to see the school in action! I visited numerous times, during normal school hours as well as other events, giving me a clear picture of what the school is really like. From the very first time I visited Eastlea, I felt it had enormous potential. The arrival of my son coincided with the new headteacher being appointed. I had heard about all the success at his previous school, Forest Gate Community, as Deputy Headteacher and how he was going to do the same here. I could tell that Mr Gillatt was not ‘all talk’ but someone who takes action. In the first two weeks of school, that was clearly demonstrated.
Impressed: Parent Juliann Wissart
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Transition Newsletter
New system’s sure to produce great results OUR headteacher Mr Gillatt says our new multi award-winning online student progress portal is the first step towards becoming an Outstanding school. The Dynamic Progress Reporting (DPR), allowing teachers and families to monitor student progress against key learning objectives, was introduced in December. It was pioneered in neighbouring school Forest Gate Community School (FGCS), which is Ofsted-rated Outstanding and ranked the sixth-best in the country for GCSE results. Students are given personalised learning journeys fitting their abilities and monitored to
ensure they do not fall behind in their studies. They are constantly updated, which means families can access up-to-date information on their child at any moment. The DPR was nominated in two categories, ‘Innovators of the Year’ and ‘Leadership and Management Solutions’ at the highly prestigious BETT awards, which recognises excellence in school ICT. Shofiquez Zaman, Deputy CEO of the Community Schools Trust which runs FGCS, created the DPR system. He said: “For the first time, students know exactly what to learn. Parents know exactly how to help their child throughout their learning
journey. The DPR allows all stakeholders to track the mastery of these key learning objectives and the 2017 GCSE results saw the fruits of this system.” Our Headteacher Mr Gillatt said: “Having worked with DPR for a number of years I know just how effective it is at producing world-class results for students. “We are extremely fortunate as a school to have access to a portal that has a proven track record of vastly improving results for students. “DPR is just the first major step in our journey towards becoming an Outstanding school.”
Latest students have settled in nicely Our Year 7 students have been with us two terms. We caught up with them to find out what they like most about being a student at Eastlea. Here is what they had to say.
IZMa Iqbal, formerly a student at Monega Primary School, said: “I have learned so much since I have been at Eastlea. “History is my favourite subject and the teacher of that subject is brilliant. They are really passionate about the subject, which rubs off on the pupils.”
OMer ShehU joined us from Keir Hardie Primary. He said: “I love sports and the facilities at this school are really great for that. “My favourite sport is football but since coming here I have tried out so many different sports. “My new favourite is table tennis.”
Kai Bryan arrived from Manor Primary. He said: “If you have a passion for a subject they really push you to be involved as much as you can. “I love drama and already have taken part in workshops and plays. We did Beauty and the Beast, which I was part of.”
Rhys Dillon, who joined us from Gainsborough Primary in September, said: “I love that we have so many new subjects we can study here at Eastlea. I want to be a chef when I am older so I really enjoy food technology. “It has been really easy to settle. When you first start they do lots of fun activities and you get to know people easily.”
For the latest Tweets from Eastlea Community School follow @eastlea_school on Twitter Page 5
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Leaders earn praise for mentoring help OUR student leaders are giving up three mornings a week to help tutor primary-age pupils in maths. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, Eastlea whizzes take part in half-hour oneto-one peer sessions with youngsters from Gainsborough Primary. The Year 8 students, who are all in the top set for maths, help out with arithmetic and other basic maths. Student Ayomikun Omoigui said: “I really don’t mind giving up my time to help out younger students. “The school places strong emphasis on developing leadership skills and I am happy to be involved. “When you work with the students, you can see them understanding things a little better Student Aazam Khan said: “At the end of one session a younger student had managed to understand something that they didn’t before. “The feeling that you have helped someone in that way is really good. I really enjoy helping others.” Our students have won praise for their peer mentoring from staff at Gainsborough Primary. Gainsborough teacher Ms Roberts praised our students. She said: “Eastlea Year 8s were absolutely brilliant. They were really sensible and able to talk to the children about strategies to use.” Eastlea Head of Maths Mr Mostafa said: “I am very proud of the students who have taken part in this project. They are having a very positive impact on the lives of the primary students.”
Drama workshop proves a winner STUDENTS took part in a nine-week drama, dance and performance workshop with theatre company Theatre Libre. The Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils were taught non-verbal communication, dance and acting using scenes from the Disney adaption of Peter Pan. Year 9 student Akima Fashanu said: “We learned so much about acting and drama that we never knew about before.” Year 8 Andreea Stoica added: “I am really interested in drama and want to act when I get older, so this was the perfect opportunity to learn from professionals. Year 7 Anais Brunette said: “Even though we were in different years we all mixed together and I made lots of new friends.”
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Thrill: Students got the chance to quiz music mogul Will.i.am about his new book, WaR: Wizards and Robots, live on BBC News.
Grace inspired by her panel appearance YEAR 11 Grace Muntu joined a panel of influential women at the conference aimed at empowering girls. She took questions from the audience and discussed issues at The Aspire 2018 Making a Difference Leadership Event, held in March. Grace (left) said: “Being on the panel has given me valuable experience in offering advice and tips to gain confidence and selfassurance. “It has taught me not only various attributes to success but also the simple act of mindfulness. She added: “It was inspiring seeing the audience take notes and truly listen to what I had to say.”
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Rising to the challenge BRIGHT Year 10 students were tasked with coming up with sustainable development-themed ideas and improvements to The Crystal exhibition. The visit in February formed part of the Seven Day Challenge, which will see students tackle problems set by top corporations, law firms and charities. The aim of the project is to help students develop skills that will help them towards their exams, college and university applications and employability. Raisa Chowdhury said: “It was really interesting because we were able to put our own ideas across on how we would improve the exhibition. “The Seven Day Challenge is great because you know you are learning new things but it is made to feel like a fun activity.”
Partners in the project include Berwin Leighton Paisner, HSBC, The Crystal, Historic Royal Palaces, Macfarlanes and Richard House Children’s Hospice. More Able coordinator Ms Khan said: “We have drawn on the expertise of top industry professionals to help our students develop characteristics that will be vital for their future success.”
Sukai’s work placement the perfect start YEAR 10 Sukai Secka says work experience at a top London law firm will help with applying for university. The youngster was offered a place with Berwin Leighton Paisner after impressing during workshop sessions last year. The teen spent a week researching case files and reviewing contracts at the firm’s central London HQ in February. She said: “It was such an amazing opportunity for me. BLP is one of the best law firms in London and so to learn from people at the top was a real privilege. “It was a great experience because I want to pursue a career in law but also I want to go to university at either Oxford or Cambridge and this will help with applications.” She thanked More Able Programme Manager Ms Khan who helped her secure the placement. She added: “As a school we are so lucky to have someone like Ms Khan helping us. “Other schools don’t have people who will work with you to fulfil your potential and help you get these amazing experiences.” Sukai was among a group of Year 9 students who did a presentation on Brexit to bosses last year. More Able Programme Manager Ms Khan said: “Sukai is taking advantage of every opportunity on offer at Eastlea. She is a fantastic role model to other pupils.”
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Feminist Club to run survey OUR Feminist Club will survey teachers and students to discover if there are areas the school could improve on. The results of the poll, due to take place next term, will be revealed in a series of school assemblies held with all year groups. Results will then be submitted to the senior leadership team along with recommendations from the club. The Feminist Club, run by Ms ShiraniSarmazeh, meets every Wednesday lunchtime to discuss issues around sexism and empowerment. This term they have also been drafting presentations about their female heroes and how they have helped to inspire them. Year 10 Erika Osemwengie said: “We feel it is important that all students and teachers, not just girls, are given a voice on issues. “If there are students out there who are feeling harassed but don’t feel they can speak up, then we want to give them a voice.” She added: “Feminist Club is a great place because it is somewhere you can talk about and discuss things you wouldn’t be able to anywhere else.”
Blessing poem for celebration YEAR 11 Blessing Adetunji performed a spoken word poem at Berwin Leighton Paisner’s International Women’s Day celebration. Blessing joined Team GB Olympics gold medallist Kate RichardsonWalsh at Berwin Leighton Paisner for the event held in March. Blessing said: “My poem was about the empowerment of women and the women that have inspired me. The person I talked about is my aunt because she is such a special person.”
In brief... n STUDENTS shared their favourite books at the launch of our Book Swap Stations to mark World Book Day. n FORMER student Marie-Jubilee (MJ) and friends ran a workshop for aspirational coders during a computer science class. n THE school held an apprenticeships and fashion careers workshop for Year 11 students. n STUDENTS who have gone above and beyond enjoyed hot choc Friday with the Headteacher Mr Gillatt. Experience: Student Sukai Secka
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018
Paralympics give food for thought STUDENTS have been inspired by the Paralympic games to design their own wheelchairs for athletes as part of a STEM Club project. Pupils have looked at the impact of scientific research into acceleration and mobility on the performance of disabled sports people. Using computer software, they have been creating and editing their own 3D images and scanned wheelchair sculptures to get an understanding of the challenges faced by engineers. Year 8 Bhagmani Singh said: “The STEM club takes our knowledge much further than what we learn in class. It is place for people interested in science to do more. Fellow Year 8 Ayomikun Omoigui said: “I really want to be an engineer when I am older, so projects like this are really fun for me and help me towards my goal.” Science teacher Ms Eke said: “The London 2012 Paralympics were both hugely exciting and inspirational to watch. “The students familiarised themselves with
Extra learning: Students take part at the STEM club wheelchair sport and looked at how and why sports wheelchairs are different to everyday wheelchairs. “They were able to develop an understanding of some of the practical challenges faced by engineers when designing and making wheelchairs for sports.”
Workshops offer tips on philosophy OUR Year 7 pupils have been taking part in mentoring workshops with The Philosophy Foundation. They are being taught how to develop, reflect upon and critically evaluate thoughts and ideas as well as build confidence and leadership skills. In Year 8, they will put their newly acquired skills into practice by leading philosophical discussions with pupils at local primary schools. Izma Iqbal said: “I had never really studied philosophy before so it was really interesting. I like the idea of talking about ideas. Rhys Dillon added: “It is not like normal class because you are much freer to express your ideas.”
Students have been practising the Chinese martial art Tai Chi at lunchtime as part of our Chinese New Year celebrations
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Dancers’ borough crown OUR Year 8 dance team will represent Newham at the London Youth Games after being crowned borough champions. The nine-strong squad will now face the best dancers from across the capital in the finals held at London’s Copper Box Arena. The team consists of Timisola Odusami, Rafiat Babirye Nakibuule, Andreea Stoica
Elena, Simisola Odusami, Shadia Naluzze, Nicole Sadowska, Julia Kabulska, Dzhahide Mehmedova and Elena Venkova. Ms Ziarek said: “They worked very hard and I was very proud seeing them performing with such focus and dedication.” To find out how they get on, please check our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Our U13 girls’ rugby team have scored victories over William Edwards School and Greensward Academy in two matches this term.
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Tohfa qualifies for finals STUDENT Tohfa Taybi finished second in the Under 14 girls’ East London table tennis tournament and has qualified for the London finals in June.
Eastlea Community School newsletter n Spring 2018