Forest Gate Community School Fly, Grow, Connect, Strive
Winter 2018
School maintains its place among the elite FOREST Gate Community School has once again been recognised as among the best in the country for GCSE results. For the third year in a row, the school had a Progress 8 score more than a grade higher than expected, according to the latest figures released by the Department for Education in October. Forest Gate is also the best-performing school in Newham for attainment in GCSE with 64 per cent of students achieving a grade 5 or higher in Maths and English. The school is among just eight across the country to have achieved a place in the top 50 in three consecutive years. The school was placed sixth last year and 14th in 2016. Progress 8, which is the new government benchmark for measuring school success, charts pupils’ progress from when they start to when they leave school. Head of School Mrs Whelan said: “What is most pleasing about this year’s set of results is that we have maintained our consistency of high achievement. “As a school, every day we ask
Delight: Students receive their results
ourselves how we can do better, how we can challenge our students and staff for further improvement. Being among just
eight schools in the country to achieve this level of consistency is a testament to that commitment.”
New accolade for student progress portal THE school has been nominated for a prestigious IMPACT award thanks to our ground-breaking teaching, learning and assessment portal Dynamic Progress Reporting (DPR). We have been shortlisted for the prestigious BETT award for the contribution the online resource has made to our exam results. The online resource tracks student progress in real time to make sure they are staying up-to-date with their class and homework. Parents can make sure their
child is not falling behind by logging on to the portal to check they have completed key pieces of work. Last year, DPR was nominated in the ‘Innovators of the Year’ and ‘Leadership and Management Solutions’ categories at the BETT awards, which recognise excellence in school ICT. Creator Shofiquez Zaman, (right) who is the Deputy CEO of the Community Schools Trust, said: “DPR allows school leaders to foster a genuine focus in learning and knowledge acquisition,
moving away from dealing with abstract data and peripheral discussions. “Schools are able to map out their personalised curriculum and make it transparent to students and parents in a language that is easily understood by them.” DPR is also used at Newham schools The Cumberland School, Plaistow, and Eastlea Community School, Canning Town, as well as others throughout the UK. Forest Gate Community Executive Headteacher Simon
Elliott says DPR is the secret behind the school being ranked among the best in the country three years in a row. He said: “We are among just a handful of schools who have been ranked in the top 50 nationally three years in a row. “One of the main reasons we have been so consistently successful is the introduction of DPR. It has been nothing short of a game-changer. “Every single child, no matter what their starting point, is monitored. This means no child at this school ever slips through the net.”
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Festival celebrated a feast of cultures THE school celebrated the tolerance and diversity of East London by holding a multicultural festival. Pupils dressed in traditional clothing representing different nations across the world at the event held in October. There was also a poetry reading where students performed self-penned poems themed around their heritage and cultural background. The school held assemblies on the contribution of multiculturalism to East London and held discussions in class. There was also a wide variety of dishes on offer in the school canteen celebrating the diversity of our community. Head of School Mrs Whelan said: “Our academic success is inherently linked to the harmonious culture we have established here.”
Diverse: There was a wide range of traditional clothing worn at the festival
THE school won praise from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds score top marks in their exams. Those students at Forest Gate achieve better marks at GCSE than non-disadvantaged pupils do nationally. This is the second year in a row the school has been asked to join the Mayor of London’s School for Success programme. Executive Headteacher Simon Elliott and Head of School Charlotte Whelan attended a ceremony at City Hall in September. The school’s pupil assessment system, the Dynamic Progress Report, which gives students and families instant feedback on their class and homework, was singled out for special praise. Last year the school was asked to participate in the programme in recognition of setting a culture of high aspiration and academic success. Ms Whelan said: “Of all the awards this school has won in recent years this is perhaps
our most important. The work we do at this school is making a real difference, sometimes a crucial difference, to the lives of students who need our help the most. “There are many, many challenges facing the young people in this community but with the support of other agencies, this school and those like us can truly have a transformative affect.” Mr Khan said: “I’d like to congratulate Forest Gate Community School for the fantastic work of their staff and pupils in the last year. Our Schools for Success programme shows the significant difference that a supportive and inclusive teaching environment can make for all pupils. “London has some of the best schools in the country and by working together we can make sure that every young Londoner is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.” Forest Gate Community is among just 22 secondary schools in the capital to be included in the programme this year and the only one in Newham.
Being there for those who need it the most
Students Egzon Topojani (left) and Isaiah Gassama (right) won the Jack Petchey award for outstanding achievement this term.
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Proud: Mrs Whelan and Mr Elliott with the Schools for Success award
Last year’s Year 11s returned to the school in November to talk to our current cohort and to collect their GCSE certificates.
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Young peace leaders earn royal approval STUDENTS met HRH Prince William and a host of footballing legends at the Football for Peace sports leadership programme graduation. Students were presented their awards by the Duke of Cambridge at the star-studded bash held at the Copper Box Arena in November. Year 11 students Hasnayn Shahid, Wesam Al-Ali and Afzal Saiyed are now among just 500 students from across the UK to be fully trained youth peace leaders. They were joined by Year 7 students in training sessions with Premier League stars including Arsenal’s World Cup winner Mesut Ozil and France international Mamadou Sakho, of Crystal Palace. Hasnayn also got the chance to be interviewed by BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey in front of the large assembled crowd. Other household names from the world of football in attendance included Louis Saha, Mathieu Flamini, Bacary Sagna, Carlton Cole and Avram Grant. Afzal said: “It was an incredible experience meeting Prince William and football superstars like Mesut Ozil and Bacary Sagna. “This programme has really helped to boost my leadership and coaching skills. It was a really proud day when I graduated from the programme. It is something I would advise others to do.” Hasnayn said: “It was an honour meeting Prince William and some true football legends. It was a day I will never forget. “Also getting the chance to interview Jake Humphrey really helped to improve my confidence. “I am keen to get more involved in the Football for Peace charity to help bring young people together over a love of football.”
Top line-up: Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil (left) joins Prince William (centre) for a kick-about The Football for Peace charity aims to encourage young people in marginalised communities to overcome their differences through a shared love of the game. Mr Clark said: “The Year 11 students have worked really hard in the build-up to this event by giving up their Saturdays to complete the youth peace leader training sessions.
“The tournament and training they hosted for Year 7 students in Newham really conveyed the progress they have made throughout this programme. “It was fantastic for students to graduate in front of so many footballing role models and receive their awards from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.”
All set: Year 7 students attended the Football for Peace event at the Copper Box Arena to take part in training sessions
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Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
The students who set us all an example Executive Headteacher Simon Elliott says our students are already making an important contribution to their community and society... years of teaching. He is a young man with maturity well beyond his years. His is a challenging circumstance yet he arrives at school every day polite, with a smile on his face and ready to learn. As part of the student council, he makes a valuable contribution to his school. But it is his actions outside the school gates in caring for his mother that make him a true role model for young people everywhere.
I would also like to make mention of our students who have graduated from the Football for Peace programme. It has been impossible to miss the social issues that continue to present a very serious challenge for the young people in this part of London. These students are setting their peers and all of us an example that to tackle a problem, you must be prepared to engage and contribute. An important message at this time of year. Merry Christmas!
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You have heard me talk on many occasions about the academic success we have had as a school in recent years. For a school that was by anyone’s estimation failing just six years ago, it is a remarkable achievement to be once again ranked among the country’s elite. However, this term I want to mark the incredible contribution our students are making within their own communities and beyond. Ilyan Benamor is without doubt one of the most remarkable young men I have encountered in all my
Speakers impressed by budding reporters OUR pupils have won praise from an awardwinning journalist and a Lords peer following talks organised by Speakers for Schools. Broadcaster Robin Lustig and Lib Dem peer Tim Clement-Jones talked about their careers and topical issues during separate visits this term. Ex-BBC and Observer journalist Mr Lustig described our pupils as “hugely impressive”, while Lord Clement-Jones said they were “truly fantastic”. Mr Lustig talked about the impact on journalism of fake news and social media and took questions on journalistic ethics and censorship. Lord Clement-Jones discussed Brexit, the NHS and Donald Trump and took questions on democracy and accountability of the Lords. On Lord Clement-Jones’s visit, student Zahara Jones said: “I was really interested to learn about the Lords and his thoughts on artificial intelligence. “It is something that I am also interested in, so to hear what he had to say was really insightful.” On Mr Lustig’s visit, student Islam Ilyas said: “There is so much information out there at the moment and it is hard to know what to believe. “Having someone like Robin talk to us and explain how journalism works really gave us an understanding of how to separate the truth from a lie.” “It is a great privilege to be able to hear from someone like Robin. He has interviewed Nelson Mandela – that is how high-profile he is.” Lead Practitioner Mr Bispham said: “Both talks were fascinating for the students involved but it was the Q&A sessions
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Influential: Lord Clement-Jones meets students after discussing Brexit (left) while broadcaster and journalist Robin Lustig (right) spoke about his career
where the speakers were impressed by the high quality and challenging questions our students asked. “A range of topics from fake news
and Brexit to artificial intelligence and beginning a career in journalism were discussed, demonstrating the sheer breadth of knowledge students at our school have.”
‘Wonderful to see in students so young’ n ROBIN Lustig praised the depth of research that had gone into the questions, likening them to that of an experienced journalist. He said: “The students at this school are hugely impressive. There was a depth of research that had clearly gone into the questions posed by the students. “They were the sort of questions that you would expect experienced journalists to ask, really excellent. In this modern era, with children growing up with the internet, giving young people the tools to distinguish between fact and fiction is vitally important.”
n Lord Clement Jones was impressed by the diverse and broad range of questions from our students. He said: “They were truly fantastic. Such a wonderfully diverse and broad range of questions, very impressive. “They were also extremely engaged and clearly had an interest in politics. “It is wonderful to see in students so young. “Given their age, what was most impressive was they were able to take topical issues and relate it to their own experiences.”
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Our relentless pursuit of success will go on Head of School Mrs Whelan says 2019 will bring even more success at Forest Gate Community School... We have the backing of supportive and committed parents and we have ambitious and hardworking pupils. All of these elements play their part. Visitors from other schools often attempt to replicate the systems and practices we have in place at this school – but they are missing one key ingredient. No matter how successful
we are, no matter how many awards we win or how good are results are, we never stop striving to improve. The answer is simple: we are relentless. I do not have a crystal ball, I cannot see into the future. But what I can tell you is that in 2019 we will push ourselves and our students to improve. We thank you for your continuing support and wish you all a very merry Christmas. Enjoy the break. The hard work starts again in January.
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In the past few years I have been asked many times what is the secret to the success of Forest Gate Community School. How are you in the topranked schools in the country for GCSE results year after year? How do you continue to win awards? We have the most talented and dedicated staff you could ever hope to work with. We have a ground-breaking progress tracking portal giving real time up-to-date information by staff, students and parents.
Learning curve: Forest Gate Head of School Mrs Whelan with the Singapore delegation during their visit to the school
Foreign schools keen to discover our secret TOP schools from a country which leads the education global rankings have heaped praise on the school following a visit. Teachers from Singapore travelled to London to learn the secrets of our incredible success in a trip organised by the British Council. Despite the Asian country leading the Programme for International Assessment (Pisa) league tables, leaders from four schools admitted they had “a lot to learn” from Forest Gate Community. Speaking after the visit in November, Shaw Swee Tat, who is the principal at Ang Mo Kio secondary school in the north east of Singapore, said: “We have very good educational standards in Singapore – we are
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said to be the best in the world. However, visiting your school and seeing the way you cope with the many challenges you face, it is clear we have a lot to learn from this school. “I was extremely impressed with every aspect of the education here and will be taking my findings back home to use at my own school.” Also this term, a Norwegian headteacher returned with his entire senior leadership team after being impressed on an initial visit earlier in the year. Speaking in November, Geir Dybdahl, headteacher at Tysværvåg barne- og ungdomsskule, said: “Once I had got home I realised that for my staff to truly appreciate what a wonderful school I had visited, I had to
bring them back to see it. This school is doing some truly incredible things for their pupils. It was a privilege to meet all your staff and be able to learn from them.” Head of School Mrs Whelan said: “Our growing reputation as an international beacon of excellence means we have a regular stream of visitors to the school. “When you have leaders from the very best schools in the world saying they can learn from us, you know you are working somewhere very special. “Like the headteachers who have visited us this term, we too are a school trying to find ways to improve. Much of what we have learned from these visits can be put to good use here.”
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Reggie an inspiration for our award winners How to keep up to date with events Our Friends of FGCS Facebook page founder Julie Burman (right) is calling on fellow parents to join the group… The Friends of Forest Gate is a group run by parents for parents, with the aim of supporting students, staff and other parents at Forest Gate School. We currently have a very active Facebook page, where you can find school updates, events and the achievements of our wonderful students. We also meet up a few times a year to arrange events to raise funds for school activities. We are always looking for new parents to join, so if you’re feeling that you have a little more to give then join us on Facebook – search Friends of Forest Gate Community School or for more info, email us at info@forestgatecst.org
INSPIRATIONAL speaker and Newham native Reggie Nelson handed out the awards at our Master Mission Awards ceremony this term. Reggie, who earned a top career in finance after knocking on the door of wealthy residents in Chelsea, also gave a talk to students during the visit. This term, the school’s first-ever set of gold awards were dished out to students who had completed the highest level of the unique programme. For the award, students had to complete a variety of tasks aimed at promoting independent learning, self-regulation and dedication, as well as making a positive contribution to the school and wider community. Prizes were also awarded for students completing their silver and bronze awards at the ceremony held in September. Year 9 Suleman Daya was among the first recipients of our gold award. He said: “To be the among the first to win this award is a real big achievement for me. “This is a project where you have to put an awful lot of effort in but to get the award at the end of it makes it all worthwhile.” Fellow gold award winner Richard Biney, also in Year 9, said: “Having Reggie Nelson there made it extra special for me because he is someone I really look up to. “To do what he did by going and knocking on the houses of rich people is
really thinking outside the box, it is inspiring.” Assistant Headteacher Mr Hussain said: “As a school we focus on developing a student’s character and personal qualities. These are just as important as the academic achievements we push our students to achieve. “The Master Mission Awards programme supports the personal development of our students, so together with their academic qualifications they can take their next steps.”
In brief... n STUDENTS were encouraged to swap their sweets, crisps and soft drinks for a healthy option at our Snack Attack in October. Thanks to Co-op Food for donating the fruit. n OUR Year 8 boys have qualified for the final of the Newham indoor athletics competition. n OUR U16 indoor cricket team finished third in the New Vic tournament. n YEAR 10 students took part in teambuilding and leadership activities during a workshop on careers in the British Army in September. n OUR Year 7 pupils celebrated International Literacy Day with a treasure hunt themed on discovering information about notable authors.
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Sports leaders set an example OUR Year 9 Sports BTEC students have been praised for their leadership skills after helping to run a Mini Olympics for more than 100 primary school children. They kept score and organised seven different sporting activities for pupils from local schools at the event held in October. Their efforts were applauded by teachers at the primary schools, who said they led competition with “confidence and enthusiasm”. Student Esme Jones said: “My confidence,
leadership, organisation, teamwork and communication skills have improved significantly from taking part in these events. “These are skills that I know will be vital for life not just as a pupil at the school but also when I go on to university and beyond.” PE teacher Ms Francis said: “The organisers of the event, as well as a number of teachers from the primary schools, praised the leadership qualities of our students.”
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Students play their part on Remembrance Day STUDENTS marked the centenary of the end of the first world war by holding a poppy sale and paying their respects at a Remembrance Day parade. Our student council joined Head of School Mrs Whelan at the East Ham cemetery memorial service to lay a wreath in honour of fallen soldiers. Meanwhile, pupils gave up their free time at break and lunchtime to sell poppies on behalf of the Royal British legion. Students also made clay poppies in art class to commemorate those lost in the first world war as part of The Unremembered
programme in partnership with The Big Ideas Company. Year 9 student Eleanor Hind said: “As a student council we wanted to show our appreciation for the great sacrifice made by fallen soldiers. “The Poppy Appeal is a charity all of us on the student council were happy to support. Marking the centenary is very important as it helps us to remember.” Richard Biney, also in Year 9, said: “If they had not acted as they did, the chances are a lot of us would not be here today. They gave their lives for us.
“It is our duty as young people to keep that legacy going otherwise the great sacrifice they made will be forgotten.” Mrs Whelan said: “As a school we are committed to educating our young people on the great sacrifice made on our behalf by the brave soldiers in the first world war. “This is a generation growing up without any of the men and women who lived through or fought in the conflict. “It is crucial these young people understanding through teaching in school just how significant a contribution was made to the freedoms they enjoy today.”
Ilyan’s carer award richly deserved INSPIRATIONAL student Ilyan Benamor, who cares for his disabled mum, has been given a special award. The Year 8 gives up social time with friends to look after mum Lalia, who suffers from the neurological disorder dystonia. The 12-year-old cooks, cleans and does the shopping as well as helping his mum, who is in a wheelchair, to get around. Ilyan’s mum was in tears as he was presented with the young carers prize at the Newham Youth Achievement Award ceremony at the town hall in November. He said: “I was very proud of myself when I won this award. My mum was with me and she had tears in her eyes. “It was special because we could do it together and because of her condition she isn’t able to get out much. “I didn’t really expect this award. I help my mum because I love her and I want to repay all the love that she gives to me.” The school has bought Ilyan a printer so he
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can print his homework and go straight home after school to look after his parent. He also has sessions with the school’s counsellor to help him with any difficulties he may be having. Head of School Mrs Whelan said: “I do not think there is another student in this school that deserves greater respect for his integrity than Ilyan. He is a role model and inspiration not just to his peers but to the teachers at this school and the entire community and beyond. “You are not likely to meet a brighter, more articulate, kind, mature and responsible young person. His award is richly deserved.” His mum Lalia said: “I am so proud of him. It was a very emotional moment for me, I could not help but cry. “He has always been so responsible, even when he was very little. My friends called him the little buddha, so wise for one so little. “He has done so much research on my condition. It can be very hard for him because my condition is a burden.”
Helping hand: Ilyan with his proud mum
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018
Speaking contest helps students find their voice YEAR 8 and 9 students gave stirring and passionate speeches on their home borough of Newham at a public speaking competition. Pupils put their newly acquired skills to the test by presenting to their peers and staff as part of the Big Question project. Subjects covered included regeneration as part of the Olympic legacy, the Westfield shopping centre and multiculturalism. The Big Question, pioneered at Forest Gate Community School, is aimed at promoting confidence, self-esteem and cultural capital among students. Year 8 Adam Patel said: “I was a little bit nervous as so many people came to listen to us but I’m glad I MORE than 50 students represented the school across six different races in the Newham Cross Country Championships in October. Alice Houghton won gold in the Year 7 race and was among five of our students to be chosen to represent Newham in the London Youth Games. Esme Jones took silver in the Year 8/9 girls’ race, while Prince Commodore won bronze in the Year 10/11 boys’ event.
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spoke about the place I love. My favourite part of Newham is its diversity, because we all know how to accept each other. “The only thing I dislike about Newham is the bin collections.” Ms Hamid, Head of Literacy, said: “I have been blown away by the hard work of students who went above and beyond to prepare their speeches. “The vocabulary and structures used were so impressive, together with the fact that students from all abilities took part in this competition. “For me, a huge part of the Forest Gate ethos is instilling confidence in, and challenging, all students, regardless of their ability, for equal reward.”
Proud medal winners
Chance for pupils to express themselves STUDENTS took part in a workshop learning about the Japanese animated storytelling media, manga and anime, and also made zombie skin for Expressive Arts Week in October.
Forest Gate Community School newsletter n Winter 2018