The Evelyn Grace News PARENT/CARER NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2016

Principal’s Message IN THIS ISSUE Reading for Pleasure Programme Kindred Spirits The Year 12 big Reading Project Duke of Edinburgh Awards Literacy Tips Dear Parent and Carers, and is really starting to impact upon Careers Fair the abilities of our students. Library Welcome to the Spring Edition of the borrowing has gone up each month Evelyn Grace News. I am confident that Gifted and Talented since the start of the year and I would you will be impressed by the fantastic love to see this continue so that Programme range of activities and opportunities on every student is making use of our offer within our Academy. outstanding library. Study Skills: The Spring Term has been a very Work Smarter, Not Harder With the summer exams getting ever short term, but that hasn’t stopped us closer all of our students in Years from squeezing in as much as possible Madrid Trip 11, 12 and 13 should be taking every into our school calendar. From our opportunity to revise and prepare for Year 7’s all the way through to our Lambeth Model UN their exams. To support your sons and Year 13’s every child has been given daughters I would recommend that the opportunity to get involved in Art they create a revision timetable and something special both inside and revise every evening for a short period outside of the classroom. There Drama of time. In ten weeks it is all over so have been trips to the countryside the small sacrifices now will lead to big with The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Music benefits come August. and overseas with our annual visit to Spain. Coupled with a visit from an I am very grateful to all of our staff who Student Development American High School and the hosting go above and beyond the call of duty in Centre of the Model United Nations our providing such excellent opportunities students really have been shown the for our students and I would like to take Sport world outside our window in a hope to this opportunity to thank everyone • Football broaden their horizons and their own for their hard work. I would also like • Basketball expectations. to thank all parents and carer for your continued support and I am confident • FLOW Dance Crew You will remember that we introduced that together we can achieve our aim • Netball a ‘Reading for Pleasure’ Programme of being one of the best schools in the in September which see’s all of our • Rugby country. students read in a group for thirty minutes each day. This programme Mr Devon Hanson Information and Dates has gone from strength to strength Principal 2 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Reading for Pleasure Programme

Since September 2015, EGA has Cold. We’ve also discussed the current introduced a new feature to our already crisis in Syria through Zephaniah’s broad and engaging curriculum. We Refugee Boy and explored the impact are now, in Year 7 right through to of World War Two through the eyes of Year 13, reading in our form groups for Anne Frank. 30 minutes every day. Our Reading The Reading for Pleasure Programme for Pleasure Programme consists has seen a huge impact on the of students returning to their forms students’ discussions about literature after lunchtime to read the same book and current affairs. In addition, with their peers. Amongst a variety borrowings from the library have of challenging and diverse texts the grown a great deal and many staff, students have tackled some literary visitors and students have expressed classics such as: Orwell’s Animal Farm how fascinated and impressed they and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. have been by the students’ insight, Rashawn Gray with the books he has Students have also traced the trail left engagement and deep-thinking skills. completed this Year. They are: ‘Lovely by serial killers in Sebold’s The Lovely Bones’, ‘Face’, ‘Lord of the Flies’, ‘Animal Bones and Robert Swindells’ Stone Farm’ and ‘War of the Worlds’

Students say: “I didn’t really like reading but since beginning the reading programme, I like that time we have with our group. I really enjoyed Animal Farm as I like “As a group we have the connections we were able to make explored a variety of strong and with history and politics. My favourite “We have enjoyed inspiring female characters through book so far has been Face by Benjamin reading LOTS of books. As a the novels we have read. Reading such a Zephaniah” group we have read 15 short stories. variety of challenging texts has extended our Our favourites have been Dump and The vocabulary, helped us to connect our learning Rashawn Gray 10 DBA Dark Star. across the curriculum especially in history. Also The best thing about our ‘reciprocal reading it has allowed us to engage with current affairs group’ is meeting new characters and in society. quizzing!” Reading together every day has brought Andre, Emma, Nicolle, Noah and Ms us closer as a group as well.” Carneiro in Year 7 Y11 G&T Girls’ Group and Ms Idun 3 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Kindred Spirits

In October 2013 Dr Brian Williams, and not being afraid to use the word around the world in places such Principal of Cleveland Heights Options love made me feel that we had a as: Brazil, Argentina, China, Korea, Program was in England to research connection.” America and England but I could not ‘Global Education Policy when he wait to visit Evelyn Grace Academy. The following day, Dr Williams, along met our very own Mr Hanson. Mr Within the first thirty seconds I knew with the other Principals came for Hanson gave a talk to a group of that it was special. I could feel the a visit to Evelyn Grace Academy. A Leading Educationalists from across energy within the building and it was visit that Dr Williams was extremely the Atlantic to share his views good” excited about. and opinions and to talk about the After his brief visit Dr Williams challenges he faced at Evelyn Grace During his interview Dr Williams said headed back to his Hotel, stopping Academy. Bearing in mind this was “I have visited many different schools at Starbucks on the way. It was in near the beginning of Dr Hanson’s Starbucks where he had his big idea. headship at EGA. It was this meeting that led Mr Williams to believe that Dr Williams decided that he wanted to he and our Principal were ‘Kindred bring a small group of students from Spirits’. his school to London, to Brixton and more importantly to Evelyn Grace When recounting this story to Academy! It wasn’t until the July Mr Barsby, Dr Williams remarked of 2014 when Dr Williams got back “The way Mr Hanson talked about in touch with Mr Hanson with his developing relationships, respect proposal which later became a reality.

Sight-seeing Dr Williams commented that “[we began! Staying up till late to ensure are] only here for a short amount of that no stone of London was left time, and in that time they needed to unturned. Nate Jolly was overheard conquer the world,” meaning that not by Dr Williams in a conversation with a minute of their visit was wasted. his fellow Americans stating that, During their short stay in our Capitol “today was the best day of his life.” City Brian and his students visited Big Something I personally believe is a Ben and the Houses of Parliament, phenomenal achievement for Evelyn embarked on a City River Cruise, Grace Academy, as eight hours of this visited Oxford University, Stonehenge, day was spent in our magnificently the London School of Economics designed building! and ‘that’ Starbucks where it all 4 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

About Cleveland Heights, Ohio The Cleveland Heights High School in anyone”. Added to this the fact disciplinary infractions have gone Options Program (CHHSOP), which is that he was physically attacked in from forty-seven to just nine” for the now in its fifth year, is an alternative his first week in his last High School whole school. High School for students who and you can get a good picture of When asked how being in the have found traditional High School why Nate disliked school so much. Cleveland Heights high School problematic and are consequently Yet, sat in front of me today was a Options Program has impacted upon not on course for graduation. These totally different person. Nate is full his life Cherronn Hodges, (one of students are given the opportunity to of confidence, has great manners and CHHSOP students), that states that apply to enter this program. Students is clearly a very intelligent and able “he actually started to like school,” are encouraged to apply if they young man. whereas previously he had wanted to regularly find themselves in trouble Dr Williams explained that, “The drop out. He went on to say that “he in High School, for poor behaviours, program is an online program, so has a lot of respect for his teachers, poor attendance or other negative students have twenty-four hour who give him time to concentrate and influences. Darian Cruz, a student at access. Although students attend focus on his work and that now he the school commented that, “there school for only half a day they are is managing to be ahead in all of his was a certain stigma attached to the also given the opportunity to follow subjects and achieving well.” Program and that initially he was vocational courses, work in industry discouraged from applying,” however, and in some cases attend regular High since being accepted on to the School for particular lessons.” program he has not looked back! “When the school opened its doors Nathan (Nate) Jolly added that “due five years ago it started with just to his family moving house three eighty students, however, these times and going to High School in students were responsible for over three different school districts he had one thousand disciplinary infractions no chance to settle into a school, no within their High School, schools chance to make real friends and no which contained over 1600 students. chance to be able to develop trust Over the course of three years these School Soul-searching Over the four days of their visit our American Friends were given an Dr Williams declares that, “one Dr Williams lasting message and ‘Access all Areas pass’ to our Academy. of the main objectives of the visit the message he would like to Their students joined our students was to take students out of their leave us all with was as follows: in lessons shadowing Ellis Thomas, comfort zone so that all they “Everything changes in the world Conard Haye, Amie Hennesey and have to rely on are who they are and consequently we are not in Vanessa Williams on their travels and what they have.” Which is control of anything. All that we around the Academy. All three of the linked to Dr Williams’ underlying can control is how we choose to young men who visited us commented personal philosophy of “unlocking respond to these changes and on how calm and purposeful each of the potential that lies within.” It adapt to these changes in a world the classes were and how they felt was reading the autobiography where everything changes.” that the teachers in the Academy were of human rights activist Malcolm He reinforces the importance of all great teachers, showing respect, X that inspired Dr Williams to humility and kindness towards our these decisions to his students and research further into his beliefs students. They also commented that encourages them to make good on the total metamorphosis there was ‘No Yelling’ and ‘No Drama’ choices for themselves and for the of man and how he (and all of within the Academy and how this made people close to them and in his us) can inspire changes in the them feel at home here. own words “The choices that you young people of today. His final make today will determine your Ellis Thomas commented that: “The message was delivered in a low ultimate destiny”. students from the Options Program fit key assembly to our Sixth Form, into our Academy perfectly” and that By Darrel Barsby however his words would have “[Ellis] thoroughly enjoyed be given been just as appropriate to a room the opportunity to work alongside such full of professionals. a great group of people on such an important mission.” 5 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

The Year 12 Big Reading Project As part of the Academy’s desire to enrich students are enjoying the visits from ever growing universe, but how wondrous the experience of our students a number their ‘Big Readers’! and empowering we humans can be in of our Year 12s were selected to take achieving what we deem impossible, Thanks to the commitment the Year 12 part in the ‘Year 12 Big Reading Project’. Spencer West, reminding us that we have students have shown the programme can all the power to do ANYTHING in spite of Before Christmas, the Year 12 students continue to grow and in future involve our disabilities, Rita Ora, giving us insight received training on how to support even more Sixth Formers to support even into her ethnic history and reflecting weaker or reluctant readers and then more of our Primary students. the very real and very present problems shortly after the Christmas break EGA On Wednesday 9th March 2016, a group of immigration and so many others. We hosted an event where the Primaries of Year 12 students, who took part in also enjoyed exceptional performances visited our amazing library and the the ‘Primary Reading Program’, were ranging from Labyrinth, with his students involved in the project got to invited to indulge in the We Day tour opening and closing songs ‘Let it Be’ meet and get to know each other. at the Wembley Arena, as a reward for and ‘Earthquake’, to one of Glee’s star Since Christmas, every Wednesday community service. actors - Darren Criss performing Michael during their enrichment time, the Jackson’s sensation ‘Man in the Mirror’! The Arena itself felt like Olympia, Grande selected Year 12 students have been As a result of this exceptional event, we in its size and magical in its wonders. working with Year 4 or 5 local primary left feeling inspired and willing to take on When the stage lights illuminated the school children on their reading. The aim the World, at least I did. It’s as they said Arena, most of us knew there would be is to help our Primaries foster a love of ‘I am motivation, I am determination, and purpose and meaning in what we were reading in their reluctant readers that I am a Movement!’ and it’s true. You can all about to experience. Thousands they will take with them through to Year do anything. It’s always up to you to take within the Audience were honoured to be 6, Secondary School and beyond. In that first step. visited by special spokespeople such as: turn, our Sixth Formers have been able Professor Brian Cox, whom reminded us Written by Emily Pham (Year 13) to build their own skills through working that life is but a speck of dust within this with younger students, developing their independence and taking part in something that will enhance their future applications to university and CVs. The students involved have been a credit to the Academy with all of the Primary Schools commenting on what fantastic role-models they are to younger students and how much the Primary

Speak out Challenge

On the 2nd March 2016, twenty-five The day culminated in students taking remarked that it only made them want to students from year ten participated in The turns to present a two minute speech work harder and to be more successful. Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, a public on a topic of their choice – two minutes, Six finalists are currently preparing and speaking challenge for young people. uninterrupted, and without notes. Many developing their speeches in preparation of them were nervous, some of them said The workshop aimed to boost confidence for the Speak Out Assembly at the end of they couldn’t do it, and yet one by one, and self-esteem through enabling term. From those six, two students will be the students stood up to deliver their young people to speak with clarity and chosen to go forward and represent the speeches. impact. Students were given a number of school at the Regional Final. Watch this challenges throughout the day with which It was wonderful to see how engaged, space. to demonstrate their communication skills, motivated and challenged students were. Hussein Nur, Eli-an Moore Robinson, Nii including on-the-spot speaking, When informed that Mr Hanson and a Tettey, Laarif Ali, Ikran Weheliye, Naima story-telling and giving and receiving small group of year eights would serve as Mohamed and Hugo Williams effective feedback. their judges and their audience, students 6 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

21 of our year 10 students have started section of the programme which will Tettey, Shanie Walters, D’Andre Pitter- their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award see them embark upon two weekend Lisbie, Wesley Case, Kunmi Odesanya, programme for this year. To that end, residential expeditions in the local Chein Huang, Cial Taylor, Ana Reyes, they have been applying themselves to countryside. March 19th 2016 sees the Shaniya Gibson. learning new skills, playing sports and students depart on a Navigation training Congratulations also to the following volunteering in the local community. day – for many of them it will be the first students who have successfully Many of these students are now involved time they’ve been beyond the M25 and completed their Bronze Award from in helping younger students around the into the country on their own! last year. Well done all! academy in a range of capacities, whilst Yasmine Martey, Eli-An Robinson, Leon one brave student is now volunteering Jessica Rodrigues, Mateusz Matczak, Neziri, Kayley Wu, Fabian Roach, Mariam his services at ‘TRAID’ in Brixton. The Amina Roberts, Shauna Mann, Katelyn Parra, Rugaya Suliman, Monsurat Sadiku, students have also begun applying Dirizeno, Fiona Assazo, Melanie Ordonez Mariana Matos, Khai Bailey-Smith, Ariana themselves to training for the expedition Proano, Nicole Martins and Ilham Ali. Omoyi-Tsha, Sabrina Modlamootoo, Nii Literacy Tip Careers Fair March 4th When you are ready to proofread 2016 at Evelyn Grace a piece of writing, write the word CUPS in large letters at the top of To mark the start of National the page. Careers Week 7-11th March EGA held their annual Career Fair on Friday The C reminds you to check for 4th March 2016. Capital letters. When you’ve done that, cross out the C. Aimed at Years 11, 12 and 13 the aim was to introduce students to careers Next check for Understanding and they may never have thought of as cross out the U. well as give them the opportunity Continue proofreading, checking to network with employers from all for Punctuation (P) and Spelling round the world. (S) in the same way. We had over 40 different employers Reading for only one thing at a and many sectors; including time is very accurate. the MoD, Home Office and Civil Service, Emergency Services, TFL, Crossing out CUPS shows your Arts, Media, Property, Catering, teacher you have proofread on Finance (just to name drop JP your own. Morgan and EY) Charities, Sport and local Entrepreneurs. This year REMEMBER we had a focus on STEM which included doctors, nurses, clinical CAPITALS psychologists and geneticists from King College as well as SKANSKA UNDERSTANDING Carillion and Bouygues three of the PUNCTUATION largest Construction/Engineering SPELLING companies in Europe! 7 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Gifted & Talented Programme

Every year in Evelyn Grace Academy those pupils who show exceptional ability, creativity and endeavour are nominated to be a part of our Gifted and Talented provision. It is a selection that they have earned and they are expected to continue to prove themselves throughout their time in our school. This provision takes two forms. The first are morning meetings held once a week during form time. With our Year 11s the theme of the first half term was to continue to raise aspirations amongst the group. We spoke of university and further education and we set targets for their summer exams. We also mentor the Year 11s in the terms leading up to the summer exams. Their progress is monitored and we support them in making the right choices in their preparation throughout the year. In Year 9, the pupils are making an independent film concerning life in EGA. They have made observations across the school, they have scripted the chapters of the film and they are now casting pupils in each role. The project also has its own original soundtrack composed Ivan Aivazovsky - Parade of the Black Sea Fleet by one of the members. They will begin filming in the summer term and will The second aspect of our provision We have taken Gifted Pupils to the premier their film in the Literacy Week. are trips across London and external National Portrait Gallery to listen to speakers. Early in the year PUSH, a Simon Schama speak on History and Our Year 8s are currently involved in the company that promote the university Art. We have taken G & T geographers to last Lambeth Model United Nations. We experience to schools across London, the Royal Geographical Society to have are hosts this year in a fierce competition visited to offer a greater range of a lecture on gentrification. Each lecture across the Lambeth Schools. They have resources from which pupils could gain has challenged our pupils at the highest been through the master classes and are information about A-Level choices and possible level and they responded preparing for the main event to be held in answers to any questions they might have. positively to this test. late March. “Every year in Evelyn Grace Academy those pupils who show exceptional ability, creativity and The MyBank Project have also endeavour are nominated to be presented to our Year 9 pupils. The project involves marketing a part of our Gifted and Talented a product and to sell it to the school community. The teamwork provision. It is a selection that they and entrepreneurial skills they development were impressive and have earned“ extremely convincing. 8 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Study skills: Work Smarter, Not Harder Background During January 2016 a series of study Psychologist) and Miss Carneiro our EGA students how to study more skills courses were delivered to 34 year (SENCO). Just as the title suggests, efficiently in a fun and practical way in 11 students by Miss Russell (Assistant the study skills course aimed to teach preparation for their GCSE exams. The Course The courses ran for a whole school day and all students did amazingly well to keep up their levels of concentration. The courses included an introduction to the psychology of memory which many students showed great curiosity. This included discussions around how the brain works, IQ pay scales, social hierarchies, and the purpose of education. Students also completed a practical memory experiment around organisation and learning which revealed that many of their current methods of studying were not effective. The main take home message from the course was that instead of being passive learners, students needed to become more active in order to be successful. The two main active methods taught on the course were the PQRST method that aims to improve reading comprehension and effective mind mapping based on the work by Tony Buzan. Students created some outstanding mind maps, and we were so pleased with these that we tweeted them to Tony Buzan himself! Impact/Feedback The course had a great impact on the aspirations, values, social hierarchies students’ methods of studying, curiosity and the IQ pay scale seemed to inspire for psychology and their motivation to and motivate most students. Overall, it succeed. Feedback highlighted that the seemed that the students finished the students enjoyed the course, picked course not only with effective study skills up new and exciting studying methods to work smarter, but also with a sense of and were keen to apply these methods determination and maturity. to their work. Many students enjoyed We plan to roll out more study skills being creative during the mind mapping courses this term so watch out year 11’s! activities and particularly found the practical memory experiment insightful. By Kirsty Russell (Assistant Furthermore, discussions around Psychologist, EdPsychs) 9 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Sixth Form

When students are invited to join Guy’s hospital attending a seminar Evelyn Grace Academy’s Sixth Form, organised by the NHS, finding out they soon realise two things: the first about the range of professional is that the demands of A Levels are career opportunities within the NHS. much greater than they anticipated Other students were completing their and that the ways of working are application forms for work experience very different and the second is that at White and Case, another leading they are suddenly afforded a wave of law firm, and others were going to significant and exciting employment King’s College, London as part of our and enrichment opportunities. Realising Opportunities programme to find out about ways to improve their Whilst the focus of working hard university applications. and developing a positive mindset is of paramount importance, we also We had students attending the Houses recognise that students need to of Parliament to learn about the students will be the first group of develop a wide range of other, perhaps Apprenticeship programme and to act students from Evelyn Grace Academy broader skills, if they are going to be as ambassadors for the programme. to take their places in university the successful leaders of tomorrow. We had students at The Voice and we are very proud of their newspaper; we had students taking achievements so far and the fact that To this end, in Key Stage 5 we work part in our mentoring programme they are in strong positions to achieve with a wide range of providers, with the Civil Service; more students their ambitions. All things being well, partners and agencies to ensure were attending a session about Sports we should be sending students to that all of our young people are fully Degrees at Wembley Stadium and some of the most prestigious and equipped with the grades and skills others were considering taking part in competitive universities in the country. required to be successful. Listing a sailing programme over the summer everything we do would take far too This time next year, we at EGA holidays. long, instead here is a taste of the will be able to say with pride that activities that have taken place this All this and mock exams, too! students who attended EGA are now week. studying Law at Liverpool, Mechanical It should be remembered that the Engineering at Manchester, and Whilst some of our students were reason we encourage our students Psychology at Southampton! attending an assessment day at Allen to take part in these activities is to and Overy, a leading global law firm, give them an edge when it comes to another group of students were at university applications. Our Year 13

Madrid Trip Year 11 and Year 13 language students visited Madrid in Spain over the February half term and had a fantastic time. The students stayed in a hotel in the very centre of Madrid where they were able to experience the Spanish culture, food, architecture and language. The students attended a language school where they practiced their Spanish speaking and they also Ventas’ bullfighting ring and a visit to visited the famous sites of Madrid – a tapas restaurant. Winessia in Year such as El Sol square, the palace and 11 commented that “it is was a really the main shopping street. Students useful trip where she was able to see took advantage of some of the famous all the learning she had done in context Spanish shopping at stores such as and boost her confidence ahead of ‘El Corte Inglés’ and visited different the upcoming exams”. Look out for cafés and restaurants. Highlights the next visit from the languages of the trip included a tour of ‘Las department! 10 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Lambeth Model UN 2016

Always an exciting occasion the Model The Year 8 students; Farooq Arif, who performed brilliantly tackling UN seeks to recreate that incredible Shakkye Belcher, Princess Burnett topics that most adults would institution out in New York in the Manning, Khalida Hamidi, Jason tremble at. smaller, more humble setting of a Ndunda, Nii Tettey, and Anaelle Zoh Long may the Lambeth Model UN school. This year and celebrating were primed and ready to represent continue to inspire and challenge the 10th anniversary of the event in their countries of Bangladesh, Ukraine young people to engage with politics Lambeth, Evelyn Grace Academy had and the mighty USA. The day was a and become the engines of change. the honour and privilege of recreating whirlwind of debates, lobbying and the UN for students to show off their amendments that buzzed and crackled negotiating skills and political power with energy. If the pressure wasn’t play. already at fever pitch for the students trying to get the best outcomes for Prior to the main event, two days their countries the whole event was of workshops needed to be run so being filmed. As the day drew to a that the students could understand close the big winners looked to be the workings and procedures of the China but as Mahatma Gandhi states: UN, from currying favour from other “You must be the change you want to delegates to writing amendments see in the world.” to propose to committees. An atmosphere of diplomacy ran through A big thank you must be mentioned to the school and a sense of anticipation all staff and support staff who made was building for the big day! the day so special and to the students

Art In conjunction with The Jack Petchey The students will be attending four Foundation a select group of our Year workshops between February & 9 students are working on a project June, and by the end, students will together with the ‘South London showcase a full exhibition of their Gallery’. The students are working work within the ‘South London with a contemporary artist called, Gallery’. The exhibition will be based Rose Cronin, see on exploring words and art, using a www.rosemarycronin.co.uk for range of medium including collage, more information on the Artist, who performance and sound. Four has worked with some of the most other schools, including ours are prestigious art galleries in Europe participating as well - Ark All Saints, including the ‘Tate Modern’, ‘Tate Harris Academy at Peckham, Harris Britain’, and ‘Centre Pompidou’ in Girls Academy East Dulwich, and Paris are just a few places this artist Tuke School. has worked. 11 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Drama At the start of the spring term the funded Year on the course. We are Drama department were approached very pleased to announce that three by an established part time Acting of our EGA Drama Students applied for School based in Dulwich. They were a place on the James Allen’s Saturday looking for Boys from Key Stage 4 who Performing Arts (JASSPA) course, showed a keen interest and passion for and all three were rewarded with the Acting. There were only 10 Scholarship scholarship after successfully passing places available which would entitle through a rigorously competitive each successful candidate to a fully audition process. Congratulations We would like to congratulate Thierry Sashin, and Thierry did their first production of “Parallel Macbeth” at Tomas (Year 11), Sashin Rowe (Year 11), professional showcase on Saturday the the prestigious Young Vic Theatre. and Yusuf Mahamud (Year 10). They 4th of March 2016 in a state of the art We are also very excited to know that have shown Resilience, Confidence, theatre at James Allen’s Girls School. the Young Vic would like to work with and Determination by expressing how It was a sell-out performance in which Thierry again, and will be seeing him gifted, and talented they really are. they both did a phenomenal job along- for future projects. side a brilliant cast of highly Advanced All three young men mentioned above Actors. The director has been singing were given an opportunity, and did not their praises saying how “they are a hesitate to go for what they wanted credit to the academy, very talented to achieve. Due to the belief in their young men, and a pleasure to work capabilities, and their positive attitude with.” Yusuf’s performance with the to learning, they are all individually Drama School will be in May, the date is starting to reap the fruits of their yet to be confirmed. labour. They are not just a credit to Thierry Tomas is no stranger to the members of the Drama Department, professional stage, having recently their community, and their peers, but completed his first accredited Theatre they are a credit to the standards and production in January 2016 in which quality of excellence that we represent Thierry played the Leading Role here at Evelyn Grace Academy. of Macbeth in the Shakespearean

Year 11 Drama The Drama department has been busy preparing Year 11 students for their Unit 3 performance exam which will take place on Wednesday 23rd March 2016. Students will be performing an adaptation of Mark Wheeller’s play ‘Too Much Punch for Judy’, verbatim theatre that poses questions about the topic of drink driving. Students have been working on their performances for a few months now and have had lots of opportunity to develop their acting skills under the guidance of Mrs Bingham, Mr Kemp and Mr Tomlin. 12 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Music This term, EGA musicians have taken opportunities opened up to them part in a series of fabulous music and this term! music industry projects and events! Ark Central Ensemble members SPARK Choir Thank you to all of our students for continue to attend Saturday their support of music initiatives, and rehearsals, in preparation for this Members to our Music Scholars from years 7 – year’s Ark Gala, to be held on Tuesday 13, for their engagement in all of the 12th July 2016 at the Barbican. Tioluwani Ajao Sarah Parke Hannah Owusu-Mamphey Ark Sing Into Spring Deno Mebrathu Diogo Cabral EGA’s One Voice Choir, SPARK Choir, Our Music Scholars were given the Leila Dosso and Ignite Choir members attended opportunity to attend this year’s Lorena Gutierrez this year’s Sing Into Spring event at Animate Orchestra Taster Session. Ashlea Kent Stratford Circus in February. Hosted at Evelyn Grace Academy, this This was the culmination of the hard fabulous event run by Trinity Laban work of all of the excellent vocalists Conservatoire of Music and Dance, from across the network, showcasing provided a creative composition and songs learnt in their individual choirs, performance opportunity for EGA’s Ignite Choir and at the Saturday music programme Music Scholar’s, as they worked run by the Ark Music Team. Well done alongside young people from the Members to all who participated! boroughs of Lambeth, Royal Greenwich Anaelle Zoh and Lewisham. Mercedes Neckles Our visitors commented on the Deno Mebrathu warm welcome that they received from EGA students and were highly impressed by the level of musicianship and eloquence demonstrated by Fusion participants. Well done to all who were involved and thank you for making such Ensemble Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Members Mya-Marie Beckles – Violin Music and Dance Shakespeare Nafisa Arif – Violin Deavion Edwards – Tenor saxophone Hugo Williams – Alto saxophone Themed String Orchestra Concert Emma Ryan - Trumpet

EGA violin students were accompanied a great opportunity for our students by Mr Stewart (Performing Arts in years 7 – 10 to engage with texts Technician) and Ms Nelson (Teacher of that they are currently, or soon will Violin), to St. Alfege Church, Greenwich be studying in their English lessons! to hear works by Locke, Montague, Students had a wonderful time hearing Faure, Walton and Vaughan Williams. the words of Shakespeare bought to The Shakespeare themed concert was life, in sound! 13 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Aspirations Programme Field Trips

This term, year 10 Btec Music students attended a music industry based workshop at the world-renowned Ministry of Sound. Students had a tour of the nightclub venue, in preparation for their forthcoming examination on the Music Industry and were privileged to meet members of label staff including the A&R Manager, Online Distribution Team and the Marketing Team. Thanks to our partners, Cre8ing Vision for another amazing industry experience. Lambeth Music Festival Aspirations This is truly a year of firsts for EGA’s Music Department, and attending Programme the Lambeth Music Festival was no exception! Students from our Pfive band performed two tracks from their Workshops set list: ‘Hold My Hand’; and a favourite We continued our annual workshop from this year, ‘Shake it Off’. series with Cre8ing Vision this We were so proud of our KS3 and KS4 term, with students experiencing performers and want to say a huge workshops on the theme of the ‘thank you’ to all of the students for Breakthrough Artist, Lyrical their commitment and dedication Content, and Production. throughout the year, to date. Guest speakers included The Age of Luna, Kojey Radical and Cadet. The sessions were positive and engaging and a great opportunity for our learners to plan ways in which they might work in the industry in the not too distant future. 14 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

SDC – Student Development Centre This Academic year we have seen the The SDC runs a slightly different day, opening of the Student Development starting at 9am and finishing at 3pm Centre where students are given the with Lunchtime being from 11.30am – opportunity away from mainstream 12pm. When a student has completed school to take time to reflect on some their allocated days in the SDC they their less positive actions. then remain on report to Mr Webb who monitors students’ progress and Run by Mr Webb, the SDC is a place behaviour during different lessons in where students can catch up work that the Academy day. they may have missed, however it is also a place where one-to-one sessions Students who have been successful in can be held and students can learn about the SDC so far are: Antonio Delgado following directions and boundaries set Y7, Brandon McNeil Y8, Lelia Dosso within the Academy. Y10 and Sharnice Gray Y11. Punctuality Initiative In an effort to reduce the number of to tackle the ‘usual late suspects’. students for two weeks after which students being late to school, Evelyn This is done on a random day each they are checked for any signs of Grace Academy have been working week and Targeted students have improvement. Any student that does with the Lambeth Education Welfare also been given a ‘Punctuality not improve their punctuality will Officer and compiling a weekly Report’ and a list is circulated to all automatically receive a Saturday gate check in the morning in order Form Tutors. Reports are given to detention. Sport Fulham FC

This term Miss Bridges has been taking So far the girls have played 11 a group of girls every Wednesday to matches against tough opponents Ferndale Community Sports Centre such as Oasis Academy, Platanos to compete in a Lambeth Schools College and Norwood School. Girls’ Football League. The league is Evelyn Grace Academy is currently in partnership with the St Matthews 5th in the league with two more Project – a charity which provides matches to play. football coaching for the local community. Students from EGA who have been regularly attending the weekly matches are; Vicky Sann (Year 10), Mafalda Macarico (Year 9), Emmanuella Sarpong (Year 9), Rhia Daly (Year 9), Serena Newman (Year 9), Sade Murray (Year 7) and Elizandra Marques (Year 7). As well as Sabrina Modlamootoo in Year 10 who has also been volunteering after the matches to help assist with a community coaching session to make up her Duke of Edinburgh volunteering hours. 15 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Junior Football Oranisers Course Over two weeks thirty Year 9 students Events, and Respect, Promoting the completed the Junior Football Game & Developing the game. Leaders Course in association The students involved are: with the Football Association and Sofia Antunes, Mohamed Hassan, Fulham Football Club. The aim of the Hassan Emmanuel, Marjorie Landeta- course is to provide learners with Villagomez, Serena Newman, an introduction to Leadership skills Emmanuella Sarpong, Malachi that may be used within the game Brown, Joshua Goode, Victor Pena and beyond. In the first instance the Cuevas, Zakariya Muhammed, Jacob young leaders should be supported Patterson, Tyreak Roberts, Nordin by more experienced qualified people Abu-Serrieh, Marley Dos Santos, within the game to support their Asher Pottinger, Emmanuel Sarpong, Salome Cook, Moncef Elmarzak, development. Adiana Fessahaye, Corey Harvey, This course provides an introduction Emmanuel Hassan, Oluwamayowa to leadership skills required when Akinsola, Shanay Clarke, Rhia Daly, involved in football. These include: Mafalda Macarico, Grant Sesay, Assisting Football Activity Sessions, Abel Mulugeta, Emmanuel Olaniyan, Donnell Squire-Wallace An introduction to refereeing, Helping and Kashae Wright-Bailey with a Team & Different Football

Rugby Rugby has really taken off this academic year. The Year 7s and Year 9s in particular have shown great enthusiasm which has resulted in us playing our first ever games on the 3G against ARK All Saints. Rugby has taken off in part due to the Rugby World Cup and in part due to the organisation and links with the RFU which has meant our students benefit from high class coaching. A number of students have been training with Old Alleynians in Dulwich which hopefully will really develop their playing careers. A Level 1 Coaching Certificate in Football

Five Year 11 students took one step further into the world of Football Coaching. Blessed Ikombo, Paulo Cabral, Paulo Aurora, Thomas Craig and Donell Trowers all successfully completed their FA level 1 in Football (including a safeguarding certificate & First Aid). These five boys along with Kieron Power Daly have also been referred to the FFC Kicks Development Club. 16 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

FLOW Dance Crew

On Monday 29th March 2016, I took 9, year 7-10, to compete in the big dance off annual competition London Heat. The competition was so tough. Schools from across London competed in two categories, KS3 and KS4. There were a total of forty groups! It was an amazing competition. Our students saw many different types of dance ranging from contemporary which focused on hard hitting issues such as human trafficking and homelessness to a Tarzan themed lyrical dance. It was a great experience for them. Unfortunately, we didn’t earn a place in The Flow Dance Crew: Brandon Walker, Jevoune Patrick, Bethanie Gbocho, Oliwia the Finals but they showed some great Kozorys, Sabhannah Anderson, Remmel Oduro Sanniez, Brenda Cinotti, Shanique effort and desire along with some White and Rakeem Glenville wonderful sportsmanship. The Place

In the Spring Term, Year 9 Girls Both classes worked with two interested in taking dance to a higher had the opportunity to work with a separate artists and a live musician. level; Bethanie Gbocho, Oliwia Kozorys, professional dance company, The They were FANTASTIC and showed Emmanuella Sarpong, Michaela Bailey, Place, based in King’s Cross. They some true commitment and talent. Aisha Martin and Serene Newman. specialise in training children from We took a trip to the dance centre in From these classes, the leaders of ages 11- 18 year olds from across the Kings’ Cross and had our own private the programme came in to scout UK. The Place’s Centre for Advanced tour of the classes. They watched a future participants for the upcoming Training (CAT) is programme for those contemporary and ballet class. They cohort. It was brilliant to see that who display exceptional potential and all came out excited and also found many of our girls were interested in passion for dance. So they do not out that their audition is on 31st March the programme and impressed our necessarily have had professional 2016. So GOOD LUCK girls!!! guests. Six year 9’s were particular training before applying for a place.

17 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Reward Scheme for Athletics

The competition was tough this Women in Sport year. All the schools brought it to The competition was tough this each game. Unfortunately our girls year. All the schools brought it to have not won a match this season, each game. Unfortunately our girls however their commitment and have not won a match this season, integrity were amazing. Although, however their commitment and they’ve lost- they never gave up! integrity were amazing. Although, So well done girls. Hoping they all they’ve lost- they never gave up! So take up GCSE PE as they are all well done girls. Hoping they all take talented. up GCSE PE as they are all talented. Athletics has been very strong so far this year at Evelyn Grace Athletics has been very strong so far Academy. Josh Swaray has been this year at Evelyn Grace Academy. working with the students who Josh Swaray has been working have shown exceptional desire to with the students who have shown improve. Three particularly strong exceptional desire to improve. Three athletes have been Princess particularly strong athletes have Burnett (pictured), Ashlea Kent been Princess Burnett (pictured), and Mosurat Sadiku who have all Ashlea Kent and Mosurat Sadiku who performed to a very high standard have all performed to a very high at local athletics clubs. standard at local athletics clubs. Year 7 Netball Year 7 netballers will be going to PGL in a tournament with other schools from Boreatton Park for the weekend in May across the country and also taking part as a reward for all of their success and in all kinds of fun PGL activities such as hard work this year! They will be playing Abseiling and Zip wire!

Year 7 Netball A Team Result Score Opponents Won 5-3 St Martins

Won 4-2 Bishop Thomas Grant

Won 9-2 Lambeth Academy

Won 10-1 Norwood

Won 6-2 Platanos College

Year 7 Netball B Team Result Score Opponents From left to right (Top): Russeante Won 5-1 St Cecilias Antonio, Tyresha Parish, Tenaya Mendez Thomas, Samia Kamara, Ashanti Adelise, Sade Murray, and Won 8-3 Bishop Thomas Grant Brenda Cinotti (Bottom): Tiana Jackson, Shanice Sloely, Brittany Williams, Tayah Myers 18 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Year 8-9 Netball The Year 8 girls have done very well this term. They have won 2 games on clean sheets. They have improved a lot since Year 7 and they should be proud! The girls came 5th in the Lambeth League! Woman of the season; Khalida Hamidi Top left: Lorena Guitterez, Annyana Bellio, Shianne Willaims, Michaela Bailey, Adiana Fessahaye, Emmanuella Sarpong Bottome Left: Serena Newman, Bethanie Gbocho, Majorie Landeta-Villagomez, Jermiah Wiles

Year 7 Boys Result Score Opponents Lost 4-10 Platanos Lost 6-13 Platanos Lost 5-2 Pimlico Won 3-4 Lampton Lost 9-5 Pimlico Lost 11-6 Lampton Won 20-16 Barnhill (1/4 finals) Won 16-13 St Bonaventures (Semi finals) Under 15 boys Result Score Opponents Won 76-41 Harefield Under 12 Girls Academy Lost 53-75 Greig City Result Score Opponents Won 55-44 Greig City Won 61-51 Lampton Lost 4-14 Platanos Lost 44-57 Bishop Thomas Won 14-4 Heston Under 16 boys Won 8-4 St Gabriels Result Score Opponents Won 49-47 Chelsea Academy (1/4 finals) Lost 55-61 Quinton Kynaston Under 18 boys (Semi finals) Result Score Opponents Won 66-41 Battersea Harris 19 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Football IKS3 Girls football have so far been a massive 8-0! But unfortunately very successful: knocked out losing 2-1 to Kinsgdale in Ark all Saints – Won 3-1 the semi-final. Lilian Baylis - Won 5-1 They have a match next week against Platanos college – let’s hope for another win! Girls U16’s Inner London Cup made it through to semi-final beating Norwood School 6-1 and then Sacred Heart

The team has been captained by Kamal Deriggs. Outstanding performers this season have been Joshua Anifowose in midfield with 7 goals and attacker Isaac Zumbu has been lethal in front of goal with 12 so far this season.

Result Score Opponents

Won 3-0 Ernest Bevin

Lost 3-1 Platanos College

Lost 5-6 Sacred Heart

Won 5-3 Nowhere Hill

Won 7-2 Norwood The Year 7 Boys’ Team under Mr Augustus and Mr Hanson have had a fantastic start to the year. Won 7-1 City Heights

The team has been captained by centre back Jason Ndunda. Star performers this season have been dominant centre midfielder Zubayar Boadi as well as top scorer Abdul Abdulmalik. On the wing Nicholas Dos Santos has been impressive and helped the team to victories. The team are still progressing well in the South London Cup and are looking forward to a fixture against Harris Academy Battersea in the coming weeks. Result Score Opponents

Won 5-0 London Nautical Won 14-2 Ark All Saints Won 5-2 Mossbourne Academy Won 12-0 Liliian Baylis Won 7-1 Elm Green Lost 7-4 Haberdashers Askes Hatcham Won 10-4 Globe Academy The Year 8 team have also been dominant in their fixtures so far. Managed by Mr Wingate, of the 6 games played so far they have won 5 and lost one. Won 14-0 Lambeth 20 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Football The Year 9 team are developing under Mr O Flynn this season and after two Result Score Opponents early defeats they recently won their first game. Top scorer Won 8-3 Elm Green this season Mayoa Lost 2-1 Ernest Bevin Akinsola with Lost 4-2 Bishop Thomas Captain Emmanuel Grant Sarpong also consistently Won 4-2 Platinos College performing in Won 2-1 Dunraven his role in centre midfield. Won 9-0 City Heights

The Year 10 team entered the season on a high after winning the South London Cup last year. The side, managed by Mr Aliowe, have recorded victories in the Inner London cup against Cardinal Pole and St Marys but lost a narrow penalty shoot out against Norwood School in the South London competition. Ibraheem Benmeriem has been a good influence on the side in midfield as well as Daniel Velosa performing consistently well in goal throughout the games so far. Result Score Opponents

Won 4-2 Cardinal pole Won 4-1 St Marys Draw 2-2 Norwood School Lost 8-9 on pens

Key performers this year have been Donnel Trowers and Blessed Wanga- Iknombo who have added a physical presence to the side. The team have also been helped along by the finesse of Keron Power-Daley who has added trickery to the side. The Year 11 team, managed by Mr Anti have looked to perform as they did in 2014/15 when they won the Inner London Cup but the hard work by the team in their GCSEs has meant fewer games have been played this season. Result Score Opponents

Won 4-2 Riddlestown Lost 3-1 Hammersmith Academy Draw 2-2 Bacon’s College Won on pens Won 4-2 Walworth Won 4-3 Charter (QF of South London Cup) 21 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Information and Dates

At Evelyn Grace Academy we place you and your child play a big part in your child a valuable life skill which will great importance on attendance and this. By ensuring your child attends stand them in good stead throughout punctuality and understand that both on time every day you are teaching their lives.

WE WILL Genuine illness (not a minor ailment) but please CONSIDER provide proof where possible Short term emergency AUTHORISING Bereavement ABSENCES Emergency dental or doctor’s appointment (please try and make appointments outside of school FOR THE hours and always provide evidence of appointment) Hospital treatment FOLLOWING (again always provide evidence of this to school) REASONS: Certain days for religious observation

THE Shopping FOLLOWING (which includes shopping for uniform and shoes) Hair cuts TYPES OF Truancy ABSENCE Birthday treats, days out, airports visits or trips WILL NOT BE Looking after siblings or family member Illness at the start or end of a term AUTHORISED: (unless proof is provided) Non-urgent medical or dental appointments Oversleeping or “not realising” school was open Please remember Please remember school starts at Please note that all unauthorised 8.30am and the register closes shortly absences are investigated and Don’t after this time. If your child arrives passed to the School Attendance after the register closes this will be Officer. Where there are excessive recorded as unauthorised absence unauthorised absences, the school may forget! from the morning register. decide to issue a Penalty Notice. 22 | The Evelyn Grace News - April 2016

Key Dates Attendance All students return 12th April 2016 and Punctuality 6th Form Parents Evening 14th April 2016 Please note that the Education Act 1996 states that “If any child of compulsory school age who is a Year 11 Parents Evening 28th April 2016 registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his/ her parent is guilty of an offence.” May Day Holiday 2nd May 2016 Important changes to holidays in term time Parents do not have an automatic right to take children Year 9 Parents Evening 19th May 2016 out of school for holidays and this is discouraged. Since September 2013 schools are not allowed to PTA meeting 25th May 2016 authorise any holidays taken by families in term time unless there are exceptional reasons for doing Year 8 Parents Evening 26th May 2016 so and proof is provided of these circumstances. Any holidays taken will be subject to follow up by the Term ends 27th May 2016 School Attendance Officer and Lambeth Council and the possibility of Penalty Notices being issued to Spring Bank Holiday 30th May 2016 each parent/carer.

All students return 6th June 2016

Year 7 Parents Evening 16th June 2016

Staff INSET Day 24th June 2016

PTA meeting 6th July 2016

Term ends 18th July 2016 What you need to do You must always notify the school If you leave a message please If you have any questions or concerns before 8.30am if your child is absent speak clearly stating your child’s please contact Ms Morris, our by calling the Academy number full name, Year Group and the attendance officer who will be able 020 7737 9520 and selecting reason for the absence. to clarify any points. Option 1 for Attendance.

ADDRESS 255 Shakespeare Road, London, SE24 0QN EMAIL [email protected] PHONE +44 (0)20 7737 9520 TWITTER @ARKEvelynGrace