Aspire to Achieve Visit to St John’s College, Cambridge

I n a bid to expose our students to people, places and experiences that broaden their horizons, raise their aspirations and

increase their expectations, Mr Steele led a group of KS3 students on a trip to St John’s College, Cambridge in January.

Founded in 1511 it is one 31 colleges that make up Cambridge University.

St John’s College campus boasts

beautiful architecture from the 16th

century to modern 20th century

buildings and is set amongst lovely,

expansive grounds on the river Cam,

over which the colleges iconic Bridge of

Sighs lies. Visiting a historic site such as

this is awe inspiring .

During the course of the day the

students learned about university life,

the benefits of a university education

and undertook academic research into

the abolition of slavery in the colleges

impressive library, where they

investigated rare original documents

from the time of slavery, some written

by the leading abolitionists of the time,

William Wilberforce and Thomas

Clarkson, who were both students at St John’s.

In a contrast to the setting and activities of the day, the university student guides met by our students were just like

themselves: from diverse backgrounds (African-Caribbean, English, Asian-American), had grown up in areas just like

ours, had attended schools just like our own (one of the five student guides came from Lambeth and had attended our

sixth form for one of her SL6 A level courses) and were at Cambridge reading subjects such as engineering, English and

medicine.

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Friday 8 February 2019

contd/………

Aspire to Achieve Visit to St John’s College, Cambridge...

It was especially great that our students got this insight at an age when they may not otherwise be thinking so far

ahead about their education and careers. Meeting successful Cambridge University students, who were so like

themselves, helped our students to easily picture themselves arriving at a university like Cambridge, after a

successful secondary school education, to begin their own higher education.

The seeds of an idea, cannot grow unless they are first planted and then nurtured by the light, air and water of

relevant, growth-inducing experiences. Our wonderful students reflect briefly on the seeds of thought that the trip

planted in their minds:

Shiloh, Year 7, “Before the trip I thought that university was just more

education but now it has completely changed my mind.“

Phoenix, Year 7, “it made me consider go ing to Cambridge to study law

because I think I would enjoy it but I will go to a different college.“

Raekwon, Year 7, “It made me think

about my future and choices in my life

that will affect it.“

Kennock, Year 7, “ The trip to

Cambridge really helped me because

now I am inspired to push myself to

Cambridge and to Reaiah, year 8,“Now

I have been thinking about what I could

do to go there and I want to work

harder. “

Renay, Year 8, “I enjoyed Cambridge because o f how d ifferent it is from other

places.“

Iris, Year 9, “ it was an amazing experience as it really gave us an insight into

university life and the advantages of going. It inspired me to aim high no matter

whether I go to university or not.”

Harvey, Year 9, “on the trip we experienced many d ifferent cultures ranging from Brixton to a person who came

from America”.

Dates for your Diary

Holiday—Monday 18 February 2019 to Friday 22 February 2019

Holiday— Monday 8 April 2019 to Monday 22 April 2019

Date Time Activity Who should attend?

Thursday 14 March 7.00pm – 8.30pm Parents and Carers’ Council All Families

Tuesday 19 March 8.45am – 9.45 am Tea, Toast and Tours All Families

Thursday 21 March 6.00pm – 8.00pm International Festival All Families

Wednesday 27 March 6.30pm Full Governing Body Meeting Governors

Thursday 28 March 4.30pm – 7.00pm Year 11 Parents Evening Year 11 Families

Wednesday 3 April All Day Year 9 Skills Bureau

(PPF/Volunteers)

Year 9 Students

International Women’s Day 2019!

O n Friday 8 March, The Elmgreen School will be

celebrating International Women’s Day 2019. We have

a lot of activities and promotions leading up to the

celebration that highligt how far women have come and

what is still to be done, for women worldwide. This year’s

IWD theme is #Balance for Better.

Last year staff and some students took pictures with

placards dedicating and promoting how we will challenge

barriers around equality, stereotyping and women safety.

This year I would like to invite all staff and students to

again take the pledge with a placard. However this year we

would like everyone to have either a photo of a women that

has inspired them, be it a family member, friend, or

someone else.

We will be taking pictures next week after school. If family

or friends would like to participate, then this will take place

in the Partnership room on the Tuesday 12 February and

Wednesday 13 February at 3:30pm.

Thank you for your support with this exciting display to

promote and celebrate such a worthy cause.

The Elmgreen School celebrates LGBT History Month

The Elmgreen School believes wholeheartedly in celebrating the diverse and wonderful community in

which we have all grown up. This month we celebrate particularly the contribution of those from the

LGBT community in making this world what it is today. From Alan Turing to Oscar Wilde; Nicola

Adams to John Amaechi, we are focussing this month on people who have changed the world in some

small way.

Mr Thompson has created this beautiful installation. Rainbow laces are available to buy through

Student Council and there will be a number of activities taking place during the month.

PPF Skills Bureau

Wednesday 3 April 2019

Did you know where you’d end up working when you were at school? No? You weren’t the only one.

Many students have little idea about the huge range of careers they could follow. As parents and carers we can

help by suggesting new directions and guiding students on how to reach their goals.

The PPF is hosting the Skills Bureau at school on Wednesday 3rd April 2019

Parents and carers from all walks of life with a huge range of skills and experience will be talking to small

groups of year 9 students (age 13/14) about their work and the sort of skills needed to succeed.

Could you spare a couple of hours to help out? We need people from all areas.

You’ll be sharing your unique knowledge with lots of students - not just your own child.

We are aiming to have 10 parents representing 10 different work sectors at each session.

The sessions will run at the following times: (1) 8.45-10.45am, (2) 10.45-12.45pm, (3) 1.10 -3.10pm.

Of course you’re welcome to attend more than one session if you can spare the time!

For more information or to sign up, please contact tamsin.mcneil@sky.com or drop this form into the office.

Relaxing at lunchtime?

Name: Child’s name and year

Email address:

Job title:

Preferred session:

8.45-10.45am 10.45 – 12.45pm 1.10-3.10pm

Employers name: Phone no:

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