The Last Word

I am Victoria and I started the first Covid-19 community raffle - #SaveEastDulwich - to support local independent businesses during the pandemic.

How long have you lived in the area?

I have lived in East Dulwich for just over 3 years.

What brought you here?

I used to live elsewhere in South London but when I first came to East Dulwich, I fell in love with the village feel of it, with the green space and independent shops and cafes and the sense of community. It has the best bits of London whilst still feeling like its own little area that’s outside the hustle and bustle of the city.

What has changed most during that time?

It has retained its independent charm and embraced the idea of local shops, restaurants, bakeries etc., even more, which is what makes the area so wonderful. The onset of the pandemic has put a lot of that under threat and has been heartbreaking to see, and is what brought about my idea of creating a community raffle in the first place.

What do you most value about the area?

It’s a stone’s throw from Goose Green, the EDT, cafes and shops and spas and all the wonderful places I like to visit. It has lovely period houses and wonderful old architecture like Dulwich Leisure Centre and is such a friendly place to live in.

What one thing would you change?

I’d pick up Dulwich Park and bring it a mile closer!

The one thing you couldn’t do without?

The houmous from Organic Village!

The most famous person you’ve met?

We’ve seen Richard Ayoade many times on Goose Green, and ambushed the BBC’s John Pienaar to get him to promote the SaveEastDulwich Raffle on Twitter!

Do you belong to any groups?

I’m a member of GoodGym Southwark which is a charity organisation that combines running with volunteering and a befriending scheme for vulnerable elderly residents. I’m also a member of High Vibe who run the most uplifting exercise classes in East Dulwich and the studio has a brilliant family feel. We call ourselves the High Vibe tribe!

Describe your perfect weekend

A spinning class at Crank followed by brunch at Spinach. A mooch up North Cross Road market and Lordship Lane, and Saturday night takeaway from Banh Banh or Dulwich Tandoori. A Sunday morning stroll up to Dulwich Park, make a lovely lunch with ingredients from Moxons and Franklins Farm Shop, and then a film at Dulwich Picturehouse followed by a few drinks at EDT. Doesn’t get better than that!

Your favourite place for a night out?

House of Tippler does superb cocktails and music, or the Bishop does a brilliant pub quiz with the best quizmaster in London!

What is your favourite place to eat?

Yama Momo.

The best kept secret…

The Middle Eastern deli counter in the depths of Organic Village! Can’t believe I spent a whole year in ED without realising it was there...

Where’s your favourite place to walk?

Through the residential streets of up to Dulwich Park

What is your favourite shop?

Mac & Miller on North Cross Road

My secret ambition…

is to open a South American street food restaurant on Lordship Lane, inspired by some of the food that I came across on my travels across the continent. My husband and I tried so many incredible dishes that we’d never even heard of, and I’d love to share them with the world. Sadly, I fear my cooking expertise needs a bit of work first!

Preparing for Sixth Form

Lockdown Tips for the Top Prendergast Sixth Form is an outstanding mixed sixth form located on Hilly Fields in Lewisham. As Year 11 students have completed their GCSE courses earlier than expected, students have found themselves with some extra time on their hands. Prendergast Sixth Form is using this period to help prepare prospective students for post16 study so that they can make a strong and competitive start once they begin their A Level and BTEC courses. Simon Conway, head of sixth form stated, “This is an excellent time for students to fully prepare for the rigors of post-16 study. The increased difficulty of A Level and BTEC courses can be challenging and we want to ensure that all of our students joining us in September have the skills necessary to excel in their subjects from day one of Year 12.” The Sixth Form have created a programme of transition work for all subjects that is released to students every two weeks to ensure they are consistently preparing themselves for September. This has been extremely well received by parents and students eager to develop the skills they will need when they start their courses. All transition work can be found on the Prendergast Sixth Form website under the heading ‘Y11 Transition Work’.

However, transition work isn’t the only way students can prepare themselves for sixth form study. Simon Conway continued to say, “Success at post-16 begins with a broad understanding and deep passion for subjects. We are encouraging all of our prospective students to widen their understanding of their chosen subjects through exploring free online courses on www.futurlearn. com, exploring online articles and watching documentaries or TED talks on their areas of interest.” This is a challenging time for many, but Prendergast Sixth Form is supporting students to use this time as productively as possible so that all those that join in September can make a head start in the next stage of their education

If you would like to find out more about Prendergast Sixth Form and how students can prepare further for Year 12, or would like any information about how to apply please email: 6thforminfo@prendergast-school.com