GSAS Newsletter March 2017

March 2017 Issue #152

Word on the Street The Newsletter of Green Spring Academy SHOREDITCH and Sixth Form

Celebrating Difference Week

6th-10th March 2017 marked the 4th year of our annual Celebrating Difference Week. This year we focussed on ‘unseen difference’. Staff and students worked together to learn about hidden disabilities to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing; busting myths and stigmas around this important topic. The academy welcomed guest speakers from MIND and Samaritans, who led assemblies, gave talks and ran workshops on mental health issues such as how to keep a healthy mind and where to go for help. Both were a huge success and left students feeling empowered and enlightened. The week culminated in two wonderful events. Thursday evening saw students from all year groups recognised through ‘Celebrating Difference Awards’. Celebrating remarkable acts of kindness, inspirational behaviour and contributions to our inclusion values. This years’ Outstanding Achievement Award went to Ethan Paice in year 11.

On Friday a staff fun run was in aid of the Orpheus Centre, a specialist college in Surrey that helps young disabled adults grow skills and confidence through the performing arts. Thank you everyone for your support in another fantastic Celebrating Difference Week!

MENTAL

WELLBEI NG

6th - 10th March 2017

First Give finals raise £1500 for charity For the second year running, GSAS students have been competing to win £1000 for a charity of their choice. The First Give Programme, run by the charity First Give, provides resources for student to develop presentation skills and a collaborative approach to learning, for the benefit of their community. Students are supported to research social issues and choose a charity that will receive £1000 from First Give if their group wins the competition. Groups of students devised and performed their presentations in lessons and 8 groups were selected for the final. The groups put in a huge amount of time and effort to preparing their presentations which included drama pieces, films, paintings, monologues and even a film of choreographed hands performing to a monologue.

Each group chose their own charity to benefit, including ChildLine, MIND, Crisis and Make a Wish.

First Give provided coaching and tips for the finalists, supported by Year 10 student mentors. In a competitive final, on 29th March, students made their final presentations to an audience of parents, staff, visitors and, most important of all, the judges. The winners were Salman Yasir, Ilyas Ahmed, Mohammed Dilwar Fahim Hussain, Brady McGaughran and Sultan Yussuf who won £1000 for local charity Hackney Ark. There were also two runners up who won £500 each for charities, Mind and Oxfam.

Find us online at: www.gsacademyshoreditch.org.uk

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Matt Brittin, President of Google World Book Week at GSAS (EMEA) visits GSAS

On Friday 3rd March 2017, Green Spring Academy Shoreditch was privileged to host Matt Brittin, the President of Google EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) organised by the charity Speakers for Schools. Taking time out of his busy schedule Matt came to the academy to discuss his journey from school through to an MA at Cambridge, an MBA, rowing for Team GB and how he ‘fell’ into Google’s top job.

Students were captivated by the highs and lows of having such a significant post at a global corporate superpower like Google. From the highs of attending the Olympics and being at the forefront of providing internet access to every person across the world. We thank Matt for coming in and also Speakers for Schools for organising the visit.

GSAS celebrates Pi day!

On Tuesday 14th March 2017, the academy celebrated one of the world’s best loved irrational numbers on Pi Day. The day involved students writing Pi-ems in lessons, solving number puzzles and engaging with teachers to solve a larger sequence of problems and demonstrating their memory skills by reciting the digits of Pi during break and lunch times with prizes for the best judged memory champion. Students built confidence whilst trying to solve mathematical problems.

GSAS Fundraising for East Africa

Hear all about it! Tea Time Talks

On Wednesday 22nd March GSAS’s Tea Time Talks brought us a fascinating and informative talk by Maya Wolfe-Robinson, an editor at the Guardian. With the breaking news of events in Westminster unfolding that very same day, the talk was of particular relevance as Maya talked us through how such events are documented in print journalism. She shared her experiences of working at the Guardian, her thoughts on work experience and pathways into print and broadcast journalism, as well as the value of transferable skills. We had a ‘full house’ of students who asked brilliant questions on topics ranging from subject choices to echo chambers, and were eager to get personal advice at the end. It was wonderful to see our students leaving so motivated at the end of the day! Thank you to Maya and to all those who supported and attended.

Fair Trade Friday Pop-Up Shop Four Year 9 students came up with a novel fundraising idea for East Africa.The students came up with the first GSAS ‘Trainer Day’, which took place on Thursday 30th March .The event was in aid of UNICEF who work for children in East Africa every day. The campaign involved students donating £1 towards this worthwhile cause. They also baked over 100 cakes amongst themselves and ran a cake stall. All the cakes sold out in record time.The whole event raised over £600 which is a fantastic achievement.

Find us online at: www.gsacademyshoreditch.org.uk

On Friday 10th March 2017 the Fair Trade Pop-Up Shop was in full swing in aid of the Samaritans. An array of baked treats including chocolate muffins, delicious banana bread and pineapple upside down slices, was served up by Miss Howe’s amazing Year 9 student bakers. As usual, students were incredible demonstrating their passion for social action. Over £100 was raised for the cause.

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