The St Marylebone CE School Specialisms Newsletter Spring 2011

The BBC News School Report project is well under way. We are very excited about the stories we
have been selected to research, and the feedback from the BBC about the ideas is very positive.
We have had two visits from BBC staff to support our news reporting. They have given us a good
insight into the world of journalism and some very useful advice. Belinda Nimo was among our
visitors, she is an ex-student of St Marylebone.
The School Report groups have conducted a number of interviews including with David Ruse
(Westminster’s Director of Libraries) concerning the closure of local libraries and Lynsey Ford a
press officer for London Zoo to find the Zoo’s response to the stopping of free tickets for schools
for entry to the Zoo.
Another interesting story picked up by the students is the reduction in
Music education. So far an interview has taken place with Helienne
Lindvall a professional writer and musician. We are in the process of
organising another interview with Toby Perkins, the shadow minister for
children and families.
We are also reporting on the introduction of the English Baccalaureate,
looking at the effects it will have on future students and their education.
The students involved have been very fortunate and have organised an
interview with Michael Gove - what a fantastic news scoop.
Be ready to view our news (through the BBC or school website) which will go live in the afternoon
of March 24th.
The filming for the Mercer’s Video Project (working with Queen Elizabeth II, Queens Park’s Primary
and Barrow Hill School) is now well underway. Previously the teachers and students involved have
taken part in camera workshops as preparation. Once the filming schedule is completed we will be
working with the schools to edit their work. The showcase afternoon is booked for 9 th June in the
school theatre. ICT scholars are working with the ICT teachers in the external schools to enhance the
experience for the students.
This year’s Safer Internet Day was held on 8 th February. In that week Year
7 students had a lesson informing them on how to stay safe online and
whilst using other mobile technology. A competition was also held for Key
Stage 3: the winner was Phoebe Millard (7D) and the runners-up were
Year 7 students.
During the half-term the ICT department ran catch up classes for the GCSE and A-Level students.
The purpose of these sessions was to provide additional support to the students who had missed
lessons and were behind with their coursework. We received tremendous support from parents who
ensured that their children attended. These sessions were a great success as students regained
their confidence in their coursework and used the time wisely to catch up with their work. This was
also an excellent opportunity to provide one to one support.