WHU Learning Zone Presentation Evening

The West Ham United Learning Zone held their Presentation Evenings in the Castle Suite at the West Ham United Football Club recently to celebrate the achievement of students who attended the 10-week 'Playing For Success' programme.

Over 350 pupils, parents and teachers came to represent schools from:

Primary schools
Tollgate
St Lukes
Cleves
Elmhurst

Secondary schools
Rokeby
Little Ilford
Plashet
Forest Gate

Prizes were awarded for Key Skills and Citizenship and to those who made the most Effort and Achievement.

Hammers star Dean Ashton presented the prices at the event and was interviewed by the 'PfS' graduates and the audience. The event was hosted by the student council members for the fifth term running.

Nicegroup.co.uk kindly sponsored the event and Stephen Salinger from the company presented a special Business Recognition of Achievement award to Daniel Kordorstramy, the Student Council chairman. Daniel has been involved with the Learning Zone since an early age and continues to lead the council with dedication.

Family Learning sessions have also been running during the daytime at the WHU Learning Zone, funded by Learning Community Services, part of Newham Council's Extended Services provision, and their achievements were also celebrated.

Jamie McGachy, Centre manager of the Learning Zone said: "The evening was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the achievement of the young people who have worked so hard over the last term and to give prizes to those who have shown so much commitment and effort - which is reflected in the high standard of work that was produced."

Both centres are part of a Government led initiative called 'Playing For Success'. This initiative was set up in 1997 to help improve standards of numeracy, literacy and ICT and increase pupil motivation to learn by raising self-confidence and self-esteem. It is funded by the DFES and by Learning Community Services, NewCEYS and is housed and supported by the West Ham United Football Club and the East London Gymnastics Club.

Over the past year through PfS alone, the centre has given approximately 400 Primary and Secondary Pupils from 18 different schools in Newham, 15 hours of additional learning to help improve their standards of numeracy, literacy, ICT and key skills. As well as PfS, the centre is involved in running educational programmes for schools, parents and teachers in the local community.

The centres currently offer voluntary mentors the opportunity of gaining an OCN in Mentoring Skills. Please contact Jamie McGachy on 020 8586 8063 if you would like to support young people in Newham in reaching their potential.