Students from Years 7, 9, 11 and 13 have been researching and reporting new school building designs for the planned rebuild of The Sydney Russell School. Under the government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, all state schools are to be reviewed and redeveloped in the next 20 years. The Sydney Russell School will be one of the first to be rebuilt under this scheme.

The Sorrell Foundation, based at Somerset House on the Embankment, aims to work with school students across England and Wales in the design and planning of the school buildings they learn and work in. To this end, our students have been gathering information, visiting landmark buildings along the South Bank of the Thames and speaking to “The Green Team” and Student Council meetings at Sydney Russell, to discover what our pupils would like to see incorporated into the draft plans for our renewed school. An on-line survey, placed on the school bulletin has also been used to further their research, along with a chance for support staff to answer questions about their ideas.

One of the most exciting events to have taken place under this scheme has been the “workshop day” at the Westbury Centre in Barking. Our group was given the chance to build architectural models and hear about the rebuilding and planning of other schools in the borough.

This project will be completed by the end of the Autumn term when a return visit is made to Somerset House to present our findings. The Head teacher, Mr. Leighton, will receive a presentation portfolio which will be passed to our architects when they plan our redeveloped school.

Liandra Diaz of Year 11 has been working particularly hard in carrying out on-line research for this project, ”It has been an eye-opening experience for all of us who have taken part” she said. David Makuni, also from Year 11, added that “We have discovered there are so many issues to be considered when developing a large school like ours”

There will be a chance for all members of the school community to view our Student Voice findings and proposals  later in the spring term. In the meantime, our consultation group will be rewarded for their efforts with a chance to use the picturesque skating rink, set-up in the courtyard of Somerset House, once they finish their presentation to the Sorrell Foundation.

Mr. Sullivan, Director of Student Development

As part of Year 11 Extended Curriculum some of our students took part in a four week course funded by LEGI.  Our Year 11 students gained confidence and new skills whilst setting up their own business.  They all took on individual roles such as marketing and quality control. They then sold the jewellery that they made on a Market Stall for £190.00, splitting their earning between them.  A great time was had by all. 

Mrs Cowen

Building a new Sydney Russell School

www.sydney-r.net

Year 11 Extended

Curriculum Activity

With the holiday fast approaching you may be interested in a new website that lists over 10,000 things to do and places to go with children around the UK. Launched earlier this year, www.IdeasForTheKids.co.uk  is free to use, is aimed at parents and families (rather than the children themselves) and its goal is to provide easy access to comprehensive, impartial information on child friendly places around the country.

A very simple search function allows users to find places by name, geography, postcode or type of attraction. You can even look to see what other attractions are near by and how other users rated the place.

Holiday Ideas for Kids