Inspiring Students Impress Partnership Alliance

On Wednesday 11th February the Leighton Park partnerships team were pleased to welcome Dr Joe Spence, CEO of the School Partnerships Alliance and former Master of Dulwich College. Instrumental in developing the Southwark Learning Partnership, Joe regularly visits independent and state schools to gather case studies and evidence for national policy conversations.

Discussions centred on the opportunities provided by partnerships for our students to live out the Quaker values facilitate their future readiness and personal development. Joe was encouraged to hear from our young changemakers and impressed by their eloquence. Sophie (Lower Sixth) who has helped to run the CAS Music Partnerships with Southcote and Katesgrove Primary Schools commented: “Speaking to younger students, you feel that it was not long ago that you were that age and I really enjoy being their mentor and learning these skills”. Fred (Lower Sixth) who has been involved with the delivery of the Royal Institute Maths Masterclasses, commented: “I enjoy hearing others views and understandings”. Taylor (Lower Sixth) who has helped to promote literacy for KS2 pupils through the Leighton Park Reading Buddies scheme reflected: “I can see how important the Quaker values are, as it is not just about learning in lessons at school, it is about how you are as a person and building your confidence”.

Quaker Governor, Naomi Iliff, spent some time with Dr Joe Spence and the students. Naomi commented: “[I am] so proud of them. They had such a clear understanding of the Quaker values and how their partnerships work helps to live out these values that are so embedded in the running of Leighton Park. This is what is so vital, is the understanding that it is so important to build community and work together to be good people as that is what we hold so highly as Quakers.”

Joe joined our Head, Luke Walters, Tash Coccia, Assistant Head: Partnerships, Anja Nash, Partnerships Co-Ordinator and Reading Borough Head Teachers in a group meeting to conclude the morning. Anja concluded: “I felt moved speaking to some of the students, as a moment of reflection, and it was a real pleasure to hear what impact their experiences and opportunities in the partnerships work Leighton Park does has had on them. I appreciate how this enables them to grow as well- rounded individuals and readying them for the future”.