1.
A widower was stolen at her doorstep this morning.
Around 8:45am, the 84-year-old living in Beck Road, IIworth was kept talking by two men pretended as gardeners and tree surgeons.
Meanwhile, the third man entered the house, stole a wallet containing £55 in notes with loose change.
The two men were around 30s, with fair-haired, rough appearance and local accents. One had a eagle tattoo on his left arm.
Anyone with information should contact on Yeltham 412311.
(80 words)
2.
A number of fish was found dead in the smallest of the three ponds at Yesltham Park this morning.
Any live fish will be kept in Quarantine until the cause has been identified.
The circumstances suggests it could be pollution or vandalism.
Anyone with information should contact on Yeltham 375222.
(50 words)
3.
A male donkey was stolen from a field on Valeham Road, Walton between 6pm last night and 6:30am today.
Mr Adrian Bussey, of Rose Cottage, Valeham Road, Walton, owner of the animal, said: “My 11-year-old daughter Suzie is distraught because Bobby has been stolen.
“The two were born at much the same time and have nearly grown up together.
“We are doing our best to console her, but it's difficult.”
Witnesses with information should contact on Valeham 234565.
(80 words)
4.
The first chess lesson with pupils, developed by Valeham Rotary Club, will take place on Monday at Walton Lane Junior School.
One-hour session will be held each week.
A rota consisting of 12 club members has been drawn up and the scheme will soon be extended to other schools.
(50 words)
5.
A fresh programme on historical walk will be launched by the Historical Society from next week's Saturday.
It will begin with a one-mile walk containing a study of the Ardingham's waterfront development along the River Slade.
Other walks include one of the historic parish of bellington and its castle.
James Childs, local historian and former district archivist, will conduct the walk along the river frontage.
The event is free and anyone interested should contact Katharine on Ardingham 378668.
(79 words)
6.
Ableton School is collecting mobile phones for recycling, in conjunction with Fones4schools.
200 phones are expected to be collected and money will be spent on the school equipment.
Anyone willing to donate should either take it to the school or drop it into the collection box at Ableton Library.
(49 words)
Saturday 27 February 2010
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Mayor/chairman and directly elected mayor
Explain the difference in the role between a directly elected Mayor and Chairman or Mayor of a Council.
Directly elected Mayor
The directly elected Mayor is an executive mayor, who leads the community, speaks up for the borough and makes key decisions about local services. For example, in Newham, the directly elected mayor is Sir Robin Wales, in Lewisham, he is Sir Steve Bullock.
The role of the directly elected mayor is to lead the council and proposes the council's budget and policy framework, unlike many authorities, where the role of Mayor is ceremonial.
Once the framework is set, the directly elected Mayor then implements these policies and takes all day to day decisions to run the council except those that have to be taken by full council by law, such as changing the council's constitution.
The directly elected mayor is voted in by their local electors under 'Supplementary System' in a separate ballot run alongside the main council elections in their areas.
Chairman/Mayor of the Council
The chairman/mayor of the Council is elected by the members of the council Annual General Meeting in May of each year.
Chair/mayor is the ceremonial head of the council. He or she must be a serving councillor, but must remain politically impartial. A chairman/mayor must not be a member of the cabinet.
Chairman's ceremonial duty includes: being the politically impartial civic leader; promoting the objectives and services of the council; acting as an ambassador for the council; fostering community identity and pride.
Chairman's key responsibility includes: presiding over meeting of the full council; accepting invitations on behalf of the councillors to attend events; inviting individual's and representatives of key organisation to the events at town/county hall and other venues.
Directly elected Mayor
The directly elected Mayor is an executive mayor, who leads the community, speaks up for the borough and makes key decisions about local services. For example, in Newham, the directly elected mayor is Sir Robin Wales, in Lewisham, he is Sir Steve Bullock.
The role of the directly elected mayor is to lead the council and proposes the council's budget and policy framework, unlike many authorities, where the role of Mayor is ceremonial.
Once the framework is set, the directly elected Mayor then implements these policies and takes all day to day decisions to run the council except those that have to be taken by full council by law, such as changing the council's constitution.
The directly elected mayor is voted in by their local electors under 'Supplementary System' in a separate ballot run alongside the main council elections in their areas.
Chairman/Mayor of the Council
The chairman/mayor of the Council is elected by the members of the council Annual General Meeting in May of each year.
Chair/mayor is the ceremonial head of the council. He or she must be a serving councillor, but must remain politically impartial. A chairman/mayor must not be a member of the cabinet.
Chairman's ceremonial duty includes: being the politically impartial civic leader; promoting the objectives and services of the council; acting as an ambassador for the council; fostering community identity and pride.
Chairman's key responsibility includes: presiding over meeting of the full council; accepting invitations on behalf of the councillors to attend events; inviting individual's and representatives of key organisation to the events at town/county hall and other venues.
Issues related Local libraries
Which authorities are responsible for the library services? List the services libraries may provide and explain who pays for them.
In two-tier structure, the county councils are responsible for the library services, while in unitary structure, the unitary authorities are responsible for them.
Libraries services include:
1.Borrowing books, movies and music
2.The libraries stock the latest issues of a wide range of popular magazines and newspapers for reference use only, and library also provides online subscription to NewsUK, which is an online service developed to provide national and regional news, combining the most popular British newspaper titles in one database, for example, Stratford Library has such service.
3.Home Reader Service: this is a special home delivery service for residents of the borough who are unable or have difficulty visiting a static library due to age, illness or disability.
4.The libraries provide services for people with disabilities. For example, Stratford libraries have level access or a ramp from the street, lifts to the upper floors. Majority of the buildings have disabled access toilets.
5.Some libraries provide 'a card' to a range of services in the borough. For example, all the Newham libraries provide a ConnectsCard, which make a quick and easy visit to The Gate – the library and Local Service Centre in Forest Gate. In addition, the card can be used as Oyster Card for bus, train and tube fares as the libraries have hooked-up with Transport for London.
6.Multicultural library services. Libraries in Newham stock a wide range of books, DVDs, CDs and other items in a variety of community languages, as well as holding frequent outreach and community events.
7.Fees and charges: the libraries will charge for overdue items a small amount of fees. Borrowers can renew their items online.
Libraries fundings are from local council.
In two-tier structure, the county councils are responsible for the library services, while in unitary structure, the unitary authorities are responsible for them.
Libraries services include:
1.Borrowing books, movies and music
2.The libraries stock the latest issues of a wide range of popular magazines and newspapers for reference use only, and library also provides online subscription to NewsUK, which is an online service developed to provide national and regional news, combining the most popular British newspaper titles in one database, for example, Stratford Library has such service.
3.Home Reader Service: this is a special home delivery service for residents of the borough who are unable or have difficulty visiting a static library due to age, illness or disability.
4.The libraries provide services for people with disabilities. For example, Stratford libraries have level access or a ramp from the street, lifts to the upper floors. Majority of the buildings have disabled access toilets.
5.Some libraries provide 'a card' to a range of services in the borough. For example, all the Newham libraries provide a ConnectsCard, which make a quick and easy visit to The Gate – the library and Local Service Centre in Forest Gate. In addition, the card can be used as Oyster Card for bus, train and tube fares as the libraries have hooked-up with Transport for London.
6.Multicultural library services. Libraries in Newham stock a wide range of books, DVDs, CDs and other items in a variety of community languages, as well as holding frequent outreach and community events.
7.Fees and charges: the libraries will charge for overdue items a small amount of fees. Borrowers can renew their items online.
Libraries fundings are from local council.
The role of chief constable
Outline the role and powers of a Chief Constable.
The local police force in the UK are headed by chief constables and supervised by the local police authority. Though Metropolitan Police and the City of London force are headed by commissioners, which are different from the local police service.
All forces are under the ultimate control of the Home Office, but chief constables have great freedom of action in operational matters, independently of their police authorities.
Chief constables have statutory responsibilities separate from those laid on police authorities. His/her role and power are:
1.He/she delivers the policies agreed by their police authority on the ground.
2.He/she must have regard to the police plan, but has wide scope for personal decisions. It is he/she who us sued, not the police authority, if things go wrong.
3.He/she appoints all officers under assistant chief constable rank, as well as the force's civilian staff.
4.He/she choose one of the assistant chief constable as his/her deputy.
5.He/she produces an annual report and statistics on their performance in the preceding 12 months, covering specific categories of offence, along with other areas highlighted as being of local concern, such as violent crime, and disciplining officers who misconduct.
6.He/she can be asked by the police authority to produce a report on specific matter as well.
7.He/she can refuse to comply on grounds of the public interest, but Home Secretary must approve the refusal.
8.The chief constable and his/her assistant are responsible for managing the force's budget; hiring and firing other officers; and ensuring that personnel are suitably distributed to maintain adequate patrols across the force area.
The police authority appoints the chief constable, but the appointment must be approved by the Home Secretary, who also appoints assistant chief constables.
The local police force in the UK are headed by chief constables and supervised by the local police authority. Though Metropolitan Police and the City of London force are headed by commissioners, which are different from the local police service.
All forces are under the ultimate control of the Home Office, but chief constables have great freedom of action in operational matters, independently of their police authorities.
Chief constables have statutory responsibilities separate from those laid on police authorities. His/her role and power are:
1.He/she delivers the policies agreed by their police authority on the ground.
2.He/she must have regard to the police plan, but has wide scope for personal decisions. It is he/she who us sued, not the police authority, if things go wrong.
3.He/she appoints all officers under assistant chief constable rank, as well as the force's civilian staff.
4.He/she choose one of the assistant chief constable as his/her deputy.
5.He/she produces an annual report and statistics on their performance in the preceding 12 months, covering specific categories of offence, along with other areas highlighted as being of local concern, such as violent crime, and disciplining officers who misconduct.
6.He/she can be asked by the police authority to produce a report on specific matter as well.
7.He/she can refuse to comply on grounds of the public interest, but Home Secretary must approve the refusal.
8.The chief constable and his/her assistant are responsible for managing the force's budget; hiring and firing other officers; and ensuring that personnel are suitably distributed to maintain adequate patrols across the force area.
The police authority appoints the chief constable, but the appointment must be approved by the Home Secretary, who also appoints assistant chief constables.
Honorary titles bestowed to the local authorities
Which local authorities may be awarded royal charter status and does it affect how the local authority is run?
(a).
The district councils, borough councils, civil parishes, and metropolitan borough councils may be awarded royal charter status to become city.
For example, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, and Gloucester are districts or borough councils in a two-tier structure that were granted royal charter, and applied with city status.
Seven English cities, such as Chichester, Ely, Hereford, Lichfield. Ripon, Truro, and Wells are actually no more than civil parishes, but which were all granted royal charter and applied with city status.
Metropolitan borough such as Mancherster, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Bradford, Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Salford, Sunderland, Wakefield, Wolverhampton were granted royal charter and applied with city status.
(b)
District may awarded royal charters and become boroughs, such as all the London boroughs are districts applied with borough status, and in effect, all the London boroughs are unitary authorities.
(c)
These Royal charter status does not affect how the local authority runs.
(a).
The district councils, borough councils, civil parishes, and metropolitan borough councils may be awarded royal charter status to become city.
For example, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, and Gloucester are districts or borough councils in a two-tier structure that were granted royal charter, and applied with city status.
Seven English cities, such as Chichester, Ely, Hereford, Lichfield. Ripon, Truro, and Wells are actually no more than civil parishes, but which were all granted royal charter and applied with city status.
Metropolitan borough such as Mancherster, Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Bradford, Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Salford, Sunderland, Wakefield, Wolverhampton were granted royal charter and applied with city status.
(b)
District may awarded royal charters and become boroughs, such as all the London boroughs are districts applied with borough status, and in effect, all the London boroughs are unitary authorities.
(c)
These Royal charter status does not affect how the local authority runs.
Fostering and adoption
Distinguish between fostering and adoption.
The principle distinction between fostering and adoption is that, while the former is theoretically a finite arrangement, the latter is permanent.
Adoption
Is a formal, legal process by which registered 'children in need' are taken into the permanent care of a family other than their biological one. Their adopters become their permenant legal parents
It can be arranged only through an adoption agency, either social services or a voluntary agency approved by the Secretary of State. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates private adoption agencies and inspects social services.
Would-be adoptive parents are carefully vetted before a court makes a permanent order. Usually the natural parents are involved in the process, but where this is inappropriate the court can make a 'freeing order' and the parents take no further part in the procedure.
Recent reforms have extended their right to gay and unmarried heterosexual couples, as well as those that are married.
Fostering
Fostering can be arranged by a voluntary agency or privately. Social services use it for children in their care as an alternative to putting them in community homes. Official fostering arrangements must be approved by social services, who investigate the potential fosterers' family life.
The would-be fosterers are visited at home by social workers and they must agree to inquiries made with their doctor and the police.
Anyone convicted of harming a child or allowing harm to be caused to a child cannot be a foster parent. If such person is living in the house it cannot be used for fostering, even if that person is not him/herself the foster parent.
Social services can see fostered children regularly and can remove a child from foster parents at any time is they think it is in the child's interests. But fosters can apply to a court for a residence order.
Fostering can be short-term, just for a few days or weeks, or long-term up to years.
Private fostering is legal, but social services must be informed when child is looked after for more than 27 days by someone to whom he/she is not related.
The principle distinction between fostering and adoption is that, while the former is theoretically a finite arrangement, the latter is permanent.
Adoption
Is a formal, legal process by which registered 'children in need' are taken into the permanent care of a family other than their biological one. Their adopters become their permenant legal parents
It can be arranged only through an adoption agency, either social services or a voluntary agency approved by the Secretary of State. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulates private adoption agencies and inspects social services.
Would-be adoptive parents are carefully vetted before a court makes a permanent order. Usually the natural parents are involved in the process, but where this is inappropriate the court can make a 'freeing order' and the parents take no further part in the procedure.
Recent reforms have extended their right to gay and unmarried heterosexual couples, as well as those that are married.
Fostering
Fostering can be arranged by a voluntary agency or privately. Social services use it for children in their care as an alternative to putting them in community homes. Official fostering arrangements must be approved by social services, who investigate the potential fosterers' family life.
The would-be fosterers are visited at home by social workers and they must agree to inquiries made with their doctor and the police.
Anyone convicted of harming a child or allowing harm to be caused to a child cannot be a foster parent. If such person is living in the house it cannot be used for fostering, even if that person is not him/herself the foster parent.
Social services can see fostered children regularly and can remove a child from foster parents at any time is they think it is in the child's interests. But fosters can apply to a court for a residence order.
Fostering can be short-term, just for a few days or weeks, or long-term up to years.
Private fostering is legal, but social services must be informed when child is looked after for more than 27 days by someone to whom he/she is not related.
Friday 12 February 2010
Duddleston city council - more civil partnership ceremonies conducted
A Reverend supports gay people to have their places in the Church and claims the relationship stability is far more important than the couple's sexuality.
A civil partnership taking place this Saturday will gain the city's first blessing while a survey shows the district's gay weddings was in 16 per cent rise – one of the two councils nationwide.
The Rev Andrew MacDuffie, of St Benedict's Church, Duddleston, said: “I know this is a controversial issue but there is a place for gay people in the Church. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.”
The report indicates more gay females than males married in the past 12 months.
Sally Spencer tied the knot with her partner at Duddleston City Hall last week, but not all local churches delivered welcoming message
Sally said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at St Faith's Church, but our vicar turned us down. He just don't want anything to do with it, despite the fact we often attend his services.”
The national picture showed a year-on-year drop, between 31 per cent and 90 per cent, while Duddleston and Barnsley demonstrated their increase in the number of single-sex ceremonies.
Figures also show gay weddings numbers in Duddleston increased relatively slow when the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was introduced nationally in December 2005, which prompted an initial rush for gay ceremonies.
Adrian Martines, chair of Duddleston Lesboan and Gay Forum, said: Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation that is second to none for the sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.”
Mrs Julia Sutcliff, Head of Registrations at Duddleston City Council, said: “Civil partnerships have now become an accepted part of our society and this council is very happy to have played a part in helping couples to achieve this.”
The legislation means that the ceremonies cannot be conducted in religious buildings.
(325 words)
A pig was found guzzling apples in front of a fruit-and-veg stall today, a RSPCA inspector was informed.
The Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was then kept by the stall holder Tony Sainford, using a length of cord to lasso it, until police's arrival on Normanston open market.
This breed is sometimes kept as a pet, police says no missing or stolen pig was reported so far.
Anyone who is missing a pig should contact RSPCA on 02924 367560.
( 80 words)
A drugs raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix in a Ebling street house, Duddleston.
The police reveals the antique, without decoration and identifying marks, may have been taken from a local church or a school.
Anyone with information should call police on 02924 335511.
(46 words)
Head Teacher from the school:
1.Why does the school install the CCTV?
2.How does the school resolve problems if the footage appears online?
3.Have the school ever considered that if any of the child abuse offenders steal the footage online and then cause troubles?
4.Is there any alternative way to resolve problems of graffiti and smoking apart from installing CCTV?
5.Does the school work with local police on this matter?
Parents:
1.What do you think if the school install CCTV for preventing children’s anti-social behaviour such as smoking and graffiti.
2.Do you think the CCTV will resolve problems of graffiti and smoking and why?
3.Are you worried about if the footage appears online and stolen by child abuse offenders?
4.What are your suggestions in terms of tackling anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and smoking?
5.Do you think parents should be involved in working with the school to resolve anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and smoking?
Local councillor who holds Children and Young People Portfolio:
1.Do you think it is a good way to install CCTV to resolve the anti-social behaviour problems?
2.Where does the funding come from for buying and installing the CCTV?
3.Is there any alternative way to resolve problems of graffiti and smoking apart from installing CCTV?
4.Does the school work with local police on matter?
5.Does the council consider any harmful consequences of the CCTV footages appear online, such as online abusing? How is the council going to help the school to solve the problem the new trouble?
Online:
1.Insert the embedded links to remind browsers any related information, such as council website and school websites, or child abuse offenders.
2.Taking photos of the CCTV cameras at the school and graffiti, and produce a photo gallery or slide show online.
3.Invite comment and suggestions of what can be done to make the council or school governing boards do something on tackling anti-social behaviour.
4.A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
5.Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Video:
1.Making video about the CCTV inside in the toilet.
2.Making video when interviewing the head teacher.
3.Making video when interviewing the councillor.
4.Making video of the online blog created by the protested parents if having any.
5.Making video when the reporter reporting the issues in front of the school, show the images of the school.
Other digital offering interaction
1.Use sms text message to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
2.Send an e-mail to your readers and alert them there is more update online.
3.Set up an online reader poll asking local parents, residents’ opinions about the school’s decisions.
4.Invite a parent who is protesting the school’s decision to set up a blog and write his/her opinions there.
5.Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
A civil partnership taking place this Saturday will gain the city's first blessing while a survey shows the district's gay weddings was in 16 per cent rise – one of the two councils nationwide.
The Rev Andrew MacDuffie, of St Benedict's Church, Duddleston, said: “I know this is a controversial issue but there is a place for gay people in the Church. We shouldn't have had to wait this long for Duddleston's first blessing.”
The report indicates more gay females than males married in the past 12 months.
Sally Spencer tied the knot with her partner at Duddleston City Hall last week, but not all local churches delivered welcoming message
Sally said: “We would have liked a blessing afterwards at St Faith's Church, but our vicar turned us down. He just don't want anything to do with it, despite the fact we often attend his services.”
The national picture showed a year-on-year drop, between 31 per cent and 90 per cent, while Duddleston and Barnsley demonstrated their increase in the number of single-sex ceremonies.
Figures also show gay weddings numbers in Duddleston increased relatively slow when the Civil Partnership Act 2004 was introduced nationally in December 2005, which prompted an initial rush for gay ceremonies.
Adrian Martines, chair of Duddleston Lesboan and Gay Forum, said: Duddleston City Council takes a very positive view of these ceremonies and has earned a reputation that is second to none for the sympathetic help its staff give to same-sex couples.”
Mrs Julia Sutcliff, Head of Registrations at Duddleston City Council, said: “Civil partnerships have now become an accepted part of our society and this council is very happy to have played a part in helping couples to achieve this.”
The legislation means that the ceremonies cannot be conducted in religious buildings.
(325 words)
A pig was found guzzling apples in front of a fruit-and-veg stall today, a RSPCA inspector was informed.
The Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was then kept by the stall holder Tony Sainford, using a length of cord to lasso it, until police's arrival on Normanston open market.
This breed is sometimes kept as a pet, police says no missing or stolen pig was reported so far.
Anyone who is missing a pig should contact RSPCA on 02924 367560.
( 80 words)
A drugs raid recovered an 18-inch tall brass crucifix in a Ebling street house, Duddleston.
The police reveals the antique, without decoration and identifying marks, may have been taken from a local church or a school.
Anyone with information should call police on 02924 335511.
(46 words)
Head Teacher from the school:
1.Why does the school install the CCTV?
2.How does the school resolve problems if the footage appears online?
3.Have the school ever considered that if any of the child abuse offenders steal the footage online and then cause troubles?
4.Is there any alternative way to resolve problems of graffiti and smoking apart from installing CCTV?
5.Does the school work with local police on this matter?
Parents:
1.What do you think if the school install CCTV for preventing children’s anti-social behaviour such as smoking and graffiti.
2.Do you think the CCTV will resolve problems of graffiti and smoking and why?
3.Are you worried about if the footage appears online and stolen by child abuse offenders?
4.What are your suggestions in terms of tackling anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and smoking?
5.Do you think parents should be involved in working with the school to resolve anti-social behaviour such as graffiti and smoking?
Local councillor who holds Children and Young People Portfolio:
1.Do you think it is a good way to install CCTV to resolve the anti-social behaviour problems?
2.Where does the funding come from for buying and installing the CCTV?
3.Is there any alternative way to resolve problems of graffiti and smoking apart from installing CCTV?
4.Does the school work with local police on matter?
5.Does the council consider any harmful consequences of the CCTV footages appear online, such as online abusing? How is the council going to help the school to solve the problem the new trouble?
Online:
1.Insert the embedded links to remind browsers any related information, such as council website and school websites, or child abuse offenders.
2.Taking photos of the CCTV cameras at the school and graffiti, and produce a photo gallery or slide show online.
3.Invite comment and suggestions of what can be done to make the council or school governing boards do something on tackling anti-social behaviour.
4.A comprehensive summary of the story, regularly updated as information becomes available.
5.Cross refer to your newspaper which will carry a full story.
Video:
1.Making video about the CCTV inside in the toilet.
2.Making video when interviewing the head teacher.
3.Making video when interviewing the councillor.
4.Making video of the online blog created by the protested parents if having any.
5.Making video when the reporter reporting the issues in front of the school, show the images of the school.
Other digital offering interaction
1.Use sms text message to break the story and direct the recipient to your website or newspaper for more information.
2.Send an e-mail to your readers and alert them there is more update online.
3.Set up an online reader poll asking local parents, residents’ opinions about the school’s decisions.
4.Invite a parent who is protesting the school’s decision to set up a blog and write his/her opinions there.
5.Ask your editor to comment on the story in his online and print editorial.
Saturday 6 February 2010
Pupils taught to spot extremism at school
A piece written for BBC London
By Yixiang Zeng
A new initiative in Waltham Forest is teaching school children to spot and report fellow pupils who show signs of extremism or who express radical views.
The idea was discussed at a conference called "Promoting Cohesion through Schools" organised by Metropolitan Police and the Waltham Forest Council to look how schools can play a part in tackling community tensions.
Researcher Houriya Ahmed, from the Centre for Social Cohesion, said: "In general, if pupils find anyone who has extremist views, they are expected to be able to speak to their teachers and the teachers should be informed."
However, headteacher Helen Jeffery from George Mitchell School, said: "These kids do not just snitch on each other."
Being safe together
School children in Waltham Forest will also be getting lessons from a new curriculum called "Learning Together to be Safe".
This will feature a series of classes looking at areas such as the British National Party, Irish Republican Army, Al Qaeda and animal rights extremists.
Zetasha Sheikh, a Year 10 student at Kelmscott School in Waltham Forest said,"Yes, we are encouraged to do it" when asked if the children were being asked to spot extremists.
Creative methods
Zetasha is one of the many pupils in the borough who are using creative methods to better understand each other's cultures and identities.
The 15-year-old talked about a project called "Flava Press Gang" that she has been participating in so far.
"Through what I am doing at the Waltham Forest News, I understand more about different kinds of people, cultures and communities.
"For example, at the moment I am doing some research on Chinese New Year, it helps me learn about Chinese Zodiac and know that I am from the Year of Dog.
"Muslims, Christians and people from different kinds of background are living in our London boroughs. Like, I am British Pakistani.
"Through exploring these identities, it broadens my mind and gives me a better understanding of multiculturalism and tolerance. I feel I am privileged of being British as well as the country where I am originally from."
Communication to achieve one goal
Faima Islam, a pupil from The Lammas School talked about how another project "Peer Mediation Service" improves the mediator's self-esteem. The 14-year-old said: "As a mediator, you need to know how to talk and help resolve the problem."
Daniaal Khalid, aged 15, from the same school as Faima, said: "We were divided into groups to play a game named 'building up bricks', but during the process we cannot talk, and we can only communicate with each other through using our body language.
"It makes us aware how important communication and consultation skills are when working within a team to achieve one goal."
By Yixiang Zeng
A new initiative in Waltham Forest is teaching school children to spot and report fellow pupils who show signs of extremism or who express radical views.
The idea was discussed at a conference called "Promoting Cohesion through Schools" organised by Metropolitan Police and the Waltham Forest Council to look how schools can play a part in tackling community tensions.
Researcher Houriya Ahmed, from the Centre for Social Cohesion, said: "In general, if pupils find anyone who has extremist views, they are expected to be able to speak to their teachers and the teachers should be informed."
However, headteacher Helen Jeffery from George Mitchell School, said: "These kids do not just snitch on each other."
Being safe together
School children in Waltham Forest will also be getting lessons from a new curriculum called "Learning Together to be Safe".
This will feature a series of classes looking at areas such as the British National Party, Irish Republican Army, Al Qaeda and animal rights extremists.
Zetasha Sheikh, a Year 10 student at Kelmscott School in Waltham Forest said,"Yes, we are encouraged to do it" when asked if the children were being asked to spot extremists.
Creative methods
Zetasha is one of the many pupils in the borough who are using creative methods to better understand each other's cultures and identities.
The 15-year-old talked about a project called "Flava Press Gang" that she has been participating in so far.
"Through what I am doing at the Waltham Forest News, I understand more about different kinds of people, cultures and communities.
"For example, at the moment I am doing some research on Chinese New Year, it helps me learn about Chinese Zodiac and know that I am from the Year of Dog.
"Muslims, Christians and people from different kinds of background are living in our London boroughs. Like, I am British Pakistani.
"Through exploring these identities, it broadens my mind and gives me a better understanding of multiculturalism and tolerance. I feel I am privileged of being British as well as the country where I am originally from."
Communication to achieve one goal
Faima Islam, a pupil from The Lammas School talked about how another project "Peer Mediation Service" improves the mediator's self-esteem. The 14-year-old said: "As a mediator, you need to know how to talk and help resolve the problem."
Daniaal Khalid, aged 15, from the same school as Faima, said: "We were divided into groups to play a game named 'building up bricks', but during the process we cannot talk, and we can only communicate with each other through using our body language.
"It makes us aware how important communication and consultation skills are when working within a team to achieve one goal."
Monday 1 February 2010
Waltham Forest youngsters wow Hackney crowd
By Yixiang Zeng
Waltham Forest youngsters brought the house down with their comedy and dancing when they showed off their talent at the Hackney Empire.
The variety show “Play the Empire”, was staged on Sunday evening and included entertaining acts, presented by hand-picked young performers from the five Olympic host boroughs.
E-Motionz, a community dance group from the Outset Centre, Walthamstow, wowed the gallery with their street beats.
Choreographer Tashan Taylor said: “We have been rehearsing the piece for couple of weeks now; we hope all our hard work is paid off, and we want our audience to appreciate us.”
The group, whose members are aged between 13 and 22, showcased their collective piece which also included hip hop, jazz, contemporary and house dance.
Alongside the dancers was aspiring stand-up comedian Ben Sarpong of Bromley Road, Walthamstow.
He got hundreds of people roaring to bits this weekend when he performed, proving that determination goes a long way in shaping his career in comedy.
“If you have a goal, you go for it,” the 18-year-old said of his career, adding that he wrote his own sketch and performed himself. “The show gives me the chance to be on stage and improve my skills. It helps me to be recognised.
“My best memory from 'Play the Empire' is after I had gone through its audition last summer, I was chosen to work with a TV production company named Brown Eyed Boy, and then performed in a BBC Three comedy show called Laughter Shock.”
The event producer Frank Sweeney, from the Hackney Empire, said: “We are trying to engage young people in the arts through the medium of variety show.
“We not only provide them a platform to showcase their talent, but also support and guide them to become professional artists.”
The two-and-an-half-hour show, funded mainly by the London Development Agency, aims to encourage local young people to participate in creative and performing arts, and make best use of their free time.
* Visit www.myspace.com/emotionzuk for more information.
Waltham Forest youngsters brought the house down with their comedy and dancing when they showed off their talent at the Hackney Empire.
The variety show “Play the Empire”, was staged on Sunday evening and included entertaining acts, presented by hand-picked young performers from the five Olympic host boroughs.
E-Motionz, a community dance group from the Outset Centre, Walthamstow, wowed the gallery with their street beats.
Choreographer Tashan Taylor said: “We have been rehearsing the piece for couple of weeks now; we hope all our hard work is paid off, and we want our audience to appreciate us.”
The group, whose members are aged between 13 and 22, showcased their collective piece which also included hip hop, jazz, contemporary and house dance.
Alongside the dancers was aspiring stand-up comedian Ben Sarpong of Bromley Road, Walthamstow.
He got hundreds of people roaring to bits this weekend when he performed, proving that determination goes a long way in shaping his career in comedy.
“If you have a goal, you go for it,” the 18-year-old said of his career, adding that he wrote his own sketch and performed himself. “The show gives me the chance to be on stage and improve my skills. It helps me to be recognised.
“My best memory from 'Play the Empire' is after I had gone through its audition last summer, I was chosen to work with a TV production company named Brown Eyed Boy, and then performed in a BBC Three comedy show called Laughter Shock.”
The event producer Frank Sweeney, from the Hackney Empire, said: “We are trying to engage young people in the arts through the medium of variety show.
“We not only provide them a platform to showcase their talent, but also support and guide them to become professional artists.”
The two-and-an-half-hour show, funded mainly by the London Development Agency, aims to encourage local young people to participate in creative and performing arts, and make best use of their free time.
* Visit www.myspace.com/emotionzuk for more information.
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