Fawcett

As we come to the end of module 4 of this academic year, I am mindful that I am also coming to the end of my first full term as Acting Head of Fawcett. It has been a privilege getting to know so many more parents and carers, and to interact routinely with 240 students with whom I might not have otherwise had the opportunity. I am proud to say that, at the time of writing, we as a college have (since the beginning of the academic year) the highest number of conduct points (merits minus demerits) and the highest attendance (albeit by just 0.2%). We also have the fewest persistently late students and the smartest uniform.

It goes without saying that none of this is my doing. The college team - our SSMs and tutors - have worked extremely hard to be a highly visible and proactive source of support on our college plaza; they have routinely held students to the highest of standards through regular drop-ins regarding uniform and equipment; and they have continued to embed a safe, calm, warm environment where students are happy, where they feel valued as individuals and thus can learn uninterrupted.

It has been a busy term! We have welcomed a new Student Support Manager (SSM) into Fawcett. You can find out a bit more about Ms Lawrence below, but she has already had such a positive presence on the college. I would like to thank her personally for her relentless kindness, positivity and efficiency.

Following a rigorous application process, we have also elected our inaugural team of college prefects. A huge well done to Rihanna, Freddy, Tomaz, Anna, Ephraim and Alex. They are a wonderful group of young adults who will be well led by Ismay and Isabella, our two student Principals! Please see below for more detailed information from our prefects about why they applied, what the process was like and what they wish to achieve going forwards.

Finally, this has also been a productive term for our student government, who have set a tremendous example of proactive leadership in establishing a uniform shop onsite, from which parents and carers may purchase second-hand clothing at a reduced price (we also accept donations). Said shop has now run at all three onsite events for parents and carers this term and has already raised almost £200, which has been donated to the British Red Cross to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. This is a fine achievement, for which our student government (and particularly Niamh, Lexie and Erin) should be very proud. Again, you will find more information about our student government and what our college representatives are doing for school improvement below.

I would like to close by thanking you for your support. The aforementioned onsite events (our first since March of 2020) have been a reminder of how fortunate we are as a college, and as an academy, to have such a positive and engaged parental body. The kind words provided to our teachers and tutors about the work they are doing has been greatly appreciated.

Please note that the final term of this academic year will begin on Tuesday 19th April at 08:30. We will look forward to seeing your child then.

In the meantime, we wish you and your family a restful Easter break, filled with laughter and lots of chocolate!

Mr D. Morrison

An introduction to Ms Lawrence:

What did you do before joining LAB?

Before joining LAB, I worked as a Family Liaison at a primary school in Blackheath. This entailed pastoral check in’s with students, and working closely with parents and carers to ensure all students were fully supported both in and out of school in order to make sure each and every student thrived and felt confident in their learning ability. I graduated in 2019 with a degree in Childhood studies with SEN and worked at a special school with students with a diverse range of physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs.

What you enjoy about the role of SSM?

Working with students! Each and every student I have met since joining LAB has been incredibly polite and respectful. You can really feel LAB’s ethos and values running through every inch of the building. Building a close rapport with our more vulnerable students and supporting them in a nurturing environment has also been extremely rewarding.

What do you like most about Fawcett?

What I enjoy most about working in Fawcett college is how tight knit we are as a team. We are always in communication so we can effectively support students. You never feel you are alone when it comes to any issues that arise. All of our Fawcett students are respectful and work incredibly hard in all that they do.

Fawcett representatives of our inaugural student government

How often do the student government meet and what form do these meetings take?

As a full government, we meet once a month. In this meeting each representative brings suggestions from their form group and we work together to improve all aspects of our school. We also often meet in our focus groups (Environment, Community and International) to plan events or brainstorm how our school could improve on a small and achievable scale.

What have you accomplished thus far, as part of the student government?

Our biggest achievement of the year so far is our Second Hand Clothes shop. At year 8 parents evening we had our first opening and made £132! This shop meets all of our focus groups: Sustainability, International and Community. All of the money we have and will continue to raise is being donated to the British Red Cross who are delivering care packages to families in Ukraine.

What would you like to accomplish during modules 5 and 6 as part of your role?

In modules 5 and 6, we would like to continue helping our community to thrive. Our goal is to ensure we dig deeper into the needs of not only the students but the local community to ensure our school has a positive impact.

What is your favourite thing about LAB?

Our favourite part of LAB is the opportunities you receive if you are part of leadership, ambassadorship or extracurricular roles. One example would be how, as part of the Student Government, we were invited to a talk with a local counsillor, who explained his career journey as a firefighter, army cadet in the RAF as well as his struggles with discrimination and how to deal with choosing careers and post-16 education.

An Interview with Our Prefect Team:

Why did you apply for the role of prefect?

We wanted to be a role model to younger students and to be able to help other students and engage with them in different ways. We also wanted to develop our leadership skills and work as part of a team.

How did you find the application process?

Writing an application was a new experience and was interesting to do for the first time.

The way the interviews were structured introduced us to this experience in a nice way. They were realistic but not harsh or off putting.

What would you like to accomplish during modules 5 and 6 as part of your role?

We would like to help improve the Fawcett community, and educate younger students on the benefits of learning and their local community. We also want to be able to inspire others.

What is your favourite thing about Fawcett college?

The way that the community, teachers and students come together during events to do things for others, such as raise money.

What is your favourite thing about LAB?

The way that students respect each other, teachers and the community, and do small things like hold doors open and say good morning or afternoon when entering a lesson. We also like how friendly everyone is despite not necessarily knowing each other (when students pass each other in the corridors and halls). Additionally, teachers always listen to our concerns and try their hardest to provide support in the most appropriate way. Staff consider everyone’s views and it's a very inclusive school.