Saturday Schools

Newham's Learning Community Service funds and supports 12 Saturday Schools.

The Saturday Schools run on Saturday mornings during term time.

The aim of the schools is to increase the motivation of and participation by children in the education and learning process.

Teachers from Newham primary and secondary schools plan and deliver the programme to year five and six students from local feeder primary schools. Generally the Saturday Schools run on 10 Saturdays each term for all three terms, 30 Saturdays in each academic year.

Saturday Schools also help young people make the transition from primary to secondary school. After spending some Saturdays at their local secondary school, the prospect of going there can be less daunting.

Monitoring Saturday Schools

The Saturday Schools are monitored by Learning Community Service's Saturday School Co-ordinator on a regular basis. The Co-ordinator works with the schools to ensure quality of provision by arranging training and other support.

All Saturday Schools produce a report at the end of each term. These reports give an overview of the provision.

Learning at Saturday School

Each Saturday School has its own programme of study but they all have the aim of improving literacy, numeracy, ICT & science skills.

The activities are planned to give the students practical experiences that meet their individual needs. Students benefit from using Key Stage three facilities and resources, for example students use bunsen burners during science activities, which they would normally not have in primary school.

Benefits for students

Over 1,200 students participate in the Saturday School programme. Many of the students in their evaluation talk about how the programme made it easier for them to make that jump from primary to secondary school. We also have evidence which shows that Saturday School and other study support initiatives have a direct effect on students' attainment.

Contact details

For more information about Saturday Schools please contact:

Stuart Cameron
Out of School Hours Learning Co-ordinator
Extended Services
Web Building
49 The Broadway
Stratford
E15 4BQ
Phone: 020 8430 2513
Email: Stuart.Cameron@newham.gov.uk