Francis Holland School, Sloane Square case studies (16)

Impact of partnership work done in 2023 (ISC annual Census 2024)

• 4 state schools involved
• 51-100 state school pupils involved
• 50 staff hours given

Impact Statement

Our school librarian and successful YA author runs weekly creative writing classes at FHS for selected children from Year 6 at St Barnabas C of E Primary School. Their teachers report that the children love the classes and also that there has been a marked improvement in their SAT writing scores as a result.

Thirty One LVI Pupils volunteer for one hour per week at St Barnabas running after school Homework Clubs and extra-curricular activities. The Head of St Barnabas has frequently commented on the great dedication of these volunteers as well as the notable impact on St Barnabas pupils’ confidence and communication skills.

As a reward for regular attendance at after school clubs, selected pupils from Year 6 at St Barnabas were given a special session of ‘Animal Club’ in the science labs. Teachers have commented that this is still discussed by the students and had an overwhelmingly positive impact.

FHS offers free use of its facilities for the Beanstalk Book Festival, which is targeted at primary school children across London and encourages interest in books and reading. This year over 500 pupils and teachers from a wide range of schools attended. Reading volunteers were trained by Michael Rosen and FHS girls donated over 400 books for young readers to be distributed across the schools.

An ongoing partnership with Chelsea Academy has led to several joint initiatives. FHS continues to invite students to the 6th Form Speaker Programme each Thursday evening. Lectures built on and extended work done in A level and GCSE classes, as well as engaging interest more widely in a variety of subjects.

An FHS teacher continues to support the Feminist Society at Chelsea Academy which was set up last year following a successful visit by the FHS equivalent.

Several members of staff from Chelsea Academy have attended Academic Reading Group meeting at FHS to discuss areas of educational research in an informal setting. Colleagues from both schools have benefited from the breadth and variety of experience that this has allowed them to draw upon.

Staff from Chelsea Academy attended the International Women’s Day panel event on Wednesday 7th March and were enthused and excited by the advice on offer about advancing the cause of women in the workplace.

On 6th March five governors from CA came into school to meet SLT and observe lessons with a view to further developing links between the schools.

As part of the Stretch and Challenge programme at FHS, selected pupils from Chelsea Academy have been invited to regularly attend ‘Curious Club’, which meets monthly to discuss a variety of challenging topics.

Pupils from Chelsea Academy and Capital City Academy were invited to the Year 7 and 8 TIPS week in the summer term for a filmmaking masterclass. Teachers and pupils commented that the opportunities to develop collaboration, confidence and creativity were outstanding.