Category : Front Page News

We wanted to update you on the appointment of a new Principal to Duke’s Aldridge Academy.

As you will be aware, after 14 years as the Principal at Duke’s, Ms Monica Duncan will be retiring at the end of this academic year (summer 2024).  The recruitment process to find Ms Duncan’s replacement has been a very thorough one: the experienced recruitment agency working with us on this contacted more than 450 people about the role, and long list interviewed candidates before recommending a smaller pool of candidates for Aldridge Education to take through to final interviews.

After a highly competitive process, we are pleased to have offered the role to Mr Olu Kubweza, who is currently the Vice Principal at Langdon Academy in East Ham.

We are confident that Mr Kubweza will bring a fantastic mix of experience, skills and commitment to Duke’s. He previously taught at Forest Academy and joined his current school, Langdon Academy in 2016. He has played an instrumental part in the teams that drove significant improvements in both schools, and his proven track record of success means he is dedicated to the highest possible standards and to supporting every learner to achieve their full potential.

Mr Kubweza is also incredibly passionate about the local Tottenham community – he grew up in N17, and in fact completed his teacher training at what was then Northumberland Park, and is now Duke’s.

We want to reassure you that our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition for our staff and students, and on making sure that the vision and values of Duke’s are retained and nurtured for the future.

Mr Kubweza sent a few words that I wanted to share with you all – he says:

 

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the next Principal of Duke’s Aldridge Academy. Each time I have visited, the unmistakable energy and character of the place has been entirely captivating. Of course, I recognise that student energy, having grown up in N17 and have missed it dearly.

“I am also really looking forward to working with the dedicated and skilled professionals I have already met, and those I have yet to meet. I greatly admire Aldridge Education’s philosophy around levelling the playing field for all, and how they go about achieving it. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be part of this movement.

“The return to Tottenham, the town that moulded me, is the icing on the cake. I am excited to see what these incredible young people can achieve and even more thrilled to contribute to their journey.”

 

We are sure you will give Mr Kubweza a warm welcome when he formally takes over as Principal in the Autumn.

It’s been a busy week again for us at Duke’s with various trips, activities and events. We’ve also been marking Safer Internet Week with a series of interactive assemblies and activities and our parent forum on Monday 5th February included a presentation on this to inform our community. 

We’ve also had….

 

Poetry Live!

A group of our Year 11 students took part in a trip to see ‘Poetry Live’. It was an enriching experience filled with moments of pride and admiration. Throughout the event, the students exhibited exemplary behaviour, actively engaging with the poets and taking diligent notes. 

Their respectful demeanour not only reflected well upon them but also upon our school. A particular highlight was when one of our students showcased remarkable courage by posing a question to Poet Laureate Simon Armitage about his intentions behind the powerful poem ‘Remains’. This act of bravery not only demonstrated their deep engagement with the subject matter but also highlighted their confidence and intellectual curiosity

This was a fantastic experience. 

 

Jack Petchey Speak Out

On Tuesday, 6th February, two of our students represented Duke’s at The Jack Petchey Speak Out Regional Final which was held at Fortismere School in Muswell Hill. 19 speakers from across Haringey delivered presentations on a range of subjects to an audience of over 150. Among this number was Toby who delivered a speech on using time wisely and Thayn who spoke on the dangers of jealousy. The standard in the competition was incredibly high and both speakers did Duke’s proud; speaking with confidence, enthusiasm and energy. 

Well done, Thayn and Toby!

 

Hamilton Theatre Trip

A lucky group of 30 year 9 students went on a trip to see the annual Education Matinee of ‘Hamilton’ in the West End. The trip was a roaring success and all students came back inspired and enthused.

The students were also treated to a fantastic post show discussion which demonstrated a number of technical aspects of theatre making and the performing arts industry – every experience is a learning one for our students. 

 

DJ Academy 

Our partnership with local ‘DJ Academy’ began in earnest this week. A group of students started working with the team of musicians and artists to begin their journey into the world of DJing. This happens every Tuesday after school and the students are building their skills of spoken word, rhythm, beats and rhyme. 

 

Principal Interviews – Student Panel  

Also this week we held the interviews for a new Principal for Duke’s. Our student panel represented the student body incredibly well, having the opportunity to ask questions of prospective candidates but also answer questions on life at Duke’s. A huge thank you to the students involved in this process – they conducted themselves with maturity and integrity. 

 

Apprenticeship Week 

We are spreading Apprenticeship week over weeks commencing 5th and 19th February due to clash with Safer Internet activities. In addition to the presentations on the screens these two weeks, students in Years 7/8 and 10 have had the opportunity to link live into sessions provided by Gatwick Airport – Introduction to Apprenticeships in Engineering and Stem and with  Morgan Sindall  on T Levels. Students particularly enjoyed l;istening to the young people sharing their experiences and journeys. The remaining students will be accessing the sessions via a recording the week commencing 19th February. 

Apprenticeships were also an agenda item at the Parents’ Forum held on 5th February, where parents were provided information in the format of a model lesson. All the adults enjoyed the competitive nature of the  Do Now activity and could demonstrate their learning with the Exit Ticket quiz. 

 

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