Bugs star Jaye Griffiths launches Saturday school

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Children who need extra challenges will get 30 more days of school a year - thanks to a new Saturday school at Wendell Park Primary, funded by education charity SHINE: Support and Help in Education.

Sixty pupils aged 8 to 11 have enrolled in SHINE at Wendell Park, in Shepherds Bush, which was officially launched on Saturday (8 October) by Jaye Griffiths, star of the hit BBC TV action adventure show Bugs.

Jaye Griffiths is known for her roles in TV shows ranging from Bugs and The Bill to Drop the Dead Donkey, Care and Unfinished Business. She will be appearing in BBC1's Doctors from January 2006.

The free Saturday school - one of only seven SHINE Saturday schools in London - offers English, maths, science and computer (ICT) classes in the morning and activities ranging from drama, dance, music and trips to museums, galleries, the theatre and opera in the afternoon. Wendell Park Primary has secured a £270,000 grant from SHINE to fund the Saturday school for the next four years.

The classes all have a practical focus to help make the day as fun and engaging for the children as possible. Pupils are taught in groups of 20 (smaller than their usual classes of 30) by dedicated teaching staff, who are supported by a team of teaching assistants. Pupil mentors from nearby Phoenix High School also help out. The progress of each child who attends SHINE at Wendell Park will be closely monitored and evaluated.

Jaye Griffiths, who is currently filming for the role of Dr Elizabeth Croft in BBC1's daytime soap Doctors, said: "SHINE at Wendell Park is a truly worthwhile commitment to supporting children in the community."

Wendell Park teacher Rosie Peters, project manager for the Saturday school, said: "The emphasis is on making learning exciting, enriching and fun. Children have the chance to raise their achievement in key subjects as well as enjoying a wide range of arts and sporting activities, trips and special events."

Simon Robinson, headteacher of Wendell Park Primary School, said: "This is a very exciting development for the school, which builds on the before and after-school clubs and classes already taking place at Wendell Park. It means that the school is now offering a great deal more than primary education. Children can enjoy experiences and develop skills in areas that might not be on offer in the usual curriculum. We want Wendell Park to be at the heart of the community, offering an extended day with exciting activities for children at times which meet the needs of our parents."
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Stephen Shields, SHINE chief executive, said: "SHINE is serious about raising the achievement levels of children and young people through programmes which seek to engage and motivate them. Our SHINE Academies, which run on Saturdays and are developed in partnership with schools, help give pupils extra challenges and stretch those who are not achieving their potential. We are delighted that SHINE at Wendell Park has been established and wish everyone at the school well in making it a success for pupils, parents and staff."

Cllr Melanie Smallman, Hammersmith & Fulham Council's cabinet member for education, said: "SHINE at Wendell Park is giving pupils the chance to develop their skills in English, maths and ICT in smaller classes. SHINE Saturday schools have a proven track record of raising achievement and we fully support this fantastic project, which will enable pupils at Wendell Park Primary School to reach their potential."

October 16, 2005