Humans of Shepherd's Bush No 13 - Michael Schumm

Head Teacher Michael Schumm

Michael Schumm is the Headteacher of one of Shepherd's Bush best local primaries - St Stephen’s CE Primary School on the Uxbridge Road.

St Stephen's is an excellent local school, one where parents are invited work together with staff to produce outcomes which have earned the school the classification of "Outstanding" from Ofsted.

Visit a classroom at St Stephen's and you will see happy children eager to learn, in an environment that feels both challenging (expectations are high) but also supportive and nurturing. Parents are encouraged to get involved and also to put their hands in their pockets for FOSS - Friends of St Stephen's.

In this interview, republished from an original interview at https://www.resource-arm.net/, head teacher Michael Schumm explains how he led St Stephen's from being a failing school in special measures to "Oftsed Outstanding" today.

Winter Classes at Kite Studios

Kite Studios in Shepherd's Bush is a local arts centre with a progressive focus on kids with special education needs, or "SEN".

Kite Studios also run classes for adults, such the "Explore Art" class (see flyer to the left) and also a "Drop in and Draw" class (see flyer below)

Kite Studios runs art classes for children with Special Education Needs (SEN) on Thursdays at 4.30pm at their Askew Road home.

Jane Alway's Montessori in Brook Green

The Montessori at Brook Green, also known as "Jane's School" is a wonderful nursery. I know this because both of my children went there, and they could not have been happier. As a parent, I could not have been happier either.

Run by the indefatigable Jane Alway, founder and head teacher, this Montessori has excellent, caring staff who take a keen personal interest in all of the children.

St Stephen's School Consultation

St Stephen's School on the Uxbridge road, widely admired by local parents, is having a consultation on the feasibility of expanding into secondary school education, and founding a new partner school.

To this end they are having a consultation, open to parents of children at the school and the wider community.

You can find the survey here - note that it must be completed by close of business today, 23 January.

Kite Studios Winter Event: 24th of November

Kite Studios Winter Fair

Kite Studios are having their annual Winter event on the 24th of November.

The event aims to raise money for the Kite Studios' sponsorship fund, which goes towards providing subsidised art and craft classes for children and also towards community art projects. 

The event runs from 2pm until 10pm at Kute Studios at 2B Bassein Park Road, just off the Askew Road. 

Included are all sorts of craft workshops, as well as handmade gifts for sale, and food and drinks.

You can buy tickets in advance at www.kitestudios.org or just turn up on the day.

The Shepherd's Bush Blog offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog@gmail.com

Best Nursery in Shepherd's Bush

The Montessori at Brook Green, also known as "Jane's School" is a wonderful nursery. I know this because both of my children go there, and they could not be happier. As a parent, I could not be happier either.

Run by the indefatigable Jane Alwey, founder and head teacher, this Montessori has excellent, caring staff who take a keen personal interest in all of the children.

Planning Drawings for EdCity on Display Today

Updated plans for "EdCity" – a new education hub in White City, as well as new housing and community facilities, are going on display at a public consultation today and tomorrow.

The proposed plans would see the site currently occupied by Ark Swift Primary Academy, Harmony Neighbourhood Nursery and the Adult Community Learning Centre be redeveloped to create a new school and nursery.

The new plans would also include new affordable and private housing, the first "OnSide Youth Zone" in west London, offering affordable activities for local young people, as well as new offices, a revamped adult education centre and a public square.

Letter from Calais

The Jungle, Calais

Toni Sharpe is a teacher who lives in Shepherd's Bush. She recently took a career sabbatical and travelled to to the refugee camp in Calais - known as "The Jungle" - to teach English classes to some of the people living there.

Here, Toni shares some of her thoughts about her experience, in the form of a camp diary.

Escape Studios Hosting "Animation Taster Day" Tomorrow in Shepherd's Bush for Just £5

Escape Studios, the animation and visual effects school based in Shepherd's Bush, have two seats left for their "Animation Taster Day" at Escape Studios tomorrow, Thursday 9 June.

Escape are running this animation taster day as part of Hammersmith and Fulham Arts Fest, to help give future animators an idea of what it's like to work in the  industry.

Fancy working in the movie business, on 3D animated films? You career as an animator begins here, and the whole day of training costs just £5. Escape will even provide lunch.

Humans of Shepherd's Bush No 9

"I'm an English teacher at a secondary school in Shepherd's Bush. Or at least I was - until recently.  It is the best job in world. The challenging end of the state education sector has been my home for sixteen and a half years. The camaraderie, comedy and quiet conscience it breeds are priceless. And the 'kidz' are great. 

Yet, I have decided to take a six month career break. I was due a rest, but the real trouble is the current government's education reforms. The issues are: pace, people and pounds - the change is too fast.  The best teachers and leaders are bowing out due to the growing pressure. And now, silly sums of money are about to be spent "academising" all schools.  I hope to find my way back to an English classroom again, but right now I am seriously concerned about our schools."