I recently visited two schools in the Bronx in New York. Both are in very challenging communities where crime, drugs and unemployment are prevalent, but are out-performing other local schools. The Harriet Tubman Charter School is a community-based school, with many parents working or volunteering in the school. It is their belief that students are the future, and will be the change agents for the community. It is based in a converted supermarket – but inside it is a ‘haven'. It has an inspirational leader and a passionate workforce, who major on making learning relevant. Students understand the relevance of why they are being taught subjects rather than simply slavishly following the curriculum. The other was the KIPP Academy, where life begins at 7.30am each week day, with breakfast available at 7am for those who need it. Teaching ends at 5pm, followed by two hours of homework. The teaching staff are provided with mobiles, and students are encouraged to call them if they have any difficulties with their homework. On average, 20 calls a night are received by each teacher. There are also weekend and summer classes. Celebrating success is high on the agenda, and rewards are also a strong motivator, with a high reliance on regular assessment. Performance is rewarded by KIPP Dollars to spend on trips, but deductions are made for poor performance or disruption in class. Parents are interviewed at home to ensure they are prepared to sign up for this regime. And the regime pays off. In maths, 95% of pupils passed compared with 55% locally, and 69% in New York City. In English 90% passed, compared with 51% locally and 60% in the city. Around 80% of the students go on to college, compared with 18% locally. I left these schools with a sense of humility. A total of £80m is being spent on my two academies – and there can be no disputing the areas of Darwen and Falmer are much less deprived than the Bronx – and yet in the US, they have achieved so much more from less. A group of students and staff from the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy will be visiting the schools later this month, and I hope they find their visit as inspirational as I did. I learned that support from the home and community are vital, and a more pragmatic approach to teaching the curriculum is essential. However, above all, there is no substitute for hard work. With all these ingredients in place, anything is possible.
