Nothing to lose and everything to gain?

We can all vividly remember the riots that hit London and other major cities earlier this summer. We can remember watching on our television screens the catastrophic damage that was inflicted on shops and businesses by individuals the Prime Minister called ‘thugs’. It does make you wonder who committed these acts of violence and what their motives for doing so were. New figures recently published suggest that those who were charged for the August riots were ‘poorer, younger and of lower educational achievement than average’.  So this raises the question is society to blame for its own demise? Remember there is no smoke without fire…

We cannot pardon those acts of violence, we can only try and search for an explanation so that we as a society can prevent them from happening again. The government figures show that a quarter of those charged so far in relation to the riots were juveniles aged 10-27.  That 35% of adults charged in relation to the riots were claiming out of work benefits. More than a third of young people who were arrested had been excluded from school during 2009-2010. Though most significantly of all the findings, was that three quarters of all those who appeared in court had a previous conviction or caution, demonstrating that either individuals had not received the correct help or advice following a previous conviction, or that they did not respect society.

Those who are vulnerable require support systems. The ClementJames Centre is a shining example of one. We encourage individuals to see the positives in themselves, and in society, and help them not to be consumed by the negatives. Thus allowing individuals to see that no matter what anyone says, there is always another option. The ClementJames Centre and centres like it are significantly important for the existence of a harmonious society as they can help those in difficult situations to make the correct life choices, by addressing the problem at the root before it flourishes into a more significant issue.

A sad fact is that all those protesting about society and how unjust it is, have now only made it harder for themselves, having landed themselves a criminal conviction.

So perhaps the government needs to properly investigate the root cause of why the individuals rioted, and assess whether there are enough support systems in place to help those in need.  Otherwise, there will be a situation where convicted young people have everything to lose and not a lot to gain.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Earlier this month the mastermind of the phenomenon that is ‘Apple’ died, leaving behind a legacy that changed the world we live in. He was a truly inspirational individual who was not afraid to think outside the box or take risks. It was precisely this attitude that brought him so much success.  Although success is something Steve had to work hard for, encountering many difficulties on the way. He gave a speech in 2005 at Stanford University where he stated that ‘sometimes life is gonna hit you in the head with a brick, don’t lose faith’. This is such a simple yet powerful message and one we should all listen to. Life isn’t that easy, and there will be ups and downs, but as Steve states you must not allow those difficult moments to allow you to lose sight of your goals and aspirations.

So the next time you endure problems or encounter situations that don’t pan out as expected, remember the road to success is never an easy one, but you can learn from the journey you take.

Click on the link below to watch his speech in full.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Leopards really can change their spots- And we have the evidence to prove it!

Burlington Danes Academy in Shepherd’s Bush has transformed itself, gone are the disruptive lessons and poor achievement, and in its place are high flyers that even get to mingle with Tory Party Members! Burlington Danes Academy is a fine example of the fact that it is never too late to change. When the Head Teacher Sally Coates joined the School in 2008 she said “Visitors didn’t want to cross the playground and children ran down the corridors in lesson time’’ and Ofsted said even pupils called it ‘a rubbish school’. The students had no respect for the teachers and the school struggled to find good staff. Now it has a waiting list of over 100 people for its entry into year 7.  Sally Coates credits the new success of the school to the respect they have built up between staff and pupils. Student  Mr Akinwale who attended  Business in Focus with the engineering company Skanska  at the ClementJames Centre, describes how the school is “now it’s a great place because the students respect the school and the teachers. People don’t step out of line, not because of the sanctions, but because we value and respect what we have at school.” It is clear that the school has come along leaps and bounds and this is reflected in their examination results. In 2006, only 31 per cent of students at Burlington Danes achieved five A* to C grades in five subjects including English and maths. That total rose to 75 per cent this year which is a truly fantastic achievement. Their success has been recognized most notably by the Prime Minster David Cameron in a keynote education speech he gave last month. As a result, Miss Coates and 17-year-old Mr Akinwale were invited to address Tory party members and supporters at their annual conference in Manchester about their school’s dramatic turnaround. This is a great achievement and all those at Burlington Danes Academy should be congratulated.

It proves hard work really does pay off!

Well done!