Bexley Excellence Cluster

eXcellence for everyone

News & Events

October 2005 - Bear Grylls: Making the Ordinary Extraordinary

Over 200 children and school staff from schools in Bexley's Excellence Cluster were given an inspiring and uplifting talk by one of the country's most famous adventurers, Bear Grylls on Friday 14 October during EiC Week.

Bear Grylls with students from Bexley's Excellence Cluster schools

The special audience with Bear at Charlton Athletic Football Ground, was part of an afternoon event that celebrated the continued success of the Excellence Cluster during EiC Week.

Students, staff and guests including, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Trevor Perrin, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Kathryn Smith and Director of Children's and Young People's Service, Dr. Deborah Absalom were captivated by Bear's tales of triumph over adversity.

His talk, called, "The difference between Ordinary and Extraordinary" recalled his many adventures, including his experiences as the youngest Briton ever to climb Mount Everest, just one year after he broke his back in a parachuting accident. In his talk he emphasised the importance of friendship and teamwork in helping people to achieve their goals.

Bexley's Excellence Cluster is now in its third year and has already seen a number of innovative projects. Councillor Perrin is delighted with the Cluster's success, he says; "All of the schools in the Cluster have benefited from the strong partnership links and joint working during the last two years. It continues to go from strength to strength. This event was a great way to get everyone, from the youngest members to the oldest, thinking about how they can achieve whatever they want with some extra effort and with support from friends and team members."

There are 16 schools in the borough within the Excellence Cluster. Children attending the Excellence Cluster schools benefit from a host of activities and programmes. These include special activities for children, including children who have not yet shown their potential, and collaborative projects between primary and secondary school.

October 2004 - Derek Redmond: Going for Gold

More than 300 students from the 17 schools in Bexley’s Excellence Cluster got together in October 2004 to celebrate a successful first year.

Derek Redmond with students from Bexley's Excellence Cluster schools

Derek Redmond, one of Britain’s greatest ever 400m athletes, was invited along to give an inspirational talk about his athletics career and life since injury forced him into retirement. Derek’s presentation “Going for Gold” explained how his hamstring snapped during the semi-finals at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and what made him carry on to finish the race. He captivated the audience with his presentation, who along with the students included head teachers and staff from all the cluster schools. Derek talked about achieving goals against the odds and producing the best performance possible.

October 2004 - Excellence in Cities National Champiom

The EiC project is a government scheme, which funds mentors in areas of high deprivation. Each year, schools are asked to nominate students who have made considerable progress against the odds. Daniel Cannon, of Bexley Business Academy, was nominated by a member of the school’s teaching team. Daniel had to overcome many difficult issues but, as a result of all his hard work and that of the school, he passed 11 GCSE’s. Daniel was awarded the title of “Excellence in Cities” National Champion for exceptional achievements.

Daniel was presented with a glass sculpture in the shape of an Olympic flame by Minister of State for School Standards, David Milliban at a ceremony at the National Portrait Gallery.

As part of his prize, Daniel and his guests were treated to an overnight stay in a London hotel, a trip on the London Eye and voyage on an amphibious vehicle.

Read the DfES press release...

October 2003 - Launch of Excellence

Johnny Ball, the celebrated TV presenter, took a starring role before 320 children at the official launch of the Bexley Excellence Cluster on 21 October 2003, at Normandy Primary School.

His passion for education and keen advocacy of science and mathematics have promoted and supported his award winning television career.

The "Excellence Cluster" programme started in September 2003, one of a number around the country, and will last for three years. Both staff and pupils at the secondary and primary schools in the Bexley Excellence Cluster will benefit from the programme, which provides outstanding opportunities to encourage higher levels of success for pupils.

The programme will include special activities for able children, including children who have not yet shown their potential, and collaborative projects between primary and secondary schools. Extra staff, called "Learning Mentors", will help children overcome the non-academic barriers to learning, such as helping children to develop confidence. Bexley school children will also benefit from a £4.2 million funding boost.

"The Excellence Cluster programme is wonderful news for Bexley's children. It will enable those schools involved to tackle the barriers that can stop children learning and encourage all children to reach their full potential."
Cllr Trevor Perrin, Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning and Leisure

Other schools in the borough will also benefit from the programme, as schools in the Excellence Cluster will share the good practice they develop.

Cluster Report: The Launch (108KB, PDF file)