GCSE Results Day 2018

August 23rd marks GCSE results day for hundreds of thousands of students across the UK, including young people on the ThinkForward programme in London, Kent and Nottingham.

There is so much emphasis on this day being an indicator of progression, achievement and personal development for those who are moving onto further education, employment or training.

With the support of their coaches, young people on ThinkForward have been able to overcome personal barriers to stay focused at school and achieve results that may have felt unachieveable two years ago.

Below is a snapshot of the accomplishments of the day:

Ben from George Green’s School, London:

“I have received a lot of support from ThinkForward, helping me to build my skills and prepare for work and further education. I wanted to do an apprenticeship at first but I am now looking to study in college. My coach has helped me to have more drive and equipped me to successfully finish secondary school by supporting me to move on to further my studies. Without being put on ThinkForward I wouldn’t have had the opportunities or guidance and direction to work towards my career path.”

Rosa from City of Islington Academy Highbury Grove, London, who is going on to study health and social care at college:

“I’ve come a long way with ThinkForward’s help. Every time I was unsure about something over the last three years I’d speak to my coach who would help. I’ve boosted my confidence and work skills with ThinkForward, and my coach helped me get through my GCSEs which I found tough. Knowing that ThinkForward are here for the next couple of years gives me peace of mind as they will be there until I go to university.”

Coach Nina on her young person Matt, from Marsh Academy, Kent:

“Matt has done so well and achieved much better than he thought he would, meaning he can now study the Level 2 plumbing course he really wanted to do.”

Cuba from Swanlea school, London, who is going on to study health and social care at college:

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Thank you so much for being there.”

Jake from Green Spring Academy, London, who is going on to study animal care level 3:

“I feel amazing. Thanks to ThinkForward I found a career for me, which I am passionate about.”

Jake’s parent also commented: “ThinkForward has supported Jake since year nine. I did not believe he would complete his GCSEs and pass all his subjects because he had no interest in learning, but due to ThinkForward’s interventions Jake has grown in confidence and become driven to succeed.”

A young person from Goodwin Academy, Deal:

“My coach has really helped me to understand myself and overcome my problems. I may not have got the results I wanted but know I have a coach to help me in the next year”

We look forward to following the progress of young people who have just received their GCSE results. They will continue on the ThinkForward programme for a further two years, during which time they will work towards gaining employment or continuing further or higher education.

Dr Neville Lawrence visits ThinkForward at Green Spring Academy Shoreditch

Students from Green Spring Academy Shoreditch were privileged to hear a thoughtful and thought-provoking talk from Dr Neville Lawrence, the father of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in London in 1993.

Dr Lawrence spoke to students at the school about why violence isn’t the answer, and also to support and encourage them to follow their dreams.

The ThinkForward coach at Green Spring, Adrian Binns, invited Dr Lawrence to the school. You couldn’t hear a pin drop in the packed assembly hall as students listened intently.

Dr Lawrence said: ‘Everyone has a dream, whether you want to be a pilot or a doctor. If you want to do something then the only person stopping you, is you. Don’t listen to people who tell you that you can’t do something.

‘My dream was that I was going to make sure that the people who killed my son would go to jail. I am one of those people who does not give up on anything. They took the life of a young, innocent person. I could not see why the colour of a person’s skin would make someone want to kill.’

In today’s social media world he also cautioned young people about fuelling disputes by filming and sharing arguments or fights, telling students: ‘Don’t take out your phone and film it and put it on social media. Be an example to your community. Be proud of yourselves, excel and make your family proud.’

After the talk, Dr Lawrence met with a group of ThinkForward students. He learned more about the programme and our work readiness capabilities and showed a keen interest in the aspirations and future of every young person round the table.

Dr Lawrence encouraged the students to ‘share kindness and positive messages’ on social media and counselled that ‘violence is never the answer’. He also told them: ‘Education is the key.’

After meeting Dr Lawrence, Lasharn, a Year 10 student who wants to become a police officer or fire fighter said: ‘I liked his message that violence is not a solution to problems, and to give back to the community. He is my hero.’

Kamel, also in Year 10 commented: ‘I have a lot of respect for him because he gives back and he inspires students.’

And fellow Year 10 student Ibrahim said: ‘I was very excited to meet him. He is an extreme role model, one in a million! He is an inspiration to me.’

ThinkForward and ICG shortlisted for Lord Mayor’s Dragon Award

We are delighted to be shortlisted in the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards in the Community Partner category.

The nomination in this prestigious award acknowledges our long-standing partnership with ICG Asset Management. Established in 2012, it’s now at the start of its second five-year collaboration.

Through ThinkForward, ICG links with LEAP (London East Alternative Provision school). Their financial contribution funds a ThinkForward coach who supports 40 young people – 10 students in each year group from Years 10 through to 13, for four years. Excluded from mainstream school, they are more at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training).

In addition to supporting the provision of the coach, the partnership is successful because ICG staff are also very firmly integrated through business mentor volunteering and hosting work experience.

Kevin Munday, ThinkForward CEO said: ‘We are delighted that the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards judges have recognised the value and uniqueness of ThinkForward’s fantastic partnership with ICG and the London East Alternative Provision School in Tower Hamlets, whose pupils are at increased risk of leaving school without a job, employment, training or study place with, all the negative consequences that has for their future.’

Head of HR at ICG, Jo Zendel said: “ICG is extremely proud of its involvement with ThinkForward and with the young people from LEAP in particular. Our employees feel privileged to participate in the mentoring partnership and take great satisfaction from being able to positively influence the long-term outcomes of the students.”

The ThinkForward coach at LEAP provides intensive support over four years. Young people are not churned through a programme over a period of just a few months. Instead, as a trusted adult, who is not a parent or teacher, the coach is in a unique position to guide, advise and support students going through some of the most challenging years of their young lives.

John Bradshaw, LEAP headteacher, recognises the benefit ThinkForward brings to his school. He said: I am fortunate to work with ThinkForward. The coach has made a significant impact on the life chances of the students he works with. Apart from high-level 1:1 personalised support they also provide experiences which many of our pupils would not normally have.

The Lord Mayor’s final judging panel will meet to decide the winners and they will be announced at a dinner at Mansion House in September.