A London church is stepping up to address the educational challenges faced by black boys at GCSE level.
The Tab in Lewisham has teamed up with the charity Symphony Schools to offer free tutoring in English, maths, and science. Currently, only 34 per cent of black Caribbean pupils achieve a grade five or above in GCSE English and maths.
Tina Amadi, the national head and principal of Symphony Schools, expressed hope that students can improve by at least two grades on average in their GCSEs. This, she noted, would not only transform the lives of these students but also positively impact their families.
The twelve-week program will cater to students in Years Ten and Eleven, both in Birmingham and London. In Lewisham, twelve students will have the opportunity to receive tutoring from qualified teachers who specialise in their subjects.
She told Premier Christian News: “We believe in ensuring that these boys are able to have all the necessary tools and tuition and tutored and mentoring that they need in order to achieve the grades at GCSE level that we know that they can achieve.
“That's twelve lives that have been transformed; that's twelve families that have been transformed. So we're hoping, first and foremost, for these young boys to be able to achieve what they want to achieve and beyond.”
The Tab will serve as the venue for the London segment of the program. From March until 7th May 2024, the church will host weekly sessions for students and their mentors.
Amadi emphasised the importance of building lasting relationships with the church community beyond the program. She said she hopes that students will feel a connection to the church and its support even after their GCSE period has ended.
The church’s pastor, Mike White, said: “As a community church that cares about local people, we want to provide knowledge and information that bring transformation for those who need it the most,” Pastor Mike White at Tab Church London said. “We’re pleased to partner with Symphony Schools to roll out this programme in Lewisham. We’re looking forward to hearing the stories of achievement and growth from those taking part.”
The program is currently open for enrollment in Lewisham for Year 11 boys.