Sydney Russell School is one of only eight in the country – and the only secondary school – to be selected by Historic England for a champion heritage school award, in recognition of its commitment and excellence in teaching pupils about their local heritage.
It received the new award on account of the work it has done through Historic England’s heritage schools programme, which the school joined in 2014.
As a champion heritage school, Sydney Russell will work with Historic England over the coming year on a new schools-led scheme to highlight the importance of local heritage and how it can be integrated into various subjects.
Historic England’s local heritage education manager in London, Helen Spencer, said: “Sydney Russell is thoroughly deserving of champion heritage school status, and will serve as an inspiration to other schools looking to weave local heritage through their curriculum.”
As this is the first year of champion heritage schools, Sydney Russell will play a key role in shaping the scheme’s activities and future development.
These activities could include testing new education resources, developing a panel of young heritage ambassadors and sharing best practice in heritage teaching.
Read the full article from Barking & Dagenham Post