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Top of the class - 60 years of education at the Whittington

Top of the class - 60 years of education at the WhittingtonThursday 1 October was a very special day for the staff at the Whittington hospital class. The afternoon saw the launch of the history project celebrating 60 years of education at the Whittington.

The afternoon celebrated the opening of the photo display, showing black and white pictures of children being taught between 1950’s and 1970’s. The permanent exhibition is on level four Atrium by paediatric out-patients. At the start of the celebration the choir from St Joseph’s School sang joyfully to the guests of the hospital class. The performance was their first for the new term and was wonderful.

Before the guests enjoyed a buffet tea they were able to look at the displays of pupils’ work. The displays were on smart new blue boards so generously provided by the Friends of the Whittington. Rosemarie Hilditch, head of centre, explained that the Friends had also contributed to the funds to produce the permanent display. Rosemarie thanked them for all their support.

The focus of the afternoon then moved to the plan to provide a book full of memories, photographs and articles about the hospital class.

Please could anyone who can share their memories of their time as a patient, parent or a member of staff on the paediatric ward please contact:
Mala Perera c/o Ifor Ward or mala.perera@newrivercollege.islington.sch.uk.
Today Cambridge Education, at Islington provides education for pupils who are ill on the ward and for pupils who live in Islington and are unable to attend school.
Sandra Bingham, service director, Children’s Champion, and Thelma Bartlett executive head of New River College, praised the ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted 2009) work of the service of the hospital class and thanked all the friends of the service for attending.

Rob Larkman, the new chief executive was able to attend the start of the history project launch. He was able to meet members of Islington Council, parents, staff and Friends of the Whittington Hospital. Rob plans to visit the pupils in the classroom on Ifor Ward very soon. He also wished the project every success and looks forward to receiving a copy of the book once it has been printed.

Rosemarie Hilditch
Head of Centre - Whittington Hospital Class

Last updated06 Oct 2009