Symphony Schools
Is dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering young Black men by offering free extra tuition classes in core subjects aligned with the UK’s National curriculum.
THE PURPOSE
Symphony Schools is dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering young Black men by offering free extra tuition classes in core subjects aligned with the National curriculum.
Our goal is to act as an academic bridge, helping young Black boys to see and reach their potential through education. We support them in maximizing their capabilities and creating opportunities so that they, and future generations,
can achieve greater success.
"Every child, particularly our Black boys, deserves the chance to excel academically. With a commitment to their success, I am dedicated to ensuring that academic achievement becomes a reality for them. Every lesson, every mentorship opportunity, is a step towards this goal. This vision is not just a dream; it's a commitment to educational excellence."
Tina Amadi | Lead, Symphony Schools
"Every student carries unique potential and capacity
for greatness. By investing in their academic growth today, we're nurturing future leaders. My mission is to overcome historical patterns of underachievement.
The world is poised to witness the exceptional talent and empowerment of our young men."
Seth Pinnock | Founder, Symphony Co
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
-
The educational landscape is not just marred by inequalities; it's also devoid of the Spirit's guidance that brings young souls closer to God and His purpose. Many youths today are drifting away from church, missing out on the transformative love of Jesus Christ. Young minds are left vulnerable, without a spiritual compass, making them easy targets for society's pitfalls.
Our education system has let many of our young Black boys settle for mediocrity. They're repeatedly labeled, boxed in by negative stereotypes, and taught that limited achievement is their predestined norm. Driven by a higher calling, Symphony Schools is rising against these deep-rooted patterns of underachievement, revealing to the world the potential and divine purpose within our young men.
Research indicates a systemic bias against Black children, particularly young Black boys, who often suffer more severe punishments than their white counterparts for comparable behavior. But we're not just here to point out the problems; we aim to be the bridge that connects these students to a brighter, God-ordained future.
Understanding the challenges Black boys face - from institutionalized racism to underfunded schools with misguided priorities - we step in with extra support, both academically and spiritually. London's school-to-prison pipeline paints a grim picture for our Black boys. School policies and practices have a hand in pushing these students away from educational spaces and into realms of crime and legal confrontations.
Symphony Schools offers more than just academic guidance; we are a sanctuary. We hope to create a space where community leaders and practitioners can bond with students and families, forming genuine, lasting relationships based on faith, understanding, and shared purpose.
-
Black boys, on average, score lower in their GCSEs compared to their peers. For white boys, the average attainment score is 43.4, for black African boys it's 41.4, and for black Caribbean boys, it's 35.5.
Racism's shadow looms large in our educational system. Almost half of young Black individuals see racism as the biggest obstacle to their academic progress. This perception is validated by 49% believing that racism is their most significant barrier in schools, while 50% feel teacher perceptions are the primary obstacle.
OFSTED reports confirm the declining performance of Black pupils as they move through the educational stages.
A lack of representation continues to plague our educational system, with 50% of parents feeling that their children aren't reflected in the teaching workforce or curriculum materials.
The exclusion rates for Black Caribbean students are nearly three times higher than White British students.
Research affirms that Black students face both blatant and covert prejudice from educators.
The academic success of Black students, particularly African-Caribbean boys in London, remains alarmingly low.
Regional disparities exist, but on average, Black students consistently underperform compared to their peers.
Interestingly, Black boys show promising results in KS2, but this progress wanes in KS3 and beyond, suggesting a significant problem within secondary education.
-
Symphony Schools stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young, gifted Black boys. Through our free core GCSE extra tuition classes, we focus on delivering personalized teaching in English, Math, and Science. But it's not just about the subjects; it's the crucial mentorship that ensures each student is given the guidance they truly need.
Rooted in our ethos is a deep recognition of the historical challenges that have consistently hindered the progress of these young men. This oppressive history of underachievement isn't just a fact we acknowledge; it's a challenge we're determined to overcome. While we maintain a firm stand against these systemic issues, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of collaboration. Our ambition is to work hand-in-hand with other organizations and community initiatives that share our vision. By synergizing our efforts, pooling our insights, and co-designing impactful solutions, we're confident in our ability to create a more significant and enduring impact on the lives of these young men.
At Symphony Schools, it's about more than bridging the academic gap. We're on a mission to showcase the brilliance and untapped potential of our students. But beyond that, we aim to create a nurturing space that deeply connects community leaders, youth workers, students, and their families. It's in these genuine, lasting relationships that we see the potential for real transformation, ensuring our students not only excel academically but also stand as integral, hopeful figures within their communities
10 Students,
12 Weeks,
3 Churches,
1 Celebration, Infinite Possibilities
-
Symphony Schools is devoted to offering a thorough curriculum in three fundamental subjects: English, Maths, and Science. Our tutoring approach is rooted in understanding the unique needs of every pupil. By leveraging data such as school reports, exam board criteria, and baseline assessments, we've sculpted a comprehensive curriculum that adequately covers pivotal topics, setting the stage for success in summer exams.
-
In the heart of London, Symphony Schools harbours the loftiest ambitions for our students. Our dedication manifests not just in teaching but in the meticulous crafting of a curriculum tailored to individual needs. It's about empowering our students, urging them to break through barriers and embody excellence.
-
Our approach is systematic, grounded in detailed planning and the pursuit of excellence throughout the learning journey. We dismantle any barriers to ensure there's no ceiling to our students' achievements. Our strategy is simple yet effective: aim high and scaffold appropriately, increasing cognitive demand progressively.
-
To foster understanding, we systematically review students’ progress during lessons, adapting to assessment data and implementing interventions as needed. This ensures we're addressing individual needs and leaving no student behind.
-
Academic brilliance isn’t our sole focus. Symphony Schools bolsters this with a robust mentorship program. Students are paired with resident mentors, hailing from diverse academic and corporate sectors, throughout their journey with us. These mentors are instrumental in fostering resilience, mental health, boosting confidence, and encouraging our students to tap into their potential. Key soft skills, from communication and teamwork to decision-making and creative thinking, are seamlessly integrated into the mentorship.
-
Maths:
Beyond mere numbers, we aim to instil in students the importance of logical thinking and problem-solving, highlighting the relevance of Maths in domains such as finance and engineering.
English:
Our pedagogy emphasizes proficiency, effective communication, and cultural appreciation, ensuring students are equipped to participate in global dialogues.
Science:
With a focus on innovation, our Science curriculum propels students towards mastery, priming them for leading roles in sectors like technology and medicine.
-
At Symphony Schools, we believe in nurturing the whole student. Through introspective questions like "What do I have to give?", "Where can I serve?", and "What do I love?", we encourage students to discover themselves, their passions, and the contributions they can make to society.
-
We're proud of our association with some of the nation's most accomplished tutors, primarily from diverse backgrounds. Their invaluable experience in education enriches our students' learning experiences, further augmented by visits to cultural landmarks and leading corporations.
Our meticulous planning ensures that a team of devoted volunteers assists in executing each session, acknowledging their commitment by covering travel costs and offering refreshments.
-
Theory meets practice as our students get opportunities to engage with industry frontrunners, such as Apple and Nationl Rail and other. These interactions offer them a glimpse into the boundless potential their future can hold.
-
Our 12-week program culminates in a grand graduation ceremony held at the local church, celebrating not just the academic accomplishments of our students, but heralding them as the trailblazers of tomorrow.
When?
This 12-week program culminates in a graduation ceremony held during a church service, and it begins annually in the first week of February.
Where?
In the dynamic cities of London, Manchester, and Birmingham, each with its own unique cultural and socio-economic landscape, Symphony Schools is dedicated to addressing the educational and developmental needs of Black boys. These cities, though rich in diversity and opportunities, also present significant challenges that impact the educational achievements and prospects of their Black communities. Here's a closer look at each city:
London
With 40.2% ethnic minority residents, London stands
as a multicultural beacon. However, the city faces a
stark educational gap, particularly for Black boys,
who lag behind in key academic metrics like English
and Maths GCSEs.
-
NTCG Muntz Street, Eloquent Dance Centre:
Lead Pastor: Nathan Turner
School Principal: Janice Davis
MANCHESTER
Home to a 13.3% Black population, Manchester's vibrant cultural scene is contrasted by economic challenges that have a direct impact on the education of Black youths.
-
Coming Soon
BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham's diverse community includes a 9% Black population. Here too, educational disparities for Black boys mirror the region's socio-economic challenges.
Symphony Schools' mission in these cities is to harness their unique characteristics to implement targeted educational solutions, aiming to bridge gaps and empower Black boys for future success.
-
KICC Walthamstow.
Lead Pastor Tobi Adegboyega
School Principle: Joshua Oladimeji
-
The Tab Church London, Lewisham:
Lead Pastor: Michael White
School Principal: Tina Amadi