Our Lady Mary Seacole Supplementary School (OLMSSS) is a Saturday School for Hackney children between the ages of 6 – 12. We bolster their mainstream education and help to improve their attainment levels in core subjects; math, English, science and ICT or computer competence, in keeping with National Curriculum standards.

First, we test pupils’ attainment levels in math, English and science. Then we fashion learning plans, based on knowledge gaps, weaknesses and strengths; so that if Sarah, Rupert and Jenny have gaps in any or all core subjects, their learning plans, will reflect this.

Pupils are then grouped and taught by attainment levels. Those who are falling behind where they should be in math, English and science, are taught together and brought up to scratch. Those who are where they should be, are taught together and pushed; and those who are forging ahead, are stretched. We do this, whilst maintaining a standard class size. This bi-polar teaching methodology, allows us to dovetail.

This means that pupils, who are making progress at any point in the teaching cycle, can be fast-tracked from standard classes, to smaller units where they’ll be challenged. In this way we teach for potential. Our tailored approach is based on:

• Enabling pupils to recognize and develop their potential.
• Helping pupils develop their literacy and numeracy skills.
• Promoting a creative partnership with pupils, parents and teachers.
• Fostering an ethos of confidence, co-operation and self-esteem.
• A low student-teacher ratio
• Carefully structured lessons
• Homework assistance
• Educational tours
• Exam preparation
• Providing a secure and challenging educational environment.

Mary Seacole was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1805. Her father was a Scottish soldier, and her mother ran a boarding house where she cared for invalid soldiers and their wives. Mary learned medicine from her mother and gained reputation as a skilful nurse.

A born healer and a woman of driving energy, Mary overcame official indifference and prejudice. She found her way to the Crimean war (1853-1856) at her own expense; and risked her life to bring comfort to wounded and dying soldiers. Mary Seacole became the first Black woman to make her mark on British public life; but was relegated to obscurity until recently. Her reputation for service during the Crimean War rivaled Florence Nightingale's.

Courtesy of the National Library of Jamaica. www.nlj.org.jm.