Four hundred and one students. That’s how many young minds fill Waterside Academy each day. Waterside Academy isn’t just a school. It’s a vibrant community nestled on Kingsland Road in Hackney. Opened on November 1st 2019 it’s a testament to a fresh start. This free school is part of the Community Schools Trust. It serves students aged 11 to 16. Principal Shuabur Rahman leads this mixed-gender academy. Waterside Academy boasts a capacity of 500 students. Currently 56.9% of students receive free school meals.
Waterside Academy isn’t just about academics. It’s about nurturing talents. The staff actively cultivate students’ interests. They instill values of care challenge confidence and courtesy. Students receive ‘golden tickets’ for achievements. Trips to theme parks reward excellent attendance. The school fosters a strong sense of community. It creates a close-knit environment where students feel safe. They feel supported and challenged.
Waterside Academy’s curriculum is ambitious and broad. It’s designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills. Students learn to think and work like subject specialists. They even study the full range of English Baccalaureate subjects at GCSE. The curriculum is coherent and well-structured. Teachers adapt it to address learning gaps. They have high expectations and work to secure students’ ‘knowledge objectives’.
Beyond the curriculum lies a rich tapestry of extra-curricular activities. These include sports music and drama. Poetry recitals set the tone for the day. Students help others through charity weeks. They participate in events like Black History Month. The academy focuses on personal development. It also provides career education and experiences.
Waterside Academy. It’s more than a school. It’s a place of learning growth and community. A place where young dreams are nurtured and futures are shaped. It’s a vibrant hub of activity in Hackney East London. A school that prioritizes both academic excellence and personal development. A school that has successfully transformed itself into a beacon of hope and opportunity for its students. A testament to a community’s commitment to education and its investment in the future.