Akacia Complementary Saturday school caters for the extra curricular needs of African Caribbean children age 5-16 years in High Wycombe and surrounding areas.
Supporting Future Generations
Introduction
Since its establishment in 1997 Akacia Complementary School has provided support and extra-curricular needs to children and young people from the African/Caribbean Community in the High Wycombe area. In order to avoid the risk of social exclusion this initiative was taken to provide a supporting environment for children and young people to enhance their abilities, creativity and potential.
By providing an informal and stimulating environment in which to learn, the project is positively encouraging learning and improved school attainment. The School is hosted by Wycombe Multicultural Organisation (WMCO), which is an established and recognised community organisation with charitable status.
What We Do
The Strategy of the Akacia school is focussed on raising the achievement levels of African/Caribbean pupils within the Wycombe Area. It is documented that one of the key reasons why pupils from this grouping struggle, as there is a disproportionate lack of role models from within the community.
Therefore, the Akacia school’s teaching and advisory staff, hail from the African Caribbean Community, and are prominent within the school. They are qualified, and work within the Public & Private school system. The concentration, of said resources, provides the children with an invaluable support infrastructure. This has resulted in raising the achievement levels of many children in the past, and helped them to transform their lives and results. There have been a number of our students, that have gone onto graduate from University, and are now enjoying successful careers in their chosen fields.
The service is provided on a weekly basis through Saturday morning activities with the main subjects Maths and English, as well as that of topics relating to their cultural heritage. This is important for their self-esteem and identity, thus helping them to become better prepared for making positive contributions within society.
Choices of healthy snacks are served during the mid-session break such as fruits, fruit juices and light meals.
What Our Pupils Have Said
“Saturday School has helped throughout the years, from Year 4 to presently. They have an amazing selection of tutors who go through topics step by step, helping you understand the subject. They also give you mini tests which challenge you to learn new things.”
Alice Flanders, 13 years
Wycombe High School
“I’ve been coming here for 9 years since I was five and I have really enjoyed my learning here at the Afro-Caribbean Akacia School. It is a lovely environment to be in. The staff make you feel like one big happy family, helping you, improving you in your studies, caring for your needs and being that extra support that you need. They see your potential and do everything that they can do to help you achieve it.
Akacia School has classes for all ages ranging from Reception to year 6 and an extra class for GCSE maths students. They provide the best teaching in Maths, English and 11+ tutoring. The school has also helped me boost my confidence in my learning. Apart from learning, the school makes sure you are well nourished by providing you with healthy food and drinks at lunch. Everyone at the community are all very friendly and there is the chance to make lots of new friends. In addition, the school often organises trips that the whole school can attend for example, going to see the beautiful parks of Kew Gardens or going to the amazing Science Museums. Overall, I believe that Akacia school is one of the best communities that I attended.”
Rebecca Johnny, 16 yrs
For more information on Akacia, please contact: Gorden Stewart School Coordinator on 01494 522750
Free downloadable maths resources