Education &Training Committee at Hammersmith Academy: preparing young people for a moving target

The WCIT Education & Training Committee held its September meeting at Hammersmith Academy, beginning with a tour led by Headteacher Gary Kynaston. Gary shared the Academy’s 15-year journey and its close relationship with WCIT, which has supported the school since its foundation alongside the Mercers’ Company. Gary also outlined the Academy’s focus on preparing students for “real world success”, combining academic achievement with character, confidence and clearer routes into further education and employment.

The keynote was delivered by Maggie Philbin OBE, founder of TeenTech and former presenter of BBC’s Tomorrow’s World. Maggie explored how rapidly technology and careers are changing and highlighted the importance of giving young people opportunities to experiment, solve real problems and engage with industry mentors.

Stuart Mitchell, Chair of the WCIT’s IT and Climate Change Panel, also joined the meeting to discuss potential collaboration around technology, sustainability and climate education.

The meeting concluded with updates on apprenticeships, mentoring, careers engagement and the International Young Coders Competition, reinforcing E&TC’s focus on creating practical opportunities for young people.

Liveryman Ji Li