January 2012 Archives

LIBRARYGOERS will be able to use free wi-fi internet and modern computers as part of proposed investment in Harrow's cultural facilities.

Other changes include reviewing branch opening times, relocating Hatch End Library a short distance from its current building into Harrow Arts Centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, and seeing if a new premises can be found for Rayners Lane Library in Imperial Drive, South Harrow.

TEENAGER Herve Mpanzu, 18, of Northolt Road, was charged with robbery and possession of an offensive weapon on Thursday.
It relates to an incident on Monday, December 19, in which a 26-year-old man was allegedly mugged in Torrington Drive, South Harrow.

TWO men have been charged with robbing a 24-year-old man on Tuesday, January 9, in Stroud Gate.
Kyle Harvey, 22, of Apple Grove, South Harrow, and Abdul Gayed, 19, of Bycroft Road, Southall, will appear for a plea hearing at Harrow Crown Court on April 4. A third man arrested was released without charge.

A PRIMARY school in South Harrow has continued to improve on its status as one of the best in the country by topping the latest table of exam results.

Figures released by the Department for Education show that Newton Farm School, in Ravenswood Crescent, has moved up from fourth place to first.

The school's Key Stage SATs results in 2010 were the best in England, with all pupils gaining level four in English and maths, and 97 per cent of pupils achieving level five in maths - which is above the national average - and 94 per cent in English.

Headteacher Rekha Bekhoo CBE has attributed the continued and consistent progress at the school to 'outstanding teaching' and the 'inspirational leadership' of senior staff.

She said: "We have high expectations of all pupils and ensure that the curriculum is a rich and varied one, which is
fit for purpose and allows
pupils to make progress and have memorable learning experiences.

"The behaviour in the school is exemplary and
everyone treats each other with care and respect."

The last Newton Farm inspection report by school watchdog Ofsted said 'pupils and staff from a wide range of backgrounds work in a
harmonious and purposeful atmosphere'.

It also stated that more than three-quarters of pupils are from minority ethnic groups, most of whom are from Indian or other Asian backgrounds and speak another language at home.

The national average for level four in English and maths was recorded at 82 per cent and 81 per cent, which were not only far exceeded by pupils at Newton Farm, but also by Harrow schools on the whole.

More than 85 per cent of pupils in the borough achieved level four or above in English, and 83 per cent made the grade in maths, putting them in the top 25 of local
authorities in the country.