WCIT Charity Review Vol. 2 | Page 7

Page 7 EDUCATION S enior Warden Nicholas Birtles is mentor for Giordy, a sixth form Computer Science student at LBTS. Nic says: “I have seen the value of mentoring in my own life and career, and hope that my mentoring will be of help to Giordy in his life and career” Giordy responded; “My interests for my career in computing are in app and game development or computer security. Nic has been able to arrange for me to visit companies with which he is associated to show me how people work in the sort of jobs that interest me and the importance of teamwork, which I think is one of my strongest characteristics. Our personal conversations have helped me see the value of hard work and concentration so I work harder because of Nic - a good man and a good mentor” students on how to pursue a career in IT. We do this by hosting lunches, helping to organise an inspirational speaker programme, offering work experience and providing mentors. WCIT have helped Lilian Baylis Technology School for over ten years as the school has progressed to “outstanding” from OFSTED. As well as providing two governors, we advise S ir Kevin Satchwell, Headmaster of Thomas Telford School, made the following observations following a visit to Hammersmith Academy in April 2014; “…a meeting with members of the Academy Student Council was enlightening. They loved their school and spoke with great respect for their teacher and the extra opportunities that they received. A thoroughly enjoyable day, Hammersmith Academy is certainly moving education forward.” Hammersmith Academy is now over half full and continuing to develop a new generation of students with the latest creative media and digital technology skills. These alumni will be the IT technicians, artists, industry leaders and IT entrepreneurs that drive London’s future growth. S ea Cadets units help young people build confidence in their own abilities and learn to work as part of a team. Adventure activities develop social skills and responsibility and re-connect them with their maritime heritage. Traditionally old seafarers provided training while local businessmen funded the Unit HQ and that tradition is continued with support from the WCIT to the Beckenham and Penge cadets, T.S.Sikh unit. Our support in 2013 included a donation to buy audio visual equipment vital to the successful programme of training within the unit and our Clerk saw this at first hand at the unit’s Annual Inspection. In that year the unit received the second best Royal Naval Inspection score in London for 2013 resulting in the presentation of the Killick Trophy and S/Lt George Tolley was given the National Sea Cadet trophy for best Commanding Officer in the UK. WCIT CHARITY REVIEW