Around Ealing September 2018 | Page 7

UP FRONT Schools challenge More than 150 parents, teachers and governors are taking on the challenge to run the Ealing Half Marathon on Sunday, 30 September to raise money for their schools. Now entering its second year, the schools challenge sees teams from primary and secondary schools across the borough take part in the incredibly popular 13.1-mile half marathon. Last year’s challenge helped schools raise more than £18,000 to pay for all kinds of extra school equipment, including sports facilities, computer equipment, playground improvements and a community garden; and one school even built a sensory room. This year that number is expected to rise again with even more schools taking part. Read the full story at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/features/ ealing-half-2018 and find out more about the half marathon. Green flags success A record-equalling 21 of the borough’s parks and green spaces were awarded Green Flags for excellence this summer. Read more at ealingnewsextra.co.uk Giving voice to talent Raquel Joseph is the first ever winner of the Alice Gross Memorial Song Writing award and got a chance to record her song in a professional music studio. Last year, Ealing Council’s music service set up the award in honour of Alice Gross, a promising musician and song writer. Visit ealingnewsextra.co.uk/features/ young-songwriter for the full story. 1 You can have your say on the borough’s future arrangements for school admissions next month. The council will be running a consultation from 19 October until 30 November on proposed changes to the admissions arrangements for the 2020 pupil intake and beyond. During the consultation dates visit www.ealing.gov.uk/ consultation to view the proposals and find out how to comment. 2 Get creative and qualified with new adult learning courses beginning this month. Whether you are looking for a new hobby or hoping to improve your career prospects, there are courses for you. The new course guide is available now: Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/ adultlearning for more details. 3 Out of work and struggling to get your foot in the door? Ealing Council offers weekly, free drop-in job club sessions to help residents get back in to work. Regular support is on-hand to help with CVs, application forms, job searches and interview technique. Read more including the story of how it helped Sarabjit Kaur get a job, at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/ features/job-clubs 4 Pupils at Featherstone High in Southall have been helping primary school children as part of a ‘homework buddy’ initiative between local schools. The Year 8s have given up their time to help Clifton Primary youngsters. The idea is to improve the reading skills of the younger pupils and prepare them for homework; while also boosting the confidence of the older children. Visit ealingnewsextra.co.uk/ features/older-children-acting-as- homework-buddies-at-school. speedread around ealing    September 2018 7