A big week at Duke’s this week – Hollywood, a trip to Westminster and Black History celebrations! 

Letitia Wright Visit 

On Monday 20th October Duke’s was dazzled by the bright lights of Hollywood as Letitia Wright (AKA Shuri in Black Panther) came to visit. Letitia is an ex-student who has gone on to achieve great things in life and was very excited to be back in her old school inspiring the younger generation. It was also wonderful for Letitia to connect with some of her old teachers who still work here!

An award winning actor, Leitita was delighted to share her latest project with Duke’s students – a short film that she has written, directed and produced herself called ‘Highway to the Moon’. The film is an abstract film that follows the experiences of young Black men whose lives have been tragically cut short. She describes the film as a “love letter to young Black men all over the world.”

Not only did Duke’s students get to watch the film, they also got a question and answer session with Letitia. It was fascinating to hear how she had achieved all she had from her younger years in Tottenham. Our students asked insightful and interesting questions – while also feeling a bit starstruck!

The visit was also an amazing way for our students to understand more about careers in the film industry! #Aldridgeconnect 

Westminster Trip – Year 10 Business Studies 

More #Aldrigeconnect activities with a lucky group of year 10 business studies students who got to visit Westminster. The students attended an event called ‘Speak Week’ set up by Loudspeaker – an organisation that specialises in oracy and young people’s voice in conjunction with the House of Lords. 

The students were engaged in a series of workshops on networking, pitching and oracy; all entrepreneurial skills that gave students a window into possible future careers and the confidence to sell themselves. Two students (Ovidu and Tafari) stood up and pitched a business idea in one of the sessions – they represented themselves and us excellently!

Black History Celebration Lunch 

Finally this week a big shout out to the Maths department that led on our annual Black History Month lunch – a great time was had by all and stomachs were well and truly fed. As ever lots of staff from across the school got involved, a great event.