Justice Renate Winter, Judge to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, speaks to CFGS Law Students

Mrs Calder and Ms Adigbli organised an online Q&A with Justice Renate Winter in November 2022.  It was an excellent opportunity for our students to learn from a senior judge with such a breadth of experience in international Law.  Justice Winter was an Austrian judge and for many years served as a UN Judge to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. She is an expert on family law, juvenile justice systems, women’s justice issues and child labour. Judge Winter was a founding member of the International Institute for the Rights of the Child (IDE) which is dedicated to the worldwide training of judicial personnel and dissemination of information on children’s rights and former president of the International Association of Youth and Family Court Judges and Magistrates.  Judge Winter was a contributor to the Draft Model Law on Juvenile Justice, the UN Manual on Juvenile Justice, and the Draft Model Law on Child Victims & Witness Protection.

 Our students benefitted from the event hugely and wrote the following letter of thanks to Justice Winter -

23 November 2022

 Dear Judge Winter,

 Thank you so much for giving your time today to share with us your experiences as a Judge.  It was so interesting to hear about your breadth of experience and learn about how the international Law works with local jurisdictions to provide justice for individuals and communities, and children in particular.

During our reflection after the session we discussed the following aspects of your talk, which we found particularly interesting and enlightening. 

• The importance of protecting human rights and how the international Law supports these when they conflict with local Laws

• The commitment it requires to be a judge and how it affects work / life balance

• The importance of constantly keeping up to date with the Law

• How important it is to talk directly to children and prioritise their rights.

• Differences between international Law, national Laws, Shariah Law and customary Law.

• Understanding the workload of a judge.

• The meaning of impunity.

• The role of the International Court of Justice in the Hague and the role and membership of the UN.

• The importance of treating people with respect.

 We very much appreciate that you took the time to meet us and share your experiences.  It gave us insight into the life of a judge and important areas of the law beyond the curriculum we are studying.

 With best wishes,

 Ms O’Reilly and Year 13 Lawyers from CGFS

Central Foundation Girls’ School hosts Fatima Zaman on 19 April 2023

The student audience were enthralled by Fatima’s tales of danger and survival, international politics and current affairs, and laughed with her while she spent some time recalling days in East London with her family, shopping, getting manicures and eating fried chicken. Here are just a few of the comments students made on the day –

Fatima was very inspiring to me and made me feel motivated to try harder to achieve my goals and be resilient. Your life story was very interesting. - Zainab Ahmed (10L)

Fatima inspired me and shocked me. At first, she is a little girl in Stepney and I’m from Stepney. When she started telling her stories, of how she met Obama I was amazed. I love how she challenges people. She has a lot of faith in herself, when not many people believed in her. I also love the fact that she’s so confident because she makes me want to be successful. - Tanya Begum (10A)

The speech really touched me – it’s like it opened another viewpoint for me. Because she was in the exact same position as us many years back, it shows that people of diversity actually will make a difference. I think I will always remember this speech and never forget the difference she made and the difference we can all make. - Jahara Hussain (10T)

I have genuinely been sooooo unbothered to think about what I’ve wanted to be when I’m older. But listening to Fatima speak, has encouraged me so so so much and has really motivate me to actually have a think to myself. I have always wanted to inspire young women as well as to stand up to sexism and racism. I am truly grateful to be here and listen to her speak, not only her truth but also her life story which was incredible. I hope to see more of this in the future at CFGS. PS: I hope she reads this and if she does just know that you have really inspired me and I mean that in every way. ALSO tell Obama I have a crush on him. Joking (but still) - Hafsa Abduljibar (10I)

I really resonated with Fatima’s story as it really showed me that girls like me can do bigger and better things. It also made me really acknowledge all the things going on all around the world. She really made me think about the things I am capable of. She made me much more interested in politics and gave me the idea of joining programmes related to this topic. She is a beautiful, young Bengali woman who has accomplished so much and is so inspiring. - Zara Hussain (10U)

After listening to Fatima speak, I feel encouraged to go and learn more about what is going on in the wider world. For example, when she spoke about her work in Iraq, it made me want to go and research more about it to see what I can do to help, it made me interested in a new career path - I want to do something better in the world. - Naida Jamil (10Y)

Hi Fatima, Your speech today has overwhelmed me in many different ways. When I walked into the auditorium I wasn’t expecting a speech like yours. I thought I would be bored and not interested at all but it was the complete opposite. After hearing your story and your work, it made me realise that I could do more than just studying and revising. You have inspired me today and now I look at you as my role model. Though this speech, you have encouraged me to always try and keep doing my best. Fatima, today you have made me change my view of life and you are amazing and keep inspiring young women like me. - Maisha Rahman (10T)

ZEROHOUR

Why we need climate and nature law

• The UK Government has promised to stay below 1.5°C and restore nature. However, these promised are not backed up by action

• The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world

• We cannot tackle climate change without protecting and restoring nature.

Speakers Alessandra Palange (Associate Fellow at the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education), Nell Miles (youth campaigner, Oxford University) and Leonie Cooper (Deputy Leader of the Labour group at City Hall and member of the London Assembly) were passionate about getting everyone involved in protecting the planet, regardless of their age, interests or background.

They spoke to CFGS and CFBS students about the Climate and Ecology Bill – which is a Private Members’ Bill written by scientists and campaigners and supported by 100+ Members of Parliament and Peers from all political parties over 400 civil society organisations and businesses, and 149 scientists.

The UK Government has promised to reduce emissions to tackle climate change and limit its destructive effects around the world, however these promises are sadly not backed up by action. It has also promised to restore nature, however there is no comprehensive plan to restore nature at the speed necessary to tackle climate change. The UK is also continuing to develop new fossil fuels despite warnings from the UN, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Climate Change Committee that this is not consistent with limiting global heating to 1.5°C. The Government’s own projections show us that we are missing our targets and going over our Carbon Budget (carbon budgets are restrictions on the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit over a 5-year period).

Existing legislation (the Environment Act) only offers to halt the decline of nature by 2030, and then to reverse that decline by 10% on 2030 levels by 2042. This could mean that nature in 2042 could easily be in a worse state than in 2022 and these targets do not match the targets that the UK government called for at COP15 (UN Biodiversity Conference) in 2022! This is why the Climate and Ecology Bill is so important at this moment in time.

Students can get involved in nature and climate activism by learning about the current state of the environment and policy (The Wildlife Trust has some great policy resources). They can also keep up to date with the news, write for student journals on relevant topics and volunteer with wildlife initiatives in their local community. In other words - start making change in Tower Hamlets!

This was the first trip that CFGS students made to the Boys’ school since before Covid, and we would like thank Avril Calder for organising the event and to Caroline Browne for being such a gracious host at CFBS!

Fatima Manji at Central Foundation Girls’ School

The Journalist, Newsreader and Author, Fatima Manji, visited CFGS on Wednesday 22 February 2023.  She spoke to CFGS and CFBS students in Years 10, 12 and 13. 

Fatima was eloquently introduced to the students by one of our energetic CFSL Trustees, Avril Calder. The following is an extract from her presentation –

“It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Fatima Manji. As many of you know, Ms Manji has for several years been a news caster / anchor on the award-winning Channel 4 News which is broadcast every weekday evening at 7pm for an hour and at earlier times at the weekend.

I’d like, if I may, to draw your attention to one or two steps along her path to that role.

Firstly, she decided at the age of eight that she’d like to ‘be at the centre of things’ by becoming a journalist.

Secondly, after studying at the London School of Economics she became a trainee reporter for the BBC and in 2012 moved to Channel 4 as a Reporter.

Thirdly, in 2015 she won the Young Journalist of the Year Award, followed in 2016 by the Media Personality of the Year at the Asian Media Awards. Also in 2016, Ms Manji took her place in front of the camera in Channel 4’s news studio.

In the midst of all this, Ms Manji has written an engrossing book, ‘Hidden Heritage’, which is a description of the treasure hunt she embarked on in historic houses and museums where artefacts such as paintings connect our country’s historic relationship to other parts of the world such as Turkey, India and Morocco. I have seen many of the objects described in it. It was both informative and salutary to appreciate them afresh through her eyes.” 

Fatima ensured that students were both engaged and involved throughout her presentation, taking numerous questions along the way.

After the presentation had concluded, a select number of students from CFGS who had been working on a Podcast were granted an interview with Fatima. They were very grateful for this opportunity and appreciated the professional feedback they received from Ms Manji.

Fatima left CFGS in order to attend parliamentary business with the parting words “See you soon!”   We at the Girls’ and Boys’ schools certainly hope that proves to be so!

 Mayesha Ali, a student who attended the event, has the following to say - 

“Fatima Manji came into Central Foundation Girls’ school and spoke about her life, and journey to becoming a journalist and answered questions about the book she published. She was an extremely ambitious person from a young age, this sort of ambition could inspire many young girls to become potential journalists due to her determination, as well as relatability. 

One of the stories she mentioned was her experience of the Afghanistan war. Of course, she did not mention the gruesome details, however her message alone was powerful enough to bring an emotional atmosphere. Another story was about the Saudi Royal family. She told us about the former King’s wife reaching out to her in order to spread awareness of how the former King kept her and her daughters locked up as prisioners in the house. Unfortunately, after Fatima’s team were successful enough to interview the daughters and mother, she has not yet received any follow-up regarding the interview. However, they have met one of their aims – which is public awareness. 

Overall, it was an interesting talk. I think her telling stories about the news she obtained was the most intriguing part and the most useful as it gives a different perspective. This perspective can then be used in later education and can further influence young people who want to achieve the success she has.”

11th March 2022 at 11.15 am

Online Seminar

Megan McCubbin

Wildlife TV Presenter of Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch

In addition to being a television presenter, Megan has reported on issues for Al Jazeera on plastic pollution and the social movement Extinction Rebellion for the award-winning environmental series Earthrise and hopes to bring more awareness to the plight of species around the world and to educate others in the wonders of the planet.

Co-presenting alongside Chris Packham, Megan also took part in a national bio-blitz campaign and travelled to 50 conservation sites in 10 days to assess the state of the UK countryside.

‘Back to nature—how to love life and how to save it’ is a publication which Megan co-authored with Chris Packham.

For more about Megan please go to https://www.meganmccubbin.com and for her book https://www.meganmccubbin.com/book.

After being a part of the Megan McCubbin talk, I can say it was extremely enriching. From learning about different animals and ecosystems to the way we could preserve life, to offer sustainability, for the next generations to come. I would say the most fascinating part was when Megan described her adventures, experiencing geographical life first hand, it was an eye opener and to say the least, I feel inspired and grateful for her taking the time to share these extraordinary events that rarely occur nowadays.

Rashard (Year 12)

Patiently, we wait for the Zoom meeting to start in Chemistry, as is the norm in today’s time. We are awaiting a talk from Megan Mcubbin, a zoologist, known primarily as a presenter on the BBC show Springwatch. She begins telling us about how she got into zoology, and her love for animals. She mentions key experiences from her life, from when she brought an owl to school, to when she swam with sharks. She also speaks of her inspiring determination of studying Zoology and succeeding, despite her dyslexia and struggles with Maths and Science.

Her fascination is evident when she educates us on various different animals, such as leopards, foxes, owls, deer, sharks and many more. She mentions how animals are now becoming endangered due to climate change. We learnt how, because of climate change, some areas will soon become too cold for owls to live in, sadly endangering them. We also learnt about the differences between the skulls of badgers and foxes. Something we found particularly interesting was how male deer fight and push each other using their antlers, to attract female deer.

Another thing which Megan taught us, that we considered very important knowledge and somewhat horrifying, was that fish and chip shops were selling shark disguised as other fish such as “rock salmon”, which in reality is not real. She spoke about how sharks were being endangered due to do this, reducing biodiversity, encouraging us to learn more about how we can do our bit to protect native shark species. Overall, the experience was fascinating, inspiring us into wanting to help and learn about the animals around us.

Madeeha (Year 10U)

2nd February 2022

Online Seminar

Mind the Gap: Your human rights versus reality

Professor Jennifer Davidson 

Executive Director, Inspiring Children’s Futures, University of Strathclyde, Scotland

How do we close the implementation gap between what we aim to achieve for children, and how children experience these ambitions in reality?

“In her talk to students at both Central Foundation Boys’ and Central Foundation Girls’ Schools Professor Jen Davidson shed light on many issues in regards to human rights specifically targeted towards children. 

An example that came up during the conversation was digital rights, and how we can address them in a world where technology is increasingly taking a big part of young people’s lives. Jen also mentioned the importance of working with NGOs, in order to make sure that children’s rights are put into practice rather than just written down as legislation. 

The Executive Director of Inspiring Children’s Futures also voiced that this organisation has an advisory role towards the Scottish government in terms of children’s rights. 

I was also very interested to find out that the organisation had launched an app that aimed to identify the issues that children had come across during COVID from all over the world. 

Central foundation Boys’ School thanks Jen Davidson on her time and effort to reach out to young people like us.” 

Ayat Mouzaoui, Central Foundation Boys’ School

“‘Mind the gap’ was a really informative session. Professor Davidson, spoke about children’s rights and their experiences and how international rights play a huge role and impact their lives. It was very interactive as she asked many questions to prompt our thinking: we discussed existing organisations and charities, and we asked how we could help. Professor Davidson said to campaign and raise awareness amongst our sphere of influence. 

It was extremely eye-opening as she gave us real life experiences that the media doesn’t always portray and allows us to remain oblivious to these unfortunate events, this then made us aware of our rights.”  

Aneekah, Year 11E, Central Foundation Girls’ School

“The talk with Professor Davidson was very helpful, interactive, informative and engaging. Professor Davidson made sure we all got a chance to talk, and asked a range of interesting questions which made us think. 

The Zoom call had many other classes from different schools so we had a range of different answers to her questions as well, which I think is very beneficial as we get different perspectives.

I believe that it was a good fun and a great experience, although it would have been even more fun and engaging if Professor Davidson was in class instead of over Zoom. I would also recommend other students get the chance to have this experience as it was very eye-opening.” 

Lamisha, Year 11E, Central Foundation Girls’ School

 “I found the session very helpful as it had expanded my knowledge on human rights and the rights that children have. Also, as I know that these rights are applicable for me it made me more invested in the conversation.  

Professor Davidson - what I enjoyed the most was when students from our class had great questions and you answered them openly, clearly, politely and most importantly respectfully.  

I also found that the session was very interactive as it got us all to gather questions and ideas.  Everyone had been involved and had an input.  You had also been very understanding.   

I appreciate the time you took out of your day to educate us on a subject and topic you are passionate about and have a broad knowledge on.  I could see how passionate you are on this subject as it was portrayed through your tone and concentration.   I believe it was a great opportunity offered to us and I am glad to have experienced it as many didn't have the opportunity to.  

Thank you once again Professor Davidson”.

Zainab, Year 11E, Central Foundation Girls’ School

Future First brought subjects to life with the help of CFGS Alumni

On 25 November 2021, CFGS welcomed Abby Ross and Naomi Barker, two Future First colleagues who facilitated three workshops with Year 10 students. The focus of these workshops was ‘bringing subjects to life’. They were joined by seven Central Foundation Girls’ School alumni who were leavers from 1967 to 2018. These former students had experience in a variety of fields that included fashion buying, social media marketing, public relations, medicine and teaching. 

Throughout the day students were encouraged to reflect on their skills and strengths, provided with labour market information, and were shown how the curriculum links to the world of work. In addition to hands-on activities, the pupils had a chance to work in small groups with the alumni where they asked questions about their post-school pathways. Pupil feedback was excellent, with all pupils indicating that they would be interested in attending another workshop with Future First. 

Ms Adigbli 

20th October 2021

Online Seminar

His Honour Justice M. Imman Ali

Supreme Court, Bangladesh

Children’s Rights and his life as a Judge

“In October, Justice M. Imman Ali, a Judge in Bangladesh, delivered an enlightening talk to the Law students at Central Foundation Sixth Form, discussing his journey in the field of Law, particularly focussing on his work on children's rights. I was intrigued to learn about how the courts are arranged as well as how the many countries Justice Ali has visited have differed in the quality of delivering justice for children. It was also interesting to hear about the different policy changes he has recommended, for instance, he has suggested providing meals at school and ensuring parents all have a source of income to solve the problem of children not receiving an education in order to work. It was overall a great experience for the Law students, who all benefitted from hearing about the work of a respected figure in a field that many of them aspire to succeed in.”

Rufaidah Husain, Central Foundation Girls’ School

“Central Foundation sixth form was honoured to have Justice M. Imman Ali as a guest speaker. I was inspired to hear that outside his occupation he was committed to ensuring children’s right were upheld. Justice Ali shared his career pathway, and some of the difficulties he faced when coming to verdicts, especially in divorce cases where children were involved. As it is rare to encounter a prominent Justice, students at Central Foundation Boys’ School where very enthusiastic in asking questions relating to the practice of law and how its interpreted in the courts of Bangladesh. Every question was answered with detail such as explaining the similarities between the legal systems of the UK and Bangladesh. On behalf students in Central Foundation Boys’ School’s sixth form we thank Justice Ali for his time, knowledge and experience as he has inspired us in many ways.”

Ayat Mouzaoui, Central Foundation Boys’ School

Honourable Justice Muhammad Imman Ali was educated in the UK where he did his schooling and completed his law degree, LLM and qualified as a Barrister-at-Law. He has practiced law in both Bangladesh and the UK. He was elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, High Court Division in February 2001 and Appellate Division in February 2011. He was Deputy Attorney General for Bangladesh from September 1998 to February 2001.

His book, “Towards a Justice Delivery System for Children in Bangladesh”, was published by UNICEF in 2010. He has also written a chapter on the new Children Act 2013 in the book “Justice for Children in Bangladesh” by Najrana Imaan published by Save the Children. Several of his articles on justice for children have been published.

He has lectured at the Judicial Administration Training Institute training judges of the subordinate judiciary and lectured at the Legal Education Training Institute and Aparajayo Bangladesh, training lawyers and other relevant actors on the Children Act and other relevant instruments. Justice Ali has also been involved in training organised by IOM/LETI for police personnel, government officials and other actors involved in dealing with victims of trafficking. He was engaged in training Judges, Prosecutors and Police in Armenia on juvenile justice. He has attended many national and international conferences, seminars and workshops on International Law and Human Rights, and has a particular interest in justice for children. On 03/12/2014, he received the Juvenile Justice without Borders International Award from IJJO, Brussels.

What a great start to our school year! CFGS would like to thank everyone that attended our first CFG Alumni 'Meet and Greet' on Friday 3rd September 2021

We welcomed current students, whose huge effort, hard work, focus and determination has given them much to be proud of as they take the next steps on their future pathways.  We also were fortunate to have some our Old Girls returning to celebrate 50 years since they first stepped into Central Foundation Girls' School.

Our alumni serve as a link to the school’s rich heritage but they are also an invaluable resource in regards to the school’s advancement in the public sphere and employability of our current students.

 To that end the afternoon was spent catching up, discovering new things about one another and making connections for the future. Here’s to the future of the CFG Alumni!