Justin King leads celebrities back to school
03 March 2011 10:20
Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King is amongst a group of leading figures from business, politics, showbiz and sport who are going into classrooms in an attempt to inspire pupils. Olympic kayaking champion Tim Brabants and Slade frontman Noddy Holder are also joining the scheme, working in schools where at least half the children come from the poorest homes, and are expected to draw on the experience of their professional lives as they take lessons.
The five-day scheme has been organised by independent charity Teach First, which aims to improve the life chances of children from deprived backgrounds.
Mr King said: "Maths skills are vital not just for a successful career in retail, but also in daily life.
"I am looking forward to heading back to the classroom with Teach First and I hope to help inspire the students at St Albans Academy to learn maths with enthusiasm and confidence."
Other guest teachers include Government equality chief Trevor Phillips, BBC political editor Nick Robinson and shadow education secretary Andy Burnham.
Teach First founder Brett Wigdortz said: "By taking up the challenge of teaching a lesson in a school in challenging circumstances, these guest speakers will bring much-needed attention to what is one of the most destructive and pervasive problems in the UK today, that of educational disadvantage.
"Studies show that socio-economic status still determines whether children in the UK fulfil their potential. We think this is a deplorable situation that has to be urgently addressed."
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