Standing up to Gove's forced academy attacks at Gladstone School

Part of the protest against academies last week (Pic: Raymie Kiernan)

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There was a lively protest outside Gladstone Park primary school in west London at home time on Friday of last week.

Children with their parents and carers rallied to support their successful school from being forced to become an academy.

They are determined not to be taken over by the likes of Lord Harris, a carpet salesman and Tory party sponsor, or ARK which is run by a hedge fund boss.

Gladstone Park uses lots of creative methods to help their children learn and reach their potential.

All the children went on tube journeys recently and wrote poems inspired by Poems on the Underground.

Part of the upstairs corridor has been transformed into an air raid shelter to inspire children who are learning about the Second World War.

The school also runs scores of clubs from football to Latin to Bollywood dance.

They reflect and develop the cultural learning of the children who are from the most diverse community in the country.

Children at the school do really well and leave, on average, well above national expectations.

All this would be under threat if the school is forced to become an academy.

ARK in particular is known for teaching methods developed in

Charter Schools in the US.

These are reminiscent of the rote learning of the 19th century.

The parents at Gladstone Park are determined to oppose the anti-democratic attack on the school.

And 100 percent of staff have signed a petition against the academy plan.

For more about the campaign www.savegladstoneparkschool.blogspot.co.uk