HARRIS ACADEMY SOUTH NORWOOD Cumberlow Avenue South Norwood SE25 6AE t: 020 8405 5070 e: admissionsh@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk w: harrissouthnorwood.org.uk Twitter: @HASN_NEWS SHEARS HAIRDRESSING ACADEMY Catford SE6 2EF t: 020 8461 3504 e: admin@shearsacademy.co.uk w: shearsacademy.co.uk we possibly can, integrating the language as a central part of the Languages curriculum, on a par with other languages such as French, Spanish and German.” The school partners schools in China in the cities of Suzhou and Xi’an. A trip is currently being planned for 30 students next year following a previous visit to Beijing. Meanwhile, it recently hosted a week-long visit from a party of 13 to 17-year-olds from a school affiliated to Shandong University.The group – pictured with the school’s Executive Principal Nick Soar (centre) – attended classes and took part in sports and cultural events. To celebrate its China connections, the school will be holding a Mandarin Evening. The event takes place at the school’s South campus from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Thursday, October 11. Guests will include representatives from Chinese education and business and parents – particularly of 2019 intake students – are welcome to come along. The informal evening will showcase the school’s Mandarin teaching and Chinese culture, food and drink. Apprenticeships & LEARNING S hears Hairdressing Academy has been working with local businesses and schools since 1984 offering alternative pathways for young people and providing training with qualifications while they work. For budding fashionistas, many a first step in the fashion industry has begun this way as Pauline Brooker, MD at Shears, explained,“With an apprenticeship, you start working in your chosen career straight away, and begin learning how business and the industry works from the first day. By the time you’re qualified, you don’t have to start at square one. Your education and your job are one – there’s no scary separate leap.” According to Pauline, experience is not necessary but enthusiasm and commitment is essential.“We know of plenty of job opportunities available in south London right now and can help place and train enthusiastic apprentices who are ready to learn the trade.”So, if you know someone who would find a professional fashion environment a more natural place to fulfil their potential, then steer them in the direction of Shears. For more information about training at Shears Academy, call Carole 020 8461 3504 Academia is not the right path for every young person and alternatives with ‘purpose’ are often hard to identify. THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Autumn 2018 31