Canning Town maths teacher recognised with award
Francis Opoku from Rokeby School has been named secondary maths teacher of the year. Photo by Ellie Hoskins - Credit: Archant
A Canning Town teacher who pioneered an African exchange project has been named as secondary maths teacher of the year.
Francis Opoku, who works at Rokeby School, received the accolade by the London North East Maths Hub for his creativity and the inspiration that he gives to students.
The awards recognise teachers and heads of department at all levels of education across seven north east London boroughs.
His success in going above and beyond for his pupils was praised by headteacher Charlotte Robinson.
She said: “We are all very proud of Francis for his fantastic achievement, which is a testament to his hardwork and commitment as a maths teacher and beyond – including leading a group of students on the Ghana exchange trip this month.”
The Barking Road school’s exchange project saw nine pupils and two teachers visit a partner school in Ghana this month, following three years of fundraising by the students.
The project is part of the global engagement that won Rokeby the British International School award last year.
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The trip to Ghana provided pupils with the opportunity to develop their leadership and organisational skills, as well as building links with the international community.
Francis described the trip as a “milestone”, saying: “it is an honour to be able to take part in projects such as our Ghana exchange trip.”
Rokeby in turn plans to host students from its Ghanaian partner school next year.
The award-winning maths teacher said: “It is an honour to have been named the secondary maths teacher of the year by a brilliant organisation doing great work to promote maths.
“I would like to thank my colleagues at Rokeby for their continual support in ensuring maths is taught at the highest standard and my students for their inspiring ambition and readiness to learn.”
He added: “Rokeby School is a vibrant and unique place to work, and it is an honour to be able to take part in projects such as our Ghana exchange trip, which has been a milestone for us.”
