London’s multicultural story told at NewVIc in Plaistow

Sixth form students teamed up with a university professor to give a lecture on the diverse, changing face of London.

Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc) in Plaistow is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a number of events.

Professor Jerry White from Birkbeck College, University of London, came to the city’s largest sixth form on Wednesday to tell the story of London’s development into a mulitcultural global capital over the past three centuries.

He delivered the lecture alongside NewVIc students Khadiza Choudhury, Rumana Ali, and Tayyaba Malik who spoke about the East India Company of the 17th century and the growth of the Bengali and Chinese communities in London’s Docklands.

Local councillors, college staff and students, academics, and members of the public, were in the audience for the event sponsored by recruitment agency Reed.

Principal Eddie Playfair said: “For two decades, the college has played a key role in raising participation, achievement, and progression in east London.

“We value diversity and the great educational benefits it brings.”