On Friday 13th May, LEO Academy Trust were delighted to welcome the Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, to Manor Park Primary Academy.

A group of our pupils were the first in the country to receive the newly released ‘Queen Elizabeth, a Platinum Jubilee Celebration’ book. 

Gifted to children in state-funded primary schools across the United Kingdom, the Platinum Jubilee Celebration book takes children on a journey through Her Majesty The Queen’s life, with chapters on her family and friends, achievements, work with charities, Jubilee celebrations and finally on Commonwealth innovations that have changed the world over the last century.

Shareen Wilkinson, director of teaching and learning at the LEO Academy Trust, which sponsors Manor Park Primary academy, and an educational author who reviewed the book, said she wanted the name Joyce to be relatable to pupils.
She said: “My son’s great-grandmother, she was 101 when she died and she absolutely loved the Queen, so a bit of a tribute there. But also, growing up I had an Auntie Joyce, lots of family and friends have members, grandmothers, called Joyce.”

Speaking to our pupils at Manor Park, the Education Secretary said:

“You are among the first of millions of children who will receive and read this book, which I hope you will keep as a memento to talk to your own children and grandchildren about someday, 

It has been fantastic to have delivered some of the first copies of the Platinum Jubilee celebration book to children at Manor Park Primary School. I’m incredibly excited for children across the country to receive their own copy, so they can learn all about Her Majesty’s life and the people and events that have shaped history over the last 70 years.”

Our pupils were given the opportunity to hear an extract of the book read by Mr Zahawi, and each got to read sections of the book to him to show off their excellent reading skills. We were also able to ask him questions about his role as the Secretary of State, and welcomed him into our classrooms to showcase our excellent reading and literacy curriculum.”