Latest News Updates | Friday, 31 January 2025

LSA Pupils Reaches Greenwich Regional Final of Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

Year 10 student Milly N (10HAN1) has secured a place in the Greenwich Regional Final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, the UK’s largest youth public speaking competition. The final will take place on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, where Milly will compete against other students from across the borough.

The Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge provides young people with the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and share their perspectives on important topics. Milly’s selection for the final reflects her confidence, clarity, and ability to engage an audience. The event is open to the public, and details on how to attend can be found below:

Virtual Work Experience Information Evening for Years 10 & 12

Students in Years 10 and 12 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will take part in two weeks of external work experience from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 18 July 2025. This programme provides students with valuable insight into the world of work, helping them develop key skills and explore potential career pathways.

To support students and their families in preparing for this opportunity, the academy will host a virtual Work Experience Information Evening on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at 17:30. The session will provide detailed guidance on sourcing placements and how best to prepare for the experience. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, and parents, carers, and students can access it here: Watch Live.

Virtual Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening for Year 9 Parents & Carers

Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host a Virtual Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening for Year 9 parents and carers on Monday, 10 February 2025, at 17:30. This event will provide key information about the subject options available for Key Stage 4, including pathways, course content, and guidance on how to support students in making informed choices for their future. The event will be streamed live on YouTube and can be accessed here:  Watch Live.

Year 11 Parents’ Evening Success

Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, with over 1,250 appointments attended. The evening provided parents and carers with the opportunity to meet with teachers, discuss their child’s progress, and gain further insight into the support available as students prepare for their summer examinations.

Mr Sparks, Principal, praised the excellent turnout and engagement from families. “It was fantastic to see so many parents and carers at this important event. Their involvement plays a crucial role in supporting students through this final stage of their GCSE journey. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in these valuable conversations—we are committed to working together to ensure every student achieves their full potential this summer.”

Year 11 Career Opportunities: Exploring Future Pathways

Year 11 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continue to receive dedicated career guidance through their Monday and Friday tutor sessions. These sessions provide valuable updates on career pathways, open days, and expert advice to help students make informed decisions about their futures. This week’s key highlights include:

• Careers Newsletter, Edition 18 – Students explored career opportunities within the writing industry and the importance of literacy skills in various professions. The newsletter also provided information about T Level courses and apprenticeships.
• Job of the Week – Writer – Students gained insight into the world of writing, the skills required, and the diverse career pathways within this industry.
• Insight Sessions and Work Experience Opportunities – Opportunities this week include a careers insight session in Arts and Cultural Management at the Royal Opera House, an introduction to careers in network and lead engineering with BT, and apprenticeships in the BAE technology industry. Links to these sessions are available in the Year 11 Google Classroom.

In addition, over the past four weeks, Year 11 students have had the opportunity to attend one-to-one career meetings to support them with their Post-16 decisions. Students who have not yet received a meeting and would like to book one can contact our careers advisor at shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.

Students are encouraged to make the most of these opportunities, using the careers newsletter and Google Classroom to explore their next steps and future pathways.

National Apprenticeship Week: 10 – 16 February 2025

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have access to a range of resources and opportunities to explore apprenticeship pathways. Whether students are looking to understand more about how apprenticeships work or are considering applying for future opportunities, this is an excellent chance to gain valuable insight.

Students are encouraged to explore the National Apprenticeship Week resource document, which provides detailed information on apprenticeships, available opportunities, and guidance on the application process. For those interested, the document can be accessed here.

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10 

In Module 3, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, students in Years 7–10 will explore key aspects of healthy relationships. Each session is designed to encourage reflection and skill-building to support their growth; here is a summary of the topics covered this week, along with discussion questions for parents and carers to engage with their child:

• Year 7: How can I support you through puberty and developmental changes?
• Year 8:  How can I help you understand gender identity & sexual orientation?
• Year 9: How can I help you identify coercive behaviour?
• Year 10: How can I help you understand peer pressure and what consent is?

Parents and carers are encouraged to use these questions to initiate meaningful conversations and help reinforce the lessons taught in the PSHE programme. The article here also provides excellent guidance for discussing the dangers of online violence with children and is suitable for parents and carers of all Y7-10 students.

Internet Safety Assemblies – “Together for a Better Internet”

This week, students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy took part in internet safety assemblies exploring the theme “Together for a Better Internet.” These sessions encouraged students to think critically about their digital footprint, online behaviour, and the role they play in creating a safer digital space.

The assemblies reinforced the importance of being kind and respectful online, recognising potential risks, and making informed choices when using the internet. Parents and carers are encouraged to continue these discussions at home, supporting students in developing positive online habits and responsible digital

In line with these discussions, the academy would like to highlight our Acceptable Use Policy for student devices, which can be accessed here.

Upcoming Coffee Morning: Digital Safety and Learning

Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host its next parent and carer coffee morning on Monday, 3 February 2025, at 08:45. This session is open to all parents and carers of pupils in Years 7–10 and will focus on how technology is used to enhance learning, as well as practical ways to ensure children stay safe online. Spaces are limited. To book your place, click here.

Student Leadership Team Receive Badges

Student Voice representatives at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have officially received their leadership badges in recognition of their commitment to representing their peers and contributing to academy life. “These students play a vital role in fostering an inclusive and engaged school community,” said Mr Kay, Assistant Principal. “Their dedication to leadership and collaboration continues to strengthen student representation across the academy, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make.”

Module 3 Knowledge Assessments

Students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will complete their Module 3 Knowledge Assessments during Week 6. These assessments provide a key measure of progress and are available on Google Classroom, allowing absent students to complete them at home or later in the week.

The academy also recognises the strong engagement with weekly knowledge booklet homework, particularly following the transition to homework books for KS3. Parents and carers are encouraged to support their child’s preparation by reviewing knowledge booklets and ensuring they seek clarification if needed.

Sparx Homework Update and Guidance

Students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continue to demonstrate high levels of engagement with Sparx Maths, Science, and Reader homework each week. Completion rates remain strong, reflecting pupils’ commitment to independent learning. So far this academic year, students have achieved:

• Sparx Reader: 3,765 books read and 10,143 hours of reading
• Sparx Maths: 967,278 correctly answered questions and 11,145 hours of learning
• Sparx Science: 548,843 correctly answered questions and 8,093 hours of learning

To support pupils in maintaining this progress, a reminder of key expectations is outlined below:

Homework Schedule: Homework is set every Monday and must be completed by 8:00pm on Sunday each week.

Year Group Expectations: 7-9–30 minutes of Sparx Reader, Maths, and Science per week; Years 10-11 – Sparx Maths and Science set by class teachers as required

Support for Pupils

Sparx requires pupils to answer questions correctly before progressing. If they encounter difficulties, they are encouraged to:

• Refer to class notes and examples in their exercise books
• Use online resources such as BBC Bitesize for further explanation
• Speak to their teacher as soon as possible to receive additional support

The academy appreciates the ongoing support from parents and carers in ensuring that pupils complete their Sparx homework on time each week. For any further questions, please contact your child’s college team.

Weekly Sports Fixtures

Year 7 Girls’ Football – Blackheath Cup

The Year 7 girls’ football team put in a strong performance in the Blackheath Cup Semi-final but were defeated 4-1 by St Dunstan’s. The team showed great determination and teamwork throughout the match.

Player of the Match: Poppy M

Team: Becky E, Olivia W, Ruby G, Poppy M, Betty H, Martha L, Amelia G, Kayleigh W, Eliza B, Freya R, Jessica B, Daisy L

Year 7 Boys’ Football – Blackheath Cup

The Year 7 boys’ football team faced St Mary Magdalene in the Blackheath Cup, putting in a resilient effort but falling to a 2-0 defeat.

Player of the Match: Jacob F

Team: Jacob F, Jason H, Denislav D, Ronnie C, Frankie H, Frank O, Zack M, Buster N, Pavel G, Jordan B-T, Daniel W-M, Charlie H, Rafael G

Year 8 Girls’ Netball – Greenwich Schools Tournament

The Year 8 netball team delivered an impressive performance at the Greenwich Schools Tournament, securing a win and two draws. The team demonstrated strong defensive skills and attacking play throughout the competition. Results: 

• 2-0 win v Royal Greenwich Trust
• 2-2 draw v St Matthews Academy
• 0-0 draw v Leigh Blackheath

Players of the Tournament: Sereiah C-Q & Hollie R

Team: Freya T, Sereiah C-Q, Nancy W, Olivia M, Chante L, Maia M, Evie M, Neve W, Hollie R