Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy has been an inspiring demonstration of our core values: Leadership, Scholarship, and Achievement. We began the week with our Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony at the historic Stationers’ Hall, where we celebrated the exceptional achievements of our students over the past academic year. It was a moment to recognise the hard work and dedication of our young people, and it was wonderful to see their talents celebrated. Special thanks to The Stationers’ Company for hosting the event and sponsoring several awards, reinforcing the importance of academic and personal achievement.
Leadership and excellence were also evident in our CCF Team’s performance at the Pringle Trophy competition and Ben’s qualification for the National Gymnastics Grading. Both accomplishments showcase not only individual talent but also the determination and resilience we encourage in all our students.
Our sports fixtures this week saw the Year 7, 9, and 11 football teams excel, with victories and outstanding performances that highlight teamwork, skill, and commitment—qualities we are proud to nurture.
Finally, Equiano College has shown incredible leadership by organising our upcoming ‘Wear It Pink’ Day for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This event is particularly meaningful as the students rally to support one of their teachers who has been undergoing treatment this year. We are proud of their initiative and sense of community spirit.
As we approach the end of module one, I would like to take a moment to thank our entire community for their continued support and dedication, especially as the mornings become colder and darker! Your commitment to our shared goals and values is greatly appreciated, and it makes a tremendous difference in the life of our academy.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Annual Prize Giving Celebrates Student Achievements at Stationers’ Hall
On Monday, 7 October 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy held its Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony at the historic Stationers’ Hall in London. This significant event in the school calendar celebrates the achievements of students over the past academic year. The evening brought together parents, carers, students, staff, Stationers, and school governors to honour and recognise student excellence.
The academy was honoured to have Nina-Sophia Miralles, a renowned London-based writer specialising in arts, culture, history, and fashion, as the guest speaker. She inspired students by sharing her personal journey and offering valuable advice on building a successful career.
Mr Sparks, Principal, said, “Prize giving events are an important opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate our students’ talents and hard work. It is a chance to acknowledge their dedication and commitment and to encourage them to continue striving for excellence.”
A total of 25 awards were presented to students for their outstanding accomplishments:
- Head of Angelou Key Stage 3: Niamh D
- Head of Angelou Key Stage 4: Isabella S
- Head of Hansard Key Stage 3: Sophie H
- Head of Hansard Key Stage 4: Adrian S
- Head of Caxton Key Stage 3: Ava C
- Head of Caxton Key Stage 4: Lily P
- Equiano College Key Stage 3: L’Kai S
- Equiano College Key Stage 4: Hamid O-R
- Woolf Key Stage 5 Academic Achievement: Hannah H
- Woolf Key Stage 5 Vocational Achievement: Lucy B
- Sports Excellence: Neve W and Mikhail S
- Visual Arts Excellence: Eleanor R
- Performing Arts Excellence: George M-S
- Digital Media Excellence: Teddy W
- Woolf College Sports Excellence: Lucy B
- Woolf College Visual Arts Excellence: Thomas P
- Woolf College Performing Arts Excellence: Nathan H
- Woolf College Digital Media Excellence: Talia K
- Principal’s Award: Mia-Hunie L
- The CCF Sword of Honour Award: Connor G
- The James Wilkes Award for Services to the Community: Taiwo A
- The Shea French-Gibbens Award for Fortitude in the Face of Adversity: Charlie M
- The Jack Mott STEM Award: Julia S
- The Sir and Lady Sparrow Award for Academic Achievement: Hannah H
- The Sir and Lady Sparrow Award for Resilience and Determination: Charlie B
The evening also featured impressive performances by Year 11 students Leo S, George M-S, and Joseph G, showcasing their talents. The academy extends its congratulations to all award recipients and thanks the Stationers’ Company for hosting the event and sponsoring several awards, helping to make the evening a memorable celebration.
Ben, Year 8 Hansard College, to Represent South East England in National Gymnastics Competition
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce that Ben, Year 8 Hansard, has qualified for the National Gymnastics Grading in Telford this November after securing 3rd place in the South East England Regional Gymnastics Qualifiers. Ben will represent South East England at the Elite Level. Mr Flower, Head of Hansard College, said, “We congratulate Ben on his achievement and wish him every success as he prepares for the national competition.”
CCF Team Shines at Pringle Trophy Competition
Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) recently participated in the annual Pringle Trophy competition at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone. Competing alongside other schools with Royal Marines CCF units, the team demonstrated impressive skill and determination as they completed the challenging Royal Marines Endurance Course.
Major Wilson said, “Special recognition goes to Jess and Henry, who were awarded for their outstanding performance. We commend the entire team for their hard work and dedication throughout the competition.”
CCF Presentation Welcomes CSgt Phelps
On Monday, 14 October 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy will welcome CSgt Phelps, Major Wilson, and members of The Stationers’ Company for a presentation on the Royal Marines and the academy’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). The presentation will take place after school at 15:45. All pupils who are interested in hearing from CSgt Phelps or finding out more information about the Combined Cadet Force are encouraged to attend.
This Week’s Sports Fixtures
Year 11 Boys Advance in Blackheath Cup
On Friday, 4 October 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 11 football team played against Thomas Tallis School in the first round of the Blackheath Cup. The team demonstrated their skills and determination, securing a 6-2 victory to progress to the next round. Goals were scored by Max R (3), Elliot C, Leo C, and Arthur P. Sam B was named Player of the Match for his exceptional performance in midfield.
Year 7 Boys A Team Claim First Win
On Monday, 7 October 2024, the Year 7 Boys A Team delivered an impressive performance, controlling much of their match against Thomas Tallis School. The team took the lead with two goals from Zach M, followed by a spectacular long-range free-kick goal by Jason H. Despite a late goal from the opposition, the team held on for a 3-1 victory. Zach M was awarded Player of the Match for his two goals and leadership on the field.
Year 9 Boys Triumph in ESFA National Cup
On Tuesday, 8 October 2024, the Year 9 football team travelled to play City of London Academy in the first round of the ESFA National Cup. After conceding an early goal, they fought back to secure a 4-3 win. Harry H scored a hat-trick, earning him the Player of the Match title, while Alby J added a fourth goal to seal the victory.
Year 10 Boys Narrowly Defeated in National Cup
On Thursday, 10 October 2024, the Year 10 boys’ team faced a challenging match against Rutlish School in the first round of the National Cup. Despite two goals from Aiden, the team fell short, losing 4-2. The team will regroup and look to bounce back in their next fixture.
‘Wear It Pink’ Day for Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Friday, 18 October 2024, is ‘Wear it Pink’ Day. To support the cause, students in Equiano College are organising a school-wide event to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now. On this day, all students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy are invited to swap one item of their uniform for something pink, with a £1 donation requested via ParentPay. Pupils may choose to wear a pink shirt or blouse, a pink tie, a pink jumper, or even pink socks or shoes. All students are still required to wear their academy blazer on this day.
Equiano College students have also created pink ribbons to be pinned on blazers, which will be available for a small cash donation during registration next week. This cause is particularly meaningful to Equiano College, as one of their teachers has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer this year, and the students wish to show their appreciation for the charity’s support. The academy encourages all students to participate by wearing pink or adding a ribbon on Friday, 18 October 2024, to help raise awareness and funds for this important cause.
Knowledge Assessments at Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Pupils at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have completed their module one knowledge assessments assessments this week. Parents will receive a report detailing all assessment scores during the first week of module two. Pupils who missed an assessment due to absence will have the opportunity to complete it using their Chromebooks. For more details, parents can refer to the updated homework guidance which can be found here.
Year 11 Students Engage in Coastal Fieldwork at Herne Bay
On Thursday, 10 October 2024, 150 Year 11 students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy participated in a fieldwork experience in Herne Bay as part of their GCSE Paper 3 examination, focusing on coastal management strategies. Throughout the day, students explored various coastal features, with a particular focus on groynes. They measured the width and length of these structures to evaluate the effects of longshore drift on the coastline.
In addition, students conducted sediment size analyses to assess the extent of erosion along the shore. To enhance their understanding, they created detailed field sketches capturing both the coastal landscape and management interventions. This hands-on experience provided a valuable opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, deepening their understanding of coastal processes and management strategies.
Year 11: Careers Information and Opportunities
During Monday and Friday tutor sessions, Year 11 students will continue to receive important updates on school and college open days, career opportunities, and expert advice. This week’s information includes the following:
Work Experience Spotlights:
- The British Beauty Council is holding a virtual event to showcase the range of careers available within beauty from STEM to marketing. Deadline for applications: 15, October 2024. The event will take place between 30, October 2024 – 1, November 2024. Use this link to learn more.
- Thakeham Construction are hosting a virtual insight day to highlight the range of careers in construction on 5, November 2024. Use this link to learn more.
- BT have announced their apprenticeships opportunities for Network Engineer and lead Maintenance Apprenticeships and will be holding a virtual insight session on 29, October 2024. Use this link to learn more.
North Kent College and Hadlow College Open Events:
- Dartford Campus: Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 3:30pm-7:30pm
- Gravesend Campus: Thursday, 17 October 2024, 3:30pm-7:30pm
- Tonbridge Campus: Tuesday, 5 November 2024, 3:30pm-7:30pm
- Hadlow Campus: Saturday, 9 November 2024, 10:00am-1:00pm
Students have also been reminded that they can continue to use Unifrog to search for more information about possible career paths via the interest and skills quizzes and through exploring the careers and subject libraries.
Reminder: Woolf Open Evening
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce the annual Woolf Sixth Form Open Evening, which will take place on Thursday, 17 October 2024. This event serves as an important step for students considering their post-GCSE options, providing an opportunity for both students and parents to explore the range of opportunities available at Woolf Sixth Form. Attendees are reminded that students must be accompanied by their parents or carers, and parking will not be available onsite.
Why Choose Woolf Sixth Form?
- Informed Choices: Woolf Sixth Form guides students in making key decisions about their futures, whether they are aiming for university, apprenticeships, or careers.
- Diverse Opportunities: Attendees can explore the Sixth Form Prospectus and website to learn about the T-Level courses and modern facilities on offer.
- Parental Engagement & Supportive Relationships: Woolf Sixth Form values the importance of strong home-school relationships and actively promotes parental involvement in the decision-making process, recognising that collaboration between parents and the school is key to student success.
- Quality Education & Research-Based Learning: Woolf Sixth Form is committed to delivering a high standard of education, using the latest educational research to ensure that teaching methods are effective and up-to-date, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for their future.
- Inclusive Community: The Sixth Form welcomes students from a variety of schools, promoting diversity and inclusivity within Year 12.
If you have reserved your space using the previously shared booking form, please look out for an email from us with your showcase schedule attached. Please bring this as evidence of your booking to show on the night.