Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, we had the honour of coming together as a community to mark Remembrance Day in our annual service, Moments of Reflection: Remembering Together. I was immensely proud to stand with over 1,000 of our pupils, staff, and visitors from The Stationers’ Company, united in reflection and respect. Our pupils showed remarkable maturity and a deep sense of respect throughout the service, a quality our visitors noted with admiration. This collective act of remembrance not only highlighted the importance of reflection in our lives but also demonstrated the strength of our academy community and our commitment to shared values.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for the upcoming mock examinations for Years 11 and 13, beginning on 2 December. These exams are an essential opportunity for our students to demonstrate their hard work and academic commitment as they move closer to their final assessments. We will support them with structured warm up sessions, helping each student approach their exams with confidence and preparation.
Thank you to our staff, students, and community for contributing to such an inspiring week, and we look forward to the continued progress and achievements of our students in the weeks to come.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Remembrance Day Service: Moments of Reflection
On Monday, 11 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy held its annual Remembrance Day service, Moments of Reflection: Remembering Together. Led by Deputy Principal Ms Dooley, this year’s service brought together over 1,000 students, staff, and guests from The Stationers’ Company.
Principal Mr Sparks opened the service with a speech that emphasised the importance of reflection. “Reflection goes beyond looking back; it is about seeking understanding, nurturing empathy, and committing to peace,” he stated, highlighting that remembrance is an ongoing journey and encouraging students to carry its lessons into their own lives.
This year’s service included:
- Parade by the Combined Cadet Force: The service began with a parade from the Combined Cadet Force, marking the start of this year’s ceremony.
- Choir Performance: The Year 7 and 8 Choir performed Pie Jesu, composed by Mr Yeates and conducted by Ms Yeates, especially for this year’s service.
- Student Poem: Representatives from each college—Angelou, Caxton, Equiano, Hansard, and Woolf—shared Moments of Reflection, a piece written by students. The poem expressed their thoughts on remembrance and their aspirations for a peaceful future.
- Laying of Poppies: For the first time, each student had the opportunity to lay a poppy at the end of the service, making remembrance a personal experience for all.
Mr Sparks concluded the ceremony by encouraging all present to honour the sacrifices of past generations and to work towards a peaceful, just future. He emphasised the significance of this year’s service, not only as the academy’s first under its new name but also as a reflection of the academy’s values as an IB school. The theme of Moments of Reflection: Remembering Together reinforced Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, empathy, and critical thinking. As students laid their poppies, the academy was reminded that remembrance is a shared responsibility carried forward by each individual, highlighting their role in building a future rooted in understanding and respect.
Mock Examination Timetable for Years 11 & 13
The Year 11 and Year 13 mock examination series for 2024/25 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will begin on Monday, 2 December 2024. Timetables for each year group can be accessed via the following links:
Pupils will also benefit from morning and afternoon examination warmup sessions scheduled before each exam. Further details regarding these warmup sessions will be communicated to parents and carers in a letter next week.
Woolf College Students Excel in RLF Academic Writing Workshop
Woolf College students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy recently attended an intensive workshop on extended writing skills, led by Philip Womack. The session, part of the Royal Literary Fund’s academic writing programme, equipped Year 12 and 13 students with essential skills for crafting well-structured, polished essays, including effective proofreading techniques, accurate citation and referencing, and the fundamentals of essay structure.
Students expressed increased confidence in their writing skills after the workshop, with many highlighting the value of learning practical approaches to essay organisation and clarity in language. The session also expanded their understanding of different writing styles, from journalism to academic and personal writing. Here’s what some students had to say:
- “I feel more confident in my ability to write an essay properly and get marks for my structure and grammar.”
- “I feel more prepared and confident.”
- “We learnt key skills throughout assignments or essays and different writing types such as journalism, academic writing and personal.”
Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, reflected on the workshop’s impact, saying, “Providing opportunities like this is invaluable in helping our Woolf College students become confident, articulate writers. Workshops like these not only enhance academic performance but also equip our students with skills they will carry into future study and professional life.”
This Week’s Sport Fixtures
Year 7 Girls Triumph in ESFA Cup
On Monday, 11 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 7 girls’ football team achieved an impressive 5-1 victory over Latymer Upper School in the second round of the ESFA Cup. The team displayed strong coordination and skill, with goals scored by Kayleigh W, Olivia W, and Ruby G. Poppy M was named Player of the Match for her exceptional defensive performance.
Year 10 Boys Win on Penalties in Kent Cup
On Tuesday, 12 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 10 boys’ football team secured a hard-fought victory against Harris Garrard in the second round of the Kent Cup. After a 1-1 draw at full time, the team went on to win the match in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Denni M, playing out of position in goal, was awarded Player of the Match for his two outstanding saves that clinched the win.
Year 7 Boys Face Tough Match in Kent Cup
On Wednesday, 13 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 7 boys’ football team competed against Bonus Pastor in the Kent Cup. Despite a determined effort, the team faced a challenging game, ending with a 6-2 loss. Charlie Hodges scored both goals for the team and was named Player of the Match for his hard work and perseverance throughout the match.
Year 11 Careers Information and Opportunities
Year 11 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy receive valuable guidance during their Monday and Friday tutor sessions, with updates on open days, career opportunities, and expert advice. This week’s key highlights include:
- Job of the Week: Nature Conservationist
- Apprenticeship Guidance: Advice on selecting an apprenticeship and accessing information
- Career Branding: Tips on creating a standout profile for future employers
- Sustainability Careers: Insights into careers in Sustainability, with various opportunities and pathways (links available in Edition 9 of the careers newsletter on Year 11 Google Classroom)
Students can find additional career-related information and resources on the Year 11 Google Classroom, including:
- Work Experience Event: An Insight into Finance and Banking – a virtual event on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, from 17:00-18:30. Registration details are available in the Google Classroom.
- Weekly Careers Newsletter and Slides: Updated weekly on Google Classroom, providing further guidance and opportunities.
- Unifrog Access: Students are encouraged to use Unifrog to explore career paths based on their interests and skills, with a wide range of resources in the careers and subject libraries.
All Year 11 students have also been asked to complete a ‘Destinations’ Google Form available on Google Classroom. This form is particularly helpful for students wishing to discuss their options after GCSEs with a member of staff. Please remind your son/daughter to complete the form if they haven’t done so.
Reminder: Parent Coffee Mornings for Years 7, 8, and 9
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is hosting two coffee mornings for parents and carers of students in Years 7, 8, and 9, providing valuable insights into key elements of the academy experience. Please see the details below and register to attend via Eventbrite.
Coffee Morning 1: Understanding the Academy’s Reward Strategy
- Date: Monday, 18 November 2024
- Time: 08:45 – 09:45
- Register for a space on Eventbrite
Parents and carers of Year 7, 8, and 9 pupils are invited to a coffee morning to learn more about Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s approach to recognising and rewarding student achievements. Mr Farr will lead a discussion on how the reward system is designed to support student motivation and engagement. “Our reward strategy plays an essential role in recognising students’ efforts and achievements,” said Mr Farr. “By celebrating their progress and positive contributions, we aim to foster a supportive and motivating environment where every student feels valued.”
Coffee Morning 2: Year 7 MYP Coffee Morning – Service as Action
- Date: Friday, 22 November 2024
- Time: 08:45 – 09:45
- Register for a space on Eventbrite
Year 7 parents are invited to a coffee morning dedicated to understanding the “Service as Action” component of the MYP programme. This part of the curriculum encourages students to connect with their community and apply their learning to real-life situations, fostering their development as responsible global citizens.
