Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been another incredible week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, with so much to celebrate both in and beyond the classroom. Our public examinations are now well underway, and I’ve been particularly impressed by the focus and determination shown by our Year 11 and Year 13 students. While driving into work this morning, I passed a group of Year 11 pupils at the bus stop – revision flashcards in hand, testing one another ahead of their GCSE History exam. It was a small but powerful reminder of the maturity and commitment our students are showing during this important period.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on supporting every student to succeed. This includes continued academic support through warm-up sessions, after-school interventions, and our Saturday revision programme – plus extra sessions during the May half-term break. We’re also reminding all families of the steps to support student wellbeing during the hot weather. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Summer Examinations Underway for Years 11 & 13
The public examination period is now underway at Leigh Stationers’ Academy for students in Year 11 and Year 13. Pupils have entered this important phase with focus and determination, supported by a structured programme of targeted academic support. Students continue to follow their normal lessons alongside a schedule of morning warm-up sessions, afternoon revision, and after-school interventions. This support will remain in place throughout Module 5. The full schedule of warm-up sessions and examinations for this week is available via the link below.
Saturday Revision Sessions – This Week
Parents and carers are reminded that additional subject-specific revision sessions are taking place on Saturday, 17 May 2025, as follows:
- 08:30 – 10:30: English Literature – Paper 2
- 11:00 – 13:00: Computer Science – Paper 2
- 13:30 – 15:30: Economics
Saturday Sessions – Module 6
The following Saturday sessions are also scheduled for Module 6 to support final preparation for the remaining examinations:
Saturday, 7 June 2025
- 08:30–10:30: Mathematics – Paper 2
- 11:00–13:00: Biology – Paper 2
- 13:30–15:30: Spanish
Saturday, 14 June 2025
- 08:30–10:30: Physics – Paper 2
- 11:00–13:00: Spanish
Ofqual Guide for Students: Coping with Exam Pressure
Ofqual has published a new guide for students titled Coping with Exam Pressure, offering practical strategies to help manage stress during the examination period.
The guide has been developed in collaboration with Professor Dave Putwain, a researcher and former teacher at Liverpool John Moores University. It provides evidence-based advice to support students in staying focused, maintaining well-being, and performing at their best. The guide is available to view or download here.
Year 10 Students Complete Silver DofE Practice Expedition
On Saturday, 10 May 2025, 21 Year 10 students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition. Students began their journey at Knockholt Station in Kent, embarking on a 12km route to their overnight campsite. Despite the hot conditions, all participants remained in good spirits and worked in teams to navigate using maps and compasses. Most groups arrived at the campsite between 17:00 and 18:00, where they pitched tents, prepared dinner, and rested in preparation for the following day.
On Sunday, students set off early to avoid the peak of the day’s heat. The route presented physical and navigational challenges, but students demonstrated excellent teamwork and resilience, arriving at the finish point by 14:00 as planned. The group will take part in their assessed expedition in June, which will involve three days and two nights of walking and camping in the South Downs.
Mr Soane, Trip Leader, said: “It was a fantastic weekend. The students were brilliant, supportive of each other, and a real credit to the academy. I’d also like to thank Ms Fasan, Ms Bartlett and Ms Rackstraw for their hard work and encouragement throughout the trip. These experiences simply wouldn’t happen without such committed staff.”
Celebrating Success: Jack Petchey Award Winners Announced
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce that Elsie, Caxton College, and Chloe, Angelou College, have been nominated for the Jack Petchey Achievement Award by their local Scout group. The award recognises young people who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities. Both students were nominated for their dedication, commitment, and the contribution they have made through their involvement in local initiatives.
Ms Blayney, Teacher of PE and Raising Standards Leader, said: “Elsie and Chloe embody what it means to lead with kindness and purpose. Their work in the community sets a fantastic example, and it’s great to see them being recognised in this way.”
Hot Weather – PE, Uniform and Wellbeing Reminder
As temperatures continue to rise, parents and carers are reminded of the measures in place to help students stay safe, healthy, and focused during the warmer weather.
All PE lessons in Module 6 will take place outdoors. To support student wellbeing, we encourage all pupils to bring a water bottle, apply sunscreen (especially before afternoon sessions), and wear a baseball cap during PE, which is permitted for sun protection.
As previously communicated, students are not required to wear blazers to school during this period. However, full academy uniform is still expected unless otherwise advised. We also encourage all students to:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day
- Use refillable water bottles, which can be topped up at the academy’s water stations
- Seek shade during break and lunch, where possible
- Speak to a member of staff if they feel unwell due to the heat
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10
During Module 5, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continues to focus on key areas of personal development tailored to each year group from Years 7 to 10.
For Years 7 and 8, lessons centre around the MYP Service as Action project—an integral part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. This initiative encourages students to take meaningful action in their communities and develop as caring, reflective individuals.
Year 9 students are exploring elements of UK government and law, while also preparing for their upcoming MYP Project, which will launch fully in Module 6. Meanwhile, Year 10 students continue their exam preparation, focusing on evidence-based strategies to support revision, including the use of mind maps and revision cards.
This week’s PSHE topics include:
- Years 7 & 8: MYP Service as Action Project
- Year 9: How can UK laws protect our individual identities?
- Year 10: How can I effectively revise using mind maps and revision cards?
To further discuss ways in which our UK laws ensure our individual characteristics are protected, please see the link here to inform your conversations.
Careers Insight Session: Environmental Consultancy
The first event in Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Career Exploration Series took place this week, with students in Years 10 and 12 attending a session led by Esther, an experienced Environmental Consultant. Esther shared insights from her career in organic pollutants, applied chemistry, and sustainable farming, drawing on her work with laboratories, government agencies, and the agricultural sector. Students learned how scientific knowledge can be applied in real-world contexts to promote environmental protection and sustainability.
The session concluded with a Q&A, allowing students to explore career pathways and gain practical advice directly from industry experience. Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, said: “It’s so important that students have the chance to explore real careers and understand how their learning connects to life beyond school. Our pupils asked excellent questions and really engaged with the session – it was a pleasure to see them so focused and curious about the future.”
The next session in the series will feature a senior journalist, offering an introduction to careers in media and journalism.
Year 11 Careers Support Continues During Exam Period
As Year 11 students continue to prepare for their summer examinations, careers support remains in place at Leigh Stationers’ Academy to help guide students with their next steps beyond Year 11. Although weekly tutor-time sessions have concluded, a wide range of career information, advice, and opportunities will continue to be shared regularly via the Year 11 Google Classroom. Students are encouraged to make use of the latest updates:
- Careers Newsletter – Edition 30: This edition includes information on joining the Careers Mentors Network for students interested in the creative industries, details of the Career Shapers Event for those pursuing science, maths or IT pathways, and advice for students still exploring their future career options.
- Job of the Week – Anthropologist: A spotlight on the skills and qualifications required to pursue a career in anthropology.
- Debate Chamber Medicine Summer School: An opportunity for students considering a future in medicine to join a live or online summer school between 4 and 8 August. Full details are available in the Google Classroom.
- North Kent College and Hadlow College Open Events: Dates and details for upcoming open events are also available via the Year 11 Google Classroom.
Students who would like individual careers guidance are encouraged to book a one-to-one appointment with Ms Saif, Careers Advisor, by emailing: shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Work Experience Reminders 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 key part of the academy’s personal development and careers provision helps students connect their learning to the wider world.
Key reminders for students and families include:
- Information Evening Recording: A recording of the recent Work Experience Information Evening is available for parents and students. It includes detailed guidance on how to source placements and prepare effectively.
- Unifrog Submission Deadline: Placement details must be submitted via Unifrog by Friday, 23 May 2025. A step-by-step video guide is available in Google Classrooms to support students through this process.
- Need Help? Students who would like assistance in finding a placement can book a one-to-one meeting with the academy’s careers advisor via the link in their Google Classroom.
Students who are unable to secure a full ten-day placement will be expected to attend school on the days they are not at a placement, where they will follow a structured in-school work experience programme. The deadline for placements to be logged on Unifrog is Friday, 23 May 2025.
