Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This has been a fantastic week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, and I am incredibly proud of our pupils. From Camille in Year 11 receiving the prestigious CCF Sword of Honour, to our students’ success at the London Youth Games, the strength of character across our community has truly stood out. Our A Level Art students impressed during their visit to Tate Modern, and our Year 7 Geographers undertook high-quality fieldwork at Avery Hill Park with real maturity. It has also been encouraging to see our sports teams continue to compete with determination and represent the academy so well.
Looking ahead, we have several important events on the horizon. Christmas Jumper Day takes place on Thursday, 11 December, and we look forward to supporting Save the Children as a whole school community. Next week also includes the final practical mock examinations for Art and Photography, as well as our Year 12 Parents’ Evening. Preparations are underway for the Year 11 and 13 Mock Examination Results Evening on Monday, 15 December, and I encourage all families to complete the attendance form so we can ensure the event runs smoothly. Thank you, as always, for your continued support as we move into a busy and purposeful end to the term.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Camille Receives the CCF Sword of Honour
Camille, a Year 11 pupil from Hansard College, was awarded the CCF Sword of Honour at this year’s Prize Giving Ceremony at Stationers’ Hall. The award is presented annually to the cadet who best reflects the Royal Marines Cadets mindset, values and spirit, and is generously engraved by The Stationers’ Foundation.
This week, Camille received a miniature engraved version of the Sword of Honour. The miniature sword was produced by Pooley Swords, a major supplier of military and ceremonial swords worldwide, whose Royal Navy and Royal Air Force patterns are used across the Commonwealth, including in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Major Jeremy Wilson, who presented the miniature sword, said: “Camille stands out as a cadet who consistently demonstrates leadership, commitment and a strong sense of service. She sets an excellent example to those around her, and this award reflects the high standards she upholds within the CCF.”
Students Recognised at the London Youth Games Awards
Three students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy received awards from the Mayor of Bexley, Christine Catterall, in recognition of their achievements at the London Youth Games. Representing Bexley Borough in Judo, the students achieved strong results:
- Sophia (Year 8, Caxton) – Silver
- Teodor (Year 9, Hansard) – Bronze
- Ronnie (Year 13, Woolf) – Gold
The girls’ team placed 5th out of 29 boroughs, while the boys’ team finished 9th out of 29, marking a successful performance across the competition.
United Judo, the club the students train with, commended their commitment, progress and attitude. Councillor Catterall also highlighted the students’ positive conduct both in competition and in school.
Although the London Youth Games took place in May, the awards were presented last week, giving the students the opportunity to celebrate their achievements.
A Level Art Students Visit Tate Modern
A Level Art students visited Tate Modern on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, to support their current project on abstract painting. During the visit, pupils explored the Picasso exhibition, an exhibition of Aboriginal art, and a range of works within the gallery’s permanent collections. Students took photographs, observed techniques and materials, and made detailed notes to inform their analytical and practical work back in the studio.
Tilly, a Year 12 student, reflected on how the visit supported her development: “The trip to Tate Modern was extremely helpful in inspiring ideas for my abstract final piece. I was particularly influenced by Emily Kam Kngwarray’s ‘Winter Abstraction’, which draws on natural forms from her homeland, as well as Joan Mitchell’s ‘Iva’, where contrasting colours create depth and energy. Seeing the work in person allowed me to understand the texture and layering much more clearly than when viewing images online.”
Year 7 Explore Environmental Quality at Avery Hill Park
Year 7 Geography students visited Avery Hill Park last week to carry out fieldwork linked to their current MYP module and forthcoming assessment. The visit provided an opportunity for pupils to apply their classroom learning to a real-world context, strengthening their skills in Criteria B (Investigating) and C (Communicating).
Despite the cold weather, pupils worked with determination as they completed Environmental Quality Surveys at three locations across the park. They assessed factors such as litter, noise levels and general upkeep, and produced detailed field sketches to support their investigations.
Mr Jusik, Director of Individuals & Societies, praised the students’ efforts, saying: “Despite the cold, our Year 7s showed real focus and enthusiasm throughout the day. They carried out their Environmental Quality Surveys brilliantly and produced some impressive field sketches. Their behaviour was exemplary, and members of the public even stopped to praise how well they represented the academy.”
Students are now analysing their findings back in the classroom and drawing conclusions from the data collected. Their project will conclude with a formal letter to the Principal, outlining recommendations to improve the school environment based on their geographical investigation.
Christmas Jumper Day to Support Save the Children
On Thursday, 11 December 2025, Leigh Stationers’ Academy invites all students and staff to take part in Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for Save the Children. This annual event supports children across the UK who need it most, contributing to the over £30 million raised by the charity since 2012. The cost to participate is £2 per person, which can be paid via ParentPay from Friday, 28 November 2025.
Students are required to wear their full school uniform, with the exception of the Christmas jumper. “Christmas Jumper Day is a fun way for us to come together as a community and make a difference for children who need it most,” said Ms Collier, Vice Principal. “I’m excited to see everyone’s festive jumpers and proud that our academy can contribute to this incredible cause.”
Year 11 & 13 Update
Year 11 and Year 13 pupils completed the main series of their mock examinations this week, marking an important milestone in their preparation for the summer exam series. A small number of practical assessments will continue next week, including GCSE and A Level Art and Photography Practical Outcome (AO4) examinations. Parents and carers of pupils involved in these practical assessments have received individual letters with further details.
Reflecting on the week, Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said: “Our pupils approached their mock examinations with maturity and determination. Their focus throughout the assessment period has been commendable, and these results will provide a strong foundation for the next stage of their preparation.”
Mock Examination Results Evening
All parents and carers are invited to attend the Mock Examination Results Evening with their child on Monday, 15 December 2025. The event is designed to simulate the experience of GCSE Results Day in August, with pupils opening their sealed results envelopes to review their performance across all subjects.
The evening will begin with a short presentation from the Principal, Mr Sparks, outlining the academy’s next steps, planned intervention strategies and the importance of a shared approach between school and home to maximise pupil success. Families will then proceed to the restaurant to collect and review results, with Directors of Learning and senior staff available to discuss outcomes and answer questions.
The schedule for the mock examination results evening can be found below:
| Principal’s Speech | Results Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| Woolf College (Year 13) | 17:00 | 17:20 |
| Hansard College | 17:20 | 17:40 |
| Caxton College | 17:40 | 18:00 |
| Angelou College | 18:00 | 18:20 |
All parents and carers are asked to complete the attendance form for the Mock Examination Results Evening, available here, so that the academy can plan appropriately and ensure the event runs smoothly for all families.
Reminder: Year 12 Parents’ Evening
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will hold its Year 12 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, from 16:00 to 19:00. This face-to-face event will enable parents and carers to meet subject teachers and discuss their child’s academic progress.
Bookings open today at 19:00 (Friday, 27 November 2025) and will close at 12:00 on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. Appointments can be made through the SchoolCloud booking system, with full instructions available on the academy’s website. For any assistance or further information, please contact Gabrielle Holland at gabrielle.holland@stationers.latrust.org.uk
Weekly Sports Fixtures Round-Up
Leigh Stationers’ Academy teams continued their busy fixture schedule this week, taking part in both National Cup and Blackheath Cup competitions.
| Fixture | Result | Scorers / Shooters | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| U13A National Cup ESFA Round 4 vs Riverside School | Loss 1-3 | Zach M | Denislav D |
| U15A Blackheath Cup vs Forest Hill School | Win 4-1 | Harry H (4) | Harry H |
Mr Judd, Director of PE, said: “Our pupils approached this week’s fixtures with real determination. The U13s worked hard in a challenging National Cup match, and the U15s delivered an excellent performance in their Blackheath Cup win. Both teams represented the academy well, and we look forward to seeing their continued progress.”
Personal Development Updates
Floristry & Art and Design Taster Day – Capel Manor College (Mottingham)
Year 10 and 11 students can apply for a Floristry and Art & Design Taster Day at Capel Manor College on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. The day includes practical workshops, opportunities to meet current learners and tours of facilities such as the floristry studio and animal management unit. Places are limited to five students per school and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Further details and booking information are available here.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – Year 13 Insight Days
The FCA is offering two Insight Days for Year 13 students and young people aged 18–24 who are considering apprenticeships and careers in the financial sector. Sessions will take place on Friday, 13 February 2026 and Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at the FCA office in Stratford. Apprenticeship areas include Accountancy, HR, Paralegal, Project Management, Digital Marketing and Data Analytics. Applications can be made via this link.
Careers Education: Weekly Information, Advice & Guidance
This week’s Careers Newsletter features opportunities in construction, engineering and the built environment, including Open Doors 2026, Go Construct, Arcadis virtual insight sessions and 3DReid’s Architectural Dive. It also highlights apprenticeships and work experience options such as Tesco Early Careers and Digdata virtual programmes.
University guidance is provided through sessions from Exeter, Brighton and Falmouth, alongside information on BTEC Higher Nationals. The Career Spotlight focuses on Building Surveying, with McLaren featured as an employer offering early career routes. Labour market data shows an increase in youth employment, with 3.89 million 16-24-year-olds now in work.
Parents and carers are encouraged to read the newsletter and discuss opportunities with their child. For support, contact careers@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Click HERE to read this week’s Careers NewsletterSki Trip Information Briefing for Val Cenis
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will hold a parent and student information briefing for the upcoming Ski Trip to Val Cenis on Monday, 1 December 2025 at 18:15 in the Main Hall (Crown Building). The session will outline key details about travel arrangements, the trip itinerary, equipment requirements and safety guidance. Families will also have the opportunity to meet the staff team and ask any questions. All families of pupils attending the trip are encouraged to join the briefing. Key information will also be shared by email following the session.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-13
In Module 2, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continues to focus on age-appropriate themes to support students’ wellbeing, personal growth and preparation for life beyond the classroom. Each session is designed to encourage collaboration, critical thinking and skill development.
| Year Group | This Week | Next Week |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | How can physical fitness improve my wellbeing? | How can I look after myself? |
| Year 8 | How can I support my own mental health? | What do different types of poor mental health look like? |
| Year 9 | How can I support my own mental health? | Why do people drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and vape? |
| Year 10 | How can I keep myself safe in the eyes of the law? | How can I keep myself safe in the eyes of the law? |
| Year 11 | Mock examinations | What do healthy relationships look like? |
| Year 12 | How does lifestyle link to success? | How can I effectively support others? |
| Year 13 | Mock examinations | How do I maintain a healthy body and mind? |
Parents and carers are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, discussing ideas to help reinforce students’ understanding of these important topics.
Reminder: New Business Clubs Launch for Year 9
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is introducing three new Business clubs next week, initially open to Year 9 pupils. These clubs are ideal for those interested in entrepreneurship or considering Business at Key Stage 4. Parents and carers can register via SOCS:
- The Apprentice Club – Mondays (WOO-15, Ms Hussain): Weekly challenges focused on identifying market opportunities, product design and teamwork.
- Dragon’s Den Club – Thursdays (WOO-11, Ms Nkoy): Pupils develop innovative products and pitch their ideas to a panel of “Dragons.”
- Business Simulation Club – Thursdays (WOO-18, Ms Holland): Interactive simulations using Chromebooks where pupils run virtual businesses and make strategic decisions.
Information about other academy clubs can be found here.
Black Friday Uniform Promotion from Brigade
Brigade Uniform is offering a Black Friday promotion on their website this weekend, providing families with an opportunity to save on uniform purchases.
- Discount: 10% off all items
- Promo Code: BF10
- Starts: Friday, 28 November at 12:00
Ends: Sunday, 30 November at 11:59
