Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
It has been a strong and focused start to the new module at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. Following the Easter holiday, pupils have returned rested, rejuvenated, and ready for learning. From the thoughtful, inquiry-led projects seen in our MYP Interdisciplinary Learning pilot to the maturity and commitment displayed by our Year 11 and 13 students as they enter the final phase of exam preparation, this week has been a clear reflection of our academy values in action. I am particularly proud of our examination groups, whose attendance and attitudes have been first-class as they continue to approach this crucial period with focus and determination.
Next week, we look forward to welcoming families to our MYP Parent Voice Forums and the Year 8 Parents’ Evening. These events are vital opportunities for us to engage with our community, gather meaningful feedback, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. By working together, we ensure that every student is supported to thrive academically, personally, and socially.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Upcoming Public Examinations: Final Preparation Underway for Years 11 & 13
Students in Years 11 and 13 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy are entering the final phase of preparation for their upcoming public examinations.
The Year 11 examinations begin on Tuesday , 6 May 2025, with Health and Social Care followed by Thursday, 8 May 2025, with GCSE Psychology, and the first full cohort examination in GCSE English Literature on Monday, 12 May 2025. Year 13 students will sit their first A-Level examination, Economics, on Monday, 12 May 2025.
All pupils will continue to follow their full timetable for the remainder of the module and their intervention timetable until the start of the examinations to ensure they remain well supported in the lead-up to each exam. To further assist students once the examinations start, additional ‘warm-up’ sessions will be scheduled before each examination. Details of these sessions will be published weekly via the Year 11 and Year 13 Google Classrooms, as well as on the academy’s Latest News page for parents and carers. The finalised weekly timetable will be published next Friday.
Mr Flower, Vice Principal, commented: “We have been incredibly impressed with the hard work, dedication, and excellent attendance shown by our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils. Their commitment to their studies is a credit to them, and we are confident they are well prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Have Your Say: MYP Parent Voice Forums
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host its next MYP Parent Voice Forums on Monday 28 April 2025, inviting parents and carers of students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to reflect on their child’s learning experience and provide valuable feedback on the academy’s delivery of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).
Following feedback from families, two sessions will be available to support greater attendance. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes:
- Morning session: 08:45 – Eventbrite Sign-Up
- Afternoon session: 16:15 – Eventbrite Sign-Up
Places are limited to 40 parents and carers per session. Those who register will be sent a set of discussion questions to consider ahead of the event, focusing on the IB Learner Profile, international mindedness, communication, and how the academy supports students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
“The forums play a key role in our IB Self-Study process,” said Ms Jess, Assistant Principal. “They help us ensure that the student experience at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continues to reflect our core values of Leadership, Scholarship and Achievement.”
Interdisciplinary Learning Pilot Showcases MYP in Action
This week, 45 students from Years 7 to 9 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy participated in a pilot of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU), demonstrating how knowledge and skills from multiple subject areas can be combined to explore real-world issues.
The pilot programme offered a preview of the interdisciplinary learning model that all KS3 students will experience in Module 6. Each year group engaged with a different theme, drawing on a range of subject disciplines to deepen their understanding and apply their learning in new and meaningful ways.
- Year 7 students combined English and History to explore how cultural and historical contexts have influenced gender roles over time. Their work culminated in a series of thoughtful newspaper articles, demonstrating strong critical thinking and social awareness.
- Year 8 students investigated healthy living through a collaboration between Physical and Health Education and Science. They examined topics such as nutrition, exercise, and the impact of lifestyle choices on well-being, producing engaging and informative micro-documentaries to present their findings.
- Year 9 students took on a Geography and Maths project focused on local traffic issues. By analysing data, identifying congestion points, and proposing practical solutions, they developed both analytical and problem-solving skills while engaging with a community-based challenge.
Ms Jess, Assistant Principal, commented: “Students across all three year groups engaged incredibly well with their interdisciplinary projects. The IDU offers a valuable opportunity for them to make meaningful connections between subjects, develop transferable skills, and tackle real-world issues in a thoughtful and creative way.”
Year 8 Parents’ Evening: Appointments Now Live for Booking
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will host its Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, from 16:00 to 19:00. This event provides parents and carers with the opportunity to meet with subject teachers to discuss their child’s academic progress and next steps.
The appointment booking system went live at 19:30 on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Parents and carers were sent an automated email from the SchoolCloud booking system with instructions on how to make appointments. The booking system will remain open until 12:00 on the day of the event. To ensure fair access for all families, bookings are initially limited to six appointments per student. Additional appointment slots will be made available in the days leading up to the event, allowing parents and carers to book further meetings with teachers who still have availability.
Parents and carers are encouraged to prioritise specific teachers or subjects when making appointments, rather than using the autoschedule feature. This will help ensure discussions are focused on the areas most relevant to each student’s progress.
Appointments can be booked via the academy’s designated booking site. Full instructions and a booking guide are available on the academy’s website. For further information or support with bookings, please contact Ms Holland, PA to the Principal, at gabrielle.holland@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
GCSE PE Students Complete Practical Cycling Assessment at CycloPark
GCSE PE students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy recently completed a full-day practical cycling assessment at the CycloPark in Gravesend, as part of their examination course. The event provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate and refine key cycling skills, including cornering, ascending and descending, and effective braking techniques.
Throughout the day, students showed high levels of focus, determination, and discipline. Their behaviour was exemplary, with event organisers commenting on the maturity and respect demonstrated by all participants. Mr Kay, Assistant Principal, who accompanied the group, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a specialist setting. I was incredibly proud of the way they represented the academy – they showed resilience, skill and a fantastic attitude throughout the day.”
The practical assessment forms an important part of the GCSE PE course and will contribute to students’ final practical grades.
Year 11 Careers and Post-16 Guidance Continues
As Year 11 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy focus on their upcoming summer examinations, the weekly careers sessions held during tutor time have now concluded. However, the academy remains committed to supporting students with their next steps. Careers information, advice, and opportunities will continue to be shared regularly via the Year 11 Google Classroom.
Students are encouraged to explore a range of current resources and events:
- Careers Newsletter – Edition 27: This edition marks World Autism Acceptance Month and includes guidance for students interested in supporting individuals with Autism. It also highlights career pathways with the NHS and virtual opportunities in Engineering, Science, Web Development, and more.
- Job of the Week – Photographer: A focus on the skills and qualifications needed for a career in photography.
- Medical and Dental Work Experience: Free virtual sessions are available for students considering careers in Medicine or Dentistry. As proof of work experience is a requirement for applications to medical and dental schools, these sessions offer a valuable certificate of participation. Full details are available via the Year 11 Google Classroom.
Year 11 students who would like personalised careers guidance are encouraged to book a one-to-one appointment with Ms Saif, Careers Advisor, by emailing shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7–10
During Module 5, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will focus on key areas of personal development tailored to each year group from Years 7 to 10.
For Year 7 and Year 8 students, PSHE lessons will centre around the MYP Service as Action project — a core component of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. This initiative encourages students to become compassionate individuals who contribute positively to their communities and environment.
Year 9 students will explore how the UK government functions, including the role of political parties and the law, while Year 10 students will begin preparations for their forthcoming mock examinations.
This week’s PSHE topics include:
- Years 7 & 8: Online Safety Reflection
- Years 9 & 10: How the UK Government Works
Parents and carers are encouraged to engage in discussions at home, such as exploring online safety with younger students or supporting Year 10 pupils as they prepare for their exams.
Supporting Digital Wellbeing: Resources for Parents Inspired by Adolescence
The new Netflix series Adolescence is prompting important conversations about the digital challenges faced by young people. In recent weeks, many parents and carers have contacted the academy to ask for support and guidance in response to the issues raised by the series, which highlights the pressures and risks young people encounter in their online lives.
In response, Leigh Stationers’ Academy is signposting families to a dedicated online resource page filled with practical guidance, conversation starters, and expert advice. Topics covered include managing screen time, responding to upsetting online content, and helping children build healthy digital habits. The resources aim to equip parents and carers with the tools they need to confidently support their child’s online life. Explore the materials here: smoothwall.com/adolescence
In addition to supporting parents and carers, Leigh Stationers’ Academy is covering online safety as part of its PSHE programme to ensure that all pupils receive up to date information on the risks associated with social media and the support available to them.
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.
Ms Collier, Vice Principal, said: “Work experience gives our students a real taste of life beyond the classroom. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, develop professional skills, and explore future careers in a meaningful and memorable way.”
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.
Reward Celebrations Update: Recognising Module 4 Achievement
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is currently reviewing Knowledge Assessment data from Module 4 and planning how best to recognise the efforts and successes of our students. Due to venue and staffing constraints linked to the upcoming GCSE, A Level, and T Level examinations, the academy will not be able to hold its usual reward events at this time. Instead, we are considering combining the reward celebrations for both Modules 4 and 5, with a larger, inclusive event scheduled to take place in Module 6.
Mr Flower, Vice Principal, said: “By combining the rewards for Modules 4 and 5, we’ll be able to deliver a more meaningful celebration that truly reflects the hard work and commitment shown by our students. We look forward to sharing full details with families once plans are confirmed.”
If parents or carers have any questions, they are welcome to contact Mr Flower at steven.flower@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
KS3 Revision and Study Skills Programme – Expressions of Interest Invited
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is planning to launch a three-week after-school intervention programme for Key Stage 3 students, focused on revision and study skills. The programme is intended to help students develop effective study habits, consolidate learning across key subjects, and prepare for upcoming assessments. The 50-minute sessions will take place after school and are scheduled to begin in week 3 – week commencing Monday, 5 May 2025 – of this module. Sessions will include targeted strategies to support independent learning and build academic confidence.
To assist with planning and allocation of places, the academy is currently inviting expressions of interest from parents and carers. Places will be limited, and early expressions of interest will help determine demand. Parents and carers who would like to register their interest should contact Ms Jess, Assistant Principal, at kasmine.jess@stationers.latrust.org.uk. Further details, including confirmed dates and registration information, will be published in next week’s Latest News update.
