Latest News Updates | Friday, 7 February 2025

End-of-Module 3 Arrangements

As we approach the final week of Module 3, parents and carers are reminded that the last day of the module will be Thursday, 13 February 2025. Please note that Friday, 14 February 2025, is an INSET Day, and the academy will be closed to all students. Module 4 will commence on Monday, 24 February 2025, with students expected to arrive by 8:30 am. For a complete list of term dates, please click here.

Upcoming Webinars: Key Information for Parents and Carers

Virtual Work Experience Information Evening 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 programme provides students with valuable insight into the world of work, helping them develop key skills and explore potential career pathways.

To support students and their families in preparing for this opportunity, the academy will host a virtual Work Experience Information Evening on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at 17:30. The session will provide detailed guidance on sourcing placements and how best to prepare for the experience. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, and parents, carers, and students can access it here: Watch Live.

Change of Date – Virtual Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening for Year 9 Parents & Carers

Please note that there has been a change of plan regarding the Virtual Key Stage 4 Options Information Evening for Year 9 parents and carers. This event will now take place in Module 4, with further details to be communicated at a later date. Thank you for your understanding, and we will provide more information in due course.

Year 13 Geography Students Explore Olympic Legacy on Paris Trip

Year 13 Geography students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy recently participated in a residential trip to Paris, offering valuable insights to support their final unit of study. The trip focused on consolidating key geographical themes across case studies, with a particular emphasis on urban development and globalisation.

While in Paris, students assessed the city’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games, evaluating how legacy goals are being implemented to reshape urban spaces. They explored key locations to compare Paris’ Olympic planning with that of London 2012, which they had previously studied during a field trip to Stratford in July. Beyond sporting infrastructure, students examined how Paris’ historical landscape influences its identity as a diverse and dynamic global city.

“This trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see human geography come to life,” said Ms Juscik, Director of Individuals and Societies. “Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and ability to connect real-world observations with classroom learning were truly impressive. It was wonderful to see them engage so thoughtfully with the topics, and I have no doubt that this experience will enrich their understanding and confidence as they prepare for their final exams.”

CCF Cadet Promotions Announced at Leigh Stationers’ Academy

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is proud to announce the latest promotions within the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

• Kye (Year 10, Caxton College) has been promoted to Corporal.
• Camille (Year 10, Hansard College) has achieved her first promotion to Lance Corporal.

Both cadets have shown outstanding commitment and leadership, particularly during the challenging Pringle Competition weekend in October. Major Wilson commented, “Both of these cadets have demonstrated exemplary leadership over the last few months, including attendance at the arduous Pringle Competition weekend in October. Both have clearly applied the military values and standards, which define them as leaders. We are all looking forward to the opportunities that promotion will bring to these two individuals.” Congratulations to Kye and Camille on their well-deserved achievements.

Students Explore Criminal Law in Street Wise Law Workshops

Over the past six weeks, a group of students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy participated in a series of workshops led by Street Wise Law, offering an in-depth exploration of the criminal justice system. The sessions, facilitated by experienced criminal barrister Sarah, provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with legal concepts through mock trials, debates, and first-hand accounts from Sarah’s career in criminal law.

“This programme has been an incredible experience for our students,” said Ms Barbary, Wellbeing Manager. “Not only did they gain a deeper understanding of how the justice system works, but they also developed their confidence and critical thinking skills. It’s been inspiring to watch them grow over the weeks, and I’m especially proud of those who have secured work experience placements with Sarah. It’s exciting to see them considering a bright future in law.”

Year 11 Students Inspired by Poetry Live! at Apollo Victoria Theatre

Last week, 50 Year 11 students from Leigh Stationers’ Academy attended Poetry Live! at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London. The event featured performances from renowned poets such as Carol Ann Duffy, Simon Armitage, John Agard, Daljit Nagra, Imtiaz Dharker, and Owen Sheers. Each poet brought their work to life, offering students valuable insights into the themes and inspirations behind their writing, enhancing their understanding of the poems studied in class.

In addition to the live performances, students participated in a session led by an AQA examiner, who provided expert guidance on tackling Unseen Poetry—an essential element of the English Literature exam. The session equipped students with practical strategies for analysis and writing, boosting their confidence for future assessments.

The trip offered an enriching experience, allowing students to engage with poetry in a dynamic setting and deepening their appreciation for the subject beyond the classroom.

February Half-Term Intervention Sessions for Year 11 & 13

During the February half-term, Leigh Stationers’ Academy will offer a series of intervention sessions for Year 11 and Year 13 pupils. These sessions, led by class teachers, are designed to support students as they prepare for the second round of mock examinations next module.

While the sessions are delivered by specific teachers, pupils are welcome to attend any session, regardless of the teacher leading it. Parents and carers are encouraged to support their children in attending these valuable sessions to ensure they are well-prepared for upcoming assessments. The full intervention schedule for both Year 11 and Year 13 can be found HERE.

Year 11 Career Opportunities: Exploring Future Pathways

Year 11 students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy continue to benefit from dedicated career guidance during their Monday and Friday tutor sessions. These sessions provide valuable updates on career pathways, open days, and expert advice to support students in making informed decisions about their futures.

• Careers Newsletter, Edition 19 – This edition explores opportunities within the Mental Health and Psychology industries, alongside information on apprenticeships and a range of free events in Law, Medicine, Engineering, and Finance. Students also learned about virtual opportunities with Mercedes Benz.
• Job of the Week: Mental Health Therapist – Students gained insight into the skills and diverse career pathways available within the mental health sector.
• Pathways Document – To help students understand the various options available after school, they explored a comprehensive document detailing post-16 pathways.
• Springpod – Students were introduced to Springpod, a platform dedicated to work experience opportunities. They can search for careers and placements aligned with their interests.

Upcoming Insight Sessions and Work Experience Opportunities:

• Virtual Law Work Experience Event – Thursday, 13 February 2025. Sign up here.
• Virtual Business and Accounting Experience with PwC – Tuesday, 18 February 2025. Sign up here.

Over the past four weeks, Year 11 students have also had the opportunity to attend one-to-one career meetings to support their post-16 decisions. Students who have not yet received a meeting and would like to book one can contact our careers advisor at shaina.saif@stationers.latrust.org.uk.

Students are encouraged to take full advantage of these opportunities to explore their interests and plan their future pathways.

National Apprenticeship Week: 10–16 February 2025

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy are invited to explore a variety of resources and opportunities related to apprenticeship pathways. This initiative aims to help students gain a deeper understanding of how apprenticeships work, the benefits they offer, and how to apply for future opportunities.

Students are encouraged to access the National Apprenticeship Week resource document, which offers comprehensive information on current apprenticeship opportunities, detailed guidance on the application process, and insights into various industries. For those interested, the document can be accessed HERE.

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10 

In Module 3, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, students in Years 7–10 will explore key aspects of healthy relationships. Each session is designed to encourage reflection and skill-building to support their growth; here is a summary of the topics covered this week, along with discussion questions for parents and carers to engage with their child:

• Year 7: How can I help you understand the different types of families that people belong to?
• Year 8: How can I help you understand what a healthy family relationship looks like?
• Year 9: How can I help you understand what a healthy and safe relationship looks like?
• Year 10: How can I help you understand the need for laws to protect Human Rights?

Parents and carers are encouraged to use these questions to initiate meaningful conversations and help reinforce the lessons taught in the PSHE programme. The following website here also provides excellent guidance for young adults wanting to find out more on healthy friendships and relationships with others for this module.

Weekly Sports Fixtures

Year 11 Football – Blackheath Cup Quarter-Final

The Year 11 football team faced St Mary’s Magdalene in the quarter-final of the Blackheath Cup. Despite a strong first half, leading 2-0 at halftime, the team was unable to hold off a determined comeback from the opposition, resulting in a 7-4 loss.

• Goal Scorers: M. Rope (2), H. Donovan, L. Sloan
• Player of the Match: L. Cattley for an outstanding performance
• Squad: W. Souness, F. Hunt, E. Cox, F. English, H. Donovan, B. Wall, S. Barton, H. White, L. Cattley, M. Rope

Year 7 Football – ESFA National Cup 5th Round

The Year 7 team put in a spirited display against Charter School in the fifth round of the ESFA National Cup. After taking an early lead and holding a 3-2 advantage into the final minutes, the team conceded a last-minute equaliser. This shifted momentum, and despite their efforts, they were defeated 5-3 in extra time.

• Goal Scorers: C. Keenleyside, M. Colohan, J. Goss
• Player of the Match: C. Keenleyside for a fantastic all-round performance
• Squad: T. Day, B. Fairman, J. Goss, B. Hopkins, H. Hutchinson, R. Howard, C. Keenleyside, F. Ould, J. Vale, M. Colohan, R. Almeida, F. Hyde

LAT Swimming Gala

The LAT Swimming Gala was held at Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, Rochester. The Leigh Stationers’ Academy squad delivered exceptional performances, narrowly missing out on first place by just one point.

Results:

• Freestyle: Zac I – 1st in heat, 1st in final
• Backstroke: Stefanie G – 1st in heat, 1st in final
• Breaststroke: Neve W – 4th place
• Freestyle: 1st in heat, 2nd in final
• Overall Position: 2nd place, just one point behind the winners

“The newly formed squad showcased excellent teamwork and communication, supporting each other to deliver their best performances in both individual and team events”, said Ms Blayney, Teacher of PE.

Knowledge Assessment Celebrations Recognise Student Success

This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted a reward event to celebrate the achievements of students in their end-of-module knowledge assessments. As part of the celebrations, students were treated to a special screening of The BFG, complete with complimentary popcorn, offering a chance to relax and enjoy a well-earned break from their busy schedules.

“The reward events have been a fantastic way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our students have shown throughout the module,” said Ms Jess, Assistant Principal. “It’s wonderful to see them enjoying some downtime and celebrating their success. We’re proud of their efforts and look forward to continuing these events next week to recognise even more of our students’ achievements.”