LSA Latest News Updates | Friday, 20 December 2024

End-of-Module Celebration Assemblies

At the end of each module, every college at Leigh Stationers’ Academy holds a celebration assembly to recognise the achievements of its pupils across a variety of areas. These assemblies highlight accomplishments in attendance, behaviour, homework completion, and other successes from the module.

This term, each Head of College has provided a detailed summary of their college’s achievements. To read the full summaries, please visit the pages below:

Ms Dooley, Deputy Principal, emphasised the importance of these assemblies, stating: “Recognising and celebrating achievement is vital in fostering a positive and ambitious school culture. These assemblies not only highlight individual and group successes but also reflect the strength of our college model. The college system at Leigh Stationers’ Academy plays a key role in building a sense of belonging, teamwork, and shared pride within our community. Congratulations to all pupils for their hard work and dedication this module!”

Start of Module 3: Important Information

Module 3 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy begins on Tuesday, 7 January 2025, at 08:30 for all pupils across all year groups. For a complete list of module dates, please click here.

Dates for Your Diary: Key Events in Module 3

Please find below the key dates for Module 3 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy:

• Tuesday, 7 January 2025: Start of Module 3 for all pupils (08:30)
• Thursday, 9 January 2025: New York Trip Information Evening (17:45–18:15)
• Monday, 13 January 2025: Parent Coffee Morning (Details to be confirmed)
• Thursday, 16 January 2025: Year 11 (17:30–19:00) and Year 13 (17:00–17:45) Mock Examination Results Evenings
• Wednesday, 22 January 2025: Year 13 Parents’ Evening (16:00–19:00)
• Wednesday, 29 January 2025: Year 11 Parents’ Evening (16:00–19:00)
• Monday, 3 February 2025: Parent Coffee Morning (Details to be confirmed)
• Thursday, 13 February 2025: End of Module 3 and Year 10 & 12 WEX Information Evening (Virtual, 17:00–18:00)
• Friday, 14 February 2025: INSET Day

Further details for these events will be shared closer to the dates. Please mark them in your calendar.

Leigh Stationers’ Academy Students Support Families in Need

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is delighted to announce its partnership with the Salvation Army this holiday season to support families in need. On Friday, 13 December 2024, students participated in a Christmas donation drive, bringing in thoughtful and generous gifts to share the joy of the festive season.

Arrangements have been made for the Salvation Army to collect the donated gifts and remaining funds, which will be distributed to families in need. The academy’s contact at the Salvation Army expressed gratitude for the students’ generosity and was deeply moved by their contributions. In January, the Salvation Army will provide an update detailing the number of children and families positively impacted by these donations. 

“This initiative exemplified the values of the IB MYP learner profile, particularly the attribute of being caring. Students demonstrated empathy and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on their community by helping those in need. Their overwhelming response reflects the academy’s dedication to nurturing compassionate, socially responsible individuals. Thank you to all parents, carers, and students for supporting this important initiative. Together, we are helping to brighten the holidays for many families,” said Mr Hill, Assistant Principal.

Christmas Extravaganza Brings Festive Cheer to Leigh Stationers’ Academy

This year’s Christmas Extravaganza, organised by the Performing Arts Department, celebrated the festive season at Leigh Stationers’ Academy with two evenings of music, dance, drama, and festive cheer. Held on Tuesday, 17 December, and Thursday, 19 December 2024, the events welcomed over 800 guests.

The event featured a range of performances from classic carols, contemporary Christmas hits, and instrumental pieces. “This year’s Christmas Extravaganza was a truly special way to mark the holiday season,” said Mr Yeates, Director of Performing Arts. “A particular highlight for me was the performance of ‘The 12 Days of Christmas,’ which included enthusiastic audience participation. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and celebrated with us. Best wishes to all for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.”

Music Exam Success at Leigh Stationers’ Academy

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is proud to celebrate the recent success of two students in their music exams during the last two weeks of this term:

• Eleanor B successfully completed her Grade 2 Flute exam.
• Jacob M achieved his Grade 4 Drum Kit exam.

Mr Yeates, Director of Performing Arts, commented, “Eleanor and Jacob have done brilliantly to achieve these milestones. We look forward to celebrating their future achievements, as well as those of other pupils, in music.”

Weekly Sports Fixtures

Year 8 & 9 Girls Triumph in Blackheath Cup

The Year 8 and 9 girls’ football team secured an impressive 7-0 victory against Deptford Green in the Blackheath Cup.

• Team: Luella B, Rosie C, Selena D, Jessie V, Betsy H, Lyla M, Neve W, Sienna G, Charlotte U, Belle S
• Player of the Match: Neve W, as nominated by the opposition, for her outstanding attacking performance as a striker.

Intra-College Competition: Handball and Football Highlights

Last week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted its second intra-college competition, with students from Years 7, 8, and 9 demonstrating outstanding skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The boys competed in handball, while the girls showcased their talents on the football pitch.

Boys’ Handball

The boys’ handball matches were action-packed, with 43 goals scored across all year groups. Hansard led with a dominant 9 goals in Year 9, while Caxton delivered a strong performance with 8 goals in Year 8. 

Girls’ Football

The girls’ football matches displayed determination and teamwork, with 10 goals scored overall. In Year 7, Caxton excelled with 5 goals, while both Hansard and Angelou were unable to score. In Year 8, Hansard contributed 2 goals, while Caxton and Angelou did not field teams. Year 9 saw Angelou score 2 goals, Hansard add 1, and Caxton remain scoreless.

Leigh Stationers’ Academy CCF Reflects on a Successful Year

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Leigh Stationers’ Academy has celebrated a busy and successful 2024, marked by achievements in training, competitions, and ceremonial duties.

Starting the year on the back of an excellent inspection report from 2023, the contingent focused on recruiting and training new cadets. “This year has been all about laying strong foundations for our future,” said Major Wilson, Contingent Commander. “We’ve seen new recruits grow in confidence and skill as they took on challenges ranging from fieldcraft to weapons training.”

Highlights of the Year: The contingent’s training programme included fieldcraft, navigation, and climbing activities, preparing cadets for the annual Summer Camp. Held at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone and on Dartmoor, eight cadets attended—making it the second-largest group from any school with a Royal Marines CCF contingent.

Ceremonial duties remained a key part of the CCF’s calendar, with cadets performing two Stair Guards at Stationers’ Hall in May and November. Both events were praised by guests for the cadets’ professionalism.

In October, the team participated in the Pringle Trophy weekend at the Commando Training Centre. Competing against 27 schools with Royal Marines cadet contingents, the team excelled in challenges including the commando assault course and battle run. Jess and Henry received special awards for courage and determination during the event.

Recognition and Achievements: Toby and Connor were honoured with the Sword of Honour at a presentation at Stationers’ Hall, and the contingent celebrated the commissioning of two new officers, a significant milestone for the group.

Recruitment for the CCF will open again in January, offering students the chance to take part in new challenges and develop valuable skills. “The CCF is about building resilience, leadership, and teamwork,” Major Wilson added. “If you’re looking for an adventure, come and see what we’re all about.” Weekly parades take place on Mondays at 3:30 pm in the Quad, or in Woolf during bad weather. Interested students are encouraged to get involved.

PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10 

In the final week of this term’s Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, students in Years 7–10 explored key aspects of personal development and wellbeing, with a focus on careers and aspirations. Each session was designed to encourage reflection and skill-building to support their growth. Here is a summary of the topics covered, along with discussion questions for parents and carers to engage with their child:

• Year 7: Careers and Dream Jobs – What is the difference between an aspiration and a dream job?
• Year 8: Careers and The NHS – What career choices does the NHS offer and what is needed to pursue this idea?
• Year 9: Careers and Law – What career choices does the legal profession offer and what is needed to pursue this idea?
• Year 10: Careers and Personality Survey – How can I help you match your personality traits to a suitable career path?

Parents and carers are encouraged to use these questions to initiate meaningful conversations and help reinforce the lessons taught in the PSHE programme.

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: Transport Planner.
• Capel Manor College Advice Evening: An opportunity for students and families to explore Capel Manor’s colleges and courses on Thursday, 16 January 2025, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Register for the event using this link.
• Edition 14 of the weekly careers newsletter: This week’s newsletter shares a range of resources and links to help students explore work experience placements, careers quizzes and further information on Apprenticeships and Universities.

Careers Support and Opportunities

Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce upcoming careers support initiatives for Module 3, designed to help students plan their next steps and build key skills for the future.

Careers Meetings: During Module 2, destinations information was collected from Year 11 students regarding their plans for September. This data will guide one-to-one careers meetings with a careers advisor in Module 3. Students who are unsure about their next steps will be prioritised in the first wave of meetings, with the option later extended to all Year 11 students.

National Interview Month: February marks National Interview Month, and the academy has arranged three days of virtual interviews with external professionals. These sessions aim to provide advice and support for students preparing for interviews, whether for part-time jobs, college applications, university placements, or future careers. Students interested in participating can sign up for an interview using this form.

Flu Vaccination Update: Holiday Clinics Available

The NHS vaccination team is offering flu vaccination catch-up clinics for students over the holidays. For details of the upcoming clinic dates and locations, please click here.

New Free School Meals Offer Starting January 2025

From January 2025, a new catering offer for students entitled to Free School Meals will be available at Leigh Stationers’ Academy. The updated offer will launch at the beginning of Module 3. For further details, please click here.