Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This week has been a celebration of our students’ incredible achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. From outstanding performances in netball and football fixtures to the success of Neve at the London Youth Games Cross Country, our students have exemplified dedication and resilience. In the classroom, our Service as Action initiatives in Geography and English have showcased the thoughtful, real-world learning that is central to our IB MYP programme, while PSHE lessons have provided students with tools to navigate personal challenges. Our coffee mornings for parents and carers also demonstrated the importance of community partnership, with engaging discussions on the academy’s reward strategy and the Service as Action programme.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for a busy and exciting few weeks. Mock examinations for Years 11 and 13 begin on Monday, 2 December 2024, and we are committed to supporting our students in their preparation. We also have several festive events planned, including the Equiano College Christmas Celebration, Christmas Jumper Day, and the highly anticipated Christmas Extravaganza. As always, further details about these events will be shared with parents and carers soon. Thank you for your continued support in making Leigh Stationers’ Academy a thriving community where leadership, scholarship, and achievement are celebrated.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Engaging Parents: Coffee Morning Success at Leigh Stationers’ Academy
This week, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted two successful coffee mornings for parents and carers, with over 50 attendees across both events.
On Monday, Mr Farr, Vice Principal, delivered a session on the academy’s reward strategy, explaining how the system motivates and recognises student achievements. On Friday, Ms Jess, Assistant Principal, led a session focused on the Service as Action component of the IB MYP programme, highlighting the meaningful ways students are connecting their learning to real-world contributions.
Reflecting on the events, Mr Farr, Vice Principal, commented, “These parent mornings are not only a great opportunity for us to share the work happening at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, but they are also an invaluable chance for us to gain feedback and ideas from our community. We’ve taken away some fantastic suggestions and look forward to further enhancing the opportunities we provide for young people.”
The next coffee morning will take place on Monday, 9 December 2024, from 08:45 to 09:45. Details of the topic will be announced soon.
Dates for Your Diary: Upcoming Events at Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Here are some key dates for parents/carers to note:
- Friday, 6 December 2024: Equiano College Christmas Celebration in the Main Hall, 14:00-15:00.
- Monday, 9 December 2024: Coffee Morning, 08:45-09:45. Topic details to be announced soon.
- Thursday, 12 December 2024: Christmas Jumper Day.
- Tuesday, 17 & Thursday, 19 December 2024: Christmas Extravaganza.
Further information about these events will be shared with parents and carers in due course.
Student Success at the London Youth Games Cross Country
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of Neve, who represented Greenwich in the prestigious London Youth Games Cross Country event at Parliament Hill on 16, November 2024. Competing against 250 of the best runners from across London, Neve delivered an incredible performance, completing the demanding course in an impressive time of 08:53 and securing 49th place. “This achievement reflects Neve’s hard work, determination, and athletic talent. She should be extremely proud of her performance,” said Ms Blayney, Teacher of PE. Neve’s success continues as she prepares to represent the Academy in the LAT Cross Country competition later this month.
Service as Action in the MYP: Geography and English Student Initiatives
As part of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy have embraced Service as Action projects, connecting their learning to real-world applications while making meaningful contributions to their local and global communities.
In Geography, students collaborated in pairs to create informative leaflets designed for new students joining the academy from outside the area. These leaflets highlighted key points of interest in Eltham and Greenwich, providing practical information on cultural activities, tourism, community centres, and opportunities to explore.
In English, students took on the role of Amnesty International investigators, writing detailed reports on the conditions within refugee camps. Drawing from their studies, they crafted thoughtful recommendations for improving these camps, showcasing both their empathy and their ability to inquire into global challenges. The reports demonstrated their understanding of the hardships faced by refugees and their commitment to finding practical solutions for vulnerable populations.
These activities exemplify the MYP’s core values, encouraging students to engage in meaningful, real-world tasks that promote empathy, inquiry, and a sense of responsibility. We are immensely proud of the students’ hard work and the positive impact these projects have had on their learning and their understanding of the world around them.
“These activities truly showcase the heart of the MYP programme. It’s been inspiring to see our students engage in meaningful, real-world tasks that not only deepen their learning but also develop their empathy and sense of responsibility. I’m incredibly proud of the effort and thought they’ve put into these projects, and it’s clear they’ve gained a greater understanding of the world and their role in it,” said Ms Jess, Assistant Principal.
This Week’s Sports Fixtures
Year 7 Netball Team Shines in Greenwich League
On Thursday, 14 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 7 netball team delivered an outstanding performance in the Greenwich League, securing a 6-0 victory against St. Thomas More School. The team showcased excellent teamwork and skill, with Betty and Asees scoring the goals. Betty was named Player of the Match by the opposition for her impressive performance.
Team: Martha, Charlotte, Betty, Sienna, Prwsha, Muizza, Asees, Lola, and Grace.
Year 8 Netball Team Excels in Greenwich League
The Year 8 netball team followed with an impressive 16-4 victory over St. Thomas More School. Chante and Freya were the standout scorers, while Sereiah was named Player of the Match by the opposition for her exceptional contribution to the game.
Team: Hollie, Neve, Sereiah, Chante, Evie, Maria, Olivia, Nancy, and Freya.
Year 9 Netball Team Dominate Greenwich League Fixture
Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 9 netball team completed the hat-trick with a commanding 19-3 win against St. Thomas More School. Goals came from Sophie, Immy, and Charlotte, while Isabella was named Player of the Match for her all-round outstanding performance.
Team: Isabella, Stefania, Sophie, Amiee, Myla, Immy, Charlotte, and Selena.
Year 9 Boys Football Team Secure ESFA Cup Victory
On Thursday, 14 November 2024, the Year 9 boys’ football team claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win against Thomas Tallis in the ESFA Cup. Harry scored twice, with Alby adding the third goal. Callum earned Player of the Match for his commanding midfield display.
Team: Frank, Will, Cruz, Muhib, Harry (Capt), George, Olly, Frankie, Austin, Callum, Alby, Asa, Frankie, and Omer.
Year 7 Boys Face Narrow Defeat in ESFA Cup
On Monday, 18 November 2024, the Year 7 boys’ football team put in a strong effort against Harris Crystal Palace but narrowly lost 3-2 in the ESFA Cup. Both goals were scored by Buster, while Harry was named Player of the Match for his tireless work rate and crucial ball recoveries.
Team: Jacob, Denislav, Ronnie, Jason, Harry, Buster, Jordan, Daniel, Matthew, Pavel, Charlie, and Frankie.
Year 7 Girls Dominate Leigh Academy Halley in ESFA Cup
Also on Monday, 18 November 2024, the Year 7 girls’ football team delivered an incredible 15-0 win over Leigh Academy Halley in the ESFA Cup. Goals came from Olivia, Ruby, and Elyse, with Poppy named Player of the Match for her exceptional leadership on the pitch.
Team: Amilia, Poppy, Eliza, Olivia, Tilly, Kayleigh, Ruby, Jessica, Betty, Elyse, and Rebecca.
Year 9 Boys Secure Blackheath Cup Victory
On Wednesday, 20 November 2024, the Year 9 boys’ football team triumphed 3-0 over Woolwich Poly in the Blackheath Cup. Harry scored twice, with Austin adding the third goal. George was named Player of the Match for his standout performance in central defence.
Team: Frank, Will, Cruz, Muhib, Harry (Capt), George, Olly, Frankie, Austin, Alby, Asa, Frankie, Omer, and Dylan.
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10
This week in Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) students across Years 7-10 focused on important aspects of personal development and wellbeing. Each session provided opportunities for students to reflect on their own experiences and build valuable skills for their growth. Below is a summary of this week’s topics and a discussion question to help parents and carers engage with their child about these themes:
Year 7: Physical and Mental Wellbeing & Healthy Diet
Discussion Question: How do you feel when you eat healthy foods versus unhealthy foods, and how do you think I can help support you in making better food choices?
Year 8: Understanding and Recognising Anxiety
Discussion Question: When you feel anxious, what emotions or physical changes do you notice, and how can I best support you when you’re feeling this way?
Year 9: Developing Resilience
Discussion Question: How do you feel when you’re faced with a tough situation, and what can I do to help you feel more confident and supported as you handle challenges?
Year 10: Negative Effects of Social Media
Discussion Question: How do you feel after spending time on social media, and how can I help you manage any negative emotions or stress that might come from it?
Additionally, we encourage parents and carers to view this 3-minute clip from Dr Mitch Prinstein, where he explains why teenage brains are particularly vulnerable to social media. The clip provides powerful insights into the potential negative effects of excessive social media use and offers an excellent starting point for discussions at home. Together, we look forward to continuing to support your child’s pastoral development.
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: Fashion Buyer
- Apprenticeship Opportunities with BAE: Advice on selecting an apprenticeship and accessing information
- Opportunities within the Defence Industry: Advice on possible routes and roles within this industry
- Career Branding: Tips on creating a standout profile for future employers
- Creative Careers Week 2024: Insights into careers within the Creative Industry including: what jobs are available in this industry, which vocational paths can be followed, opportunities to hear from professional themselves and even virtual work experience opportunities (all links are available in Edition 10 of the careers newsletter on the Year 11 Google Classroom).
Students can find additional career-related information and resources on the Year 11 Google Classroom, including:
- Weekly Careers Newsletter and Slides: Updated weekly on Google Classroom, providing further guidance and opportunities.
- Unifrog Access: Students are encouraged to use Unifrog to explore career paths based on their interests and skills, with a wide range of resources in the careers and subject libraries.
Reminder: Mock Examination Timetable for Years 11 & 13
The Year 11 and Year 13 mock examination series for 2024/25 at Leigh Stationers’ Academy will begin on Monday, 2 December 2024. Timetables for each year group can be accessed via the following links:
