Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
Today, we delivered the final Year 11 assembly before students begin their mock examinations on Monday. These important exams mark a significant step in their academic journey, and we are proud of their preparation and commitment. Year 13 students are also preparing for their mock exams, with warm-up sessions scheduled to support both year groups.
We have also seen scholarship and achievement celebrated across the academy this week. From the Cambridge University workshop providing insight into the Oxbridge admissions process to the Parent Coffee Morning exploring Service as Action in the IB MYP. Furthermore, our cadets represented the academy with distinction at The Stationers’ Civic Dinner, and our sports teams displayed resilience and skill in their fixtures.
Looking ahead, the mock examinations for Years 11 and 13 will be a key focus over the coming week. We wish all our students the very best as they demonstrate the values of scholarship, leadership, and achievement.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
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:
Year 11 Weekly Update
Mock Examinations
Mock examinations for Year 11 students begin on Monday, 2 December 2024. Letters containing the full schedule have been sent home, and parents and carers will receive daily text messages confirming the exams and sessions taking place each day.
To ensure a smooth and productive examination period:
- Students must arrive on time and bring the correct equipment each day.
- Attendance should be 100% during the mock period to maximise learning and exam preparation.
Warm-Up Sessions
Daily warm-up sessions will be held before and after school to help students prepare effectively for their exams.
- Morning sessions: Start at 8:00 am.
- After-school sessions: Finish at 4:15 pm.
“It is vital that students arrive promptly to make the most of these sessions and avoid missing valuable content,” said Ms Edwards, Assistant Principal. “A reminder of the full schedule for warm-up sessions has been shared above to ensure students can fully prepare for their exams.”
Year 13 Weekly Update
Mock Examinations
From Monday, 2 December 2024, Year 13 students will begin their mock examinations in all subjects. These exams are a vital part of their preparation for the Summer examination series and will follow the same guidance and protocols. Students must:
- Arrive promptly for all examinations, as late entry may be denied.
- Remove all prohibited items, such as watches, electronic devices, and mobile phones, before entering the exam hall.
- Bring only clear water bottles (without labels) and clear pencil cases.
Warm-Up Sessions
Teacher-led warm-up sessions will be held before every examination and are mandatory for all students. These sessions are designed to provide valuable information and guidance to ensure students are fully prepared.
- Morning sessions: Start at 8:00 am.
- After-school sessions: Finish at 4:15 pm.
“It is essential that all Year 13 students attend these warm-up sessions, as they provide critical advice and preparation for the upcoming exams,” said Ms Collier, Vice Principal. “We would like to wish all our pupils the best of luck in their upcoming mock examinations; we look forward to sharing their results with parents/carers in due course.”
Additional Support
Students have access to the Woolf Sixth Form Revision Site, which includes:
- Specification information and past papers.
- Examination questions and content-specific revision materials.
- Practical revision tips to help structure their preparation.
This Week’s Sports Fixtures
Year 7 & 8 Girls Compete in Charlton Cup
On Thursday, 21 November 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 7 and 8 girls’ football team represented the academy in the Charlton Cup tournament. The girls played fantastically throughout the day, showcasing their resilience and skill, but were unfortunately knocked out in the semi-finals. “The girls should be incredibly proud of themselves; they played brilliantly and showed great resilience,” said the team coach.
Team: Neve, Lyla, Jessica, Olivia, Poppy, Ivy, Ruby, and Amilia.
Year 11 Boys Stage Incredible Comeback in Blackheath Cup
On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the Year 11 football team delivered a remarkable performance against Prendergast Ladywell School in the third round of the Blackheath Cup. Facing a 4-1 deficit at halftime, the team staged an extraordinary comeback to secure a 5-4 victory and progress to the next round.
Goal Scorers: Sam G, Max (3), Leo, and Benjamin.
Team: Aidan, Freddie, Elliot, Finley, Henry, Benjamin, Sam, Harry, Leo, Sam G, and Max.
Cambridge University Workshop Prepares Students for Oxbridge Success
Students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy recently took part in a virtual workshop led by a member of the Oxbridge admissions team. The session provided a detailed insight into the Oxbridge interview process, covering its structure, purpose, and expectations, as well as sharing valuable tips for tackling challenging questions and demonstrating critical thinking.
As part of the workshop, students participated in mock interview exercises, gaining firsthand experience and receiving constructive feedback. This interactive approach helped to build students’ confidence and readiness for the highly competitive Oxbridge admissions process.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insight into one of the most challenging university admissions processes,” said Ms Collier, Vice Principal. “The chance to practise interview techniques and receive expert feedback is invaluable in helping them prepare for their future aspirations. We are incredibly proud of their engagement and determination to excel.”
Cadets Represent Leigh Stationers’ Academy at Civic Dinner
On Wednesday, 20 November 2024, six cadets from Leigh Stationers’ Academy, accompanied by Major Wilson, represented the academy at The Stationers’ Civic Dinner, held at Stationers’ Hall. This annual event is a key date in the calendar of The Stationers’ Company, bringing together influential figures from the print, publishing, and creative industries to celebrate heritage, innovation, and community.
Dressed immaculately in their formal Royal Marines uniforms, the cadets performed with excellence in two key roles: serving as the Stair Guard and later as the Guard of Honour in the main hall.
“The professionalism, discipline, and dedication of our cadets were widely praised, with many distinguished guests, including the Corps Colonel Royal Marines, taking the time to commend their efforts,” said Major Wilson. “I am immensely proud of how they exemplified the values of Leigh Stationers’ Academy and upheld the high standards of the Combined Cadet Force.”
Winter Reminders for Parents & Carers
As the colder weather sets in, Leigh Stationers’ Academy would like to share some important updates and reminders to ensure students are well-prepared and supported during the winter months:
- Free Porridge Available: Free porridge is available in the school restaurant from 8:00 am to help students start their day warmly and energised. This service is open to all students, so please encourage your child to make use of it.
- Arrival Times: Students should not arrive on site before 8:00 am, as supervision and facilities are unavailable before this time. This is to ensure their safety and well-being.
- School Meals Account: Please ensure your child’s school meals account is adequately funded. Accounts may enter a deficit of up to £15, but no further purchases can be made once this limit is reached. Top-ups can be made via ParentPay.
- Free School Meals Allowance: For students eligible for free school meals, the allowance provides for up to two items at lunchtime, which must be purchased together at the same time. If your family’s circumstances have recently changed and you believe your child may now be eligible for free school meals, applications can be made via this link.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to support students during these colder months. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact the school office at info@stationers.latrust.org.uk.
Parent Coffee Morning Explores Service as Action in the MYP
Last week’s MYP Coffee Morning at Leigh Stationers’ Academy brought parents and carers together to explore the vital role of Service as Action in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. The session, themed “Service as Action: Building a Better World Together”, highlighted how this core component empowers students to become compassionate, active participants in their communities.
The programme focuses on four types of service opportunities:
- Direct Service: Engaging directly with individuals or communities, such as participating in reading programmes with younger students.
- Indirect Service: Supporting community groups through projects, such as creating classroom resources for Year 5 students.
- Advocacy: Raising awareness of important issues like climate change or mental health through campaigns, social media, and public speaking.
- Research-Based Service: Investigating community challenges and proposing solutions, such as studying water conservation methods or strategies to reduce plastic waste in school.
“Parents had the opportunity to provide feedback, view examples of Year 7 student projects, and gain insights into how students are exemplifying IB Learner Profile attributes, such as being caring, principled, and reflective,” said Ms Jess, Assistant Principal. “We were thrilled with the strong turnout and active engagement in the session, and we truly value the feedback shared by parents and carers.”
The Google Slides from the session can be found here.
Celebrating Success: Reward Events Highlight Student Achievements
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to share the success of its recent reward events, which celebrated students who achieved over 80% on their knowledge assessments in Module 1. The events recognised the hard work and dedication of students, while also celebrating the top performers from each college. Attendance was excellent, with students eagerly taking part in the activities.
Students had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a movie with popcorn or channel their energy into an exciting game of dodgeball. Both activities were met with great enthusiasm.
“These events recognised the hard work and dedication of our students, and we were thrilled with the enthusiastic turnout,” said Mr Flower, Vice Principal. “Not only did we celebrate those who achieved top scores, but we also invited the top performers from each college, ensuring that effort and progress across the academy were recognised and celebrated.”
PSHE Update: Supporting Personal Development Across Years 7-10
This week in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, 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: Developing Good Habits For Personal Hygiene
Discussion Question: Why do you think personal hygiene is important, and what routines can we work on together to keep healthy?
Year 8: Building Resilience and Bouncing Back from Challenges
Discussion Question: Can you think of a recent challenge you overcame and what helped you to ‘bounce back’ from that?
Year 9: Understanding the Effects of Harmful Substances
Discussion Question: What do you know about the risks of harmful substances, and how can we talk openly about making safe choices?
Year 10: Exploring Mental Health and Seeking Support
Discussion Question: What kinds of support do you find helpful when you’re feeling low or stressed?
We encourage parents and carers to use these questions to start meaningful conversations and help reinforce the lessons learned in our carefully tailored PD programme. Also, the 3-minute clip here on Asha Philip offers valuable professional insights into building resilience and maintaining a positive mental attitude when facing setbacks, providing an excellent starting point for discussions at home. Together, we remain committed to supporting 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: HR Manager.
- Work Experience Opportunities in Healthcare: Students have the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and learn about pathways into a career in paediatrics.
- Opportunities Within the Business & Accounting Industries: Students have the opportunity to join KPMG for a virtual insight event on Monday, 9 December 2024.
- Career Mentors: Edition 11 of the careers newsletter shared information about how students can receive personalised support and advice from a mentor.
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.
