Dear Leigh Stationers’ Academy Community,
This week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy, our focus has been on leadership, teamwork, and the continued pursuit of excellence, both in and out of the classroom.
Our Year 7 pupils demonstrated remarkable teamwork and resilience during their PGL residential trip, where they embraced a range of team-building activities. It was an opportunity not just for adventure, but for forging strong bonds with peers and their college teams, helping to lay the foundation for future success.
In Woolf College, we are proud to announce the appointment of Ria and Taiwo as joint Head Students. Their leadership, communication, and vision will no doubt inspire their peers as they begin their journey in these prestigious roles. Similarly, we are preparing to open the doors to our Sixth Form with the upcoming Woolf Open Evening, where students and families can explore the diverse opportunities available for the next step in their academic journeys.
Our commitment to supporting both students and families continues with our focus on the curriculum and homework. Following the Year 7 IB MYP Coffee Morning, we are actively addressing parent feedback on homework, ensuring clear communication and guidance through updated resources.
This week also saw achievements on the sports field, with victories in both Year 7 and Year 11 football matches, highlighting the dedication and skill of our students.
As always, we are proud of our pupils’ achievements and are committed to fostering leadership, scholarship, and a community that celebrates success.
Here’s to another great week at Leigh Stationers’ Academy.
Best wishes,
Mr Joseph Sparks | Principal, Leigh Stationers’ Academy
Teamwork and Adventure: Year 7’s PGL Residential Success
Last weekend, nearly 200 Year 7 pupils from Leigh Stationers’ Academy set off on their first residential trip to PGL, Merchants Hill, Surrey. Over the weekend, pupils participated in a variety of exciting team-building activities. They navigated through the forest in an action-packed game of laser quest, conquered the heights of Jacob’s Ladder, and soared through the air on a thrilling 150-metre zip wire. The adventure didn’t stop there, as pupils also experienced the exhilaration of hoisting themselves high into the air on the giant swing before releasing themselves for a breathtaking drop, among many other challenges and activities.
Trip Organiser, Mr Huxley, reflected on the experience: “This was not only a great opportunity for our Year 7 pupils to get to know their peers and their college teams—Angelou, Caxton, and Hansard—but also an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. The pupils’ behaviour was exemplary, and PGL staff commented that, despite being the largest group of students they have ever hosted, they were fully engaged and a pleasure to have.”
Woolf College Appoints Joint Head Students
Following a rigorous interview process and impressive presentations to the entire staff body, Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Ria and Taiwo as joint Head Students for Woolf College.
Ms Collier, Head of Woolf College, shared her thoughts on the appointment: “Both students demonstrated outstanding communication and presentation skills throughout the selection process, making them ideal candidates to lead the student leadership team. Their first official engagement will be a speech at Stationers’ Hall on Monday, 7 October 2024, where they will present to an audience of over 100 guests, sharing their experiences in education and their vision for the future. The Academy wishes them both the best of luck as they embark on their leadership journey.”
Woolf Sixth Form Open Evening: Thursday, 17 October 2024
Leigh Stationers’ Academy is pleased to announce the annual Woolf Sixth Form Open Evening, which will take place on Thursday, 17 October 2024. This event serves as an important step for students considering their post-GCSE options, providing an opportunity for both students and parents to explore the range of opportunities available at Woolf Sixth Form. Attendees are reminded that students must be accompanied by their parents or carers, and parking will not be available onsite.
Why Choose Woolf Sixth Form?
- Informed Choices: Woolf Sixth Form guides students in making key decisions about their futures, whether they are aiming for university, apprenticeships, or careers.
- Diverse Opportunities: Attendees can explore the Sixth Form Prospectus and website to learn about the T-Level courses and modern facilities on offer.
- Parental Engagement & Supportive Relationships: Woolf Sixth Form values the importance of strong home-school relationships and actively promotes parental involvement in the decision-making process, recognising that collaboration between parents and the school is key to student success.
- Quality Education & Research-Based Learning: Woolf Sixth Form is committed to delivering a high standard of education, using the latest educational research to ensure that teaching methods are effective and up-to-date, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills for their future.
- Inclusive Community: The Sixth Form welcomes students from a variety of schools, promoting diversity and inclusivity within Year 12.
Help us in tailoring the evening for you, please fill out this Google Form. We are eager to meet prospective students and families and demonstrate the unique offerings of Woolf Sixth Form!
This Week’s Sport Fixtures
Year 7 Boys Secure Victory in First ESFA Cup Match
On Monday, 30 September 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy’s Year 7 Boys B Team achieved a 3-2 victory against Beths Grammar School in the 1st Round of the ESFA Cup. The team put on a strong performance, with goals coming from Pavel G, Harry B, and Matthew C. The Player of the Match was Dominic A, who stepped into the goalkeeper role at the last minute and conceded only one goal, playing a crucial role in securing the team’s first win of the season.
Year 11 Boys Dominate in Kent Cup Match
On Tuesday, 1 October 2024, the Year 11 football team delivered an outstanding performance against Royal Greenwich Trust School in the 1st Round of the Kent Cup. The team showcased exceptional teamwork and skill, finishing with an impressive 12-0 win. Goals were scored by M Rope, F Hunt, L Sloan, A Perreira, S Barton, and S Goodall, with M Rope earning Player of the Match for his hat-trick and overall excellent performance.
Year 7 IB MYP Coffee Morning: Engaging Parents in Curriculum
On Monday, 30 September 2024, Leigh Stationers’ Academy hosted an IB MYP Coffee Morning for parents and carers of Year 7 pupils. Over 30 attendees gathered to learn more about the IB MYP Curriculum, including the subjects studied, the assessment process, and how pupils develop the various traits linked to the IB Learner Profile.
Following the presentation, Mr Sparks, Principal, and Mr Flower, Vice Principal, engaged parents and carers in a discussion, gathering valuable feedback on topics such as homework and communication.
Mr Sparks expressed his gratitude to those who attended, stating, “We sincerely appreciate the feedback provided regarding homework and communication. This input is invaluable as we work towards making further improvements to our provision, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students and their families.”
The Academy looks forward to implementing the feedback to enhance the experience for Year 7 pupils and their families.
KS3 Homework: Information for Parents and Carers
Following feedback from the recent Year 7 Coffee Morning, parents and carers have requested more clarity on KS3 homework, specifically regarding the use of knowledge books and digital homework platforms. In response, Leigh Stationers’ Academy is in the process of updating its website to provide additional resources, including instructional videos.
In the meantime, the Academy has created an information leaflet containing key details about KS3 homework, ensuring that parents and carers have the guidance they need.
Flu Vaccination Session for Years 7-11
Leigh Stationers’ Academy will be holding a flu vaccination session for pupils in Years 7 to 11 on Thursday, 7 November 2024.
This year, the consent process is fully electronic. Parents and carers have been sent a link to the Thomson Screener system, where the consent form can be completed. It is essential that all parents/carers submit the form, even if they do not wish their child to receive the vaccine. By selecting the decline option, your child will be removed from the vaccination list.
Please refer to the information provided regarding the flu vaccination and ensure all forms are submitted promptly.
Year 11: Careers Information and Opportunities
During Monday and Friday tutor sessions, Year 11 students will continue to receive important updates on school and college open days, career opportunities, and expert advice. This week’s information includes the following:
North Kent College and Hadlow College Open Events:
- Dartford Campus: Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
- Gravesend Campus: Thursday, 17 October 2024, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
- Tonbridge Campus: Tuesday, 5 November 2024, 3:30pm – 7:30pm
- Hadlow Campus: Saturday, 9 November 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm
NHS Virtual Work Experience Opportunity:
- Date: Sunday, 6 October 2024
- Focus: Communications and fractures
- Registration Link: Live Virtual Work Experience Programme
After registering, students will gain access to their virtual work experience portal. Each session completed comes with a Work Experience Certificate, and those who finish the full 6-month programme will receive a Highly Commended Reference—an excellent boost for apprenticeship and UCAS applications.
Timings:
- Registration: 8:30am
- Guest Speaker: 9:00am – 10:00am
- Live Work Experience Session: 10:00am – 5:00pm (with scheduled breaks)
- Cost: £10 per session or £50 for the full 6-month programme
- Full Details: NHS Healthcare Careers Virtual Work Experience
Students are encouraged to register early to make the most of this programme.
