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Principal's Welcome

As we reach the end of this module and look forward to the spring break, I would like to welcome you to the eighth edition of LABextra! It has been an incredibly busy and productive period across the academy, and this newsletter serves as a wonderful celebration of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and staff.

Our academy values remain at the heart of everything we do. In this module, I have seen the college mottos put into action daily. Whether it is our Year 11 and 13 students showing immense discipline as they prepare for their final examinations in May, or our Year 7s who have successfully navigated their first four modules, transitioning from anxious newcomers to confident, inquisitive learners - the progress is remarkable.

There are so many individual and collective achievements to celebrate this module and I encourage you to read on to find out more.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff members and celebrate the official naming of our Specialist Resource Provision, Chatsworth, which further strengthens our commitment to an inclusive environment where every student can flourish.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It is the strength of our community - students, staff, and parents/carers - that makes Leigh Academy Bexley such a special place to learn and grow.

I wish you all a restful and happy spring break and look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday 13th April at the normal time.

John Dixon | Principal

‘If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail’.

It has been a busy month for our Holkham students, and there has been a lot to celebrate.

Firstly, we would like to congratulate all of our students for achieving an incredible 25,220 positive behaviour points during modules 3 and 4, the highest total across the academy. This really reflects the positive attitude our students bring each day and their determination to work hard and be the best versions of themselves.

We would also like to say a huge well done to Peighton in Year 9, who secured third place in the recent Leigh Academies Visual Arts Prize 2026. Competing against talented students from across the entire Trust, this is a fantastic achievement, and we are very proud.

Earlier this month, we also held our Careers Fair, which was a great success. Our Holkham students engaged really well, asking lots of questions and taking the opportunity to learn more about their future pathways and next steps.

It has also been great to see students regularly using the Holkham Student Voice Box to share their ideas and opinions. We really value their feedback, and it helps us continue to improve the experience for everyone.

Finally, we had our Easter Egg Hunt last week, which students really enjoyed. There were plenty of prizes won, and it was a fun event for everyone involved.

Thank you for your continued support, and well done again to all of our students for another positive month.

D Pieroulli | Head of Holkham College

‘Be relentless in your pursuit of becoming your best self.’

‘Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase’.

Gracie, Lola, Julia, Chrissy, Tami, Prithwin and Rowan showed outstanding kindness by giving up their time to run a cake sale in support of charity. Through their efforts, they helped raise over £250 for the MIND charity. Throughout the event, they demonstrated excellent communication skills by confidently speaking with parents and students, explaining the purpose of the fundraiser, and encouraging others to contribute. They also showed strong leadership by taking responsibility for organising the stall and carefully managing the money raised. In addition, they displayed teamwork by supporting one another and working cooperatively, initiative by volunteering their time, and organisation by ensuring the stall ran smoothly. Their enthusiasm, responsibility, and positive attitude made the event a great success and had a meaningful impact in supporting mental health awareness.

We have also had the pleasure of celebrating some of the many talents within Knole College. Connor recently took part in Bexley’s Got Talent, while Skyla performed at her local youth club, showcasing her confidence and creativity on stage. It has been wonderful to see our students sharing their talents beyond the classroom.

We also have a budding football star in Betsie – England Women’s Football Team, watch this space! We are incredibly proud of all our students who pursue their passions and represent our community so positively, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.

Year 11 students have been doing extremely well with their interventions and Period 6 sessions. They have remained engaged and focused in their learning, and it has been a pleasure teaching them and supporting them during this important time.

Registration Form Time has become a vital space for more than just revision. Students have also been looking ahead and preparing to make decisions about the next steps in their educational journey, whether that is applying to a local sixth form or exploring apprenticeship opportunities in colleges.

In recent weeks, the Citizenship element of our PSHE curriculum has taken centre stage. With many students approaching their 16th birthdays, the transition from observer to participant in democracy is just over the horizon. We have explored the UK political system, breaking down the roles of Parliament and researching the core platforms of the major political parties. Our aim is not to tell students how to think, but to equip them with the tools to critically question and evaluate the information they hear, enabling them to become thoughtful and informed participants in society.

Year 7 have now completed four full modules and have settled in extremely well. At the beginning of the year, many students may have felt anxious and unsure, or might have felt a little lost around the bigger school environment. It has been wonderful to see how much they have grown in confidence. They are now excited, eager, and hardworking learners who approach their lessons with enthusiasm. We are incredibly proud of the journey they are on and the progress they have made so far. Congratulations to Bonnie for having the highest points in Knole for Sparx Science.

Year 8 have worked hard to develop a strong support system within their form groups. With guidance from their tutor, students are beginning to hold each other accountable for their behaviour in lessons. They regularly reflect on how they can support one another and look at ways to become better individuals in the classroom. This sense of responsibility and teamwork is helping to create a more positive and supportive learning environment.

We are proud of the progress students are making across the year groups and are excited to see how they continue to develop in the weeks ahead. Thank you for your continued encouragement and support.

J Shiyani | Head of Knole College

‘Integrity is doing the right thing you don’t have to - when no one else is looking or will ever know. When there will be no congratulations or recognition for having done so.’

The students of Petworth have been both a credit to you, to us and to themselves. As things stand, Petworth has the best attendance across the academy and the second-highest number of positive behaviour points.

Since the last edition of LABextra!, we have welcomed two new members of staff to the Petworth team and they have quickly settled in and had a positive impact within the Petworth Community. Miss Roberts has joined us as a Student Support Manager with a focus on attendance, and Mrs Beyram as our College Administrator (job-sharing with Mrs Byrne).

It is hard to believe that our Year 7 cohort has already navigated four full modules. Looking back to September, many students arrived feeling understandably anxious, as navigating a new, larger environment can be daunting, and those early days were often marked by a few lost faces in the corridors.

The transformation since then has been nothing short of remarkable. That initial uncertainty has been replaced by a vibrant energy; our students are now eager, inquisitive, and resilient learners. Their transition into the secondary rhythm is a testament to their character, and we are incredibly proud of the confidence they now radiate in every lesson.

Year 8 has moved beyond simply "settling in" and is now focusing on the power of the collective. Under the dedicated guidance of their tutors, there has been a significant shift toward peer accountability. Students aren't just working alongside one another; they are actively supporting each other’s growth. By reflecting on their individual impact on the classroom environment, they are developing the emotional intelligence and teamwork skills that are hallmarks of the Petworth College ethos. This culture of mutual respect is laying a fantastic foundation for their future academic success.

Individual Success

Bryan in Year 9 won the Head of College Award at the end of module 2 and has continued to be impressive throughout the year. Currently he has accumulated the highest number of positive behaviour points in the entire academy. Well done Bryan, lets see if you can be there at the end of the year.

Petworth students have also dominated the top spots in Sparx Science. We have students in the top 3 of every year group. The standout student has to be Louie in year 7, who currently has the highest Sparx Science points. Excellent effort, Louie, well done.

In the sporting arena, five Petworth students represented us at our year 9 boys Rugby 7s competition. They played against other academies across the Trust and conducted themselves brilliantly. They rose to the occasion well. Unfortunately, no trophy this time - but one day we are sure they will bring home the silverware and continue to make us proud.

A special mention to our very own Enrik who is representing Charlton Under-16s in the Algarve Elite Cup in southern Portugal. We are incredibly proud of his achievement and wish him and his team the very best of luck…hopefully bringing the trophy home!

We hope you have a wonderful Easter break and look forward to welcoming our students back in April.

P Wilson | Head of Petworth College

SEND & Inclusion Update

This module has been a period of significant growth and celebration for our specialist provision. We are thrilled to share several key updates regarding our facilities, staffing, and the targeted support our students receive.

Introducing 'Chatsworth'

In keeping with the national deer park theme across our academy, we are proud to announce that our Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) has been officially named Chatsworth. Our new logo features a birch leaf, inspired by the majestic birch trees that grow within Chatsworth Park. This branding reflects our commitment to providing a rooted, flourishing environment for our students to belong.

The students in the provision have settled well since we opened in November, with 60% of them already attending classes in the mainstream school.

Strengthening Our Specialist Team

We are delighted to welcome Ms Stapley, our new Speech and Language Therapist from WordsFirst. Ms Stapley has already made an exceptional start, conducting vital assessments and working directly with our young people to provide the specialist support they need to thrive.

Furthermore, our internal provision continues to strengthen with the rollout of a new Speech and Language intervention delivered by our dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).

New: SEND Independent Learning Club

We are excited to launch our Independent Learning Club, held every Monday after school. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to work in a supported environment. Students can simply drop in to find out more or sign up directly with Miss Colton.

V Baldock | Inclusion Lead

Danielle, Year 12, shaved 0.1 seconds off her personal best in the U20 women’s 60m to reach the semi-finals. She then produced an outstanding run in the 200m, taking nearly 0.4 seconds off her PB to clock 24.67. This success has been amplified by her recently becoming Kent's 200m champion! A fantastic achievement - we are all so proud of you.

Students in Year 12 and 13 have been working with younger students to develop their reading skills through our Book Buddies programme. It has been lovely to see students working together every week. These volunteering opportunities will grow further following the launch of the IB Careers-Related Programme in September 2026.

Anjola F. – T-Level Digital Industrial Placement Experience Reflection (POLARIS)

During the placement, Anjola F. gained hands-on experience in SEO (search engine optimisation), internal linking, content optimisation, and digital marketing design. Practical skills were developed using tools such as Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, Excel, Canva, and Google Colab. Through this work, Anjola built a strong understanding of how Google Search operates, how web pages are ranked, and how strategic keyword usage can enhance website visibility.

Key Tasks:

Keyword Research & On-Page SEO: Conducted keyword research for Johnson Analytical, optimised page content with target keywords, improved heading structures, and implemented internal links to boost search engine performance.
Internal Linking Reports: Produced detailed reports for Sigma and Fruit4London, analysing web pages to identify internal linking opportunities and documenting findings in Excel.
LinkedIn Campaign Asset: Designed a Canva graphic for the Milton Park case study, effectively communicating key messages while adhering to brand guidelines.

Highlights & Takeaways:
Anjola particularly valued the opportunity to contribute to real projects and observe the direct impact of their work. The supportive and collaborative environment enhanced both learning and teamwork. A key challenge involved adapting to a website crawling tool in Google Colab; however, resolving issues such as duplicated data helped strengthen problem-solving abilities and technical adaptability.

Overall, the experience deepened Anjola’s interest in computer science by demonstrating how programming and automation can address real-world challenges. It significantly boosted confidence, technical skills, and understanding of digital marketing, while inspiring further exploration of technology and coding opportunities.

Final Examinations

Year 13 students are now approaching their final examinations, which start in May. We wish them all the best of luck with their examinations.

Year 13 Psychology and Politics students are making the most of every available moment to prepare for their May examinations. Students are completing additional sessions with their teachers revising key content, strengthening exam technique, and building confidence. Teachers are deliberately providing and structuring this time to support students in achieving their full potential. Whether it is revisiting challenging topics, practising exam questions, or receiving targeted feedback, these sessions are designed to ensure that every student is in the strongest possible position to succeed.

As Ms Scott emphasises: “You don’t have free time—you have time that should be spent working.” This mindset highlights the importance of focus, discipline, and making productive choices in the lead-up to the exams.

Year 12 students are currently finalising their work experience placements for June 2026. If you are able to host a student for work experience, please get in touch with the Woburn team at woburncollege@bexley.latrust.org.uk.

Applications for September 2026 show a growing interest in the sixth form, which is fantastic. Offers have been sent to all students and families.

C Dillon | Head of Woburn College C Dillion | Head of Woburn College

SEND

Professional Development & Partnerships

Our SEND team recently benefited from expert training through the Leigh Academies Trust, focusing on:

Supporting students to foster long-term independence.
Gaining additional clinical insight into supporting students with ADHD.

Our partnership with the Bexley Local Authority remains strong, and we are committed to making the most of any opportunities that further strengthen this. We continue to work closely with our Link Educational Psychologists (EP) and Trainee EP on working with families, as well as providing support for students through the ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Speech Link interventions.

Community Spotlight: ASD Outreach Coffee Morning

We continue our fantastic work with the ASD Advisory Service, which provides vital support to our autistic young people and their families. We were excited to host the ASD Outreach team at our Module 4 Coffee Morning.

They spoke with parents about the realities of living with autistic students and shared how to make small, intentional changes that can lead to a lasting positive impact at home and in school. The service also continues to run the excellent Teen Life programme within the borough.

Empowering Students: Target Time

Students with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) have been engaging in weekly "Target Time" sessions with an LSA (Learning Support Assistant). In this module, students have made fantastic progress on their specific plan targets, including:

Delivering presentations on personal areas of interest.
Researching and applying for college courses.
Developing essential executive functioning skills like organisation and planning.

The Science of Sleep: Supporting our Teenagers

As our students navigate the "Secondary Years," the importance of sleep cannot be overstated. Many teenagers struggle with rest due to academic pressure, "doomscrolling," and overstimulation.

Did You Know?

A Brain Under Construction: During the teenage years, the brain is physically restructuring. Sleep is the "glue" that helps the areas responsible for reasoning and impulse control develop properly.
The 9-Hour Rule: While it varies, most teenagers need between 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night to function at their peak.
Memory Consolidation: Sleep isn't just downtime; it’s when the brain processes and stores what was learned during the school day.
The "Second Wind": Biological changes in puberty shift a teenager’s body clock later. This makes a wind-down routine (without screens) even more critical.

We encourage parents to keep conversations about sleep collaborative, helping students understand the "why" behind the rest of their bodies need.

Year 7 transition evening

On Thursday, 12th, we got to meet all of the lovely new Year 7s starting at Leigh Academy Bexley in September. Ms Leahy created a worry monster box for them to share the worries they have for September to make them feel heard and reassured, and she also created a wow tree to see what the children will look forward to in September when joining us.

Lego Legends!

A massive thank you to the parents and carers who have donated Lego to our SEND team. These donations are incredibly valuable for our Lego Play and Lego Therapy sessions, helping students develop communication and social skills. Your generosity is truly appreciated!

WANTED: PUZZLES & GAMES! 🧩

We are on the hunt for donations to help our students build friendships and sharpen their minds! We are looking for:

Jigsaw Puzzles: 200+ pieces (perfect for teamwork!)
Board Games: Classics like Draughts, Connect 4, and Monopoly.

"Complete" is the Magic Word! To ensure the games are ready for immediate play, please check that all pieces, dice, cards, and instructions are included before donating.

Why Donate?

These games aren't just for "fun" (though there's plenty of that!). They help our students practice:

Turn-Taking: Learning the art of patience.
Social Interaction: Communicating and bonding with peers.
Problem Solving: Strategic thinking in action!

Drop-off Location: Main Reception

Thank you for being the missing piece we need!

The Inclusion Team

Is your child interested in dance?

Whether they have experience in dance or not, students can come along to the dance club where we will be exploring different styles of dance.

There will be fun creating/choreographing activities and the potential to perform later in the academic year! We will also explore different dance techniques.

I will be leading the Club and have been trained in different styles of dance such as ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop for over 12 years!

Miss Colton | Learning Support Assistant

English

World Book Day- Thursday 5th March

In the month running up to World Book Day, we had a Masked Reader Mask Making Competition. Some beautiful masks were made both at home and in the library during break and lunchtime. Our winners were: Tom, Rowan, and Raymond.

In the week running up to World Book Day, a special themed version of The Traitors took place through the week at break in the library. With students taking on a series of challenges, such as the Traitors in Books Quiz and the Censored Synopsis Challenge, to see if they could find the traitor and avoid banishment. After a week of intensive competition, our winners in both break times were the faithful.

On World Book Day, we had a range of activities taking place in the library, including:

The Literary Crunch Competition: A chance to design a book-themed cereal.

Breakfast of Champions Book Quiz: The ultimate early-morning knowledge challenge themed around breakfast in books.

Book Character in a Jar: Students were challenged to work out which famous characters were "trapped" inside the jars.

The Great Emoji Book Challenge: A race to see who can decode famous book titles written entirely in emojis.

Year 7 Inter-School Book Quiz

On Thursday, 26th February, our Year 7 book quiz team took on schools across Bexley in the Year 7 Inter-School Book Quiz hosted by Townley Grammar. After an intense afternoon of quizzing it came to a tie-break for second place. Our amazing team correctly guessed how many pages are in the Harry Potter books to win the Second Place trophy. Congratulations to Tom, Rowan, Kayleigh, Phoebe, Scarlet, and Esme.

Oracy Cup

We are thrilled to share the highlights from the recent Oracy Cup, a fantastic event organised through a partnership between Charlton Athletic and Equalitas Professional Services.

Throughout January and February, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 took part in a series of oracy workshops during their library lessons with the aim of building their confidence and developing their speech-writing skills. These sessions culminated in students presenting a speech on a topic of their choice. We heard an incredible range of perspectives, including:

The dangers of AI
The importance of family
The benefits of boxing
The case for a four-day work week

The Results

Students from each class were selected to record their speeches for the final round of judging, competing against over 200 entries from schools across Bexley, Greenwich, and Kent.

A huge congratulations to Kayleigh. (Year 7), who was awarded 3rd Place overall for her speech on animal cruelty! The judges praised her work as "passionate and well-written." As a prize, Kayleigh won an exciting TV production experience at Charlton Athletic.

Well done, Kayleigh—we are incredibly proud of you!

Maths

Maths Department Spotlight

Over the past two modules, our students have demonstrated exceptional mathematical resilience, mastering complex topics ranging from advanced algebraic manipulation to the nuances of statistical probability. A significant highlight has been the performance of our Year 11 cohort as they finished their Mock 2 examinations. Their amazing progress and high levels of engagement are a direct result of the bespoke intervention sessions tailored to their specific areas for growth. This targeted support has empowered them to break down multi-step problems and apply high-level formulae with newfound confidence, marking a clear upward trajectory as they approach their final assessments.

Sparx Leaderboard Champions

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding dedication of our students across all year groups on the Sparx Maths platform. In Year 7, the competition was exceptionally tight, with Zoey (28,385 XP) taking the top spot, closely followed by Summer and Edward. Our Year 8 students also displayed fantastic momentum, led by Praise with a brilliant 35,408 XP, alongside high-flyers Felix and Barakah. A special mention must go to our Year 9 leaders, where Emma achieved a staggering 55,347 XP, setting the pace for the entire school alongside Olawamiri and Yoel. In Year 10, we saw a remarkably close race for the podium between Donatas (14,678 XP), Oliver, and Syra, who all finished within a few hundred points of each other. Finally, our Year 11 students continue to lead by example during this vital exam year, with Serena securing first place with 21,498 XP, supported by strong performances from Aaron and Marcus.

This level of commitment to independent practice is the foundation of mathematical fluency, and we congratulate every student who continues to push their limits!

ACTORS LABex gave their performance of All is True at the end of this module. The play was a serpentine journey through the emotional lives of diverse and complicated characters. Uniquely for our school, the audience was ‘in the round’ for this performance. A huge well done to everyone involved.

Performing Arts

In year 7 Drama, students have been creating radio shows by performing soap operas and playing with voice. In module four, they have focused on physical theatre and, as well as creating the objects with personalities, they have been introduced to frantic Assembly Physical Theatre techniques.

Year 8 have been exploring character building, the rehearsal process and performance using the play ‘Too Much Punch For Judy’ by Mark Wheeller, which is Verbatim Theatre. They have also been introduced to ‘Commedia Dell’ Arte and some of the key characters.

For year 9, we have been creating Theatre in Education for year 7s about the dangers of social media. In this module, they are studying the conventions of Bertolt Brecht and Epic Theatre.

Year 10 have completed their component 1 on ‘Things I know To Be True’ by Andrew Bovell through practice and theory. This is 30% of their final grade. They are now starting component 2, where they will rehearse and perform a monologue, duologue or group piece on a chosen published play.

The year 11s are now in their final part of the BTEC Performing Arts BTEC Tech Award. They are now in groups devising their own unique piece of theatre that will be performed and sent to the exam board. There are three 800-word write-ups where they monitor their individual progress at the beginning, middle and end. This is 40 % of their final grade and is externally marked by Pearson. They have done incredibly well so far, and I am very proud of their commitment.

Bexley’s Got Talent Encore – Erith Playhouse Theatre

On Sunday, 8 February, Erith Playhouse hosted Bexley’s Got Talent Encore, an evening dedicated to musical performances in singing and dancing. The evening was about celebrating the winning singers from the original competition across the Bexley Borough, and Connor B was one of the finalists! In the dancing troupe, we had Tillie J delivering highly impressive dance routines. As Mrs Bowdery, Supervisor of our Cucina kitchen, pointed out: “It was really great, and they only had three weeks to put all that together”. Incredible that they achieved so much in such a short space of time.

The programme showcased all 4 performers singing three solo numbers, duets and a group piece. The mix of solo, duet, and ensemble singing and dancing kept the audience clapping all the way through. The whole evening ended with the audience on their feet and performers down the aisle - all of us having a dance along!

Leigh Academy Bexley was well represented amongst this small cast of high-quality talent.

Bexley’s Got Talent Encore was truly an exciting and wonderful celebration of local talent, showing how shared performances can bring people together, and highlighting the continued importance of venues like Erith Playhouse in supporting community arts.

Science

Students studying science across the last two modules have completed an amazing amount of work.

Year 11 students have started their bespoke finishing curricula centred around their exam results and predicted exam topics. We have started running walking talking mocks on a Monday for year 11 students with the support of our Leigh Academies Trust Curriculum Advisor. Students have been targeted for direct intervention to address any gaps in knowledge during period 6 lessons.

Meanwhile, the rest of the school have been undertaking more practical work to support their learning in Science. Including bouncing balls, measuring the pressure that each student exerts on the ground, testing food stuffs to see what nutrients they contain and dissecting daffodils to investigate how plants reproduce.

This year for STEM week our Year 7 and 8 students entered the Microbiology In Schools Advisory Committee’s national competition. They studyied and researched how microbes are involved in the production of milk and used digital strategies to produce their own websites based on their research findings.

Top Sparx Science students in year 7-10:

Congratulations to the following students who are top of the Sparx Science leaderboards within their year group:

Year 7:

Louie 7P1

Zoey 7P1

George 7H2

Year 8:

Teddy 8P2

Barakah 8H2

Sharan 8K1

Year 9:

Olawamiri 9H1

Oluwajomiloju 9P2

Jeziah-Reginald 9P1

Year 10:

Omotade 10P2

Donatas 10H1

Uthman 10H1

PE

Basketball Club (Year 7 - 11) - Thursday 15:15 - 16:15

The Basketball Club is currently thriving. The combination of massive student engagement and a relentless work ethic has created a culture of excellence. Every participant has made tangible strides in their athletic ability, but more importantly, they have built a supportive community that represents the very best of our school spirit.

The year 11 Basketball team has kept up their 100% winning record and will now be playing in the semi-finals of their cup competition after the Easter break.

Boys Football Club (Year 7 - 10) - Monday 15:15 - 16:30

It has been truly inspiring to witness the incredible growth of our Year 7–10 Football Club over the past few months. Despite the arrival of the classic British winter, our Monday evening sessions are busier than ever, with student engagement reaching an all-time high. Rain, wind, or freezing temperatures haven’t dampened the spirits of our players; in fact, seeing them sharpen their skills on the floodlit astroturf despite the chill, only highlights their genuine passion for the game. The camaraderie across the year groups is fantastic to see, proving that a little bit of cold weather is no match for their dedication and love for football.

Girls Football Club (Year 7, 8 & 9) - Tuesday 15:15 - 16:15

Pitch Perfect: Girls’ Football Hits Its Stride!

Rain or shine, our Years 7, 8, and 9 girls have been out in force every Tuesday for football training, proving that a bit of rain can't dampen their spirits! We’ve seen a fantastic surge in numbers lately, fueled by a social and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It’s been inspiring to watch the players develop both their technical skills and their on-pitch confidence as they work together as a team. Let your children know that whether they’re a seasoned pro or have never kicked a ball, we’d love to see them there—new players are always welcome to join the squad and get stuck in!

Netball Club (Year 7 - 10) - Tuesday 15:15 - 16:15

The Post-School Pivot: Our Netball Growth Story

The final school bell used to signal the end of the day, but lately, it’s just been the "opening act" for the main event on the courts. Our after-school Netball sessions have transformed into one of the most vibrant hubs of activity, with attendance figures climbing week-over-week.

What started as a modest gathering has evolved into an increasingly popular activity. This steady increase in numbers has created a fantastic atmosphere every Tuesday afternoon, proving that our students are more than willing to put in the extra hours to master their craft.

Rugby Club (Year 7 -10) - Thursday 15:15 - 16:30

Thursday Rugby: A Growing Community

The momentum on our pitches continues to build every Thursday as our Rugby Club goes from strength to strength. We are seeing a fantastic surge in interest following the success of the recent tag rugby tournaments, which has sparked a new wave of energy among our students. It is particularly exciting to see this mirror the broader growth of both boys' and girls' rugby within our local community, especially with the excitement of the Six Nations currently in full swing. As the national teams battle it out on the big stage, our own attendance numbers are steadily climbing, making the club a vibrant hub for players of all levels to develop their skills and share their passion for the game.

LAT Events

A Week of "Try"-umphs: LAT Tag Rugby Tournaments

It has been an action-packed module for our rugby squads. From the Year 9s setting the pace to the Year 10s battling it out, our students proved that a lack of experience is no match for raw talent and determination.

Tuesday 03/03/2026: Year 9s Hold Their Own

The week kicked off with the Year 9 boys facing a formidable field of 13 schools. For many of our players, this was their first real taste of competitive Tag Rugby.

Despite still learning the nuances of the rules as the whistle blew, the boys adapted incredibly quickly. They played with a fantastic spirit, securing enough points to finish dead-center in the middle of the table. To hold their own against seasoned rugby schools was a brilliant achievement and a great foundation for next year.

5-Aside Football

Goals, Grittiness, and Glory: The LAT 5-a-Side Tournament

The energy at this year’s LAT 5-a-Side Football Tournament was nothing short of electric. With four separate competitions lighting up the pitches, students from across the trust gathered to showcase not just their footwork, but their character.

From the first whistles to the final penalty shootouts, it was a masterclass in what happens when talent meets hard work.

The tournament was split into four categories, ensuring every year group had its moment in the spotlight:

Year 7 & 8 Girls: A display of incredible coordination and burgeoning talent.
Year 9 & 10 Girls: Tactical, fast-paced, and fiercely competitive.
Year 7 & 8 Boys: High energy with some spectacular individual goals.
Year 9 & 10 Boys: Physical, disciplined, and played at a professional tempo.

With a mixture of results in all competitions, the real narrative was found in 3 particular aspects:

Teamwork: 5-a-side is a game of space and communication. We saw players constantly talking, covering for their teammates, and celebrating every assist as much as every goal. Success wasn't down to one "star player," but the fluidity of the whole unit.
Resilience: Not every bounce of the ball went our way. We saw teams go two goals down early on, only to dig deep, keep their heads up, and fight back to a draw. The ability to bounce back from a setback is a skill that translates far beyond the touchline.
Determination: Whether it was a last-ditch sliding tackle or a sprint to track back in the final minute, the "never-say-die" attitude was palpable. Our students proved that they have the grit to push through fatigue when the game is on the line.

Well done to all the players: your conduct on and off the pitch was exemplary. You showed that being a great athlete starts with being a great teammate.

Swimming Gala

Waves of Success: LAT Swimming Gala

On Wednesday, 4th February, three of our standout Year 8 and 9 students headed to Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School to dive into the Leigh Academy Trust Swimming Gala. It was a day filled with high energy, fierce competition, and immense academy pride.

Diving into the Deep End

Our two female competitors faced an incredibly tough field of swimmers from across the Trust. While they didn’t quite make the finals this time, their performance was about much more than the clock. They displayed:

Courage: Stepping up against the Trust's elite.
Sportsmanship: Cheering on peers and maintaining a positive focus.
Resilience: Giving their absolute best in every single length.

Their commitment and "can-do" attitude were a credit to our academy community.

Pushing the Limits

Harvey took on a unique challenge, competing in what he admits is his least favorite stroke. Despite the personal hurdle, he showed remarkable composure under pressure:

The Heat: A nail-biting finish saw him take 2nd place, comfortably securing his spot in the finals.
The Final: Against the fastest in the Trust, Harvey pushed himself to the limit, finishing in an admirable 4th place—just a heartbeat away from the podium.
True Ambassadors: Beyond the results in the pool, the conduct of all three students was impeccable. They represented our academy with determination and maturity, proving themselves to be excellent ambassadors.

Congratulations to our swimmers for their hard work and for making the gala such a positive experience!

Other sporting success

Ten-Pin Bowling

On Friday, January 30th, Mrs. Beswick accompanied 11 students to the Panathlon Foundation Bexley Secondary SEND Ten-Pin Bowling Competition. Led by captains Olivia and Bobby, the group began the day with team-building exercises that fostered new friendships across year groups before diving into the main event.

The competition saw some truly standout performances. Summer led the girls' team with 95 points, while Mason spearheaded the boys' team with an incredible 127 points. Alfie also joined the "100 club" with a final score of 103.

We are thrilled to announce that the boys’ team took home the gold medals and the championship trophy. The atmosphere upon their return was electric as they shared their success with Mr. Dixon. The boys have now officially qualified for the next round in June—we couldn't be prouder.

Business Studies

It has been an exciting and productive time in Business Studies, with students across all year groups developing valuable knowledge and real-world skills.

Year 13 students have been exploring recruitment and selection processes within businesses. They investigated how organisations identify staffing needs, advertise job opportunities, and select the most suitable candidates. To bring their learning to life, students took part in a mock interview experience, stepping into the roles of both interviewers and candidates. By recording and reviewing their interviews, they were able to reflect on their professional communication, questioning techniques, and interview preparation — building confidence and essential skills for higher education and future careers.

Year 12 students have been examining how businesses operate internally and how different departments work together to achieve organisational objectives. Through engaging case studies and thoughtful class discussions, students explored business structures, decision-making processes, and how organisations respond to internal and external influences. This has helped them develop a strong understanding of how real businesses compete and succeed in dynamic markets.

Year 11 students are currently working on Component 2, where they design and develop their own business ideas before presenting them in an exciting Dragons’ Den-style pitch. Students research business opportunities, develop innovative product or service concepts, and create persuasive presentations to convince potential investors. This project is helping students strengthen key skills, including creativity, business planning, presentation skills, persuasion, and confidence when speaking to an audience.

Year 10 students have been completing Component 1: Investigating Business. They have explored how new businesses are developed and evaluated by researching a range of industries, including construction, arts, and entertainment. Students carried out detailed investigations to assess the potential success of their chosen business ideas. They applied analytical tools such as PEST and SWOT analysis to examine external influences and evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In addition, students investigated how businesses conduct primary market research to gather views from potential customers — developing their analytical thinking and gaining insight into how businesses make informed decisions.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism shown by our Business students as they continue to develop skills that will support their future success.

Computer Science

Safer Internet Week 2026

As part of Safer Internet Week 2026, students have been exploring the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. With AI now playing a growing role in everyday life, from social media to schoolwork, we have been discussing how it can be used positively to support learning while also understanding the responsibilities that come with it. Students engaged thoughtfully in conversations about protecting personal information, thinking critically about the content AI generates, and ensuring that digital tools support their learning rather than replace their own effort.

Esports

As you can see from the images below, our new Esports room is ready and set up. There are a total of 18 new stations set up and ready for students to come and join. Students can sign up through the SOCS app.

Year 7 Scratch Programming

Students have been learning how to use Scratch to create their own games based on a given brief. They have explored how games are planned before they are created and are currently developing different game plan ideas to decide which design will work best. It has been great to see students thinking creatively about gameplay, characters and how their game will work for the player.

Emily R

Year 8 Data Representation

Students are currently learning about data representation. They have been doing an excellent job tackling number conversions between denary, binary, and even hexadecimal. Students have been practising how to convert numbers between these different number systems and exploring how computers use binary to store and process information. It has been great to see students developing their confidence with these challenging concepts and applying their problem-solving skills to increasingly complex conversions.

Yulia L

Olywajomiloju A

Year 9 Interactive Multimedia

Students have recently started their interactive media product project, where they will be creating a website for a café. As part of this project, students have been analysing existing websites for inspiration and exploring different design ideas for their own concepts. They are beginning to think carefully about layout, content, and how to make their website appealing to the target audience.

Oliver S

Year 10 and 11 Creative iMedia

Students have been working incredibly hard on their radio station websites as their deadline approaches. Some amazing work has been produced by both Year 10 and Year 11. Throughout the project, students have been planning, designing and creating their own websites, developing skills in layout, navigation, and digital media creation. It has been fantastic to see the creativity and effort students have put into their work, with many producing professional-looking designs that clearly show their understanding of the project brief and target audience.

Tyler T

Maximus S

Kacie M

Hayden P

Samyog K

Food and Nutrition

It has been a particularly exciting module in the Food Department as we successfully ran our first double practical lesson, with both kitchens in full use.

All Year 10 students took part in hands-on practical work as a full class, marking an important step in developing their independence, confidence, and practical skills.

One group focused on a Swiss roll practical, linking their work to food science by exploring the concept of aeration. Students investigated how air is incorporated into mixtures and how this affects the final texture and structure of their products. The results were excellent, with many students producing light, well-risen sponges with creative finishes.

The second group concentrated on developing their knife skills, practising a range of classical vegetable cuts including chiffonade, julienne, macedoine, and brunoise. Students demonstrated great focus and precision, with clear progress seen in both technique and presentation.

The atmosphere across both rooms was incredibly positive, with students fully engaged, enthusiastic, and proud of their outcomes. It was fantastic to see such high-quality work and enjoyment in practical learning.

We are very proud of our Year 10 students and look forward to continuing to build on this momentum in future lessons.

DT/Engineering

On Friday, 13th March and Monday, 16th March, Year 11 Engineering students took part in a dedicated drop-down day to support significant progress in the manufacture of their roller press, which forms part of their NEA coursework.

The manufacturing process is both complex and highly technical, requiring students to apply a wide range of engineering processes, including marking out, filing, turning, knurling, deburring, and thread cutting. Students also developed their practical skills through the use of a variety of tools and machinery, such as the lathe, pillar drill, strip heater, coping saws, and tap and die sets.

Throughout the sessions, students demonstrated excellent engagement and motivation, working diligently to produce multiple components for their final product. It was a highly positive experience, enjoyed by both students and staff, and showcased the students’ growing confidence and competence in engineering practice.

PSHE

It’s been a busy few months in PSHE! As we move through Modules 3 and 4, our goal remains simple but ambitious: to ensure our students aren't just passing exams, but are actually prepared for the "real world" waiting for them outside the school gates.

We’ve mapped our journey against the PSHE Association’s core themes—Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World—while keeping our MYP Learner Profiles at the heart of every discussion.

Module 3: Identity, Safety, and the "Big Picture"

This module was all about how we relate to others and the world around us. We’ve been pushing our students to be Open-minded and Caring, looking at everything from personal boundaries to global issues.

Years 7-9 started with the basics of respect—celebrating Diversity in Year 7, tackling Discrimination head-on in Year 8, and mastering the art of Conflict Resolution in Year 9. We're essentially teaching the art of being a good human.
Year 10 dived into the Digital World (a crucial bit of "Living in the Wider World"), while Year 11 looked toward the horizon with Independent Living skills.
Year 12-13 students focused on the essentials: Finance for Year 12 and a heavy emphasis on Wellbeing for Year 13 to keep them Balanced during a high-stakes year.

Module 4: Careers, Cash, and Cognitive Skills

In Module 4, we shifted gears toward Economic Wellbeing and future-proofing our students' careers.

"We want our students to be Inquirers about their own potential. Whether they are 11 or 18, they need to know that their future is something they can design, not just something that happens to them."

With Years 7-10 we’ve been exploring the world of work across the lower years, encouraging students to be Knowledgeable about the paths available to them.
For our exam cohorts Year 11 and 13, it was all about Study Skills. We moved past "just reading notes" and looked at the science of learning to help them stay reflective and resilient.
Year 12 got stuck into the nitty-gritty of Finance, ensuring they hit adulthood with their eyes wide open. We are building Principled, Risk-taking, and Communicative individuals who are ready for whatever comes next.

Music

Year 7

In Module 3, Year 7 students looked at different types of notation. They created their own graphic scores while listening to different pieces of music. A graphic score is a form of writing down music using symbols rather than notation. Each graphic score showed how students interpreted the music and different results were produced. In this module, we’ve been exploring folk music and how the songs and stories vary from different cultures.

Year 8

In module 3, Year 8 students were looking at form and structure. This is how the song is built, and looking at its contrasting sections. By the end of the module, they were able to effectively tell the difference between the forms. Year 8 students have started to look at Blues music and where it has originated from. They were composing their own blues songs by the end of the module. They wrote lyrics, created beats, and added chords on BandLab. We enjoyed hearing what they created!

Year 9

Year 9 students have been looking at different genres of music, from Beatlemania and Europop in module 3 to Reggae in module 4. They have explored the ukulele and have also gone back to keyboards to learn the well-known melodies from ABBA.

Year 10 & 11

Music is also supporting the BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts. Some of the year 10s have selected Musical theatre for their next component, so we are working on developing the skills and techniques leading to full solo performances. In year 11, Music is teaching the Sound designers how to use BandLab and create unique sound montages alongside sound effects for their chosen performance.

Art and Photography

Year 7

Students in Year 7 have been exploring painting through the lens of how time and space influence aesthetics. Students will soon be looking closely at the work of Michael Craig-Martin, analysing how he draws everyday objects from different eras to highlight shifts in design, function, and cultural meaning.

Year 8

Students in year 8 have been developing their digital art skills, creating imaginative pieces that investigate surreal narratives and striking juxtapositions, using contrast and unexpected combinations to push their visual storytelling. Students are building confidence in technique while asking thoughtful questions that deepen their creative intent.

Year 9

This module, our Year 9 students have been learning the "secrets" to drawing realistic faces! They started by using the Loomis method, which uses simple shapes to help them get the eyes, nose, and mouth in the right places. To help move their drawings onto canvas, they also practiced Chuck Close’s grid method, breaking a photograph into small squares to make it easier to draw an accurate likeness.

Try This at Home - Ask your child to show you the "ball and cross" technique from the Loomis method—it’s a quick way to map out a head from any angle starting with just a simple circle. You can also ask them how focusing on just one small grid square at a time makes drawing a large, complicated portrait feel much easier and less overwhelming!

Year 10

Our Year 10 art students have been working independently to finalize their latest project, "Body and Anatomy." We are incredibly impressed by the creative ownership they’ve shown, resulting in a fantastic range of work—from sculpture and painting to mixed-media pieces. Their ability to develop unique ideas and see them through to such high-quality finishes is a credit to their hard work and individuality.

Year 11 Art & Photography

Our Year 11 art and photography students have been incredibly busy tackling their externally set exam paper, exploring the multifaceted theme of ‘Found.’ It has been inspiring to watch students take the lead, independently selecting artists and photographers whose work speaks to them. This research is now being channeled into original, personal outcomes that showcase their technical growth and unique perspectives. The countdown is now on with their 10 hour practical exam taking place shortly after the Easter break.

Year 10 Photography Workshop: Ravensbourne University

On Monday, 9th March, a group of Year 10 Art students took part in an immersive photography workshop led by a visiting artist from Ravensbourne University. Throughout the day, students explored the world of documentary photography, capturing and editing images centered on the theme of a "sense of belonging." We were incredibly impressed by their excellent engagement and the exciting outcomes they produced. Their final photographs provided a unique, creative perspective on school life and their own place within it, resulting in a powerful collection of work that truly reflects our vibrant community.

Art Excellence: Leigh Academies Visual Arts Prize 2026

Huge congratulations to Year 9 student Peighton who was named the KS3 Runner-Up in the prestigious Leigh Academies Visual Arts Prize 2026! Peighton’s achievement is truly impressive; she created an ambitious, 6ft painting of the Leigh Academy Bexley main hall, expertly executed in the bold, vibrant style of Michael Craig-Martin. This is a remarkable testament to her dedication and artistic talent—well done, Peighton!

Humanities

A Module of Triumph and Discovery

It has been a whirlwind of a module in the Humanities department, and we are absolutely thrilled to share not only the incredible achievements but also some exciting events we have coming up.

Firstly, one of our Year 9 students won first place in the visual category of the History Cross Trust Holocaust Memorial Day competition. In line with this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme, 'Bridging Generations', Rachel’s winning submission demonstrated a profound commitment to listening, learning, and carrying these vital lessons forward. By building a bridge between memory and action, they have shown that history is not just a subject in a textbook, but a beacon of hope for the future. A huge congratulations to Rachel.

Building on this momentum, we were excited to welcome Testimony 360 to the school on Friday, 27th March. They worked exclusively with our Year 13 students, providing an immersive and thought-provoking experience that brought history into the present through cutting-edge technology. Our students were given virtual reality headsets and were able to explore the testimony of Holocaust Survivors in an innovative and groundbreaking new project to keep History alive.

The sense of discovery continues as our Year 10 Geographers prepare for their upcoming field trip to Reculver on the Kent coast. This compulsory fieldwork will bring theory to life, with students surveying the coastal defences, implementing knowledge learnt in modules three and four. We look forward to seeing the field reports and photographs upon their return!

Debate Club

Our Debate Club is going from strength to strength! We have been working really hard with our Year 9 and 10 debaters to ensure they understand the rules of debate. It has been a sharp learning curve, but we are pleased to share that we are almost at the stage where we could organise some public debates for the wider school! Rosie (Year 9) and Oliver (Year 10) presented a fantastic debate on the appropriateness of the death penalty as a criminal sentence. This week, we tackled the efficacy of keeping animals in a zoo.

Humanities Heroes: The Final 90

With the Year 11 examinations fast approaching, our Humanities Heroes: The Final 90 challenge is in full swing. We are now well into the critical 90-day window leading up to the first Sociology, Geography and History exam.

By tackling short, daily tasks on Google Classroom, our students are turning revision into manageable chunks.

Even though we are well into the challenge, all tasks remain on the Google Classroom, so if your child still wants to get involved, they can easily catch up!

MFL

Modern Foreign Languages – Celebrating Success

The Modern Foreign Languages department is extremely proud of our students and their continued success in languages. Students have demonstrated excellent progress both in lessons and in their recent assessments, alongside a strong commitment to positive behaviour for learning. For Module 4, the MFL team is delighted to recognise the following students as our Stars of the Module:

Mrs Joachim

Milana M (Year 10 – French)
George P (Year 7 – Spanish)

Mrs Bateson

Toby H (Year 9 – French)
Emily R (Year 7 – Spanish)

Mrs Nieto

Irene I (Year 10 – Spanish)

Congratulations to all students for their hard work and dedication — a fantastic achievement!

The MFL department takes great pride in celebrating the achievements of our students and looks forward to seeing them continue to flourish in their language learning.

Students selected for this module will be awarded an MFL certificate, alongside five Bromcom points. Parents will also be contacted so that they can share in and celebrate their child’s success.

Jack Petchy

Speak Out Bexley Regional Final

On Thursday, 12th March, Tyler represented the Leigh Academy Bexley at the Jack Petchey Speak Out Bexley Regional Final at Bexley Grammar School. Alongside other speakers from across the borough, Tyler started the afternoon with a workshop with the Speakers Trust to help with his final preparations for the final. Then to a packed hall in the evening Tyler performed his speech “Half”. His speech was moving, funny and brilliantly performed. Tyler was a fantastic representative of the Academy and we look forward to hearing future speeches.

Jack Petchey Achievement Awards Winners - April 2026

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the incredible young people who have been recognised with the prestigious Jack Petchey Achievement Award this module!

Each winner receives a framed certificate, a medallion, and a grant of £300 to be spent on a resource of their choice for the academy.

Praise in year 8 was recognized for her wonderful energy and passion for dance; her enthusiastic participation in academy life shines through everything from the Spanish Spelling Bee to our sports teams.

Uthman in year 9, consistently goes above and beyond in his lessons while showing a genuine care for those around him. After serving a year as form representative, he bravely reapplied with a compelling presentation to earn his peers' support—a dedication he also brings to his excellent work representing the school at open events.

Aisha in 8P2 is a delight to be around and consistently brings a sense of fun and creativity to the academy environment. Her remarkable originality shines through in her dedicated community work, from crafting Christmas gifts to designing commemorative decorations for Mycenae House.

Loemie in year 9 was awarded her prize for her proactive nature, as she consistently offers a helping hand to classmates, teachers, and the wider community without being asked. By specifically reaching out to peers in need of support, she ensures that everyone around her feels genuinely valued and cared for.

Davina in year 9 consistently embodies our academy values by approaching every challenge with hard work and a respectful attitude toward staff and peers. Her dedication extends well beyond the classroom, as she generously volunteers her free time to support her local temple and the wider community.

Eddie in year 9 has displayed an admirable dedication to his education by maintaining consistent attendance and trying his absolute hardest in every lesson. His determination to stay focused on his studies is truly inspirational, making him a genuine example of perseverance for his peers.

Later this year, our award winners will attend a celebration event to formally receive their medallions.

Digital Technology Corner

As digital technology has become an integral part of teaching and learning at the Leigh Academy Bexley, it is important that we support our students in using technology responsibly and safely.

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