Dear Parents/ Carers,
We’re excited to bring you this Festive edition of our college newsletter, where we celebrate achievements and share important updates. This term has been full of energy, resilience, and accomplishment, and we are grateful for the enthusiasm our students bring to school each day. From academic progress to creative endeavours and charitable events, there has been much to celebrate.
Thank you for being a valued part of our school community. Happy reading!.
Best wishes,
Fawcett College Team🎄
Attendance achievements:
At Leigh Academy Blackheath, we emphasise the critical role that regular attendance plays in our students' academic success and overall development. Recent studies have reinforced the strong correlation between consistent school attendance and higher academic performance. We are proud to say that throughout Module 1 and 2, Fawcett has consistently topped the attendance leaderboard. We are so proud to say Fawcett’s attendance for this module is a huge 95.5%!.
Congratulations to the following students who all have 100% attendance and 0 lates!
Impact of Attendance on GCSE Outcomes: Data from the Department for Education indicates that pupils with higher attendance rates are more likely to achieve better outcomes in their GCSEs. Specifically, students who maintained an attendance rate of 95% or above in Year 11 were significantly more likely to achieve higher grades in English and Maths compared to their peers with lower attendance rates.
At KS4, pupils who attended school nearly every day in Year 11 (with an attendance rate of 95-100%) were 1.9 times more likely to achieve the Grade 5 in English and Maths GCSE compared to pupils who only attended 90-95% of the time (relating to up to 2 weeks more time in school over the course of a year) and 3 times more likely than persistently absent pupils who only attend 85-90% of the time (relating to 4 - 6 weeks more time in school). This means missing just 10 days of year 11 reduced the likelihood of achieving grade 5 in English and Maths by around 50%."
Here are some of our Fawcett students celebrating achieving the highest merits and attendance in their tutor group with a special college breakfast!.
Year 11 Mock GCSEs
This term has been an important milestone for our Year 11 students as they completed their mock GCSE examinations. We have been incredibly impressed by the mature and determined attitude they have shown throughout the entire process.
The mocks are a valuable opportunity for students to understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and build the confidence they need for the summer ahead. We are exceptionally proud of the hard work, resilience, and positive mindset they have demonstrated, and we hope they take time over the holiday to reflect on how far they’ve already come.
Homework and Learning resources can be found here.
Reculver Beach Geography Trip!
Our Geography year 11 students enjoyed an exciting and educational day at Reculver Beach, where they carried out hands-on fieldwork to deepen their understanding of coastal processes. Mr Crawford and Ms Lawrence were really excited to join them on this great day out. Equipped with measuring tools and observation sheets, pupils investigated erosion, deposition, and the impact of human activity on the coastline. They worked in teams to collect data, sketch coastal features, and reflect on how geography connects classroom learning with the real world. Beyond the academic value, the trip encouraged collaboration, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Williams F1 trip
Our year 10 Design & Technology students, and Ms Lawrence, recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Williams F1 Head Office in Oxford, where they explored the fascinating intersection of engineering, innovation, and business. During the trip, pupils gained insight into how a world-class motorsport team operates behind the scenes, learning about project management, teamwork, and the importance of precision in both design and decision-making. They took part in workshops that highlighted business skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and problem-solving, while also seeing how cutting-edge technology is applied in real-world contexts. The experience not only broadened their understanding of career pathways in engineering and design but also inspired them to think creatively about how their DT studies connect to industries beyond the classroom. We are delighted with the enthusiasm shown by our students and look forward to seeing how they apply these skills in future projects.
Hamilton trip
On 18th November 2025, our Year 10 Drama students, Miss Coupe and Mrs Crowley, had the unforgettable experience of visiting the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the award-winning musical Hamilton. The trip gave pupils the chance to witness live theatre at its very best, combining powerful storytelling, innovative staging, and dynamic performances. Students were able to reflect on how themes of history, politics, and identity are brought to life through music and drama, enriching their understanding of performance techniques and the creative process. Beyond the spectacle, the visit encouraged them to think critically about how theatre can challenge perspectives and inspire audiences. We are thrilled that our students engaged so enthusiastically, and we look forward to seeing how this experience influences their own creative work in class.
Hamilton- by Eliza A & Julliette W (10A)
“Recently, our GCSE drama class went to see Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre along with the GCSE music students. We had been studying this musical in our drama lessons to help us practice writing exam questions in preparation for our GCSEs. The musical follows the storyline of one of America’s founding fathers: Alexander Hamilton, retelling his rivals, challenges and victories throughout his life that helped shape the country.
Throughout the play, the entire cast was absolutely mind-blowing. Each of the actors' performances were so entertaining and moving to the point where we were laughing our heads off at one moment (especially when King George III said, “I'm so blue”, and then the entire stage turned blue) and tearing up at the next (particularly during the death of Philip - Hamilton’s son). We were lucky enough to have tickets which allowed us to sit in the first and second rows of the grand circle, making the performance even more memorable to experience.
On the day we went to watch the performance, we were surrounded by many other GCSE, A-level and beyond performing arts students. This made for an incredible atmosphere where everybody there was just as excited to see the performance as we were. At the end of the play, we were lucky enough to get a short behind-the-scenes Q and A session where the actors and stage team gave us insights into how the play was run and executed.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that inspired us through the actors' spectacular performances, the buzzing atmosphere and the stunning architecture of the theatre. “
Remembrance Day
This year, our school community came together to mark Remembrance Day with respect and reflection. Students participated in a commemorative assembly and observed the two-minute silence to honour those who have served and sacrificed. We were deeply proud of the maturity and integrity shown by our pupils throughout the occasion.
Violetta - 7A
Remembrance Challenge
Positive strategies to support your wellbeing at home, inspired by the ....
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Think about your Coping Toolbox
What can you do to help lift your mood?
MORE safe and secure Online Support Resources:
Kooth: Support and advice for Mental Health concerns -kooth.com
Youngminds: Support and advice for Mental Health - youngminds.org.uk
Childline: Support for young people in the UK - childline.org.uk
Shout: Supporting emotional well-being - giveusashout.org
Samaritans: Supporting emotional well-being - samaritans.org
Anna Freud: Text AFC to 852258 - annafreud.org
NHS- EVERY MIND MATTERS: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Beat: Under 18s support with eating disorders - beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Kidscape: Support with Bullying - kidscape.org.uk
Winston’s Wish: Support with the death and loss - winstonswish.org
Child Bereavement UK: Support with loss - childbereavementuk.org
Hope Again: Support when someone dies - hopeagain.org.uk
Safe line: Support for sexual abuse survivors -.safeline.org.uk
Centrepoint: Support with housing & homelessness - centrepoint.org.uk
Refuge: Support for domestic abuse survivors - refuge.org.uk
FRANK: Support and advice for drugs abuse - talktofrank.com
No Panic: Support with panic attacks and OCD - nopanic.org.uk
Relate: Support with relationships - relate.org.uk
Victim Support: Supports those affected by crime/trauma - victimsupport.org.uk
Safehaven Super Hub:If you are in danger, feel threatened or harassed on the street, are unwell or just in need of some help, you can visit any of these locations and staff will help you- Safehaven Super Hub
Tellmi- Tellmi - Digital mental health support for everyone.
Wishing you and your family a restful and safe Christmas break. We look forward to welcoming students back on site from 8:00 am on Monday 5th January 2026.🎄