Halley's Comment - Issue 33

Halley's Comment

Issue 33 - Module 5

“Our Academy values - respect, achievement, collaboration, integrity and resilience - permeate everything we do"

A message from Mr Russell, Principal

The start of the summer term for the Academy is always an exciting time in the school calendar. At my start of the module assembly with students, the timing of Easter this year gave us the opportunity to explore how this and other religious festivals, such as Ramadan, Passover, and Holi, encourage us to recommit ourselves to personal growth, goal-setting, and overcoming setbacks in order to improve.

It has been heartening, therefore, to see our Year 11 and 13 students work so relentlessly hard during the most challenging weeks of their school careers, as they successfully complete their final examinations. Students have capitalised upon the vast array of additional opportunities provided to them to perform at their best, whether booster sessions before and after school, on Saturdays, and in the holidays. All of our Academy community has been united in providing them the best possible learning opportunities and pastoral care during this consequential period, and we cannot wait to celebrate their achievements on Results Days, where all of this hard work and dedication will most certainly have paid off.

This edition of Halley’s Comment shows how students across the Academy have committed to trying new things and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone to expand their learning. Whether it has been students taking part in a range of the Leigh Academies Trust sporting competitions, workshops with leading medical specialists, or university visits, we are proud to offer our students a rich variety of personal development opportunities that help all students to put our Academy motto in practice - inspiring, learning and achieving together.

Thank you for all your continued support of the Academy this module. I wish you and your families a wonderful bank holiday and half-term break. We look forward to all students returning to the Academy for module 6 on Monday 2nd June.

Ben Russell

Principal

“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”

Turing School

As we come to the end of module 5 at Turing School, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements and hard work of our students across all year groups. This has been a period marked by dedication, perseverance, and significant milestones, and we couldn't be prouder of our students.

Year 11: Preparing for GCSE Success

Our Year 11 students have been exemplary in their engagement and preparation for their GCSE exams. Their commitment and focus during this crucial time have been outstanding. We are pleased to report that they have made a strong start to their GCSE examinations, reflecting their hard work and the support they have received from their teachers and families. As we look ahead to September 2026, we are excited to welcome many of these students into the sixth form at the Halley. Their journey continues, and we are confident they will achieve great things.

Year 10: Ready for Mock Exams

Year 10 students are gearing up for their end-of-year mock exams, which will take place in module 6. These exams are a critical opportunity for them to demonstrate their readiness for Year 11 and the challenges that lie ahead. We encourage all Year 10 students to focus on their studies, utilise the resources available to them, and approach their mock exams with confidence. This period is a stepping stone to their future success, and we are here to support them every step of the way.

Years 7-9: End-of-Year Assessments

Students in Years 7-9 are preparing for their end-of-year assessments in various subjects. These assessments are essential in tracking their progress and understanding. We ask that families support their children at home during this time, ensuring they have a quiet place to study and encouraging them to do their best. The foundation they build now will be crucial for their future academic success.

Celebrating Attendance

We are incredibly proud to announce that over 100 students in Turing School have achieved 100% attendance in this module. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment of our students and the support of their families. A special recognition goes to class 7T1, which boasts the highest number of students with perfect attendance. Consistent attendance is vital for academic success, and we thank all families for their efforts in ensuring students are present and engaged every day.

Moving Forward Together

As we look forward to the final module of this academic year, we encourage all students to continue their hard work and dedication. The support from families plays a crucial role in our students' success, and we are grateful for your ongoing commitment to their education. Together, we can ensure that every student at Turing School reaches their full potential.

Special Thanks

A thank you must go to the Turing team; Mrs Panton and Mrs Nguyen-Quan, the Deputy Heads of School, Mr Rajendran, our Director of Progress, Mrs Halliday and Ms McCrossen, our Small School Managers, Ms Murfitt, the Small School Administrator and of course the team of Turing tutors for their care and support of every child in Turing Small School. They carry out their work every day with pride. I would also like to offer thanks to our families for their continued support and communication throughout the year. The success of young people is built on a firm partnership between school and home.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting our students in their academic journeys. We look forward to celebrating more achievements in the future and wish all our students the very best in their upcoming assessments and exams.

If you would like to contact the Turing Small School, then please do so by emailing turing@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mr Kamya

Head of Turing School

Easley School

As we approach the end of another busy and productive module 5, it's a pleasure to share some of the fantastic achievements and important reminders from across Easley Small School.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 students who have made an excellent and composed start to their external official GCSE and BTEC examinations. Their hard work, dedication, and the support of their teachers have been evident, and we wish them continued focus and success in their remaining papers. We know they will continue to do themselves, and Easley Small School, proud by attending revision sessions over the holiday and making the most of every lesson and booster they have left.

It's wonderful to see such a strong commitment to learning across all year groups. Our Year 10 students are now officially halfway through their GCSE courses and demonstrate excellent engagement and progress. Similarly, our Key Stage 3 students are showing fantastic dedication to their studies, building strong foundations for their future academic journeys. We believe in recognising and celebrating students who consistently do the right thing. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that over 2,250 positive points were awarded to Easley students during module 5! This is a testament to the fantastic attitude and behaviour we see on a daily basis. Well done to everyone who earned these well-deserved recognitions.

We are also thrilled to report that attendance continues to be excellent. An impressive 58% of students achieved perfect attendance for module 5. This is a fantastic achievement and significantly contributes to student success. We encourage everyone to continue to strive for 100% attendance – every day in school counts.

As module 5 draws to a close, we wish all our students and their families a restful and enjoyable week off. Please take this opportunity to recharge. We also want to remind everyone that end-of-year assessments will take place during module 6. It is crucial that students use some of their break wisely to complete their holiday homeand and continue revising in preparation for these important assessments. Regular homework ensures more knowledge 'sticks' in students' long term memory and makes them more likely to reach their potential in assessments.

Thank you for your continued support of Easley Small School. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a successful final module of the academic year with all the wonderful and exciting activities that we have planned.

If you would like to contact the Easley Small School then please do so by emailing easley@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mr Senior

Head of Easley School

“You can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it”

“All that is necessary is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success ..... is worth attaining”

Franklin School

As we wrap up module 5, we reflect on what has been a short yet incredibly productive module across the Franklin Academy community. Our students have made the most of every moment, continuing to embody our core Academy values.

This module has marked a significant milestone for our Year 11 students as they began their GCSE examinations. The dedication, focus, and maturity shown by our students during this time have been outstanding. We are incredibly proud of their preparation and determination, exemplified by their attendance at Saturday school, interventions, and booster sessions. We are looking forward to many Franklin students remaining with us into Sixth Form here at the Halley.

Whilst our Year 11 students are completing their examinations, our Year 9 students have taken their next big step in shaping their academic journey through the options process. Thoughtful conversations, engaging information sessions, and career guidance throughout tutor periods have helped students make informed choices about their future paths.

Our Year 8 and Year 9 students have also been actively involved in meaningful community projects in this module. From local projects supporting the elderly and the homeless to environmental efforts, our students are developing their teamwork and making a real difference. Their compassion and commitment are a credit to the school, and the feedback from the tutors has been incredible, demonstrating true collaboration. We look forward to celebrating these successes further in module 6.

Collectively, Franklin has also now achieved over 20,000 achievement points, and seven of the top ten ranking students for praise points in the Academy are in Franklin. Special mentions should also go to all students who have achieved and maintained a 100% attendance record. This remarkable achievement demonstrates exceptional determination and resilience. Being present and engaged in every lesson allows students to fully benefit from teacher instruction, get live feedback and therefore make optimal progress. Those tutor groups that have won the hot chocolate this module for the best attendance in Franklin have been 7F1, 11F2, and 10F1 (on two occasions).

Four of our students, Ola 8F1, Tillie 7F2, Josiah 9F1 and Matteo 7F2 have also attended Tea with the Principal this module for their outstanding achievements and efforts. Darius 10F2 and Emmanuella 10F1 had the opportunity to visit the Tallow Chandlers as a reward lunch for their consistent hard work and behaviour over the course of this academic year.

Lastly, a special congratulations to Jack 11F1, who has also achieved an incredible 100% score in his black belt karate grading this module. Jack has been a shining example of the Franklin values, displaying discipline, resilience, and excellence in all he does. Well done, Jack, on this superb achievement.

Please ensure you take time to relax over the half term break but ensure that you also complete the homework and revision tasks that are required to set you up for the assessments at the start of module 6.

If you would like to contact the Franklin Small School, then please do so by emailing franklin@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mrs Parsons

Head of Franklin School

Hawking School

Module 5 was a period of exceptional activity, engagement, and achievement across Hawking School. From significant academic milestones to student leadership opportunities and enriching co-curricular experiences, we had a busy module indeed.

IB Diploma Students Completed Final Examinations

Year 13 students undertaking the International Baccalaureate Diploma courses successfully completed their final examinations in this module. These assessments represented the culmination of two years of challenging and wide-ranging study. Students approached this final phase with focus, determination, and resilience, and staff across the school were proud to support them as they reached this important milestone.

Vocational Students Continued with Examinations

For our vocational learners, examination and assessment remained ongoing throughout module 5. Many students sat key assessments during this time, while others prepared for further examinations continuing into module 6. Their perseverance and discipline were evident throughout, and staff remained committed to providing support and encouragement as they progressed through their courses.

Year 12 Students Led KS3 Interdisciplinary Showcase

One of the most inspiring moments of the module was the KS3 Interdisciplinary Unit Showcase. A panel of Year 12 students took on leadership roles, presiding over the event and serving as evaluators and audience for the presentations delivered by younger students. The panel asked thoughtful questions, offered feedback, and engaged constructively with the KS3 students’ work. Their leadership and maturity helped create a meaningful and encouraging environment, highlighting the strength of peer-to-peer learning within the school.

Year 12 Heart Surgeon Workshop

Year 12 students studying biology participated in a specialist heart surgeon workshop, which featured a live dissection of a heart. The session allowed students to engage closely with anatomical structures and learn directly about surgical procedures and cardiac health. The workshop offered a rare, hands-on learning experience that enriched their understanding of cardiovascular biology and sparked deeper interest in medical and health science careers.

Visit to St Bartholomew’s Hospital

In addition to the workshop, Year 12 students also visited St Bartholomew’s Hospital. During the visit, they explored both the historic legacy and the modern role of one of London’s most renowned medical institutions. The trip offered valuable insight into clinical practice and hospital operations, and gave students a clearer view of career pathways within healthcare professions.

Careers Interviews Continued Across Year Groups

Throughout module 5, students across various year groups continued to take part in individual careers interviews with our external careers advisor. These one-to-one sessions provided students with tailored guidance on future pathways, whether in higher education, apprenticeships, or employment. The conversations helped students to refine their plans, set goals, and feel more confident about the opportunities available to them.

Tallow Chandlers Award Ceremony

We were proud to see two of our students, Hiva and Jay, honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by the Tallow Chandlers. Both students were recognised for their outstanding academic progress and their exemplary transition into Key Stage 5. As part of the celebration, they attended a formal lunch at the Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, where their achievements were recognised alongside other high-performing students from across London. Their success was a testament to their hard work and the strength of their character.

Module 5 reflected the ambition and support that define life at Hawking School. We look forward to seeing how this energy and purpose continue to shape our learning community in the next and final module, where we will be welcoming back from Maternity leave, Ms Quintino!

If you would like to contact the Hawking Small School, then please do so by emailing hawking@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mr Cowie

Head of Hawking School

"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet"

City, University of London

On Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th April, 40 Year 10 students had the exciting opportunity to visit City, University of London — a prestigious institution located in central London.

This visit formed part of our ongoing careers education, a comprehensive programme designed to provide students with meaningful learning experiences that support their future aspirations and help them make informed decisions about their next steps. City University of London is renowned for its strong links to industry and academic excellence, and offers a unique environment where education is closely connected to real-world opportunities and future career pathways.

The visit was designed to support Year 10 students at a crucial stage in their education. The activities were designed to help build essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, and independence, while offering a first-hand experience of university life.

Students explored the campus, took part in interactive skills sessions with employers and university professionals, and gained valuable insights into a wide range of university courses and career pathways. The students returned from the visits inspired and motivated by their experiences, and we look forward to continuing to support them as they take the next steps in their educational journey into year 11.

Careers 1-to-1 Interviews

Our Year 11 students concluded their careers interviews in module 5, and tutor time sessions have been delivered to address key themes and questions that emerged during the process. These sessions have focused on Post 16 options, including Sixth Form and college pathways, apprenticeships, university routes, and work experience opportunities.

Students also used Unifrog (an online platform primarily used by schools and colleges to support students in exploring career options, finding educational and training opportunities, and applying for further education) to research Post-16 destinations and courses that are best suited to their skill set and next steps. By supporting students in this way, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and clarity needed to make informed decisions about their next steps, whether they are considering further education, training, or entering the world of work.

Tallow Chandlers Award Lunch

We are delighted to announce that eight exceptional students from Years 10 and 12 recently had the honour of attending an awards luncheon at the historic Tallow Chandlers’ Hall in the heart of London. This special event recognised their academic excellence, leadership, and outstanding contributions to school life and the wider community.

The luncheon, hosted by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, brought together high-achieving students from several schools supported by the Company. It offered our students not only a formal celebration in a truly stunning setting, but also an opportunity to meet inspiring professionals and peers from across the capital.

In a message following the event, the Tallow Chandlers’ Company said, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome you and the Leigh Academy Halley Award Winners… All the Halley students made a big impression on the Company members.”

We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful to the Tallow Chandlers’ Company for their warm hospitality and continued encouragement of young talent. Congratulations go to Emanuella, Phebe, Jane, Samarth and Aaliyah in Year 10 and Year 12 students Jay and Hiva for their fantastic achievements. They represented Leigh Academy Halley with great pride and professionalism, and we commend them on making such a positive and lasting impression.

Visual & Performing Arts - Years 11/13 Exams

Students were given a number of starting points, such as light and dark contrasts, locality, habitat, protection, land and sky, and trees as topics for their GCSE Art exams. They subsequently created a high standard of final pieces, exploring a wide range of themes.

They then developed independent ideas, making personal responses to a number of artists that they researched, paying particular attention to the media, techniques and contexts that the artists explored. For the exam, students could choose the scale and media that they wanted to use to create their final piece in the 10 hour controlled assessment.

Environmentalism Project - Year 8

Year 8 art students focused on environmentalism as part of their 'Insects and Nature' project. They learnt about environmentalist artists such as Kate Powell and Sue Lipscombe and used these as inspiration for their designs. They then created their own sea creature sculptures from recycled plastics that they collected for homework. If you would like to see more, these will be on display in our module 6 showcase within the Arts Centre. Below is an example of the creative process and a summary of the student's rationale.

"My whale sea creature sculpture is made entirely from recycled plastic. I used a large milk bottle to shape the whale's body and added smaller plastic pieces to make the fin, tail and the lid for the eye. The sculpture represents how ocean animals like whales are affected by plastic pollution, often mistaking it for food or getting trapped in it.

By creating this Whale from waste materials, I wanted to show how plastics end up in the ocean and to encourage people to recycle their plastics and help to protect sea life. It's both an art piece and an environmental message. I decorated my whale with blue and white paint and PVA glue to attach the plastic eye. I used bag netting at the top of the whale to demonstrate plastic pollution, to add further emphasis. Sue Lipscombe influenced my sea creature. She used recycled plastic in her sculpture of a whale to highlight the issues of plastic pollution. My sea creature is linked to environmentalism as it uses plastic waste."

Youth Leadership Programme

On Wednesday 14th May 2024, students celebrated the completion of the Youth Leadership Programme, wrapping up eight enriching sessions focused on public speaking and leadership development.

Throughout the programme, students learned how to craft and deliver speeches with confidence while building the ability to think and speak on the spot during impromptu speaking activities. These essential communication skills will serve them well as they continue with their responsibilities as student leaders, representing their forms, small schools, and the wider Leigh Academy Trust.

Looking ahead, the group is excited to further develop their skills with a visit to Meridian Speakers, a local public speaking club in Greenwich, during module 6.

Years 10 & 12 Work Experience Research

Years 10 and 12 students have continued to work hard to find placements for their upcoming work experience week, which will take place from Monday 14th July to Friday 18th July. This valuable work experience week will allow students to gain insight into the world of work, develop essential employability skills, and explore potential future career paths. Many students have already secured placements across a wide range of sectors, including education, finance, the service industry, office environments, and architecture. Many more are continuing to research and secure placements, demonstrating initiative and independence.

All work experience placements are being logged and approved via our careers platform, Unifrog, to ensure safeguarding measures are in place and that students are well-supported in their chosen placements.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact this experience will have on our students’ confidence, career understanding, and aspirations.

Exam Booster Sessions/Saturday School

Years 11 and 13 students have made a successful start to their IB, BTEC and GCSE final examinations and the feedback so far from the students has been positive. We have a comprehensive programme both the day before and on the day of each exam, with sessions aimed at reinforcing key concepts and student confidence just before they enter the exam hall. There are also intervention sessions taking place at the start and end of each day and on Saturday mornings to ensure that students are as prepared as they can be for the examinations. The teaching staff and the respective small school teams have worked together to provide any pastoral support that is needed for students.

STEM Masterclass - Mr Ben Adams, Heart Surgeon

On the 23rd and 25th of April, the Science, Mathematics, and PE departments collaborated to host unique and inspiring STEM masterclasses for selected Year 10 and Year 12 students. We were honoured to welcome Mr Ben Adams, a renowned heart surgeon from St Bartholomew's Hospital, who delivered captivating sessions that brought together medical science, mathematics, and physical education.

Students explored the exciting intersection of technology and medicine. They learned how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the way surgeries are performed, improving precision and minimizing human error. This was an incredible opportunity for students to see how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects come together to solve complex medical challenges.

A highlight of the event was a live dissection of a lamb’s heart, during which Mr Adams expertly guided students through the heart’s anatomy and functions. This hands-on demonstration offered a rare and fascinating insight into cardiac surgery, giving students a real-world perspective on the human circulatory system. In addition to the dissection, students took part in a series of interactive activities led by the Maths and PE departments. These included measuring their own pulse rates and learning how to calculate cardiac output, reinforcing how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practical and clinical contexts.

Following the master class, there was a Questions & Answers session where students engaged with Mr Adams, asked questions, and explored the diverse pathways into medicine. This also included discussions on other fields within STEM, providing valuable insights into various career opportunities. The masterclass provided an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of human biology, cardiovascular health, and the relevance of STEM subjects in real-life careers. Many left the session inspired to explore future pathways in medicine, healthcare, and scientific research.

STEM Club

In this module, the STEM club continued to deliver engaging and exciting sessions. Students participated in a variety of hands-on projects, including code breaking, solving mystery tasks through clue-finding, extracting DNA from bananas, and creating DNA origami. These activities deepened their understanding of the real-life applications of concepts learned in class. Additionally, the projects fostered critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

DNA Origami

Banana DNA

Infinity Hub Update

Our two Year 11 students have begun their GCSEs and we wish them every success throughout the exam period.

In History students have been learning about the Benin Kingdom. As part of our exciting curriculum, we have brought history to life by making our own Benin Bronzes out of clay. Each student used the traditional methods of making their own sculptures using only their hands and stick tools. We are very proud of their achievements.

Year 7 & 8 Tag Rugby Tournament

Teams from Year 7 and Year 8 represented the Academy at the recent Leigh Academies Trust Tag Rugby Tournament, held at The Leigh Academy Strood. This tournament brought together academies from across the LAT, and the day was both highly competitive and enjoyable for all who attended.

For many of the boys, it was their first time playing competitive games against other schools. However, this didn’t stop them from getting stuck in, and both year groups showed excellent resilience. They developed their skills and understanding throughout the day, improving steadily with each match.

A particular highlight was Year 7’s hard-fought win over Leigh Academy Wilmington, and Year 8’s well-earned draw against a much more experienced Leigh Academy Tonbridge side.

The boys’ behaviour and attitude were outstanding. They were incredibly supportive of one another and demonstrated the competitive spirit and respect that we not only expect from our students but that the sport of rugby demands.

Congratulations to all those involved—I’m looking forward to going even bigger and better next year!

Parental Teaching & Learning Workshop

In the penultimate week of the module, our Lead Practitioners led another of their successful workshops which introduced parents/carers to the support they can provide their children in the lead up to the end-of-year assessment window. There was also time dedicated to explaining the assessment procedures within the Academy, whilst also allowing parents to ask questions to our experienced team. The feedback was very positive and we look forward to our last parental workshop of the academic year in module 6.

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