Halley's Comment - Issue 38

Halley's Comment

Issue 38 - Module 3

“We remain committed to delivering the very high standards of education and care for all our students, every day."

A message from Mr Russell, Principal

As we reach the halfway point of the academic year, this half-term break provides a timely opportunity to pause, reflect and take pride in the achievements of our Academy community so far, while also looking ahead with clarity and ambition to the months that follow.

The start of 2026 has been an exceptionally positive period for Leigh Academy Halley, with a series of external validations that speak powerfully to our values, our unwavering commitment to high standards, and the collective efforts of our students, staff and families. Our most recent Ofsted inspection recognised the Academy with five "exceptional" judgements, affirming the strength of our provision and the impact of our work across all areas of school life. This has been further reinforced through a highly successful IB re-verification visit, which confirmed our continued commitment to delivering a truly world-class, internationally minded education as a proud IB World School.

We have also been delighted to achieve Steplab Coaching Hub status, recognising the strength of our professional development culture and our role in supporting excellence in teaching beyond our own Academy. Most recently, we have been honoured to be recognised by the Secretary of State for Education, and to be named among the top performing schools nationally for our work with disadvantaged students. This recognition is a powerful reflection of our belief that background should never determine future success, and of our relentless focus on equity, inclusion and opportunity for all.

The events of the past six weeks, many of which are showcased in this edition of Halley’s Comment, encapsulate our commitment to providing rich, meaningful and rewarding learning experiences for every student. We continue to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, helping students make meaningful connections between their studies, the world of work and their role as active, informed members of society.

None of these achievements happen in isolation. They are the result of the dedication, professionalism and high expectations of our staff; the ambition, resilience and character shown by our students; and the continued support and partnership of our families. I would like to thank every member of our school community for the role they have played in making these successes possible.

As we move into the second half of the academic year, we do so with confidence, momentum and a clear sense of direction. Together, we remain committed to delivering the very highest standards of education and care for all our students, every day.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Academy and the work we do.

I wish you and your families a wonderful and well-deserved half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming students back to the Academy on Monday 23rd February.

Mr Russell

Principal

“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”

Turing School

On behalf of the Turing School Senior Team, I would like to congratulate our Turing School students for their outstanding attitudes to learning, and the high levels of engagement with the wider academy activities throughout Module 3. Our small school assemblies and tutor time sessions have continued to promote Leigh Academy Halley's values and our mantra as Turing school, ‘those who can imagine anything can create the impossible’.

As we approach the next modules of this academic year and with the added demands to students as they begin to prepare for their end of year assessments for Years 7, 8 and 9, Year 10 mock examinations, and the GCSEs for Year 11s, it is important that we all continue to recognise and reflect on what makes them special.

The celebration of our students is something that we are always keen to promote, so it is tremendous to recognise students who have demonstrated fantastic engagement in and around the Academy and this is reflected on their Award Cards: Charlotte (7T1), Arinze (8T3) and Nahum (9T1) who have all been awarded over 4 or more award cards this year, demonstrating their excellent commitment to Academy life.

We also congratulate Kirubel and Divine (8T3), Harriet and Ted (8T2), Ethan and Kiyra (8T1), and Amalya (9T2) for being among the top 20 students in achieving the highest number of positive points at the Academy. We also acknowledge 8T1, 8T2, 8T3, 9T1 and 9T2 as tutor groups that have achieved over 90 positive points in this module.

Attendance is a significant contributing factor to a students engagement and progress at the Academy, so it is impressive to have Turing School leading the way in their attendance this year. Of note 7T2, 11T1 and 11T2 have an attendance of 96.8%, 96% and 95% respectively this academic year, with 77 of our Turing students in Years 7-11 registering 100% attendance so far this academic year.

The theme of contribution and celebration is continued with a number of students holding Tea with the Principal. This is a space and opportunity for them to share their ideas with Mr Russell on how we can support the continued growth and development of the Academy. I am delighted that Ted (8T2), Lennon (7T2), Anton (11T2), Max (11T1), Gintaras (11T1), Layla (11T2) and Ruby (11T2), were able to share their ideas with the Principal and be outstanding ambassadors to the Academy.

I would like to conclude by thanking you for your support and communication. We rely on your openness and willingness to support us and your child during their school lives, with those firmly rooted relationships enabling each child to prosper. As always, we are here to support your child and will keep you, the families, updated as we travel throughout the course of the rest of this academic year.

If you would like to contact someone from Turing School at any point, please email us at turing@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mr Kamya

Head of Turing School

Easley School

It has been an incredibly busy and productive module at Easley School. Our students returned from the winter break with renewed focus, and the energy around the school has been nothing short of inspiring.

Our rewards system has been lighting up lately and we are thrilled to announce that, as a collective, our students have earned over 14,000 positive points this term. This is a testament to the hard work, brilliant behaviour, and resilient attitude that defines our school community.

Special recognition goes to the following students who have shown exceptional dedication by achieving over 100 positive points each since the start of the academic year: Fatimata (8E2), Tiffany (8E1), Khrystyna (8E2), Alexander (8E1) and Alin (8E2). A massive "well done" to these five students for setting such a high bar for excellence!

Attendance is the foundation of success. We would like to extend a huge congratulations to the 56 students who have maintained 100% attendance for the entire academic year so far. Your consistency is remarkable!

At Easley School, we often talk about supporting one another to achieve. This month, Simi (10E2) truly lived those values. Simi took it upon himself to support a Year 7 student in the library who was having a challenging day. This act of kindness perfectly exemplifies our culture. Thank you, Simi, for being a fantastic role model and looking out for your peers.

A huge congratulations to our Key Stage 3 students. The MYP assessments have gone brilliantly, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience and preparation students showed during this period. Their hard work and dedication in completing homework is clearly paying off as they master the curriculum.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support in ensuring your children complete their homework. Please remember that homework is paramount to students learning the curriculum fully. It reinforces classroom learning and builds the independent study skills necessary for future success.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child's education. We look forward to another fantastic module ahead!

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 move through another exciting module, we continue to celebrate the qualities that make our community unique. Inspired by Rosalind Franklin’s curiosity, perseverance, and attention to detail, our students are encouraged to approach learning with inquisitiveness, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. These attributes are reflected in every classroom and activity, helping our students grow into confident, thoughtful learners and this module, we are proud of how Franklin students have embodied these values, whether supporting their peers, taking on new challenges, or demonstrating integrity in their work.

Students in Key Stage Three have made great progress on their Module 3 assignments and all students in Year 8 and 9 have shown great maturity and conduct in the way in which they have approached their core exams in the Main Hall. Our Year 11 students have been increasing their attendance at intervention sessions and working hard in their lessons in the lead up to their March mock examinations. This robust exam preparation encourages discipline, focus and supports our learners to become independent and resilient learners.

This module has also seen an array of student-led assemblies. The first we had was led by Dara (10F2) and Victoria (11F1), who addressed the importance of reading on the International Day of Education. They provided us some useful data on the importance of reading, most notably that if we read for only 20 minutes a day, we will encounter over 1.8 million extra words a year and these habits will lay the foundation for deeper learning and greater success in every subject.

Meanwhile, our second student-led assembly was delivered by Chloe and Ray who introduced us to the Lunar New Year, alongside the lion dance, performed by a former Franklin student, Lee and his brother. What was most impressive about all these student-led assemblies was the confidence with which our students presented to their peers; embodying Rosalind Franklin’s values of curiosity, perseverance and responsibility.

This module, we have also had the opportunity to welcome external visitors to our academy and our Franklin students have once again demonstrated their leadership skills and have acted as fantastic tour guides and ambassadors: Marsha, Ruby, Lucius-Casey, Vijius, Jayden, Chloe, Jimi , Jonari, Arthur and Zahra.

At the time of writing, Franklin students have now also been awarded over 15500 positive points and eight of our students have now individually achieved over 100 positive points, a tremendous achievement in its own right. Our attendance remains above national averages and currently rests at 94.7%, with three tutor groups having been recognised for their collective attendance efforts with weekly hot chocolate: 10F2, 8F2 and 9F2. 8F2 and 9F2 should in particular be congratulated for both achieving this accolade twice in one module.

We are incredibly proud of our Franklin Small School community and the way students, staff, and families work together to create a supportive and inspiring environment. We are looking forward to the next academic module when we begin our Community Engagement projects in Years 7 to 9 and have a range of Cultural Capital events, alongside the Year 11 mock examinations. Thank you for your continued support in helping our students embody the qualities of curiosity, perseverance, and courage in everything they do.

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 3 has been another incredibly busy and productive period at Hawking School, filled with a wide range of opportunities and experiences for our students. While our Year 13 students have been focused on finalising their internal assessments, completing their courses, and beginning their structured revision programmes, the wider school community has also been engaged in several exciting and meaningful activities.

At the beginning of the module, we reached a significant milestone with the UCAS national deadline for students applying to university. We are extremely proud to share that we achieved a record number of applications this year, with nearly 75% of the cohort applying for university places starting next academic year. The remainder of our students are pursuing equally exciting pathways, including employment and apprenticeship opportunities. To ensure all Year 13 students receive tailored guidance, every student has taken part in a bespoke 30-minute one-to-one careers interview, providing personalised advice and support as they prepare for their next steps beyond Hawking.

Our Year 12 students have also benefited from a variety of employer engagement opportunities. We were delighted to welcome Tilbury Douglas into our Academy to deliver an employment assembly. It was particularly inspiring to welcome back Haydetou, a former student of the Academy, and now an apprentice with Tilbury Douglas. Haydetou and his team spoke to students about the projects they work on, career pathways within the construction industry, and the skills required to succeed in the sector. It was fantastic for students to hear first-hand about apprenticeship routes from someone who once sat in their position.

Hawking School also celebrated the Lunar New Year in spectacular fashion. Our Head Student, Lee, performed a traditional Lion Dance alongside his brother, sharing this vibrant cultural celebration not only with Hawking students but also with younger pupils across the wider Academy. The performance was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity, community and cultural awareness.

Another highlight of the module was our annual Employability Day at the prestigious Tallow Chandlers’ Hall in the City of London. The entire Year 12 cohort attended this special event, hosted in the historic 500-year-old hall. Each student participated in a one-to-one mock interview with industry professionals, receiving invaluable feedback and advice on how to improve their employability skills. The feedback from the Tallow Chandlers’ team was exceptionally positive, praising the professionalism, engagement and maturity demonstrated by our students. Many students described the experience as highly enjoyable and extremely beneficial.

In January, we also hosted our Year 12 Parents’ Evening, which provided an important opportunity for families to discuss progress, celebrate successes and identify key next steps as students continue their post-16 journey.

Finally, we ended the module with an exciting visit to the Apprenticeship Summit at Woolwich Works. The entire Year 12 cohort attended this inspiring event, which showcased the breadth, scope and potential of apprenticeship opportunities across multiple industries. Students were able to engage directly with employers, explore career pathways and gain a deeper understanding of the routes available to them after sixth form.

Overall, Module 3 has been a hugely successful and enriching period for Hawking School. We are incredibly proud of the commitment, ambition and enthusiasm shown by both Year 12 and Year 13 students, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue their journeys towards bright and successful futures.

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"

Visit by Councillor John Fahy and Nikki Thurlow & Congratulations from His Majesty's Inspector

We are delighted to share the wonderful news of a recent visit to our Academy by Councillor John Fahy and his colleague, Nikki Thurlow. During their visit, they extended their heartfelt congratulations to Mr Russell, and the entire Academy staff on achieving an exceptional Ofsted report.

Mr Russell recently received a letter from Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Ofsted, congratulating our dedicated staff on achieving an exceptional grade. The letter highlights that such a grade is awarded to schools that demonstrate the very best educational practices in England - practices that are not only of the highest standard but are also sustained over time and have a meaningful, transformational impact, particularly for students facing barriers to their learning.

This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, students, and the whole school community. We are very proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the continued support of our parents and carers as we strive to provide the best possible education for all our students.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone whose dedication and hard work made this achievement possible. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and providing our students with the very best educational experience.

National Apprenticeship Week

From Monday 9th to Thursday 12th February, students across the academy learnt about apprenticeships, as part of National Apprenticeship Week. During tutor time each day, students have explored what apprenticeships involve, how they differ from university pathways, and the wide range of opportunities available across different industries. Students have also learnt how to search for, and apply to apprenticeships using Unifrog, helping them understand entry requirements and possible future career routes. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and to explore Unifrog together to support students in making informed decisions about their next steps.

University and Apprenticeship Showcase

On Friday 7th February, students attended the University and Apprenticeship Networking Event at Leigh Academy Halley, where they had the opportunity to explore their future education and career pathways. The event brought together representatives from universities and apprenticeship providers, allowing students to engage in meaningful discussions, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into higher education and vocational training.

Atttendees included City St Georges, University of London, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Exeter, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, Oxford Brookes University, University of Portsmouth, University of West London, University of Essex, Ravensbourne University, Greenwich University, University of Reading, Ministry of Justice, and the London Fire Brigade.

Through their conversations, students developed a clearer understanding of the many opportunities available to them, helping them to make confident and informed decisions as they progress through their education.

Career 1 to 1 Interviews

Students in Year 11 and Year 13 have begun participating in one-to-one careers interviews with a qualified careers adviser. These personalised discussions are tailored to each student’s individual interests, aspirations, and academic profile.

For Year 11 students, the interviews focus on exploring sixth-form options and post-16 pathways, while Year 13 students are supported in considering university, apprenticeship, and post-18 progression routes. The sessions are designed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence required to make well-informed decisions about their next steps and longer-term career goals.

RBG Apprenticeship Summit

Year 12 students attended the Royal Borough of Greenwich Apprenticeship Summit at Woolwich Works. This event aimed to inspire and inform students about apprenticeship opportunities and future career pathways.

The summit included: Presentations from leading apprenticeship organisations, insights from current apprentices, practical guidance on accessing apprenticeships, networking opportunities with employers and training providers.

We are delighted to offer these opportunities, which we believe will significantly benefit our Year 12 students as they plan their next steps beyond school.

Lion Dance

Lunar New Year 2026: Celebrating the Year of the Horse

Our school came together during the week commencing 23rd January to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2026, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a vibrant programme of assemblies and activities. Student Leaders from each small school—Easley (Rayhannah), Franklin (Nihad) and Turing (Chloe), alongside our Sixth Form leaders, (Alexandra, Marvelous and Bilal), led thoughtful and engaging assemblies that highlighted the cultural significance of the festival.

A special highlight was the spectacular Lion Dance performance by our Deputy Head Student, Lee, and his brother Ben. We are also grateful to the Chinese community in Greenwich for sharing this tradition with us.

The celebrations continued across the Academy, with festive displays and the restaurant offering a range of delicious Chinese cuisine. It was a joyful and enriching experience for all, celebrating culture, community and togetherness.

Tallow Chandlers Employability Days

Year 12 students attended two events that are designed to support students in developing employability skills, exploring career pathways, and preparing for future academic or professional applications.

The first event was “Year 12 Mock Interview & Preparation Day”, held across three sessions. This event was organised by our livery company sponsor, The Tallow Chandlers, and took place at their historic venue in central London.

Each student experienced a bespoke mock interview led by professional volunteers, tailored to their individual areas of interest. This was an excellent opportunity for students to build confidence and develop interview skills essential for university, apprenticeship, and employment applications.

Invitation to Exhibit at Leigh Academy Halley Careers Fair - Friday 6th March

We are excited to announce our upcoming Leigh Academy Halley Careers Fair on Friday 6th March. Our Careers Fair aims to provide our students with insights into various career paths, industries, and professions. We believe that exposing our students to a diverse range of career options early on can greatly benefit their academic and professional development.

We are lucky to have a wide range of professionals amongst our Leigh Academy Halley families, and we would like to invite you to attend our Careers Fair in a professional capacity. During the fair, which will take place in our Main Hall, you will have a designated space and sign highlighting your industry to students. Students will visit the hall on rotation, where they can engage with professionals like yourself, ask questions about your career, the subjects you studied, the skills required, and any other relevant information. This interactive format will allow our students to gain firsthand knowledge about various career paths and help them make more informed decisions about their academic and career goals.

By sharing your personal experiences and insights into your career, you can provide invaluable guidance to our students as they navigate their educational and career pathways. Your involvement will inspire students and give them an understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with different professions.

Details of the Careers Fair are as follows:

Date: Friday 6th March
Time: 10.30am - 2.30pm
Location: Leigh Academy Halley, Corelli Road, SE3 8EP
Students in attendance: Students across a variety of year groups will attend the careers fair on rotation

If you are interested in participating in our Careers Fair, please email Isabel Ruthven at isabel.ruthven@halley.latrust.org.uk. We will then arrange a convenient time for a call to discuss further details about the fair, including the schedule, format, and any specific requirements or questions you may have.

Years 10 and 11 Work Experience Assembly

On Friday 30th January, students in Year 10 attended a Work Experience Assembly, introducing them to their upcoming work experience week which will take place in the last week of Module 6.

Work experience provides students with a valuable opportunity to build confidence, take on responsibility, and develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. During the week, all students will spend time in a workplace environment, allowing them to apply their skills in a professional setting while gaining insight into a range of industries.

Students have begun using Unifrog to explore potential work experience placements and have been encouraged to proactively contact potential employers. Families are encouraged to discuss work experience with their children and support them in securing suitable placements. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Ruthven: isabel.ruthven@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Year 11 Food Preparation & Nutrition Practical Exam

On Tuesday 3rd February and Thursday 5th February 2026, our talented Year 11 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition students took on their 3-hour practical exam, part of their Non-Examination Assessment (NEA 2). This year’s exciting theme was “Pop-Up Restaurants” – and our students certainly rose to the challenge!

In the lead-up to the big day, students carried out extensive research and trialled six different dishes before selecting their final three showstoppers to prepare within the exam time.

Every element of their dishes was made completely from scratch — from doughs and sauces to desserts and fillings — all produced within just three hours! The creativity and skill on display were truly outstanding.

The variety of dishes was incredible, featuring fresh pasta, homemade bread, burgers, curries, pizzas, cakes, ice cream, jams, and more. The room was filled with wonderful aromas and a real buzz of energy and enthusiasm.

Positively You

On Wednesday 21 January 2026, Year 11 and Year 12 students participated in engaging Positively You sessions, tailored to their specific academic needs. Year 11 students focused on developing effective mind mapping skills, learning how to organise information visually to improve understanding, memory, and recall. Meanwhile, Year 12 students explored strategies for “bridging the gap,” equipping them with practical techniques to strengthen independent study skills and transition confidently to the demands of advanced learning.

These high-impact workshops introduced students to a variety of evidence-based revision and learning techniques designed to help them absorb, process, and retain information more effectively. Students were encouraged to reflect on their current study habits and identify new approaches they could apply across their subjects.

The Positively You sessions are one of many revision and enrichment opportunities that we offer, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to supporting students academically and personally. By providing targeted strategies and guidance, we continue to empower students to maximise their potential and achieve their very best outcomes.

Gardening Club

Winter is a quiet season in the garden. The weather is often too cold and wet to work outside, so the time is spent on preparing and planning for the new growing season. We have planted a variety of summer flowering bulbs, onion sets (these are baby onions), broad beans and sweet peas in the greenhouse. These are growing vigorously, and will be ready to plant out as soon as the weather warms up. The garlic planted outside in the raised bed is growing well, although something is fond of uprooting one particular plant, which means we have to keep replanting it. We also planted a bulb ‘lasagne’ in some tubs outside - this is a method where a variety of spring flowering bulbs are planted in layers, according to the preference of the individual plant. This allows lots of bulbs to be planted in a small space and makes for a very attractive display. Our spring flowering daffodils and winter flowering pansies in troughs outside are all growing well too.

As well as the more active side of gardening club, this module we have spent some time looking at the structure of plants. So far we have looked at roots , stems and flowers. We dissected flowers and examined their internal structures under a stereo microscope, and examined sections of roots and stems under the light microscope.

We have also made and tested watering cans and most recently, made a family of Mr Grassheads. We are looking forward to giving them all elegant coiffures once their hair grows. New members to the gardening club (both students and staff) are always welcome - we are looking forward to seeing how far our club can grow!

STEM Club

This module, STEM club members investigated how their digestive system works by making a model of the process, made a hologram projector and constructed a scribblebot (a robot that draws patterns).

Rocket Optimisation Project

We are rounding off Module 3 by preparing for the Rocket Optimisation Project in Module 4. Sponsored by the Royal Institution, and supported by engineering scientists from Kings College London, this project will see participants design, build and test small scale solid fuel rockets, record and analyse their flight and adapt their designs to give optimal performance.

Students conducted an initial test launch on the school field. This test phase forms a critical part of the engineering design cycle, and our students were enthralled and full of questions for our STEM partners after the launch

The project provides an exciting and enriching opportunity for students to develop a wide range of skills, including engineering design, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. It also encourages collaboration across age groups, with younger students benefiting from the mentorship and guidance of Sixth Form participants.

Next module, postgraduate engineering students from King’s College London will work closely with our students to support the completion and refinement of the project. This partnership offers valuable insight into real-world engineering practice and higher education pathways.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to showcase their work to the wider public and the UK science community at the Young Scientist stand during the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in June, providing a prestigious platform to celebrate their achievements and engage with the scientific fraternity.

New STEM club members are always welcome - although primarily for year 7 students, older students are very welcome to come along, plan and carry out an investigation of their choice which will then be submitted for a CREST award: this is a nationally recognised award available at a number of levels - participation at Bronze level and achieving a Bronze award has been shown to improve student attainment at GCSE by half a grade. Please speak to Mr Mensah or Mr Simpson for more details.

Testing the engines prior to starting work on the designs

Bridge Building Challenge

On Wednesday 11th of February, 60 Year 8 students had the chance to participate in the Smallpeice Trust Bridge Building challenge. Working in groups, students were tasked with designing, constructing and testing a simple bridge capable of spanning a small gap and supporting a mass of 1kg; 1 team managed to construct a bridge that could support 2kg, without damage to its structure!

The teams then used the knowledge gained in the first challenge to construct a bridge to cross a river at one of 4 points. Each bridge had different requirements in terms of length, width, strength and traffic. A wide range of really creative solutions were found, with each team managing to bring their model in on or under budget. Finally, all groups made a presentation to the audience about their design, and the bridges were tested to see how much mass they could support: 2 teams managed to construct bridges that could support 5.5kg, way above the maximum limit set!

Collaborating to solve a real world problem whilst developing their teamworking skills.

A tense few seconds waiting to see if the bridge would collapse - it took 5kg before tipping!

Working together while enhancing their teamwork abiliites.

Halley Beekeepers

Beekeeping is now in the quieter months - the bees are mainly in the hive eating their stored food, with occasional excursions outside if its a calm day with a temperature over 10 degrees.

We have spent some time learning about the biology of bees, and are planning to make a short video aimed at teenagers on the basics of beekeeping. We have also spent some time in the kitchen - this module we have made Teisen Mel (Welsh honey cakes) and cheats oat and honey bread, both of which were delicious.

As the temperature (hopefully) starts to improve, please remember to keep a look out for Asian hornets emerging from their overwintering nest. Last year there were 160 nests destroyed and over 500 credible sightings of hornets - this is a massive increase from the year before, and suggests that the hornets are here to stay. Any sightings should be reported via the free Asian hornet watch app.

Students are always welcome to join beekeeping club - during the active season we inspect the hive on a weekly basis to check that all is well, make and repair the hives and hive parts and process the honey ready for sale.

LARP News

Our LARP students have had a fantastic and productive module, building important life skills through a mix of travel training and engaging classroom learning. Recently, they teamed up with Greenwich Borough to practise travelling safely and independently around the local community. These sessions have been a real success, with students growing in confidence as they navigate public transport and follow key safety routines.

In the classroom, students have been preparing for Internet Safety Week through focused life skills lessons. They explored how to stay safe online, understand what a digital footprint is, and learnt how to recognise potential online risks. These discussions are helping them make thoughtful, responsible choices when using technology.

We’re incredibly proud of the progress our students are making—both out in the community and online as they continue developing the valuable skills needed for independence and everyday safety.

Parental Teaching and Learning Workshop

We were delighted to welcome parents to this module’s Teaching and Learning Workshop, which focused on our Values Curriculum and Tutor Programme. The session provided a clear insight into how we embed our core values across daily learning and pastoral support, helping students develop both academically and personally.

Parents had the opportunity to explore the structure of our tutor programme, understand how it supports student progress, and engage in practical strategies to reinforce learning at home. It was a valuable chance to strengthen the partnership between school and home, ensuring our students continue to thrive in a supportive and value-driven environment.

Key Stage 3 Blood Brothers Theatre Trip

On Thursday 15th January, 30 Year 9 students attended our annual trip to see a live performance of Blood Brothers the musical, at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. Despite the rainy weather, the students were enthralled and entertained by the cast who truly bought to life the characters they had read about in their English lessons in Module 1.

Our students joined in the offering of standing ovation at the end of the performance, a much deserved accolade for the travelling cast and orchestra.

The Children's Literacy Programme - Reading Lab

A new cohort of students were enrolled in the Children's Literacy Charity Reading Lab programme to support them with their reading acquisition.

The reading lab team has highly qualified staff with several years of experience working in schools at both primary and secondary levels. Students have been selected for this programme following an analysis of data collected across modules one and two through our Sparx Reader programme. Sparx Reader is a weekly homework reading programme that monitors the reading ages, speed, and accuracy of our students.

Visual & Performing Arts

Our ever growing extracurricular clubs and interventions in Visual and Performing Arts have been industrious this module. We are progressing in our School of Rock rehearsals and have a new choir and band club to add to our already broad extracurricular clubs. Our additional Year 11 interventions have also provided more specialised support for the students leading up to their exams.

In GCSE Art intervention we have been delivering skills based workshops to boost students skills, exploration of ideas, and techniques. Students experimented with printmaking (below), exploring different outcomes and ideas for different exam component themes. The themes for these artworks are; repetition, fungi and layers. Students have looked at artists such as Edward Weston and Robert Rauschenberg for inspiration.

School of Rock - A Cross-Curricular Production

Preparations are well underway for our Module 6 production of School of Rock, which will be staged in the Main Hall on Wednesday 1st July and Thursday 2nd July from 6-7pm. This project is designed to be a high-profile, inclusive showcase of talent from across all year groups.

To achieve a professional standard, we have aligned several extracurricular strands to work in unison:

Drama & Performance: Rehearsals are scheduled every Monday and Thursday until 4:30pm, focusing on ensemble work and choreography.
Musical Integration: The Academy Choir is currently supporting vocal rehearsals, while the newly established Rock Band Club is training our student musicians to provide the live score for the production.
Creative Support: The Art Club has taken on the responsibility for scenic design, including the production of all props, banners, and backdrops.

Sporting Fixtures

The LAT 5-a-Side Football

The recent 5-a-side football competitions saw a massive turnout, with teams from Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 representing both the boys' and girls' categories. The atmosphere was electric, but what truly stood out wasn't just the tactical prowess on display, but the balance between fierce competitiveness and unwavering sportsmanship.

Year 7 & 8: The younger cohorts set the bar high, showing incredible energy and teamwork. Despite the fast pace of 5-a-side, players were quick to offer a hand up to opponents and respect the referee's whistle.
Year 9 & 10: The senior games were a masterclass in strategy. We saw some stunning goals and "park the bus" defending, all handled with a level of maturity that made the Trust proud.

Congratulations to all those who competed.

Making Waves: Silver Success for Dominykas

While the action was heating up on the grass, things were just as competitive in the water at the LAT Swimming Gala.

We are thrilled to give a special spotlight to Dominykas, who delivered a powerhouse performance in the pool. Competing against some of the fastest swimmers in the Trust, Dominikas demonstrated incredible technique and stamina to secure a Silver Medal in the freestyle event.

Taking home silver at such a high-level Trust event is no small feat. It requires hours of dedication and the mental toughness to shave seconds off a personal best under pressure. Huge congratulations to Dominykas for this fantastic achievement!

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