Halley's Comment - Issue 32

Halley's Comment

Issue 32 - Module 4

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

A message from Mr Russell, Principal

Despite being one of the shortest half-terms, it never ceases to amaze me how many fantastic events, developments and achievements have taken place across the Academy in module 4. Whether on the ski slopes of Andorra, in the Plaza de España in Seville, or on the steps of Oxford University - our students have travelled far and wide to benefit from a rich array of unique learning experiences. Closer to home, students have enjoyed our annual Careers Fair, as well as performing in our musical production of Bugsy Malone. No matter which way you turn, the talents, character and achievements of our students have been on full display over the last 6 weeks.

This edition of Halley's Comment reflects our commitment to providing a holistic world-class education to the young people in our care. You'll see how our students embody our Academy values - respect, achievement, collaboration, integrity and resilience - in all that they do. Our Year 11 and 13 students continue to work extremely hard as they prepare for their final summer assessments, having now successfully completed a second round of mock examinations. Our Year 8 students have nurtured their creative skills during a pioneering project with the National Portrait Gallery. The presence and impact of our Student Leadership and Ambassador Team continues to go from strength to strength. Our first cohort of Year 13 T Level students have successfully completed their Employer Set Projects, whilst students across the Academy visited museums, galleries, universities and sports venues across London and the South-East in our Cultural Capital Day.

As we break for the Easter holiday, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all parents and carers for all their ongoing support of the Academy. This plays a foundational role in ensuring the success of our students, and we take great pleasure in working with you to provide the very best learning and personal development opportunities possible for our students. I look forward to welcoming all families back to the Academy for module 5 on Tuesday 22nd April.

Mr Russell

Principal

“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”

Turing School

As we come to the end of module 4 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

Year 11 students completed their second set of mock examinations in this module, and a copy of their progress reports was sent home. The students have been exemplary in their engagement and preparation for their GCSE exams. Their commitments and focus during this crucial time have been outstanding. We are pleased to report that they have shown a strong commitment to their preparations for their GCSE examinations, reflecting their hard work and the support they have received from their teachers and families. During the first week of the Easter holiday, there will be compulsory intervention sessions for all students. Please encourage your child to attend all sessions as per the timetable that has been shared.

Year 10: Preparing 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. Families have received the mid-year progress reports for their children - these should be used to inform the progress that students have made so far and also prepare them for the end of year mock examinations. 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: Mid-Year Assessments

Students in Years 7 to 9 completed their mid-year assessments in various subjects during this module. These assessments are essential in tracking their progress and understanding. Families have received a copy of the mid-year progress report. In module 6, students will be completing their end of year assessments in the same subjects and we are looking forward to celebrating the progress they will make after the mid-year assessments. We ask that families support their children at home during this time, ensuring they have a quiet place to study and encourage 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 150 students at 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 8T2, 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. We would also like to celebrate the following students for having the highest number of behaviour points so far this academic year: Aiden 9T1, Ema 8T2, Praashana 9T1, Benjamin 8T2, Heather 7T3, Shekinah 7T2, Danielius 7T2, Mete 8T1, Tyrese 7, Riley 9T1 and Hanza 7T3. We congratulate 8T1 for having the highest number of positive points so far this academic year.

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, Deputy Heads of Turing School, Mr Rajendran, Director of Progress, Ms Halliday and Ms McCrossen, Small School Managers, Ms Murfitt, 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 someone from Turing School at any point, please email us at turing@halley.latrust.org.uk.

Mr Kamya

Head of Turing School

Easley School

The incredible total of over 15,000 positive points awarded to Easley students this academic year is a powerful reflection of the consistent effort, positive attitudes, and engagement we see both within the classroom and beyond. These points are awarded for a wide range of achievements, including excellent effort in lessons, outstanding independent learning, kindness, and exemplifying the various aspects of the IB learning profile. The fact that we have surpassed 15,000 points already this year highlights the collective commitment of our students to striving for excellence in all aspects of their school life.

Our special shout out to Alice 8E1, Arman 8E2, Sevan 8E1, Fatimata 7E2, Bella 8E1, Daisy 7E1, Greisi 7E1, Victoria 8E2, Chelsie 8E1, and Daniel 8E1 who have consistently gone above and beyond in accumulating positive points. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all. However, it's important to acknowledge that many other students are very close behind, demonstrating that a culture of positive contribution is thriving within Easley. Keep pushing yourselves, everyone – your efforts are being noticed and valued!

Easley's consistently strong attendance, which remains above both national and local averages, is a testament to the commitment of our students and their families to prioritizing education. We firmly believe that every minute of every lesson matters, providing crucial opportunities for learning, understanding, and growth.

Our sincere commendations 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. We understand that sometimes absence is unavoidable, but the commitment shown by so many of our students to be in school every day is truly commendable and sets them up for greater success.

The recent food examinations were a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their culinary skills developed throughout their lessons. We were thrilled to see a wide array of tasty and well-presented dishes, demonstrating not only their practical abilities but also their understanding of ingredients, techniques, and presentation. It was a delight to see how enthusiastic some students were to share their creations with Ms Stratford in the Easley office, which exemplifies the belonging to the Easley Small School. These exams provide valuable experience in applying their knowledge in a practical setting and often reveal hidden talents!

Our recent Careers Fair was a vibrant and informative event designed to broaden our students' horizons and encourage them to think proactively about their future pathways. The fair provided opportunities for students to build on the work that they have done in Unifrog regarding their futures. We hope this event has inspired our students to research further and consider the many exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

The Year 11 mock exams were an intense period of focused effort and preparation. While challenging, this experience ensured our students are fully prepared for their final GCSE examinations. We are incredibly proud of the mature and dedicated approach our Year 11 students took towards these exams, and we are confident that this experience will stand them in good stead for their final assessments. It was good to see the health inspiring competition between groups of friends. We are confident that students will apply all feedback that is yielded from these mocks in order to further improve their attainment in the summer exams.

We are bursting with pride for our Year 7 student, Dominykas 7E2, who recently represented his country in an international swim meet! This is an incredible achievement that reflects years of dedication, hard work, and talent. What makes Dominykas' success even more remarkable is that on top of his intense training schedule outside of school, his behaviour and commitment to learning within the Academy are also exemplary. He embodies the true spirit of a dedicated student-athlete, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in multiple areas with focus and determination. Dominykas, your dedication and devotion are truly to be commended, and we look forward to following your promising journey!

As we reach the end of this module, we encourage all our Easley students to take this holiday as an opportunity to recharge, relax, and spend quality time with their loved ones. This break is essential for your well-being and will allow you to return to the Academy refreshed and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of module 5.

To ensure a smooth start to the new module, please also use this time to check and replenish your uniform, equipment, and stationery items. Being well-prepared will allow you to focus fully on your learning from the very first day back.

We wish you all a wonderful and restful end-of-term holiday and eagerly anticipate welcoming you back for another successful module!

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 conclude this module, we would like to reflect on an essential 'Approach to Learning' that has played a crucial role in our tutor periods throughout this module; that of self-management. Developing strong self-management skills enables all students to take control of their education and life choices, ensuring that they remain focused and motivated. Self-management is more than just time management; it involves setting goals, staying organised, maintaining self-discipline, and developing resilience in the face of challenges. Throughout this module, we have encouraged our learners to take responsibility for their learning, and the achievements of all of our Franklin students are testament to this.

Franklin students have accumulated an incredible total of over 16,000 positive points already across the course of this academic year so far. Our highest achievers in Franklin should be particularly congratulated for their efforts: Lucius-Casey 7F2 who has achieved the highest number of points across the whole Academy totalling 387 meanwhile Haya 7F1 (283), Ishmael 7F2 (278), Floria 7F1 (263), Riley-James 7F2 (254), Abdulaleem 8F1 (207) and Adelina 7F2 (207) should also be commended for their tremendous achievements.

The array of extracurricular activities on offer this module for all of our learners; whether it be during our Cultural Capital day, Careers Fair, STEM events or sporting achievements have provided Franklin with the opportunity to excel and thrive outside of the classroom. Aisha 10F2 was also chosen to represent the Academy at the Greenwich Regional Finals at the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. Meanwhile, many of our Year 10 students have also had training in phonics and are now reading leader mentors for some of our lower school students. Dorina 10F2, Anisah 10F1, Naomi 10F2, Grace 10F2 and Fola 10F1 should all be very proud of their achievements so far.

Special mentions for this module must go to Jack 9 , Guy-Junior 7 and Alfie 7. These students' commitment to their learning and progress has been recognised by a Tea with the Principal. Meanwhile, Ola 8F1, Taylor 8F2, Harley-Marie 9F1, Zainab 9F2, Tillie 7F2 and Salvador Marie 9F2 have all been ambassadors throughout the course of this module showing visitors around the Academy.

Learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing habits that support growth and success. Self-management is embodied in our attendance figures, which remain both above national and local levels. Many of our students have been the recipients of 100% certificates throughout the academic year, an incredible feat for which they should be very proud of.

Finally, all those Year 11 students should be recognised for their commitment to learning as they approach their final examinations, which begin in module 5. Many students have already indicated that they will be attending the Easter revision sessions.

As we continue into module 5, we must endeavour to remember that self-management is a lifelong skill. By consistently applying these strategies, you can enhance your academic performance and professional success. Please take the time over the holiday to rest and relax, and to hopefully enjoy the warmer days and we look forward to seeing you return in April, refreshed and ready to learn.

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

As we end another busy term, we would like to take a moment to share some important updates and highlights from the past few weeks, as well as upcoming events and initiatives for our Year 12 and 13 students. This newsletter aims to provide you with an overview of recent activities, achievements, and opportunities that are shaping our students’ academic and personal growth.

Cultural Capital Day – A Day of Enrichment for Year 12 and 13 Students

To enrich our students' academic and personal development, we recently held a Cultural Capital Day. This special event offered a variety of activities tailored to Year 12 students. Year 13 ICT and Art students participated in a drop down day, where they focused on refining coursework and portfolios.

In addition to this, Year 12 students engaged in several practical and valuable sessions, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, cooking, and finance. These workshops aimed to equip students with essential life skills, such as managing their personal wellbeing during stressful periods, preparing healthy meals on a budget, and understanding financial budgeting and business pitching—in particular the 'Approaches To Learning' skills employed by the International Baccalaureate; skills that will prove invaluable as they transition into adulthood.

Year 13: 'Positively You' Session - Mind Mapping for Success

Year 13 students participated in a ‘Positively You’ session, focusing on developing strategies to support their revision for upcoming exams. One of the highlights of the session was the development of mind-maps. Students explored how mind-mapping can be used as an effective tool to help them visualise complex concepts, plan their essays, and approach revision in a structured and efficient way. This technique has already shown promising results in aiding students' organisational skills and reducing anxiety around revision.

Year 13 University Offers – Good News!

We are excited to share that Year 13 students are beginning to receive offers from their chosen universities. These offers are a testament to the hard work and dedication our students have put into their studies over the past two years. The next few weeks will be crucial for students as they continue to make decisions regarding their future education. We encourage all parents to support their children in reviewing their options and discussing the best paths forward. Our staff are also available to provide guidance as students weigh their offers and make final decisions.

Aspirational Digital Year 12 Trip – A Visit to the Aspiration Digital Event at Bluewater

We are thrilled that a group of our Year 12 students attended the Aspiration Digital Event at Bluewater in March. This exciting educational trip was designed to inspire students about the many possibilities within the digital and technology sectors. The event featured industry professionals discussing emerging technologies, career opportunities, and the future of the digital economy. This experience was an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about digital careers first-hand and explore how they can position themselves for success in this rapidly evolving field.

We would like to thank all parents and carers for their continued support throughout the term. Together, we are helping our students build not only academic success but also the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their future endeavours.

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"

Examinations

Years 11, 12 and 13 sat a series of Mock Examinations from Monday 3rd March to Friday 14th March. The results convey the progress students made since the last mock examinations. The feedback students receive from their teachers is invaluable in helping them prepare for their final examinations in May 2025.

The mock examinations are in line with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations to ensure students are practised in exam protocols, including code of conduct, to meet public examination standards. All examination regulations were adhered to regarding mobile phones, watches, and other electronic devices (these are not allowed to be on a student’s person in an exam room). These arrangements are exactly as they would be for a public exam such as a GCSE, BTEC, IB or T Level.

Our Year 11 Food Technology students completed their practical examinations, which, when combined with their coursework, account for 35% of their final grade. During the exam, each student prepared three dishes under the design brief ‘Takeaway’, demonstrating their impressive culinary skills. From freshly made bread, pasta, and pastry to delicious fillings, rich sauces, and an array of delectable desserts, the variety and quality of their hard work was outstanding. Students showcased their creativity, technical ability, and time management under exam conditions, producing dishes that reflected both skill and dedication. A huge well done to all our Year 11 students for their hard work and fantastic achievements!

Food Technology Examination "Takeaway"

Career 1-to-1 Interviews

During Module 4, the second cohort of Year 11 students took part in one-to-one career interviews with a qualified careers advisor. All Year 11 students have now completed their career interviews, while Years 12 and 10 have begun theirs. These personalised sessions are designed to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future—whether exploring Post-16 and Post-18 pathways or considering long-term career aspirations.

Career guidance plays a vital role in preparing students for their next steps, helping them understand their options and how to achieve their goals. Many students came prepared with questions and discussion points, making the most of this valuable opportunity to shape their future plans.

Daniel, Year 10, presenting a speech

Guest Speaker Anthia Amar from Meridian Speakers presenting on ‘Evaluation of a Speech’

Youth Leadership Programme

In module 4, our Student Leaders actively participated in the weekly 90-minutes Youth Leadership Programme, where honed their communication and leadership skills through a series of interactive and engaging sessions. Throughout the programme, students had the invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced guest speakers, including representatives from the Meridian Speakers Club, Lewisham Speakers Club, and staff members from Leigh Academy Halley. These sessions have provided key insights on various aspects of public speaking, such as how to effectively organise a speech, the importance of active listening, and the process of evaluating a speech.

Each week, students are given the challenge of preparing and delivering a speech on a selected topic. This hands-on approach significantly booste their confidence as they continue to refine their speaking abilities. By taking the stage regularly, they have developed not only their public speaking skills but also their ability to present ideas in a clear and engaging manner.

A particularly valuable component of the programme is the 'Impromptu Speaking 'section. In this part of the session, students are given a random title or topic and asked to speak on it without prior preparation. This exercise sharpens their ability to think quickly and express their ideas in a coherent and logical way. The impromptu speeches encourage students to think on their feet, enhancing their critical thinking, adaptability, and capacity to communicate effectively under pressure.

We look forward to the remaining sessions in module 5 and the opportunity for the Student Leaders to visit the Meridian Speakers Club in Greenwich. During this visit, they will gain first hand experience of how a real speaking club functions and how it benefits its members.

Student Leadership Meetings - Ambassadors & Deputy Head Students

Student Leaders met every Wednesday from 8:00am to 8:30am throughout module 4 to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at improving their learning environment and strengthening the connections within the community they live in.

One of the key initiatives the Student Leaders have been working on is a collaborative project with the STEM department, focused on creating an eco-friendly initiative for the Academy. This project is part of their broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, allowing them to take an active role in promoting greener practices within the school.

In addition to their collaborative efforts, the Student Leaders are also refining their individual roles and responsibilities within the group. Each student has been assigned a leadership area to focus on, which includes sectors such as school news, success, community, wellbeing, and sport. These focused areas allow the leaders to take ownership of specific aspects of school life, further developing their leadership skills and their ability to create positive change in those domains.

To support their growth and development, our student leaders attend the weekly Youth Leadership Programme, which provides valuable training in public speaking and leadership. This programme equips them with the necessary tools to communicate effectively, inspire others, and lead with confidence.

By taking on these responsibilities and engaging in these enriching activities, our student leaders are not only contributing to their own personal development but also creating a positive and lasting influence on the environment around them. Through their efforts, they are actively helping to foster a school culture that values leadership, community engagement, and sustainability.

Year 8 National Portrait Gallery Art Workshops

All of our Year 8 students took part in a collaborative project with The National Portrait Gallery as part of their 'People and Places' project with other schools across the Greenwich Borough. The project focuses on famous faces in and around Greenwich and our relationship with our local community. Students took part in a number of drawing and photography workshops and really enjoyed the opportunity to experience these, with some of the fantastic work of students showcased below.

Bugsy Malone Production

What a joy it has been to put on this show! The commitment, talent, and sheer enthusiasm of our students made this an absolute pleasure to direct. From the first read-through to the final bow; every moment has been filled with energy, laughter, and more than a few moments of organised chaos.

We hope this will become a regular event at Leigh Academy Halley, a chance for our students to continue creating, collaborating, and, most importantly, having fun. The arts matter. To create is vital - and our students do this in abundance.

A huge thank you to the fabulous co-directors, Mx Veasley-Watts and Ms Derby, for being both artistic visionaries. To the inimitable Mr Ashington, who, alongside the brilliant Peripatetic teachers and our very own Mr Boot, brought this fantastic score to life—so much so that I now find myself singing it at home.

We are ever so grateful to our set team; Amar, Leo, Callum, Tiffany, and Elizabeth did a fantastic job on the set.

Finally, an enormous thank you to Mrs Courtley - our Director of Learning, Ms Bellamy, Mrs Milward, Mrs Kramer-Smith, Ms Wildman, Mrs Owusu-Taylor, Ms Nzewi, Mrs Parsons, and the truly wonderful team we have here at Leigh Academy Halley. Their support, encouragement, and hard work make productions like this possible.

As Oscar Wilde so wisely said: "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Tonight, our students are the stars. Let’s celebrate them shining.

Mr Matthews - Drama & Performing Arts

Year 13 International Baccalaureate Visual Arts Exhibition

Year 13 students curated their final exhibition as part of their IB Visual Arts component. This has been our largest piece of work for the Visual Arts IB. Students developed their own themes linking to their overarching theme of ‘Human Condition’. The body of work focuses on three disciplines; two dimensional, three dimensional and digital media. This work contributes to 40% of their final IB grade. Students wrote a rationale and an exhibition text for each piece to contextualise their ideas and they worked hard to bring this all together. Visitors to the Academy have been able to enjoy all of their wonderful work as it is currently displayed in reception.

Transport for London Workshop

Year 9 students took part in an invaluable workshop, “Project Guardian” by TfL. This provided useful information to help students be responsible and safe whilst using public transport. Through interactive discussions and practical tips, students learnt how to stay safe, report incidents, and navigate public transport confidently. This workshop empowers our students to make informed decisions when using public transport, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.

Careers Fair

Our Careers Fair, held on Friday 8th March, gave students valuable insights into a wide range of career paths, industries, and professions. Providing exposure to diverse career options at an early stage is key to supporting students’ academic and professional development. We were fortunate to have 30 different professions represented at the careers fair, across a diverse range of industries including engineering, finance, interior design, medicine, the Royal Air Force, architecture, energy, construction, transport, and the police.

We are fortunate to have a wealth of professional expertise within our Leigh Academy Halley community, and many of our families kindly took part in the fair in a professional capacity.

All students across Years 7 to 13 attended the careers fair in groups across the day, engaging with professionals to learn about their careers, the subjects they studied, the skills required, and the realities of working in different industries. This interactive format gave students first-hand knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their future academic and career pathways.

By sharing their experiences and career journeys, the professionals provided invaluable guidance, inspiring students and helping them understand the opportunities and challenges of various professions. We are incredibly grateful to all those who contributed to making the event a success.

Reader Leader & Mentoring Programme

A number of Year 10 students have taken part in mentor training with the Children’s Literacy Trust. Several Year 10 students were trained to support Key Stage 3 students to develop their reading, fluency and comprehension skills. All of the mentors were able to meet with their Key Stage 3 mentees at the training sessions and will be working together until the end of this academic year.

The ‘Leaders’ were carefully selected from our Year 10 student cohort. The leaders learned about the reading process, fluency, comprehension skills, and the development of vocabulary. Both the Reader and the Leader developed a strong partnership throughout the process where the Leader plays a significant role in developing the confidence of the younger child and helped them to enjoy reading.

Reader Leaders met with student twice per week during tutor time. The Reader Leader Programme will provide students with a valuable mentoring experience that can be used for Duke of Edinburgh's Award volunteering hours and will be used for their UCAS applications and CVs.

Blood Brothers Trip

An exciting opportunity arose for our Key Stage 3 cohort to see the production of Blood Brothers on Thursday 6th March at the New Wimbledon Theatre. The MYP encourages students to see a range of live theatrical performances so they can confidently analyse play scripts and live theatre productions. Blood Brothers is studied by Year 9 students throughout Module One, therefore, this was the perfect opportunity for our students to enrich their learning and see the playscript studied in school performed live on stage.

Cultural Capital Day

On Wednesday 2nd April, all students at the Academy took part in our second Cultural Capital day. Students in Year 7 and 8 participated in their annual Growing Against Violence workshops, learning about how to be safe and confident in and around the local community.

Year 9 and 10 students took part in curriculum enrichments trips including London's City Hall for a tour and talk about the important work conducted at the Mayor's Office, the Globe theatre for a workshop on the GCSE English Literature text, Macbeth, and to home of Arsenal F.C. to learn about careers in sport and the inner-workings of an international brand and football organisation.

Years 11 and 13 students took part in vital preparation for their upcoming external examinations, working with their class teachers to secure knowledge and consolidate learning.

British Science Week

For a week in March, we marked Science Week with an exciting Super Science Week microsite! Each day featured a thought-provoking quote, a fascinating science fact, and a spotlight on a scientific career.

The site was packed with home experiments, engaging activities, and fun science puzzles—perfect for sparking curiosity. Alongside this, the Science Week Puzzle Google Classroom challenged both staff and students with a daily science-themed puzzle.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made Science Week a success!

Breakfast with the Principal

Yannael 7F1 and Ishmael 7F2, and Aiden in Year 9T1 achieved Gold Medal Awards in module 3 and to celebrate this wonderful achievement, an invitation was extended to the students and parents to join the Principal for breakfast on Friday 7th March.

A Gold Medal Award is a culmination of award marks, given by teachers and support staff where students produce work of a high standard, demonstrate a positive commitment to learning, contribute significantly to the Academy community through acts of kindness, or demonstrate Leigh Academy Halley values and characteristics. When a student completes their 6th award card in the academic year they are invited, along with their family to breakfast with the Principal.

Congratulations to you all for such fantastic achievements!

First Give Assembly

First Give supports students to learn about social issues in their communities. Year 8 students attended this assembly on Wednesday 12th March. The students were attentive and engaged from the beginning to the end and the facilitator was extremely impressed with the maturity and reflective questions that were asked by the students. This was a great start for the students’ project which culminates in the Grand Final during July.

Years 12 and 13 Business Studies Workshop

Students attended this workshop at Bluewater on Thursday 13th March. Mr Adeduntan reflected on the workshop as follows; "I had the privilege of taking a group of Year 12 students to the Aspiration Digital event, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. From the moment we arrived, they were fully engaged, absorbing every piece of insight shared by industry professionals. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and professionalism stood out, making them true role models for other schools in attendance. Their exceptional behaviour and eagerness to learn reflected all that is great about The Leigh Academy Halley. It was a proud moment to see them represent our school so well, demonstrating the values we uphold every day."

Shakespeare's Globe - Macbeth

Years 10 and 11 visited Shakespeare's Globe on Friday 14th March to experience a production of Macbeth. The students who attended this special and exclusive event, were given an authentic 1600s experience of watching a live performance in an open-air theatre. In true Shakespearan style students were encouraged to interact with the actors and create a tense and dramatic atmosphere through audience participation.

LAT Maths Feast

A huge congratulations to Daniel 10F2, Jacob 10T1, Darius 10F2, and Olawunmi 10T2, who achieved an impressive second-place finish in the demanding Maths Feast competition on Friday 14th March at Ebbsfleet Academy. Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional mathematical abilities have earned them a well-deserved spot to represent Leigh Academy Halley at the prestigious Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) Year 10 Maths Feast competition.

The Maths Feast is an esteemed national competition that challenges students to apply a wide range of skills, including mathematical reasoning, clear communication, and effective teamwork, all within a collaborative and stimulating environment. This competition not only tests students’ abilities to solve complex problems but also encourages them to think critically and approach mathematics with creativity and enthusiasm. It provides an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their problem-solving skills while nurturing their passion for mathematics.

Year 10 Oxford University Visit

On Tuesday 18th March, Year 10 students had the fantastic opportunity to visit Oxford University, one of the world's most prestigious institutions. With over 24,000 students from more than 140 countries, Oxford is a centre of academic excellence, diversity, and innovation. The trip aims to broaden students' aspirations and give them an insight into university life as they start considering their Post-16 and Post-18 pathways. Students explored the historic university buildings, learnt about the application process, and discovered the wide range of subjects on offer. They also had the chance to interact with current students, gaining valuable first-hand knowledge about studying at Oxford.

This experience was invaluable in building students’ confidence and resilience, helping them to see the possibilities that lie ahead. A huge thank you to Oxford University for hosting us organising such an inspiring visit!

Year 11 and 13 Positively You Workshops

On Wednesday 19th March, students from Year 11 and 13 took part in invaluable Positively You sessions which focuses on Exam Buster techniques for Year 11 and Exam Mastery strategies for Year 13. These sessions are designed to equip students with the essential skills and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of their upcoming exams with confidence and composure.

The Exam Buster session, tailored for Year 11 students, was a dynamic and high-impact intervention aimed at ensuring students feel as well-prepared as possible for the realities of sitting their GCSEs. This session placed a strong emphasis on effective revision techniques, productivity tips, and strategies for managing stress. By focusing on these key areas, the Exam Buster session aims to boost students' preparedness, helping them feel more confident and capable when approaching their crucial Key Stage 4 exams.

Year 13 students engaged in the Exam Mastery session, an interactive and fast-paced workshop designed to enhance their memory skills and build their self-confidence. This session is especially beneficial in addressing the demands and workload of Key Stage 5 studies. The session focused on developing higher-order thinking skills, helping students not only retain information more effectively but also apply that knowledge in a more strategic and analytical way. This approach is aimed at improving overall exam performance, ensuring that Year 13 students are equipped to handle the complex and challenging nature of their upcoming exams.

Both sessions are designed with the specific needs of each year group in mind, ensuring that students left with a greater sense of control over their exam preparation and a renewed belief in their ability to succeed.

Reading Lab Celebration

On Thursday 20th March, our second cohort of students attended a celebration in the library to mark the end of their Reading Lab Programme.

Year 7 parents, students and siblings gathered for a small tea-party to recognise the reading achievements of this cohort who have been working with the Children's Literacy Society. The Reading Lab will continue with Year 9 students in module 5.

Year 7 Scam Awareness Workshop

On both Monday 17th and 24th March, Year 7 students took part in an engaging and informative Scams Awareness workshop, delivered by Ernst & Young’s (EY) Financial Crime and Forensics team. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team, aimed to raise awareness of scams and fraud while equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities from these increasingly complex crimes.

During the interactive one-hour session, EY’s financial crime prevention professionals—who work with clients across the financial services sector—shared real-world insights on fraud prevention. The students explored different types of scams, how to spot them, and ways to safeguard themselves, their friends, and their families.

This valuable session not only highlighted the importance of financial awareness, but also empowered our students with practical strategies to stay safe in an increasingly digital world.

Parental Teaching & Learning Workshop

The Parental Workshop this module was focused on our Middle Years Programme. The parents that attended were provided information on the ethos of the International Baccalaureate; the Learner Profile, Approaches to Learning and the Interdisciplinary Units that are taught in Years 7-9.

The workshop also provided parents with an insight into our provision at Sixth Form level and the courses we offer as part of our International Baccalaureate Careers Programme.

Spanish GCSE Trip to Seville

On Sunday 23rd March, 33 Year 10 and 11 students flew to Seville for 4 days to enjoy the Spanish language in its true context.

The youth hostel they stayed in allowed the students to get plenty of rest and sleep, all within walking distance of the magnificent Plaza de España and the beautiful Alcázar Palace and awe-inspiring cathedral.

Food was an experience itself, and having the opportunity to buy fresh produce at the local market gave the students speaking opportunities beyond the classroom setting.

The weather was glorious, the behaviour was exemplary and the staff, Ms Scopsi, Ms Beswick, Mr Adeduntan, and Ms Mellon, were definitely impressed by how all of the students conducted themselves in this unfamiliar and unique environment - ¡Gracias compañeros de viaje! We even managed a bit of footie at a local playground. ¡Fue muy divertido!

Andorra Ski Trip

In the early hours of Sunday 23rd March, 24 students and 3 staff gathered at the gates of the Academy to journey to the slopes of Andorra for the very first Leigh Academy Halley Ski Trip!

From day one in their skis and helmets, students demonstrated their independence, resilience to conquer a whole new set of skills and experiences, triumphantly making it to the top of this Pyrenees mountain range by their final session on Friday 28th March. Owen, in Year 9 said, before he had stepped foot in the snow, that "this is going to be the best experience of my life!".

Before we had even embarked on our return journey, students were calling home to ask their parents to take part in next year's trip. The goodbye to the beautiful setting of Arinsal, Andorra was emotional, but watch this space for the 2026 Andorra trip letter!

Year 9 and 10 Tag Rugby Tournament

At the start of module 4, Years 9 and 10 boys showcased exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination in this year’s Leigh Academy Trust Tag Rugby Tournament, emerging as one of the standout teams of the competition. The tournament, held at Leigh Academy Strood, brought together teams from across the Trust, all eager to demonstrate their skills and compete at the highest level.

From the very first whistle, our students set the tone with their fast-paced play, sharp passing, and strategic movements. Their ability to communicate and adapt to different opponents proved invaluable as they secured many victories in the group stages, making their way up the table with confidence and composure.

One of the highlights of the Year 9 tournament was their penultimate match, where our team faced a formidable opponent and one that was top of the table. Displaying resilience and tactical brilliance, our students executed a well-structured offensive strategy, scoring tries early on to set the tone. Their teamwork and discipline paid off as they secured a narrow but well-deserved victory.

With the Years 9 and 10s giving their all, the tournament was a testament to the high standard of competition. Our students showed incredible spirit, putting in a commendable performance that demonstrated so many of our values. Although the team finished 1 and 2 places off the final, respectively, their sportsmanship and determination were truly inspiring.

A special mention goes to Moses, whose leadership and outstanding performances were instrumental in the team's success.

Congratulations to all the players for their remarkable achievement! Their hard work and dedication have made the Academy proud, and we look forward to seeing them continue to excel in future competitions.

The Infinity Hub

Culture Capital Trips

We took our students to Gravity in Bluewater for a day of sporting fun! Students had a great time jumping around and taking risks partaking in new activities that they had never experienced before. Lots of our students had a fantastic time travelling to Bluewater by bus and enjoyed following the bus routes throughout the day.

Roots for Life

This module we have been very busy at our weekly visits to Roots for Life. Apart from our regular litter picking, gardening, and bird watching, we have been helping to prepare the new trim trail for everyone to use. We then got to use the trim trail with the help of Charlton Athletic Community Trust whose coaches came to show us how to use it.

DSP Parents Coffee Morning

Our Educational Psychologist met with parents for a Q&A session to answer questions that our parents in the DSP had regarding language and behaviours. It was lovely to have parents together to be able to share experiences with each other.

Year 7 Space Exploration STEM Masterclass

The STEM Day event, organised by the UK National Space Agency on Monday 31st March for Year 7 students, offered an exciting and hands-on learning experience about space exploration. Students delved into the fascinating world of space travel, exploring the workings of the Hubble Space Telescope and the cutting-edge James Webb Space Telescope. They also gained insight into the role of hydrogen fuel cells in producing energy to power space rockets, highlighting the intersection of technology and sustainability in space missions.

In addition to these educational sessions, students worked in teams to design, build, and compete with model aerodynamic air rockets. This challenge sparked their creativity and allowed them to apply problem-solving skills in a practical context. Throughout the event, the students developed essential teamwork and innovative thinking skills, further inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields.