Leigh Academy Hugh Christie

Newsletter: Module 4

Dear Parents / Carers

It has been another incredibly busy and successful module across the academy, with many opportunities for our students, families and wider community to engage and celebrate success.

We were delighted to welcome so many of our Year 9 parents and carers to our recent Options Evening. It was a pleasure to see such strong attendance and to hear the meaningful discussions taking place. There is a clear and shared commitment between home and academy to support our students as they move into the next stage of their journey, supported by our diverse and well-balanced curriculum offer.

Our Year 7 and Year 8 students have demonstrated outstanding community spirit this term. Through a range of initiatives, including park runs and charity activities, they have shown real leadership and compassion, raising over £500 for a number of charities of their choice. We are extremely proud of their contribution to the wider community.

We were also pleased to host our first Rotary Club Young Photographer Competition, based on the theme “Happiness in Nature.” The standard of entries was exceptional, and we were incredibly proud to see our students confidently showcase their creativity and talent.

Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have now completed their final round of mock examinations. We are incredibly proud of their resilience, dedication and determination, which has been clearly reflected in their strong performances. To support them further, a comprehensive programme of revision sessions has been planned over the Easter break across a range of subjects.

In addition, we have hosted a number of VIP Taster Days for our Year 11 students, giving them valuable insight into life as a sixth form student at our academy. We have been delighted with the high level of engagement and are particularly pleased that many students have already submitted applications to continue their studies within our thriving sixth form provision.

This week, we were also thrilled to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families ahead of September 2026. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and engagement, and we are excited to begin this important journey with them as they become part of our academy community.

Please take a moment to read through the rest of this newsletter to see more of what our students have been involved in this module.

Finally, on behalf of the academy, I wish you and your family a very Happy Easter break. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday 20th April at 8:25am.

Best regards,

Mr Palak Shah

Principal

Going the Extra Mile for Babons Cancer Support

On Saturday, 21st March, Year 7 students completed a 5K Park Run as part of their IB Service as Action, raising funds for Babons Cancer Support. With beautiful weather and a real buzz at the start line, it was a fantastic experience from beginning to end.

Students approached the challenge with determination and resilience, encouraging one another every step of the way. It was lovely to see such strong team spirit, alongside support from the wider running community, which helped create a really positive and uplifting atmosphere.

This event was a great example of our students putting their learning into action, showing care for others and making a meaningful contribution to the community. We are incredibly proud to share that they have already raised an impressive £455, exceeding their original target.

A huge thank you to all the family and friends who supported the Year 7's to raise this impressive figure, also, huge thank you to Mrs Draper and her team of Year 7 Advisors for supporting this initiative.

Capturing Talent: Young Photographer Success

We were delighted to host the Rotary Young Photographer Local Heat at the academy this module, welcoming families and friends to celebrate the fantastic work on display. This year’s theme, Happiness in Nature, inspired a wide range of thoughtful and creative responses from our students.

The exhibition created a really special atmosphere, with students proudly sharing their work and the stories behind their images. Following time to view the exhibition, a panel of judges carefully considered each entry before selecting their winners.

A huge congratulations to Cerys, whose striking digital multiple exposure was awarded first place. Zachary and Isaac were also recognised as Highly Commended for their impressive entries.

We would like to thank the Tonbridge Rotary Club and Warners Solicitors for their support in making the event possible. The judges commented on the exceptional standard of work, describing the talent on show as truly outstanding.

Well done to all of our students who had their work selected for the exhibition – a brilliant achievement. We now look forward to seeing Cerys represent the academy at the District Finals.

International Success for Turing College Student

A huge congratulations to Thomas in Turing College, who has achieved an incredible success at the Madrid Open, winning double gold in his category.

Competing at an international level, Thomas delivered an outstanding performance, securing five out of six submissions and achieving a points victory. This is a fantastic accomplishment, made even more special as it marks his first time winning gold at an international competition.

Thomas should be extremely proud of his achievement, which reflects his hard work, dedication and commitment to his sport. We are delighted to celebrate this success and look forward to seeing what he achieves next.

Making a Difference in Our Community

Our Year 8 students have been busy putting their IB Service as Action into practice this module, with each advisory group selecting a local charity to support. From organisations such as the The Bridge Trust to Folly Wildlife Rescue, students chose causes that really mattered to them.

Taking real ownership of their projects, students showed great initiative by planning and organising their own fundraising events within school. From popular bake sales to lively charity football matches, it has been fantastic to see their creativity, teamwork and commitment in action.

A special mention to Mr Smith’s advisory group, 8CO7, who have raised over £106 and counting. Jameson, Tilly, Lacey, Jermaine and Macey worked incredibly hard to promote and organise their event, raising funds for Mind in Tonbridge, an organisation doing vital work to support mental health in the local community.

Most importantly, this has been a meaningful opportunity for our students to give back, developing a strong sense of responsibility and compassion for others. We are very proud of the positive impact they are making.

Maths Beyond the Classroom

Our Year 10 mathematicians recently swapped the classroom for the lecture hall, attending the Education in Action conference in London to explore the boundless reach of mathematics.

The day featured five guest speakers, each peeling back the curtain on how numbers shape our world from the hidden algorithms of social media to the high-stakes calculations in engineering and environmental science.

The guest speakers discuss various careers which required maths such as oceanography, game design and cryptography.

Fighting Spirit on the Rugby Field

A huge well done to our Year 10 rugby team, who secured an impressive 3rd place at the LAT tournament this module. Facing strong competition and with relatively limited rugby experience, the team showed real determination, resilience and teamwork throughout the day.

After a competitive group stage, with two wins, two draws and one loss, the team progressed to a tense play-off round. They narrowly missed out on a place in the final, before going on to face local rivals Leigh Academy Tonbridge in the 3rd place match.

In a closely contested game, the team demonstrated great composure under pressure. After a last-minute equaliser and a disallowed try, they held their nerve and secured victory with a decisive Golden Try to take 3rd place overall.

The team were a real credit to the academy, showing excellent sportsmanship, strong communication and a willingness to support one another throughout.

Well done to Jayden, Vinnie, Jacob, Anluan, Alfie, Luke, Archie, Jack, Toby, Daniel and Charlie on a fantastic achievement.

Investigating Life in London

Our Year 10 Geographers recently took part in a fieldwork visit to London as part of their GCSE Human Geography course. The focus of the day was to investigate differences in quality of life within an urban area, comparing the regenerated East Village with the neighbouring Carpenters Estate.

Students collected first-hand data through observations, environmental quality surveys and field sketches, developing their understanding of how regeneration can impact communities in different ways. It was great to see students engaging thoughtfully with their surroundings, asking perceptive questions and making links to their classroom learning.

Despite a busy day and plenty of walking, students approached the experience with enthusiasm and curiosity, demonstrating a strong enquiry mindset and a real commitment to their learning.

Building Understanding: A Lawyer-Led Consent Workshop

Terry, a lawyer and volunteer with the Schools Consent Project, led the really engaging and thought-provoking workshop for our students.

As part of our PSHRE programme, our Sixth Form students recently took part in a special lawyer-led workshop delivered by the Schools Consent Project. This provided a clear and informative legal perspective on an important topic.

Students were introduced to key concepts such as choice, freedom and capacity, helping them to understand what consent means in different situations and why it is so important. The session also encouraged students to think carefully about communication, respect and personal boundaries, both online and offline.

The workshop created a safe and thoughtful space for discussion, allowing students to ask questions, challenge misconceptions and develop their understanding in a mature and respectful way. It was particularly valuable in helping students feel more informed and confident when navigating relationships as they move into adulthood.

We are very grateful to the Schools Consent Project for delivering such an engaging and important session, supporting our students to make informed and responsible choices.

Recognising Success

College Merit Tally

Looking at the IB Learner Profile, the most frequently recognised attributes highlight the values we are developing in our students. ‘Principled’ has been most awarded in both Angelou and Coe, showing a strong sense of integrity, responsibility and doing the right thing. Meanwhile, ‘Inquirer’ stands out in Attenborough, reflecting curiosity, independence and a real drive to learn. These strengths are a great reflection of our school culture and the character we are building in our learners. Yet again, Attenborough takes the top spot!

Highest Merit Achievers

Angelou

Toby (8AN7) - 556 points

Attenborough

Borys (7AT8) - 633 points

Coe

Amelie (10CO3) - 492 points

Turing

Julian (SF4) - 266 points

College Awards

Angelou

Lily (9AN5)

Lily is a standout student leader in Angelou, consistently modelling our values and high standards. She shows genuine care for others, approaches her learning with curiosity and reflection, and is a fantastic role model to her peers. Her commitment is clear through her excellent attendance and the impressive milestone of 450 merit points.

Benjamin (10AN4 )

Ben is a brilliant student leader who consistently reflects the values and high expectations of Angelou. He is hardworking, dedicated and shows real care for others, while approaching his learning with curiosity and reflection. Ben is a fantastic role model, with his commitment clear in his excellent attendance and an impressive 454 merit points achieved so far this year.

Attenborough

Harrison (8AT7)

Harrison is a fantastic student leader who consistently demonstrates the values and high expectations of Attenborough College. He is hardworking, dedicated and always shows care for others, while striving to develop his knowledge across a range of subjects as a reflective inquirer. Harrison sets a great example to his peers, with his commitment reflected in his strong attendance and an impressive 414 merit points achieved so far this year.

Skye (AT7)

Attenborough College commend Skye for her consistent hard work and excellent conduct. She is a pleasure to have in the classroom, showing a strong work ethic and a real drive to improve. Skye is a great example of the 3 R’s, always Ready, Responsible and Respectful in her approach to learning. Her dedication is reflected in her excellent attendance and an impressive 419 merit points earned across a range of subjects.

Coe

Tayla (8CO6)

Tayla is a standout student who balances strong academic commitment with a real sense of community. With an impressive 320 IB merit points, she consistently demonstrates focus and dedication in her studies.

Beyond the classroom, Tayla has made a positive impact on college life, organising a successful charity cake sale and showing thoughtful leadership. She is also known for her caring and supportive nature, always willing to help others and ensure those around her feel valued. Tayla is a real credit to the college.

Joshua (9CO5)

Joshua is an exceptional student who truly reflects the academic ambition of the college. With an outstanding 439 merit points, he has shown remarkable dedication and curiosity in his learning.

What makes Joshua stand out even further is his willingness to support others. He is always ready to help his peers, balancing high achievement with a genuinely caring attitude. He is a valued member of our community and a very deserving nominee.

Subject Spotlights

English

Sophie in 8Y1 has written a powerful and moving poem following her learning about World War One at the start of the Module 4 Year 8 Conflict Poetry unit.

Through her writing, Sophie has shown a thoughtful understanding of the emotions and experiences linked to this period in history, using vivid imagery and careful word choices to bring her ideas to life. It has been wonderful to see her engage so deeply with the topic and express her learning so creatively.

Well done, Sophie, a fantastic piece of work that you should be very proud of.

Students in 9X1 have been exploring the theme of conflict through creative writing, producing some thoughtful and imaginative pieces in response to this powerful stimulus.

They have worked hard to craft their ideas carefully, considering tone, perspective and language to convey emotion and meaning. The quality of writing has been really impressive, with students showing growing confidence in expressing complex ideas.

One example is the carefully crafted letter below, which captures the impact of conflict in a particularly engaging and reflective way.

Supporting a Love of Reading

Students at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie are currently taking part in a sponsored Readathon, showing great enthusiasm and commitment to reading for a good cause.

With a week still to go, they have already raised £66, and this continues to grow each day.

If you would like to support their efforts and contribute to this worthwhile cause, please use the link here.

History

Following on from our previous article in last module's newsletter, we are delighted to share that Turing College students John and Will have received Special Recognition for their LAT Holocaust Memorial Day entry.

This is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the thought, care and respect shown in their work. Well done to both students.

Exploring History First-Hand

Year 12 and 13 students took part in a live session with Tracy Borman and The National Archives. During the session, they examined five primary sources and tackled a historical handwriting challenge, with Tag showing particular skill.

Students were fully engaged throughout and asked thoughtful questions about the Tudors.

History Student Shout-outs!

Luca (7AN8) - Always engaged and gives 110% in all tasks to ensure they are completed to the best of his ability

Rosie (9AN5) - Always contributing to class discussions and ensuring that she always pushes herself by completing the challenge tasks.

Year 11: Henry (11AN1) Outstanding commitment to his History GCSE and a career record of practice papers.

Matthew (11CO2) and Ewan (11AT1) have both worked very hard in this round of mock exams, improving those exam skills and raising their grades.

Business Studies: Academic Excellence

We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Year 13 Business students. A massive congratulations goes to Hannah and Julian for their phenomenal performance across the board, achieving a Distinction in every single unit of the course, including both challenging external exams. This level of consistency and dedication is truly remarkable.

Furthermore, we are celebrating outstanding results in the Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign assessment. In addition to Hannah and Julian’s success, Lola also secured a top-tier Distinction, with the rest of the cohort earning a fantastic array of high Merit grades. This assessment requires a complex blend of analytical precision and creative strategy; seeing so many students excel is a testament to their hard work and professional flair. Well done to you all!

Geography

Year 7 have been undertaking an investigation to understand if there is a microclimate of the school site under our topic Weather and Climate. Students will be now be presenting this data and writing an analysis up in a formal report which forms their assessment for this Module.

Student Shout-outs!

Year 9: Julia & Fybie for their consistent engagement in lessons. Their focus has been on improving their writing skills in the most recent assessment.

Year 11: Hamim and Finley for getting the top scores of the year group in their most recent round of mock GCSE exams. Hard work and dedication in and outside of lessons is paying off!

A-Level Fashion & Textiles

A Level Fashion students have been proudly showcasing their latest creations.

Amy has been developing a range of female football kits, while Zuzanna has designed and made a dress for a client to wear to a Polish-themed wedding.

Impressive workmanship - you should all be very proud of your outcomes!

Design Technology

Our GCSE Design Technology students have been working hard to complete their final prototypes. Archie N has produced a fishing tackle box, Archie W created a commemorative Tommy, Sam designed a bedside table and Seb made a storage stool.

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Our Year 10 students have been busy mastering the art of the perfect shortcrust pastry. Demonstrating high-level practical skills, the students began by "rubbing in" fat to flour to create a delicate, crumbly texture, before carefully lining their tins.

To ensure a professional finish, they practiced the technique of blind baking, using parchment and ceramic beans to "set" the pastry case without it rising or shrinking. Finally, they prepared a rich, seasoned savoury filling, resulting in a collection of beautifully set, golden-brown quiches. It was a fantastic display of both technical precision and creative flair!

Year 11 Prom: A Night to Remember

Year 11 students are invited to get ready for a special evening of celebration, with the opportunity to dress up, enjoy time with friends and create lasting memories.

The first invitations have now been sent, with more to follow shortly. We are looking forward to a fantastic evening celebrating all that our students have achieved together.

Inspire Sport Football Academy: A New Era

Formerly known as Tonbridge Angels Football Academy, we are proud to introduce the newly rebranded Inspire Sport Football Academy, an exciting step forward that strengthens opportunities for both boys and girls within the game.

This new chapter is built on fantastic partnerships with Folkestone Invicta and Tonbridge Juniors, both of which enhance player pathways across the academy. Our link with Folkestone Invicta provides a genuine elite pathway, giving talented scholars, both male and female, the opportunity to experience higher-level football, including training environments linked to senior teams and stepping into the non-league game. With the first team currently training in Ebbsfleet, this opportunity is both accessible and realistic for our players. In addition, our Head of Academy, Tom Parkinson, is also Assistant Manager of the first team, further strengthening the pathway and connection for our students.

Our partnership with Tonbridge Juniors, one of the largest grassroots clubs in the country with over 850 players, offers incredible opportunities for all students. As well as supporting player development, it opens doors for learners to build valuable coaching and refereeing experience, helping them develop a wide range of skills within football.

Alongside these exciting football opportunities, the academy continues to deliver a strong academic pathway, ensuring students are fully prepared for their futures. Whether progressing into higher education, employment, or careers within sport, our programme supports learners in gaining the qualifications, confidence, and life skills needed to succeed. This is all underpinned by outstanding pastoral care, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for every student.

The rebrand represents more than just a new name, it is about creating a modern identity, raising ambitions and providing clear, exciting pathways for both boys and girls to progress in football and education.

Beyond the Curriculum

World Book Day: Go all in!

To celebrate World Book Day, Mr. Harvey delivered a compelling assembly centered on the transformative Power of Reading. Students engaged with striking insights; such as the fact that reading for just 20 minutes a day exposes you to 1.8 million words per year-sparking a deeper inquiry into how consistent reading habits sharpen our cognitive empathy and academic success.

The assembly was enhanced by a high-energy advisory session. Students participated in a "Shelfie" challenge, using inquiry skills to match teachers to their bookshelves and sparking debate about reading habits and personality. This was followed by a creative workshop where students designed book covers, combining artistic flair with personal narrative to embrace their identity as readers.

British Science Week: Curiosity in Action

We shifted focus from literature and careers to celebrate British Science Week, embracing the 2026 theme, "Curiosity: What’s Your Question?". An assembly led by Ms Mulligan encouraged students to view themselves as scientists, starting with a simple question. Advisory sessions moved students from "knowing" to "researching." The week ended with a College Competition where students investigated a scientific mystery or innovation. This culture of questioning empowers students, reminding them that every breakthrough begins with "Why?".

National Careers Week

We dedicated a key assembly to National Careers Week, focusing on the theme: "Own Your Future." The session shifted the focus from "what" to "how," encouraging students to explore diverse pathways like green careers, apprenticeships and the digital landscape. By emphasising that career journeys are non-linear, we urged students to take proactive "ownership" of their goals by researching industries and recognising the transferable skills they are currently developing.

Advisory sessions

To round out the module, our Current Affairs sessions pushed the boundaries of the Inquirer profile by tackling the complexities of the modern digital age. We began by honouring International Women’s Day, where students went beyond the headlines to research the social, economic and political achievements of women, while questioning the remaining barriers to equity.

This critical lens was then turned toward our own digital habits with a deep dive into "Doom-scrolling" and "Brain Rot." Students analysed how repetitive, low-value content affects cognitive function and attention spans, sparking a vital conversation on digital well-being.

Finally, the module culminated in a timely investigation titled "Which News Can You Trust?", where students moved from passive consumers to active fact-checkers, learning to navigate the murky waters of AI-generated content and media bias to find the truth.

Art Club: Exploring the Darkroom

Our lunchtime Art Club has been busy exploring the powerful symbol of the dove through a range of creative techniques.

Inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark, where the dove returns with an olive leaf as a sign of hope and new beginnings, students have been reflecting on themes of renewal and care for the world around them.

They began by sketching and designing their own dove motifs, before developing these into paper cut silhouettes. In a recent session, students then took their work into the darkroom, creating striking black and white photograms using their designs, along with feathers and other objects.

Art Club continues to be a vibrant and engaging space, and it has been great to see students experimenting with new techniques and building their confidence in creative processes. Super impressed with the work from True, Borys, Daisy and Destinee.

Supporting Women’s Health Awareness

Our Sixth Form students recently took part in a valuable session led by specialist women’s health nurses from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

During the interactive workshop, students developed their understanding of key aspects of women’s health, including the importance of regular screening and how early awareness can make a real difference.

The nurses shared their expertise, answered thoughtful questions and created a supportive environment where students felt more confident discussing topics that can sometimes feel difficult or overlooked.

Sessions like this play an important role in supporting students’ wellbeing and personal development, helping them to make informed choices about their health now and in the future.

We are very grateful to the team from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for taking the time to work with our students.

Beyond the Curriculum: Careers Support

Year 10 & 12 Work Experience: Your Support Matters

We are really pleased to see that many of our Year 10 & 12 students have already confirmed their work experience placements. However, there are still some students who are yet to secure a placement, and we would greatly appreciate any support from our families and community.

Families can play a key role in helping students access valuable work experience opportunities. If you are able to support, please refer to the Work Experience Booklet that has been shared, or access it via the Careers Google Classroom for guidance on how to approach employers and arrange placements.

If you have any questions or are able to offer support, please contact us at:
sixthform@hughchristie.latrust.org.uk

Dates for your Diary

LAHC Reminders

Present Today, Successful Tomorrow – Why Attendance Counts!

Attendance Matters: Every Lesson Counts!

We believe that every day at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie is an opportunity for our students to learn, grow, and achieve their best. Regular attendance plays a vital role in ensuring students stay on track academically, build strong relationships with their peers and teachers, and fully engage in the exciting opportunities we offer here at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie.

We understand that occasional absences may be unavoidable, but every effort to ensure your child is in school each day makes a significant difference. Let’s work together to help all our students succeed. Because every day counts!

Safeguarding

At Leigh Academy Hugh Christie, your safety and wellbeing is our priority. We uphold high standards of safeguarding for our students staff and community.

We listen to our students and take any concerns seriously. All school staff are trained in Keeping Children Safe, as well as receiving ongoing updates and training eg. online safety, Prevent, and County Lines. Children at Leigh Academy Hugh Christie can talk to any staff member regarding a concern.

Our team is dedicated to supporting you.

Matthew Harris (DSL) – Vice Principal and Head of Attenborough College
Casey Miller (DDSL) – Attenborough College
Michelle Harding (DDSL) – Coe College
Nicola Cranham (DDSL) - Angelou College
Emma Stubbs (DDSL) - Turing College (Sixth Form)
Laura Moll (DDSL) – Assistant Principal Inclusion
Marion Seymour – Safeguarding Governor

The school Safeguarding email address is safeguarding@lahughchristie.org.uk.

A Reminder About Mobile Phone Expectations

We kindly ask for your continued support in reinforcing our mobile phone policy with your child. As part of our commitment to maintaining a focused and respectful learning environment, all mobile phones must be switched off and kept out of sight while on the academy site. Phones should remain in students’ bags throughout the school day.

By working together, we can help minimise distractions and ensure our academy remains a space where every student can thrive. Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

Module 5 Menus