Language and Literature

English Language Mocks

We were really proud of how our students responded to their GCSE English Language mock exams this module. In the second section of the exam, students were asked to write a guide on how to settle into a new school. We thought the response below was fantastic and would serve well as a real guide for new students at LAB…

Stress-free Settling In

First days are tough for everyone. Good news! You don’t have to worry. Leigh Academy Blackheath is an incredible school and we welcome all students with open arms. If you are still unsure, here are some tips and tricks for you to feel more comfortable.

Getting Around

The academy is wonderful. We like to teach our pupils all sorts of things that will help them later on in life, but with so many facilities, it can be quite troublesome to find your way in such a maze. Although you will receive a tour from one of our lovely members of staff, it is always helpful to know what you're up for!

There are a collective of 3 floors, each accommodating a college: Sancho (the Ground Floor), Fawcett (the Middle Floor) and Airy (The Top Floor). There are also staircases in every corner to traverse the building from floor to floor. In case of an emergency where you are to evacuate, you will be directed out through the Emergency Staircase and exit out into the MUGA for further notice. We’ve got you covered!

In addition to staircases, the building also has a lift - only for staff!

Here’s some more that’s in store for you:

• Library

• Sports-Hall

• Cafeteria

• Food-Tech Room

• Design and Technology workspace

• 3 plazas (1 for each floor/college)

• 108 classrooms

• Art Rooms

• Science labs

• ……..And a load of friends!

Our Values

The first thing you will notice when you walk in is the discipline. Anyone will fall in love with the way our students conduct themselves. We all follow LAB’s core 5 values: Respect, Integrity, Ambition, Scholarship and Resilience. These skills are essential to the betterment of our pupils. You are assured that the academy will set you up for an amazing life!

Making Friends

Who doesn’t want them?

Friends help us when we are down, make us laugh and teach us valuable lessons.

Lucky for you, it’s not so hard to make new friends here at LAB.

Our pupils are always pumped to meet new people. You’ll fit right in! The only thing you need to do is go up to a child and start a conversation. It may be a bit difficult to find someone with the same interests as you - especially if you’re nervous, but our staff will do the best they can to make sure you never ever feel lonely.

If you do feel nervous, we can pair you up with a buddy. They will be with you for a few weeks till you grow close bonds with other people and form life-lasting relationships.

Welcome!

Hopefully, you are as ready for your first day as we are. We promise that this school is for you!

Remember. Any problems? Just ask for help!

We’ll be there!

- Suchay P

Now that our students have reached year 10, we asked one student how their study of literature at KS3 helped prepare them for KS4:

"At LAB, we study literature in chronological order which allows us to see how ideas change and how language evolves; we start with the Odyssey, 750-650BC, in year 7 and work our way through time to To Kill A Mockingbird, 1960. One key period of time where literature evolves rapidly is during the Renaissance. The Renaissance occurred between the 14th and 16th centuries (1500-1700). The migration of Classical scholars from Italy brought Classical teachings to England. Additionally, the rediscovery of ancient texts and the invention of the Gutenberg printing press caused this ‘rebirth’. At LAB, through our studies of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlow, we learn all about the Renaissance. In years 7-9, we study Macbeth and Doctor Faustus, in which we see the protagonist challenge traditional forms of authority (the monarchy and the Church). In year 10, within the GCSE syllabus, we study Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Throughout the play, Romeo and Juliet display Renaissance ideas through challenging the traditional form of authority of the family, as they get married despite the Capulet and Montague feud. Our studies at KS3 prepare students for year 10 as we are able to bring our prior knowledge into the GCSE syllabus. Being able to link our new knowledge (through KS4 studies) to KS3 knowledge allows us to create a bank of useful information to ensure we achieve the highest grades possible in year 11. "

-Bea (10A)