Academy Life

Goodbye Founders!

Introductions from September Starters

Mrs Venton - Teacher of PE

I started my PE teaching career as a Sixth form tutor 15 years ago, to then becoming an academic progress coordinator at KS5 and for the past 12 years being Head of Year 12/13 at Bullers Wood School in Bromley. I was born in Greenwich and went to school at what was Crown Woods so I am really excited about being back in the borough as I live locally too. I enjoy the gym, playing netball, vintage clothes shopping, walking and talking and spending time with my two young daughters.

Mrs Shillito - Teacher of DT

Hi, I'm Mrs Shillito, a new DT teacher at LAB. I've worked at schools in Cornwall and London, and over the last few years have been running a bespoke furniture business while also fitting out our houseboat. When I'm not in the workshop you'll find me knitting, cycling, practising yoga, baking, sewing, playing games with my family or camping!

Mr Powell - Vice Principal

Josh is joining from Future Academies, where he has been a Vice Principal at two different schools in Central London. Prior to that he was Assistant Headteacher at Wembley High Technology College, a Consultant with McKinsey & Company, and Director of International Programmes with iloverunning in Moscow, among other roles. He teaches Economics and Maths. Outside of school, Josh occupies himself with triathlon, playing the piano, and cooking.

Mrs Joy - Assistant Principal

After completing her PGCE at the University of Cambridge, Caiti began her teaching career in 2014. At the end of her first year of teaching, Caiti became a Head of Year at Netherhall School in Cambridge. Caiti has since worked in a range of Inner London state schools, where she has gained experience in several leadership positions. Caiti joins us from Prendergast School, where she has held whole-school responsibility for leading the Humanities faculty since 2021. Through Caiti’s experience as a UCL-IoE Fawcett Fellow, she has developed curriculum expertise that continues to shape her educational values. As a firm believer in the power of children being taught by excellent subject practitioners, Caiti holds a Masters in Education from the University of Cambridge and she became a Chartered Geographer (RGS) in 2022. Beyond the classroom, Caiti enjoys reading, hiking, running, gardening and baking.

Ms Morris - Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

Hello! I am from London and have always loved learning about new cultures, people and languages. Previously, I was a Teacher of MFL in Nottingham and a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Madrid. I also worked at the Institut Français du Royaume Uni, at their Language Centre in London, and have experience in journalism and travel, having worked in Paris and Uruguay. My hobbies include acting and singing, going to the theatre and enjoying international cinema, art, cooking (and eating) and yoga. I am delighted to be joining LAB in September.

Mr Statham - Teacher of Science & PE

I am very excited to be joining LAB from September and I am eager to get started and share my passion for all sports and PE with the students of LAB. This will be my first full time teaching role since graduating from the University of Brighton, where I completed two teaching placements at Sir Joseph Williamsons Mathematical School and Sacred Heart Catholic School. Both placements have been valuable experiences in identifying my teaching philosophy. My aim is to help provide the students of LAB with the knowledge and skills needed to lead lifelong active and healthy lifestyles as well as the necessary understanding required to have academic success for all future endeavours.

Ms Hoile - Teacher of English

My name is Rosie, I’m 24 years old and originally from North Carolina. I love cats, books, music and history. I am in my second year of my ECT programme and have just finished a whirlwind first year at a community school in North London. I am excited to continue my fledgling career at LAB!

Mr Thomas - Teacher of History

Hello! My name is Jacob and I am a first year ECT. I will teach History and Global Politics. My hobbies include hillwalking and drinking mochas. I look forward to meeting you all

Mr Matharoo - Teacher of Science

I am an experienced chemistry teacher. I currently hold the position of KS5 science coordinator at Wilmington Academy which is also a part of Leigh Academies Trust. Prior to this role, I was the head of chemistry at Dartford Grammar School for Girls. Over a 16 year period I have gained invaluable experience in teaching IB, A-level and GCSE chemistry across all UK examining boards. I have found that the combination of solid subject knowledge along with my calm traditional teaching style have proven to promote extensive learning in lessons. My belief is that this approach ensures that my students are given the tools for success.

I love playing field hockey. I am a captain of the mens 4th team at Holcombe Hockey club, Rochester. I have also completed a few half marathons and 10K runs: raising funds for charities like British Heart Foundation, Scope - for disabled children and RTS (Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome).

Miss Heslop - MYP Coordinator for Science

My name is Miss Chantal Heslop, I grew up in Jamaica and hold a B.Ed in Physics (Hons) from The Mico University College. I have been teaching for five years, two of those years I taught at Kingston College as teacher of physics responsible for writing the key stage 3 physics exams and facilitator of Science and Engineering Club. After which I was recruited by Harris Federation and have been working with them for three years in the roles of Teacher of Physics, Teacher of Physics ic of Enrichment and outreach and Lead practitioner of physics. My hobbies are swimming, research, watching movies and chilling with friends.

Mrs Kerr-Edwards - Teacher of Business

Hello, I'm Kimberley and I am a mother of four boys. I will be joining LAB as a part-time teacher of Business Studies having just completed teacher training at UCL. I have predominantly worked within educational environments and held various posts in administration, finance and pastoral care. I hold a BA (Hons) in Business Management - Finance and Financial Services, and an MSc in Finance and Accounting which I aspire to progress further for a CIMA professional qualification. I enjoy spending time with my children, meeting up with friends, I love laughter and music, and I like to get creative in art and craft, digital art, cookery and business ventures. That said, I have set up and run a Jamaican catering and pop-up service with my husband. I look forward to embarking on my teaching career, and working with the team, at LAB

**Click on the images below to see further information on LAB Life**

Music Exam Success - Congratulations

Congratulations to our talented musicians for their outstanding success in the recent graded music exams!

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of our students who participated in music instrument graded exams this academic year.

Their hard work, dedication, and passion for music have been recognised and rewarded with exceptional results.

Here are our brilliant musicians who deserve a special shout-out for their remarkable accomplishments:

Zain 8B - Grade 1 Drums (Merit)
Zara 9D - Grade 1 Guitar (Distinction)
Gigi 8D - Grade 2 Piano (Pass)
Oliver 9C - Grade 2 Drums (Merit)
Emily 8B - Grade 5 Piano (Distinction)
Uriella-Grace 8E - Grade 6 Violin

Music Lessons - Register your Interest!

We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our music provision at LAB and would be pleased to offer a wide range of instrumental lessons for our students.

The potential provision is detailed below, but can change in response to the demand for lessons:

Currently offered

Piano
Guitar/Electric guitar
Clarinet
Flute
Saxophone
Trumpet
Violin

Potentially offered

Brass (Trombone / French Horn / Tuba)
Drumkit
Voice

We believe that learning to play a musical instrument can be an extremely valuable, enriching and rewarding experience.

Therefore, we are committed to giving all our students the best possible opportunities in terms of instrumental and vocal lessons. Please see the terms and conditions for our music provision on our website which details further information you may require. If you have any questions, please contact us via info@leighacademyblackheath.org.uk

Short Story Winner - Erin!

We are thrilled to announce that Erin, a talented student in 9D and a member of our school’s Creative Writing Club, has emerged as the winner of a borough-wide creative writing competition. Erin’s entry to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s 500 word Short Story competition was selected by judges as the best entry from all across Key Stage 3.

Outshining students from schools across Greenwich, Erin's story - which responded to the competition’s theme of 'imagination’ - captivated the judges with its creativity and storytelling prowess. Erin’s exceptional writing talent and dedication to extra-curricular activities has paid off, earning her this well-deserved recognition. We hope you will join us in extending heartfelt congratulations to her for this remarkable achievement!

LAB Showcase

On July 12th, The LAB Showcase took place, bringing together students' hard work and talent in literature, music, dance and drama. The event aimed to celebrate creativity and the arts, providing a platform for students to showcase their abilities. Attendees, including friends and family, were treated to joyful, heartwarming, and even spellbinding performances.The event was a success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the students. We express our gratitude to everyone who attended and make sure you stay tuned for future events!

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