Embedded Files
Orchestra Club collaboration with Trinity Laban
In our Wednesday Orchestra Club we have been fortunate to collaborate with Trinity Laban and Nathan Nathen Durasamy on an exciting Composing Project. This amazing opportunity allows our students to elevate their composition skills and gain valuable insights into music production and working with professional musicians.
The students have thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in the project, and their creativity is flourishing. As a reward for their hard work, they will be invited to a premiere concert in which they will showcase what they've composed alongside Trinity Laban String students.
Winter Showcase!
Join us for an enchanting evening at our Winter Showcase on Thursday 18th January 5 - 6:15 pm in the LAB Theatre. In collaboration with our talented 6th form and Y10 GCSE drama students, we've put a unique twist on the classic Nutcracker, crafting a short story that follows Clara on a captivating journey through Wonderland and includes performances of our KS3 and GCSE music students. Your presence and support will add to the magic of this extraordinary showcase. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a winter wonderland of talent!
The RISAR Returns!
The new academic year saw the resurrection of the student-led newspaper - The RISAR. A special thank you to Erin and Millie of 10D for their tireless work as co-editors in chief, as well as to all the writers and contributors. We look forward to more editions of The RISAR to come. The RISAR meets on Tuesdays, please speak to Erin or Millie for more information about writing for the next issue.
ANNIE!
LAB is thrilled to announce the upcoming production of "Annie the Musical”. Rehearsals are in full swing, with students dedicating themselves to learning their lines, refining their songs, and perfecting their dance moves.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming local primary schools, family, and friends to the Academy on 13th, 14th, and 15th March for a spectacular showcase of talent. Stay tuned for ticket availability on Eventbrite, as we prepare for an unforgettable musical experience!
Debate Society
The Debating Society at LAB has played a pivotal role in enhancing students' critical thinking skills and fostering discussions on current affairs topics throughout the term. This report aims to provide an overview of the merits of the debating society in promoting intellectual development and encouraging thoughtful discourse among students.
Merits of Debate:
Critical Thinking Skills:
The debating society has been instrumental in honing the critical thinking skills of KS3 students. Engaging in debates requires participants to analyse information, assess arguments, and formulate logical responses. This process contributes to the development of analytical thinking and the ability to evaluate information critically.
Public Speaking and Communication:
The society has provided a platform for students to improve their public speaking and communication skills. Debating requires participants to articulate their thoughts persuasively and express themselves clearly. This skill set is valuable for future academic and professional endeavours.
Research Skills:
Debates necessitate thorough research on the assigned topics. Students are encouraged to delve into various sources, explore multiple perspectives, and synthesise information to construct well-informed arguments. This enhances their research skills and the ability to gather information from diverse sources.
Discussion of Current Affairs Topics:
Awareness of Global Issues:
The debating society has been effective in promoting awareness of current affairs among KS3 students. Topics discussed in the debates are often linked to real-world issues, exposing students to a broad range of global events. This exposure contributes to a more informed and globally aware student body.
Empathy and Understanding:
Delving into current affairs topics allows students to understand different perspectives and appreciate the complexity of global issues. This fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges faced by individuals and communities worldwide.
Application of Classroom Knowledge:
Engaging with current affairs in a debating context encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations. This practical application enhances their understanding of the subject matter and reinforces the relevance of their academic studies.
It is important to note that the merits of the debating society extend beyond the development of intellectual capabilities, encompassing improved public speaking, research skills, and a heightened awareness of global issues. The society's impact on KS3 students is evident in their enhanced ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
We invite anyone to join us on Thursday’s after school in Room 103.
Mr. Pinches
Meeting the Mayor
Kehinde, both a founding LAB student and one of our original 64 LAB16 students, starts off our news with an overview of her trip to City Hall, where she challenged the Mayor on his actions relating to the increased number of homeless young people in London.
My name is Kehinde and I am a year 12 student at Leigh Academy Blackheath. I had the pleasure of meeting the mayor of London at People’s Question time in East London, city hall. I was accompanied by a group of young people my age as part of a programme called Future Leaders.
There were various discussions on the subject of housing, climate change, transport, and many other areas of public concern involving London. I had the opportunity to ask the Mayor about the plans put in place to reduce youth homelessness in the UK. One common question among young people regarded the state of the economy and the reduced opportunities by the time my current year group enter the labour market. Another common concern amongst my peers there involved the treatment of ethnic minorities or migrant families in London and its links to gang violence.
I found the session extremely insightful, and I was amazed by the standards as well as the degree of calmness the Mayor held himself to, as well as the other members of the assembly. I was more than impressed by some of the answers given to the questions asked, and was also inspired by my fellow questioners at the session for their bravery in condemning and holding accountable both the mayor and the assembly.
Overall, the session was something that has changed my viewpoint on politics and national issues as a whole. I was very lucky and glad to be invited.
https://www.youtube.com/live/S9MQ0H_ErNg?si=cnPzpn6r60rB_HLp&t=7063
Code Club
Embarking on a journey of digital discovery, our Code Club is a thriving haven for innovation and learning. In the dynamic realm of coding, our Year 7 prodigies have been harnessing the power of Scratch, crafting captivating animations and dynamic games that showcase both creativity and technical prowess. Not to be outdone, some exceptional Year 7 students have taken the plunge into the world of Python, demonstrating an extraordinary aptitude for this advanced programming language. As the Code Club expands its horizons, our Year 8 students are stepping up to the challenge, immersing themselves in Python programming and tackling intriguing challenges with remarkable ingenuity. The Code Club is not just a space for learning to code; it's a realm where young minds evolve into tech-savvy problem solvers, pushing boundaries and creating solutions that underscore the incredible potential within our student community. Student spotlight:
Jai
Aria
Florence
Emily
Rowan
**Click on the images below to see further information on LAB Life**
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