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Dear Parents and Carers,
We’re excited to bring you this edition of our college newsletter, where we celebrate achievements and share important updates. At Leigh Academy Blackheath, we believe in fostering a vibrant learning community, and this newsletter is your go-to source for staying informed and engaged.
This month, we’ll take a look at recent student accomplishments and provide key academic reminders.
Thank you for being a valued part of our school community. Happy reading!.
Mr Crawford, Ms Joy and the Fawcett Team.
Attendance achievements:
At Leigh Academy Blackheath, we emphasise the critical role that regular attendance plays in our students' academic success and overall development. Recent studies have reinforced the strong correlation between consistent school attendance and higher academic performance. We are proud to say that throughout Module 3 and 4, Fawcett has consistently topped the attendance leader board. We are so proud to say Fawcett’s attendance for this module is a huge 95.2%!. Fawcett’s attendance year to date is 94.7%, which is outstanding and well above the national average. A huge thank you to parents and carers for your support.
Particular congratulations to the following student who have 100% attendance so far this year Tequan, Marvellous Samuel H, Harvey, Troy, Olivia O, Eliza, Zuzanna, Oscar, Felicity, Victoria, Inioluwa, TJ, Rafael, Ayann, Yoklin, CJ, Jai, Olivia S, Anjali, Rowan, Henry, Samiha, Sophie K, Charlotte, Viet Long, Dexter, Leonardo, Emilly and Lingyu.
Impact of Attendance on GCSE Outcomes: Data from the Department for Education indicates that pupils with higher attendance rates are more likely to achieve better outcomes in their GCSEs. Specifically, students who maintained an attendance rate of 95% or above in Year 11 were significantly more likely to achieve higher grades in English and Maths compared to their peers with lower attendance rates.
At KS4, pupils who attended school nearly every day in Year 11 (with an attendance rate of 95-100%) were 1.9 times more likely to achieve the Grade 5 in English and Maths GCSE compared to pupils who only attended 90-95% of the time (relating to up to 2 weeks more time in school over the course of a year) and 3 times more likely than persistently absent pupils who only attend 85-90% of the time (relating to 4 - 6 weeks more time in school). This means missing just 10 days of year 11 reduced the likelihood of achieving grade 5 in English and Maths by around 50%."
Our Commitment: We are committed to supporting every student in maintaining regular attendance to maximise their educational opportunities. We encourage open communication between the school and families to address any challenges that may hinder attendance. As always, we ask you to report any absences via the following methods for each day your child is absent- please see here. Should you wish to discuss your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to contact the school office to arrange a conversation with the leadership, or SSM.
Year 8 Science Trip:
An Exciting Exploration: Year 8's Science Museum Adventure for British Science Week!
To celebrate British Science Week and its inspiring 2025 theme, "Change and Adapt," our Year 8 students embarked on a fascinating journey to the Science Museum. This trip was not just a day out — it was a chance to dive into real-world challenges through the lens of science and innovation!
As part of a unique Science and Design Technology interdisciplinary unit, students were set two exciting assessment tasks. With curiosity and creativity in mind, they explored captivating exhibits like "Who Am I?", the "Information Age", and "Engineer Your Future." Each display highlighted how humans have adapted and thrived, improving our quality of life through technological and scientific advancements.
But with progress comes responsibility. Students critically examined how these human-driven changes have impacted the plants and animals we share our planet with. Armed with new insights, they collaborated to brainstorm powerful strategies that could reduce harm to endangered species and support biodiversity.
This hands-on experience brought science to life, encouraging our young scientists to think like problem-solvers and changemakers. The future is in their hands — and it’s looking brighter already!
SEND- Neurodiversity week!
Week commencing 24/03/25 was Neurodiversity Week! This week is an important opportunity to raise awareness and appreciation for the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences.
A huge thank you to our brilliant SEND department, who led assemblies on Neurodiversity week and who work tirelessly to provide invaluable support to our neurodivergent students. Their dedication and commitment help to ensure that every child at Leigh Academy Blackheath has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Lego Intervention:
LEGO isn't just for fun—it’s also a powerful therapeutic tool! LEGO Therapy is an innovative, play-based approach designed to help children develop social and communication skills in a structured and engaging environment.
Our Year 9’s have thoroughly loved their weekly Lego sessions, and have completed three models so far!
World Book Day:
On the 7th March 2025, students and staff celebrated world book day!.
World Book Day is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the joy of reading and promoting literacy worldwide. Established by UNESCO in 1995, it aims to encourage reading habits, support publishing, and protect intellectual property through copyright.
Significance of World Book Day
Promoting Reading for Pleasure: The event emphasizes the importance of reading as a pleasurable activity, recognizing that engaging with books can enrich lives, expand knowledge, and foster empathy.
Celebrating Literary Contributions: World Book Day honours authors who have significantly impacted culture and society. Notably, April 23rd marks the anniversary of the deaths of literary figures such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
Encouraging Accessibility to Books: The initiative strives to make books accessible to all, especially children and young people, by providing opportunities to own and read books, thereby fostering a lifelong love for reading.
We are so proud to have had so many Facwett students arrive in their costumes!.
International Women’s day!
On 7th March, Leigh Academy Blackheath proudly celebrated International Women's Day on March 6, 2025. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made toward gender equality and the work that still needs to be done. It is a moment to recognise the contributions of women throughout history and to inspire future generations to continue striving for fairness and opportunity for all.
As we reflect on the importance of this day, it is fitting to highlight the legacy of Millicent Fawcett, a pioneering leader in the women's suffrage movement. Her dedication and tireless efforts helped secure voting rights for women in the UK, leaving an enduring impact on the fight for equality. Her work remains an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, courage, and advocacy for a just society.
A huge thank you to Maria J 8A for creating this wonderful display on our college whiteboard!.
Cultural Dress Day!
We also celebrated cultural dress day during module 4! Cultural dress encourages students to celebrate diversity: Wearing traditional garments showcases the rich tapestry of global cultures, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of each.
It also brings communities together, fostering mutual respect and understanding among individuals from different backgrounds., as well as global awareness. By participating in Cultural Dress Day, students not only honour their own heritage but also contribute to a more inclusive and culturally aware society.
Mary Poppins!
A huge congratulations to the incredible students of Fawcett for their contribution in the outstanding production of Mary Poppins! Their hard work, dedication, and talent truly shone on stage, bringing this beloved story to life in a magical way.
From the performances to the beautifully designed sets and costumes, it was clear that our students poured their hearts into every aspect of the show. Seeing our students' confidence and creativity flourish on stage was an inspiring reminder of the power of the arts in our school community. We could not be prouder of each and every student who participated, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the orchestra.
Trip to the Globe Theatre!
On a thrilling trip to London’s iconic Globe Theatre, our Year 8 students were transported to the dark and treacherous world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. With its fast-paced action, dramatic sword fights, and spine-tingling performances, this production delivered a truly visceral experience that had our students on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
A huge thank you to the English department for organising this incredible trip, and to our students for their enthusiasm and impeccable behaviour throughout the day. We can’t wait for the next theatrical adventure!.
Support over the Easter break:
Managing your Wellbeing:
Positive strategies to support your wellbeing at home, inspired by the...
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Think about your Coping Toolbox
What can you do to help lift your mood?
I need some more support…
MORE safe and secure Online Support Resources:
Kooth: Support and advice for Mental Health concerns -kooth.com
Youngminds: Support and advice for Mental Health - youngminds.org.uk
Childline: Support for young people in the UK - childline.org.uk
Shout: Supporting emotional well-being - giveusashout.org
Samaritans: Supporting emotional well-being - samaritans.org
Anna Freud: Text AFC to 852258 - annafreud.org
NHS- EVERY MIND MATTERS: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Beat: Under 18s support with eating disorders - beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Kidscape: Support with Bullying - kidscape.org.uk
Winston’s Wish: Support with the death and loss - winstonswish.org
Child Bereavement UK: Support with loss - childbereavementuk.org
Hope Again: Support when someone dies - hopeagain.org.uk
Safe line: Support for sexual abuse survivors -.safeline.org.uk
Centrepoint: Support with housing & homelessness - centrepoint.org.uk
Refuge: Support for domestic abuse survivors - refuge.org.uk
FRANK: Support and advice for drugs abuse - talktofrank.com
No Panic: Support with panic attacks and OCD - nopanic.org.uk
Relate: Support with relationships - relate.org.uk
Victim Support: Supports those affected by crime/trauma - victimsupport.org.uk
Safehaven Super Hub:If you are in danger, feel threatened or harassed on the street, are unwell or just in need of some help, you can visit any of these locations and staff will help you- Safehaven Super Hub
Extra information:
Here are some events taking place in the local community over the Easter holidays.
Please see here for revision resources for Year 11.
Please note the first Year 11 GCSE is 8th May. Many of the year 11’s will have been invited in for intervention over the holidays- please keep a lookout for further information sent out via email.
Wishing you and your family a restful and safe Easter break. We look forward to welcoming students back on site from 8:00 am on Tuesday 22nd April 2025.🐝
Victoria and Athina Cultural Dress Day
Year 8 Science Trip
Leon, Paul, Mia, Miss Crowley, Miss Lawrence with one of their creations.
Gabriel, Paul, Leon World Book Day
Ayaan Cultural Dress Day
Amelia and Najiah Cultural Dress Day
Eliza, Linara
Globe Theatre School Trip
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