On Monday 16th December the students in Phase 4 hosted a Festive Tea for their parents and carers. Each class prepared some food to bring to the tea for others to enjoy, and spent time with their loved ones and friends together in the gym. It was wonderful to see so many family members coming along to support the event. We enjoyed some delicious food and drink, and had great fun dancing to a range of Christmas music and party songs - we have some fantastic dancers in Phase 4! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year when it arrives.
On Tuesday 3rd December the students in Phase 4 held a Christmas Fair to showcase and sell the goods they had been making during business enterprise. The students worked extremely hard in the weeks leading up to the fair, by planning, resourcing and making a wonderful array of items to be sold. These included; Cookie jars, hot chocolate cones, sweet cones, wreaths, cutlery holders and chocolate brownies. During the fair the students had the opportunity to interact with the public, communicating the price of the goods and exchanging money.
On Monday 11th November, four students from Phase 4 were fortunate enough to represent The Leigh Academy Milestone at the local remembrance service. The students took a wreath to lay in memory of those that lost their lives in conflict. When they returned to school the students then learnt the history behind the poppy and why it became a symbol of remembrance, before completing a range of activities including creating poppy pictures and writing poems about remembrance day.
On a Monday afternoon the students in the castle are participating in an arts carousel which includes music, drama and art. The students are given a choice about which arts activity they would like to participate in for the term, promoting pupil agency allowing students to access lessons they have a keen interest in. During module 2 the students have had the opportunity to participate in Dance with an external dance teacher, providing them with the opportunity to explore different dance moves.
During art students have been learning about the artist Jackson Pollock. They have participated in discussions about how the paintings make them feel and why. Students have been exploring how to paint in the style of Jackson Pollock with different resources including string, straws and marbles. There has been some fantastic art work produced by the students, which will be displayed in the corridors of the castle building!
During Music students have been getting comfortable with following simple graphic scores either through symbols or more complex scores using boomwhackers. Our over arching focus is always to become confident with performing through either singing or playing!
The students in the castle are provided with the opportunity to access off site visits in the community on a regular basis. This is part of our independent living skills curriculum, supporting students to generalise skills learnt in the classroom to off site areas. Community participation visits also involve work related learning such as visiting Bore Place and visiting local areas to explore different jobs that are on offer.
During Term 1 students have visited the local shops to purchase ingredients needed for cooking. They have had the opportunity to learn how to self checkout works, by scanning the items and paying for them using a debit card. The students transitioned to the shops with adult support to stop at the road and cross when it is safe to do so.
Students have visited the local shops to purchase ingredients needed for cooking. They have had the opportunity to learn how to self checkout works, by scanning the items and paying for them using a debit card. The students transitioned to the shops with adult support to stop at the road and cross when it is safe to do so.
Whilst visiting Bore Place the students have been involved in work related learning on the farm including foraging for fruit, maintaining plants by watering them and clearing the grounds by raking the leaves and debris.
Some students from Phase 3 and 4 recently visited the community cupboard to donate the harvest boxes decorated and filled by Phase 1 and 2. The students were confident interacting with the staff at the community cupboard, and we learnt the importance of giving back to the community and helping others.
Whilst visiting Beams students have been learning how to complete household tasks such as changing the bed covers, making the bed, hoovering and cooking for themselves.
At Bore Place students engage in a variety of activities to support with the running of the farm, including making bird feeders, feeding the cows and raking the leaves.
Students regularly access the local shops to purchase goods needed for cooking and enterprise lessons. They are encouraged to scan the items and pay with increasing independence.
Students are provided with the opportunity to attend lunch time clubs if they would like, promoting pupil agency. Sports club provides the students with the opportunity to engage with friends in other classes, participating in a range of sporting activities including the trampoline. Signing club is offered for the students to come together to learn new signs, learning these alongside familiar songs - we hope to have a performance from our Phase 4 signing team soon! Games club provides students with the opportunity to engage in a range of games and activities with their peers, learning to take turns.
The students have the opportunity to attend sports club on a Tuesday, where they can participate in a range of activities with their friends, including football, trampolining and archery. This club allows students to work on their gross motor and communication skills in a fun environment,
During games club the students are given the opportunity to engage in a range of games with their friends. The students are encouraged to communicate who they would like to play with, and are supported to take turns during a range of games including connect 4 and hungry hippos.
The students in Phase 4 attend signing club on a Wednesday lunch time with students from Phase 3. This provides the students with the opportunity to learn signs to a variety of different songs. During module 2 the students have visited the memory clinic in New Ash Green to perform a variety of Christmas songs.
On Friday afternoons the students pariticipate in a recreation club of their choosing. The students are given a choice, termly with regards to which club they would like to participate in, promoting pupil agency and allowing students to access activities they have a keen interest in. Students are also actively encouarged to suggest alternative clubs if they have a specific interest, for example gardening club and book club, both of which were suggested by the students.
In Module 6, all students take part in weekly work experience, either through one of our various external hosts or within the Leigh Academy Milestone community. This approach ensures that students gain real work experience, which is invaluable for their personal and professional growth. By setting high expectations, we encourage a strong work ethic, helping students understand the importance of responsibility in the workplace. These experiences not only equip them with practical skills but also prepare them for future employment, making them confident and capable individuals ready to embrace their career journeys.
Esports has quickly become an exciting part of the educational scene in England, giving students fantastic chances to get involved in competitive gaming. Our host school (Wilmington Academy) boasts an impressive gaming room, fitted with the latest technology and software, where students can dive into a variety of esports activities. This welcoming space allows learners to sharpen their skills, work together, and even potentially join in on tournaments. Additionally, the gaming room is a great hub for inclusivity, uniting students from different class groups who share a love for gaming, making their educational journey even more enjoyable and meaningful.
Community participation plays a vital role in helping students connect with their local environment and develop important life skills. By getting out into the community each week, students can access a variety of resources that enrich their learning. Regular trips to the library encourage a love for reading and independent research. Shopping for groceries helps them learn about budgeting and managing money effectively. Working with charity shops not only supports local businesses but also fosters a spirit of generosity.
The Hair and Make-Up Club is a fun and creative space for students to dive into the world of beauty. Here, participants get to experiment with various hairstyles and make-up styles, unleashing their imaginations. The club covers crucial techniques such as blending, contouring, and colour matching, providing a hands-on experience where students can learn at their own pace. Each session encourages sharing ideas and collaborating with peers, making it an enjoyable learning experience. By the end of the term, everyone will have a better grasp of the latest trends and techniques in hair and make-up.
The sports club at M@W offers students a fantastic chance to get involved in a variety of sports, helping them improve their skills both individually and as part of a team. With activities such as football, basketball, athletics, and tennis on offer, there's something for everyone. By participating in these sports, students not only boost their fitness but also learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and cooperation. The club is great for the young people to enjoy themselves, build friendships, and develop a sense of sportsmanship, all while leading a healthier, more active lifestyle.
The Gardening Club provides students with a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature while picking up some practical skills. Members are involved in designing different areas of the school garden, which encourages creativity and teamwork. They get to choose and purchase seeds, learning about the wide variety of plants available. Students also take part in planting and caring for a range of flowers, gaining hands-on experience in gardening. This club not only helps them understand the importance of taking care of our environment but also instils a sense of pride in their contributions to the school's green spaces.
The Music Club offers a fun and engaging space for students to dive into the exciting world of music. Students get to explore various activities that help them learn about rhythms, beats, and different musical styles. With opportunities to try out different instruments, create their own songs, and listen to a wide range of genres, students can express themselves creatively. The club also encourages teamwork, allowing pupils to collaborate, share ideas, and perform for each other.
The Dance Club provides a fun and lively environment where students can explore their creativity and enjoy the joy of dancing. Each week, members learn a fresh routine, following engaging dance tutorials that cater to different styles and abilities. This allows everyone to pick up new moves at a comfortable pace. At the end of each session, students showcase their skills by performing for their peers, creating a friendly space for sharing and encouragement. This experience not only helps build confidence but also strengthens connections among classmates, making the Dance Club a fantastic opportunity for all involved.