Academy Life

Sports Day

We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent Sports Day at Leigh Academy Blackheath! It was a day filled with energy, excitement, and incredible athleticism as our students showcased their talents in various events.

Celebrating Our Champions

SANCHO COLLEGE emerged as the overall champions, demonstrating outstanding performance across the board and accumulating a total of 581 points. Congratulations to all the students of Sancho College for their dedication and hard work!

Airy College put up a valiant fight, finishing a close second with 577 points. Your spirit and sportsmanship were truly inspiring.

Fawcett College also performed admirably, securing third place with 507 points. Well done to everyone who competed and gave their best effort.

Tug of War

One of the day's most exciting events was the Tug of War competition. The fierce yet friendly rivalry between the colleges made for a thrilling spectacle, with cheers and laughter echoing throughout the grounds. It was a highlight that truly brought out the community spirit of our school.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to our LAB16 helpers. Your support and hard work behind the scenes were instrumental in making Sports Day a success. From organising events, painting faces and plaiting hair, to ensuring everything ran smoothly, your efforts did not go unnoticed.

We want to congratulate every student who participated in Sports Day. Whether you were competing, cheering for your team, or helping out, your enthusiasm and commitment made the day special.

As we celebrate the achievements of our athletes, we are already looking forward to the next Sports Day, where we hope to see even more remarkable performances and unforgettable moments.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the GOLD Artsmark by the Arts Council!

We take immense pride in receiving this prestigious award, which highlights our dedication to offering a diverse array of arts learning opportunities for the students at our Academy.

Our Statement of Impact, submitted in June 2024, has been carefully assessed and the feedback is received is below:

“Leigh Academy Blackheath’s first Artsmark journey has seen the arts developing as the school grows towards full capacity. The arts are given significant curriculum time at Key Stage 3 and you are developing a wider range of qualification options at GCSE and beyond. Several initiatives have raised the profile of the Arts. Students take leadership roles in clubs including Audio Visual Club, Art and Photography, Animation and International Culture. In collaboration with Tender UK, a charity focused on healthy relationships, they have produced a podcast and the student-run newspaper has provided platforms for creative expression. You have a strong range of clubs, including arts-related clubs, and you offer all students trips to a range of London’s cultural venues. Your Literary Festival, which brought in experts and linked the visual and literary arts, was a great success and it will be good to consider how you can use this as a model for embedding further collaborations with arts providers and creative practitioners to enhance your students’ learning and enrich their experience. We look forward greatly to seeing how you continue to thrive as your journey progresses.Congratulations on your Artsmark Gold Award!”

Duke of Edinburgh

Our Year 9 and Year 10 pupils recently completed their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and determination.

Seventy Year 9 pupils embarked on their Bronze Award expedition to Meopham. Throughout their expedition, they navigated through scenic trails, setting up camps and honing their outdoor skills. The pupils displayed excellent teamwork and problem-solving abilities, making their way through the challenging yet rewarding journey. Despite the physical demands, they remained enthusiastic and supportive of one another, embodying the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

For the Silver Award, forty Year 10 pupils travelled to the stunning Seven Sisters in Eastbourne. This expedition presented greater challenges with its demanding terrain and longer duration. The pupils faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating perseverance and advanced navigation skills. Their experience included breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation for nature, further solidifying their teamwork and leadership qualities. The Silver participants showed remarkable maturity and adaptability, completing the rigorous expedition.

Both groups returned with a sense of accomplishment, having developed valuable skills and stronger bonds with their peers. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the dedication they displayed throughout their respective expeditions.

Congratulations to all our Duke of Edinburgh participants. Your hard work and determination are a testament to your character and commitment.

Meet our New Staff for September 2024

Mr Lyons - Teacher of Language Acquisition

I have been teaching French (KS3-KS5) and Spanish (KS3) in South-East London for around 5 years, although I originally studied Portuguese while living in Portugal as well.

I have also lived in Belgium, Switzerland and France, which may explain my interest in the French language! Outside of school I enjoy playing music and travelling to new places.

Ms McDonald - Teacher of Maths

Hello my name is Ms McDonald. I am originally from Ireland and moved over to London after I completed my Maths Degree and teaching qualifications. I am currently working at St. Ursula's Convent School in Greenwich where I have been teaching maths for the past 19 years. In my spare time I like to read and enjoy keeping fit by going to the gym. I look forward to joining the Leigh Academy Blackheath community in September.

Mr Foard - Teacher of History

My name is Mr Foard, it’s pronounced like the car and is Cornish in origin. I, however, was born and raised in Lincolnshire and lived there before moving to Norwich to study History at the University of East Anglia. After finishing university, I spent three years working in a corporate office in Norwich before attending the University of

Nottingham to train as a teacher. After completing my training, I moved to London to take up a role as a teacher of History, where I have been working for the past two years. My hobbies include playing chess, I was, at one point, U18 champion in Lincolnshire. I also enjoy going to watch football, especially AFC Wimbledon, and reading.

I look forward to working at Leigh Academy Blackheath from the start of the new academic year.

Ms Wheeler - Vice Principal

I grew up in South East London and went on to study Classics at Durham University. After completing my BA and MA, I gained a place on the Teach First Programme and began teaching English in Stockton-on-Tees. During this time, I realised the power of education in supporting social change and became fully committed to working towards ending educational inequality. For the last three years, I have worked as Assistant Principal and SENDCo at Harris Academy Greenwich, striving towards creating inclusive environments in which every young person can feel seen, safe, and successful. Out of the classroom, I will often be found wandering through a gallery, propagating another house plant, or lost in a good book.

Mr Osmotherly - Teacher of English

I am an English teacher with over 20 years' experience, writing which makes me feel old! Like all English teachers I am sure, I enjoy reading literature as it bring me great pleasure. I also enjoy playing and watching football, although I support Everton and that brings me nothing but great pain. I am excited by the opportunity to work at Leigh Academy Blackheath with its emphasis on innovation and a personalised

learning journey for every student. My own daughter will be starting at what she calls 'big school' in Greenwich in September. So you may even have seen us out and about, walking our lovely little dog Jonty!

Mr O'Donnell - Assistant Principal LAB16

I am an IB Programme and Workshop Leader, and am looking forward to talking about LAB16 in October at the IB Global Conference in

Budapest, when I deliver a training session for IB colleagues from around the world. Whilst your academic studies will be demanding, IB programmes also promote a balanced approach to learning that recognises the importance

of your hobbies and wider interests. For me, that involves being active - I enjoy running, going to the gym and more recently competing in Spartan Races! During school holidays, I find any opportunity I can to travel, take part in adventurous activities and learn about different cultures, especially the local cuisine! I also like to study and I am currently completing a Masters in International Education (remotely!) at the University of Dundee.

Mr Hayre - Teacher of Business & Computing

Mr Hayre has been a dedicated educator for over 16 years, teaching at a large secondary school within the trust. As the leader of the Computing Department, Mr Hayre has been instrumental in delivering a diverse range of courses, equipping students with essential skills in today's technology-driven world. His expertise spans various subjects, including computing, business, and finance, reflecting a commitment to providing a well-rounded education. Holding a degree in Business Management, Mr Hayre has also successfully delivered numerous business courses over the years. His comprehensive knowledge of both computing and business enables him to integrate practical and theoretical insights, fostering a rich learning environment for students. In addition to his academic contributions, Mr Hayre has started an esports club at his previous school, which competes within the trust. This initiative not only promotes digital literacy and strategic thinking but also provides students with opportunities to engage in a growing and dynamic field. Beyond the classroom, Mr Hayre is passionate about basketball and actively participates in the sport. He plays regularly and contributes to the local community by helping to run a local league team. This involvement not only underscores his teamwork and leadership skills but also highlights his dedication to promoting physical activity and sportsmanship among young people. With a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set, Mr Hayre is committed to inspiring students and preparing them for future success. His dual focus on academic excellence and extracurricular engagement makes him a valued member of both the educational and local community.

Mr Hill - Teacher of Music

Hi! My name is Mr Hill and I'm very much looking forward to joining the music team at Leigh Academy Blackheath - my instrument is the classical guitar. I'm originally from South Wales, and taught in Cardiff schools for many years before moving to London a few years back. My hobbies [besides musical activities in all forms] include running and triathlon, supporting Liverpool FC and my local team; Newport County, and fine woodworking/guitar making.

Ms Jacobs - Teacher of English

I am a passionate and dedicated educator with a strong focus on student- centric teaching practices. With four years of teaching experience and ongoing professional development, including pursuing a part-time M.A. in Modern and Contemporary English Literature, I bring a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise to the role. My academic background in Joint Honours English and Theology, coupled with my current studies, allows me with a deep understanding of both subject matter and pedagogical approaches. I've been deeply engaged in spoken poetry, immersing myself in numerous poetry events that serve as platforms for young individuals to freely articulate their thoughts and emotions. I am confident that my blend of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the school community and inspire positive change in the lives of students.

Ms Uthaiyarajah - Teacher of Science

As a science teacher who completed my PGCE from UCL, recognised as the world;s leading institution for education over the past decade, I have learnt that education extends beyond helping students memorise content. It involves inspiring curiosity and encouraging students to ask questions, thereby deepening their knowledge and enhancing their understanding. With six years of tutoring experience, I have guided numerous students aged 7-18 towards academic success. This experience, combined with my training as a teacher, has shown me that the role of an educator extends beyond just delivering content. It involves instilling confidence, self-belief, perseverance, and diligence in students. My passion for science arises from a deep-seated desire to comprehend the intricate functioning of living organisms, especially humans, an understanding I was privileged to cultivate during my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from UCL. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my expertise to inspire students and cultivate within them a passion for science through my teaching. Outside of teaching, I find fulfilment in exploring different cultures through travel and actively engage in recreational pursuits such as badminton and swimming.

Ms Stokes - KS3 Curriculum Coordinator - Physical Education

As a PE teacher with over 10 years experience, I am excited to join LAB as co-ordinator of key stage 3 PE. Having previously been a deputy raising standards leader of behaviour and safeguarding and lead teacher of girls PE I am looking forward to my new appointment. I consider trampolining, netball, volleyball and orienteering to be my areas of specialism within the PE curriculum. I enjoy supporting students as they explore new sports and activities as they develop resilience and overcome challenges. One of my favourite experiences as a teacher has been my involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, I have found guiding students through this enriching program incredibly rewarding. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, practising yoga and travelling.

Ms Galvin - Teacher of Business

My name is Ms Galvin and I have just completed my Professional Masters of Education in University College Cork, Ireland. I am passionate about my subjects of Business & Accounting both inside and out of the classroom. Sometimes the material we study is far from the reality of the students' daily lives, so I try to make my lessons as contextualized and as interactive as possible to promote student engagement and comprehension.

Miss Jefferies - Teacher of Art

Hello, my name is Miss Jefferies. I have a BA in textiles and surface design and a PGCE from Goldsmiths. I previously taught art, graphics and photography at the Broxbourne school in Hertfordshire and I'm excited to join Leigh Academy as your new art teacher. Outside the classroom I enjoy wild swimming, kayaking, reading, baking and knitting. I look forward to an exciting journey of learning and discovery together!

Mrs Grazia Giglione - KS3 Curriculum Coordinator - Languages

Ciao! My name is Mrs Grazia Giglione. I grew up near Rome, but I was born in Puglia, in southern Italy. I have been teaching in the UK for five years and

currently hold the position of MFL KS4 Lead teacher and Deputy Head of Department at Bexley Grammar School. Growing up, I was always a keen linguist; Latin and Ancient Greek were my favourite subjects in secondary school. During my university studies, I enjoyed working and studying in London, Rabat (Morocco), and Cádiz (Spain). My hobbies are pilates, yoga, dancing, and travelling.

LAB Lit Fest 2-Day Summary.pdf

Year 10 Work Experience, 1st-5th July

In the fifth week of module six, Year 10 LAB students left behind their GCSE studies to encounter the world of work. Thanks to a preparation programme including their Pathways to Your Future day back in January, the students were ready to be a success in their chosen workplace. Placements varied - students were placed in local nurseries and primary schools, cafes and shops, national newspapers, Soho Radio, corporate law and banking firms, engineering businesses and many, many more.

The feedback we received from the employers kind enough to take out students for a week was uniformly positive. Students were praised for their punctuality and politeness as well as their willingness to listen and take on new challenges. Some were even offered jobs - we were told that they were ‘better than current employees’!

On their return to LAB students spent their first morning reflecting on the experience, completing their journals and writing a thank you letter to their employer. The week away has seen them grow as individuals and it was delightful to see how much they enjoyed the experience.

University of Greenwich trip

Our current and prospective DP Sport, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS) students recently had the opportunity to visit the University of Greenwich and carry out testing in their Sport Science degree program laboratory. During this trip, students engaged in various tests, including:

- Maximum Power Output in Cycling (Wingate Test): Students assessed their peak power and anaerobic capacity.

- Spirometer Test: They measured lung capacity and explored respiratory function.

- VO2 Max Testing: This test evaluated their maximum oxygen uptake and aerobic endurance.

- Blood Lactate Sampling: Students examined their anaerobic capacity through blood lactate analysis.

This hands-on experience provided our students with valuable insights into university-level lab testing and allowed them to understand their fitness limitations. The opportunity is directly linked to their SEHS coursework, offering an excellent practical understanding of the theoretical content they study. The trip was an enriching experience, enhancing both their academic and practical knowledge in the field of sports science.

What the Student Government has achieved this year

This year in student government we have achieved multiple things such as speeches in front of local governors and listening to our peers to enforce rules that have made our student experiences at LAB more enjoyable.

SLT meeting

One of our achievements this year is a meeting that three of our student government representatives attended. In this meeting we presented our ideas for improving school life in front of our Principal and other members of the Senior Leadership team. From this meeting we were able to introduce a rule that allowed students with the most merits to skip the lunch line. In preparation for this, we created a slideshow and speech which we got the opportunity to read and present. As a result of this, it was announced in the assembly that the rule had been taken on board and enforced. This left students very pleased as they were able to be rewarded for their achievements.

Food Bank

At the beginning of the school year the first project that the student government worked on was collecting donations for a Christmas food bank. In this project we made a slideshow that was shown in tutor time and assembly to inform students about what type of food they could bring in and information on where and when to hand in their items. We received many donations from all the students and were able to make a large donation to the Greenwich foodbank.

Lunch Express Pass

Here at Leigh Academy Blackheath, the Student Government makes many decisions for the students, such as the Lunch Express Pass. The Lunch Express Pass is a pass that lets the students with the most conduct points skip the lunch line no matter what college they are in, they can skip the lunch line and get their food earlier than the rest of the students for one week (Monday to Friday). This rule has made students feel more rewarded and acknowledged for their achievements.

Governor meeting

In the first term of this school year, a set of local school governors visited our school and we had a conversation with them about some of the rules/events that we were planning on enforcing as well as what the student government does in our regular meetings. This was a great opportunity for us to receive some advice on what we can do to improve our school and government. It was also great to practise our speaking skills in front of people that we are unfamiliar with.

MYP Year 9 Community Project

Our Year 9 students have once again demonstrated their creativity and commitment through the MYP Year 9 Community Project. This year, the focus was on supporting our incoming Year 7 students to feel welcomed and integrated into the LAB community. The project, undertaken across two terms in the LAB Learner modules, challenged students to design something that would help Year 7s settle in and feel at home.

Throughout the process, students brainstormed ideas, collaborated in groups, and honed their skills in communication and design. Their projects spanned various formats, but all shared the common goal of enhancing the Year 7 experience at LAB. After much diligent work in their community project booklets, each student presented their project in class. Each class teacher then selected the best submissions as finalists.

The final presentations were held before Ms Joy, who had the challenging task of choosing the winners. After much deliberation, the winning project was created by Sriya, Annabelle, and Lily-Fleur from 9B. Their innovative handbook (a snippet is shown on the right-hand side), which provided essential information and tips about key aspects of LAB life, stood out for its clarity, creativity, and usefulness. The leaflet covered everything from school routines to extracurricular activities, making it an invaluable guide for new students.

Other awards were granted to Eoin and Hayley in 9C for the quality of their resources, to George, Ben and Zain in 9B for their creativity, and Esosa, Mia and Najiah in 9A for their wonderful video touring the school.

Special mention also goes to Troy, Lucy and Ama for their original idea of creating a video for the transition website which explains to Year 7 students how to do their ties!

We are incredibly proud of all the participants for their hard work and enthusiasm. The Year 9 Community Project not only showcased their talents but also highlighted the spirit of collaboration and support that defines the LAB community.

Congratulations to Sriya, Annabelle, and Lily-Fleur for their outstanding contribution! Their project will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our new Year 7 students, helping them to feel a part of the LAB family from day one.

Celebrating Our Year 9 MYP Graduates at LAB

On July 10th, LAB proudly celebrated the graduation of our Year 9 students from the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). This momentous occasion marks the completion of a significant phase in our students' educational journey ahead of September, when they will embark on their GCSE courses.

The MYP at LAB provides a holistic education, fostering critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and lifelong learning skills. Through this program, our students develop a strong academic foundation while also nurturing personal growth and social responsibility. Every student in the cohort was awarded an MYP certificate, recognising the significant effort required to successfully complete the MYP programme.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the LAB values awards, recognising outstanding students who exemplify our core values. Well done to the following students who were recognised with these awards:

Respect: Archie
Integrity: Amine
Ambition: Florence
Resilience: Faith
Scholarship: Nathan

Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies and the school community, embodying the true spirit of LAB.

During the ceremony, we were also treated to some fantastic student performances from two of our talented Year 9 students. Well done to both Mia and Florence for their excellent vocal performances.

Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Year 9 tutors, whose unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in our students' success:

9A: Miss Young
9B: Mr Hance
9C: Mr Warren
9D: Mr Statham
9E: Mr Kerr
9F: Mr Clabrough

We thank them for their commitment to fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for our students.

Congratulations to the Year 9 class of 2024! Your journey has just begun, and the entire LAB community stands behind you, eager to see all that you will accomplish.

The podcast began last year but has only been published in April, already amassing nearly 2000 views in less than 2 months! While Season 1 explored healthy vs unhealthy relationships, Season 2 deals with the impacts of social media. Now working on Season 3, the podcast crew are looking forward to announcing their new topic…

Click the links below to find out more!

Our Year 10 band advanced to the final of Trinity Laban’s Battle of the Bands on Tuesday 9th July 2024.

This inaugural event took place on the main stage at Blackheath Halls, featuring professional sound and lighting. The performances were judged by a panel of music industry experts and Trinity Laban’s Popular Music degree teaching staff. Our Year 10 band were incredible and made LAB very proud! Although they didn't win, they came very close as runners-up among six other schools, with the winners being sixth formers. Yolanda Charles MBE, one of the judges renowned for her services to the music business, praised their performance as very entertaining and technically well-played.

Well done to Ashira, Macie-Mae, Aarion, Reed, and Oliver.

You can watch their two performances below:

Back to You (Written by the students themselves!) https://youtu.be/SVmu5K1l9OI?si=708Qp6-36N8_Vv0A
In the End (Linkin Park) https://youtu.be/5cX9VIhxeW8?si=TpgP6oEj7IjYvbKP

Blackheath Halls Theatre Trip - High School Musical

Trinity Laban Musical Theatre Department invited 20 students from Leigh Academy Blackheath to attend a performance of their end of year production "High School Musical”.

Our students were captivated by many performances. The talented cast brought the High School Musical characters Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and others to life with their singing, dancing, and acting. The students were especially impressed by the lively choreography and ability to control their stamina throughout the whole performance.

The high-quality set design, costumes, and lighting made the experience even better, showing the excellent training Trinity Laban students receive. The professional-level performance inspired our students, many who are considering careers in theatre.

Debate Society

This year, Debate Society has been concentrating on the art of the debate. We have been holding controversial and challenging debates in every session: with topics suggested by students. This has included debates on issues such as the merits of different academic subjects, a state of anarchy and migration issues. Students are expected to create logical arguments that are supported by evidence. We work on debate techniques such as persuasive reasoning and examples that engage the audience. We have been trying to introduce reliable statistics into debates to further strengthen arguments.

Students have worked well all year on Thursday afternoons after school and have found the debates both enjoyable and challenging. It is good to think outside of the box! And what is a box anyway? See you in debate club next academic year!