Subject Overview 

Events this module 📆

During this module, students have continued to study and explore literature chronologically.  Below are the time periods we have arrived at for KS3:

Year 7 - A study of Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote 🏇🏻

Year 8 - An exploration of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein 🧟‍♂️

Year 9 - A study of postcolonialism and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘The Headstrong Historian’ 📖 

In KS4 and 5, students have been focussing on exam skills for their upcoming mocks, exams and internal oral assessments. 

In particular, we must say congratulations to Year 11 for completing all four exams for English Language and English Literature! We would also like to congratulate Year 13, who have just received a fantastic set of results in English Literature for the IB. We wish them all every success in the future. 

Jack Petchey Returns 🗣️

This module, our Year 10 students had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a Jack Petchey Workshop designed to boost their confidence and develop their speaking and listening skills. The workshop provided a supportive and engaging environment for students to practise public speaking, share ideas and build the self-assurance they need for their English Language Oral Assessment.

Students came away feeling more prepared and motivated, with many commenting on how the activities helped them organise their thoughts and express themselves clearly. We are proud to see them grow into more confident speakers and look forward to watching them put these skills into practice in their assessments and beyond.

Jack Petchey video 

Interdisciplinary Unit and Trip to the London Dockland’s Museum 🇳🇬

In Modules 5 and 6, our Year 9 students embraced an exciting interdisciplinary unit as part of their Middle Years Programme (MYP). This unit brought together topics from English, Geography and Modern Foreign Languages, allowing students to make meaningful connections across subjects. Building on their exploration of colonialism through Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, students deepened their understanding by looking at the topic through different lenses across the curriculum.

To enrich their learning further, students visited the London Docklands Museum, where they explored the history of the topic — all of which added real-world depth to their classroom studies. Students used their research and insights to create thoughtful presentations, which contributed to their IDU MYP mark.

We are incredibly proud of the creativity and critical thinking students have shown in this unit, and we look forward to sharing some of their impressive presentations at the upcoming Year 9 MYP Graduation.

LAB Literature Festival 🎪

At Leigh Academy Blackheath, reading is integral to everything we do. So much so that we hold an annual literary festival to celebrate all aspects of the literary world.

From the 15th to the 17th of July, LAB will be at the centre of all things literary!

This year in the English sessions of the festival, students will be creating their own ‘eco-poems’ as well as looking at poems in different dialects, before attempting to craft their own! 

IB English Literature DP IOs 🗣️

Students spent much of the term preparing for their Internal Assessment, which is an oral commentary focusing on a Global Issue explored through two works studied in Year 12. This important component of the course challenges students to think critically and make meaningful connections between literature and the world around them. Throughout the term, students have been developing their independent research skills, crafting detailed analytical notes and practising their spoken commentary. Many have relished the opportunity to express their interpretations and ideas with greater confidence and depth. We are impressed by the thoughtful perspectives they have brought to their chosen Global Issues, and we look forward to seeing their hard work reflected in their final assessments.

Sparx Reader 📘

We have continued to champion Sparx Reader with Key Stage 3 students. The purpose of Sparx Reader is to help students improve their skills in reading in a fun and competitive way. Students gain SPRs (Sparx Reader Points) for careful reading. They can gain points through reading independently or through assignments. 

Currently as a school we are ranked 21st nationally (out of nearly 1000 schools!) for homework completion; this is up from the beginning of the year, but we want to do even better! 

Congratulations to the following classes who are currently top of the leaderboard for their year group:

1. 🥇 Year 7: 7F (95% completion)

2. 🥇 Year 8: 8D (94% completion)

3. 🥇 Year 9: 9B (95% completion)

Values champion/star students 🌟

We are very lucky to teach such wonderful students at LAB - students who are thoughtful, articulate and eager to learn.  This module, we would like to celebrate the following students for their consistent eager attitude for learning and for going above and beyond during each English lesson:       

Things coming up next module: new beginnings 🗓️ 

Students will return in September to begin the next phase of their education here at LAB. In English they will be studying:

Year 7 - Homer’s The Odyssey 🏺

Year 8 - Shakespeare’s Macbeth 👑

Year 9 - Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 🎄

Year 10 - Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet ⚔️

Year 11 - Edexcel’s ‘Belonging’ poetry collection 📜

Year 12 - Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House 🏠

Year 13 - John Fowles’ The Collector 🦋

Summer ideas for the community 🌎

Words Matter Poetry Competition Following the incredible response to Words Matter’s new film – featuring the moving poem by Tally Gilbert about why words matter for children and brought to life by 13-year-old Ethan – the charity has launched a national children’s poetry competition in collaboration with First News, the UK’s leading children’s newspaper. Timed to coincide with the summer holidays, the competition invites children to write original poems exploring the power of words from the adults in their lives. 

Treasures of the British Library: The second largest atlas in the world, the historic library of King George III and Wilfred Owen’s manuscripts. See and learn about these items and much more on a guided tour of some of the treasures in our collection. The knowledgeable, passionate Library staff will introduce you to their favourite items in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery, where over 200 of the most iconic treasures are displayed, and divulge fun facts and lesser-known histories you won’t find anywhere else. Available to book every day of the week. 

Summer Series at The Globe : The Globe has many classics on offer in their summer series such as; Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and The Crucible. £5 standing tickets are available, just make sure to dress for the British weather! 

The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre: Olly Alexander plays Algernon Moncrieff in director Max Webster‘s joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s ‘glittering masterpiece’, a hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance. A great introduction to Oscar Wilde, who features in our Gothic module for KS3 students. 

London Literature Festival - London Literature Festival unites readers of every age to celebrate the written and spoken word. Now in its 17th edition, it’s the longest-running literature festival in the city, setting prestigious authors alongside rising literary stars and cultural observers.

Useful Links 🔗

Recommended Reading

How to Revise for English at GCSE

Pearson Lit in Colour Programme

Adichie’s Ted Talk - The Danger of a Single Story

Language and Literature Google Site

In Module 6, Year 7 students explored ratio and transformations. They learned how to compare quantities using ratio and apply it to real-life problems like recipes and scale drawings. They also had fun transforming 2D shapes by translating, rotating, reflecting and enlarging them. It was great to see students becoming more confident with visual reasoning and starting to use mathematical language more fluently in class.

Our Year 8 students tackled some key geometry topics. They started with bearings, learning how to describe and measure directions accurately using a protractor. Then they moved on to circles, where they practised using formulas for circumference and area. We also looked at the relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle, deepening our understanding of π (pi). Students learned how to find π using a scientific calculator and that it can be shortened to 3.142 for practical use. Impressively, one student was even able to recall pi to 18 decimal places! To finish the module, they explored volumes and surface areas of 3D shapes, applying formulas and thinking carefully about the nets of solids. It’s been great to see students developing their spatial awareness and problem-solving skills throughout the term.

Our Year 9 students explored a range of number topics that help build a strong foundation for GCSE maths. They started with surds and practised simplifying and manipulating irrational numbers. Then they revisited indices and learned how to apply the laws of powers. They also worked with standard form, making it easier to handle very large and very small numbers. To finish, they looked at growth and decay problems, using percentage multipliers to model real-world situations. It’s been great to see them making links between these topics and applying them with increasing confidence.

In this term, Year 10 delved into the world of irrational numbers where they performed advanced calculations with surds, including rationalising the denominator. They explored how to use standard form to represent very large and very small numbers. Year 10 further developed their understanding of sequences looking into arithmetic, geometric and quadratic sequences in more depth. Just a few weeks ago Year 10 had their first taste of what is to come for them in Year 11 where they sat two full GCSE maths papers for their end of year exams. They handled this experience exceptionally well and rose to the challenge. We are very pleased with their results and hope the students will build on this momentum as they work toward success next year.

Our Year 11 students completed their final GCSE maths exams. After months of revision, practice papers and hard work, it was brilliant to see so many students approach their exams with focus and determination. Whether aiming for a pass or pushing for the top grades, our students gave it their all. The maths team is incredibly proud of the effort shown throughout the year, and we look forward to celebrating with everyone on results day in August.

Our  Year 12 students took a deep dive into calculus, focusing on a wide range of integration techniques. They started with the fundamentals, including indefinite integrals and particular values, before moving on to more advanced methods like integration by substitution, partial fractions, and by parts. They also explored applications of integration, such as finding the area between curves and volumes of revolution. It’s been great to see students tackling these challenging topics with increasing confidence as they build the skills needed for Year 13 and beyond.

Our Year 13 IB students completed their final maths exams – a huge milestone after two years of hard work and dedication. The department is incredibly proud to share that our students achieved some fantastic results, with many reaching or exceeding their target grades. Whether studying Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation, students showed real resilience and a strong understanding of the course. These results are a credit to their effort and perseverance, and we’re excited to see what they go on to do next.

Module 5 and 6 have continued to be a busy time for Science at LAB. While KS3 have completed their MYP assessments our students have continued to excel with their Sparx Science achievements. Our students have answered over 612,000 questions, with homework completion rates consistently above 80% throughout the year. Our School Success Coaches at Sparx have repeatedly praised LAB for maintaining high levels of engagement, especially during periods when many other schools have seen a drop-off, such as the Easter and summer terms. This consistency reflects not only the dedication of our students but also the strong systems and routines we have established to support learning. Sparx has become an invaluable asset in consolidating science knowledge, building independent study skills, and keeping students motivated through certificates and reward systems. We are very proud of what KS3 has achieved this year and are excited to keep raising the bar even further next year.

In the classroom students have continued to develop hands-on practical skills undertaking investigations into the best rocket designs (y7) and following multi-stage procedures to make copper sulphate crystals (y9). These skills will be invaluable in further study as our IB students are finding out while preparing the IA and EE experiments. 

We are extremely proud of all staff in the department. It is particularly motivating when the hard work and enthusiasm is recognised by the students as well. Jaber Kabiri was pleased to receive a student choice award from the outgoing year 13s for his work with them over the course of the past two years. 

The team is looking forward to September when we will be  welcoming new members of staff. Sonia Aldworth will be taking over as Director of Learning and Peniel Eghobamien the new Deputy Director of Learning. While this is an exciting change we will of course be bidding a fond farewell to some of our current team members. Firstly Frim Boadu, who has served as Director of Learning for 2 years, will be stepping down and teaching two days a week. Frim hopes to make time to pursue other interests outside of school and we are lucky to still have her experience on the teaching team. One of our valued technicians, Kamea Krolikowska, is moving onto an exciting new position as a researcher for Afrigen in South Africa! Her contributions to the life of the department have been invaluable and she will be sorely missed. Lastly, Chantal Heslop, our Key Stage 3 coordinator will be moving onto another role at Leigh Stationers’ Academy where we know she will do great work. We are grateful to Chantal for her endless enthusiasm and positivity! 

The Stephen Spender Prize 2025

The Stephen Spender Prize is a prestigious national competition that celebrates poetry in translation. Open to students (and parents!) of all abilities, the prize invites you to choose a poem in any language, translate it into English, and write a short commentary explaining your choices.

Whether you speak another language at home, study French or Spanish at school, or just enjoy playing with words, this is a brilliant opportunity to explore the power of language and culture. If you speak Portuguese, there is a specific section of the competition that you can enter, called “Portuguese Spotlight”.

Deadline: 31st July 2025

Speak to Mrs Giglione for support and ideas, or visit www.stephen-spender.org for full details. 

LAB 16 Taster Day

Last Tuesday 1st of July, LAB 16 held a successful taster day for prospective students interested in modern foreign languages. There was a strong turnout at the event, with a mix of internal and external students taking part in both the German and Spanish taster sessions. Feedback from those who participated was overwhelmingly positive, and students for the most part seemed to be engaged and excited. The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our excellent language department and inspire future language students, and we hope to see many of these students in our language classes next year.

Year 12 Historians Take Part in National Holocaust Conference

As part of their Internal Assessment research into the Holocaust, our Year 12 IB Diploma History students had the incredible opportunity to attend AmCon 2025, a national conference held in London, to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps.

Bringing together young people from across the UK, the conference was a powerful day of education, reflection, and action. The students heard from leading historians, took part in interactive workshops, and most memorably listened to the testimony of Holocaust survivors.

The keynote address was delivered by Laurence Rees, the award-winning author and documentary filmmaker widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the Holocaust. His reflections on the significance of this moment in history, as well as the moral lessons it holds for today’s world, resonated deeply with the students.

Workshops throughout the day provided students with the chance to engage more deeply with topics such as the role of bystanders, resistance movements, and the use of survivor testimony in historical research. These sessions will directly support their Internal Assessment work and wider understanding of one of the most complex and devastating events of the 20th century.

The conference also encouraged students to consider how they can use their voices and historical understanding to challenge antisemitism and discrimination in their own communities.

We are really proud of how our students engaged with such a challenging and important subject, and we are confident that this experience will shape not only their academic work but also their broader perspective as global citizens. 

Here Nina and Ruth recount highlights from the trip. 

Nina:

On the 30th June, my class attended the Holocaust Ambassador Conference. This was a fantastic opportunity in which we were able to take part in various workshops, hear from historians and learn from Holocaust Survivors. This was especially meaningful seeing as we will be one of the last generations to be able to hear directly from individuals who experienced the Holocaust firsthand and help to preserve their stories. Also, not only was it extremely interesting participating in the collaborative workshops with experts and other students, but very exciting listening to a lecture from the historian Laurence Rees, whose book I am using in my coursework.

Ruth W: 

The Holocaust Ambassador Conference was an opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops in which we learned in depth about various aspects of the Holocaust from many historians. We learned about Jewish resistance and the Belsen Camp in these workshops. This was particularly interesting as not only did we get to learn about these areas of the Holocaust to aid our learning, but we also got to hear from Holocaust survivors who shared their personal experiences as a way to preserve their history.

IDU project-Year 7 trip to the British Museum 

Earlier in Module 3, Year 7 students took part in a thought-provoking Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) exploring the rich legacy of the Islamic world. This collaborative project brought together the History, Art, and Maths departments to help students understand how Islamic civilisation has shaped global knowledge, creativity, and culture.

As part of their Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) in History, Art and Maths, Year 7 students visited the British Museum to explore the legacy of the Islamic world.

Students explored the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World, using a specially designed bingo task to identify key artefacts, including Qur’an manuscripts, Iznik tiles, and astrolabes. They looked closely at the use of geometry, tessellation, and calligraphy, making meaningful links to their lessons on Baghdad’s House of Wisdom, Islamic art traditions, and mathematical pattern-making.

The trip gave students the chance to see how art, belief, and science came together in the Islamic Golden Age, and how those influences remain visible today. A huge well done to Year 7 for their thoughtful engagement, curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day!

Year 12 Geographers: Fieldwork Ahead and Thinking Globally

Our current Year 12 IB Geography students are preparing for an exciting and important part of their course: fieldwork at Camber Sands next Thursday, supporting their Internal Assessment (IA). This valuable experience will allow students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting and strengthen their research and analytical skills.

Alongside their IA work, students have recently started a new unit on Global Resource Consumption and Security. This timely topic challenges them to think critically about how we use the planet’s resources—and what that means for sustainability and global equity.

As they explore these global issues, we encourage all students to consider their role as global citizens. The summer break is a great opportunity to:

• Read or watch documentaries on sustainability and global development
  
  

• Take part in local environmental initiatives
  
  

• Reflect on their own consumption habits and how they can make more sustainable choices
  
  

We’re incredibly proud of the dedication our Year 12s have shown so far and look forward to seeing how they bring these ideas to life both in the field and in their everyday actions.

🎓 Year 11 – Wishing You the Best for Results Day

To our Year 11 students, we want to take a moment to wish you the very best of luck as you await your GCSE results this summer.

We know how much effort, focus, and resilience you put into your studies and exams throughout the year. Whatever the outcome, be proud of how far you've come and all that you’ve achieved.

We look forward to seeing many of you back with us in September—and for those heading on to new adventures, we wish you every success in the exciting journeys ahead.

Enjoy a restful and well-deserved summer break!

Year 10 Geographers: From City Streets to Coastal Shores

Our Year 10 Edexcel B Geography students recently took to the field with a successful urban fieldwork visit to Canary Wharf. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to explore key concepts from their Urban Issues topic and collect valuable primary data.

Back in the classroom, students are now hard at work analysing their data, drawing conclusions, and making sense of the patterns they observed on the ground.

Looking ahead, students will complete the second part of their fieldwork with a coastal investigation at Reculver when they return in September—an exciting chance to examine coastal processes and management in action.

📚 Summer Tips for Success:

• Stay fresh: Revisit your notes and fieldwork booklet to keep the data and methods clear in your mind.
  
  

• Get organised: Make sure all fieldwork materials are up to date and well presented.
  
  

• Build your skills: Try simple data presentation practice—charts, graphs, or sketch maps based on your urban fieldwork.
  
  

• Explore further: Watch geography documentaries or read articles about urban development and coastal change—BBC Bitesize and National Geographic are great places to start.
  
  

Well done to all our Year 10s for their enthusiasm and hard work—enjoy a well-earned summer, and we look forward to heading to the coast with you in September!

KS3 Geography: Exploring Our World

It’s been a busy and exciting term for our Key Stage 3 geographers, with each year group diving into different global themes and environments.

Year 7 are now exploring the fascinating world of tropical rainforests, learning about biodiversity, climate, and the challenges of deforestation. Earlier this year, they studied desert biomes, and we were incredibly impressed with their creative and informative posters—some of which will be proudly displayed on our Geography board. Fantastic work!

Year 8 are currently investigating the impacts of tourism—both positive and negative—on people and places around the globe. They’re learning to think critically about sustainable travel and how tourism shapes economies, environments, and cultures.

Year 9 have been studying coasts, developing an understanding of how our coastlines are shaped and protected. Alongside this, they took part in a powerful Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) in collaboration with the English and Languages departments. As part of this project, students visited the Museum of London Docklands to investigate the impacts of colonialism, with a particular focus on Nigeria. This cross-curricular experience encouraged students to think deeply about history, identity, geography, and language—and how these shape our modern world. 

Well done to all KS3 students for your curiosity and hard work this term—we’re excited to see how your learning continues to grow!

☀️ Summer Geography Challenge: Explore, Discover, Reflect

Geography is all around us—and summer is the perfect time to keep your curiosity alive. Here are some fun ideas for KS3 students to stay engaged:

• 🏙 Explore a new part of London – Notice changes in architecture, people, or land use. What makes each area unique?
  
  

• 🌳 Visit a park or nature reserve – Try somewhere like Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, or Walthamstow Wetlands and reflect on how green spaces are managed in the city.
  
  

• 🎥 Watch geography documentaries – BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or YouTube have fantastic series like Planet Earth or Our Changing Planet.
  
  

• 🏖 Take a trip to the coast or a river – Visit Brighton, Margate, or even the Thames Path to spot geographical features and human-environment interactions.
  
  

• 📸 Keep a photo diary – Take pictures of interesting places and write a short geography fact or question for each one.
  
  

🗣 Reflect on the IDU – For Year 9s: consider how geography, language, and literature are connected through themes like identity, history, and culture. 

Year 10 – A Milestone Term of Growth and Achievement

We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 students, who have recently completed their first set of GCSE mock exams. This experience marked an important step in preparing for the demands of Year 11. The maturity they showed in their approach to revision, exam conduct and self-reflection was commendable.

In addition to their academic efforts, students also enjoyed a successful week of work experience, with placements ranging from retail and healthcare to law, education, and construction. The feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been fantastic to see students thriving in real-world environments, gaining valuable insights into the working world.

As they return to school and move into their final year, we’re excited to support them on the next stage of their journey. Year 11 is a big chapter, but the Year 10 students have shown they are ready to meet it with focus, resilience and ambition.

Year 12 – A Year of Independence, Initiative and Progress

Our Year 12 students have been working exceptionally hard this term, with many now in the midst of researching their second unit of courseworks. This coursework focuses on students selecting a business and then analysing and reviewing the impact of various environments and markets on their success. Their ability to manage deadlines, balance workloads and produce high-quality thoughtful work is a real credit to their growing independence and academic maturity.

Beyond the classroom, Year 12s have shown fantastic initiative and leadership through organising and hosting events, from charity bake sales to discos for Key Stage 3 students. These experiences not only build confidence and teamwork, but also contribute richly to their personal development and wider school community. This was truly an eye opening coursework to complete, showing the numerous factors that need to be considered when taking on the role of an event organiser.

As they prepare for the final year of sixth form, students are beginning to reflect on their next steps. Whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment, we’ll be supporting them every step of the way.

Year 7 - Exploring Data and Building Digital Confidence

This term, Year 7 students have been developing their digital literacy through an engaging ICT module focused on spreadsheets. Using Google Sheets, they have learnt how to analyse and manipulate data, culminating in the creation of clear and visually appealing charts to display the popularity of different pets.

Beyond technical skills, students have explored how data can influence ideas and decisions. They’ve begun to interrogate statistics critically, learning to look beyond the surface to understand what the data is really saying.

Next term, we’re excited to introduce Year 7 to the world of web development and computer science, where they will build on this strong foundation with more creative and technical challenges.

Year 8 - Digital Creativity and Responsible Online Publishing

This term, Year 8 students have been exploring the world of digital content creation while deepening their understanding of copyright and licensing. As part of their ICT and digital literacy development, they have been designing their own blogs using Google Sites. These projects have allowed students to apply their existing ICT skills to new software, while also learning how to share work responsibly and ethically online.

It has been impressive to see how confidently students have adapted to new tools and demonstrated their creativity and independence.

Looking ahead, Year 8 will move into more computer science-focused topics, including programming and networks. They will also explore creative technologies in preparation for the option of studying iMedia or Computer Science at GCSE level.

Year 9 - Innovation, Problem Solving and Looking to the Future

Year 9 students have taken on some of the most ambitious computing topics yet, with a strong focus on programming and computer networks. As part of their final MYP unit, students have created interactive Python quizzes, drawing on cross-curricular links with geography. It has been fantastic to see such a wide range of creative and well-executed solutions, with many students achieving outstanding marks.

In addition to programming, students have been exploring how data travels through computer systems, from physical components to the software that powers modern applications. A highlight has been their introduction to artificial intelligence, where they trained an AI model to recognise different animals. This sparked thoughtful discussions about the ethical implications of AI and how such technologies may shape future careers and the global labour market.

We are incredibly proud of how far our Year 9s have come and how confidently they are beginning to approach more complex digital concepts. We look forward to supporting those students who have opted for one of our enterprise GCSE pathways in Computer Science, Business Studies, iMedia or Economics. There are exciting challenges ahead that will stretch their understanding of digital technologies on a global scale.

KS3 Resources

Y9 project - Leo -  https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/8tSLKADIPyBNg?authuser=0 

Y8 work - Aria - https://sites.google.com/lablearner.org.uk/arblog/home 

    Florence - https://sites.google.com/lablearner.org.uk/fr-blog/home 

Year 10 - Mastering Core Concepts and Preparing for Success

This term, Year 10 students have focused on completing the content for Paper 1 in their GCSE Computer Science course, covering key areas such as cyber security, operating systems, utility software and the ethical implications of technology. Alongside this, students have been preparing for their mock exams with determination and focus.

One of the highlights has been the in-depth exploration of cyber security, where students investigated system vulnerabilities and analysed high-profile real-world incidents, including the recent ransomware attack affecting companies like M&S and the Co-op. They have also gained a solid understanding of how user interfaces and utility software contribute to the smooth running of modern digital systems.

Students have also engaged in thoughtful discussions around ethics in computing, examining topics such as data rights, resource consumption, and digital licensing.

In parallel with theory, students have continued to strengthen their programming skills by developing text-based adventure games. These projects challenged them to apply programming fundamentals such as sequence, selection, iteration and sub-programs, pushing towards object-oriented design.

To support revision, students have made excellent use of in-class resources and our online platform, Smart Revise. Some of our top users on Smart Revise are:

• Zain

• Robert

• Sam R

• Emily

• Tom

Overall, Year 10 students have performed well in their mock exams and are in a strong position as they head into their final year of GCSE Computer Science.

Year 11 - Final Preparations and Looking Ahead

This term marked the completion of the GCSE Computer Science course for our Year 11 students. The focus has been on refining knowledge, consolidating understanding and mastering exam technique to ensure that every student felt confident and prepared for the final assessments.

Students made excellent use of our online revision platform, Smart Revise, to guide their independent study and practise exam-style questions. Many also attended drop-in sessions to revisit challenging topics, clarify key concepts and reinforce their learning outside of lessons. Their commitment and resilience throughout the term has been impressive.

We look forward to welcoming students back on results day to celebrate their achievements and to discuss the exciting opportunities ahead. We are particularly excited to offer places on our IB Computer Science programme at LAB16, where many students will continue their computing journey at either Higher or Standard Level.

Year 12 - Developing Expertise and Exploring Future Pathways

Year 12 students have spent this term deepening their understanding of software design and user interaction. A key focus has been object-oriented programming (OOP) using Java, moving beyond the basics to work confidently with classes, objects and methods. This has marked a significant step forward in their programming capabilities.

Alongside programming, students have been expanding their knowledge of computer systems and networks, developing a broader view of how digital systems are built—from user interfaces to system feedback.

Students performed well in their mock examinations, with several achieving excellent results. They have been encouraged to reflect on their progress and identify clear areas for improvement as they look ahead to Year 13.

As part of our wider support, students have been signposted to future pathways beyond sixth form, including apprenticeships, university courses and vocational routes within the tech sector. It has been particularly encouraging to see such enthusiasm for career exploration and progression.

A special mention goes to James for his outstanding contributions to class discussions and independent learning.

Year 13 - Finishing Strong and Stepping Forward

This term, our Year 13 students completed their final chapter of the Computer Science course. Coursework was submitted and all three examinations have now been sat. In the lead-up to exams, the department provided a range of targeted support sessions, helping students strengthen weaker areas and refine their exam technique.

A key focus this year was the AI chatbot case study, where students explored the evolution of machine learning—from early predictive text models to modern large language models used in customer support. These discussions offered valuable insight into how real-world systems are designed with efficiency and user experience in mind.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience and maturity shown by this cohort. On behalf of the department, we wish all our Year 13 students the very best in their next steps, whether that be university, apprenticeships or other exciting ventures.

A special thanks and farewell to: Andy, Kerim, Joe, Tom, Dom, Maksim, Somto, Kristian, Leo and Maya.

KS5 - Resources

Jo - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qt_IDPboPotQ1-kGH4cBVKKewG6_xW49/view?usp=sharing 

Tom - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_4FfUhdo3F-RfkmHVZizq2kpK-5kKSje/view?usp=sharing 

Code Club - Creativity, Commitment and Progress

Code Club has seen fantastic weekly attendance from our KS3 students this year, with consistent enthusiasm and engagement throughout. A special mention goes to Hetty, Florence and Ada for their outstanding participation and dedication.

Students have tackled a variety of challenges, from creating games and animations in Scratch to developing more advanced projects using Python. Jack and Daniel, in particular, have produced some impressive work, demonstrating both creativity and technical skill as they’ve progressed through different programming environments.

We’re excited to continue running Code Club next year, with plans to introduce modular competitions to give students new challenges and the chance to showcase their skills.

Welcome

It’s been a fantastic year in Design and Technology at Leigh Academy Blackheath. Across all year groups, it’s been a real pleasure to watch students develop their practical skills, creative thinking, and confidence in design. From first sketches to finished products, the progress made has been outstanding and we’re incredibly proud of what our learners have achieved this year.

Big Hitters This Term: IDU

One of the standout moments this term was the launch of an interdisciplinary project with the Science department, introduced to Year 8 at the start of term.

In Science, students learned about DNA structure and function, while in Design, they explored how modern manufacturing and computer-aided design (CAD) are used to support medical advancements. Bringing both subjects together, students used a 3D design program—Tinkercad—to model their own DNA-inspired keyrings.

These models were then brought to life using our brand-new 3D printer, giving students a tangible product they designed from scratch. It’s been a brilliant way to link learning across subjects while introducing future-ready digital skills.

Take a look at the photos below to see some of the amazing designs in action!

Big Hitters This Term:Jamie Oliver World Record!

Leigh Academy Blackheath was proud to take part in the Jamie Oliver world record attempt this term. On a very hot day, our students joined thousands across the globe in cooking together for this special event.

During the session, students learned how to make tomato pasta with guidance from Jamie Oliver himself. It was a fantastic experience combining fun, teamwork, and cooking skills.

We’re thrilled to share that the world record was officially granted! A huge well done to all the students involved for their energy and enthusiasm.

Key Stage 3: Creativity in Action

It’s been a busy and hands-on term for our KS3 students!

Year 7 designed and built gravity-powered race cars using developmental modelling and workshop tools. They explored how design changes affect speed and performance, and the final races were full of excitement and friendly competition. 

Year 8 tackled real-world thinking by designing temporary shelters for natural disasters like flooding. Using Google SketchUp and paper modelling, students created thoughtful, practical solutions while developing key design skills. 

Year 9 completed their tie-dyed, hand-sewn Chromebook cases. Some students added extra flair with hand-cut stencils and fabric paint, creating unique, personalised designs. Special mention goes to Henry, Natalia, and Megan for their standout work! 

Key Stage 4: Developing Independence and Skill

Our Year 10 students have taken big strides in both Design and Food Technology.

In Design, students completed a practice mock project based on jewellery boxes. They followed the full design process—from research and idea development to construction—gaining valuable experience along the way.

In Food, students were set a cultural cooking challenge: to prepare a main dish and dessert from a country of their choice, all in just two hours. From curries to cheesecakes, the results were creative, technically strong, and full of flavour. 

Key Stage 5: Designing for the Future

Year 12 DP Design students have started work on their independent assessments, an exciting part of the course that allows for real design freedom.

Students are currently developing their ideas, supported by research, sketching, and early prototyping. Some great initial concepts are already taking shape, and we’re looking forward to seeing these projects grow next term.

Looking Ahead & Holiday Wishes

As we wrap up this busy and rewarding year, we want to thank all students, parents, and staff for their hard work and support. We hope you all have a restful and enjoyable holiday break, ready to come back refreshed and inspired for the new term.

Stay safe, have fun, and we look forward to seeing you all in September!

Music Stars!

A special shout out to the students below who have been working so hard in Music. We have seen a massive improvement from all of you and you should be very proud! 

Drama Stars!

A special shout out to the students below who have been working so hard in Drama. We have seen a massive improvement from all of you and you should be very proud! 

Year 7 - Pantomimes 

Year 7 have had loads of fun writing and creating their very own Pantomimes this term. They have considered how ‘Stereotypes in theatre challenge our understanding of identity’. They have worked hard to create engaging and interesting stories, whilst retaining the quintessential comedy of Pantomimes. The Module is culminating in students practicing their Performance skills before they present their Pantomimes to the class. Students have enjoyed stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk, The Wizard of Oz and even the Three Little Pigs of Peckham! 

Year 8 - Silent Films 

Students in Year 8 have been working on their Filmmaking skills, each group directing, recording, starring in and editing their own silent film. Earlier in the term, students learned about Melodrama and the key features of the genre. They have now created their own Melodramatic film with plenty of slapstick comedy, chase scenes and stock characters! 

Year 9 - Theatre for Change 

Students have been considering how Theatre can be used for positive change in society, bringing awareness to issues such as inequality, climate change and poverty. They have learned that theatre, as well as TV and Film, can bring attention to stories that may have otherwise gone unheard and unnoticed. 

Students then learned about the Devising Process, and how an initial stimulus can pave the way for a fully fledged piece of theatre with depth. Students have enjoyed making their own decisions and allowing themselves to be creative in order to create a wide range of theatre.

Striking the Right Chord: Evan and Dylan’s Musical Dedication 

This year, two standout students have hit all the right notes - literally. Evan Boughen (Year 7) and Dylan Cook (Year 8) have shown exceptional commitment by attending every single music club throughout the school year.

Both talented guitarists, Evan and Dylan are not only passionate about music, but also bring energy, creativity, and positivity to every club they attend. Whether it’s band practice, ensemble sessions, or deep discussions on world events they’ve been there - guitar in hand and ready to go!

Their dedication has made them valued members of the Music Department, and their progress and dedication is nothing short of inspiring. We’re incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to see (and hear) what they do next!

Well done, Evan and Dylan! 

Aarion and Aaisha Took Part in an Exclusive Linkin Park Workshop!

We’re proud to share that Aarion and Aaisha were selected to attend an exclusive music workshop with Grammy Award winning band Linkin Park on Sunday June 29th in Brixton.

The workshop was led by Brad Delson, Linkin Park’s founder and lead guitarist, and hosted by Lambeth Music Service in partnership with the South East London Music Hub. Only a small number of students from the Royal Borough of Greenwich were chosen to attend, making this a truly special opportunity.

Aarion and Aaisha had the chance to jam alongside a true guitar legend, Ask questions and learn directly from Brad Delson and Be part of a powerful, inspiring musical event.

Summer Showcase - LAB Lit Fest

On Thursday 17th July, the LAB Literary Festival Showcase enchanted our community with an extraordinary display of student creativity in language, literature, music, and drama. This event demonstrated the hard work and dedication of our talented young performers. The showcase was a testament to the incredible talent within our community, and we are immensely proud of our students' achievements. 

Years 7, 8 & 9 have been continuing to build on and develop a strong understanding of the history of art during modules 5&6; further expanding their knowledge and understanding of where art sits within an historical context. 

Students have developed their skills through the exploration of papier-mâché when looking at Pop Art, clay when investigating Op Art, studying Surrealism brought experimentation with new drawing techniques and we are now stepping into photo editing, Cubism has inspired collages, and Bauhaus has led us to create abstract music-inspired artworks!

Year 10 Fine Art and Photography are continuing to develop their portfolios in response to their given themes. There has been lots of experimentation and exploration of resources. We are so excited to see how they resolve their concepts.

The Y11’s will receive their GCSE grades in August!

KS3 Investigation Pages

KS3 Spotlight

KS4 and Post 16 Spotlight 

Clubs and Societies

Community Mural Update!

The nursery mural is nearly complete and looks amazing! Students and staff have put in countless hours to finish it in time for the July reveal. The final design on the wall is a combination of the four winning entries from last term’s student competition. 

A plea to the LAB Community

Are you an Artist/designer? Do you know any Artists/designers? 

Email: nadina.cameron-smith@leighacademyblackheath.org.uk 

We are looking to hold talks and workshops for students.

Clubs & Extra-Curricular Sport

This term has also seen fantastic participation in our after-school clubs and training sessions. Students across all year groups have been getting involved in rounders, athletics, trampolining, and cricket, with many using the time to develop new skills, stay active, and enjoy being part of a team. It’s been brilliant to see so many students committing to regular activity outside of lesson time — a huge well done to everyone who’s joined in, and thank you to the staff who’ve run and supported clubs all term long.

Leigh Academy Trust & Local Competitions

Year 9 Boys – Blackheath Cup Finalists

After a fantastic season of hard work and commitment, our Year 9 boys reached the Blackheath Cup Final. Although it wasn’t a win this time, their journey to the final showcased their growth as a team and set a great example for younger year groups.

LAT Rugby 7s – Year 9 Girls

Our Year 9 girls took part in the LAT Rugby 7s tournament, competing against other academies in a fast-paced, high-energy event. They showed real grit, sportsmanship, and teamwork — with plenty of tries and tackles to be proud of!

LAT Netball – Year 7 & 8 Tournament

A special well done to our Year 7 netball team who performed brilliantly in the LAT tournament, securing an impressive 3rd place overall. Their focus, communication and teamwork were a real highlight of the day.

Greenwich Athletics Championships – Years 7, 8, 9 & 10

Students from across four year groups represented LAB in a brilliant day of athletics competition. We had top-6 finishes across a variety of track and field events, and the team showed resilience and effort in every race and jump.

LAT Athletics – Dartford Central Park Track

Students from Years 7 to 10 proudly represented Leigh Academy Blackheath at the LAT Athletics Championships, held at Dartford Central Park Track. Competing against 18 other secondary schools across the Trust, our athletes delivered some truly outstanding performances. The Year 7, 9 and 10 girls’ teams all placed 2nd, with Year 8 girls finishing 3rd — a fantastic achievement across the board. These brilliant team results, combined with multiple individual medals and personal bests, meant LAB secured 2nd place overall out of all Trust schools. A huge well done to every student who competed — your hard work and determination paid off! 

Summer Cricket Fixtures

Girls’ Cricket Fixture vs Ark Greenwich Free School (Years 8 & 9)

Our girls took on Ark Greenwich in a summer fixture that was both competitive and full of enjoyment. With some sharp fielding and confident batting, the team are growing in confidence with every game.

Mixed Cricket Fixture vs Ark Greenwich Free School

This inclusive fixture saw boys and girls come together to take on Ark Greenwich once again. It was fantastic to see collaboration, tactical thinking and positive encouragement between team members throughout.

Enrichment, Taster Days & Wider Opportunities

LAB16 Taster Day – SEHS & BTEC Sport

As part of our sixth form taster day, PE hosted a session for students considering the IB Diploma Sports, Exercise and Health Science course and Level 3 BTEC Sport next year. The event included fitness test analysis, practical investigations and academic discussion, giving students a flavour of what to expect — and how our PE provision develops both minds and bodies.

London Mini Marathon – Children’s 2K Event

A huge congratulations to the LAB students (years 7-9) who took part in the London Mini Marathon. Running a 2K course through the capital, they showed energy, courage, and real pride in representing the academy at such a high-profile event.

London Marathon 2025 – Ms Venton’s Achievement

Our very own Ms Venton completed the full 2025 London Marathon, running in support of the Evelina London Children’s Charity. Her dedication to both the challenge and the cause was truly inspiring. She trained tirelessly alongside her teaching commitments, and her achievement has sparked some brilliant conversations with students around perseverance, goal-setting, and using sport to make a difference in the wider community. Well done, Ms Venton!

We couldn’t be prouder of our students and what they’ve achieved this summer. A huge thank you to all the staff who supported, coached, transported, and cheered — your time and care make all the difference. We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to parents and carers for their continued encouragement, enthusiasm, and support throughout the term. Here's to an even more active and ambitious 2025–26! 

In this module, year 12 students finished the third unit of the course, development. Here, students considered different approaches to development, such as those that prioritise people's overall standards of living, the environment, and economic equality. Students compared these approaches, analysing the strengths and limitations of each. For example, students spent several lessons considering the merits and weaknesses of the Washington Consensus, a model of development that prioritises economic growth. Students considered recent case studies to consider, overall, whether it is an adequate model of development.

Year 12 students have also started planning for their internal assessments. This requires to select a topic within global politics that manifests itself on a local level and to learn about it through 3 engagements. These engagements require students' active participation and can include examples such as interviews, shadowing someone involved in the issue and taking part in a political campaign. For example, one student has selected the topic of transport in London and how it is impacted by different levels of government. To engage with this, the student has arranged an interview with a manager of Southeastern Railway, which will provide them with a unique insight into the inner workings of a transport company. 

Next module, students will link their engagements to secondary research and course content to produce a report of what they learned. Following this, students will begin the course's final unit: Peace and Conflict.

Here Magda, a year 12 Global Politics student, describes what she has been working on in Politics this module. 

Magda: As a Global Politics Student, I have really enjoyed learning about a wide range of concepts, including power, sovereignty and human rights. What makes this subject even more interesting is that it helps me make sense of what’s happening in the world and encourages me to think critically about global issues. For my Internal Assessment, I am writing about the relationship between Georgia and Russia, focusing on the ongoing influence Russia has in the Georgian government. I find this topic particularly interesting because it shows how international political agendas can shape the future of a country. This topic has allowed me to apply key political theories to current events and further develop my interest in international affairs.