LAR Virtual Newsletter

Academy Updates 

Uniform

Skirts - We have seen an increase in girls wearing skirts that are no longer knee length. We appreciate this is often the case due to our young ladies growing as the year progresses and are considerate of this when speaking to students. However can we please ensure that where your child has outgrown her skirt and it is no longer knee length that you take time to address this for them so your child is set up to be successful and not receiving avoidable conversations and sanctions from staff. 

Trainers -  We would like to remind families that trainers are not permitted as part of the uniform, except where we have received clear medical evidence from a professional that confirms the need to wear a trainer style shoe. Should your child come into the academy with trainers please be aware they will be isolated during their social times and set a sanction for incorrect uniform. 

Ties - Students have been seen by staff intentionally damaging their ties to create lots of black stripes on them by pulling out threads. We have had conversations with students about this and ask that all parents ensure, if a child has damaged their tie intentionally, that they have a replacement tie for module 6. Thank you 

Online safety, including unkindness and intimidation on social media. 

We have noticed a rise in pupils and families reporting unkind and sometimes dangerous behaviour online. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the national approach schools must follow in relation to online safety, as well as signpost you to some helpful websites and resources to support families to have a greater understanding of how to keep their children safe online. 

UKCIS (UK Centre for Internet Safety) states that the areas of risk online are categorised into four areas, known as 'The Four C's.' These are:

• Content - What you may see (fake news, nude/semi nude images, hate speech) 

• Contact - Who you may be talking to (pressure, exploitation, people not being who they say they are) 

• Conduct - What you’re doing (sharing personal details, your own privacy settings, unkindness or bullying) 

• Commerce - What you’re spending (scams, in app purchases, phishing emails)

These risks can be present on social media, video streaming platforms, games, websites, pop-up ads... anything that is internet enabled. They apply to anyone using the internet, not just children.  In our Child Protection Policy, we recognise "that technology can be a significant component in many safeguarding and wellbeing issues; children are at risk of abuse online from people they know (including other children) and from people they do not know." Our Child Protection Policy is also clear that we "will respond to online safety concerns in line with our child protection and other associated policies, including our Anti-bullying policy, Behaviour policy, Online Safety Policy and Staff Code of Conduct and behaviour policies," and that "internal sanctions and/or support will be implemented as appropriate." This means that if your child is involved in any concerning behaviour online, despite being away from the academy, we can implement sanctions, support, and liaise with agencies to ensure that our response supports the safety of all children involved.  We also ask that you, as the adults guiding your children, are responsible internet users. Where you have complaints or comments about the academy, it is important these are discussed with us directly so that we can take action to respond to you in a timely and effective way. Where there are difficulties between children, it is important we are informed so that we are able to focus on resolving any issues. In our experience, where families have taken to social media to air their concerns, this has only hindered the process of reaching a resolution. 

Our 'top tips' for supporting your child's safety are as follows: 

• Do speak to your child about tricky topics even if you/they feel uncomfortable. If you don’t speak to them, someone else might. 

• Do remember that just because a space is meant for a child, does not mean only children are accessing it. 

• Do consider that if children are scared of telling you something, they probably won't tell you. That does not mean it isn’t happening. 

• Do remember that your child is not responsible for the behaviour of others; if people are harming them online they are the victim and should be supported. 

• Do remember, online safety is something the Designated Safeguarding Leads at school will support you with. If you have any concerns about your child’s safety online, please do not hesitate to contact us. However, do remember that as an academy we are unable to control children's online activity. Your children, their behaviour and their safety are your responsibility and we encourage you to seek support in ensuring you are fully informed and equipped to keep them safe online. 

Internet Matters 

This website contains a family toolkit where you can receive personalised information about your family’s online use. There are pages with practical advice on setting up devices safely, and other resources are also available which can be filtered by age and need. 

CEOP - Get advice 

This page contains lots of advice about complex issues, and can be filtered by issue-type, age, and type of content. Elsewhere on the CEOP website, reports can be made about harmful sexual online behaviour.  

ParentZone 

This website provides help for parents and carers on keeping their children safe online. There is also a search facility which can be used to help you understand terms you’re unfamiliar with.  

We thank you for your continued support in sharing responsibility for your child's safety online. 

Road Safety Talk

Last week, Mrs Plant held an assembly for all year groups to talk about the importance of being safe as we travel to and from school.  Mrs Plant spoke very candidly about both her sister and best friend who were killed due to the actions of dangerous drivers and the consequences of not wearing helmets to cycle or not concentrating whilst crossing the road.  Parents can view the contents of the assembly here.

During the assembly, all students were reminded that if they cycle or use a scooter to get to school, they must wear a helmet.  As per our equipment policy, if a student fails to bring a helmet to school and arrives on a bike - they will be issued a C1 detention for being ill-equipped.

School Clean up

We are putting in place at the academy a keen and dedicated group of lunch monitors to help lead our 'School Clean Up' campaign. Litter is an issue that affects all schools, and here at Leigh Academy Rainham, we pride ourselves on our clean and welcoming environment.  Recently, a few of our support dogs have been trying to eat some of the rubbish on the floor. Chewing gum is dangerous, in particular, for our furry helpers. Therefore, we have a group of students to take charge of the issue! Lunch monitors receive a queue pass at break and lunch times for food, book tokens at the end of the module and a cup of tea from Mr Harrington! Thanks to our first batch of cleaners! You do the school proud!

Year 9 'The Beaney House' Art trip

On Friday 26th April, 32 year 9 students experienced a creative and cultural day of learning at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury. We took the opportunity to take the students to see works of art by globally renowned contemporary artists including Banksy, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry, who feature in the current special exhibition: Living with Art. The vibrant, imaginative designs engaged the students and sparked meaningful conversations. The students also participated in a workshop: Investigating and Creating Portraits. Led by very informative gallery staff, the students investigated the meaning of a wide range of portraits in the collection, finding out what costumes, poses, expressions and symbols can reveal. It was fascinating to explore paintings and objects highlighting notable people from throughout history in the Canterbury area, from a painting created in 1793, depicting the murder of archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, to a contemporary painting created in 2022, depicting the drag queen who is known for organising and leading Canterbury Pride. Lastly, we viewed a fascinating and unique collection of artefacts brought back from travels across Asia, Africa, India, and South America by some of Kent’s great explorers. From arms and armour to mummified cats and taxidermy lions, there was something to interest and inspire all students! The Beaney is a weird and wonderful treasure trove worth a visit. 

Duke of Edinburgh

On Friday our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students completed their training for their upcoming 2 day expedition through the Kent countryside. Since January the students have been completing their volunteering, skill and physical sections displaying their hard work and dedication towards helping others and improving their own lives. The final section of this award is the 2 day expedition which includes over 24km of walking and camping overnight.  On Friday the students were taught how to erect a tent and pack it away, how to cook outside using Trangia and gas as well as essential route planning and map reading skills required to walk safely in the local area. Every student remained focus throughout a long and intense day (pun intended) and now look forward to our first practice expedition on June 7th- 9th and the assessed expedition on 5th-7th July. 

Year 9 Graduation

Year 9 graduation will be held on the 10th July. There will be an assembly P5 on the 10th July for all year 9 students, where awards will be read out. Award winners for the year will then be invited to an event from 6-7pm on the 10th July. Parents will be invited to attend and we will be sending a google form to sign up via for selected pupils.

Year 7 Dover Castle Trip

Last Thursday and Friday our Year 7 students went on an exciting trip to Dover Castle! 

This was a jam-packed few days filled with lots of fantastic interactive activities for our students. On both days our students were able to explore the tunnels around Dover Castle, some of which dated back to the Napoleonic Era! Some students went to the Underground Hospitals and were immersed in the dark and cramped that many nurses and soldiers found themselves in after the evacuations of Dunkirk in the Second World War. Another group of our students got to experience the Operation Dynamo tunnels, in which the careful planning and execution of the Dunkirk evacuations took place. These were great tours hosted by English Heritage employees and many of our students had some fantastic questions about the Second World War during these experiences. Whilst these students toured the tunnels under Dover Castle, the remaining groups explored the First World War lookout tower. Here, students had a chance to test a Morse Code machine, look through some binoculars at Dover Port, and experience first-hand what it would have been like controlling the guns that protected Dover's Admiralty Harbour. 

Our students who attended on Thursday showed great resilience in the face of some poor weather and made a great impression of Leigh Academy Rainham to the public. On Friday we had much better weather and our students enjoyed eating their lunch around the Great Tower! After lunch on Thursday and Friday students had a chance to buy souvenirs in the gift shops, and explore the interactive museum about King Henry VII and the PWRR and Queen's Museum. Students may have also seen the St Mary sub Castro (St Mary below the castle) church within the Dover Castle grounds if time permitted! Finally, our students travelled all the way through the Great Tower, built between 1180-1189 by King Henry VII. Year 7 got a feel for monarchal life as they explored the castle's throne room, bedrooms, lookout posts, and kitchen! It was a long way up and a long way back down, but worth it for the view of France on Friday!

Year 7 had a fantastic day off site exploring Dover Castle and revisiting our topic on the Norman Conquest from Module 2, and we hope that they came home with lots of fantastic stories to tell about their trip!

Attendance Updates 

Maintaining 100% attendance for the final term of the academic year holds immense significance, serving as a testament to students' commitment and dedication. As the academic year concludes, trust assessments will take place and it is vital that students are in school to complete these. Consistent attendance reflects responsibility and accountability, essential qualities for success in academia and beyond.

Moreover, achieving excellent attendance sets the threshold for accessing coveted rewards, such as participation in the end of year rewards trip. This trip is in recognition for students' consistent effort throughout the year. By requiring excellent attendance for eligibility, it encourages students to prioritise their academic commitments, fostering a culture of punctuality and diligence.

The Friday attendance award further reinforces the value of consistent attendance. Recognising the form group with the highest attendance rate not only instills healthy competition but also cultivates a sense of collective responsibility among peers. The reward of ice poles adds a fun element, incentivising students to strive for excellence in attendance collectively.

We look forward to awarding students with excellent attendance in the final modules rewards assemblies and thank parents and carers for their support.