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Welcome to the Leigh Academy Mascalls Parent Update, your first stop for all academy news and events.
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this update finds you well. Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have begun their mock examination period. This is a vital time for them to consolidate their learning to date, practice exam techniques under timed conditions, and identify areas where they can make the biggest gains before the summer exams. We encourage all students in these year groups to use this opportunity to refine their knowledge, seek clarification from their teachers, and approach these mocks with the same dedication they will bring to the final examinations. We wish them all the very best as they work hard to achieve their potential. Mr. Stamato has communicated separately with all Year 11 parents regarding the mock exams, and there is extensive information about the support available to Year 11 students during their exams and beyond on the academy website. Year 13 parents are encouraged to communicate with our Marie Curie College team if you feel that any additional support or information is required for your child.
We currently have a group of our talented students and staff on a residential Photography and Art trip to Paris. This trip is a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in culture and art, gaining inspiration from world-renowned galleries and landmarks. We eagerly await their return and look forward to hearing all about their adventures and seeing the creative work they produce!
The academy's sporting spirit has been in full swing this week. Our KS3 Netball and Football teams have participated in several matches, showcasing great teamwork and commitment. It has been fantastic to see many of our Year 7 students representing the school for the very first time in team sports they may not have played competitively before. Their enthusiasm and willingness to step up and represent Mascalls have made the PE department incredibly proud.
Last week, our academy assembly focus was on the important topic of Racism. I took the opportunity to present to our students the truly diverse and mixed demographic of both staff and students here at Leigh Academy Mascalls. This diversity is something that we genuinely celebrate and value. Our commitment to celebrating our varied community is embedded within our Middle Years Programme, ensuring all students understand and appreciate the different backgrounds and experiences that make up our academy. Above all else, respect and kindness are the fundamental values at the core of everything we do each and every day here at Mascalls. I want to be absolutely clear that any incidents of racist language or actions will be treated extremely seriously and managed rigorously in line with our academy behaviour policy. We strive to maintain an environment where every individual feels valued and supported.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Brooks - Principal
Remembrance Service 2025
Leigh Academy Mascalls recently held a deeply respectful Remembrance Service to mark the annual commemoration of the fallen.
In a powerful display of unity, all 1,250 students paused their lessons and congregated outside. This service marks the only occasion in the academic year when our entire school community—students and staff—is able to gather together, creating a uniquely powerful and symbolic event.
The students stood in orderly rows surrounding the flagpoles for the duration of the service. The event featured a reading by Mrs. Brooks, followed by the playing of the "Last Post" and a collective, somber minute of silence. The service concluded with the traditional laying of a wreath at the base of the flagpoles, which were decorated with remembrance flags.
The students' conduct was exemplary, providing a very moving and fitting tribute that underscored the unity of our community.
Year 11 Geography field trip to Reculver Tuesday 4th November 2025
Year 11 Geography field trip to Reculver Tuesday 4th November 2025
On Tuesday 4th November 2025 our Year 11 GCSE Geographers travelled to Reculver on the North Kent coast to complete the first of two days of compulsory fieldwork. Students who study GCSE Geography have to complete both a physical study and human study across the two year course. At Leigh Academy Mascalls this is something that we believe is important that the students study in Year 11 so that it is as close to their final examinations as possible. With a visit to Stratford in London later in the year it was the opportunity for a day at the coast for the students.
At Reculver we had the opportunity to compare the impact of coastal management in relation to coastal processes and landforms. The students completed a variety of primary fieldwork across two sites with techniques that included beach profiles, longshore drift tests, wind speed analysis, field sketches, wave frequency, wind direction and analysis of the varying types of coastal defences that were present.
The students worked really well as a large group and then as smaller groups to collect targeted data collection. Their collective work ethic and behaviour was excellent so towards the end of the data collection students also enjoyed the opportunity to purchase ice cream, drinks, crepes and even pizza in the onsite cafe which was very much deserved. Thank you to the staff who supported on the trip and we look forward to taking the same group to London in March 2026!
Ex Mascalls student secures professional Football Contract!
Ex Mascalls student secures professional Football Contract!
We are absolutely delighted to share the amazing news about former Mascalls student, Stan Sargent. Stan, who left us just two years ago after Year 11 to join the Gillingham FC Academy, has recently secured a professional contract with Gillingham Football Club at the age of just 18.
To achieve this incredible milestone so early in his career is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. It takes immense commitment and perseverance to transition from academy football to the professional level, and Stan has proven he has the mindset and ability to succeed.
He is a brilliant example to all our current students of what can be achieved through focus and dedication to your goals. We look forward to following his career closely and he is still wearing blue! I am sure there will be a few extra Gills supporters in the Mascalls staff room now.
Stan's Mum is quite rightly bursting with pride over this achievement. She has seen firsthand the countless hours of dedication Stan has committed both on and off the pitch. Both Stan and his older brother Harry who also attended Mascalls have had a great week. Harry has just passed his surveyor exams too so a big congratulations to Harry also!
Spotlight on Safeguarding
Spotlight on Safeguarding
Late-night phone use is a growing concern and one that is increasingly being stated as a reason by students that they are tired and at times emotional when they are at school. Good sleep is essential because that's when the brain does its most important work. It’s when your child processes emotions, solves problems, and locks new information into memory. Interrupting this rest with late-night screen time means they will struggle more with focus, mood, and learning the next day.
To protect this vital rest, we urge you to introduce and enforce the following habits at home:
Establish a "Digital Curfew": Decide on a clear time (e.g., 9:00 PM) when all personal screens (phones, tablets, gaming devices) must be turned off and placed in a communal area.
Create Device-Free Bedrooms: The bedroom must be for sleeping only. Keep all screens and chargers out of the sleeping area. A traditional alarm clock is a great replacement for using a phone to wake up.
Introduce a Wind-Down Routine: Encourage a relaxing 30-minute pre-bed routine using calming activities like reading a physical book, listening to quiet music, or talking together.
By protecting your child's sleep with these simple home rules, you are directly supporting their success and well-being.
Dates for the diary:
Dates for the diary:
Thursday 20th November - Year 7 Parents' Evening 4:00-7:00 pm
Thursday 27th November - A Monster Calls Performance 6:00-8:30 pm
Tuesday 2nd December - Careers' Fair 08:30 am-3:30 pm
Tuesday 9th December - Year 12 & 13 Parents' Evening 4:00-7:00 pm
Thursday 11th, Friday 12th & Saturday 13th December - Annual Dance Show 7:00-9:00 pm
Friday 19th December - Last Day of Module 2 (Students finish at 12:30 pm)
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