Leigh Academy Minster
Leigh Academy Minster
WINTER NEWSLETTER
December 2025
Embedded Files
Celebrating Student Success in Modules 1 and 2 - A Year of Excellence
Celebrating Student Success in Modules 1 and 2 - A Year of Excellence
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we conclude Modules 1 and 2, it is a pleasure to reflect on a truly extraordinary first year and a successful start to the new academic cycle. When Leigh Academy Minster first opened its doors, we committed to an education focused on our four core values: Ambition, Achievement, Character, and Responsibility. This commitment was borne from our belief that every student deserves a high-quality education, both academically and personally.
Now, over a year into our journey, and operating as an oversubscribed IB World School, our students have become the remarkable embodiment of the Minster Way approach and incredible ambassadors for the academy. The success we have seen across all year groups confirms the outstanding foundation laid by our students and staff.
The articles in this newsletter showcase the phenomenal achievements of our students. I am immensely proud of their contributions and the depth of talent being fostered here. Their hard work, dedication, and resilience in navigating a year of transition and the challenges of the new academic year have truly shone through, resulting in exceptional outcomes and enriching experiences across the academy.
These successes are a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff. I extend my sincere gratitude to all teachers, support staff, and parents for their unwavering support and encouragement during these first two modules, a collaboration that is foundational to the ambitious year ahead in 2026.
We remain resolutely committed to providing our students with a high-quality, purposeful, and successful learning environment. We will continue to challenge our students daily, ensuring they are equipped to reach their full potential within our distinctive IB framework. Excellence in all that we do is our standard, and celebrating the successes of our students remains our priority.
I encourage you to join us in celebrating the fantastic achievements featured throughout this newsletter, and please take the time to praise and congratulate your child on their commitment and dedication so far this year.
Mr Stevens
Principal
Leigh Academy Minster
Wright College
Wright College
Reflecting on Success and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on Success and Looking Ahead
Dear Parents and Guardians,
With the conclusion of a highly productive academic term, we are pleased to update you on Wright College’s recent achievements and share our specific focus for the upcoming module. The dedicated partnership between home and school is essential to our students' progress, and we thank you for your ongoing commitment to our learning community.
Cultivating Potential: The Power of INSPIRE
At the heart of Wright College is our mission to build an environment where every student feels secure, valued, and challenged to find their unique strengths. We are focused on cultivating a culture of high aspiration and personal growth.
Our identity is shaped by the legacy of the Wright brothers and their commitment to methodical preparation. This spirit is encapsulated by our core philosophy, which reinforces the necessity of intellect and effort over sheer chance. As Wilbur Wright wisely stated:
"It is possible to fly without motors, but not without skill or knowledge."
This principle underpins our belief that success is earned through deliberate development. This dedication to excellence is channeled through our key college value, INSPIRE, a framework designed to foster well-rounded, capable individuals:
Independent
Nurturing
Strong
Passionate
Imaginative
Resilient
Excellent
We urge you to discuss these INSPIRE values with your children. By reinforcing this language at home, you help empower them to develop the necessary skill and knowledge to confidently navigate their future paths.
Celebrating Achievement: Recognition and Success Highlights
Celebrating Achievement: Recognition and Success Highlights
We believe in highlighting the remarkable dedication and consistent effort shown by our student body. The commitment of Wright College students has resulted in an impressive collective total of 17,686 merit points this academic year, surpassing last year’s figure by more than 11,025 points at this stage. This fantastic milestone is a clear indicator of how consistently our students demonstrate the IB Learner Profile attributes.
Extra recognition is due to the tutor groups W701, W801, and W1001, each accumulating over 1,500 merit points. Congratulations to all students for this outstanding level of commitment!
College Recognition Ceremony
The conclusion of the module was marked by our termly College Recognition Ceremony. During this event, we celebrated exemplary performance in several key areas, including attendance, overall merit accumulation, and the highly respected Wilbur and Orville Wright Award.
We extend our deepest congratulations to every student who was recognised, particularly the distinguished winners of the Wilbur and Orville Wright Award. Their names are proudly listed below as examples of excellence:
Menthus B (W702)
Poppy H (W802)
Ebony F (W902)
Lesley D (W1001)
Tilly DK (W1102)
These achievements brilliantly showcase the talent and dedication thriving across our entire community. We remain committed to championing success and nurturing an environment where high standards are the norm.
Highlighting Year 11 Exam Performance
We also want to specifically commend our Year 11 students following the successful completion of their initial mock examination series this module. This intense, two-week period was a significant test, and we are incredibly proud of the maturity, sustained focus, and rigorous effort demonstrated in every paper they sat. We eagerly await the results that reflect their hard work and preparation.
Our Dedicated Team: Supporting Your Child's Journey
Our Dedicated Team: Supporting Your Child's Journey
It is truly a privilege to mentor, support, and observe the continuous growth and development of our Wright College students. Their remarkable adaptability and the genuine pride they take in representing our college have been consistently exceptional.
Staffing Update
We inform you that Mrs. Blackman will be stepping away from her current daily role at Wright College. We are delighted that she will be continuing her invaluable work as our Careers Lead and as a Lead Practitioner for Teaching and Learning across the wider institution. We thank Mrs. Blackman for all her hard work and dedication to the college and wish her immense success in this next phase of her leadership. We are lucky to still have her leading our outstanding careers programme.
Following this change, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Murphy, who will be taking over as the Head of Year 7 and 8. We look forward to him joining our pastoral team.
We are re-acquainting you with the key personnel providing daily guidance and support:
College Support Team Overview
Head of College: Mr. Case
Head of Year 11: Ms. Bradd
Head of Years 9 and 10: Mr. Brown
Head of Year 7 and 8: Mr. Murphy
Small School Manager (Behaviour): Ms. Payne
Small School Manager (Attendance): Ms. Newman
Student Support Officer: Mr. Russon
College Administrator: Mrs. Deacon
Tutor W701: Ms. Brend
Tutor W702: Mr. Hofman
Tutor W801: Ms. Robinson and Mr. Golrizkhaami
Tutor W802: Ms. Hofman
Tutor W901: Ms. Walker
Tutor W902: Ms. Stokes
Tutor W1001: Mr. Carlow
Tutor W1002: Ms. Green
Tutor W1101: Ms. Townsend-Gowie and Mr. Marshall
Tutor W1102: Ms. Russell
Tutor W1103: Ms. Barrett and Ms. Holt
Looking Ahead: Module 3 Focus
Looking Ahead: Module 3 Focus
As we move toward the next term, we anticipate continued growth in our students as learners and further pursuit of success.
Module 3 will be a significant assessment period for all key stages. KS3 students will engage in the MYP subject-specific assessment cycle, the results of which will contribute to their initial grading report. Year 10 students will complete assessments for their first grading report of the academic year, showcasing progress in their examination subjects. Year 11 students will focus on addressing learning gaps identified in the November mock exams as they prepare for the next mock cycle in March. All students are encouraged to approach these assessments with determination, seeing them as important opportunities to demonstrate their progress.
At Wright College, we value your insights and welcome any feedback or suggestions for how we can continue to improve the experiences we provide. Please email any feedback to wright@minster.latrust.org.uk.
Thank you for your ongoing trust and support as we partner to provide the best experiences possible for your children.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The Wright Team
Johnson College Update: End of Module 2 - Flying High into 2026
Johnson College Update: End of Module 2 - Flying High into 2026
Exciting Milestones and Our Vision for the Future
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As another successful module draws to a close, we are delighted to share our recent college achievements, offer key updates, and outline the focus for the upcoming term. Your collaboration and active involvement are vital to our community's success, and we deeply appreciate your continued partnership.
Shaping Our Identity: Inspired by the PIONEERS Ethos
Shaping Our Identity: Inspired by the PIONEERS Ethos
A central focus for us is cultivating a robust, welcoming college culture that not only fosters a sense of belonging but also empowers every student to discover their unique potential within our academy.
We are proud of the Johnson College Ethos, which draws inspiration from the exceptional achievements and character of our figurehead, Amy Johnson. Her enduring legacy illuminates the values and high standards we strive to uphold.
Our core belief is that “We believe everything to be possible” for our students. This vision is reinforced by our key value; being PIONEERS and the associated sub-values that collectively mould well-rounded young people capable of achieving their aspirations:
Persevering
Inquisitive
Optimistic
Neighbourly
Enthusiastic
Empathetic
Respectful
Supportive
We encourage you to embed these values into your discussions with your children at home, supporting their development into confident, capable individuals ready to reach their full potential.
Celebrating Excellence: Rewards and Recognition Highlights
Celebrating Excellence: Rewards and Recognition Highlights
We take great pride in acknowledging the dedication and hard work of our students. Johnson College students have collectively earned an impressive 10,000 merit points so far this academic year, which is over 2,000 more merit points than at this time last year. This impressive tally demonstrates our students' consistent embodiment of the IB Learner Profile attributes in all environments.
Special commendation goes to 7J01 and 7J02, who both exceeded 1,200 merit points, and to 11J01 and 9J02, who also managed to surpass 1,000 points. Well done to all for your commitment!
College Rewards Assembly
College Rewards Assembly
The end of the module saw us host our tri-annual College Rewards Assembly, where we recognised achievements in attendance, overall merit totals, and the prestigious Amy Johnson College Award.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all recipients, particularly the winners of the Amy Johnson Award, whose names are proudly listed below:
Nevaeh S J701
George H J802
Rory B J902
Marley LF J1002
Albi DH J1101
These achievements underscore the talent and dedication present throughout our community. We will continue to champion success and cultivate an environment where excellence thrives.
Year 11 Examination Success
Year 11 Examination Success
We also wish to specially acknowledge our Year 11 cohort for successfully completing their first mock examination series in this module. This two week period was intense and demanding, and we are immensely proud of the maturity, focus, and effort they demonstrated throughout every paper. We look forward eagerly to reviewing the outcomes of their hard work.
Our Dedicated Team: Supporting Your Child's Journey
Our Dedicated Team: Supporting Your Child's Journey
We feel privileged to guide, support, and witness the ongoing development of our Johnson students. Their adaptability and pride in representing the college both inside and outside the classroom have been outstanding.
We are taking this opportunity to reintroduce the team members who provide daily support, ensuring you know who is working closely with your child(ren):
College Support Team
Tutors
Mr Spocchia - Head of College
Year 7: J1 Ms M Chin and Ms S Williams and J2 Ms S Falconbridge
Mr Inns - Head of Year 11
Year 8: J1 Mr B Jones and J2 Ms T Waite
Mr Huggins - Head of Year 9 and 10
Year 9: J1 Ms L Baker-Harrison and J2 Ms N O’Brien and Ms A Davis
Mrs Cooper - Head of Year 7 and 8
Year 10: J1 Ms Green and J2 Ms L Ferreira
Ms Cooke - Small School Manager
Year 11: J1 Ms C Mannion, J2 Ms R Raasch-Sotinwa and J3 Ms F Aldous
Ms Rayfield - Small School Manager
Mrs Kerwick - Student Support Officer
Ms Attree - College Administrator
Looking Ahead: Term 3 Focus
As we move toward the next term, we anticipate continued growth in our students as learners and further pursuit of success.
Module 3 will be a significant assessment period for all key stages. Key Stage 3 students will engage in the MYP subject-specific assessment cycle, the results of which will contribute to their initial grading report. Year 10 students will complete assessments for their first grading report of the academic year, showcasing the progress made in their examination subjects. Year 11 students will focus on addressing the learning gaps identified in the November mock exams as they prepare for the next mock cycle in March. All students are encouraged to approach these assessments with determination, seeing them as important opportunities to demonstrate their progress at the academy.
At Johnson College, we value your insights and welcome any feedback or suggestions you have for how we can continue to improve the experiences we provide. Please email any feedback to johnson@minster.latrust.org.uk.
Thank you for your ongoing trust and support as we partner to provide the best experiences possible for your children.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The Johnson College Team
Cody College
Cody College
Cody College has once again enjoyed an outstanding module with many achievements to be proud of. It has been an incredibly busy and successful few months for us. Our students have hit the ground running, demonstrating the ambition, talent and community spirit that makes our college so special.
Here are some of the standout moments from the past few months:
Leadership and Democracy
Our Year 9 students have been looking beyond the classroom to understand their role in the wider community. A group of students recently attended a Youth Democracy Event at Swale Borough Council. They engaged with local governance, debated key issues and gained a firsthand look at how decisions are made in our borough. It was a fantastic opportunity for our future leaders to find their voices.
LAT Ambition Programme
We are immensely proud of three of our Year 10 students who have been selected for the LAT Ambition Programme. This prestigious partnership with Sevenoaks School provides high-reaching students with unique academic opportunities.
So far, our students have:
Attended collaborative meet-up days to challenge their thinking.
Enjoyed a special invitation to a stunning production of the classic musical Guys and Dolls.
National Success in Computing
The results are in for the Bebras Computational Thinking Competition, and they are spectacular! With over 3,000 students competing nationwide, several of our Year 9 students finished in the top 10% nationally. This is a massive achievement that highlights the logical and analytical strengths of our Cody students.
College Spirit & Sporting Pride
Whether in the kitchen or on the pitch, Cody College has been making its mark in inter-college competitions:
Festive Bake-Off & Football
Our students showed off their creative flair and teamwork, securing first place in the LAM Festive Bake-Off and dominating in several College Football competitions. The energy and sportsmanship on display have been second to none.
Badminton Excellence
A huge congratulations to two of our Year 10 girls who represented the Academy at the Trust-wide Badminton Competition. They played with incredible skill and determination, ultimately finishing in second place overall.
Modules 1 and 2 have set an impressive standard and have certainly exemplified the Cody College motto: High expectations, High achievement. From strong academic results to success in sport, our students continue to show that dedication and involvement bring outstanding results. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish in Module 3.
Wishing you all a restful break. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
The Cody Team
Hewlett College
Hewlett College
Hewlett College Student Leadership
We are delighted to have a full complement of students now in leadership posts for the academic year. Roles include, prefects, community leaders, creative leaders, rewards leaders, mental health ambassadors and reading champions. The positions were awarded following a rigorous selection process that included a formal application and interview process. This role represents a core commitment to student leadership, voice and college governance, with students engaging in key college meetings and driving active, collaborative projects, essential to the ongoing development and success of Hewlett College.
As part of a team, student leaders will be responsible for initiating, planning and driving collaborative projects and initiatives, essential to the ongoing development of Hewlett College. Projects will be designed to enhance students' experience, uphold college values and contribute to our strategic goals.
We are also delighted to announce that one of our year 12 students, Rosie, was successfully elected as a full member for the Kent Youth County Council. In this position, Rosie will have the opportunity to represent the voices of young people in Swale and work to bring about positive change.
Young Driver and Passenger Safety Course
We are committed to supporting our students not just academically, but also in developing vital life skills as they approach independence. To this end, we are pleased to announce the implementation of a specialised, award winning, KCC Young Driver and Passenger Safety Course from the Kent Safer Road Users team.
This is an essential course for all Year 12 and 13 students. While highly beneficial for those learning or planning to drive, the content is equally crucial for passengers to understand risks, make informed decisions, and intervene safely. Students will take part in sessions focused on:
Driving and seeing: crash causation, hazard perception
Speed and force: speed and stopping distances
Impairment: impact of alcohol and drugs
Impulse and control: human error, emotions and real-world driving scenarios
We believe this resource will be of great benefit to our students. We encourage you to discuss these topics with your child as they progress through the course.
Next steps opportunities
In module 4 we will be giving Year 12 students the opportunity to visit one of three UK University & Apprenticeship Search Spring Events
University of Surrey - Tuesday 3rd March
Brighton Amex Stadium - Friday 20th March
University of Kent - Tuesday 31st March
All events will feature a multitude of exhibitors including Russell Group, red brick and modern universities, as well as apprenticeships representing top UK companies and local providers. Vital seminars will take place at these fairs including UCAS personal statement, degree apprenticeships and student finance. Students attending the University of Kent event will have a campus tour. This will provide students with an opportunity to experience what university is like first-hand.
We look forward to the new year and all the success it will bring.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Hewlett College Team
The Academy Library
The Academy Library
The beginning of this academic year was a very busy time in the Library. We continue expanding our book collection, promoting and encouraging reading for pleasure as a habit alongside developing literacy skills to ensure all our students have equal opportunities in becoming successful academically, socially and personally. Also, we are embedding the culture of being mindful and developing hobbies and activities such as chess, brain-teasers, puzzles etc. We are extremely proud to say that the library is the heart of Leigh Academy Minster, a thriving and buzzing space where our students are happy to spend their breaks, lunch breaks and time before and after school.
Collection
We continue filling the gaps in our outstanding book collection by making this year's focus on the Languages and Foreign Languages section with a small addition to fiction as well. Also, we continue tailoring the existing collection to meet IBCP and MYP standards. We ordered over 400 books in Module 1 on Linguistics, Theory of Knowledge, Academic Writing, Plagiarism and Academic Integrity, Critical Thinking, Neurodiversity, History, Psychology and Science etc. As for fiction titles, the main focus this year was on Classics and Modern Classics. The total amount of library books currently is 3424.
Our catalogue is available via this link: https://leighacademyminster.oliverasp.co.uk/library/home/news
Library Leaders
Starting from this year the Academy has launched Student Leadership groups. Student Leadership at Leigh Academy Minster plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive school environment. By encouraging students to take on leadership roles, we empower them to develop essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Library leaders are a selected group of students from different age groups starting from year 8 and up to year 13 and who play a vital role in supporting the librarian and promoting a vibrant reading culture within the school community. Their everyday routine is assisting the librarian with the organisation and cataloguing of library resources, ensuring that the library remains an accessible and welcoming space. In addition, potentially they will lead and coordinate reading initiatives, such as book clubs and reading challenges, as well as promote events like author visits and book fairs to engage fellow students.
Library Leaders are also responsible for guiding peers in locating materials and developing essential research skills, and fostering a supportive environment for all library users. They actively participate in the library's activities, cultivating a sense of community and collaboration.
Christmas workshop
One of the activities that was a great success among students was decorating the library for Christmas. During the last weeks of November students from all the year groups and all colleges were getting involved in producing handmade decorations and actually decorating the library for Christmas. Every one of them has shown strong abilities of being Communicators, Open-minded, Risk-takers, Knowledgeable, Reflective, Principled, Thinkers, Inquirers and Balanced. I`m extremely proud of them as our achievement here is not just a decorated room but greatly improved personal skills.
Reading Champions
1st place - W901 - 95 books issued
2nd place - J702 - 28 books issued
3rd place - W701 & W702 - 25 books issued
Total amount of books issued academy wide - 368
Reading preferences
The most often borrowed books to date are:
Demon Slayer series by Koyoharu Gotouge
Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series by Holly Jackson
Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins (especially the newest novel Sunrise on the Reaping)
Clubs
We have a Chess club meeting every Monday. Students have an opportunity to improve their chess skills here as well as to learn how to play. At our meetings we are playing chess, learning strategies and terminology, developing 'Chess board vision', solving chess puzzles etc.
In Book club, which is running every Thursday, we are reading and discussing books, learning to generate personal opinion and present to others. We`re also learning about the books' and authors' backgrounds, and history behind the stories. In addition to this, we solve quizzes on certain books, make bookmarks, learn to create book trailers using Google Vids etc.
The Great LAM Bake Off
The Great LAM Bake Off
This module saw students from Johnson, Wright and Cody compete in The Great LAM Bake Off. It was a fierce competition which saw students competing to design and bake a cake to represent the core values of their respective colleges.
The teams worked incredibly hard to produce cakes that were both aesthetically pleasing and a delight to the palate.
Once created, the cakes were judged by Mr Stevens, Mr Mortley and Ms Crawley. Marks were awarded for taste, design and technical skill. It was not an easy decision but a winner was chosen.
1st - Cody
Bakers:
Liv G
Adam F
Lucia S
2nd - Wright
Bakers:
Bella B
Logan B
Dan B
Roma C
Emily S
3rd - Johnson
Bakers:
Carleia S
Phoebe S
Holly S
Ella W
Jess H
Congratulations to all baking teams!
We look forward to next year's show stoppers!
Sporting Prowess
Sporting Prowess
Leigh Academy Netball Fixture held at Mascalls School
The girls played fantastic games and in their tournament group were successful in winning 4 of their matches, drew 2 and lost 1. This meant that they finished in second place in their group and so went forward to the playoffs for 3rd and 4th place.
In this match the girls played Stationers who were on another level of competence in playing netball and it was obvious that they were an advanced team that played together consistently. The girls played fantastically, but unfortunately lost the game 6-0 (the game for 1st and 2nd score was 18-0). The girls finished 4th out of 15 teams.
Stand out players were Eleanor W and Lola P. Well done everyone.
Miss Borrell
Yr 9/10 Girls Football Fixture
The year 9 and 10 girls travelled to Fort Pitt GS for their cup fixture. In this game the girls showed a lot of hard work and determination against a very good side of all year 10 girls. The girls played some good football, however unfortunately came away defeated.
A special shout out to Blossom C who made some great tackles and interceptions keeping the other team out and Alysia H who was excellent in goal making some great saves, receiving recognition for her performance from the other team.
Mr Atkinson
Year 8 Boys Football – Swale Tournament
The Year 8 boys represented the school superbly at the Swale Football Tournament, competing against strong sides from TSS, Borden, Westlands, and Fulston. Over the course of the afternoon, the team grew in confidence and quality, playing some fantastic football in every game.
A special mention goes to Callum C, who made his debut in goal and produced a number of excellent saves against some very strong opposition. His efforts helped keep the team in several close matches and showcased great potential for the season ahead.
The highlight of the tournament came with the team’s first win against TSS — a well-deserved victory that reflected their determination, teamwork, and positive attitude throughout the event.
Well done to all the players for their effort and enthusiasm — a great foundation to build on for future fixtures!
Mr Peters
Year 9 Boys Football: Flawless Performance Secures Swale Football Tournament Title for Year 9 Boys
The Year 9 Boys' football team delivered a stunning display of skill and determination to win the Swale Schools Football Tournament, beating local rivals Westlands, Borden, and Fulston to take the crown.
Over the course of the afternoon, the team achieved a truly phenomenal feat, winning every game without conceding a single goal. This dominant victory highlighted not only the team's exceptional footballing ability but their unified team ethic in every tough fixture.
Key to this flawless record was the heroic effort of goalkeeper Finley D, whose standout performance in goal ensured the clean sheet remained intact through every challenge.
In front of him, the midfield engine room, comprising the tough and hard-working trio of Louie S, Oliver G, and Lennon J, dominated the centre of the pitch. Their tireless running and intelligent ball work allowed the team to control the flow of the games.
Up front, striker Alan C provided the cutting edge with his intelligent runs and sharp finishing, whilst leading the line on his own.
Every player on the squad should be incredibly proud of this achievement. Congratulations to our Year 9 Swale Champions!
Mr Peters
Year Girls Netball: Leigh Academies Netball Tournament: Year 9 Girls Secure Outstanding 5th Place
Our Year 9 netball team represented the school with pride at the annual Leigh Academies Trust tournament, held at Mascalls School. Competing against 16 schools from across the Trust, the day was a true test of skill, fitness, and team spirit.
The girls were a force to be reckoned with in the group stage, showcasing brilliant strategic play and relentless energy. They wrapped up the group games with a fantastic 5 wins and only 2 losses, finishing 3rd in their pool.
While they narrowly missed out on a spot in the knockout round, their overall performance was exceptional, earning them an outstanding 5th place finish out of all 16 competing teams.
This is an excellent achievement and a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and ability to stay focused under pressure. Congratulations to the entire Year 9 squad, you should be very proud!
Mr Peters
Year 7 Boys Football – Swale Schools Tournament
The Year 7 boys took part in their first ever football tournament for Leigh Academy Minster, competing against all the Sittingbourne schools in an exciting after-school event. The team impressed throughout the afternoon, showing excellent teamwork, determination, and a high level of technical ability.
In their opening game, the boys faced a tough Fulston Manor side. Striker Jan O showed great composure, latching onto a perfectly timed through ball to calmly slot home and secure a 1–0 victory. A fantastic start to their LAM journey.
The team carried their momentum into the next match against Westlands, where they dominated from start to finish. Oakleigh C produced the moment of the tournament with an incredible 30-yard strike into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance, as the boys ran out convincing 2–0 winners.
Despite a narrow defeat to Borden in the following game, the boys finished the tournament strongly with another impressive 2–0 win over TSS, once again controlling the match from start to finish.
There were standout performances from goalkeeper Elijah A, centre-back Jimmy S, midfielder Oakleigh C, and striker Jan O, all of whom played key roles in an outstanding team effort.
A brilliant debut tournament for the Year 7 boys.
Mr Peters
Year 8 Boys Football – Kent Cup Debut
On Thursday 25th September, the Year 8 boys played their first ever Kent Cup fixture against a very strong St Augustine’s Academy side. The team started the game brightly, showing great energy and determination, but were unfortunate to be caught on the counterattack early on.
Despite falling behind, the boys continued to battle hard, creating several chances that forced some excellent saves from the St Augustine’s goalkeeper. With a number of players stepping into unfamiliar positions, the team showed fantastic resilience and teamwork throughout the match.
There were standout performances from Toby W, who was solid and composed at centre-back, and Mikey H, who bravely played the second half in goal after picking up an injury.
Although the game ended in a 4–0 defeat, the boys represented the school brilliantly and can be proud of their effort, attitude, and sportsmanship.
Mr Peters
Year 11 Boys Kent Cup
The year 11 boys welcomed the School of Science and Technology Maidstone (SST) in the Kent cup, a team that had previously won the cup. The boys started the game excellently, dominating the play which we capitalised on when Archie A played a through ball in behind for Kieron P to run onto and slot past their keeper putting us 1-0. At the start of the second half SST upped their game scoring three putting them up 1-3. However, the boys were not going to give up; they kept fighting in search of a goal and that came from a long throw-in from Jude W to Kieron P who flicked the ball on for George S to put us back in the game. The boys kept pushing for an equaliser, right up to the end, unfortunately leaving us open just before fulltime, which SST scored putting them 2-4 up just before full time.
The boys played excellently, a great performance but a disappointing result; the better team lost. Special shout out to Ethan H who commanded the back line and put in a man of the match performance. Jude W was superb winning more or less every ball that came his way. Pawel D was great in the midfield, constantly winning the ball back and driving the team forward and Kieron P was exceptional in attack, beating players and creating consistent chances for the team. Proud of the boys' performance and their effort.
Mr Atkinson
Year 9/10 Girls LAT Handball Tournament (Thursday 9th October)
We travelled to Leigh Academy Bexley to play other Leigh Academy schools in a handball tournament. It was a full day where the girls had to play 12 games where their confidence in playing handball, which they were all novices to, progressed significantly. The girls did fantastically and played very well together and were able to win 5 of their matches, drew 3 and lost 4. This resulted in the girls coming 7th out of 13 schools which was a fantastic achievement and they should be very proud of themselves.
Stand out players were Kacey, scoring the majority of our goals, and Blossom who went into goal and was very strong with her communication and support of all the girls on the team.
Miss Borrell
Key Stage 4 Boys Handball – Leigh Academies Trust Competition
On Tuesday 7th October, the KS4 boys took part in the Leigh Academies Trust Handball Competition, competing against several other Leigh schools. Throughout the day, the team demonstrated excellent skill levels, determination, and teamwork, giving their all in every match.
The boys finished the competition with a strong record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, a respectable result against some very tough opposition. Impressively, while many schools fielded Year 10 students, our team was made up entirely of Year 9 players, making their performance even more commendable.
The experience gained from this event will no doubt serve the team well as they look ahead to next year’s tournament — with great potential to build on this promising foundation.
Mr Peters
LAT X-Country Tournament
On Tuesday 18th November we took 32 students to the highly competitive cross-country event hosted by St Joseph William's Math School. With each race featuring up to 50 runners, the competition was intense, challenging both the physical endurance and mental determination of our students. Throughout the demanding course, our students proudly demonstrated several IB learner profiles, notably acting as 'risk-takers' by pushing past their comfort zones, being 'caring' by offering encouragement across teams, and remaining 'principled' by upholding excellent sportsmanship.
The results were outstanding. Many LAM students achieved impressive finishes within the top half of their respective races, with a significant number securing positions in the top 15 and top 10. A massive special mention must be given to Oliver G (C902), whose performance was truly exceptional. Oliver ran a flawless race, competing against over 50 students, and achieved a superb 2nd place finish, narrowly missing the top spot by a whisker. This inspiring result perfectly encapsulated the students’ effort and determination throughout the day.
Mr Carlow & Mr Peters
Year 7/8 Girls Football Cup Fixture
On Monday 10th November, the Year 7 & 8 Girls Football team showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit this week, in a challenging fixture against a strong Fort Pitt Grammar School side.
While the final score didn't fall our way, the match was a brilliant display of character, teamwork, and individual determination from the LAM girls.
From the first whistle, our team faced persistent pressure, but the defensive spine of the team remained resolute. The true hero of the day was goalkeeper Darcie B, who put in a player of the match performance. Darcie pulled off a string of acrobatic, match-saving stops.
Further up the pitch, Ella anchored the defence with intelligence and tenacity. In the midfield engine room, Ruby B was tireless,winning tackles, and linking defense to attack with her high work rate. Ruby battled for every ball and embodied the never-give-up attitude of the team. The entire squad deserves praise for their positive attitude and commitment.
Well done to all the girls involved for representing Leigh Academy Minster with such pride.
Mr Atkinson
Year 9 Football Fixture vs Borden Grammar School
Leigh Academy Minster's Year 9 football team delivered a fantastic performance, earning a hard-fought and well-deserved 2-0 victory against a strong Borden Grammar School side.
The match, played in challenging conditions, showcased the resilience, teamwork, and tactical discipline that the Leigh Academy Minster squad has been developing this term.
From the opening whistle, Leigh Academy Minster demonstrated their intent, applying early pressure and controlling the midfield. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Alan C showcased sharp attacking instinct. After a quick turnover, Alan received the ball on the edge of the box and finished clinically, sending the ball past the Borden goalkeeper to make the score 1-0.
Despite taking the lead, the second half saw Borden Grammar push hard for an equaliser, creating several dangerous chances. This period highlighted the outstanding defensive unit of Leigh Academy Minster, particularly the performance of Frarnie T. Frarnie was truly excellent, demonstrating superb positional awareness, making crucial tackles, and constantly communicating with the rest of the back line to organise and hold the defensive shape under intense pressure. His composure was instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet.
As the game entered its final stages, the hard work of the midfield paid off. A rapid counter-attack saw the ball worked quickly up the pitch, culminating in Archie S finding space inside the box. Archie kept his cool and finished neatly, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the 2-0 win for Leigh Academy Minster.
This was a brilliant team performance and a great 2-0 win.
Year 7 Swale Netball Tournament
Leigh Academy Minster took part in the Year 7 Swale Netball Tournament this module. For many of our Year 7 students, this marked their very first competitive netball outing, and significantly, it was the first time the newly formed squad had played together in a match setting.
The team competed in three fixtures throughout the afternoon and demonstrated outstanding progress. Their dedication and teamwork led to visible improvements in tactical play and court awareness over the course of the tournament.
There were stand out performances from Maddy S (GA) who was LAM's top scorer, showing clinical accuracy and excellent movement in the shooting circle. Ivy E (GD) and Eva S (GK) were both excellent, showing great defensive awareness and tenacity to win the ball back.
A massive well done to all the girls who participated. They represented Leigh Academy Minster with pride, resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship.
Mr Atkinson
Year 8 Football Fixture vs Borden Grammar School
Leigh Academy Minster's Year 8 football team faced a tough challenge in a competitive fixture against Borden Grammar School.
While the final whistle unfortunately confirmed a loss, the squad produced an excellent effort that demonstrated resilience and moments of genuinely high-quality football. There were some excellent performances from the back four (Louie B, Toby W, Jimmy S and Tyler W), Mason S was tenacious in the midfield constantly winning back possession. Mikey H scored a great freekick and worked hard all game.
This fixture was a brilliant learning experience for everyone involved, and we must give special praise to three exceptional Year 7 students (Jimmy S, Arthur G and Oakleigh C) who stepped up to play for the Year 8 Football team. Their willingness and confidence to compete against older opponents is highly commendable and speaks volumes about their talent and commitment.
Well done to all the players for their hard work and for representing Leigh Academy Minster with pride and sportsmanship.
Mr Atkinson
Year 7 Football Fixture vs Borden Grammar School
Leigh Academy Minster’s Year 7 football team played a competitive and challenging match against Borden Grammar School this week.
While the result unfortunately did not go our way, the performance from the entire squad was filled with dedication and hard work. The players demonstrated fantastic energy and played some genuinely good football.
For many of the students, this fixture represented their first 11 aside football match, and they handled the pressure admirably. The effort they put in throughout the entire game was commendable, showing great resilience and commitment right up until the final whistle. Standout performers were Fred S and Arthur G.
Every player demonstrated excellent teamwork and represented Leigh Academy Minster with pride and excellent sportsmanship. This match provided valuable experience that the team will undoubtedly build upon in their future fixtures.
Mr Peters
Leigh Academies Trust Host First Ever Badminton Competition
Leigh Academies Trust Host First Ever Badminton Competition
Leigh Academies Trust hosted its inaugural inter-school badminton competition this month, marking an exciting milestone for sport across the Trust. The event, held at Leigh Academy Minster, brought together enthusiastic players from 17 schools over two action-packed days of competition.
The boys’ tournament took place on Tuesday 2nd December, showcasing determination, teamwork, and high-quality play from every team involved. The LAM boys put in a strong performance throughout the day, eventually securing a respectable 8th place finish in a highly competitive field.
On Thursday 4th December, it was the turn of the girls. The standard of play remained exceptionally high, with teams demonstrating skill, resilience, and excellent sportsmanship. In a thrilling finale, the LAM girls battled hard and narrowly missed out on the top spot, earning an impressive 2nd place overall.
Across both days, the atmosphere was electric, and the spirit of friendly competition shone through. The event highlighted not only the growing strength of badminton within the Trust but also the dedication of staff and students who made this first-ever competition a great success.
We look forward to seeing this event grow even further in years to come.
Mr Peters
Unstoppable Success in Sparx Maths!
We are bursting with excitement and pride as we share the incredible news of our students' performance in the Sparx Maths program this year so far! The level of engagement and commitment has been truly outstanding, and we want to share the celebration with our parents. Sparx Maths is designed to build deep mathematical confidence and fluency by ensuring students are practicing content tailored precisely to their needs.
Our Top Achiever: Setting the Gold Standard!
Please join us in giving a massive, enthusiastic round of applause to the student who has earned the Highest XP (Experience Points) this year so far!
EVIE J! Evie has demonstrated phenomenal dedication, accumulating a colossal 23,575 XP! This incredible achievement is a testament to consistent hard work and a proactive attitude toward challenging mathematical tasks. We couldn't be prouder of her effort!
Class Commitment: Flying High with Improvement!
Class Commitment: Flying High with Improvement!
Success is a team effort, and we are thrilled to recognise the class that has shown the most rapid and effective improvement. The award for the Most Improved Class goes to...
7CMm1! Their collective dedication has been inspiring! This class exemplifies how consistent effort in Sparx leads directly to measurable progress and a stronger grasp of mathematical concepts.
The Key to Success: Consistent Practice!
The Key to Success: Consistent Practice!
For continued success and to ensure all students can reach their full potential, please remember the crucial deadline for homework completion:
Don't Forget: Sparx Maths homework is due every Tuesday at 4 pm. Your support in helping your child prioritise this deadline is invaluable to their learning journey!
Sparx Reader Glory!
Sparx Reader Glory!
Research clearly demonstrates that reading plays a vital role in your child's success at secondary school. Beyond boosting academic achievement, consistent reading significantly enhances vocabulary, sharpens critical thinking, and improves writing skills. Furthermore, it has profound benefits for their well-being and development, strengthening concentration, fostering empathy, building self-esteem, and supporting mental health (even helping to reduce feelings of stress and loneliness). Crucially, we know that reading for pleasure is the single greatest factor, directly linking to higher achievement and a richer, broader literacy that equips students with essential life skills for the future.
In order to support your child's reading development we use Sparx Reader. Sparx Reader fosters a culture of careful, independent reading and literacy amongst students in a way that builds their confidence in and enjoyment of reading.
For students, it offers personalised book recommendations at the right level after an initial assessment. Active, engaging reading through embedded comprehension questions, points and leaderboards motivates students and encourages careful, accountable reading.
Sparx Reader homework is due every Monday at 8 a.m. Your support in helping your child prioritise this deadline is invaluable to their learning journey!
We are pleased to share that our students have read 1336 books on Sparx Reader so far this academic year.
The highest amount of Sparx Reader Points have been achieved by the following students:
Year 7 - Casey M achieving 8350
Year 8 - Dan B achieving 8410
Year 9 - Evie P M achieving 7740
Year 10 - Finlay F achieving 2289
Huge congratulations to Dan B in particular for achieving the highest amount of SRPs so far this year!
LAM Student Leadership
LAM Student Leadership
Student leadership and academic ambition have been central to Modules 1 and 2 at Leigh Academy Minster, with our students engaging in several high-profile partnership programmes and democratic events. Their participation has not only enhanced their own development but has also seen them represent the Academy exceptionally well.
A significant highlight has been the ongoing partnership with the Sevenoaks School through the Ambition programme. This initiative is designed to broaden horizons and provide aspirational experiences. Our students were recently invited to the Sevenoaks campus for a comprehensive meet-up day, where they participated in various academic and enrichment activities. Further cementing this partnership, students also had the fantastic opportunity to attend a performance of the classic musical Guys and Dolls, staged by the Sevenoaks School students. This exposure to high-quality extra-curricular arts was invaluable.
In parallel, students involved in the Kent Academies Network (KAN) programme also visited the Sevenoaks School for a dedicated meet-up day. This forms part of the KAN Legacy programme, which focuses on long-term skill development and networking among high-achieving pupils across Kent.
Closer to home, our commitment to civic duty and youth democracy was demonstrated by Year 9 students. They journeyed to Swale House to take part in a crucial youth democracy event held in the council chamber of Swale Borough Council. This event provided a powerful platform for the students to express their views on pertinent local issues directly to elected councillors and representatives from Kent Police. This experience offered a practical lesson in local governance and policy.
Across all these varied engagements, every student involved has displayed maturity, respect, and enthusiasm, truly embodying the Academy's values. They are developing into confident, articulate, and engaged young leaders.
Hercules the Musical
Hercules the Musical
A group of 49 performing arts students recently enjoyed an unforgettable trip to see Disney's Hercules the Musical at the spectacular Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London! The students were absolutely thrilled by the experience, completely wowed by the incredible talent, stunning staging, and powerful score. From the very first note to the final bow, the show was an immense source of inspiration, leaving the aspiring performers energised and full of praise for the magic of live theatre. It was truly a Gospel Truth experience!
Hewlett College Festive London Trip
Hewlett College Festive London Trip
Reward trip to the capital focuses on culture, confidence, and career inspiration
On Wednesday, December 10th, we were delighted to take 50 of our dedicated Post-16 students on a special Christmas reward trip to London. This excursion concluded what has been a truly fantastic start to the academic year, acknowledging the hard work and commitment shown by our students. The day was planned to combine cultural landmarks with modern, engaging experiences, offering students a chance to navigate the bustling capital confidently.
Our journey began at the heart of tradition, where students were fortunate enough to watch the captivating Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. We then enjoyed a scenic walk through St. James’s Park, passing iconic institutions like The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason’s, before soaking up the bright lights and energy of the famous Piccadilly Circus.
Next, the students were given some valuable free time at Leicester Square, allowing them to explore the festive Christmas Market and the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown at their own pace. This was followed by a walk to Trafalgar Square, providing great photo opportunities by Nelson’s Column.
Our final destination was Covent Garden, which was buzzing with wonderful entertainment and festive pop-up experiences. The final, and perhaps most exciting, highlight of the day was an opportunity to meet the renowned TikTok creator, Max Klymenko. Max Klymenko is celebrated for his viral “Career Ladder” video series, where he conducts insightful interviews with people about their jobs while standing on a physical ladder, and was recently recognised as "TikTok Creator of the Year." This chance meeting offered our students a dose of modern career inspiration and a valuable connection to digital media success.
We are extremely proud to report that our students behaved impeccably and demonstrated outstanding responsibility throughout the busy day. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing that they had a great experience and, crucially, now feel more confident navigating the city environment.
Thank you to all the students for making this such a memorable and rewarding day.
MYP Curriculum
MYP Curriculum
Unlocking Potential: Understanding the 5 MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills
Unlocking Potential: Understanding the 5 MYP Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills
As your child progresses through the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–9, you may hear them talk about ATL Skills. ATL skills are not separate subjects; they are the essential tools and techniques that empower students to learn how to learn. They are deliberately taught, practised, and assessed across all eight MYP subject groups.
Think of ATL skills as the operating system for your child's brain. By consciously developing these skills, we're preparing them not just for successful exams, but for university, careers, and lifelong learning in an ever-changing world.
This article provides a brief overview of the five main ATL categories and how they benefit your child.
1. Communication Skills
1. Communication Skills
What they are: Skills focused on effective expression, interpretation, and exchange of information. This includes listening, speaking, reading, writing, and using non-verbal and digital forms of communication.
Benefits to your child: These skills are fundamental for succeeding in every MYP subject, from structuring a scientific lab report to participating in a literature discussion. They ensure students can clearly articulate their understanding and effectively receive instruction and feedback.
At home: Encourage active listening when you speak, and ask your child to summarise what they've learned in class in their own words.
2. Social Skills
2. Social Skills
What they are: Skills that involve working effectively with others. This includes collaboration, conflict resolution, practising empathy, negotiating roles, and taking responsibility within a group.
Benefits to your child: Social skills are vital for successful group work and interdisciplinary units in the MYP. They foster qualities like respect and cooperation, which are essential for developing the Caring and Principled attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
At home: Encourage your child to organise study groups, help siblings with tasks, and resolve minor disagreements respectfully.
3. Self-Management Skills
3. Self-Management Skills
What they are: These skills cover two key areas:
Organisational Skills: Managing time, setting goals, planning long-term projects (like the Personal Project), and meeting deadlines.
State of Mind Skills: Developing resilience, perseverance, self-motivation, and mindfulness to manage stress and stay focused.
Benefits to your child: Self-Management skills directly support independent learning and well-being. They reduce procrastination and help students develop the discipline needed to handle the increasing workload of the upper MYP and future studies.
At home: Help your child use a planner, break large tasks into smaller steps, and encourage a balanced approach to school, hobbies, and rest (the Balanced Learner Profile attribute).
4. Research Skills
4. Research Skills
What they are: Skills related to finding, evaluating, and processing information. This includes:
Information Literacy: Strategically accessing information, evaluating the credibility and bias of sources, and correctly citing them to maintain academic integrity.
Media Literacy: Interacting with media (like social media and news) to understand how messages are constructed and why.
Benefits to your child: Research skills are the foundation of inquiry-based learning. They turn your child into a discerning consumer of information, equipping them to critically analyse sources and become Knowledgeable and Open-minded thinkers.
At home: Ask your child to identify the source of news they share and discuss whether that source is trustworthy.
5. Thinking Skills
5. Thinking Skills
What they are: High-level mental processes necessary for navigating complex ideas. This category includes:
Critical Thinking: Analysing information, evaluating evidence, and identifying patterns.
Creative Thinking: Generating novel ideas, inventing new approaches, and exploring possibilities.
Transfer Skills: Applying skills and knowledge learned in one subject (e.g., algebra) to solve problems in another context (e.g., science).
Benefits to your child: Thinking skills are essential for the MYP's focus on conceptual understanding. They ensure your child doesn't just memorise facts, but can apply their learning, making them powerful Thinkers and successful problem-solvers.
At home: Present your child with a small, everyday problem (e.g., how to rearrange a room) and ask them to brainstorm three very different solutions.
By understanding and encouraging these five ATL categories, you are partnering with us to ensure your child develops the confidence and capability to tackle any academic or real-world challenge.
Extra-curricular clubs and activities
Extra-curricular clubs and activities
Module 2 has seen an increase in students taking up our offer of extra-curricular clubs and activities. They take place Monday, Thursday and Friday every week. Please take a look at the club advertisements on our website.
Buses are confirmed for additional collections at 4.30pm so clubs are available to all students at Leigh Academy Minster. If your child wishes to join a club, they can register their interest with the lead member of staff. Details for this are shared in the Student Bulletin weekly and students can ask their tutor for support.
A Partnership Begins - LAM Student Leaders Inspire at Snowfields
A Partnership Begins - LAM Student Leaders Inspire at Snowfields
Last week, Leigh Academy Minster student leaders visited Leigh Academy Snowfield’s Minster campus to meet with their fellow students and present to them on what life is like at LAM.
This landmark event marked the first-ever collaboration between students from the two academies. The LAM students delivered an engaging presentation, sharing insights into their roles, academy life, and the wider academy environment. The Snowfields students were a credit to their academy, and enthusiastically participated in a Q&A session, eager to discuss and learn from their counterparts.
The atmosphere was fantastic and inspiring, building a strong foundation for future collaboration. Both sets of students left the meeting motivated and excited about the new partnership. This successful inaugural meeting is planned to be the first of many ongoing collaborations, strengthening the inclusive bond and shared leadership across the Leigh Academy Minster site.
A Day of Careers Inspiration from the BBC
We are absolutely delighted to report on the overwhelming success of the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour that visited Leigh Academy Minster on Friday, 5th December. The interactive event proved to be a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore a diverse range of exciting career paths.
Held in our Sports Hall, the event was hosted by the BBC's own James Threfall in a dynamic panel-style format. Students from Years 7 to 10 attended, each participating in an engaging, hour-long session designed to spark ambition and future planning, with a focus on apprenticeships
We were privileged to welcome three inspiring panellists from key sectors, who generously shared their personal journeys:
The NHS: Offering insights into vital roles within the healthcare system.
The BBC: Providing a glimpse into the creative and technical world of media.
MO4 Forensic Services: Sharing the fascinating pathway into scientific investigation.
Each panellist shared the specific pathway they took to achieve their current role, giving our students practical, real-world examples of how education and dedication translate into a successful career. They also offered invaluable advice for young people currently considering their futures.
Safeguarding at Leigh Academy Minster
At Leigh Academy Minster, safeguarding is one of our top priorities. We are committed to ensuring that our students are listened to, feel safe and are supported during their time with us. This enables them to thrive both in the academy and outside of it. Safeguarding our students is the responsibility of everyone, and we work closely with our students, their parents and carers and external agencies to ensure that we continue to foster a strong culture of safeguarding and emotional well-being.
Over the course of the academy year we provide our students with a rich curriculum centred around safeguarding. We do this via tutor time, college assemblies, and dedicated PSHRE lessons all year groups. Alongside this core offer, we provide our students with additional opportunities, including external talks from providers such as the Kent Police Roadshow, and the use of student voice throughout the year.
Reporting a safeguarding concern
If you have a safeguarding concern for your child or another student in the academy, please contact your child’s Small School College. You can also call the academy 017953 58250 and request to speak to a member of the safeguarding team. You will always receive a response, and we would encourage you to please make contact with us, even if you are not sure the matter is a safeguarding concern. For urgent concerns outside of academy hours, please contact the Kent Front Door Services (Children's services) via 03004 19191.
Schools Police Officer
The academy has an assigned Schools Police Officer who works in partnership with the academy, Kent Police and other agencies to support children’s safety, prevent offending and to protect young people from harm. They are a presence at the academy, and upon request, will meet with students to deliver educational input and may work on resolving particular external incidents within our academy community. Their role is not to discipline, but to support young people at the academy.
Our allocated officer is PC C. Henderson. Should you wish to make contact with him please email your child’s Small School College team and this will be passed on to the Safeguarding Team.
Online Safety - Useful information for families
We address online safety within the academy, via our use of Smoothwall(our online monitoring system), assemblies and PSHE lessons. We actively encourage you as parents/ carers to regularly discuss this matter at home and to keep an oversight of your child’s devices and Chromebook when used at home. To support families in this process, please see below for some key websites with detailed information for your reference.
● Internet Matters - www.internetmatters.org
● Childnet - www.childnet.com
● CEOP - www.ceop.police.uk
● NSPCC - www.nspcc.org.uk
Social Media
Please see below for the age restriction for the social media platforms. Allowing your children to access these apps when they are not of age is similar to not shutting the front door properly; this invites strangers, risks and negative influences that you might not be able to see. A simple swipe can connect them to those people who are strangers and not have their best interests at heart. It is just as important to make an online boundary as it is to make a real life boundary. If your child does have access to these apps we encourage you to closely monitor their usage.
Age Restrictions on Main UK Social Media Sites:
Facebook 13+
Instagram 13+
SnapChat 13+
TikTok 13+
YouTube 13+
WhatsApp 16+
Young Carers
A young carer is a person who is under the age of 18 who provides physical, practical and emotional care for a family member who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or a problem with drugs and alcohol.
Who do young carers support?
Parents, siblings and other family members.
What kind of care do young carers provide?
● Practical - Cooking, cleaning, shopping, or managing household tasks
● Physical care - Helping with personal care (washing, dressing and getting out of bed)
● Emotional support - Staying with someone to keep them company, supporting when they are distressed, and making sure they feel safe.
● Looking after others - Care for others in the household (siblings).
What support do young carers offer?
Young Carers support those carers to balance caring with leading a healthier and happy life, young carers offers practical advice and emotional support (1 to 1 at home or at school) assessing individual needs (understand each person's unique situation), outings, activities and trips (this supports making friends, building confidence and having fun), workshops and developing new skills (creative activities, learning how to manage money, first aid and learning how to manage your emotions).
If you believe your child may qualify as a young carer, would like further information before making a referral, or if your child is already registered as a young carer, please inform your College Team. A member of the Academy staff will then contact you to discuss a potential referral or to review the support your child currently provides at home.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all of our students.
Mr P. Mortley
Deputy Principal
Support for families during the Christmas break
Support for families during the Christmas break
During the two week Christmas break the academy will be closed. Please be aware that there are support groups that operate throughout the whole holiday should you need to reach out:
Sheppey Matters prepares, cooks and provides free hot meals every week, available at The Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness.
Swale Food Bank operates from The Healthy Living Centre in Sheerness available to those who need extra support.
In addition to this, Community Wardrobe which offers access to free school uniform, runs from The Healthy Living Centre Sheerness.
There is also an additional scheme called 'Care for Christmas' which runs over the Christmas period supporting families with care needs. Please see their Facebook page with further information.
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