leigh academy paddock wood
Newsletter
Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
Wow, what an amazing week!
Since the latter part of last week, we have seen Emergency Services Day, Paddock Woodstock, transition day for the children to meet their new teachers, Sports Day, a Police Talk for Year 6 and the book fair.
It is fair to say that whilst it has been a jam packed schedule, each event has been a huge success in its own right. The community feeling, celebration of the amazing children and the opportunity to work as a team has stunned me. I would like to thank you all for attending as many of the events as you can, the children have revelled in the opportunity to show you their talents and hard work.
I would also like to explicitly thank the staff who orchestrated the events and ensured they ran as smoothly as possible. It was a great team effort. Mrs Mansfield was responsible for the thinking and hard work behind Emergency Services Day and Paddock Woodstock and Mr Chorley took on the task of planning and preparing Sports Day. All staff members pulled together admirably to make these events a success.
I would also like to celebrate our children who demonstrated impeccable behaviour, resilience and teamwork in what can be nerve wracking circumstances. I also strongly believe that there are a myriad of characteristics and qualities which are honed and developed through such events (speaking and listening, confidence, teamwork and leadership to name a few) which is integral in our mission of holistically developing every child so that they can thrive in all walks of life.
I can't wait for the number of other upcoming special events including Year 6 Leaver events and the Colour Run!
Have a fantastic weekend and yours sincerely,
Mr Moore
Joe Smith - Year 4 - Assistant Principal
My name is Mr. Smith and I’m thrilled to be joining Paddock Wood as Assistant Principal. I’m passionate about helping every child grow in confidence and reach their full potential.
I’m so excited to be joining the Paddock Wood community. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the children, working closely with families, and being part of such a warm and welcoming school. I can’t wait to get started!
Mr Bamping - Year 6
Originally from Manchester, I hold two master’s degrees and have nearly 20 years of experience teaching in both English and international schools. Alongside my passion for classroom teaching, I’m an experienced curriculum leader with expertise in inquiry-based learning. I’ve helped launch and grow international schools in Italy and Brazil, both achieving excellent outcomes for students.
With experience as an outdoor instructor, I’ve developed outdoor learning programmes and recently delivered a keynote speech at the Milan International Teacher Association Conference.
I’m excited to return to England and join the team at Paddock Wood, where I look forward to supporting the success of the students, school, and wider community.
Mr Houghton - Year 2
Hello, parents and children starting Year 2. My name is Mr Houghton and I will be joining Leigh Academy Paddock Wood in September. I have been teaching for several years and I am looking forward to bringing my skills and passion for learning to Leigh Academy. I have no doubt that we are going to learn and discover lots of exciting new things together and develop ourselves over the course of the year and I cannot wait to see every one of you grow into confident learners.
Mrs Passey - EYFS
I am thrilled to be joining the Leigh Academy Paddock Wood community as I work towards completing my teacher training. I am very passionate about Early Years education; I enjoy seeing the curiosity and creativity that young children bring to their learning, and it is an honour to help nurture that from the beginning of their school journey. I have worked in a variety of Early Years roles over the last ten years, and I am really looking forward to working with and learning from the excellent team at LAPW. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time outside with my family and our dog. I'm excited to get to know the children and families at Paddock Wood and be a part of such a welcoming and supportive environment.
Mrs Smythe - Year 6
I’ve been teaching Year 5 in Dartford for three years, but before that have experience in Year 6, Year 2 and with children with speech and language disorders. I’m very passionate about learning and relish the opportunity to pass on this love to my class. I am so excited to be joining the Year 6 team at Leigh Academy Paddock Wood in September and look forward to making a year's worth of memories with your children, helping them to prepare for the next step to Secondary school!
Miss Barham - Year 1
I am so excited to be joining Leigh Academy Paddock Wood as part of the Year 1 team. I believe in creating a nurturing and creative classroom where every child feels valued and inspired to learn. As a book enthusiast, I am keen to share a love of reading and storytelling with the class. I’m really looking forward to getting to know each child and supporting them to make a confident start to Key Stage 1.
Mrs Luck- EYFS Lead
I’m excited to be joining Leigh Academy Paddock Wood because of its welcoming atmosphere, supportive community and high aspirations for every learner.
With over 20 years of teaching experience across three primary schools, I am passionate about early education. I have a strong background in both EYFS and Key Stage 1. I believe in challenging all children through engaging and stimulating learning experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence.
Outside the classroom, I’m a proud parent of two. I enjoy spending quality family time together exploring new experiences. I also love animals and have two cheeky cats at home.
This week our overall academy attendance has been 95.3%.
Our winning year group is Year 1 this week with 97.6% so congratulations to all pupils for being in school as much as you can!
All Year 1 children have received some additional playtime today to celebrate this...and of course will be the holders of the Attendance Weekly Cup for a week!
Last Thursday, Paddock Wood was visited by the Emergency Services to learn more about the vehicles, equipment and the roles they play in our community. The children were invited to go into the vehicles, use the hose, meet PC Barker and wear the uniforms.
All the children had a fantastic time and have come away with lasting memories.
We would like to thank all the services that visited us.
Thank you to everyone who attended Paddock Woodstock last Friday. It was our first community festival and we were blown away by the support from you all. The children performed amazingly and it was lovely to see so many smiles.
We are pleased to say that we raised over £4000 towards subsidising future school visits and events.
What a fantastic day we had on Wednesday for Sports Day!
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to support their children. The event had a truly wonderful community spirit, and that is only made possible by your continued support.
The children all had a fantastic day and were brilliant in every event they took part in. It was a highly competitive day, filled with expert sprinters, skilful potato carriers, and determined sponge squeezers! Their enthusiasm and sportsmanship were a joy to see.
Thank you once again for helping to make it such a memorable occasion.
SPORTS DAY RESULTS
YEAR GROUP WINNERS
OVERALL HOUSE WINNER
Last Friday dancers from LAPW took part in a trial dance event held at Mascalls titled ‘United In Dance’. It was a beautiful event bringing everyone together through music and dance. It was a great success with next year’s event already being planned, this time even bigger, inviting a wider area of academies.
Leigh Academy Paddock Wood was honoured to be involved and are super proud of the dancers who were beaming from ear to ear throughout, showing off their well rehearsed moves in 2 routines and being inspired by older students performances.
On Thursday, Year 6 enjoyed a talk from the police to learn about some of the issues they could face in secondary school. Thanks to Sarah and Mark for coming in and spending time with all our Year 6 children in the hope that they all remain safe as they grow up.
This week we are really proud of...
Harper and Erin took part in their first Acro performance last Sunday. They have been working very hard for this and both did amazing at the Summer Skills Showcase. Well done both of you!
Lily successfully took part in her first First Flight Acro and Tumbling Showcase last weekend and got a medal and certificate for her hard work. We are so proud of her!
Mrs. Mansfield successfully completed the Pilgrims Hospice 25K walk on Saturday with her sister. They raised £870 and a few blisters!
Leon swam a distance of 2150 metres in 1 hour and 15 minutes during his swimming class last Saturday. Leon is really enjoying his swimming journey. Well done Leon; we are so proud of you!
Everly was very proud to take part in the Summer Skills Showcase at her gymnastics club last weeked. Well done Everly, we are so proud of you!
Year 2 - A reminder that the final payment is due today (Friday 27th June) for the upcoming trip to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens. Please make payment via MCAS>Outstanding Payments if you have not already done so. This is also the deadline for requesting a school provided packed lunch (via MCAS>Products). We will be unable to accept any requests after today.
Year 4 - A reminder that Monday 30th June is the deadline for payment and consent for Year 4's upcoming trip to Reculver Beach. Please go to MCAS>Trips if you have not already done so. Children entitled to free school meals can also order a school provided packed lunch for their trip via MCAS>Products. We will be unable to accept any requests after 30th June.
Year 5 - The deadline to register your child for the Kent Test is midnight on 1st July 2025. If you would like to register please go to www.kent.gov.uk/ola if you have not already done so.
Year 6 - Tickets for the Leavers' Party are still available via MCAS>Products. Please make sure you have placed your order before the deadline of Friday 4th July. Also don't forget to send in a picture of your child during their first year of primary school for the 'Who's Who?' collage.
School Meals - Next week will be Week 2 of the school meal menu.
Parking on site - please remember that there is no parking on site for parents, there is only just enough for the staff and if cars are parked on the double yellow lines or up on verges this creates a dangerous environment for your children. Please do not park on site and use the nearby car parks and roads respectfully.
Some dates for your diary:
01.7.25 Registration for the Kent Test closes (Year 5 children)
08.7.25 Year 2 visit to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
9.7.25 4DB to Reculver Beach
11.7.25 Year 6 Leavers' Disco
13.7.25 Paddock Wood Carnival
14.7.25 4J to Reculver Beach
Year 3 Ukulele and Instrument Concert to parents 2pm
16.7.25 Rocksteady Concert
17.7.25 4T to Reculver Beach
18.7.25 PTA Colour Run - deadline to register is 8th July 2025
22.7.25 Year 6 Leavers Assembly to parents 10am
End of Module 6 - 1.30pm finish (No After School Club)
01.09.25 Term 1 begins
Freddie
You have been a fantastic role model throughout sports day leading your house with enthusiasm. You helped wherever possible and ensured the younger children had an enjoyable time.
Lilly
For your determination and growing confidence during swimming lessons. You were a risk-taker, swimming unaided in the pool whilst still showing enjoyment and an eagerness to succeed. Well done Lilly.
Kyiah
You have exemplified the learner profile attributes this week - clear communication, principled at sports day, caring towards your peers and knowledgeable around your exhibition.
Oliver
For raising your own standards in your inquiry work. You have taken time to research and reflect upon your work and its quality and the results speak for themselves.
Jemima
Jemima has been working really hard on her script writing this week. She has shared her knowledge and creative ideas with her peers with confidence. She has a great vision for using appropriate techniques to take her work from page to stage.
Jersey
For your enthusiasm towards your learning this term. It has been great to see you getting into the Ancient Greek spirit and this was evident in your brilliant Greek mask! Keep up the excellent learning.
Teddie-Lee
Teddie-Lee, you have been such a risk taker this week designing your batik. You tried different method and produced some amazing effects with your wax resist. Well done!
Harry
Mr. James has been impressed with your knowledge on shapes this week. You found lines of symmetry easy and even helped those around you with their learning. Great conferencing, Harry. Keep up the good work.
Alex
Alex, what a fantastic week of learning! You've really challenged yourself, actively engaged in every lesson, and taken pride in your work. It's clear you've embodied all the learner profile attributes – well done!
Lilya
Lilya, you are a great communicator! You thought carefully about rainforests and orangutans, showing what you needed to do and explained it very clearly. This helped you join in and do really well—even in ways you didn’t expect! Well done, Lilya!
Eliza
Eliza was an effective communicator this week. By reflecting on her needs and communicating clearly about the best way for her to contribute, she was able to participate and succeed in ways she didn’t realise she could. Well done Eliza!
Raisa
Raisa was a risk-taker this week when she performed a solo in singing assembly. She has also been knowledgeable when explaining the impact humans have had on the orangutans' environment. Well done Raisa.
Toby
Every week Toby is a knowledgeable and principled learner. Toby always follows instructions quickly and demonstrates great learning behaviours in the classroom. Toby also recently achieved full marks in the Year 2 maths quiz! Keep up the great work!
Oscar
Oscar has worked very hard for the last two weeks. He has been a knowledgeable learner and reflected well in his maths. Oscar has enjoyed using tally charts and creating pictograms. He is also becoming more confident with raising his hand and getting involved in class discussions. I am very proud of you! Well done.
Lena
For designing an amazing Islamic tile! She was a thinker and carefully selected the shapes to create a fantastic pattern. I was impressed by her choice of colours to represent the night sky, well done Lena.
Evan
For being a fantastic and knowledgeable member of the class this week. You recalled many facts about the role of a knight in a castle and used these facts to complete a lovely descriptive piece of writing. It was also lovely to see you using your communication skills by using your knowledge to help your classmates complete their work successfully. You should feel very proud of yourself.
Jack O
For being a principled learner this week. Jack, you have worked very hard and have acted responsibly throughout all your learning. You wrote a beautiful piece of writing about spotting the signs of summer and demonstrated your observation skills excellently. Keep up the amazing work!
Noah
You have been a hard working writer this week! We are elated with your engagement and writing about being a knight! You demonstrated that you are a knowledgeable learner as well as a risk-taker. We can't wait to see more description from you as we continue our inquiry into significant places and the past. Well done!
Ben
For really challenging himself in his learning this week. Ben has been utilising his voice and is putting so much effort into all that he does. He embodies all of the learner profile attributes. Well done you!
Rose
For being an open-minded communicator! Rose always values the wide range of opinions in our class and listens to her peers' thoughts and feelings. This makes her a first-class friend and has allowed her to build strong friendships this year. We are proud to have such a kind member of our class.
Mark
For being a caring friend! You have enjoyed role play games with your friends this week! It has been lovely to see you make good choices! Keep it up!
Matty, Harry and Isabelle
For being a fantastic support to children and staff throughout the whole of Sports Day as sports leaders. You were hardworking and your willingness to help out wherever possible really helped make the day a success.
Sebby
For being a fantastic role model during Sports Day in your job as a sports leader. You offered encouragement to your house and helped to keep the events organised and running smoothly. Well done Sebby.
Isla
This week you have been a risk taker - pushing yourself during Sports Day and being a real team player. Well done!
Henry
For an excellent start to your habitats work. You answered relevant questions using your own research skills and displayed knowledge through your work.
Bertie
Bertie has made absolutely fantastic efforts all week. I am particularly impressed with his dedication to his homework. The Ancient Greek armour shows how committed and knowledgeable you are about this inquiry. Well done!
Joseph
For your brilliant script writing this week! It has been wonderful to see you collaborating with your peers and taking so much pride in your work. Keep it up superstar!
Buddy
Buddy we are so proud of the effort, concentration and enthusiasm you put into writing your ocean myth this week. You had so many great ideas and used some amazing vocabulary! It was great to see you feeling so confident about your writing.
William
With his unique style of writing and broad vocabulary, William brought his myth to life. He used a wide range of adjectives and adverbials to help the reader envision his story and used direct speech in his text to show his skills. Well done, William.
Oliver
Oliver displayed exceptional dedication and a commendable attitude, not only in the preparation for Sports Day but also throughout the event itself. His enthusiasm and sportsmanship were evident as he inspired and supported his house and teammates. Well done!
Phoebe
Phoebe has worked very hard to develop her listening and independence skills this week, helping her to showcase her achievements. Well done Phoebe!
Ardita
Ardita has made huge improvements in her reading lately, showing what hard work and dedication to her own learning can achieve. Well done, Ardita!
Elias
Elias was a fantastic performer in Paddock Woodstock and helped to ensure everyone started each verse on time. Elias always does his best in any tasks. Well done, Elias!
Abigail
For her brilliant efforts and attitude both in the lead up to and on sports day itself. Abigail showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship while encouraging and supporting her Bahari house teammates. Keep it up!
Freddie
Freddie's progress this year has been incredible. Freddie amazes me every week with his attitude for learning. He has worked hard in practicing and participating in sports day, designing his Islamic tile, creating a tally chart for maths and his behaviour throughout the school. Freddie has been an all rounder this week. Keep up the amazing work! Well done.
Jack
For his brilliant efforts with Sports Day this week. He listened well when being called for his races and came first in his sprints. Well done Jack! You were amazing!
Grayson
What a week you have had! You have taken everything in your stride this week displaying a range of learner attributes across a variety of activities. You were balanced when meeting your new teacher, caring and reflective when supporting your classmates on Sports Day and a wonderful communicator when portraying your knowledge on the season of summer and the life of a knight.
Keep up the AMAZING efforts Grayson!
Skyla
You have been a real team player this week! You participated excellently in Sports Day and demonstrated strong teamwork skills when supporting your classmates in their events. You listened brilliantly to adult instructions and showed a great attitude to the event. Well done!
All of 1P
You have all shown an array of learner attributes this week! What a pleasure it was to observe and be a part of your Sports Day and see the camaraderie and sportsmanship you all displayed. You all achieved so much and should be proud of your determination and application of physical skills developed over this academic year! Congratulations!
Tillie
For making such a big effort in our Inquiry lessons this week! She has been communicating her thoughts and ideas with improved coherency and effort, well done you!
Louis
For showcasing your determination at Sports Day! Louis gave it his all, he was a fair competitor and cheered on all his friends. It has made us so happy to hear him talk about something he is so passionate about! Maybe a sporting legend one day...
Elaina
For being a Sports Day Superstar! You diligently followed the rules for each race and worked really hard to succeed. Well done!