leigh academy paddock wood
Newsletter
Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
After the dust has settled from the Colour Run (literally), I write to you all on the last day of this academic year. Whilst a short day, it is set to be emotional as we send our Year 6 pupils and staff off on their new ventures.
I would like to thank you all for your continued support and honest feedback.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this first year and look back proudly on what the children have achieved. They really have done themselves proud and this is reflected not only in their results but in how they have approached their learning at all times. Our inquiry approach to teaching and learning requires children to be collaborative, inquisitive and brave and I have seen this in abundance in our classrooms across the year.
The summer is ordinarily the opportunity to reset and recharge the batteries but for us (as you will know) it will be a time for academy developments. These are now well underway with our roof project and we prepare for work to be carried out to replace our concertina doors in each classroom.
The extensive work will minimise noise, make learning environments less disruptive and allow all children to really embrace our proactive, inquiry-led learning approach without the fear of disrupting their peers. We will document the work and look forward to inviting you all in next year.
We also must reflect on our systems and protocols to ensure we are working efficiently. I reflect that our communication needs to improve. Where things can come from multiple sources (MCAS, Google Classroom etc) we are working to streamline this whilst looking to ensure communication is also earlier to ensure parents can book time off of work or prepare for payments.
In the early part of next academic year we will conduct a new parent survey in order to act on your feedback.
I want to wish you all a fabulous summer break. Please enjoy time with family; I hope the weather is much better than it has been this week so the children can enjoy time outdoors!
Yours sincerely,
Mr Moore
Our final overall academy attendance has been 95.7% this academic year.
Attendance remains a key part of any child's school journey and contributes to them achieving the best they can. Any days absent means that they miss teaching time as well as social time.
We would always ask that every parent considers whether a child really needs to be kept at home.
This week we are really proud of...
Last week, Elijah went up a grade in Taekwondo and moved on to his green belt (6th kup). Here he is taking part in Paddock Wood carnival at the weekend. Well done Elijah!
Josephine joined the library summer challenge and was first to reach the top of the board. She was excited to tell the librarian that a lady called 'Sarah' came to the school and mentioned the challenge and Josephine was eager to join in!
Josephine would love to encourage others to join the challenge, have some fun with reading and earn stickers, a certificate and a medal from the library once you have completed the challenge. Well done Josephine!
Eliza recently took part in a showjumping competition at Cobham Manor and won first place! Well done Eliza; we are so proud of you!
Bethany and Jessica both love taking part in the Paddock Wood Carnival with Phoenix Dance and they did a fantastic job. Well done girls; we are so proud of you!
Genevieve has been very busy this week; she has performed in her JPA musical theatre show (including a Matilda solo!) taken part in Paddock Wood Carnival with Phoenix Dance and Aerial Arts, progressed to level 3 in her tap, modern and ballet dance as well as being offered a place in the Acro group at her gymnastics club. She has worked so hard and we are very proud of all she has achieved this year!
On Sunday Phoenix were honoured to have over 90 children walking, and more than 100 dancing, at the Carnival in Paddock Wood. Fairies, mermaids and unicorns filled Eldon Way along with laughter and excitement. As the sun shone down the children shone brighter as chants filled the high street and bubbles flew. On arrival at St Andrews field Phoenix were awarded best overall which made them stand even taller during their epic performance. As the phenomenal team took their final bow the arena exploded with pride.
They absolutely smashed it—not just with their dancing, but with their energy, kindness, teamwork, and their big, beautiful hearts. It means the world to see them all not only perform with joy, but be themselves. Wonderfully unique, awesome individuals. They are the magic.
I’m so proud So grateful. So lucky to know them all.
Have a beautiful summer. Phoenix Dance x
The Young Carers Club, KFC (Kind Friendly Carers) ended the term in style with a bowling summer party! They bowled hard, filled the venue with laughter and a great time was had by all. Their achievements were celebrated back at the academy handing out the medals they had designed and made in a previous KFC meeting.
Our Young Carers have achieved so much this year. They are an awesome group who are all so supportive of each other and we at Leigh Academy Paddock Wood are so proud of each and every one of them. Over the summer please do check out Imago for updates of activities, events and support.
The Paddock Wood Influencers worked hard at completing a survey on how many children owned a mobile phone, an ipad and a gaming device.
Here are the results which we found very interesting:
To keep the teachers going until the end of the year the Wellbeing Champions gave the teachers a little boost! They created personalised cards that the teachers could attach to their lanyard to remind them how AWESOME they are and how much we all APPRECIATE them.
As we reach the end of this school year, we celebrate all that the Wellbeing Champions have achieved and the joy and positivity they have spread across all the Academy.
Bring on more good vibes in September!
Year 5 Swimming - Year 5 will be having swimming lessons in Term 1 from 12 September 2025. Please give consent and make payment via MCAS by Friday 29th August if you have not already done so.
Clubs - Club information for Term 1 will be sent out to parents in the first week of Term 1 with a view to most clubs starting from Monday 8th September.
Lost Property - Please can parents/carers go through the lost property, we have accumulated a lot this term. This will be outside by the hall on Tuesday 22nd July from 1.30-2pm alongside the second hand uniform sale.
Data updates - If you are moving house, changing phone numbers or email addresses please update MCAS to reflect these changes. They changes are sent to the office to action.
Asthma - If your child has asthma please ensure we have an up to date asthma plan and an in date asthma inhaler handed in on the first day back
Thank you - to all the parents and children that went out of their way to thank the office staff, we were really touched at your kindness and we wish you all a restful summer.
Some dates for your diary:
28.8.25 Inset Day
29.8.25 Inset Day
01.09.25 Term 1 begins - children return to school
08.09.25 - 19.09.25 Year 6 Bikeability
11.09.25 Kent Test (Year 5)
17.10.25 End of Term 1
Buddy
You have shown hard work and determination this year. You have achieved so many things and should be very proud. You have set a brilliant example to others and shown that perseverance pays off. Well done Buddy!
Esme
For your flawless dedication towards school this year. From day one, you have been a superstar in class tackling every lesson with determination and ambition. You should be incredibly proud of everything that you have achieved this year. Nice one Esme.
Bennie
You epitomise the characteristics of an inquirer - you ask questions, strive to challenge your knowledge and grow your understanding. You are fantastic!
Oliver
For displaying excellent knowledge when working in maths. Your work showed a balanced and reflective approach and you effectively communicated your learning about units of time.
Ruby
Ruby has grown so much in confidence recently, especially with her writing. Ruby has shown her creativity when creating an imaginative script. Well done, keep up the good work.
Jessica
For your consistent principled approach to your learning. You try your best in everything you do and it's been wonderful to see you grow and flourish throughout the year. Well done!
Arthur
Arthur you have been so caring and principled, really looking after a new member of the class, taking her under your wing and making sure that she is looked after.
Victoria
Your principled approach in all that you do has allowed you to flourish this year. You listen attentively and put effort into your presentation. Thank you for being an amazing pupil.
All of 4T
Your inquiring attitudes and caring behaviour on your class trip to Reculver was commendable. Well done everyone for thinking carefully about the seaside environment and representing our school in such a positive way!
River
River has been a reflective learner this week, working to write a narrative based on an animal's life cycle. He thought about the process he needed to show and the best sentence structure he could use to present it. Well done River.
Charlie
Charlie was a reflective learner this week. He really thought about, and assessed, the quality and quantity of his own work, making sure he was happy with his planning and made the necessary changes. Well done, Charlie.
Charlie H
Charlie has been a principled learner this week. While consistently showing he is listening and ready, he has taken responsibility for improving his own learning. Well done, Charlie!
Eni
Eni has been a wonderful member of Year 2 this year. Eni is always a knowledgeable and inquisitive learner, who takes all her learning seriously. This week she wrote a wonderful recap of our school trip in her beautiful handwriting. 2D will miss you.
Mya
Mya continues to showcase her artistic side in everything she does. She has completed some beautiful pieces throughout the term. Mya is always keen to show off her creations and she should be very proud. Well done!
Axel
Axel has been a principled learner this week. He is always quick to follow instructions, setting a wonderful example to the rest of the class. Keep it up!
Kit
For being a wonderful and caring member of our class. You have looked out for your classmates on the playground and brought smiles to their faces when they needed a little boost of positivity.
Well done Kit. We are very lucky to have you in our class.
Ada
You have made huge progress this year Ada. I am so proud of all you have achieved. This week you have been a creative communicator. You have written a wonderful story set in a castle and demonstrated all of your learning excellently. I am so proud of you.
Everly
You have showered your classmates with happiness, love and care this week and always. Your caring nature helps create a wonderful learning environment that supports everyone to focus and show principled choices. You have been the greatest friend to all. Well done!
Arabella
Arabella is a star sharer! She has collaborated with her classmates and explored every corner of the classroom this year! Her open-minded approach to learning shines as she embraces diverse ways to engage with our inquiry. What a fantastic learner!
Autumn-Rose
For being an open-minded, caring friend all year! Autumn's kind and warm spirit shines brightly! She has a superb ability to build relationships which makes her an exceptional friend. Her accepting and considerate approach to everything she does will take her far! Well done.
Marin
For being an absolutely brilliant inquirer, showing incredible knowledge and enthusiasm! He loved taking on the role of the teacher, captivating us all with fascinating facts about Bulgaria. His passion for sharing his learning is truly inspiring! Well done Marin!
Faye
You have shown a fantastic attitude to learning this year and achieved so much. Your confidence has only continued to grow and you are perfectly placed to hit the ground running at secondary school.
Billy
Throughout the year you have displayed flawless manners and been a model pupil here at Paddock Wood. You should be incredibly proud of the progress which you've made in Year 6, good luck with everything at secondary school. Well done Billy.
Ryan
Across this week, your independent inquiry has been creative, inquisitive and challenged the thought of others. Keep it up!
Carys
Your work this week has been a reflection of your knowledge, creativity and risk taking. The way you have presented your inquiry work has reflected your dedication to always challenging yourself and striving for excellence.
Harry
Harry has been reflective and edited his work with care this week. He has worked with determination to complete work with his best presentation skills. Well done.
Sonny
For your outstanding work this week. You have worked brilliantly and independently to research life cycles of different animals and explore habitats around the world. Well done!
Maddie
Maddie, you have such a kind caring attitude to others, you take so much care and pride in your learning and you are always genuinely interested in everything we do. You have been amazing to teach this year!
Oliver
Mr James has noticed a huge improvement in your work ethic over the past few months, focusing on your writing presentation and building your stamina for longer pieces. Keep up this fantastic effort.
Alfie
Alfie has really taken ownership of working hard to complete his outstanding inquiry pieces. Keep up this positive approach Alfie!
Olivia
Olivia has worked extremely hard to contribute her ideas to maths lessons this week, taking risks with her answers and sharing her ideas with others. Superb work Olivia!
Dennis
Dennis put a huge effort into planning his life cycle narrative this week, as well as making a fantastic life cycle using different mechanisms, showing how much he can achieve with determination. Well done, Dennis!
Trista
Trista worked so hard on her writing this week. She produced a beautifully written and presented biography, showing her dedication to always achieving her best. Well done, Trista!
Francis
Francis has worked so hard to improve his reading, writing and independence over the last few months. It has been great to see his confidence grow as he starts to realise what he is capable of. 2D will miss you.
Jessica
Jessica continues to amaze us with her hard work and determination. Jessica has received legend status on mathletics, increased her stamina and quality of writing and she completes her inquiry homework termly. Well done you!
Olivia
Oliva has been a wonderful independent learner this week, completing tasks quickly on her own with confidence. Well done, keep it up!
Elia
For always trying your best. You are a hardworking member of the class and always set a great example for your peers. Your confidence has blossomed in Year One and it has been wonderful to see you giving more challenging tasks a go.
Keep up the amazing work Elia. What a superstar you are!
All of 1OB
Well done on such a wonderful year. We have loved teaching you all. You have all worked incredibly hard and should be very proud of all you have achieved. Mrs Strickland and I are so proud of everything you have done this year. Well done!
All of 1P
Congratulations on all of your great achievements this year! Completing and thriving in Year 1. Miss Parrett and I are so pleased with all your hard work, kindness and principled choices. We wish you the very best in Year 2. Well done!
Azyan
Azyan has put in a fantastic effort this week, making great choices! He's working incredibly hard on being a wonderful friend and an even better communicator. Keep up the brilliant work, Azyan!
Charlotte
Charlotte has made incredible progress this year! She's a wonderful all-rounder – funny, caring, and a truly knowledgeable friend. We love how she shares her experiences and always brightens our day with a smile. What a joy to have in the classroom!
Luna
For showing incredible growth in her resilience this year, truly blossoming! Luna faces challenges with amazing strength and a can-do attitude, bouncing back even stronger every time. We're so proud of her determination and positive spirit! Well done Luna!