Embedded Files
Attendance
Attendance
Oliver Jeffers - 96%
Julia Donaldson - 94%
Michael Rosen - 93%
Nelson Mandela - 93%
Boudica - 99%
Rosa Parks - 97%
Kadeena Cox - 97%
Lewis Hamilton - 98%
Leigh Academy Peninsula East - 96%
Well done to Oliver Jeffers class for having the best attendance this week in EYFS and KS1. In KS2 this week, Boudica class are the winning class so congratulations to them too! It is great to see that we are meeting our current attendance target of 96!
PYP Learner Attribute Awards
Oliver Jeffers Class - Junade (Self-management) & Hadley (Knowledgeable)
Julia Donaldson Class -Layla (Thinker) & Maisy (Communication skills)
Michael Rosen Class - Angelique (Risk Taker) & Mollie (Self Management Skills)
Nelson Mandela - Bertie (Thinking skills) & Ollie (Caring)
Boudica Class - Eddie (Thinking Skills) & LaRosa (Risk-taker)
Rosa Parks Class - Franklin (Research skills) & Paisley (Communicator)
Kadeena Cox Class - Harry (Communication) & Ellis (Inquirer)
Lewis Hamilton Class - Nikos (Reflective) & Franklin (Principled)
WOW Writer Awards
WOW Writer Awards
Congratulations to these children for fantastic writing this week...
Oliver Jeffers Class - George
Julia Donaldson Class - Blake
Michael Rosen Class - Bobby E
Nelson Mandela Class - Hannah
Boudica Class - Harper
Rosa Parks Class - Edward
Kadeena Cox Class - Mya
Lewis Hamilton Class - Ivy
Readers of the Week
Readers of the Week
Oliver Jeffers Class - Pippa
Julia Donaldson Class - Annie
Michael Rosen Class - Marnie
Nelson Mandela Class - Mia-Rose
Boudica Class - Helin
Rosa Parks Class - Ollie
Kadeena Cox Class - Joe
Lewis Hamilton Class - Florence
Our Wonderful Inquiry Work
Our Wonderful Inquiry Work
Year 1
We are thrilled with the enthusiasm and engagement Year 1 has shown as we dive into Module 2: Changes in Technology! This topic provides a fascinating opportunity for the children to explore how the world around them has evolved. The children have been working hard on their observational and comparative skills. We began by closely examining and comparing technology from the past with items we use today.
We had wonderful discussions, explorations, and writing activities centered on contrasting an old rotary phone with a modern smartphone. The children were fascinated by how much faster and easier communication is now! We also compared a typewriter to a laptop, focusing on the similarities and differences.
Our literacy work this module has been supported by the lovely book, 'Tea with Grandpa.' This book has helped us discuss themes of family, memories and technology.
Looking ahead to next week, we are building on the writing skills we have developed this term. We are focusing on improving sentence structure and the pronoun 'I', as the children prepare to use these skills to write an informal letter.
Swimming Gala
We are bursting with pride to celebrate our fantastic swimming team who took part in their very first swimming gala competition! It was such an exciting day, and every swimmer showed great enthusiasm and encouragement for one another.
Although it was a new experience, the children demonstrated excellent manners throughout the day, always being polite to competitors and officials. We were so impressed by their wonderful sportsmanship; they were keen to compliment each other and all the other schools, showing true team spirit and kindness.
A massive thank you must also go to the wonderful parents who helped with transport and provided invaluable support for the team throughout the event! Well done to everyone for making their first gala such a positive and memorable event!
Football Match
What an exciting afternoon we had as our school hosted its first-ever football league match! Our first team, looking incredibly smart in their new school football kits, stepped onto the pitch ready to play.
Although we didn't win this time, the children demonstrated fantastic teamwork and really impressed us by staying positive right until the final whistle. It was brilliant to see them guiding each other and communicating on the pitch, showing great sportsmanship and enthusiasm.
Every single child was thrilled to be part of this historic first team! We now have two away games scheduled in December, and the children are already looking forward to their next chance to represent the school.
Go Team!
School information
School information
Writing
Writing
Here you can see the work from our Wow Writers this week!
Every week we will showcase the winners of our weekly writing certificate so you can see the piece of writing they won their award for.
Year 1: Writing a list
Year 1: Writing a list
Insert text here
Year 2: Life Cycles
Year 2: Life Cycles
Year 3: Newspaper report
Year 3: Newspaper report
Insert text here
Year 4: Science Investigation
Year 4: Science Investigation
Year 5: Biography introduction
Year 5: Biography introduction
Insert text here
Year 6: Writing an explanation
Year 6: Writing an explanation
Reading
We ask that parents listen to their child read at home at least three times a week to help build on the reading skills they are learning in school. A reading diary has been provided for you to record any comments about their reading practice and to be signed once your child has read.
It is important that these diaries are brought to school daily, as they are checked by teachers and are also used for reading practice in school. For consistent home reading, your child will be rewarded with a token for our reading book vending machine, where they can choose a new book to keep.
In addition to individual awards, we also have weekly class reading awards. Every Friday, the percentage of children in each Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 class who have read at least three times is calculated, and the winning class is announced in our weekly assembly.
This week's reading scores:
Oliver Jeffers Class - 72%
Julia Donaldson Class - 32%
Michael Rosen Class - 50%
Nelson Mandela Class - 41%
Boudicca Class - 40%
Rosa Parks Class - 20%
Lewis Hamilton Class - 76%
Kadeena Cox class - 48%
Congratulations to Oliver Jeffers and Lewis Hamilton Class, who are the reading winners this week and have been rewarded with extra playtime.
🌟 Sign-sational Makaton Progress! 🌟
🌟 Sign-sational Makaton Progress! 🌟
Did you know that since September, all of our amazing children have been diving into the world of Makaton? It's been absolutely incredible to watch their skills grow! 🤩
Every Wednesday, Miss Brading leads a Makaton assembly where we learn new signs together. So far, the children have mastered signs for:
👋 Greeting each other
🙋♀️ Introducing themselves
🔤 The alphabet
❓ Asking questions
🎇 Makaton + Music = Magic! 🎶
🎇 Makaton + Music = Magic! 🎶
This week, as well as learning signs for Remembrance Day, we took our signing to a whole new level by starting to learn the popular song, 'Firework' by Katy Perry, with accompanying Makaton signs! 🥳
Even though we've only learned the first part, the children did such a spectacular and moving job that there were more than a few teary eyes among the adults watching! 🥹 Their enthusiasm and focus were truly heartwarming. We can't wait to share the finished performance with you!
Stay tuned for more updates on their fantastic signing journey! From next week, Miss Brading will be sharing our 'sign of the week' for everyone to practice at home!😊
Click here for the video link to practice the Firework song at home! 🎇🎶
Please see below the Makaton signs that we have learnt so far! 🥳🌟
Makaton signs.pdf
Maths Tips for Parents
Maths Tips for Parents
Supporting Your Child with Maths at Home
At Leigh Academy Peninsula East, we highly encourage parents to support children with maths at home! Helping your child with maths doesn’t need to feel daunting. The most powerful support often comes from encouragement, curiosity, and the way we talk about learning. With a few simple shifts, you can nurture confidence and enjoyment that last well beyond the classroom. Please find some tips listed below:
Celebrate Thinking, Not Just Answers
When your child is stuck, focus on their reasoning. Ask questions like “How did you figure that out?” or “Is there another way you could check it?” This shows that maths is about exploring ideas, not racing to the right answer.
Slow and Steady Wins
Avoid turning practice into a competition. Fluency takes time, and rushing can create anxiety. Instead, celebrate small wins, revisit tricky topics, and take breaks when needed. A calm pace builds accuracy and confidence.
Positive Messages Matter
Children absorb our attitudes. Saying “I was never good at maths” can pass on worry. Instead, model resilience: “Let’s figure this out together” or “I find this tricky too, but we can work it out.” Mistakes become part of the learning journey.
Maths in Everyday Life
Numbers are everywhere. Estimate totals while shopping, double a recipe when cooking, or calculate travel times. Games like cards or board puzzles also build number sense. Talking aloud about how you solve problems helps children see maths as practical and fun.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Confidence grows with effort. Remind your child: “Mistakes help your brain grow” or “You’re improving because you’re practising.” This mindset turns challenges into opportunities and builds resilience.
Final Thought
Supporting maths at home is about patience, positivity, and curiosity. By celebrating effort, modelling confidence, and connecting numbers to everyday life, you’re helping your child develop skills and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
The Medway Children and Family Hubs have funded Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to provide Medway families with free access to these three online courses worth £261* for a limited time.
https://www.triplep-parenting.uk.net/uk/parenting-courses/triple-p-parenting-in-medway/
Looking to work in a school, that fits in around your family?
Join Aspire Education Academy's Fully Funded (FREE) Education Support Course.
Starting on Monday 8th December!
CHRISTMAS BREAK WILL BEGIN ON
THURSDAY DECEMBER 18th AND THE COURSE WILL RECOMMENCE ON MONDAY JANUARY 5th 2026
Online ONLY Education Support Course with live webinars
Available in Levels 1, 2 & Level 3 progression
Level 1
NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools
NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment
NCFE CACHE Level 1 Certificate in Wellbeing
Level 1 Occupational Studies for the Workplace
Level 2
· NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding & Prevent
· NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Challenging Behaviours
·
· Level 3
· NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs
·
You’ll receive guided support from our friendly tutors throughout the course of your choice.
Simply go to the 'Education Support Course' tab on our website:
We run within school hours and ONLY in term time and not during half term/ end of term periods.
No previous experience required.
All you need is access to the internet and a laptop or tablet.
Take advantage of this opportunity while it's still available.
Please go to: www.studysmartuk.online
Medway River Literature Festival
Medway River Literature Festival
Medway River Lit - Booking now open
All Medway River Lit events are ticketed as Pay What You Want. Anything you do pay will go directly into supporting work at this year's festival and into development for next year.
There is also a Festival Friend scheme - which reserves your place at all events without having to book. Find out more about becoming a Festival Friend.
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Monday, 10 November
Nights at the Museum: Poetry Open Mic
Medway Poetry Night featuring Chika Jones.
A featured set by Chika Jones, plus his popular Medway Poetry Night open mic. Chika Jones has written and performed poetry for over a decade. Since 2013, when he won a National poetry slam, he has performed at the Lagos Book and Arts Festival, Lagos International Poetry Festival, Ake Arts and Book Festival, 'Finding Home' theatre production in Berlin.
Huguenot Museum, doors 7pm.
Thursday, 13 November
Carbon Literacy Action Day
What exactly is Carbon Literacy? Drop into this Carbon Literacy Awareness event, where you can find out how everyone can measure and reduce their carbon footprint. Drop in during the afternoon, to see an exhibition of art and sound using recycled materials, created by Spotlites Youth Theatre members. Take part in a Bear Hunt - finding out facts about climate crisis. There will also be a performance by Spotlites Youth Theatre of short plays inspired by the issues followed by a Q&A. This event is part of CLAD 25, the world's largest climate education and action training event and there will be a follow up event for those who attend who would like to do further carbon literacy training. Please note, the venue is not wheelchair accessible.
Spotlites Theatre, Chatham, all ages. Drop in activities, 1.30 to 5pm. Performance and Q&A, 6pm.
Friday, 14 November
Nights at the Museum: Poetry
Caroline Bird and support from Charlotte Ansell and Barry Fentiman Hall
Caroline Bird is an English poet and playwright, and one of Medway River Lit's patrons. Bird's work is celebrated for its masterful use of imagery, wit, and voice, with poet Simon Armitage lauding her poetry as "spring-loaded, funny, sad, and deadly". Charlotte Ansell's third poetry collection 'Deluge' was a 2019 Poetry Book Society Winter recommendation. Barry Fentiman Hall is a poet inspired by place, politics and people. He is the editor of Confluence magazine.
Huguenot Museum, doors 7pm.
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Saturday, 15 November
Poetry: Connor Sansby and support from Ciarán Barata-Hynes
Connor Sansby performs work from his latest collection 'Where The Land Forgets Itself'. Poet. Creator of both space and chaos. Interested in class politics, the sea, neurodivergency and the human experience.
The Community Space, Sun Pier House, doors 1pm.
Author Talk: Abi Daré
The New York Times best-selling author joins us to talk about her new book 'And So I Roar' (winner of the inaugural Climate Change Fiction Prize), the continuing story of Adunni following on from her debut novel, 'The Girl With The Louding Voice'.
Chatham Library, 3 to 4pm.
Author Talk: Budgie in conversation with Jessica Mookherjee
The legendary drummer Budgie (Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Creatures) in conversation about his best-selling memoir 'The Absence' with acclaimed poet Jessica Mookherjee. Jess will be reading from her London flaneur poetry 'Desire Lines' before the interview.
Chatham Library, doors 7pm.
Sunday, 16 November
Workshop: Zahra Barri - presenting forgotten voices in historical fiction; and practical advice on how to write your novel from research to finished book.
Zahra Barri completed her PhD in Creative Writing in 2025 and her novel, 'Daughters of the Nile' won the Unbound Firsts Writers of Colour Award and is a New Arab 'Best Book of 2024'. This workshop is not just for writers interested in historical fiction, but also anyone interested in the journey of a novel from start to finish.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham, 2 to 3.30pm. Booking essential.
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Friday, 21 November
Poetry/music: Attila the Stockbroker feat. MC Knuckles
Attila the Stockbroker, is an English punk poet, multi-instrumentalist musician and songwriter. He'll be performing classics and some poems from his new book 'A Lifetime of Football Writing (Poems, Songs & Stories)'. MC Knuckles is a Medway poet and historian of LGBTQ+ history who has been performing his work in Kent for the past 5 years. He is a regular at the top live lit night Big Trouble.
Cafe Gallery, Sun Pier House, doors 7pm.
Saturday, 22 November
Author Talk: Ben Aaronovitch
An audience with the best-selling author of the 'Rivers Of London' series, who'll talk about his latest instalment of the series, 'Stone & Sky', plus answer your questions. Ben is an incredibly entertaining speaker, and will be talking about is adventures in Science Fiction.
Chatham Library, 2pm.
Author Talk: Graphic Content
Two graphic novelists and illustrators talk about their books and careers.
Simone Lia ('How To Make Life Better When It Feels Like It's Getting Worse'). Fluffy Pulcino is nearly all grown up. Nearly. But life in your early twenties can be complicated enough without the added quirk of being a bunny trying to function in a human world. The beloved character from Simone Lia's 'Fluffy' is back, after nearly two decades, in this utterly disarming graphic novel from Observer cartoonist Simone Lia.
Dave McKean: An illustrated Life. The legendary illustrator, artist, and writer will be talking about his work. Dave McKean's work incorporates drawing, painting, photography, collage, found objects, digital art, and sculpture. McKean has illustrated works by authors such as S.F. Said, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Heston Blumenthal, Ray Bradbury and Stephen King. He has also directed three feature films and illustrated record covers.
Chatham Library, doors 7pm.
Sunday, 23 November
Workshop: Shane Melisse - Graphic Novels
Shane is a North London-based comic artist and illustrator with a decade of self-publishing experience. Shane's work spans multiple genres including horror parodies, cyberpunk sports comics and autobiographical slice-of-life stories.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham, 2 to 3.30pm, 18+, booking essential.
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Tuesday, 25 November
Nights at the Museum: Poetry Open Mic
Big Trouble - featuring Desree and Naomi Wood.
Big Trouble is the longest running live lit night in Medway, run by Bethany Goodwill and David Dykes and they have featured some incredible guest poets alongside their now legendary open mic. This special takeover evening features poet Desree and multi-disciplinary performance artist Naomi Wood.
Huguenot Museum, doors 7pm.
Friday, 28 November
Nights at the Museum: Poetry
Malika Booker and support from Maggie Harris and Jessica Taggart Rose
A special headline performance by the legendary poet Malika Booker for the last night at the museum. Dr Malika Booker (RSFL) a Caribbean British poet, lectures at Manchester Metropolitan University, co-founded Malika's Poetry Kitchen and is the first woman to win the Forward Prize for Best Single poem twice.
Maggie Harris is a poet, prose writer, and visual artist. She has won The Guyana Prize for Literature and was Caribbean Winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. Her most recent collection 'I Sing To The Greenhearts' was published by Seren earlier this year.
Jessica Taggart Rose is a poet concerned with humanity, nature and how they interact. Her debut pamphlet, 'The river has no colour', was released in Europe in December 2024 and in the UK in June 2025.
Huguenot Museum, doors 7pm.
Saturday, 29 November
Author Fair
Come along to the popular Author Fair to meet local writers and get some Christmas shopping done for the readers in your life.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham, 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Author Talk: Melissa Todd
Melissa Todd is a writer, performer and unapologetic sex worker. A dominatrix and porn producer of thirty years' experience, she writes regular columns for Metro, Love it! and Kent Online, and has also written four books.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham. Doors 7pm, 18+.
Sunday, 30 November
Workshop: Theresa Lola - Exploring Didactic Poems
Didactic poems are ones that instruct, offer moral guidance, or teach a skill. It's a poem filled with purpose and moves beyond entertainment. While all poems are likely nestled with a life lesson, these poems are made with that intention. In this workshop, through reading, discussion, and exercises, you'll explore how to write didactic poems that are more interesting and layered.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham, 2 to 3.30pm. Booking essential.
Comedy and Author Talk: Dr Matt Winning
Climate economist and comedian Dr Matt Winning with a special 30-minute performance of his show 'Solastalgia', followed by a Q&A about his book 'Hot Mess', which asks the question, what on earth can we do about climate change?
Dr Matt Winning is a Scottish comedian and environmental researcher who performs live climate change comedy. He is also a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute For Sustainable Resources at University College London.
Nucleus Arts, Chatham. Doors 7pm.
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