The Halley's Comment
Issue 27 - Module 6
Embedded Files
“Our Academy values - respect, achievement, collaboration, integrity and resilience - permeate everything we do"
A message from Mr Russell, Principal
The final module of any academic year is always the busiest, a culmination and celebration of all the learning and progress that students have made across the last 12 months. Our last 7 week has been no exception, with this edition of Halley's Comment reflecting our Academy's commitment to providing rich, fulfilling and life-changing learning experiences to all our students. Whether in our Cultural Capital Week or Sporting Competitions, Work Experience Week or First Give Final - our students have worked extremely hard to the very end of the year to maximise the learning experiences that we are proud to provide.
The end of any academic year gives us the opportunity to celebrate the successes of our Academy community. We were delighted to have received our best ever set of International Baccalaureate results in July, so that our Year 13 students can progress onto their chosen university, apprenticeship or work-based training courses. We look forward to celebrating similar successes in August with our BTEC and GCSE results.
Whilst we've started to say farewell to our departing Year 13 students, we've also had the pleasure of welcoming our next generation of Halley learners to the Academy, on our Year 7 and 12 Induction Days and Events that have taken place this module. We cannot wait to welcome them into our Academy community in September.
We're also delighted to have received in the last fortnight a Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at Silver Level. The Sutton Trust is one of the UK leading and most renowned charities that champions social mobility and tackles educational disadvantage. This award is to commend and celebrate schools who have made a determined and significant change to their admissions policies and procedures to ensure there is fair access to all pupils regardless of their socio-economic background. As we grow in size, and demand for our places increases, this award is a really important benchmark to show that we remain steadfastly committed to a comprehensive intake, taking real pride in being the school of choice for local families.
This module it's also been a real pleasure to open up our brand-new Creative Arts Centre, which students have already enjoyed using in their studies. Thanks to this ongoing investment in our historic building from Leigh Academies Trust (LAT), we're able to provide an ever expanding array of excellent learning facilities. Over the summer, for instance, work will commence on updating our playground spaces for students to use at break and lunch-times.
This is also the final time that I'll be writing to you with the Academy under our current name. When we return in September, our mission, values and approach to providing a world-class education remains unchanged, as we become Leigh Academy Halley. We are very proud to be part of the LAT partnership of schools who are united in our shared mission of providing education for a better world. Our new name is an important milestone in reflecting this close partnership we have with over 30 different primary, secondary and special schools in the LAT family, and the mutual benefit this has for all our students and staff.
On behalf of all the staff at the Academy, we wish you and your families a wonderful summer break, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Leigh Academy Halley in September.
Mr Russell
Principal
“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”
Turing School
Turing School
The summer module provides our students with a fantastic opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned this year to a variety of assessments and examinations, be this the MYP End of Year Assessments, or Year 11 students’ final GCSE examinations. With the quality of work I regularly see our students produce in lessons, I am sure that our students involved will be successful and showcase the excellent academic progress they have made this year.
Impact of Positive Praise
Our core values - Respect, collaboration, achievement, integrity, and resilience - champion the highest standards and outcomes for all young people. We praise our students for consistently adopting those values, positively representing the Academy, and providing praise points. I’m pleased to mention the positive praise received by our students has increased by 39% compared to last academic year. The recent data drop indicates the praise points in modules 5 and 6 were lower than the rest of the modules. I would like to take this opportunity to remind the students of our highest standards and expectations at all times. A special mention to the Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, and 9) students who achieved 83% of the overall praise points.
Attendance & Punctuality
Attending all lessons is one of the important factors in achieving the best outcome. It’s crucial to prepare young people for a successful transition to adulthood and support their longer term economic and social participation in society. I’m proud to announce that our overall attendance for this academic year is 93.12%, which is higher than the overall attendance of other small schools and the national average. I want to provide special praise to the following tutor groups - 7T1, 7T2, and 9T1 who have an overall attendance of over 95%. Nearly 8% of the students achieved 100% attendance, and 24% of the Turing students achieved over 98% attendance over the year. The effort of those students and their parents/carers is remarkable. We want to double this in the next academic year. The small school team and the tutors will lead this initiative in the next academic year. 63% of the students have an overall attendance higher than the national average.
Achievements
I would like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding contributions and achievements in STEM subjects - Freida 7T2, Willyam 8 DSP, Olawunmi 9T2, Daniel 11T2. I would also like to provide a special mention to the following students for being a great ambassador of our Academy values, in terms of their commitment to learning, demonstrating leadership qualities and service to the community - Emil 7T1, Libby 8T2, Arman 9T1 and Harry 10T2. Finally, the following students have achieved Sports Awards for their outstanding contributions to sports activities at the Academy - Augustine (7T2), Mantas (8T2), Gintaras (9T1), Eliana (10T2).
I would like to finish by thanking you for your support and communication this year with the Turing School, and as always, please keep us updated with information on your child as required.
If you would like to contact the Turing School, then please do so at turing@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.
Mr Kamya
Head of Turing School
Easley School
Easley School
As this module and Academy year draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the many accomplishments of our Easley students and staff, as well as look forward to the exciting events and new beginnings that await us in the 2024-2025 school year.
Students have shown resilience by maintaining their academic focus right through to the very end. This was especially evident by the mature manner that our Year 10s completed their mock exams. These exams are a valuable opportunity to assess progress and build positive routines for their important final GCSE assessments next year. Students have responded well to teacher feedback and I am confident that they will use this to fully reach their potential. All other year groups displayed similar diligence when completing their MYP end-of-year assessments. We commend their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
Another highlight of this module has been Cultural Capital week where students have engaged and experienced a number of different activities and trips. It has been wonderful to hear how students embraced these opportunities and have been courageous in trying something new. Thank you to all the families and staff who made these experiences possible.
During this module we have also said goodbye to our Year 11 students as well as other students and staff who are heading to pastures new. We would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the best in their future endeavours and thank them for contributing to the Easley culture and community.
Despite having to change to our wet weather contingency plans, sports day was a big success. It was lovely to see students enjoying themselves and giving their all for Easley. This enthusiasm continued into the LAT sports days, where students represented The Halley Academy and pushed other competitors to their limit. I strongly encourage all to use part of the summer holidays to try a new sporting activity. Apart from potentially finding a new hobby, physical exercise will help to maintain both physical and mental wellbeing.
A general reminder that students have been set holiday homework assignments from their teachers. Completing these assignments over the summer holidays will help maintain learning and ensure a smooth transition into the next school year. A good idea would be to spread the homework tasks over the holiday period so it is not all crammed into the end as students will not give their best effort.
As the sun shines and the holidays approach, please remember to prioritise your summer safety both physically and online. We wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer holiday. Make the most of this time to spend quality time with family and friends, recharge, and create lasting memories. I look forward to welcoming the Easley family, of students and teachers, back in September ready to excel in the next academic year.
If you would like to contact the Easley Small School then please do so by emailing us at easleyschool@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.
Mr Senior
Head of Easley School
“You can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it”
“All that is necessary is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success ..... is worth attaining”
Franklin School
Franklin School
As we conclude another remarkable academic year in Franklin Small School, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared. Embodying the values of the Halley Academy and drawing inspiration from the pioneering spirit of Rosalind Franklin, our students have embraced curiosity, integrity, and perseverance, leading to a year filled with significant achievements and personal growth.
Our community has thrived through collective effort and individual dedication, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and a deep sense of service. As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey our students have embarked on. From charity initiatives to academic excellence, our Franklin community has much to celebrate, including the retention of the sports day trophy.
Our Year 8s have outdone themselves in the First Give project and subsequent final in July 2024. The Franklin students engaged in basketball shootouts and bake sales, raising money for their chosen charities; MIND and Shelter. All students who presented in the final did so with passion, flair and were a tribute to our community. Special mentions should be given to Harley Marie 8F1, Rayhanath 8F1, Seth 8F1, Chukwuneye 8F1, David 12H2, Sneha Thapa 8F1 and Liyah 8F1 who were all commended for their social action by the panel of judges.
The community engagement shown by our Year 8s this module was replicated amongst our Year 9 students whose empathy and understanding of local issues was evident through a range of community projects focused on mental health awareness, the Red Cross to the homeless, to name a few. Our Franklin students again shone in these projects and the following students showed outstanding commitment and dedication: Maysam 9F1, Emmanuella 9F1, Favour 9F1, Sophia 9F1, Darius 9F2, Dorina 9F2, Lia 9F2, Laura 9F2. A special mention goes to Kayode 10F1 and Abdullah 10F2 for being wonderful ambassadors to the Halley whilst carrying out tours to visitors.
Many of our Franklin students were also recognised for their continual efforts and outstanding talents in our achievement assembly in the penultimate week of the module. It was a true pleasure to see a range of students achieving their half colours for their progress, academic pursuits, leadership, and creativity to name a few accomplishments. The Small School awards were rightly awarded to Ollie 7F2, Wyndlyn 8F2, Dorina 9F2, and Mohamed 10F1.
The following students were invited to Tea with the Principal, Favour 9F1, Isparsh 10F1, Asra 9F1 and Kevin 10F1, nominated for their progress. Meanwhile, outside of the Academy, we would also like to acknowledge Roman 9F1, who in his role as an Air Cadet was asked to attend the Armed Forces Day in City Hall with Sadiq Khan; a testament to his great leadership and teamwork skills. Mars 10F2 also received a runners-up prize for the LAT Historical Writing Competition. This was a huge achievement amidst some stiff competition.
I want to acknowledge all of our families for their continued support this academic year and finally, I would like to thank all of the staff within Franklin for their unending care and support of our students. Particular mentions to all of our tutors, Ms Billings, Ms Godfrey, Ms Walder, Mr Roques and Miss Ruthven.
If you would like to contact the Franklin Small School then please do so by emailing franklin@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.
Mrs Parsons
Head of Franklin School
Hawking School
Hawking School
As we wrap up module 6 and the academic year, we are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of this term as well as bid farewell to the wonderful and charismatic Year 13 cohort. Our students have engaged in a variety of enriching activities, laying a strong foundation for their future academic and professional endeavours.
IB Results
We are proud to announce that the 2024 International Baccalaureate (IB) results, released on July 8th, are our best yet. These results highlight the strength of our rigorous academic programmes and our commitment to the IB Careers-Related Programme.
We achieved a significant 19% increase in students earning a grade 4 or above, with 80% of all grades meeting this benchmark. Additionally, 15% of our students attained a grade 6 or higher. These outcomes reflect our students' dedication and the exceptional support from our 6th form provision.
This year, we saw a 30% rise in student enrolment in these challenging courses, underscoring our commitment to comprehensive and demanding programmes. For the next academic year, we are expanding our offerings to include IB Chemistry and IB Geography.
Outstanding individual achievements include:
Cristhian with grades 5 & 6 in IB Physics and IB Maths
Eleonora with grades 5 & 6 in IB History and IB English
Mary and Zoya with grades 6 in IB Psychology
Iqra and Sindy with grades 6 in IB English Language and Literature
Marius and Mykyta with grades 6 in IB Maths
As we await the Vocational Level 3 results in August, we celebrate these early successes and congratulate all our IB students for their remarkable accomplishments.
University College London
We were pleased to host representatives from University College London (UCL), who provided invaluable guidance to our Year 12 students. The visit included a university-style workshop on ethics, offering a taste of higher education and encouraging critical thinking. Students were engaged when faced with rationalising their decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma.
IB Art Trip to the Tate Modern
IB Art Trip to the Tate Modern
Our IB Art students had an inspiring trip to the Tate Modern, where they explored contemporary art and gathered ideas for their IB Art course. This visit broadened their artistic perspectives and fuelled their creative processes.
Stephanie - Year 12 student: “As a part of our IB Visual Arts course, we visited the Tate Modern Art Gallery in London. This distinct gallery is home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculptures, paintings and installations from all over the globe. Not only were we able to view paintings and sculptures first-hand, allowing us to see them in greater detail than ever before, but we were also able to partake in the interactive works too. I believe one of the most memorable exhibits to be a video installation named ‘The Horror Show File’ by Wael Shawky, which depicted the story of the First Crusade through intricately made figures, stages and costumes. This visit to The Tate has expanded my understanding of what contemporary and modern art forms entail and also helped me to build a stronger foundation for how I plan to develop the work I create when I begin year 13.”
Year 11 into Year 12 Transition Day
Year 11 into Year 12 Transition Day
It was that important time of year where we welcomed prospective Year 11 students for a Transitions Day at Hawking School. They had the opportunity to trial a range of subjects, meet their future peers, and get a feel for life in Year 12. This day was instrumental in easing the transition and building excitement for the next academic year. A series of engaging lessons was put on to showcase our extensive of courses and excellent subject knowledge of our Key Stage 5 teaching team
UCAS and Personal Statement Preparation
UCAS and Personal Statement Preparation
We have also put on a series of dedicated sessions on UCAS and the all important personal statement. This preparation aimed to equip our students with the tools they need for university applications. With most students now being registered on the UCAS platform they were able to work on and gain strong preliminary drafts of their personal statements.
First Give
First Give
We were honoured to be asked to provide a student to help judge the Year 8 ‘First Give’ Presentations. Georgia was keen to step up, represent Hawking and take on the hard task of selecting a winner.
Georgia - Year 12 student: “I was given the opportunity to be on the judging panel to choose a winner for £1000 to go towards a ‘winning’ charity as showcased by Year 8 Tutor Groups, who had been working on a project for ‘First Give’ for the past few months.
Along with others, I viewed a number of Year 8 students presenting their chosen charity, how they raised money and why they thought this was a good cause and what they would do with the £1000. After judging each presentation we conferred and added up the scores, we then came to a final winner and this group won £1000 to go towards their chosen charity. It was a hard decision as each group put in a lot of work and effort into their presentations.”
Cultural Capital Week
Cultural Capital Week
In this final week of term, Year 12 students participated in their Cultural Capital Week, an initiative designed to enhance their independent learning and planning skills. They successfully completed a four-day period out of school, which included:
Visiting two universities, including one outside of London, or a combination of a university visit and work placement day(s).
Exploring two culturally significant sites and compiling detailed reports.
Completing a micro-credential course or engaging in a virtual work experience opportunity.
This independently planned week will be invaluable in not only populating University applications, CVs and cover letters but also promotes a real sense of ownership of their own pathways and betterment going forward. We are really looking forward to hearing about all their events and more then they return in September!
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
As we conclude this academic year, we are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and growth. Their dedication and hard work have been evident in all their activities and accomplishments. We look forward to continuing this journey in the coming year.
If you would like to contact the Hawking Small School then please do so by emailing us at hawking@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.
Mr Cowie
Head of Hawking School
"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet"
Year 8 First Give Programme
Year 8 First Give Programme
As part of the Service as Action programme in the IB Middle Years Programme, Year 8 students participated in the First Give Programme throughout module 6. The students thought about social issues in our local community and learned about charities that work to address them. After choosing a charity, the Year 8 students then supported their chosen charities through direct social action, and put together inspirational presentations in which they championed their chosen charity, the work they carried out, and the social action the class has done.
The winning group from each tutor class participated in a workshop on the 2nd July which provided them with public speaking experience and hints on how to develop their presentations even further. All advice was duly taken on board by the students who were impressive in highlighting their resilience and reflection of the feedback.
The Academy final, on the 8th July was an opportunity for the students, Academy and wider community to celebrate all the hard work that the students had done over the last two modules. It was a very special occasion and well attended by staff, parents, two of our local Greenwich councillors, Fahy & Ms McGahey and a representative from Action for Race Equality. The students delivered outstanding and passionate presentations, answering the judges questions with flair and enthusiasm. The judges were so impressed that two of the groups were highly commended but the ultimate prize of £1000 was awarded to 8T2 for their chosen charity of Action for Race Equality. Well done to all the Year 8 students and also thank you to all the Year 8 tutors who provided the support and guidance throughout the project.
BT Employability Day
BT Employability Day
We were delighted to offer a selected group of Year 12 students the opportunity to participate in the BT Group Get Work Ready programme. The programme provides students with the knowledge and experience to prepare them for the world of work.
Led by careers experts and BT Group employees, these sessions engaged students in a broad range of real-world-inspired activities, challenges, and resources. The aim is to help them take that crucial step into whatever path they choose, be it further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.
Students interested in STEM careers benefited from hands-on activities and insights into the industry, helping them understand the skills and qualifications needed to excel in these fields. This was the 3rd visit on such an event and we are fortunate to maintain that ongoing relationship to the continual benefit to our students.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
In June, 40 Year 9 and 10 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the prestigious law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Bishopsgate, London. During the visit, students attended insightful presentations on various careers in law, gaining valuable knowledge about the diverse paths available within the legal field. Students then took part in interactive workshops where they were challenged to debate and argue different sides of a case. Through these activities, they honed their analytical and public speaking skills, presenting their findings to make compelling arguments to try and win the legal argument. Feedback from students and Freshfields was overwhelmingly positive. Students broadened their understanding of the legal profession and sparked interest and enthusiasm for potential future careers in law.
Year 11 Prom
Year 11 Prom
This year's prom was a truly special night for all involved. It was held at Charlton Athletic Football Ground Club Suite on Thursday 27th June to celebrate the end of Year 11s Key Stage 4 journey. Students looked so sophisticated and grown up and their behaviour throughout the evening was impeccable. We look forward to celebrating our Year 11's successes on Results Day, and are so excited that so many of our students will be continuing studying with us into Sixth Form in Hawking School.
Mock General Election
Mock General Election
The 4th July is a memorable date across the pond (the 4th July is Independence Day in the United States of America), but for the United Kingdom this date in 2024 signified the opportunity for adults to exercise their political voice in the General Election. As proud promoters of student voice and community action, we hosted our very own mock election, with students able to choose between the real-life candidates that represent the ward of Eltham and Chislehurst. During Values lessons in the weeks before the big day, students learned about manifestos and the voting and election process. During the course of the morning on Thursday 4th July, students were given ballot papers to cast their vote, and were taken to ‘The Halley Academy Polling Station’ to post their vote into the ballot boxes. Much like the country, the results at the Halley Academy mock election were……a Labour landslide.
Jack Petchey Awards
Jack Petchey Awards
The Jack Petchey Foundation celebrates the achievements of young people and supports their development. During Module 6 we received four new nominations for this academic year. Our students nominated are Ruby Year 8, Sean Year 9, Ela Year11, and Gabrielus Year 8. Some of the nominations include: striving in education whilst overcoming difficult life challenges, contributions in the STEM club, leading the organisation in the charity events for First Give, supporting new and younger students with transition to the Academy as well as mentoring. Their actions reflect our core values, showcasing dedication and a strong sense of community. We are very proud of all of them.
Stranger Things
Stranger Things
On Friday 28th June the Year 10 GCSE drama class, Ms Wilson and Mr Matthews went to see a performance of Stranger Things at the Phoenix Theatre in London. The performance was outstanding. The staging was incredible and it has some of the best special and visual effects ever seen on stage.
It has certainly given the students so many ideas for their upcoming performance of Kafka’s Metamorphosis.
The students were an asset to the Academy and a wonderful time was had by all!
Jamie's Farm
Jamie's Farm
Last year, we began a partnership with Jamie’s Farm, a residential farm and centre focused on providing students with skills needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally during their school years. 12 of our students attended this trip this year from the 1st to 5th July and all returned a little exhausted but equally inspired and invigorated by their week in the great outdoors. Bella, Year 7 said, “the farm is by far the most memorable place I have ever been. I never thought I’d enjoy gardening and feeding horses so much!”
Sporting Fixtures
Sporting Fixtures
The spirit of sportsmanship and athletic excellence was on full display during module 6 at the recent Greenwich School Athletics Championships, the annual LAT Sports Days, and The Halley Academy Sports Day. Students from across each key stage showcased their talents, determination, and teamwork, making these events memorable for participants and spectators alike.
Greenwich Schools Athletics Competition
The Greenwich Schools athletics competition was a resounding success. Even though the weather was a bit damp and dismal, the event brought together students from across the Academy, competing in a wide range of events, including both track and field events as well as the highly anticipated relay races.
Several students set new personal bests, with outstanding performances in the Year 7 800m, high jump and 200m sprint. Ola, clocked an impressive 2 minutes 36 seconds in his 800m to finish a close 2nd and jumped a height of 1m 30cm in the high jump to come 2nd in the high jump on count back. This backed up his incredible achievement of 3rd place in the London School Games a few weeks earlier.
The relay races across all years were a testament to the students' teamwork and coordination. The Year 9 relay team delivered a stunning performance, securing 3rd place with smooth baton exchanges and a strong finish.
The event was not just about winning; it was also about participation and inclusivity. Students of all abilities took part, making it a truly inclusive celebration.
LAT Sports Days
The Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) Sports Days were another highlight of the athletic calendar. This hotly anticipated event featured some of our top students from across Years 7 to 10, and their performances did not disappoint. These days were marked by fierce competition across the Trust, camaraderie amongst The Halley students and a celebration of physical performance.
The standout performances across the 2 days were Libby, a Year 8 student who stormed to victory in the 1500m. Her race strategy was executed perfectly to bring home maximum points for the Academy. The perfect way to kick start the event. The other was Yassin of Year 10. Yassin came 2nd in his 100m, breaking his personal best and demonstrating his pure speed within the event. His speed and power helped the Year 10 boys win their heat in the relay.
As always the student showcased many of our Academy values such as; resilience, collaboration and respect, throughout the events.
Overall Girls Result (Years 7-10): 6th | Overall Boys Result (Years 7-10): 5th
The Halley Academy Sports Day
The Halley Academy's Sports Day was a great celebration of athletic prowess and small school spirit. Despite the poor weather, the event featured a mix of traditional and adapted athletic activities, ensuring a fun and competitive atmosphere for all, whether students were competing in the sports hall or engaging with a range of activities in their tutor groups.
Students excelled in various individual events, with notable performances in Year 9 shot put from Michael and the Year 10 girls 200m, a close cut race between 3 of our top student athletes. The day was structured around small school competitions, adding an extra layer of excitement and rivalry to each event. Franklin small school emerged victorious, thanks to their consistent performance across all events and year groups.
All these events highlighted the incredible talent, hard work, and sportsmanship of our students. Congratulations to all participants and winners for their remarkable achievements and for making these events a resounding success!
Year 7: Ola, Augustine, Adnaan, Samuel, Joel, Ansh, Yaseen, Oliver, Walter, Emmanuel, Duc, Felicia, Sasha, Celina, Taylor, Dahlia, Divin, Mya, Hannah, Gbemi, Marsha, Amira, Rayah.
Year 8: Fortune, Moses, Romah, Simi, Zekran, Devonte, Rokeeb, Yumilson, Olly, Samrat, Ini, Melissa, Libby, Kaysha, Lexi, Zainab, Wyndlyn, Callia, Tyler, Honey, Rebecca, Bolu. David
Year 9: Yase, Melvin, David, Monty, Malik, Kayden, Ashton, Mason, Michael, Ange-Benoit, Emmanuella, Sofiat, Maysam, Grace, Jaqueline, Aleksandra, Sariah.
Year 10: Dara, Tide , Emmanuel, Cristian, Jayden, Hayden, Enzo, Abdullah, Yassin, Azaan, Marvellous, Shikemi, Brianna, Ternisha, Esthe, Esther, Fayth.
The Infinity Hub
The Infinity Hub
Academic Success
Students in the Infinity Hub had a successful academic module 6 and a number across all year groups are now attending several mainstream lessons. Some progressed to a 40:60 split between mainstream and DSP lessons, while others attended 100% of mainstream lessons.
Two Year 11 students successfully sat GCSE exams in English, Maths, Science, Geography, and Art. Both students worked incredibly hard and have secured places at Shooters Hill Sixth Form College for September 2024.
Two Year 10 students participated in Work Experience for 1 week. This is a huge step for our students who sometimes struggle with change and meeting new people.
Creative Arts Projects
The Infinity Hub partook in two exciting projects in this module. The first project was working with the Greenwich Music Hub. Over four sessions the Infinity Hub students travelled to the Music Hub’s base in Kidbrooke and received lessons in drumming, guitar playing, and singing and how to mix a track. The students created a track called “Stop Judging Me” which was all the students’ work. The track is fantastic and we are all very proud.
Our second project was the Go Live Theatre project. Go Live is an independent theatre-going club for young people aged 15-24. They offer seminars and visits centered around a broad selection of theatre from big plays and musicals to West End, dance, and comedy. The project started with the students going to see the theatre show Wicked in London Victoria. This was a great afternoon from the excitement of taking the journey by train, to the magic of the theatre. Following the trip, a workshop practitioner came to run four workshops on Thursday 27th June, Friday 28th June, Tuesday 2nd July and Thursday 4th July based on themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance using the musical as a stimulus.
The two events above were showcased to their families and teachers on Thursday 4th July in our new Creative Arts Centre.
Cultural Capital Week Success
The Infinity Hub students attended some brilliant trips including the Tower Bridge Experience, taking an Uber Boat along the Thames, bowling and visiting the Maritime Museum. The students' behaviour was exemplary and they gained several rich experiences from each trip.
Increased Popularity & Demand!
We have hosted 5 successful DSP Open events for prospective students and their parents/carers. Each open event included a tour of our incredible infinity hub and a presentation about what they can expect from The Halley Academy. Demand for our DSP spaces is increasing as we become a provision of choice for parents and carers across Greenwich borough.
Cultural Capital Week
Cultural Capital Week
Our target to provide every student with the cultural capital they need to progress throughout life through an ambitious extra-curricular programme remains a central part of The Halley Academy's ambitions. In module 6 we experienced our third Cultural Capital experience of this academic year.
New to this year's Cultural Capital Week programme which took place from Monday 15th July to Thursday 18th July, was two residential trips: one international trip to Madrid and a trip to the Isle of Wight. 30 Year 8 and 9 students travelled to Madrid, Spain to immerse themselves into Spanish culture; the first international residential for Halley Academy students. Also in the same week, 75 Year 7 and 8 students attended a week-long residential to the Kingswood Centre on the Isle of Wight.
Already in motion for the next academic year is a Ski trip to Pal Arinsal, Andorra, demonstrating our intention to offer a diverse range of residential trips and visits for Halley students.
Year 10 Geography Field Trips
In the penultimate week of the Module 6, our seventy Year 10 Geographers spent a couple of days carrying out the essential fieldwork and gathering the data that is a prerequisite of their Geography Paper 3 which they will sit in Year 11. The students visited the beach on the first day, travelling to Herne Bay. In this location, the students were able to carry out beach transects, analysing the changes in the physical landscape along the course of the beach, before conducting a tourism and land use survey in the town itself.
The second of the two days involved all our Geographers heading into Canary Wharf where they were able to carry out more of their human geography fieldwork analysing the impact humans have had on the environment over time.
Achievement Assemblies
In July we celebrated The second Halley Academy Awards Assemblies for Easley, Franklin and Turing schools. In these assemblies 108 students received their badges and diplomas across nine categories: academic excellence, exceptional progress, exceptional commitment to learning, sports achievement, creativity, STEM & innovation, leadership, service to the community, and the Small School Awards. These awards recognized students’ outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions in various fields. Our students now wear their badges proudly around the Academy, some students now wear two badges. The assemblies were an opportunity to celebrate the hard-work and commitment from the students throughout the year.
Tate Modern Trip
Tate Modern Trip
Year 10 GCSE Art and IB Visual Arts students visited The Tate Modern gallery to collect primary research for their projects 'Human Condition' and 'Broken'. Students were exposed to an array of artworks from different cultures, historical periods and artistic styles and genres meaning that they were able to think more creatively about how they can develop their own ideas in response to their project themes. The students enjoyed the experience of viewing artworks in their true scale and seeing the mediums close up. They were also able to collect valuable information to support their research development as part of the exam board requirements.
Creative Arts Showcase
On the 11th July, our new Creative Arts Centre was officially opened to our staff and parents with the Creative Arts Showcase. The evening was an opportunity to display the incredible creative talents of so many of our students, from the Year 11s and their Broken pieces to the African masks that have been created by our Year 8 students to the Year 7 food artwork that has been inspired by artists such as Wayne Thiebaud and Andy Warhol.
Our Year 10 Drama students also gave parents, staff and students a glimpse of the quality of the theatrical work that they have been creating with their performance of Metamorphosis. This play, written by Franz Kafka, is a dark and mesmerising drama focused on haunting themes of social isolation and circumstance. Our Year 10 students delivered these high brow themes with maturity, style and true brilliance. It was a delight to see our students displaying their creative talents in the new Arts space and the team look forward to hosting more events in the next academic year.
Year 10 Work Experience
During Cultural Capital Week, all Year 10 students took part in our work experience program, spending a week in a variety of workplaces such as education, HR, construction, banking, hospitality and customer service. Students were able to gain practical experience of a variety of workplaces, helping them to develop transferable skills that are crucial for their education and future careers. Throughout the week, students gained firsthand insights into different industries, enhancing their abilities in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. This week was invaluable in allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, giving them perspective on potential career paths and the skills needed to succeed in the professional environment.
Parental Teaching & Learning Workshop
Our Lead Practitioners delivered their final workshop of the Year in the new Arts space in Module 6. This workshop highlighted to all those who attended the importance of the International Baccalueareate’s Approaches to Learning to our Academy. In the workshop, parents were given a flavour of the ways in which our students are explicitly taught how to research, communicate, think, self-manage and interact socially. These Approaches to Learning are essential skills in creating our lifelong learners.
Year 10 Future Professional Summer School
Twenty Year 10 students participated in a Future Professions Summer School run by City, University of London, at their campus in Northampton Square, Farringdon. Throughout the week, students received bespoke career guidance, information, and advice from the University’s Careers Consultants in one-to-one and group guidance sessions. Students engaged in a range of workshops focusing on essential career skills, from effective communication and networking, to applications and goal setting. Each session was designed to align with real-world experiences, allowing students to apply their skills in interactions with employers. This provided a solid foundation for tackling future professional challenges and opportunities. Faculties from various departments, including City Law School, Bayes Business School, Health & Psychological Sciences, Policy and Global Affairs, Communication & Creativity, and Science and Technology, offered insights into the future of their fields, enriching the students’ understanding and enthusiasm for potential career paths.
MYP Celebration Event
On the 11th July, our Year 9 students showcased their Community Projects. These spanned an array of topics and epitomised the individuality of our Halley learners. The students enjoyed the opportunity to explain their work to parents and staff and they were awarded for their efforts with certificates emphasising their achievements in completing their Key Stage 3 studies before they begin their GCSE options in September. The Middle Years Programme has provided our Year 9 students with the skills and foundations that are essential to have as they embark on their next academic stage.
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