Dear Leigh Academy Bexley Community
The penultimate week of Module 3 has come to an end. Our students have remained fully focussed on their learning and continually strive to meet our high standards and expectations.
News this week comes from our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Club, our daily College assemblies and from our Year 10 Media class.
This week we also welcomed a six-member review team from Challenge Partners led by Mr Jason Philipsz, a currently practising OFSTED Inspector. The review focused on three critical areas:
- Leadership at all levels
- Quality of provision and outcomes
- Overall effectiveness
We are very proud of the outcome and look forward to sharing more information with you once the report is published.
Our Year 11 and 13 students are starting their second round of mock examinations next week and have benefitted from masterclasses in both English and Geography (more details below). There will also be further targeted revision sessions for them during the half term break.
As always, if we can support you in any way please contact us via info@labexley.org.uk, where we will make every endeavour to respond within 24 hours.
Have a good weekend.
Best wishes,
Mr John Dixon | Principal, Leigh Academy Bexley
STEM Club Update
Pupils in STEM Club successfully made their own candles by melting down soy wax, adding fragrance and adding scented colouring ready for use.
Mr Bangard | Coordinator of Learning Science
Representation and Authenticity
In this week’s assembly the Leigh Academy Bexley community reflected on the message of ‘representation’ and ‘authenticity’. Mrs Wilson, Subject Lead for PSHE, introduced students to a graph that showed how a policy change led to a positive response by society to ‘left-handed’ individuals. The date the policy was introduced, showed a spike in the number of left-handed individuals in the USA. The question asked was ‘Did the policy increase the number of left-handed people?’ The students’ response was a resounding ‘no!’ The actual answer was that as more people felt comfortable using their left-hand without the risk of punishment or ridicule, the numbers showed an increase in more individuals openly using their left-hand. This message is clearly linked to the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community have faced. As soon as the Sexual Offences Act of 1967 was introduced in the UK, it appeared that there was an increase in individuals feeling safe to be their authentic self and more people began to identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
The students and staff at Leigh Academy Bexley are committed to ensuring a safe and neutral space, where people can be their authentic self and feel represented in the school community.
“Positive representation matters. Seeing themselves authentically represented in the media, helps LGBTQ+ young people validate their experiences. And it fosters a society in which they feel comfortable being their true selves.”
Ms Mochnacova | Deputy Head of Holkham College
Year 10 Media BBFC Seminar
On Thursday 6th February, Year 10 Media Studies students took part in an online seminar, hosted by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). They learned about how age ratings are applied to a range of films, TV shows, adverts and social media, and the legislation that has to be taken into account. In addition, they were able to watch some short film clips and reflect on the range of factors that compliance officers have to consider when applying age ratings and contextual information.
The session was interactive and students were able to ask questions at the end. Through this, they found out about the experience and qualifications needed to take up a range of careers in film classification, as well as some of the differences between the work of the BBFC and organisations in other countries. Film classification forms part of their essential learning for unit 1 of their GCSE qualification: Television and Promoting Media.
Ms Rafferty | Coordinator of Learning English
Geography Masterclass
Our Leigh Academies Trust Curriculum Advisor, Ms Milne, has been working closely with students aiming for grade 7 and beyond. Through specialized small group masterclasses, Ms Milne is guiding students with the precise knowledge and strategies they need to secure top marks. She will continue to provide tailored support all the way up to the first Geography GCSE exam on May 14th.
In addition, Key Stage 4 Geography students have been given exclusive access to Kerboodle – an innovative online resource that offers an interactive textbook. With features like highlighting, annotating, and creating sticky notes, Kerboodle empowers students to take control of their revision, ensuring they are fully prepared and confident in their independent study. This resource is designed to enhance learning and help students perform at their best!
Ms Pieroulli | Head of Holkham College
