Dear Leigh Academy Bexley Community
We started this week with a visit from Richard Taylor, the newly appointed Deputy CEO of Leigh Academies Trust. He was able to visit some lessons and we discussed ways in which the Leigh Academies Trust central services such as People Services, IT, Estates, and Finance can effectively support our academy.
Our next cohort of Year 7 students joined our Transition Event yesterday evening, bringing their Parents/Carers to hear presentations from Senior Leaders and having the opportunity to ask those all important questions to help make the move to secondary school as smooth as possible. Feedback from the event was extremely positive. We look forward to them starting their learning journey with us in September.
In this week’s newsletter you can read about our Year 11 Science Masterclass, the Raleigh International assembly held for our Sixth Form students, information about our upcoming Parent Workshop, Tag Rugby news and our very successful Careers Fair and Oxford University talks. You will also find articles on our Top Performers on SPARX, our Wooly Club and the recent Old Vic Schools Club workshop.
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.
Best wishes,
Mr John Dixon | Principal, Leigh Academy Bexley
Science Masterclass
This week, our Year 11 science students had an outstanding masterclass led by LAT Curriculum Advisor, Dr Lacey Austin. The session provided invaluable insights into effective exam strategies, including time management, question analysis, and structured responses. Students found the session highly engaging and beneficial as they refined their approach to tackling exam questions with confidence.
Currently, all Year 11 students are demonstrating exceptional dedication by attending intervention sessions and diligently preparing for their summer exams. With a strong focus on exam technique – such as understanding command words, applying scientific knowledge concisely, and maximizing marks in extended responses – they are equipping themselves for success.
Raleigh International
On Wednesday, we welcomed Raleigh International to speak with our 6th form. The special assembly allowed students to understand gap year options and the skills and experience that could be learnt through an experience of this nature. Raleigh International works across South Africa, Costa Rica, and Borneo, and expeditions cover Community and Environmental projects, as well as Adventure treks. This was part of a series of events, covering University application, apprenticeship options, and Oxford university.
Parent Workshop
Are you looking for effective ways to support your child’s learning in English, Maths and Science? We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Parent Workshop on Subject Masterclass and Revision Strategies!
📚✨ Join us for our workshop on Subject Masterclass / Revision Strategies for English, Maths and Science✨📚
- 📅 Date: 17th March 2025
- 🕔 Time: 5pm – 6pm
- 📍 Venue: Main Hall
- 👥 Led by: Ms Mochnacova, Ms Arthur-Amponsah and Ms Clark-Forse
Whether your child is preparing for exams or simply looking to improve their understanding, this workshop is a fantastic opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to help them succeed.
Mrs Emirhan | Lead Practitioner English
Try, Try, and Succeed! Year 9 & 10 Boys show great resilience in Tag Rugby Showdown
Our Year 9 and 10 boys represented the Academy last week in an exciting Tag Rugby competition against other Leigh Academies Trust schools, hosted by Strood Academy. The event was a fantastic showcase of skill, teamwork, and determination, with our players demonstrating impressive agility and sportsmanship throughout the matches.
Competing against strong teams, our boys put in solid performances, displaying excellent passing, and defensive skills. There were standout moments of teamwork and individual brilliance, leading to some thrilling tries.
A huge well done to all the players for their effort and commitment. Thank you to Strood Academy for hosting and to all the teams for a great day of rugby. We look forward to the next competition!
Careers Fair & Oxford University Assembly
The Careers Fair took place on Wednesday, featuring a range of professionals who shared their expertise with our KS4 and KS5 students. Attendees included a historian, representatives from Greenwich University,Construction, Doceo, childcare specialists, and individuals from the entertainment industry, allowing students to engage with them, providing handouts and goodies.
A biochemist demonstrated the use of a multi-channel pipette, enabling students to dispense colored liquids into microtiter plates and perform dilutions. Software engineers explained concepts related to sound, while Army representatives outlined various career paths available across different regiments. A sports coach provided insights into the coaching profession, with the team’s mascot becoming a highlight of the event for many students.
Additionally, an expert offered valuable tips on crafting an effective CV and presented examples of successful resumes. Barclays and Transport for London discussed their apprenticeship programs and other opportunities.
We were also fortunate to host a guest speaker from Oxford University, who shared insights on gaining admission to top universities and the importance of extracurricular activities. The guest speaker was particularly impressed by our Year 10 students, who confidently engaged in discussions.
Overall, the visiting professionals were highly complimentary of our students’ behaviour, politeness, and interaction skills. The level of student interest was exceptional.
Top Performers on SPARX
We are pleased to celebrate and recognise our highest-performing students on the SPARX platform.
These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication, effort, and consistency in their home independent learning, showcasing their commitment to excellence in Mathematics or Science.
Congratulations to all of them for their hard work and achievement!
Their perseverance serves as an inspiration to their peers, and we encourage all students to continue engaging with SPARX to support their learning and progress.
Mathematics
- Amelia N- Year 8
- Muhammadul M -Year 7
- Vinnie H – Year 7
- Kizzie S-H – Year 7
- Prithwin A K – Year 7
- Mujidat O – Year 10
- Vivian E – Year 8
- Mia B – Year 8
- Daneen S – Year 8
- Raji D- Year 8
Science
- Barakah H – Year 7
- Teddy D – Year 7
- Summer Y – Year 7
- Yoel P – Year 8
- Olivia May G – Year 8
- Henry J – Year 7
- Emily V – Year 7
- Grace S – Year 10
- Blessing A – Year 7
- Praise W – Year 7
- Felix I – Year 7
English
- Praise W – Year 7
- John W – Year 9
- Harley G – Year 9
- Deacon G – Year 9
- Betsie A – Year 9
- Isobella H – Year 8
- Daniel S – Year 9
- Olivia- May G – Year 8
- Lily G – Year 8
- Olawamiri O – Year 8
Extra Curricular Clubs
Wooly Club – Thursdays in the Library!
Wooly Club takes place every Thursday in the Library! 🧶✨
This is a dedicated space for pupils to learn knitting and crochet while enjoying the many mental health benefits that come with creating handmade items. Currently, students are working on scarves and cross-stitch pictures, which we hope will be completed before next winter!
Wooly Club is a unique offering across LAT schools, and we’re excited to see the creative projects take shape.
Teaching and Learning
The Old Vic Schools Club delivered an outstanding workshop on their production of Oedipus.
Part 1 of the workshop focused on the background of the production elements of Oedipus. After one of our Year 11 students confidently explained the storyline in detail to the rest of the group, the facilitators talked through the various roles in theatre such as set, sound and lighting designers, as well as actors and choreographers.
During part 2 of the workshop the facilitators took the students through the various roles within stage management. The workshop looked in detail at the role of the Stage Manager and gave an insight into the three stage management roles: Company Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager. The students read and annotated scripts. Some staged the scene, whilst others took on the various stage management roles. This led to some of the students asking about careers in these areas, and how you get onto this career path. Naturally they demanded that we look up the salary for them, which was a very healthy wage!
Finally the students engaged with part 3 on creating with the students being given three different liquids to mix and recreate the part of the play where Oedipus rips out his eyes. The aim was to show that you can create props on a budget if you use your initiative.
The facilitators were highly complimentary about our students and thoroughly enjoyed their time at LABex. The students were really engaged with every part of the workshop and can’t wait to go and see the production live!
Mrs Forbes-Bareham | Coordinator of Learning Visual and Performing Arts
