Latest News Updates | Friday, 4th July

Leigh Academy Bexley - Latest News

Dear Leigh Academy Bexley Community

Our students have shown remarkable resilience this week as we navigated some very hot weather.  Fortunately the temperature dropped slightly for our Sports Days yesterday and today.  It was truly wonderful to see our students competing with such determination and pride; I’m sure new records were set.

You will have seen the letter from Mr Dillon on Tuesday confirming that we will be returning to our full Summer uniform expectations from Monday 7th July.  Please remember that blazers and jumpers remain optional to the end of the module.

This week’s newsletter is packed with exciting content.  We have articles on Year 10 virtual work experience and the impactful Boxing4Schools intervention. Plus, discover valuable offers and information from the wider local community, all alongside our usual engaging features.

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

Boxing Intervention

We are pleased to inform parents that this module, the academy has had the privilege of partnering with Boxing4Schools to offer an invaluable intervention programme for our students. This initiative is designed to enhance a range of essential skills, including resilience, confidence, positive behaviour, and social interaction.

Throughout the programme, we have observed improvements in the students who participate. They arrive eager and ready to engage each week, demonstrating not only an increase in their enthusiasm but also noticeable development in their interpersonal skills. 

The academy remains committed to exploring innovative ways to foster our students’ success and well-being. Programs such as Boxing4Schools are instrumental in equipping our learners with the tools they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom. We encourage parents to support their children by reinforcing the positive changes they are experiencing. We look forward to more interventions to develop these skills in the future.

Pupils in PE kits receive boxing lessons from an instructor in a room with wooden flooring
Pupils in PE kits receive boxing lessons from an instructor in a room with wooden flooring
Pupils in PE kits receive boxing lessons in a room with wooden flooring
A poster for free season tickets for local school to watch Erith & Belvedere football club

If parents/carers would like to apply for a season ticket, please follow the link below.

https://www.cognitoforms.com/ErithBelvedereFootballClub/EB202526FamilySeasonTicket

Adam Peters
Club Secretary
Erith & Belvedere Football Club

🌟 Celebrating Academic Success

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 English and Mathematics.

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.

English 

  • Olawamiri O – Year 8
  • Nishan S – Year 8
  • Yuliia L – Year 7
  • Bochra I A Year 9
  • Alisha B – Year 8
  • Harley G – Year 9
  • Praise W – Year 7
  • Donatas K – Year 9
  • Elouise A – Year 8
  • Justine S – Year

Mathematics

  • Barakah H – Year 7
  • Navjot SB – Year 7
  • George O’C -Year 10
  • Prithwin AK – Year 7
  • Angel K – Year 7
  • Toby C – Year 7
  • Olawamiri O – Year 8
  • Ruben CL – Year 7
  • Faith E – Year 8
  • Neriah S – Year 7

Science

  • Teddy D – Year 7
  • Barakah H – Year 7
  • Ruben CL – Year 7
  • Blessing A  – Year 7
  • Summer Y  – Year 7
  • Daniel H  – Year 10
  • Praise W  – Year 7
  • Alessandro G  – Year 7
  • Olivia-May G  – Year 8
  • Marcus SM  – Year 10
  • Omotade B – Year 9

Cultural Capital Day & Outward Bound Adventure

Next week marks our fourth Cultural Capital Day, an exciting opportunity for students to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom.

On Friday 11th July pupils will be heading out to 21 inspiring destinations across London and the UK, experiencing art, history, culture, and more. 

We have two new destinations and some old favourites making a return. Here are some highlights from our last Cultural Capital Day on 4th April:

Pupils kayaking in a lake
Fish in an aquarium fish tank
A child on a horse being guided around an indoor arena
A child going down a ski slope on skis

In addition, on Monday, 36 students from three different year groups will embark on this year’s Outward Bound adventure to the Lake District. They’ll be taking part in a wide range of team-building and outdoor activities at Ullswater Lake in Cumbria, developing confidence, resilience, and friendships in the stunning natural setting.

To give you a flavour of what’s to come, here are some highlights from last year’s unforgettable trip…

One person abseiling down a cliff while another person holds onto the rope
Someone wearing a helmet and wearing wet weather clothes under a waterfall

🚀 Strive Corner: Extending Your Child’s Learning 

Each week in Strive Corner, we’ll spotlight either an exceptional piece of student challenge work or a useful tip to support independent thinking and stretch learning further.

This space is designed to celebrate subject passion, curiosity, and learning that goes beyond the core curriculum. Whether it’s showcasing outstanding work or sharing simple strategies, our aim is to provide a glimpse into how students are challenging themselves — and to inspire the same enthusiasm and depth at home.

Learning Outside the Classroom – Building a love for reading

As Module 6 is coming to an end, we are all looking forward to the Summer Holidays. A great hobby to either continue or to start is … READING!

Reading during the summer holidays is important for students because it helps prevent learning loss, often called the “summer slide.”

Regular reading keeps their minds (and yours) active, improves vocabulary and comprehension, and supports academic progress. It also encourages a love of learning, boosts imagination, and can be a fun, relaxing way to explore new ideas and stories outside the classroom.

These are some of Miss Theobald’s favourite books – she recommends them to everyone in the Academy. Maybe these can be your first picks for the summer.

REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY NEW BOOKS TO READ AMAZING STORIES..

  1. Our Academy’s library is available for you to take books out in the next few weeks for the summer holidays.
  2. Also, local Bexley libraries are open all summer for you to take out lots of books to read.. Below are a list of local libraries:

🧠LABex Assembly Spotlight

Students have actively taken part in Module 6 assemblies, as presenters have opted for a more interactive approach to highlighting and sharing the message behind key topics of global interest.

Last week Miss Mann raised awareness of the continued discrimination towards people from the LGBTQ+IA community. Students were asked to choose their favourite sweets and to raise their hand to show if they liked or hated marmite! Students then reflected on the key message of the week, that humans may have different tastes however we all share a common bond, that of belonging to the human race.

In this week’s assembly, Assistant Principal Mr Addison spoke passionately about ‘International Plastic Bag Free Day’. Students were asked to raise their hands in response to several questions and then ended the assembly with an opportunity to ask questions after reflection on why it is important to reduce our use of plastic bags.

📚CPD Corner: How we support Teachers

Twilight INSET – Digital Strategies

This week’s twilight INSET was led by our Early Career Teachers , who delivered an engaging refresher on digital strategies used in the classroom. One of the key tools highlighted was our “Five for Five” Google Form, which supports student feedback and engagement in a simple, effective way.

It was a great opportunity for staff to reflect on best practices and share ideas for enhancing learning through technology.

Autism Awareness Induction

On Wednesday, all staff took part in an Autism Awareness Induction as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive education.

The session deepened our understanding of how to support autistic students and ensure that our school environment remains welcoming, accessible, and supportive for all learners

Virtual Work Experience

Our Year 10 students participated in their first virtual experience at Leigh Academy Bexley. This event provided a glimpse into various professions and careers, while also helping students develop essential skills for their future professional lives.

Students completed work experiences with organisations such as Siemens for Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University for Computer Games Art, TLT for Law, and Manchester University for AI Data Science. Other partnerships included Social Media Marketing, TV and Film, Accounting with ICAEW, Graphic Design with Unveiling Concepts and Industries, and Digital & Data Consultancy with CACI, among others.

Upon completing their virtual work experience, students received a certificate that will be crucial for their personal statements when applying to sixth forms, colleges, or apprenticeships.

Additionally, students were encouraged to view the school as a working environment and dress in professional attire. This reinforced the importance of professionalism and workplace conduct. It was a pleasure to see all our students dressed appropriately for their two-day work experience.

A heartfelt thank you to our Labexley parents/carer for supporting their children and contributing to the success of this realistic virtual work experience.