Principal’s Opening Section
Dear Leigh Academy Bexley Community,
We are already in the third week of Module 3! We have seen a productive start to the year, and I am pleased to share several important updates with you.
At the end of Module 2 our academy celebrated a successful Christmas Jumper Day on 17th December, raising £227.17 for Save the Children. I would like to thank everyone in our community who supported this event.
This bulletin includes an update on our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and our new Young Carers Drop-In Sessions.
Take a look at our morning routine tips for parents that together with your children will help students avoid “Loss of Personal Time” by establishing simple routines.
As always, if we can support you in any way, please contact us via info@bexley.latrust.org.uk, where we will make every endeavour to respond within 24 hours.
Best wishes,
Mr John Dixon | Principal, Leigh Academy Bexley
SEND focus: organisation and getting prepared.
Reclaim Your Morning: Beat “Loss of Personal Time” (LOPT)
When students forget equipment, students and PARENTS lose time.
Students who have lack of equipment at school may be issued Loss of personal time-this can be changed!
Use these tips to shift ownership to your child and keep your mornings calm and both parents and students get to keep their personal time- WIN, WIN!
1. The “Launchpad”
Designate a spot by the door. Everything—bags, shoes, kits—must be there by 8:00 PM. If it isn’t on the Launchpad, it doesn’t leave the house.
2. The Night-Before Check
Reduce morning chaos by prepping these the evening before:
- Uniform: Laid out (including socks).
- Lunch/Snacks: Packed and in the fridge.
- Timetable: A 30-second check for “extras” like PE kits or instruments.
3. Smart Reminders
Stop the nagging by using phone automation:
- Location Alerts: Set a “Leave Home” reminder in Apple/Google tasks to trigger a “Got your kit?” alert as you reach the driveway.
- The 8:00 PM Alarm: A daily family alarm for a 5-minute bag check.
- Photo Evidence: Have your child text you a photo of their packed bag before they get their evening screen time.
4. Build “Point & Name” Habits
Don’t pack for them. Instead, have your child point to and name each item (e.g., “Reading book, Water, Chromebook”). This active check is far more effective than a passive “Yeah, I’ve got it.”
A 5-minute “Power Prep” at night saves 30 minutes of high-stress “firefighting” the next morning. Protect your personal time!
LABex Anti Bullying Ambassadors
On Wednesday, 14 January, we were delighted to train 40 students as Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Following a competitive application process for this leadership role, the students completed two hours of specialist training with Mr Powders and Miss Wilson. The group remained highly motivated and engaged throughout, demonstrating a keenness to begin their duties at Leigh Academy Bexley. These ambassadors will be easily identifiable by the yellow anti-bullying badge worn proudly on their blazers. Their guiding principle is: Support and Report.
Young Carers Drop-In Sessions
We are pleased to share details of our Young Carers Drop-In Sessions, designed to provide a safe, supportive space for students who have caring responsibilities at home.
The sessions offer opportunities for students to talk, seek advice, or simply spend time with a trusted adult. Sessions are available across different year groups on set days and include weekly drop-ins, a daily breakfast club, and additional one-to-one support available by booking with Miss Cook. Full details can be found on the attached poster.
Please reassure your child that they are not alone, and encourage them to attend if they feel this support would be helpful.
If you feel your child may be an unidentified young carer, please complete this google form.
Year 11 Mock Cycle 1 Results Evening
On Tuesday 13 January 2026, our Year 11 students experienced their first GCSE‑style results collection as part of Leigh Academy Bexley’s comprehensive preparation programme for the summer examinations. This carefully designed event not only familiarises students with the format of receiving results but also helps them build the confidence and resilience they will need when they collect their official GCSE grades in August 2026.
The evening began with a focused assembly led by Vice Principal Mr Dillon, who offered guidance, encouragement, and reflections on the importance of using mock results as a springboard for further progress. Following the assembly, students made their way to the New Hall, where they collected their results in a calm, mature, and orderly manner.
Staff were on hand throughout to offer personalised advice, discuss next steps, and support students in identifying strategies to strengthen their performance ahead of the next assessment cycle.
A huge well done to all our Year 11 students for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitude. We are incredibly proud of the way they approached this important milestone.
Digital Learning
Year 7 were thoroughly engaged in assembly on Friday as Mr Shashore delivered a refresher on the use of Read&Write App in class. Students have been using the app to support them in various different ways in class and at home. Read&Write (developed by Texthelp) is a versatile literacy support toolbar designed to help students of all abilities—particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, or those learning English as a second language—to read, write, and research more effectively.
It functions as a discreet, floating toolbar that integrates with common applications like Google Docs and our students have found this tool really helpful. Please ask your child to show you how it works!
Science Sampling Practical Lesson
Students in year 10 and 11 have this and last week been looking at the factors that affect the distribution of plants. At this time of year we struggle to get out onto the field but we have set up our own indoor field using counters to represent different plant species.
Students have been using the technique of random sampling to estimate the size of each population of plants within our mock habitat. This has also given the student the opportunity to learn about taking samples that are representative and samples that avoid bias.
Parental Workshop on Digital Tools
On Monday 19th January, Mr Shasore and Mr Otoo hosted our second Parental Workshop, focusing on the three core digital learning tools used across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4: Guided Learning, Notebook LM, and Read&Write.
The session gave families a practical insight into how these platforms support students’ progress, independence, and confidence. Parents asked thoughtful questions about how each tool can be used for specific learning needs. One Year 10 parent, for example, explored how Notebook LM can help generate personalised exam‑style revision questions to support their daughter’s preparation.
We are grateful to all families who attended and contributed to such a productive session. The workshop concluded at 6pm, and we look forward to welcoming even more parents/carers to future events.
Webinar on teenage Vaccines
The Microsoft Teams joining link can be found by clicking the button below:
Thursday 29 January 16:00 – 17:00
