Latest News | 17/04/26

Cultural Capital Day 

On the final day of Module 4, we were delighted to host the first of our two designated Cultural Capital days for this academic year. This was a significant undertaking, involving 20 distinct excursions tailored for students across Years 7 to 10, alongside a specialised programme for our Sixth Form.

The programme was designed to offer a wide and varied range of experiences, ensuring that every student had the opportunity to engage with activities that inspire, challenge, and enrich. The breadth of these opportunities included:

• Cultural & Academic Immersion: Students visited world-class museums and galleries in London, bringing curriculum subjects to life through direct engagement with history and the arts.
• Physical Excellence & Adventure: Students pushed their personal boundaries through a variety of high-action activities. These included water sports, skiing, and rock climbing, all of which provided the chance to build resilience, physical coordination, and confidence in new environments.
• Strategic Thinking & Team Dynamics: From the challenges of Laser Tag in Gravesend to the high-energy environment of Thorpe Park in Surrey, these sessions allowed students to develop critical soft skills. By navigating these experiences, students honed their problem-solving abilities, communication, and mutual reliance, fostering a sense of community and school spirit outside the classroom.
• Bespoke Year 12 Provision: While younger year groups were off-site, our Year 12 students participated in a tailored, on-site programme specifically designed to support their current stage of study and personal development.

Cultural Capital days represent a vital component of our curriculum, offering students the chance to develop their social and cultural knowledge outside the traditional classroom environment. It was an exceptional day for both students and staff, and we are confident that these shared experiences have provided students with a broader perspective and the confidence to succeed in a variety of social contexts.

Feedback from both staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive. We are currently finalising the arrangements for our second Cultural Capital day, scheduled for July. Detailed information regarding this will be shared with families in the coming weeks.

Mr  K Powders  |  Deputy Head of Knole College

Students have been finding ways to communicate in their own way (using both the tools and strategies that have been taught, as well as autonomously finding new ways with newly gained self-confidence) knowing that their opinions are valued and heard. Special thanks to staff in our provision and for those that support throughout the day to make this possible and to transfer these skills beyond the provision allowing our pupils to thrive.

Adaptations to how projects are produced in a way that promotes engagement are working well. Understanding that sometimes the route needs to change to get to the same outcome can be the difference between success and failure – and we have seen this in action in real time.

With the weather changing and our outdoor space just a few benches and tools away from being ready for use – we are hoping to take full advantage and integrate a few outside learning opportunities including horticulture which would bring colour to the outside space.

A Huge Thank You & A Call for Gardeners!

First and foremost, a massive thank you to our entire parent community!

We are continually overwhelmed by your generosity. Your recent donations of puzzles and LEGO have been absolutely wonderful, and they are already being put to fantastic use by our students. This continued support genuinely makes a difference to the provisions we can offer. Thank you!

Now, do you have a green thumb?

We are looking to add some life and vibrancy to our spaces, and we are calling on our keen gardening parents! If you happen to have any…

• Healthy indoor or outdoor plants
• Surplus seeds
• Cuttings you’ve successfully propagated

…and you would like to rehome/donate them, we have the perfect place!

Our students in Chatsworth have volunteered to be the guardians of your green donations. They are ready to roll up their sleeves and will make sure any plants or seeds live a long, healthy, and happy life.

How to Donate:

Simply drop off your healthy plants or seeds at the main reception desk. Our team will then ensure they make their way directly to the Chatsworth students.

Thank you in advance for helping us grow, both figuratively and now, literally!

Inclusion: Grief and Loss

When someone we love dies …

Young people can struggle to process the death of a loved one or even look like they are completely unaffected. It is important to recognise that no reaction to death is also a reaction.

The Contented Child have put together this poster to help us understand how teens cope.

Additionally, if your child has recently experienced the loss of a loved one or someone close, and you feel this may be affecting them please explore/reach out to the following websites/charities who may be able to offer some comfort and guidance as you navigate this difficult time.

https://www.childbereavementuk.org/a-teenage-guide-to-coping-when-someone-dies

https://winstonswish.org/

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

You also may be struggling with grief or loss,  here are some links that may be of use:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/support-and-self-care/

https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/

If you are worried about your child, please do reach out to their college team who will be able to help.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support for our young people.

Fidget Toys and “NeeDoh” Safety

While we recognise that fidget toys are popular, we are seeing an increase in classroom disruptions and safety incidents involving these items—particularly NeeDoh “stress balls.”

To maintain a focused and safe learning environment, we would like to clarify the academy’s stance regarding these items:

Fidget Toys Belong at Home

Effective immediately, students should NOT bring NeeDoh or other fidget toys into school. Unless a student has a specific SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) allocation where a fidget tool is part of a structured support plan, these items are not permitted in the classroom.

Please be aware that any unallocated fidget toys found in school may be confiscated by staff.

While designed as “stress relievers,” in a school setting, they often have the opposite effect:

• Significant Distraction: When used as toys rather than tools, they distract both the user and their peers from essential learning.
• Safety Hazards: As highlighted in recent safety alerts, NeeDoh toys are prone to popping. The internal gel can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and is a significant choking hazard.
• Dangerous Trends: We are aware of social media trends encouraging the microwaving of these toys. To prevent any risk of severe burns or accidents on school grounds, we must limit their presence.
• Clean-up & Damage: When these toys burst, the “Maltose” gel is extremely sticky and difficult to remove, causing damage to school property and uniforms.

How You Can Help

We ask for your support in ensuring these items stay at home. If your child feels they require a sensory

tool to help with their learning, please contact our SEND Coordinator (SENDCo) via SENDCO@bexley.latrust.org.uk to discuss an official assessment and allocation. This ensures that any tool used is safe, appropriate, and part of a recognised support strategy.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our classrooms focused, clean, and safe for all students.

From Ideas to Impact: Year 12 Talk Talk Workshop

At the end of Module 4, our Year 12 students took part in a Talk Talk workshop as part of our commitment to developing the skills they need to successfully enter the employment market.

Students were given a range of engaging and challenging tasks, including speaking in front of the class, following instructions while maintaining focus, delivering a speech, and narrating their plans—what they aim to do, where they want to be, and the steps needed to get there. The activities were delivered in a fun and supportive way, and students were able to clearly articulate their intended outcomes.

Students used a booklet to record their thoughts and stay focused on the tasks. They will continue to use these booklets during their reflection sessions in the workshop.

Ron, the external host, provided very positive feedback. He reported a highly enjoyable day and felt that students benefited greatly. He was particularly impressed by how enthusiastic, respectful, and polite our Year 12 students were, as well as how well they engaged with the content. It was especially encouraging to see students who initially lacked confidence make such strong progress over the course of the day.

Learning Through Experience: Testimony 360 & Year 13 Come Dine With Me

This powerful workshop is designed to preserve the real meaning of the Holocaust through the stories of survivors, which have been digitally recorded. Students were able to take part in a unique interactive experience, where they could have a “conversation” with a survivor. Using a large database of pre-recorded responses alongside AI-powered search technology, students asked questions into a microphone and received the most relevant response from the survivor.

In addition, students experienced Virtual Reality (VR) exploration. Wearing VR headsets, they were able to “visit” significant locations mentioned in the survivor’s story, such as concentration camps and childhood homes. This immersive, 360-degree experience helped students connect deeply with the testimony and better understand the historical context.

The workshop provided a meaningful and engaging way for students to reflect on this important part of history.

This was followed by a Year 13 “Come Dine With Me” cooking activity. Students were split into groups, with each group allocated a different role. One group prepared the starter and dessert, while another group prepared the main course and a mocktail.

This experience was a really positive challenge, and it was excellent to see all Year 13 students working together, organising themselves, and supporting one another. The starter, dessert, and main course all turned out very well, although the mocktail required a little more guidance.

Overall, it was a valuable and enjoyable experience for the students.

LABex Actors: All Is True Reaches New Heights

Our recent Drama production of All Is True proved that age is no barrier to artistic depth. Featuring an ensemble of 23 students from KS3 and KS4, the cast from our Drama Club delivered a compilation of scenes from heavyweight playwrights with rhythmic precision and emotional maturity that far exceeded their years.

Staged in a compelling ‘in the round’ configuration, the production offered a unique, 360-degree spectacle for a capacity audience of over 100. This immersive orientation demanded total vulnerability and spatial mastery from the young cast, who navigated the intimate setting with professional focus.

The evening was a bold success, made possible by the seamless coordination of our four-person female technical crew (including lighting operation), whose backstage and onstage precision matched the formidable talent on display.

We look forward to welcoming parents to our Summer Showcase on Thursday 16th July 2026 – Save the Date!

 Mr. Wardzynski – Teacher of Drama (Artistic Director)

Parental Workshop on Behaviour for Learning

In March, our Behaviour lead and College behaviour leads hosted a wonderful workshop for parents to share the fantastic improvements we’ve made in student attitude and conduct. It was a great opportunity to show off our newly refurbished internal isolation rooms, Tatton and Dunham, and to highlight the incredible support our experienced mentoring staff provides to students. We even got parents involved in reviewing some example behaviour scenarios to help them see just how robust and thorough we need to be when making decisions about the outcomes.  It was a valuable experience for everyone.  The parents were very impressed, according to the feedback, with some saying, “The workshop was spot on!” and “It was great, everything was explained well!”

Mr Addison, Deputy Head of Petworth College and College Behaviour Lead

STEM Project – How do Microbes help make milk

We are thrilled to inform you that year 7 and 8 took part in a National competition focusing on combining biology, technology, and creativity! On the 19th, 20th, and 23rd of March, our students dove into the “How Microbes Make Milk” challenge.

This was a fantastic opportunity for students to step into the shoes of science communicators. During their Science and Maths lessons, they were able to:

• Explore the Hidden World: Discover how trillions of gut microbes help cows turn grass into the milk we drink.
• Master Web Development: Learn professional website-building skills using Google Sites to create their own digital reports.
• National Competition: Prepare an entry for the prestigious MISAC 2026 Competition, competing with schools across the country!

By merging scientific research with modern digital skills, students saw firsthand how STEM subjects work together in the real world. Our students were able to produce some “lively and amusing” websites, and the best webpages were selected and sent to Reading University to be showcased and judged by teachers, professors, and students.

Let’s celebrate our outstanding students who have been selected! Your hard work and dedication truly deserve to be recognised!

The winners could win £350. Good Luck and well done for getting this far!

Mr Addison, Deputy Head of Petworth College and STEM lead

An Inspector Calls Workshop with 

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for our Year 10 students. To support their English Literature studies, we will be hosting an interactive one-hour workshop led by the professional theatre company, Divergent Drama, focusing on the GCSE text,  An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.

The workshops will be held on Friday 1st May during normal lesson time.

This immersive experience is designed to bring the text to life, helping students deepen their understanding of key themes – such as social responsibility, class, and gender – while analysing the play’s dramatic structure in preparation for their GCSE exams.

We are incredibly proud to share that this workshop is being funded by the Jack Petchey Leader Award Grant, which was recently awarded to Mrs S Wilson. Consequently, there is no cost to students for this activity.

Students should arrive at school at the usual time, as the session will be conducted on-site.

Mrs J Allen

Library Manager   |  Jack Petchey Coordinator

Parent information webinars – HPV vaccine

RM Partners (the cancer alliance for north west and south west London) are running a series of webinars for parents and carers, focusing on the HPV vaccine. These are open to everyone to attend, and all are welcome. Parents will have an opportunity to attend to hear about the HPV virus and cancer risk, the HPV vaccine, and what their child can expect on the day of vaccination. There will be a chance to ask questions if there is anything they would like to know that is not covered during the webinar.

Parents can sign up for these webinars by completing this short form: Register for the HPV Vaccine Webinar. Webinar links will be emailed one week before and again 24 hours before your selected webinar as a reminder.

Upcoming webinar dates:

• Wednesday 22 April at 13:00 – Hosted by Dr Helen Burns, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster
• Thursday 23 April at 18:30 – Hosted by Dr Bushra Khawaja, Hillingdon
• Monday 27 April at 11:00 – Hosted by Dr Navdeep Alg, Merton
• Wednesday 29 April at 19:30 – Hosted by Dr Mohsin Choudry, NW & SW London Clinical Lead
• Wednesday 6 May at 13:00 – Hosted by Dr Helen Burns, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster
• Wednesday 6 May at 19:30 – Hosted by Dr Mohsin Choudry, NW & SW London Clinical Lead
• Thursday 14 May at 16:30 – Hosted by Dr Maria Wallace, Wandsworth
• Wednesday 20 May at 13:00 – Hosted by Dr Maria Wallace, Wandsworth
• Thursday 21 May at 20:00 – Hosted by Dr Navdeep Alg, Merton