News and events
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
Our latest news and events give you an insight into life at school.
Start-of-Term Arrangements | Term five starts on Tuesday, 14 April at 08:30.
INSET will take place on Monday, 13 April where the school will be closed to students unless they have been selected to attend. Those that have been selected to attend must arrive at the school by 10:45 for an 11:00 start. The school day for these students will end at 15:00.
Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | The Year 11 Weekly Newsletter can be found here.
Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | The Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter can be found here.
Reading | Working together to improve reading | As students begin the Easter holidays, we strongly encourage them to continue developing the positive reading habits established in school by reading for at least 15 minutes each day. Regular reading not only supports academic progress, but also builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Students can access a range of digital platforms to support their reading, including Bedrock Learning, which helps to develop vocabulary and grammar, and Sparx Reader, which offers a wide selection of engaging digital books to promote reading for pleasure. All students at Lift Bexleyheath have free access to both platforms.
To further inspire a love of reading, we are excited to launch our Easter Book Review Competition. Students are invited to submit a review of a book they have read over the holidays to Mr Choudhury, Assistant Principal, via email by Friday, 17 April.
To ensure their entry is successful, students should include:
All students who enter will receive a prize in recognition of their effort, with additional prizes awarded to competition winners.
We look forward to reading your thoughtful and creative reviews, happy reading!
DPR Family Clinics | Term 05 | Families will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Stephens-Kobewka on a Monday. This is a continuation of the Clinic held in Term 04. These sessions will be 10 minutes and will be Face to Face. The dates are as follows:
Appointments are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis and will open nine days before the event on a Saturday afternoon at 14:00. Information on booking appointments can be found on the Parents' Evening page of the school's website. If you have any questions regarding our Parents' Evening’s, don't hesitate to get in touch with Ms Fisher, Data Manager (dfisher@liftbexleyheath.org).
Lift Bexleyheath Uniform Expectations | During the half-term, we know many families will be busy preparing for the new term and perhaps replacing well-worn items of school uniform. This is a timely moment to reflect on our uniform policy and why these standards are so central to our school community. The uniform policy can be found here.
A clear, consistent uniform policy is about much more than just what students wear. It plays a vital role in the wellbeing of our young people:
We want to work closely with families to protect our students from the pressures of social media and peer expectations regarding appearance. To ensure a smooth start to the new term, we would like to offer the following reminders:
Our goal is to ensure that every student can walk through our gates feeling focused, equal, and ready to learn, without the distraction of "fast-fashion" pressures. We appreciate your continued support in upholding these standards and helping us create a safe, focused environment for all our children. A reminder that the following clothing is not part of our uniform policy:
Parkview Residential Care Home | We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our families who generously donated Easter eggs and sweets. Your kindness made a real difference and helped create a meaningful experience for our students.
Students visited Park View Residential Home to deliver the donated eggs and sweets. This was a truly special opportunity for them to engage with members of the local community, show kindness, and bring a little Easter joy to others. The visit was warmly received, and we are incredibly proud of the respect and thoughtfulness our students demonstrated throughout.
Experiences like this play an important role in helping young people understand the value of charity, compassion, and giving back. By taking part in acts of generosity, students develop empathy, social awareness, and a stronger sense of responsibility, qualities that will help them grow into kind, considerate, and socially conscious individuals.
Easter Showcase | On Wednesday, 25 March, the Performing Arts Faculty hosted our annual Easter Showcase. Students shared a range of music, singing and dance pieces, each one reflecting the time, effort and commitment they have given over the course of the year
It was wonderful to see the work of Drama club, Open-mic club, KS3 and KS4 bands, and Singing club come together on the night. The performances were confident, engaging and, at times, truly moving, clearly demonstrating how much progress has been made and talented our students are.
Thank you to all the students who took part, and to staff for their support in preparing such an enjoyable evening for families and the wider school community.
Safeguarding | What could be behind a phone cover? | We have received information from the Borough regarding increasing concerns around students hiding objects in phone cases and other small cases.
Smartphones are a constant companion for young people, rarely out of reach and often central to their social lives. However, it’s not just the phone itself that deserves attention. Accessories such as phone covers, earbud cases, mirrors, hairbrushes and even makeup containers can sometimes be used in ways adults might not expect. As trends evolve, some everyday items are adapted to include hidden compartments or spaces, which can occasionally be used to conceal things that are not permitted in school.
Modern phone cases, for example, are no longer just protective covers. Many are designed with sliding backs or built-in compartments intended for bank cards or cash. While these features are often practical, they can also be used to hide small items. A phone that suddenly feels thicker or heavier than usual, or a case with unusual panels or a strong smell, may be worth a closer look, not with suspicion, but with curiosity.
Similarly, wireless earbud cases are small, familiar, and rarely questioned. This makes them easy to repurpose. An empty case that is still carried around, a case that does not match the earbuds, or one that appears tampered with could indicate it is being used for something other than its original purpose. In the same way, compact mirrors or small toiletry items, common in many school bags can sometimes be altered. Hidden compartments, unusual weight, or signs of residue may suggest they are not being used as intended. Makeup and toiletry products can also be adapted or replaced with lookalike containers. Lip balms, for instance, can be hollowed out, and small cosmetic pots may be used to store other substances. Parents might notice items that do not appear to have been used normally, duplicate products, or packaging that looks different from what would be expected.
Understanding this matters because we have clear rules about prohibited items, and staff have legal powers to search for and confiscate them when necessary. This is done in order to assure the safety of our school community. Many of these prohibited items are small and easy to conceal. Ordinary objects like phone cases, earbud holders, and cosmetic containers can sometimes be used to hide items.
For parents, we suggest that the most effective response is not to search or accuse, but to keep communication open and calm. Showing an interest in what your child is using and the trends they are aware of can make a significant difference. Simple, non-judgemental questions, such as asking whether they have seen phone cases with hidden compartments can open up valuable conversations. Keeping these discussions ongoing, rather than reacting only when concerns arise, helps build trust and encourages young people to speak openly.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing, please contact the school’s safeguarding team without delay: safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org. In an emergency, or if you believe a child may be at immediate risk, please contact the police directly. Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our community safe.
Year 07 - 10 Set Changes | Following our termly data collection, there may be some changes to sets for students in Years 7–10. These decisions are carefully made using a range of information, including assessment outcomes, classwork, homework, and teachers’ professional judgement.
Set changes allow us to ensure that all students are placed in the learning environment that best supports their progress. This may mean providing additional challenge for those who are ready to move ahead, or more targeted support to help others strengthen their understanding and confidence. Our aim is always to maximise each student’s potential and ensure they are appropriately supported and stretched in their learning.
Students will be able to view any changes to their timetable via their Google Calendar.
Inclusion | White Paper | The Department for Education has recently published a new White Paper, “Every Child Achieving and Thriving,” alongside a consultation titled “Putting Children and Young People First.” These documents set out a long-term vision for the future of education in England, with a strong focus on improving support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It is important to note that these are proposals at this stage. Any changes will be subject to further consultation and parliamentary approval, meaning the current system and existing legal rights, including those related to EHCPs and specialist provision, remain unchanged for now. The government has emphasised that children who can thrive in mainstream settings should be supported to do so, while those who require specialist provision will continue to receive it.
Parents and carers are encouraged to share their views as part of the consultation process.
At our school, we understand that national changes can feel uncertain. We want to reassure families that we are here to support you and your children every step of the way. Many of the proposed approaches are already reflected in our current practice, and we remain fully committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and transparent environment for all.
If you have any questions or would like further support, please do not hesitate to contact Ms Hajarie, SENDCo (send@liftbexleyheath.org).
Tutor2U Trip | Year 13 Economics | The Tutor2u Grade Booster event at Westfield Vue Cinema was a focused revision experience designed to support Year 13 A-Level Economics students in strengthening their exam performance. Delivered in an engaging and accessible format, the session combined expert teaching, interactive activities, and exam-focused strategies to help students consolidate their knowledge and build confidence ahead of assessments.
Throughout the event, key topics from the A-Level Economics specification were revisited, including microeconomic concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, and elasticity, as well as macroeconomic themes like inflation, economic growth, and government policy. Complex ideas were broken down into clear, manageable explanations, making them easier to understand and apply.
A major emphasis was placed on exam technique. Students were guided on how to structure high-quality answers, interpret command words, and effectively use data and diagrams. The presenters also highlighted common mistakes and provided practical tips on how to avoid them, helping students maximise their marks.
The cinema setting created an immersive learning environment, with large screens used to display diagrams, exam questions, and model answers. This, combined with the energetic delivery style of the Tutor2u team, kept students engaged and encouraged active participation.
Overall, the Grade Booster event was a valuable and motivating experience that reinforced subject knowledge, improved exam skills, and provided students with clear strategies to succeed in their A-Level Economics exams.
English SATs Masterclass | We were delighted to welcome our future Year 06 students back to Lift Bexleyheath this week for their second SATs masterclass, focusing on English. The afternoon started with a treat of cookies and juice followed by the session itself.
Students worked on descriptive writing skills, with a focus on SPaG, vocabulary building, prediction, and comprehension, using The Lost World as their stimulus. It was wonderful to see their engagement and enthusiasm throughout the session.
Families also shared extremely positive feedback. 100% of parents reported that their child enjoyed the session and highlighted how friendly, supportive, and welcoming our staff were. Some of their comments included:
We look forward to welcoming more Year 06 children from across the borough for our subject workshop sessions next term.
Aspens New Menu for Term 05 | Each season, Aspens change their menu to meet the trends of the season and to ensure that seasonal produce is being used. Please find the new menu below. The menu rotates on a three week cycle. When students return to school, we will start on Week 01.
What’s been happening in Science this week? | This week, our Year 09 scientists have been diving into the world of Acids and Alkalis, moving beyond simple observations to understand the precise chemical balance that governs the world around us. Students began by mastering the use of pH meters. While many are familiar with color-changing litmus paper, the pH meter allows for digital precision. They’ve learned how to categorize substances on the pH scale:
The highlight of the unit involved a hands-on investigation into neutralisation. Students carefully mixed acids with alkalis, monitoring the pH changes in real-time. By finding the exact "tipping point," they successfully produced neutral solutions, effectively "canceling out" the corrosive properties of both starting liquids.
We encourage students to see that chemistry isn't just something that happens in a beaker; it’s a vital tool for solving everyday problems:
By understanding these reactions, our students are gaining a deeper appreciation for how we manage the delicate chemical balances in our bodies and our environment.
What’s been happening in Business/ICT/Media this week? | In KS4 IT & Business, students have had a great term. Many IT students secured strong Component 03 results, with some now able to cash in their grades early, allowing them to focus on upcoming exams in other subjects. In Business Studies, students have been developing micro-enterprise projects across eCommerce, well-being, and hair and beauty. They are now preparing presentations to pitch their ideas in a real-life business context, developing skills in entrepreneurship, creativity and communication.
Year 12 Business Studies students have been actively engaging in practical learning through a role play activity focused on communication skills in a professional context. During the lesson, students took on roles such as a waitress and an unhappy customer, allowing them to explore real-life scenarios involving conflict resolution. The activity centred on developing both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with students using scripted dialogue to practise how to approach difficult conversations effectively. This enabled them to consider how to respond professionally, aiming to achieve positive outcomes for both parties while building confidence in handling challenging customer interactions.
KS5 Digital Media students have demonstrated superb academic achievement. In Year 13 Digital Media with Ms Butcher, students received their Unit 1 and Unit 2 results from the January exam series, with some fantastic outcomes placing several students on track for early course completion. In Year 12, students began their Unit 20 coursework, building on their success in Unit 3 to develop full-scale advertising campaigns for a headphones company, combining pre-production planning with practical production work.
Term 05 Revision Links | We are pleased to share an exciting update designed to strengthen the partnership between school and home. From this half-term, we have added curriculum links for each subject to our school website, outlining what students will be learning over the coming weeks.
These curriculum overviews will give families a clear insight into the topics and skills being covered in lessons, helping you to stay informed about your child’s learning journey. In addition, many subjects have included useful resources, guidance, and suggested activities that can be used at home to reinforce and extend learning.
We hope this will support meaningful conversations about learning at home and provide practical ways for families to engage with and support their child’s progress.
You can access these links via our website links, and we encourage all families to take a look. For curriculum plans for all other subjects, please click here.
If you have any questions regarding the curriculum or how to support your child in the core subjects, please contact the Faculty Directors of each subject using the following email addresses:
Video Links
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
