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.
Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Weekly Newsletter from the Year 11 Team here.
Sixth Form Newsletter | Please find the Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter from the Sixth Form Team here.
Fixtures for the Week | The following fixtures are taking place this week:
If you have any question about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org).
Reminder of INSET Days | We have INSET days in the following days:
The school will be closed for students on all other year groups.
In it, to win it | We will be running 'In it, to win it' this week. In order to qualify, students must be in school.
Extra-Curricular Clubs | Only sports clubs will resume next week. We have also added some more lunchtime clubs. These have all been highlighted in the Extra-Curricular Offer.
Curriculum Updates | Each week, we have done a spotlight on our different curriculums. This week, we focus on Religious Education. Our goal is to make it easier for families to understand the topics being taught across all grade levels and subjects. You’ll now find a clearer, more organised layout that highlights the key learning goals for each subject area. This update is meant to help families stay informed and feel more connected to the learning that happens each day. We have included an example of how the curriculums are presented now below. The curriculums for all subjects can be found on Curriculum Page of our website.
Celebrating Neurodiversity | Dyslexia | This week, we’re celebrating dyslexia, a unique way of thinking that may make reading and writing more challenging, but often brings incredible strengths in creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. Our wonderful SENDCo, Ms Chiculita, has been proudly sharing her own experiences of living with dyslexia. She describes it as her superpower. “Having dyslexia helps me see patterns that others sometimes miss,” she says. “It encourages me to think creatively, especially when I’m supporting young people.”
Like many members of our Lift Bexleyheath community, Ms Chiculita uses a range of strategies that help her shine, visual tools, colour-coding, and creative planning techniques. These approaches don’t just help her organise ideas and communicate clearly; they also make her an inspiring leader and role model for our students. Her story reminds us that dyslexia isn’t a limitation, it’s a different way of thinking that can bring innovation, empathy, and fresh perspectives to everything we do at Lift Bexleyheath.
Here are some practical ways that families can support their child at home with dyslexia:
Careers Insight Talks | Finance Business Partner | We were delighted to welcome Belinda Rankin, a Finance Business expert, to our school this week for an inspiring careers talk. Belinda shared her remarkable journey, beginning with her service in the Royal Navy and progressing into her extensive career within the financial sector. She also described how she has helped major institutions and companies recover from significant financial challenges, including supporting them in managing and reducing debts worth millions of pounds.
Her insight, professionalism, and real-world experience gave our students a valuable understanding of the opportunities available within the financial industry.
We kindly encourage you to continue the conversation at home by discussing the financial sector with your child, the roles within it, the skills required, and the diverse career pathways it offers. These conversations can further spark their curiosity and help them explore potential future aspirations.
Masterclasses | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | This week’s Masterclass will be led by the brilliant Mr Mack-Poole, who will be taking our curious minds on an inspiring journey through space and time as we explore the rich and fascinating history of migration. From ancient movements of early humans to modern global communities, students will uncover the stories, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our world. Our Masterclasses continue to be an incredible opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, challenge their thinking, and discover new perspectives, and this week promises to be especially unforgettable! The Masterclass will be taking place on Wednesday at 08:00 in the Mall Hall.
Safeguarding | A Good Nights Sleep | A good night’s sleep is one of the most powerful tools our children have for success—both in school and in their wider wellbeing. When students are well-rested, they are better able to concentrate, regulate their emotions, and engage fully in lessons. Research consistently shows that healthy sleep routines support stronger memory, improved mood, and higher levels of resilience. As one student shared during a recent focus group, “When I actually sleep properly, I feel like I can think more clearly in lessons.” Another added, “On days I’m tired, everything feels harder, even talking to my friends.”
Unfortunately, irregular routines, late nights, and screen time before bed can quickly lead to fatigue, stress, and difficulties with learning. Tiredness not only affects academic performance but can also impact mental health, often showing up as irritability, low motivation, or feeling overwhelmed. One pupil explained, “If I haven’t slept enough, I feel upset for no reason and can’t focus.” Establishing consistent, calm routines at home can make a significant difference to how confident, prepared, and settled students feel when they arrive at school each morning.
To support healthy habits, families might find it helpful to:
By working together to prioritise sleep, we can help every student feel more emotionally balanced, ready to learn, and fully engaged in school life. Families play an essential role and even small changes can lead to big improvements. If you have concerns about your child's sleeping habits and would like some help and support, contact with our Safeguarding Team (safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org). We are here to support both students and families. Together, we can help our young people develop confidence, resilience, and a positive sense of self.
Supporting your child with reading at home | Last week, we shared with you our impressive reading improvement data. Thank you to all the families that reached out to congratulate us. Families have requested some guidance on what they can do at home to support with reading so Mr Choudhury, Assistant Principal said: "As a parent, one of the most powerful influences you have is showing your child that reading is a valued, lifelong habit and is a source of pleasure." Below are some research proven methods for parents to support students in secondary school with reading:
Aspens Canteen Menu | Families have requested to see the school canteen menu. The menu changes each week and is on a three week cycle. Next week will be Week 03 on the cycle.
Assembly This Week | Anti-Bullying Week | This week, Mr Kirby and Dr Lucas led an important assembly with our students, focusing on bullying. Centred around the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s theme, ‘Power for Good’. Students learned that every action, big or small, carries power. A simple “hello” or a friendly smile can brighten someone’s day, while unkind words or “jokes” at someone else’s expense can cause real hurt. We also reminded students that what may seem funny to one person can feel unkind or intimidating to another, and when these behaviours are repeated or targeted, they can quickly become bullying.
At Lift Bexleyheath, bullying is never tolerated. We take every concern seriously and work hard to educate students about the importance of kindness, respect, and empathy. Regular conversations and assemblies are essential because many children do not initially recognise when behaviour crosses the line. That is why understanding, reflection, and early intervention are key to keeping our community safe and supportive.
Students were encouraged to use their positive power to stand up for others, build people up, and contribute to a culture of respect. Equally, they were taught that silence allows bullying to grow. Using their voice, whether by supporting a friend to make positive choices or by speaking to a trusted adult if they witness or experience unkind behaviour is a vital step in ending bullying for good. By working together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, valued, and heard.
Commemorating Remembrance Day at Lift Bexleyheath | This week, Lift Bexleyheath came together as a community to honour Remembrance Day, taking time to reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended our country, both past and present. In the days leading up to the 11th of November, our Student Leaders continued to sell poppies across the school to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, an organisation that provides vital support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. The Royal British Legion offers everything from financial and emotional support to rehabilitation services, housing assistance, and community programmes that ensure no service member or veteran is left behind.
On the day itself, students who are part of uniformed services, including the Army Cadets, Air Cadets, and Police Cadets, proudly wore their uniforms to school. These students played an important role in educating their peers about the responsibilities, values, and experiences associated with their areas of service. Their presence added a meaningful and personal dimension to our commemoration, reminding us of the dedication shown by young people within our own community.
Some of our students also represented their uniformed service in borough and national events across the week. We have included photos for you to see.
Mr Mack-Poole led a thoughtful and moving Remembrance Assembly, guiding students through the history and significance of the day. His key messages focused on gratitude, respect, and the importance of remembering not just the past, but also the ongoing sacrifices of today’s service personnel. He encouraged students to reflect on how they can show kindness, unity, and responsibility in their daily lives, qualities that honour the spirit of Remembrance.
Together, our school marked this important moment with dignity, reflection, and pride, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of those who served and continue to serve are never forgotten.
Children in Need | Our fantastic students at Lift Bexleyheath raised an impressive £167.97 in just one day for Children in Need, an achievement we are incredibly proud of. This annual fundraising effort helps support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, particularly those affected by poverty, illness, disability, or trauma.
Children in Need provides vital grants to local organisations, funding projects that make a real difference in children’s lives. These initiatives can improve mental health and wellbeing, offer safety and support during times of crisis, and create opportunities that build confidence, develop life skills, and enrich everyday experiences. By contributing to this cause, our students are helping to ensure that more children and young people have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Students and staff adapted their uniform to have a pop of yellow to raise aware of this charity and their work.
What's happening in Business/Media/ICT this week? | Our Business, ICT, and Media students are now in full examination preparation mode, as the majority of national examinations are just around the corner in January. In classrooms and online, students have been revising key topics, completing practice assessments, and receiving detailed feedback from their teachers to ensure they are fully prepared.
This period of focused preparation is about more than memorising facts. Completing assessments and engaging with feedback helps students identify strengths, recognise areas for improvement, and develop effective study strategies. It also builds confidence, resilience, and time management skills, all essential qualities for success in examinations and beyond.
Our students’ commitment to this process is impressive, reflecting their dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes. By maintaining consistent revision, seeking help when needed, and acting on feedback, they are maximising their chances of success and setting themselves up for future achievements in both education and their careers.
RSHE Opt-Out | Relationships, Sex and Health Education is a vital part of our school curriculum, designed to help students develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to build healthy relationships, make safe and informed choices, and understand their physical and emotional wellbeing. RSHE is delivered through classroom lessons, enrichment activities, and assemblies, giving students meaningful opportunities to learn in a supportive and age-appropriate environment.
If families would like to request that their child is withdrawn from specific non-statutory elements of RSHE, they will need to complete the RSHE Withdrawal Form. Once received, a member of the school team will contact you to discuss your request and provide further guidance, as we believe RSHE plays a crucial role in promoting respect, resilience, and personal development for all students. Complete this form here.
Community & Family | A Christmas Wish............. | Our favourite community project is back! This half-term, our school is proud to continue our annual community project by supporting the residents of Parkview Residential Care Home in Bexley. Parkview provides care and support for older adults, offering a welcoming and safe environment where residents can enjoy companionship, activities, and attentive care.
As part of this project, we will be collecting donations from our school community to create present parcels for both the residents and staff at Parkview. These parcels will be carefully prepared by our students and delivered by a selected group to the care home on the last day of term, allowing students to experience the joy of giving and connecting with members of the local community.
Community projects like this are incredibly important. They help our students develop empathy, kindness, and a sense of social responsibility, while also giving them a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of the elderly. By taking part, students learn the value of supporting others and the impact small acts of generosity can have on people’s lives.
We are looking forward to seeing the school community come together to make this year’s project a success and to bring some joy and festive spirit to the residents and staff at Parkview.
To make sure that we get everything the residents would like, we have items that we will focus on collecting each week. We thank everyone that donates in advance. Donations should be brought to the reception team. The collection windows are below:
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
