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.
.webp)
Year 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Weekly Newsletter from the Year 11 Team here.
Sixth Form Weekly 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).
Term Dates | 2026/2027 | The term dates for 2026/2027 can be found here. Please note that the term dates listed are provisional and may be subject to change. Confirmed term dates, including the INSET days for 2026–2027, will be finalised and published by the end of the current academic year.
Masterclass | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | Masterclasses are back! Thank you for the positive feedback we have received so far. These sessions provide our High Prior Attainers with essential intellectual stimulation that standard curricula may not offer. However, anyone is welcome to attend. By delving into complex, academic-level concepts, these sessions ignite curiosity and foster a genuine passion for lifelong learning.
At Lift Bexleyheath, students are exposed to various career-defining fields that could develop their interests after they leave school. It is a rare opportunity for them to collaborate with like-minded peers, building a supportive school community where ambition is nurtured and celebrated. Lecture themes cover from artificial intelligence (AI) to food, sports, and world peace. Next week, we featurYear 11 Weekly Newsletter | Please find the Year 11 Weekly Newsletter from the Year 11 Team here. and following on from that, The Cold War.
Beyond subject knowledge, masterclasses sharpen critical thinking and advanced problem-solving skills. They bridge the gap between school and higher education, boosting self-belief for future challenges. Some of our attendees have gained the confidence that propelled them to successfully represent our school in a recent Spelling Bee competition. These environments empower high achievers to realize their full potential, transforming academic talent into a rewarding job later in life.
The Masterclass will be taking place on Wednesday at 08:00 in the main hall.
Inclusion Team Update | We are pleased to announce some important changes to our Inclusion Team to strengthen support for all students. Ms Hajarie has joined us as our new SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator), bringing extensive experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Ms Hajarie said, “I am excited to continue to work closely with students, families, and staff to ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive academically and socially.” Ms Hajarie was previously our Deputy SENDCo so knows our students, families and school.
In addition, Mr Goode has taken on the role of Assistant Principal responsible for Inclusion and Safeguarding. He will oversee the wider pastoral provision and ensure that safeguarding remains a top priority across the school. Mr Goode commented, “Our focus is on creating an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and valued, and where staff have the guidance and resources to meet individual needs effectively.”
These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and safeguarding, ensuring that all students can achieve their potential in a supportive and safe environment.
What's been happening in Social Sciences this week? | Social Sciences is a broad and enriching subject area that includes Personal Development, Health & Social Care, Psychology, and Sociology, aiming to help students understand themselves, others, and the society in which they live. Personal Development builds essential life skills, resilience, and self-awareness, preparing students for future education, employment, and adulthood. Health & Social Care explores how individuals are supported through different stages of life, focusing on well-being, care provision, and the roles of professionals in meeting diverse needs. Psychology examines human behaviour and mental processes, including development, relationships, memory, and mental health, while developing research and evaluation skills. Sociology investigates society and social relationships, exploring social structures, culture, inequality, and social change to understand how society influences identity, behaviour, and life chances.
Together, these subjects aim to develop knowledgeable, reflective, and empathetic learners who can think critically, apply theory to real-life contexts, and acquire transferable skills such as analysis, evaluation, communication, and independent learning, preparing them for further study and future careers.
In lessons this week, students have been developing key examination skills across a range of assessment objectives. They have been practising exam-style application questions by carefully annotating tasks to identify command words and relevant context, supporting effective planning and accurate responses. Students have also been strengthening their evaluation skills by extending arguments and generating counter-arguments, encouraging deeper critical thinking and more balanced, higher-level answers. Alongside this, students have organised core knowledge using clear subheadings to support accurate recall, logical sequencing and effective independent revision. Finally, students have completed extended written responses and engaged meaningfully with feedback, using red pen to identify improvements and refine their use of key terminology, studies and evaluation.
What's been happening in Science this week? | In Year 9, students carried out quadrat sampling using paper-based daisy samples, an adaptation for the classroom due to poor weather. Quadrat sampling is a key ecological technique used to estimate population sizes and monitor biodiversity, playing a vital role in environmental conservation and impact assessments.
In Year 10, students focused on mole calculations, a fundamental concept in chemistry. Understanding moles is essential in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and manufacturing, where precise measurements are crucial for safety, effectiveness, and reducing waste.
In Year 11, students completed the required practical on rates of reaction, investigating how different factors affect how quickly reactions occur. Knowledge of reaction rates underpins everyday processes such as cooking and rusting, as well as industrial chemical production, where controlling conditions improves efficiency and safety.
In Year 13, students carried out a titration using iron tablets to calculate the mass of iron present. This practical demonstrates real-world applications in pharmaceutical quality control, showing how chemists ensure medicines contain the correct dosage to guarantee patient safety.
Assembly This Week | Anti-Bullying | During this week's assembly, students explored the importance of positive relationships and how to manage disagreements in a respectful and constructive way. A key focus was raising awareness of bullying, helping students recognise what it is and reminding them of the importance of seeking support from trusted adults whenever they need it. Students discussed the qualities that underpin healthy relationships, including honesty, trust, and respect, and how these values support a positive school community.
The assembly also introduced the principles of restorative justice, supporting students to understand how conflicts and disagreements can be resolved calmly, fairly, and through open dialogue. By focusing on repairing relationships rather than assigning blame, restorative approaches help students take responsibility for their actions, understand the impact on others, and move forward positively. The assembly concluded with a reminder about safeguarding, reinforcing that keeping ourselves, each other, and our wider community safe is a shared responsibility.
Safeguarding | Online Safety | Online spaces play an important role in young people’s lives, offering opportunities for learning, creativity and connection. However, they can also present risks if not used safely. Online safety remains a key priority, as students may encounter issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, scams or unsafe online contact.
Students are reminded of the importance of protecting their personal information online, including addresses, school details, passwords and images. This applies even when communicating with people they know, as information can be shared onwards or misused. Once content is posted or sent, it can be difficult to remove and may have lasting effects on wellbeing, relationships and future opportunities.
Families can support online safety by maintaining open, non-judgemental conversations about online experiences and encouraging responsible use of social media, messaging and gaming platforms. Practical steps include setting accounts to private, only accepting connections from people known offline, and reviewing online contacts regularly. Students should also be encouraged to treat others with kindness and respect online, just as they would face-to-face.
If a young person experiences online bullying, threats or inappropriate contact, they should avoid responding, save evidence, report concerns using platform tools and speak to a trusted adult or school staff member. By working together, schools and families can help students develop safe, responsible online behaviours and feel confident and supported in the digital world. If you need further support and guidance with any concerns you have about your child’s digital behaviour, please contact the safeguarding team, safeguarding@liftbexleyheath.org.
Champions Clap | At Lift Bexleyheath, we are committed to recognising and celebrating the success of our students, and this term we are increasing the opportunities to do just that. Students will now be celebrated twice every day during line-up, ensuring that positive behaviour, strong effort, and personal improvement are acknowledged regularly and consistently across the school. We will be recognising a wide range of achievements, including improved attendance, punctuality and readiness to learn, outstanding effort and progress, excellent uniform and conduct, and commitment to homework and effective learning habits.
We know that regular recognition plays a powerful role in building confidence, motivation, and a strong sense of belonging. By celebrating success daily, we are reinforcing the message that positive choices and hard work matter. This approach reflects our wider commitment to high expectations for all students, fostering a strong school culture and routines, and developing responsible, resilient young people. We look forward to sharing and celebrating many more successes with our students and families throughout the term.
Personal Development | This week in Personal Development, students continued to strengthen their wellbeing, character, and aspirations through a coherent programme of PD lessons, assemblies, and daily leadership messages. In Personal Development lessons, the focus across all year groups was on careers education, supporting students to explore pathways and make informed choices about their futures. Younger students began by considering aspirations and dream jobs, encouraging them to think broadly about possibilities and challenge stereotypes. As students progressed through the year groups, learning became increasingly practical, including understanding post-school options, exploring employer profiles, post-16 and post-18 pathways, and preparing for interviews.
Older students also developed their personal branding, including CVs, online profiles and preparation for one-to-one careers guidance. For students in years 7-10, learning was consolidated through a short extended writing assessment, allowing students to reflect on their ambitions and articulate next steps clearly. In assemblies, the focus was on Community and Family, one of our six Maxims, highlighting positive relationships, empathy, and kindness as a continuation of Anti-Bullying Week themes. Assemblies also included a clear recap of Prevent themes, covering radicalisation and extremism, helping students recognise risks, think critically, and understand where to seek support. Attendance, effort, and positive behaviour were celebrated, reinforcing high expectations and shared school values.
There were additional safeguarding assemblies, led by our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Ms Upton, with each year group, to address key community concerns, including county lines, online risks, and social media groups. This term, we introduced leadership line-up speeches to further inspire aspiration and motivation. In Year 07, students practised breaking challenges into small, achievable steps and used private confidence-building techniques, including posture and controlled breathing, which they found enjoyable and empowering. In Year 10, messages reinforced that small, consistent steps lead to big outcomes, helping students stay resilient, focused, and goal-oriented as they progress towards key qualifications.
Free Breakfast Bagels | The school is offering students free breakfast bagels which are served in the small canteen each morning from 07:50 until 08:25. Should students want to buy other breakfast items, these will also be available. Students have requested to be able to buy sandwiches and baguettes for later on in the day which will also be available soon.
Year 09 Options Update | We are delighted to launch the Year 09 Options process, helping students make informed choices about the subjects they will study in Key Stage 4. Families will soon receive a detailed letter outlining the full process, including guidance on how to explore options, make decisions, and meet key deadlines. In the meantime, please save the following important dates:
We encourage all families to attend both events to fully support students as they make these important decisions for their future. If you have
Dynamic Progress Reporting | DPR is our online platform for keeping families informed about their child’s progress across Years 07 to 10 in every subject. Unlike the formal reports we release, DPR provides detailed insights into what your child is doing well and the areas where they could improve. By checking DPR regularly, families can actively support learning at home, celebrate achievements, and discuss strategies to help their child reach their full potential.
The login codes and guidance for using DPR were sent to families in October 2025. If you need these details again, please contact Ms Kobewka, Vice Principal, (skobewka@liftbexleyheath.org). We encourage all families to use DPR throughout the term to stay fully informed and involved in their child’s learning journey.
Careers Insight Talks | London Fire Brigade | We were delighted to welcome Mr Petty, a leading firefighter with over 25 years of experience at the London Fire Brigade, to speak with our students about his journey into the field of firefighting.
During his presentation, Mr Petty shared a wealth of insights from his career. He spoke about the importance of the role in keeping communities safe, the day-to-day challenges and risks firefighters face, and the skills and qualifications required to succeed in this demanding profession. Students also learned about the typical salary ranges and the personal qualities needed to pursue a career in the fire service, such as teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and strong communication skills.
This session offered students a real-world view of a career that combines service, courage, and technical expertise. We encourage you to continue this discussion at home with your child, exploring career pathways, training requirements, and personal interests. We also encourage parents to use Labour Market Information (LMI) alongside these conversations, helping students understand current employment trends, opportunities, and requirements in different sectors.
If you would like to share information about your career with out students, please contact Dr Lucas, Assistant Principal (flucas@liftbexleyheath.org).
What's been happening in English this week? | Our Year 10 students have been taking part in the ‘Speak Out Challenge’ workshops, expertly led by our oracy lead, Ms Mack-Poole. These sessions help students develop confidence in public speaking while learning how to communicate with clarity, intonation, and impact. Through guided practice and constructive feedback, students are enhancing their presentation skills, building self-assurance, and learning techniques that will support them across all areas of their learning and future careers.
We are thrilled to announce that Team English has also won a ‘Discover Your Voice’ workshop! This exciting opportunity will help our students develop essential communication skills across four key areas: Expression & Delivery, Reasoning & Evidence, Organisation & Prioritisation, and Listening & Response.
During the workshop, students will learn important oracy terminology and work in collaborative groups to complete a range of debating and public speaking activities, all guided by one of our expert oracy leaders. These sessions are designed to build confidence, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills, preparing students to become the inspirational voices and leaders of the next generation.
Student Support Everyday | We are pleased to share that our School Counsellor, Ms Ayling, is on the playgrounds each morning from 08:00, providing a calm and supportive presence as students arrive at school. This daily check-in allows Ms Ayling to speak with students informally, offer reassurance, and provide an opportunity for anyone who may need a quiet conversation to be heard.
As part of her role, Ms Ayling also keeps a careful eye on the playgrounds, noticing students who may be on their own and checking in to ensure they are feeling safe and settled. Where needed, she can assess whether any further support, guidance, or follow-up is required. This proactive approach helps us identify concerns early and ensures students start the school day feeling supported.
Ms Ayling is one member of our wider pastoral support team, which is central to our commitment to student wellbeing. Each year group benefits from a dedicated team consisting of a Pastoral Manager, Student Success Leader, Year Group Lead, and a designated Assistant Principal. We operate a small school model, ensuring that every student is known as an individual and has trusted adults who understand their needs and can offer timely support.
In addition to our internal provision, we work closely with a range of external agencies to strengthen the support available to students. This includes mentoring through CRiBS, SEMH support with Sean Mayes, academic mentoring via Innerscope, ASD advisory support through Bexley Borough, and mental health support from the NHS Mental Health Support Team (MHST), alongside other specialist services.
Strong pastoral support is essential because students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood. By prioritising wellbeing alongside academic progress, we help students build resilience, confidence, and positive relationships, enabling them to thrive both in school and beyond.
Basic Life Support Training | This week, our Year 07 and Year 12 students successfully completed their Basic Life Support (BLS) training, gaining essential life-saving skills that could make a real difference in an emergency. The training covers crucial techniques such as CPR, recovery positions, and how to respond safely in situations where someone may be unwell or in danger. By learning these skills, students not only build confidence and resilience but also develop a sense of responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of those around them.
Students reflected positively on the experience. One Year 7 student commented, “I feel much more confident now. I know what to do if someone needs help, and it makes me feel prepared.” A Year 12 student added, “It was really useful to practice real-life scenarios. I’ve learned how important it is to stay calm and act quickly in an emergency.”
This training is an important part of our commitment to equipping students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom, promoting safety, awareness, and confidence in real-world situations.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
