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.
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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 questions about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org).
Inclusion Virtual Events | Term 04 | Families of SEND students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Hajarie, SENDCo, on a Monday. This is a continuation of the opportunities that were provided during Term 01 and 02. These sessions will be 15 minutes and will be virtual. 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 Academy'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@bexleyheathacademy.org).
On Tuesday, 17 March at 16:30, we will be holding an information evening about for ASD Awareness. This will be a virtual event and anyone can join. We will share a link via email to families closer to the time. This event is not just for families who have children with ASD but for anyone that would like to learn more about it.
Year 10 Priority Parents' Evening | Our Parents' Evening for this term will take place on Thursday, 26 March. Families can book appointments using our online booking system. Appointments are reserved on a first-come-first-served basis. 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).
Careers | Lovell | Year 10 | We were pleased to welcome representatives from Lovell, a multinational civil and construction engineering company, who recently visited our school to deliver an informative presentation to our Year 10 students. The session focused on the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available within the construction and engineering industries.
During the visit, the Lovell team explained how apprenticeships provide an excellent pathway into professional careers, allowing students to gain practical experience while continuing their education and earning a salary. They also highlighted the many roles available within the industry, from engineering and project management to site operations and technical support.
A key message from the presentation was the importance of being able to work effectively as part of a team. Students learned how collaboration and communication are essential skills on construction projects where many professionals work together. The speakers also emphasised the importance of a well-prepared CV when applying for apprenticeships or jobs, offering useful tips on how students can present their skills, experiences, and achievements to stand out to employers.
This Week's Assembly Focus | World Book Day | This week's assembly had a World Book Day focus, where we explored the powerful role that reading plays in shaping our lives and futures. During the assembly, students reflected on how books open doors to new ideas, cultures and perspectives. Reading is not just a school skill; it is a life skill that supports learning across every subject and helps young people develop imagination, empathy and critical thinking. Through stories, biographies and non-fiction texts, books allow children to understand the world beyond their own experiences and to build the knowledge they need to succeed.
We also discussed the global inequalities in access to books and education. Around the world, millions of children do not have regular access to books or libraries, and in some communities education is limited or interrupted. This helped students recognise the value of the opportunities available to them and the importance of making the most of the resources they have at school and at home.
The assembly also highlighted how reading is evolving in the digital age. While many of us still enjoy physical books, students increasingly access stories, articles and information through ebooks, audio books and online platforms. These formats can make reading more accessible and flexible, allowing students to read anytime and anywhere while still developing the same essential literacy skills.
One of the key messages shared with students was the long-term importance of strong reading skills. Research consistently shows that children who struggle to read are more likely to face challenges later in life, including reduced access to further education, employment opportunities and everyday tasks that require confident literacy. Being able to read well supports independence, lifelong learning and participation in society.
We encouraged all students to make time for reading regularly, whether that is a novel, a newspaper article, an online blog or an audiobook. Families play a vital role in nurturing a love of reading, and even small daily habits such as discussing books, visiting libraries or sharing recommendations can make a lasting difference.
Our World Book Day assembly was a reminder that reading has the power to transform lives, and we look forward to continuing to promote a culture of reading across our school community.
Careers | Barclays LifeSkill | Year 08 | Our Year 08 students attended the Barclays LifeSkills Day 02 workshop, which focused on building self-confidence and understanding its importance for future career success and the opportunities in the financial sector. The session encouraged students to recognise their strengths and see how confidence can positively impact communication, decision-making, and approaching challenges.
Through interactive activities and group discussions, students reflected on their abilities and explored how self-belief supports teamwork, presenting ideas, and embracing new opportunities. A key part of the workshop highlighted how confidence is essential when applying for jobs, helping individuals perform well in interviews, communicate effectively, and showcase their skills to potential employers. The session was an engaging and valuable experience, giving students practical insights and helping them begin developing important life and career skills. The work with Barclays also continued to develop student understanding of financial literacy.
For more information about the Lift Bexleyheath Barclays LifeSkills programme, please contact Dr Lucas, Assistant Principal (flucas@liftbexleyheath.org).
Musical Instrument Tuition | We no longer work with Tofts Tutition for our musical instrument tuition. Should families wish to have tuition by Tofts Tuition, this is no longer available through the school and is no longer completed on our site. We will be working with Bexley Music next term. If you would like your child to have music tuition outside of lessons, please complete this form here. A reminder that the instrumental tuition comes at a cost which differs depending on the intructment. If your child is a free school meals recipent then the costs will be subsidised. For further information, please contact Mr McGibbon, Faculty Director of Performing Arts (dmcgibbons@liftbexleyhealth.org).
Inclusion | Supporting Students with Speech, Language and Communication at School and Home | Speech and language skills are essential for learning, social interaction and emotional wellbeing, and we are committed to ensuring all pupils receive the support they need to thrive. At school, we use a range of strategies to support children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). These strategies include giving clear instructions, using visual supports, and modelling language. Lessons offer frequent opportunities for speaking and listening, with pupils given extra time to process information and express their thoughts. We also help students practise social communication skills, such as taking turns, asking questions, and engaging in conversations with peers.
Many of these strategies can be reinforced at home too. Reading together, using visual cues, playing turn-taking games and allowing extra time for responses all help children build confidence and strengthen their communication skills.
Safeguarding | Late to School| Regular lateness to school can sometimes indicate that a young person may be experiencing difficulties either at home, in school, or within their peer group. While occasional lateness is common, frequent or unexplained lateness may suggest that a child needs additional support and, in some cases, may raise safeguarding concerns.
One potential risk linked to changes in routine is county lines exploitation, where young people are groomed or pressured by criminal groups to transport or sell drugs. This exploitation can begin through friendships, community contacts, or online communication. Young people may not always recognise that they are being manipulated. Parents should be aware of possible warning signs that may accompany repeated lateness. These can include leaving home earlier than necessary but still arriving late, taking unusual routes to school, becoming secretive about where they are going, changes in friendship groups, unexplained money or gifts, or sudden changes in behaviour or mood. A decline in engagement with school or increasing absence may also be indicators that a child requires support.
If parents notice patterns of lateness or other changes, it is important to speak calmly with their child and ask open questions about their routine and wellbeing. Monitoring daily routines, staying aware of friendships and online activity, and maintaining open communication can help identify concerns early. Families should also contact the school if they have any worries. Our safeguarding team can provide advice and support. In most cases, lateness is not linked to exploitation, but early communication between parents and schools helps ensure that children remain safe and supported.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, please contact the school’s safeguarding team (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.
Bexley Schools Easter HAF Programme 2026 Evouchers | Families of FSM have received an email with a voucher directly from hello@holidayactivities.com. An email was sent from the school with the letter and brochure included. To take advantage of this, please book sessions in advance, as spaces are limited and are taken quickly.
Aspens Canteen Menu | Families have requested to see the menu for the food available in the canteen which can be found below. This does not include breakfast items. For the next week, we will have the Week 03 menu:
Religious Education | Christ Church Visit | This week, Year 12 students and some Year 07 classes visited Christ Church, our local Church of England place of worship, as part of their Personal Development learning. During the visit, students learned about the role the church plays within the local community and the different ways it supports residents beyond religious services.
The church is also part of the Inclusive Church network, which promotes welcoming and inclusive communities. Students met Reverend Trevor Wyatt, the vicar at Christ Church, who is also a member of our Academy Council and participates in the local interfaith forum, where leaders from different faith communities work together to support the wider community.
The visit provided students with an opportunity to learn about faith, community service, and the importance of mutual respect between different beliefs. The remaining Year 07 visits will take place over the next term.
Parkview Residential Care Home | Easter Egg Donations | Over the next three weeks, we will be collecting Easter Eggs and boiled sweets for the residents of Parkview Residential Care Home as part of our efforts to support members of our local community.
Residential care homes play a vital role in supporting older members of our community, but many residents do not regularly receive visitors, particularly during holiday periods. For some residents, occasions such as Easter can pass very quietly. Our students are therefore keen to make a positive difference by ensuring residents receive a small gift and know that they are being thought of.
We would be very grateful for any donations of Easter Eggs or boiled sweets that families may be able to contribute. Even a small donation can make a meaningful difference and help us create Easter gift bags for the residents.
Donations can be brought to the school reception, where our reception team will be collecting items. Students will also be visiting the care home before the Easter holidays to deliver the gifts and spend some time with residents, helping to bring some extra joy and companionship during the Easter period.
Thank you in advance for supporting this initiative and helping our students show kindness and care towards members of our wider community.
What's been happening in Science this week? | Our Year 10 students have been busy acting as chemical engineers this week, diving deep into the world of Thermodynamics. Through hands-on practicals, the class has been measuring precise temperature changes during chemical reactions to distinguish between those that release heat and those that absorb it. By using digital probes to track these thermal shifts, students are mastering the laws of energy transfer while honing their skills in data analysis and laboratory safety.
This isn't just theoretical science; it’s a concept our student-athletes use every time they reach for a first-aid kit. The class discovered that the endothermic reactions they performed in beakers are the exact same processes used to create instant sports injury ice packs. By "popping" the seal in a cold pack, a chemical reaction is triggered that instantly absorbs heat from the surrounding area, providing a real world application for the chemistry happening right here in our classrooms.
From Monday, 09 March, we will be celebrating British Science Week. Each day, we will be running Science experiment workshops and competitions during lunch-time in C211. Students who have been attending STEM Club will submit the entries that they have been working on in end of week Science Fair and we have a Chemical Engineering for our Careers Insight Talk to end the week. We look forward to sharing the photos with you next week.
What's been happening in Social Sciences this week? | Its all exam preparation in Social Sciences this week, post mock examinations. In Year 12 Sociology students complete application of knowledge questions that have been initially scaffolded to support understanding. The activity begins with 30 seconds of silent solo, allowing students time to process the question independently. Students then discuss their ideas with a partner, before sharing responses with the wider class to explore different perspectives. Finally, students work independently to construct their own individual written answers, applying their knowledge and consolidating their understanding.
In KS5 Psychology, students have been applying mathematical knowledge and research methods to interpret and analyse data. Students have also been constructing their own scatter grams to identify the direction and strength of correlations between variables.
What's been happening in English this week? | Our Key Stage 3 students recently stepped into the spotlight for a high impact oracy workshop led by the English Speaking Union (ESU). This immersive session moved beyond standard classroom talk, challenging students to master the "Four Strands" of effective communication: physical, linguistic, cognitive, and social emotional. Through a series of fast-paced, interactive challenges, students practiced the art of structured debating, learning how to construct robust arguments, pivot during rebuttals, and use rhetorical devices to influence an audience. It was a privilege to watch our pupils transform their nervous energy into articulate, reasoned discourse.
The workshop emphasised that oracy is a vital life skill, directly linked to academic success and future employability. By practicing active listening and critical thinking, students didn't just learn how to speak; they learned how to process complex ideas and respond with empathy and clarity. This collaboration with the ESU has provided our pupils with a professional toolkit for public speaking that will serve them across all subjects and beyond the school gates. We are incredibly grateful to the ESU for delivering such an inspiring session and look forward to seeing these newfound skills in action during our upcoming school debates.
In our Year 07 lessons, the Elizabethan stage arrived in our classrooms this week as four of our talented Year 07 students delivered a spellbinding performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Taking on the challenge of Shakespeare’s complex verse is no small feat, yet these students rose to the occasion with a level of fluency and passion that truly captivated their peers. By mastering difficult intonation and rhythm, they managed to bridge the gap between 16th-century language and a modern audience, making the Bard’s work feel both accessible and electric.
Ms Townsend, Faculty Director of English, would like to give a shout out to: Marley, Tina, Dara and Codey who delivered a wonderful performance.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
