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 questions about the fixtures, please contact Mr Sheehan, Faculty Director for Sports (tsheehan@liftbexleyheath.org).
DPR Support 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 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@liftbexleyheath.org).
Inclusion Virtual Events | Term 05 | Families of SEND students will be provided with the opportunity to meet with Ms Hajarie, SENDCo, on a Tuesday. This is a continuation of the opportunities that were provided during previous terms. 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 ten 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).
Marker Pens and Whiteboard Pens | Permanent markers, felt tip pens, and similar marker pens are no longer permitted in school. This decision has been made following a number of incidents where these items have been used inappropriately, including graffiti on school property and defacing equipment. Such behaviour not only damages the environment that all students share, but also takes time and resources away from teaching and learning.
In addition to this, marker pens can sometimes be used in ways that are not safe or appropriate, including being brought into situations where they may contribute to unkind or harmful behaviour between students. By removing these items from school, we are taking a proactive step to reduce these risks and maintain a respectful, well-kept environment.
Students are only required to bring basic writing equipment, such as blue or black pens, red pens, pencils, rubbers and highlighters. There is no need for permanent markers or felt tip pens during the school day.
Please note that if any of these items are brought into school and found, they will be removed and disposed of. This is not a sanction, but a consistent approach to ensuring that expectations are clear and upheld for all students.
We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing this message and helping us maintain a safe, positive, and purposeful learning environment.
Smart Watches | We reminded students in our Welcome Back Assembly this week that smart watches are not permitted in school. They can create a number of challenges that impact learning, safeguarding, and fairness for all students.
Firstly, smart watches can be a distraction in lessons. Even when used discreetly, notifications, messages, and apps can interrupt focus and reduce students’ ability to fully engage with their learning. Our priority is to create a calm, focused environment where all students can succeed without unnecessary interruptions.
There are also important safeguarding considerations. Many smart watches have the ability to send and receive messages, take photos, record audio, or access the internet. This can make it difficult for staff to monitor appropriate use and increases the risk of misuse, including recording without consent or engaging in inappropriate communication during the school day.
In addition, smart watches present challenges around assessments and academic integrity. Devices with internet access or messaging capabilities can be used to gain an unfair advantage during tests or exams, which undermines the fairness of assessments for all students. It is important to note that if smart watches are found in a national examination, the exam board must be notified immediately and students are often disqualified from the qualification.
We also consider the social impact. High value items such as smart watches can lead to issues around loss, theft, or peer pressure. By removing these items from the school day, we help reduce these risks and support a more inclusive environment.
For these reasons, we ask that students do not bring or wear smart watches in school. If a student needs to contact home, or if a parent needs to contact their child, this can always be done safely through the school office. If students would like to tell the time, they can bring an analogue watch.
We appreciate the support of families in helping us maintain a safe, focused, and equitable learning environment for all students.
What's been happening in Art this week? | To celebrate Autism Awareness Month, students have been taking part in an inspiring borough-wide art competition hosted by Bexley Civic Offices, centred on the theme “What does Autism mean to us?”
Our Art Department has proudly supported this initiative, providing students with the opportunity to explore their understanding, perspectives and personal connections to autism through creative expression. On Wednesday, a group of students came together for a dedicated printing workshop, where they collaborated to produce a striking collective artwork. This final piece beautifully weaves together their individual ideas, experiences and reflections, resulting in a powerful and meaningful representation of inclusion, identity and awareness.
The artworks showcased here have been submitted as our official entries into the competition. Winning pieces will be exhibited in the Civic Services Art Gallery, offering a fantastic platform for our students’ voices and creativity to be recognised across the community. We are incredibly proud of their thoughtful work and are excitedly awaiting the results!
Safeguarding | What is misogyny and misandry and the impacts of this? | We are increasingly aware of conversations among young people about gender, identity, and online influences, including terms such as misogyny and misandry. Misogyny refers to prejudice, dislike, or hostility towards women and girls, while misandry refers to prejudice, dislike, or hostility towards men and boys. These attitudes do not always appear in obvious ways; they can surface through stereotypes, jokes, social media content, or peer dynamics, and can quietly shape how young people understand themselves and others.
This matters because exposure to these ideas can affect a young person’s self-esteem and identity, influence their expectations of friendships and relationships, and limit their confidence to explore interests freely if they feel something is “not for them.” It can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or isolation if they feel pressured to conform to rigid ideas about gender.
Whilst we educate and raise awareness of misogyny and misandry through lessons and assembly, families play an important role in helping young people navigate these influences. Keeping communication open is key, regularly asking what your child is seeing online or hearing among peers, and listening without judgment, can make a significant difference. Encouraging critical thinking can also help, by supporting your child to question stereotypes and recognise when generalisations are unfair or inaccurate. The way adults model respect at home is equally important, as everyday language and behaviour shape how young people form their own attitudes.
It is also helpful to support children in expressing a full range of emotions, reinforcing that feelings such as sadness, vulnerability, confidence, and assertiveness are valid for everyone, regardless of gender. In addition, guiding their engagement with online content, by discussing how social media can sometimes amplify extreme or one-sided views can help them develop a more balanced perspective. Equipping them with simple, respectful ways to respond when they encounter unfair or harmful comments can also build confidence and resilience.
Our shared aim is to support young people in becoming thoughtful, respectful individuals who value others for who they are, rather than relying on stereotypes or assumptions.
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.
Masterclasses | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | Masterclass is back this week and we’re kicking things off with something truly exciting! Join us for an inspiring session with Dr Lucas, who will be bringing the wonders of physics to life. From mind-bending concepts to real-world phenomena, this is a fantastic opportunity for students to see science in action and spark their curiosity. Our Masterclasses take place every Wednesday at 08:00 in the Main Hall, and we strongly encourage all families to support their children in attending. Starting the day with something enriching, thought-provoking, and engaging can make a real difference to students’ confidence, enthusiasm, and love of learning. Let’s make Wednesday mornings something to look forward to, see you there!
Trips for Term 05 and 06 | We are delighted to share an exciting programme of provisional trips taking over this summer term. These trips are designed to enrich students’ learning, broaden their cultural capital, and support their personal development beyond the classroom.
Some of the trips are as follows:
In addition, students will engage in key whole-school experiences, including Culture Day, which celebrates diversity through workshops such as music, dance, and food from around the world, and a range of reward trips and enrichment activities.
All trips are carefully planned to support both academic progress and personal development, ensuring students gain meaningful experiences that prepare them for life beyond school.
Further details, including consent and timings, will be shared directly with parents and carers ahead of each trip.
What's been happening in Performing Arts this week? | Students recently took part in their Component 3 exam, where they were challenged to create an original piece of theatre in response to the theme “Common Ground.”
This powerful brief inspired students to explore how we find unity through our cultures, our differences, and the shared experiences of everyday life. The result was a series of thoughtful, creative, and deeply personal performances that celebrated connection, identity, and community.
Students embraced the opportunity to tell stories that mattered to them. One student shared, “It made me realise how much we all have in common, even when our backgrounds are really different.” Another reflected, “I loved being able to express my own experiences on stage, it felt real and important.”
For many, the process was just as meaningful as the final performance. “Working together helped us understand each other better,” said one student, while another added, “It was challenging, but seeing it all come together was the best feeling.”
This exam was not only a showcase of students’ theatrical skills, but also a celebration of empathy, collaboration, and the power of storytelling.
Celebrating 100% attendance for the year so far! | We are incredibly proud to celebrate a group of outstanding students who have achieved 100% attendance so far this academic year, a fantastic accomplishment that reflects dedication, resilience, and a real commitment to learning.
To recognise this achievement, students were invited to a well-deserved Pizza Party celebration, where they had the chance to relax, socialise, and enjoy their success together. It was a brilliant atmosphere, filled with laughter, pride, and a strong sense of achievement.
Excellent attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success at school. Being present every day means students don’t miss out on vital learning, build stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, and develop positive habits that will benefit them throughout life.
We also want to take a moment to recognise the vital role families play in making this happen. Ensuring a child attends school every day takes organisation, encouragement, and consistency and we know this is no small effort. Your commitment behind the scenes makes a real difference, and this achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all families for your continued support in prioritising attendance. Together, we are helping students to build strong foundations for their future.
Congratulations once again to our 100% attendance champions, keep up the fantastic work!
100% Homework Completion | We are incredibly proud to share some fantastic news with our community: our students have achieved the highest homework completion rates across our London schools and, from what we understand, across the borough as well. This is a remarkable accomplishment and one that reflects the collective effort of our students, staff, and, importantly, our families.
We want to take a moment to sincerely thank you, our families, for the vital role you play in this success. The values you instil at home: commitment, organisation, and the importance of education are clearly evident in the consistency and dedication our students demonstrate every day. Homework completion is not just about finishing tasks; it is about building habits that underpin long-term success.
Homework plays a crucial role in reinforcing learning, deepening understanding, and preparing students for assessments. Beyond academic progress, it also develops essential life skills such as time management, independence, resilience, and responsibility. These are qualities that will benefit our young people far beyond the classroom.
To celebrate this outstanding achievement, we launched our 100% Homework Completion Raffle this week. Ten students from each year group were selected and awarded canteen vouchers as a token of recognition for their commitment. It was fantastic to see so many students included and celebrated for their efforts.
The celebrations don’t stop there, we will be continuing the raffle over the next two weeks, giving even more students the opportunity to be recognised and rewarded. There is still everything to play for, and we encourage all students to keep up their excellent efforts. Please be reminded that we have homework clubs running in The Hub daily after school should students need help or support.
Once again, thank you for your continued support. This achievement belongs to our entire community, and we are excited to see this momentum continue.
Examination Information Evening | We would like to invite all families of students in Years 11, 12 and 13 to attend our upcoming Examination Information Evening, which will take place on Wednesday 29 April at 18:00. This will be a virtual event, allowing you to join us from home. A link to the event will be sent closer to the time.
As we approach the examination period, we recognise how important it is for both students and families to feel fully informed, prepared and confident. This session has been designed to provide clear guidance and answer any questions you may have about the upcoming exams.
During the evening, we will:
This is a valuable opportunity to ensure everyone is aligned and understands how best to support students during this important time. Further details on how to join the virtual session will be shared shortly. We strongly encourage all families of Year 11, 12 and 13 students to attend. We look forward to welcoming you online and working together to support our students in achieving their very best.
Safeguarding | Tik Tok Shop Warning | We would like to bring to families’ attention a growing concern regarding students purchasing items through TikTok, specifically via its in-app marketplace, TikTok Shop. While this platform can appear appealing, often promoting products through influencers, trends and limited-time offers, it is important to be aware that not all items sold are subject to the same safety checks and quality standards expected from more established retailers.
We have become increasingly aware of young people being drawn to these products due to persuasive advertising and peer influence. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to purchases that are unsafe, inappropriate, or not as described. In some cases, items may:
Of particular concern is the increasing availability of vapes being advertised and sold through TikTok Shop. Despite strict UK laws prohibiting the sale of vaping products to under 18s, some sellers may not have robust age verification processes in place. This creates a risk that young people can access these products more easily than they should.
Vaping carries significant health risks for children and young people. Many vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can impact brain development, concentration and mental wellbeing. There are also concerns about unknown or unregulated ingredients in some products sold online, which may pose further health risks.
In addition to the health implications, vapes and related items are strictly prohibited in school. Any such items found on students will be confiscated and further action may be taken in line with our behaviour policy.
We ask families to support us by:
This is not about discouraging all online shopping, but about ensuring that young people are making safe, informed decisions. Developing these habits now is an important part of preparing them for independence in the future. Thank you, as always, for your continued support in helping us keep our students safe, healthy and informed.
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.
Inclusion | Using Assistive Technology to Support Progress | Assistive technology includes tools and resources that help children overcome barriers to learning and become more independent. These can range from simple everyday supports to more specialised digital tools.
In school, assistive technology is often used to help with reading, writing and organisation. The goal is not to replace learning, but to give children the support they need to access it in a way that works for them. Examples of assistive technology include:
Many of these tools are already available on everyday devices such as tablets, laptops, and smartphones. For example, built-in accessibility features can change text size, read text aloud, or support voice typing.
How can families support at home?
Assistive technology works best when it is matched to a child’s individual needs and used consistently across school and home. If you would like to learn more about what might help your child, please contact us via email: send@liftbexleyheath.org.
Year 10 & Year 12 Work Experience | We would like to remind families of our Year 10 and Year 12 students about the 2026 Work Experience programme, an important opportunity that supports students’ personal development, confidence and future career aspirations. Work experience enables students to gain first-hand insight into the world of work, develop key employability skills and make informed decisions about their next steps. To ensure students are able to take part, it is essential that all key deadlines are met. Please note that without completed consent forms and confirmed placement details, students will not be able to participate.
Key Dates
Students who have already completed work experience have spoken very positively about the impact it had on them. See some of the comments shared:
We strongly encourage families to support students in securing a suitable placement early and in meeting the deadlines above so they can make the most of this valuable opportunity. If you have any questions about Work Experience, please contact Dr Lucas, Assistant Principal (flucas@liftbexleyheath.org).
Extra-Curricular Activities | We’re really pleased to share some exciting updates to our extra-curricular offer for the summer term. All of our sports clubs have been refreshed, with a new range of activities for pupils to get involved in and offering new opportunities to stay active and have fun.
We’re also introducing new science clubs this term. Our Astronomy Club will give students the chance to learn more about space, from planets and stars to the wider universe. Alongside this, our Practical Science Experiments Clubs are ideal for those interested in biology or chemistry, offering hands-on activities and experiments to bring science to life. We’re looking forward to seeing lots of pupils taking part and making the most of these opportunities over the summer term. Attend next week to sign-up without delay!
Year 06 Workshop | We were delighted to welcome Year 6 students to our Curious coding workshop on Friday, 17 April. Students were introduced to Computer Science through the theme of computer game design. During the session, students explored the question ‘Why do we play computer games?’ and demonstrated thoughtful discussion around both the benefits and concerns of gaming, including problem-solving, creativity, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.
Building on this, students were introduced to the fundamentals of game design, using a creative scenario involving ‘Carl the Cat and Max the Dog’. They learned how professional game developers plan their ideas by exploring key elements such as platform, genre, graphics, story, and control methods, gaining an insight into how real-world games are developed.
A highlight of the session was the opportunity for students to design their own concept art, where they created imaginative characters and environments. Students showed excellent creativity, carefully considering features such as personality, setting, and visual style, just like industry designers.
The big end of year rewards trip | We are delighted to inform you that our wonderful trip to Thorpe Park will be taking place again this year. Which will celebrate those students who have consistently demonstrated our school values and made the most of every opportunity available to them.
This trip is designed to reward students who have shown excellence in both their academic and personal conduct, and we know it will be a memorable way to mark the end of another successful school year.
Places on the reward trip will be awarded to students who achieve the highest overall scores based on the following criteria:
Extra points will also be awarded to students who have gone above and beyond. Below are a few examples of what they could have done to evidence this and can still do:
We hope this reward trip motivates all students to continue striving for excellence in every aspect of school life. There is still plenty of time for students to improve their attendance, punctuality, effort, and involvement in the wider life of the school.
Decisions about who will be attending the trip will be made at the end of Term 06 to give students as much time as possible to be selected for this trip through their excellence.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
