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).
Another Win for Year 07 Football | Our incredible Year 7A Football Team delivered a fantastic performance this week, securing a brilliant 3–1 victory over St Columbus and booking their place in the North Kent Cup Final! This talented group has been on an outstanding run of form, consistently winning matches and showing real determination, teamwork, and skill every time they step onto the pitch. We are extremely proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see them in the final, what an exciting moment for the team and our school community! This achievement builds on an outstanding group stage performance, where they secured six wins from six matches against strong opposition including Beths, Bexley Grammar, Welling, Cleeve Park, Harris Falconwood, and Hurstmere.
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We Love Reading | The "Pause-Prompt-Praise" Strategy | As part of our weekly focus on reading strategies to support your child with reading, this week’s focus is on building reading fluency. For a child to become a fluent reader, they first need to move from effortful decoding (sounding out every letter) to automaticity (recognizing words instantly). Fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension. This is a research-backed framework that helps parents provide just enough support without taking over the cognitive "heavy lifting" for the student.
1. The 5-Second Pause: Wait for self-correction. When your child hits a hard word, wait 05 seconds. Resist the urge to jump in immediately. This gives their brain time to process the phonics rules they know.
2. The Decoding Prompt: Focus on the sounds. If they're still stuck, don't just say the word. Use a prompt: "Look at the first few letters," "Can you see a part you know?" or "Try sounding it out and sliding the sounds together."
3. The Context Check: Confirming meaning. Once they decode it, ask: "Does that word make sense in this sentence?" This ensures they aren't just making sounds, but are connecting the word to the story.
4. Reread for Flow: Build the bridge to fluency. After a difficult word is solved, have them reread the whole sentence. This allows them to experience the "flow" of the sentence now that the decoding hurdle is gone.
If you have any questions about reading, please contact Mr Choudhury, Assistant Principal (schoudhury@liftbexleyheath.org).
Inclusion | What is dyslexia? | Each week, we provide you information or strategies to support those with neurodiversity, this week we raise awareness of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning difference which primarily affects reading, spelling, and written language. However, it is important to understand that dyslexia is not only about literacy skills. It relates to the way the brain processes information. Some individuals with dyslexia may find it more difficult to process and remember information they see or hear, which can impact learning, organisation, and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also affect areas such as organisation, sequencing, and working memory.
It is important to emphasise that dyslexia does not reflect a child’s intelligence or potential. With the right support, children with dyslexia can make strong progress and develop effective strategies that enable them to become confident and successful learners.
Simple adjustments in the classroom can also make a significant difference. These may include extra time for reading and written tasks, the use of coloured overlays or reading rulers, and access to assistive technology such as text-to-speech tools. Word processors can also help reduce barriers linked to handwriting and spelling.
At home, families can support by reading regularly with their child, using audiobooks, and focusing on enjoyment and engagement rather than accuracy. Praising effort and progress helps build confidence and resilience.
With consistent support at school and at home, children with dyslexia can thrive across the curriculum.
Student Competition Success | Shout out to Xander (Year 08), who absolutely crushed the European finals of the International Pathfinder Bible Experience quiz competition over the Easter holidays in Poland!
Xander and his team, the Superstars from his church, dominated every stage of the competition from Berkshire to London in the build up to the final competition in Katowice, Poland. Facing off against over 3,000 young people from across Europe, Xander pulled off a mind-blowing 100% score after memorising a staggering six chapters of the book of Isaiah! Xander and his team said they enjoy the Pathfinder club because of the high energy outdoor adventures including the musical drum corps and curriculum camps.
Extra-Curricular Clubs | Extra-curricular activities have got off to a fantastic start this term, with a brilliant turnout across all our new sports clubs. It’s been great to see so many students getting involved and making the most of the opportunities on offer and the sunshine!
On Monday, both tennis and cricket sessions were in full swing, with students working hard to develop their serving and bowling skills. The enthusiasm and focus on display were impressive, and we’re looking forward to seeing their continued progress in the coming weeks.
Wednesday brought equally high energy, with athletics taking place on our expansive field. Students made full use of our specialist facilities, taking part in long jump, javelin, the 100-metre sprint, and run club. It was a lively and engaging session, showcasing both effort and teamwork.
To see a full list of extra-curricular clubs on offer, please click here. If you have any questions regarding our clubs offer, please contact Ms Dello-Buono, Assistant Principal (edellobuono@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).
Safeguarding | When 'free' gifts aren't really free | If your child comes home with expensive items they didn’t pay for, such as trainers, phones, vapes, cash, or online credits, it’s understandable to be curious. In many cases there may be a simple explanation, but it can also be a warning sign of something more concerning. As a parent, it’s important to stay aware of situations where young people may be given gifts as a way of gaining influence over them.
Sometimes, gifts are used by older individuals or peer groups to build trust and create a sense of obligation. This can be linked to issues such as Child exploitation, where a young person is manipulated for someone else’s benefit. In more serious cases, it may involve Child criminal exploitation, where children are drawn into activities like carrying or delivering items, or Child sexual exploitation, where gifts are used to control or silence them. A key thing to remember is that these “gifts” are rarely free, over time, a young person may be made to feel that they owe something in return.
There are some signs that may indicate a need for concern. These include your child having new or expensive possessions without a clear explanation, being secretive about where items came from, changes in their friendship groups, or increased phone use, particularly late at night. You might also notice changes in mood, behaviour, or school attendance. Any one of these signs on its own does not necessarily mean there is a problem, but a pattern of changes is worth paying attention to.
If you do notice something unusual, try to approach the situation calmly. Open, non-judgemental conversations are key. Asking simple questions such as “That’s a nice item, how did you get it?” can encourage your child to talk. It’s important that they feel able to share information without fear of getting into trouble. Talking more generally about healthy relationships can also help them understand that real friendships should not involve pressure, secrecy, or feeling like they owe someone something.
There are also practical steps you can take to support your child. Staying involved in their day-to-day life, knowing who their friends are, what they are doing online, and how they spend their time can make a big difference. Setting clear expectations about accepting gifts and encouraging them to check with you if they are unsure can help them make safer choices. Keeping in touch with school staff can also provide an extra layer of support.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust your instincts. Most young people are simply navigating friendships and growing up, but staying informed and maintaining open communication is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
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.
Safeguarding | Bring a random item to school trend | We would like to make families aware of a concerning social media trend which encourages young people to bring a “random item” into school. While this may seem harmless, it presents a significant safeguarding risk. Items brought in without thought or purpose can pose dangers to students and staff, disrupt learning, and in some cases may be unsafe or inappropriate for a school environment.
As part of our safeguarding procedures, we have clear expectations about what students are permitted to bring onto the school site. These rules are in place to ensure that our school remains a safe, calm, and focused environment for all members of the community.
If a student is found with any item that is not related to their learning or is not permitted in school, it will be removed and disposed of. In addition, appropriate sanctions will be applied in line with our behaviour policy.
We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home. Please take time to check your child’s bag and ensure that only appropriate, school-related items are brought in each day. By working together, we can help maintain a safe environment where all students can thrive.
Brilliant Club | We are thrilled to celebrate the recent achievements of our Year 12 students participating in The Brilliant Club’s Scholars Programme. This prestigious national initiative provides students with a unique opportunity to experience university style learning by working closely with a PhD tutor on an academic research project. The program is designed to challenge students to think beyond the standard curriculum, developing the critical thinking and independent research skills necessary for success at highly selective universities.
Beyond the subject knowledge, the Brilliant Club builds "university readiness." It demystifies the higher education experience, giving our students the confidence to aim high and the skills to excel once they get there. "The Scholars Programme isn't just about learning a new subject; it's about proving to yourself that you can handle the same level of work as a university student." We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our latest cohort. Please join us in congratulating them on their "Brilliant" achievements!
Year 06 Tranitions | Fantastic Food Lab | It was a pleasure to welcome back our Year 06 students for the fourth workshop in our community transition programme. This session, Fantastic Food Lab, was led by Ms Gaskin and brought together 40 students across our two fully equipped kitchens.
The workshop gave students a hands-on introduction to Food and Nutrition at Lift Bexleyheath. From the moment the session began, the kitchens were full of energy and enthusiasm. Students had the opportunity to make their own pizzas, choosing their toppings from a variety of ingredients and exploring their creativity.
Beyond the cooking itself, what stood out most was the strong sense of teamwork. Students worked together to keep their spaces organised; washing up, drying dishes, and tackling the inevitable flour-covered surfaces! It was fantastic to see such collaboration and responsibility in action. By the end of the session, the building was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked pizza, a fitting reward for all their hard work. Congratulations Archie, Ibraheem, Jay, Rosie, and Hirdey on winning their prizes for demonstrating our Community and Family maxim through excellent teamwork in the kitchen at every stage. Some students commented:
“This is the best school ever. I can’t wait to start.”
“I’m really nervous to have new teachers for every different lesson but I feel like I have met nearly all of them now because I have come to all the workshops and that doesn’t make me feel nervous anymore.”
“I love cooking and I’m so excited for Year 07. I want to be a chef and know all about different foods like Ms Gaskin.”
We can’t wait to welcome more students next Wednesday, 29 April at 3:30 for the Art Attack workshop. If you would like to sign up for this workshop, or our upcoming PE WOW, Wacky Science or Dramatic Drama and Melody Masters workshops, please complete this form.
Masterclasses | Expanding minds beyond the classroom | This week, Dr Lucas enthused students with the science of semiconductor lighting devices, technology that powers many of the lights we use every day, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
Students learnt about how these devices work, why they are so energy efficient, and how they are used in real-world applications in homes, workplaces, and other fields of human endeavour. It gave insight into how science and engineering collide to create innovative solutions that impact our daily lives.
Next Wednesday, the focus shifts to Ethics of AI. It is no longer news that Artificial Intelligence raises complex ethical questions about responsibility, fairness, and human autonomy. Systems trained on biased data can reinforce inequality, making transparency and accountability essential. Mr Read will argue that developers must ensure AI respects privacy and avoids harm, but he is equally quick to point out that rapid innovation often outpaces regulation. There is also concern about decision-making power shifting from humans to machines, especially in areas such as healthcare or criminal justice.
This session promises to be a blockbuster that will no doubt generate a vibrant career interest amongst students. We encourage early arrival at the downstairs hall at 08:00 to take part in this session.
What happened in assembly this week? | Earth Day | This week’s assemblies at Lift Bexleyheath focused on the important theme of Community and Family, helping students understand how their everyday choices can positively impact the wider world. Students explored the significance of Earth Day, celebrated annually on 22nd April, and learned why people across more than 170 countries come together each year to protect our shared planet.
Assemblies highlighted the urgent challenges facing the environment, including rising global temperatures, climate change, plastic pollution, droughts, floods, and wildfires. Students were encouraged to reflect on how these issues affect communities around the world and why sustainability matters now more than ever.
Students reflected on how their daily choices impact the world around them and introduced a powerful framework for making a difference: The 5 Rs of Sustainability. While many of us know "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," we explored two more critical steps that happen before we even reach for the bin:
The 5 Rs Framework
Alongside this important learning, assemblies also celebrated student success across the academy. Year groups were recognised for strong attendance, homework completion, and hundreds of merits awarded for positive behaviour and excellent effort. Students were reminded that being part of a strong school community means taking pride in their environment, respecting others, and striving for success every day.
This week’s assembly theme perfectly captured the values of Lift Bexleyheath: caring for one another, caring for our world, and working together to build a brighter future.
What's been happening in History this week? | History has been buzzing with energy and focus across all year groups this week! Our Year 11 students have been working incredibly hard in preparation for their Medicine Through Time exam on Friday, 15 May. In Mr Reavell’s class, students tackled a challenging 50 question multiple choice quiz before pushing themselves further with an engaging A–Z recall activity. These strategies are designed to strengthen active recall, a key skill in such a knowledge-rich subject as history. As one student shared, “The quiz really showed me what I know and what I need to go over again, it’s helping me feel more prepared.”
In addition, our Year 11 intervention sessions have begun to incorporate Cold War revision. This is a deliberate approach to help students retain knowledge over time and avoid the well-known “forgetting curve.” It has been fantastic to see such strong attendance at morning intervention, particularly in Mr Mack-Poole’s sessions, where students are showing real commitment to their success. One student commented, “Coming in the morning is tough, but it’s worth it, I feel much more confident about the Cold War now.”
Meanwhile, in Year 07, students have been exploring one of the most fascinating periods in British history: the reign of Henry VIII and the English Reformation. To deepen their understanding, lessons have also revisited Henry VII’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field, using dual coding strategies to help embed knowledge and connect ideas over time. Ms Johnson’s class, in particular, were fully engaged and curious throughout the lesson. A Year 07 student said, “I liked how we connected the two kings, it helped me understand why Henry VIII made the changes he did.”
Finally, a huge well done to our Year 13 historians, who have been submitting their NEA coursework, a substantial 4,500 word investigation on the French Revolution. This is a significant milestone in their studies and reflects months of dedication and academic effort. As one student proudly shared, “It was challenging, but I’m really proud of what I’ve produced, it feels like proper university level work!”
An excellent week for History, well done to all our students!
What's been happening in Spanish this week? | Last week, our school achieved something truly outstanding: we ranked 9th in the world for the number of points scored on Languagenut!
This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of our students when it comes to learning languages. We are extremely proud of this success. Being among the top schools in the world is no small achievement and reflects the commitment of our entire school community.
However, this is just the beginning. Our next goal is clear: we are determined to reach number one in the world in the coming weeks. With continued effort and focus, this is absolutely within our reach.
A key factor behind this success has been the importance of homework in MFL. All homework tasks are carefully designed and are directly linked to the GCSE specification vocabulary list. This means that every activity students complete is not only helping them gain points, but also supporting their long-term academic progress.
Regular completion of homework:
We would also like to give special recognition to our top three students for their exceptional contribution to this achievement. Beatriz (Year 9) secured first place, followed by Ella (Year 9) in second place, and Kayleigh (Year 11) in third place. Their dedication, consistency and commitment to completing homework and practising regularly have been outstanding, and they have truly set the standard for others to follow.
This achievement proves that consistent effort leads to success. If we continue working with the same determination, there is no doubt that we will soon be celebrating becoming number one in the world!
What's been happening in Design & Technology this week? | Our Year 11 Food Preparation and Nutrition students recently completed their practical examinations, marking an important milestone in their studies. This week, they have been working hard to finalise their NEAs.
On the day of the exam, students were tasked with preparing, cooking, and presenting three dishes within a set time frame. These dishes had been carefully planned in advance to showcase a range of technical skills, from knife techniques and sauce making to baking and temperature control. It was fantastic to see students working with focus and independence, demonstrating the confidence they have developed over the course.
Presentation played a key role in the assessment, and students rose to the challenge by thoughtfully plating their dishes. Many incorporated creative garnishes and paid close attention to colour, texture, and overall visual appeal, producing dishes that looked as impressive as they tasted.
Following the practical element, students evaluated their work and took part in sensory analysis activities. They sampled each other’s dishes, providing constructive feedback on taste, texture, aroma, and appearance. This reflective process allowed them to identify strengths and areas for improvement, further developing their understanding of food quality.
Overall, the standard of work was extremely high, and students should be very proud of their efforts. Their organisation, creativity, and technical ability were evident throughout the exam, and it was a pleasure to see them apply their skills so successfully.
KS3 STEM Workshop | Making Rockets | Students and staff took part in an engaging practical STEM Workshop this week, featuring a live demonstration of our rocket-building approach as part of the launch of our STEM Pathways and Enrichment initiative.
The workshop was expertly delivered by scientists from LIFT Tendring, who guided participants through a clear and structured method of building and testing rockets. Their hands-on approach demonstrated how engaging STEM activities can be implemented effectively in the classroom and adapted for larger groups. A total of 45 students took part in the session, with learners from Year 07, Year 08, and Year 09 working collaborativelythroughout.
This cross year approach fostered strong peer learning, teamwork, and communication, as students shared ideas and supported one another in building and refining their designs. During the session, students successfully designed and built their own mini rockets, applying key scientific concepts such as forces, air pressure, and motion in a practical and memorable way. The activity promoted problem solving and creativity, with students testing and improving their rockets to enhance performance.This practical approach reflects the wider vision of the STEM Pathways and Enrichment programme: to embed engaging, hands-on learning experiences into everyday teaching while ensuring they remain sustainable and inclusive for all students. This week's workshop highlighted how innovative yet accessible activities like rocket building can inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and bring science to life for learners across the school.
We look forward to more STEM workshops through the term!
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
