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.
Bank Holiday Monday | A reminder that Monday, 04 May is a Bank Holiday and the school will be closed to students.
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 | There are no fixtures next week.
His Majesty's Inspectors | This week, we welcomed inspectors from Ofsted to our school. We are pleased to share that the visit ran smoothly, with the school continuing to operate as normal throughout.
We were incredibly proud of how our staff and students represented the school. Lessons, routines and daily activities carried on as usual, providing inspectors with an authentic view of school life. Our students were a real credit to our community, demonstrating kindness, respect and thoughtfulness in their interactions, and showing the positive culture we continue to build together.
We would also like to thank our families for their ongoing support, and for the many kind words shared during the visit. Your encouragement and partnership play a vital role in shaping the experience we provide for our young people.
We look forward to sharing the final report with you once it is published.
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).
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).
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Careers Insight Talk | Dr Lucas, PhD, MEng, BEng, FIET, FInstPhy, C.Phy presented to students about his career journey as a Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering, offering valuable insight into the educational routes, skills, and opportunities within the field.
He explained the importance of strong GCSE outcomes, particularly in Mathematics, Physics, and English Language, as these subjects provide a solid foundation for progression. At A Level, he highlighted Mathematics and Physics as essential subjects, with Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Further Mathematics and Computer Science being highly advantageous for entry into electronic engineering degree programmes.
Dr Lucas discussed the key skills required to succeed in the sector, including problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, teamwork, resilience, and attention to detail. He also emphasised communication and research skills, particularly for those interested in academic careers.
Students were introduced to different pathways into electronic engineering, including university degrees, higher apprenticeships, and industry-based training. He also outlined the route to becoming a lecturer in electronics, which typically involves completing a degree, followed by postgraduate study such as a Master’s and PhD or EngD, alongside teaching and research experience.
The presentation also explored the significant impact electronic engineers have on society, including developments in healthcare technology, transport systems, renewable energy, telecommunications, robotics, and consumer electronics. Various sectors such as aerospace, automation, and embedded systems were also discussed.
Dr Lucas provided an overview of salary expectations and the strong labour market demand (LMI) for both electronic engineers and lecturers, highlighting excellent career stability and progression opportunities. He also described day-to-day activities, including designing systems, teaching, supervising projects, conducting research, and collaborating with industry.
He also discussed key challenges in the sector, such as rapid technological change, complex problem-solving, and balancing teaching, research, and industry demands.
Parents and carers are encouraged to continue this discussion at home by exploring Labour Market Information (LMI), not only for electronic engineering roles locally in Bexleyheath but also across the wider UK, using the LMI widget attached.
Year 06 Transitions | Art Attack | This week, our Year 06 students took part in a brilliant community event, our very own Art Attack Workshop. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to get creative while learning about the formal elements of art, all inspired by the bold and colourful work of Andy Warhol.
The students really embraced the challenge, experimenting with colour, pattern and repetition to produce their own wax resist paintings of canned soup. The results were amazing, each large-scale piece was full of character and showed just how imaginative our students can be.
It was a fun, hands-on workshop that not only developed their artistic skills but also built confidence and encouraged creativity. We’re incredibly proud of all our Year 06 students, they did a wonderful job and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We’d also like to thank Ms Priscott, Mr Ridout and our phenomenal Year 10 and Year 13 Art students for supporting the session: Emmy, Heaven and Oliwia.
Comments from Year 06:“This is practically already my school. This is my fifth time coming and I’ve already made lots of friends.”
“I was really excited to try on a blazer. It made me feel really excited to come.”
“This workshop was awesome, I’ve never used oil pastels.”
Comment from a family:“It’s amazing that you offer these sessions to build confidence over time. My child was really struggling to get here last week but this week he couldn’t wait to come as he’s made a friend. Your school is doing such a fantastic job. Thank you.”
Student Leadership Team | This week, our student leaders at Lift Bexleyheath had the pleasure of welcoming student leaders from Burstead Wood Primary School. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for both groups to share the initiatives they are leading within their schools, exchange ideas, and explore ways to collaborate more closely in the future.
Our students spoke with pride about their roles and the impact they are making within the school. One student leader shared, “It was really interesting to hear what the primary students are already doing, we had lots in common and some great new ideas to take forward.” Another commented, “It felt good to be able to support younger students and show them what leadership looks like at secondary school.”
These discussions are an important step in building a strong and meaningful partnership between our schools. By working together, we can support a smooth transition for future students and empower them to play an active role in strengthening the wider Bexley community.
Safeguarding | Introducing Mr Kenyon | We are delighted to welcome Mr Kenyon to the Safeguarding team. Mr Kenyon has joined us from another Lift School at the start of this half-term where he worked in a similar role. He has made a great impact amongst our school community already. Many of our young people have been supported by him since he joined.
Safeguarding | Staying Safe Outdoors | As the days grow longer and young people spend more time outside with friends, the outdoors offers valuable opportunities for exercise, socialising, and developing independence. At the same time, it is important for parents and carers to be aware of potential risks and to support their children in making safe choices, particularly around water and in public parks.
Open water environments such as rivers, lakes, canals, and the seaside can present hidden dangers that are not always obvious. Teenagers, especially when with peers, may feel confident taking risks or trying new activities, but cold water, strong currents, and uneven or submerged terrain can quickly lead to serious situations. It is important to remind young people to avoid swimming in unsupervised or unfamiliar areas and to pay close attention to safety signage and local guidance. Conversations about peer pressure are also key, reinforcing that it is always acceptable to refuse to enter the water if they feel unsure. Encouraging them to look out for friends, while also understanding that they should seek help rather than attempt a rescue themselves, can help prevent further danger in emergency situations.
Public parks are another common space where young people may gather. Being out in parks after working hours (around 6pm) can pose risks if basic precautions are overlooked. Encouraging teenagers to return home by 6pm is an important safety strategy. Young people should also avoid isolated areas in order to reduce vulnerability. Awareness of surroundings is equally important; distractions such as mobile phones or loud music can limit their ability to notice potential hazards. Personal belongings should be kept secure, and young people should be reminded to respect park rules, including avoiding unsafe structures or restricted areas. Planning ahead for how they will get home safely, including transport arrangements and ensuring their phone is charged, can further support their independence while maintaining safety.
Underlying all of this is the importance of open, ongoing communication. Teenagers are more likely to respond positively when conversations about safety are framed in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Asking where they are going, who they will be with, and agreeing on simple check-in points can provide reassurance without restricting independence. Encouraging them to trust their instincts and to remove themselves from situations that feel unsafe is an important life skill.
Spending time outdoors plays a vital role in young people’s development, contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing. By equipping them with practical awareness and reinforcing thoughtful decision-making, parents can help ensure that this independence is balanced with safety, allowing young people to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and care.
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.
Extra-Curricular Clubs | The Performing Arts and Art Department clubs are now fully underway, with students working collaboratively towards this year’s end-of-year production of Alice in Wonderland. Rehearsals and preparations are taking place across multiple disciplines, giving students the opportunity to develop both their creative and performance skills.
In Art Club, students are designing and producing a range of imaginative props and set pieces, carefully considering colour, texture and scale to capture the surreal and whimsical nature of the story. Their work is already beginning to transform ideas into visual elements that will shape the overall stage experience.
Meanwhile, the Music team are rehearsing regularly, refining their pieces and exploring how sound can enhance key moments within the production. Their work is adding energy and atmosphere across the school, as rehearsals become a familiar and exciting part of the day.
In Theatre Club, students are focused on developing their performances, learning lines, exploring characterisation and building confidence on stage. Through structured rehearsals, they are strengthening their stage presence and working together to bring the story to life for an audience.
Together, these clubs highlight the dedication, creativity and teamwork of our students as they build towards what promises to be a fantastic final performance.
Inclusion | Building Resilience and Emotional Strength | Resilience is the ability to cope with challenges, adapt to change and keep going even when things feel difficult. Emotional strength is closely linked to this and refers to a child’s ability to understand and manage their feelings in a healthy and positive way. Both are important life skills that help children to learn, grow and thrive in school and beyond.
All children experience setbacks at times, whether in their learning, friendships, or daily routines. For children with additional needs, these challenges can sometimes feel more intense. Building resilience helps them to recognise that mistakes are part of learning and that difficulties can be overcome with support and effort.
At school, we help children develop resilience by creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel valued and understood. We encourage a growth mindset, praising effort and progress rather than just outcomes. Children are taught strategies to manage emotions, such as using calm-down techniques, asking for help or breaking tasks into smaller steps. Adults also model how to respond positively to challenges.
At home, families can support emotional strength by listening to their child’s feelings, validating their experiences and encouraging problem-solving together. Keeping routines consistent and celebrating small achievements can also help children feel secure and confident.
With time, practice and encouragement, children can develop resilience that supports not only their learning, but also their overall wellbeing.
Masterclasses | Expanding Minds Beyond the Classroom | This week, Mr Read took the audience to task in his presentation on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence. It was clear that AI is becoming part of everyday life, from the apps we use to how people work and learn. But he equally submitted that with great power comes responsibility. Ethics in AI means asking the difficult questions: is this fair, safe, and helpful for everyone? It was great to feel the strength of feeling in the room as students aired their views.
Next week, we will consider Globalisation and interconnectedness. Because we are “Worldwise”, at Lift Bexleyheath it is our belief that no one individual has a monopoly on knowledge. Students will have the opportunity to learn new information about a place they may not have known before. It promises to be a true masterclass of discovery for a tech-savvy generation. We look forward to seeing everyone there next Wednesday in the Main Hall at 08:00.
Charity | Women's Aid | We are proud to be strengthening our partnership with Bursted Wood Primary School through a joint charitable initiative to support Women’s Aid.
Women’s Aid is a national charity that provides life-saving support to women and children affected by domestic abuse. Their work includes offering safe refuge accommodation, emotional support, and practical resources to help families rebuild their lives in safety. Many of the individuals they support arrive with very few belongings, making community donations incredibly important.
Over the coming week, we will be working together with Bursted Wood Primary to collect essential items that will be donated directly to support families in need. If you would like to contribute, donations can be dropped off at our school reception, and we will ensure they are delivered.
We are currently collecting:
We are incredibly grateful for any support from our families. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference to those in our wider community who need it most. We will be collecting items until Friday, 15 May. Please bring any items that you would like to generously donate to the reception team.
We Love Reading | As our students navigate secondary school, the "reading to learn" phase becomes more complex. It’s no longer just about decoding words, but about mastering the ability to read for meaning which includes making inferences, analysing, critiquing, and retaining information.
The Think Aloud Technique can support your child’s reading comprehension at home. When your child is reading a news article, a textbook chapter, or even a novel, encourage them to vocalise their thought process.
Supporting your child with Reading Virtual Workshop | On Wednesday, 13 May from 17:00 - 17:30, there will be a virtual parent workshop where we will be going through different strategies that parents can use to support developing students’ fluency and comprehension skills at home. Where a student is reading below age-related expectations, we would particularly encourage parents to attend. The link for this event will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
Trips & Consent Form | As we enter our busy school trip season, we want to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate in these valuable learning experiences. To make this possible, we need your partnership in completing the necessary Consent Forms accurately and on time. While we aim to be as flexible as possible, we cannot accept consent forms on the day of a trip. Here is why:
How can you help:
ParentPay Top Ups | To ensure our students have a smooth and stress-free experience during their break and lunch times, we are asking all families to please top up ParentPay accounts over the weekend.
While we know life gets busy and it’s easy to forget an occasional balance update, staying ahead of these payments makes a significant difference in the daily school routine. When a student reaches the front of the canteen line with insufficient funds, it creates a "domino effect" that impacts the entire school community:
We understand that life happens and a missed top-up occurs from time to time. However, to ensure our systems run efficiently for everyone, we will now be contacting families directly who frequently have low or empty balances.
Our goal is to provide a friendly reminder and help you organise a routine, such as a Sunday evening "balance check" to avoid any disruptions to your child’s school day.
Sixth Form Culture Day | Friday, our school community was filled with a brilliant array of colour, flavour, and pride as our Sixth Form Student Leadership Team hosted our inaugural Culture Day. At Lift Bexleyheath, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a rich and diverse community, and this student-led initiative served as a powerful reminder of how our different backgrounds and traditions make us stronger and more connected as a whole.
The Sixth Form leaders took full ownership of the day, organising a series of meaningful celebrations that truly brought our hallways to life. Students arrived in stunning traditional attire, representing their heritage from across the globe and transforming the school into a sea of vibrant textiles and patterns. This celebration of identity continued through a "global feast," where students brought in homemade cultural cuisine to share with their peers, providing a delicious opportunity for everyone to experience the flavours of different countries and traditions.
Beyond the food and fashion, the leadership team designed and delivered a bespoke assembly for their year groups. This student-led session focused on the importance of identity and history, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cultural appreciation. Seeing our students take the lead in celebrating their roots was truly inspiring and perfectly captured the inclusive spirit we strive for at Lift Bexleyheath.
The success of the Sixth Form event has set a wonderful tone for the rest of the school, and we are excited to see this energy continue. Our Student Leadership Team is already hard at work planning a Culture Day for our younger year groups, which is scheduled to take place this July. We look forward to sharing more details about that event soon, but in the meantime, we want to thank our Sixth Formers for their maturity, creativity, and for making Friday such a memorable day for us all.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
