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.
End-of-Term Arrangements | Term five ends on Friday, 22 May, at 15:10.
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).
Weekend Athletics Stars | We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 09 athletes, who represented themselves brilliantly at an external athletics event last weekend.
Arthur delivered an excellent performance on the track and in the field, sprinting to an impressive 12.4 seconds in the 100m and clearing 1.35m in the High Jump. Joseph showcased exceptional all-round athletic ability, achieving a superb 1.40m in the High Jump, an impressive 8.38m in the Shot Put, and a fantastic Long Jump of over 5 metres.
These results reflect not only their talent, but also their dedication, determination, and commitment to improving their performance across multiple disciplines.
A special mention also goes to Abdul, who demonstrated great team spirit by supporting and encouraging his peers throughout the event—an important reminder of the value of sportsmanship.
Well done to all three students on representing the school with pride and excellence!
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).
Masterclasses | Expanding minds beyond the classroom | Our masterclass this week raised pointed questions about Globalisation and Interconnectedness. Students learned how countries around the world are becoming interdependent, thereby accelerating the integration of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. This is driven by rapid advancements in technology, communication, and transportation.
Some students were of the view that globalisation gave humanity more choices, lower prices for goods, better job prospects, social mobility, and faster communication; others were less sympathetic, citing cultural loss, environmental impacts associated with mass movements, inequality, and economic dependence as consequences. It was interesting to see and hear the passionate ideas of our young scholars in this discourse. Whatever individuals may think of globalisation, it creates an interdependent global community where national boundaries are increasingly porous. Ultimately, it requires collective responsibility in managing the challenges.
Due to the summer exam season, we shall return in Term 06 with more enlightening themes that help students access topics that stand outside of our standard curriculum and are selected to make them curious about the world we live in. Please watch this space, and thank you for your support throughout this series.
What's been happening in Art this week? | It has been a real pleasure to see our KS3 students developing their artistic skills this term. Our curriculum continues to focus on the Formal Elements of Art and Design, giving students a strong foundation to build their creativity and confidence.
So far, students have explored Line, Texture, Space and Shape, and this term we have introduced Colour Theory into their work. It has been fantastic to watch them experiment with mixing tints and shades, as well as using complementary colours to create vibrant, eye-catching pieces.
More recently, lessons have taken inspiration from the beautiful summer weather, with students exploring the use of warm and cool colours to create their own sunset scenes using watercolours. The results have been truly impressive, full of energy, contrast and creativity.
What has stood out most is the enthusiasm from our students. Many have been so inspired that they have chosen to continue their work at home, proudly bringing in additional pieces to share. It’s this level of engagement and passion that makes our art curriculum so special, and we look forward to seeing how their creativity continues to grow.
We look forward to holding an art exhibition during Term 06 so that families can see what students have been up to across the year.
Follow us on Social Media | A reminder to follow us on Social Media. We have two active Social Media pages where you will see a snapshot of the wonderful things we do. Find out Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/LiftBexleyheath and our Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lift.bexleyheath/
Homework Support | We continue to greatly value the support families provide in helping their children complete homework. We know that home commitments can sometimes make this difficult, and we want to reassure you that we have strong support systems in place within school to ensure every student can succeed.
Completing homework regularly has a very positive impact on students’ learning. It helps to reinforce knowledge covered in lessons, build independence, develop good study habits and improve confidence. Students who engage consistently with homework are often better prepared for assessments and make stronger progress over time.
To support this, our homework clubs are now fully up and running. These sessions are designed to help students meet deadlines and access additional guidance where needed. Every Wednesday, eligible students with outstanding homework are collected during the last 10 minutes of their lesson and taken to the Learning Support Hub, where staff provide targeted support to help them complete their work.
In addition, our open Homework Club takes place every Monday in C126 from 15:15 to 16:00. This session is available to all students and is supported by specialist teachers in English, Mathematics, Science and Spanish.
We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities, whether they need extra help, a quiet space to work, or simply a structured environment to stay on track.
Inclusion | Promoting Self-Advocacy in Young People with SEND | Self-advocacy is a vital life skill that empowers young people to understand their own needs and feel confident expressing them. For students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), developing these skills can have a powerful impact on their independence, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Self-advocacy begins with helping students recognise what support they need and how they learn best. This might include understanding when they benefit from extra time, a quieter space, support with instructions, or access to specific resources. As their confidence grows, students learn how to communicate these needs clearly and appropriately with trusted adults.
In school, we actively promote self-advocacy by encouraging students to take part in discussions about their learning and targets. We model helpful language they can use, such as asking for clarification, requesting support, or explaining when something feels challenging. Staff also support students in reflecting on the strategies that work best for them, helping them to take increasing ownership of their learning.
At home, families play an important role by encouraging young people to make choices, share their preferences, and talk about what helps them succeed. Regular opportunities to practise decision-making and problem-solving can make a real difference in building confidence and independence.
With the right support and encouragement, students with SEND can develop strong self-advocacy skills, communicate their needs effectively, and thrive both in school and beyond.
Safeguarding | How checking your child’s phone helps to keep them safe | For many families of secondary school students, smartphones can feel both helpful and worrying. They allow young people to stay connected, learn, and socialise, but they also expose them to risks that are not always easy to see. Regular, calm checking of a child’s phone can be an important part of safeguarding and supporting their safety online.
This is not about spying or a lack of trust, but about guidance and protection while children are still learning how to navigate the digital world. Many young people will not always tell adults when something online makes them uncomfortable, whether that is bullying, pressure to share images, contact from strangers, or exposure to inappropriate content. Checking devices, alongside open conversations, can help parents spot concerns early and offer support before issues grow.
A positive approach is key. Phone checks work best when they are open and explained, rather than secretive. When children understand that the purpose is safety, they are more likely to accept boundaries. Looking for warning signs such as sudden secrecy, changes in mood after using a device, unknown contacts, or excessive late-night use can also help parents identify when support is needed.
Alongside monitoring, healthy routines matter. These include device-free time at home, keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight, and regular conversations about online experiences. Most importantly, children should feel able to talk to trusted adults without fear of overreaction Staying engaged with children’s online lives, including their phones, helps ensure they grow up safe, confident, and able to navigate the digital world responsibly.
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.
What's been happening in Social Sciences this week? | It has been a busy and productive time for our Sociology students as they continue to build their knowledge and confidence across the subject.
Our GCSE Sociology students have been preparing for their first exam, which they sat on Friday. In the lead-up, we were delighted to see such a strong turnout at our warm-up intervention sessions. These sessions provided students with valuable opportunities to revisit key topics, practise exam techniques, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Their positive attitude, focus, and commitment throughout the revision period have been excellent. Encouragingly, many students left the exam feeling confident and optimistic about their performance, which is a testament to their hard work and preparation.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 Sociology students have been exploring the topic of divorce alongside contemporary sociological theories. This has included examining changing patterns in marriage and divorce over time, as well as understanding how wider social changes, such as shifting gender roles and increased family diversity have influenced these trends. Students have been engaging with a range of sociological perspectives, developing their ability to analyse and evaluate different viewpoints.
It has been particularly pleasing to see the high level of discussion in lessons, with students confidently sharing ideas, challenging concepts, and strengthening their analytical thinking. These skills are essential for success at A Level and beyond, and we look forward to seeing their continued progress.
Safeguarding | Rage Baiting Trend | “Rage baiting” is a social media trend in which people deliberately post upsetting, controversial, or offensive content in order to provoke strong emotional reactions, particularly anger. The goal is usually to attract attention, increase views, and encourage arguments in comment sections. On platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and X, emotionally charged content often spreads quickly because social media algorithms reward engagement.
For secondary school students, rage bait content can appear entertaining, dramatic, or rebellious. However, repeated exposure to this type of material can affect emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and relationships. Teenagers are still developing emotional regulation and critical thinking skills, making them more vulnerable to manipulative online content.
Rage bait can include extreme opinions, staged pranks, misleading videos, humiliating content, or intentionally disrespectful behaviour designed to trigger reactions. Some young people may share or engage with this content for attention, peer approval, or online popularity without fully understanding the consequences.
There are several safeguarding concerns linked to rage baiting. It can contribute to cyberbullying, online harassment, hostility, and public shaming. Constant exposure to conflict-heavy content may also increase anxiety, irritability, stress, or unhealthy online habits. In some cases, trends encourage risky behaviour such as filming confrontations, recording others without consent, or disrupting school environments for online attention.
Parents may notice signs such as increased anger after using social media, obsessive checking of notifications, involvement in online “drama,” or sharing inflammatory jokes and memes. While these signs do not automatically indicate serious concerns, they can provide opportunities for supportive conversations.
It is important for parents to respond calmly and encourage open discussion rather than reacting with immediate punishment. Asking questions about why content is posted, who benefits from online outrage, and how behaviour online affects others can help young people develop stronger critical thinking skills.
Parents can also support healthy digital habits by encouraging screen-free time, promoting offline activities, discussing digital reputation, and modelling respectful communication. Teaching teenagers to pause before reacting, avoid hostile discussions, and report harmful content can help build emotional resilience online.
Through our robust Personal Development curriculum, our students learn about digital literacy education. We regularly hold online safety discussions, and have clear expectations around respectful online behaviour.
As adults we do not need to understand every online trend to safeguard children effectively. Open communication, digital awareness, and emotional support remain the most important tools in helping young people navigate social media safely and responsibly.
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, 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.
Sixth Form Enrichment Afternoon | On Thursday, 07 May, our Year 12 students took part in a vibrant Enrichment Afternoon, designed to support personal development, well-being, and the building of key life skills beyond the classroom.
Students were able to select from a range of engaging activities tailored to suit different interests. Those who chose MasterChef Cooking developed practical culinary skills, teamwork, and creativity, while also learning about planning, organisation, and presentation. Students who attended Ten Pin Bowling enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition, strengthening communication skills and team dynamics in a relaxed setting. At Goals Football, students embraced physical activity, building resilience, teamwork, and a strong sense of team spirit. For those who preferred a quieter option, the Quiet Study session provided a focused and supportive environment for independent revision, helping students to strengthen their study habits and prepare for upcoming assessments.
The afternoon was a fantastic success, not only giving students the opportunity to unwind and enjoy time with their peers, but also helping them to develop confidence, collaboration skills, and independence. Experiences like these play an important role in supporting students’ overall well-being and preparing them for life beyond sixth form.
Year 11 Breakfast | To support our Year 11 cohort as they embark on their GCSE examinations, the school hosted a celebratory cooked breakfast this week. This initiative was designed to provide students with a nutritious start to the day while offering a calm, communal space to settle any pre-exam nerves. It was wonderful to see the year group gathering to share a meal, swap revision tips, and offer one another mutual encouragement. We believe that fostering this sense of solidarity is key to helping our students feel confident and prepared as they head into the exam hall. Students completing morning exams will be provided with free pastries to ensure that they start the day right each morning. Students with morning exams can arrive onsite from 07:30 and use the Woolwich Rd Gate to enter through reception.
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.
What's been happening in Performing Arts this week? | This week, some of our Year 07 and Year 08 students were treated to a truly spectacular experience as they stepped away from the classroom and into the magic of the theatre. In a unique opportunity arranged directly by the production team, our cohorts were invited to attend an exclusive behind-the-scenes dress rehearsal of The Lion King. While many audiences only see the final, polished performance, our students were given a rare look at the immense scale of work required to bring such a legendary production to life, offering them a deeper understanding of the mechanics of professional theatre.
Throughout the visit, the students observed the complex coordination between stage managers, lighting technicians, and sound engineers, gaining a firsthand look at how a production of this magnitude operates in real-time. They also witnessed the discipline of the rehearsal process and the intricate artistry of the show’s iconic costumes and puppetry. The highlight of the day was a private meeting with the cast, where students had the chance to ask insightful questions about the industry, the challenges of performing, and the dedication required for a career in the arts.
The production team commented on the exemplary conduct and curiosity of our students, who represented the school with immense pride. We believe that providing this type of vocational insight is vital to a well-rounded education, helping students appreciate the teamwork and creativity required to achieve excellence. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the production team for making this unforgettable experience possible for our Key Stage 3 students.
Expression of Interest Euro Space Centre March 2027 | We are excited to be exploring the opportunity to run an international STEM trip to the Euro Space Centre in Belgium for current Year 07–09 students, planned for March 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to take part in hands-on astronaut training experiences, interactive workshops, and real-life space simulations designed to inspire curiosity and ambition in science and technology.
At this stage, we are only gathering expressions of interest to determine whether there is sufficient demand for the trip to go ahead. The provisional details include travel to Belgium, a full programme of activities at the Euro Space Centre, and cultural experiences, including a visit to the famous Caves of Han, where students will explore natural underground formations as part of their wider learning experience. The estimated cost of the trip is £750 per student.
If you are interested in your child taking part, please complete the Expression of Interest Form, linked HERE before 01 June. Submitting this form does not commit you to the trip; it simply allows us to assess interest levels before we commit to planning this trip. Once we have a clear indication of numbers, we will confirm whether the trip will proceed and share full details, including payment schedules and next steps.
Change to the school day | September 2026 | In response to the valuable feedback provided by our students and families, we are pleased to announce an update to our daily schedule that will take effect from September 2026. To better support our students’ learning and well-being, we will be transitioning to a new timetable consisting of five 55 minute lessons per day. Alongside this change, we are also extending our daily Prep period to 35 minutes, ensuring students have more dedicated time for guided independent study and intervention in arithmatic and reading. There will be no changes to the timings of the start and the end of the day.
The decision to move from 75 minute lessons to a 55 minute format is rooted in our commitment to academic excellence and student engagement. Shorter, more focused lessons align more closely with the natural attention spans of young learners, allowing for high intensity instruction followed by a fresh start in a new subject. This shift increases the frequency with which students see their teachers throughout the week, helping to build stronger momentum and better retention of knowledge. Furthermore, the 55 minute structure provides a more dynamic daily pace, reducing the fatigue sometimes associated with longer sessions and ensuring that students remain energised and attentive from the first bell to the final period.
We are confident that these changes will create a more balanced and effective learning environment for everyone. We look forward to implementing this new structure in the coming academic year and thank our community for the constructive input that helped shape this evolution of our school day. We will be sharing more information about the changes in the coming weeks and there will be opportunities to meet and answer any questions that you might have in Term 06.
Year 06 Transitions | PE WOW | On Thursday, 07 May, we were delighted to welcome our incoming Year 06 students to Lift Bexleyheath for an exciting PE WOW Workshop as part of their transition experience. The students threw themselves into a fast-paced circuit of high-energy activities, including squats, sprints, star jumps, burpees, sit-ups, press-ups, and much more. From start to finish, the school field was filled with upbeat music, fantastic energy, and plenty of smiles as students challenged themselves and encouraged one another throughout the session.
It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm, determination, and teamwork on display. The activities gave students a great opportunity to experience the vibrant sporting culture at Lift Bexleyheath while building confidence and making new connections ahead of September.
The PE team were incredibly excited to meet and work with the next generation of sporting phenomenons at Lift Bexleyheath. We were so impressed by the effort, positivity, and resilience shown by everyone who took part, and we cannot wait to welcome them back on Monday for the Wacky Science workshop!
We would like to take this opportunity to wish good luck to all the Year 06 students in our community and beyond for the upcoming SATs starting on Monday.
Extra-curricular | Practical Science Clubs | At Lift Bexleyheath, our passion for science continues to grow, and we are delighted to see the successful launch of our new practical experiment clubs. Designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding beyond the classroom, these sessions are already proving to be a hit with students.
Our Practical Biology Club, held every Monday, and Practical Chemistry Club on Wednesdays, provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and develop their investigative skills in a supportive and exciting environment.
This week, Biology students explored cell structure in a creative way by constructing model cells using jelly and sweets, helping to bring abstract concepts to life. Meanwhile, in Chemistry, students were captivated by the dramatic “elephant toothpaste” reaction, which demonstrated rapid decomposition and the release of oxygen in a visually spectacular experiment.
These clubs play an important role in building students’ confidence, encouraging teamwork, and fostering a genuine enthusiasm for science through practical exploration. We warmly encourage more students to get involved, come along next week and experience the excitement of scientific discovery firsthand!
We Love Reading | The "Read-Aloud" Bond | Even if your child can read independently, continuing to read to them is vital. It allows them to enjoy complex plots and sophisticated vocabulary that might be above their current decoding level and supports with building text comprehension.
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. Please find the google meet link here to join our reading virtual workshop.
What happened in assembly this week? | Mental Health Awareness | This week’s assembly focused on the importance of mental health and well-being. Students explored how mental health affects everyone and discussed the importance of recognising emotions, seeking support, and looking after both physical and emotional well-being.
We spoke about positive coping strategies that can help during challenging times, including talking to trusted adults, staying active, maintaining healthy routines, and taking time to relax and recharge. Students were also encouraged to think about emotional resilience, understanding that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of life, and that resilience is built through perseverance, reflection, and support from others.
A key part of the assembly highlighted the importance of support networks. Students were reminded that they are never alone and that support is available through friends, family members, teachers, pastoral staff, and safeguarding teams within school.
Students and families were also signposted to external support services, including Kooth, a free, safe, and anonymous online support for young people, offering counselling and discussion forums, alongside Childline, which provides free confidential support and advice for children and young people.
Students were also reminded that support is available within school through our DSL, Ms Upton, who can be contacted via email at eupton@liftbexleyheath.org. In addition, students can access support from our school counsellor, Ms Ayling, who is available on the playground each morning from 08:00–08:25 should any student wish to speak with her before the school day begins.
Finally, we were proud to launch a joint charitable initiative with Bursted Wood Primary School in support of Women's Aid. Students learned about the vital work Women’s Aid does to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, providing safe accommodation, emotional support, and practical resources for families rebuilding their lives.
As part of this initiative, we are collecting donations of toiletries, hygiene products, food items, household essentials, and cleaning products to support families in need. Donations can be brought to the school reception until Friday 15 May.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
