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).
Celebrating a great half-term | To celebrate a great half-term, we will be running our famous 'In It to Win It' on Friday, 22 May. Students have the chance to win prizes throughout the day. All the have to do is be in school to be in with a chance of winning.
Lost Property | We have an ever-growing Lost Property collection, which contains coats, blazers, shoes and much more. If your child has lost an item, please look at the Gallery of Lost Property on this page.
If you recognise an item, please encourage your child to go to the library after, where Ms Eldridge safely stores any lost items. At the end of each term, items not collected will be used to support other students, given to charity, or destroyed.
Women's Aid | Thank You | Over the past two weeks, our school community has come together in a collective effort to support Women’s Aid, raising both awareness and vital donations for those in need. Students have been learning about the important work this charity does, including supporting women and children who may be experiencing difficult and unsafe circumstances, and why access to essential items can make a meaningful difference.
We have been proud to work in partnership with Bursted Wood Primary School throughout this initiative, strengthening our community links while encouraging students to think about the impact they can have beyond the classroom. We would like to thank Mrs Monk, Assistant Principal at Bursted Wood Primary for allowing us the opportunity to work with them on this fantastic project.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all families who have contributed. Every donation, no matter how big or small, has been greatly appreciated and will go towards supporting those who need it most.
A special mention must go to Jamie and Tyler in Year 07, who made an especially generous contribution this week. When asked about their motivation, Jamie shared, “The reason me, Tyler and my mum made a big donation is because there are people less fortunate than us and we need to help them if we can.” Tyler added, “We did it because it is the right thing to do, to help the women and their babies.”
Their compassion and sense of social responsibility are a wonderful example of the values we strive to instil in all of our students. Well done to everyone involved for making this initiative such a success.
Safeguarding | Sharing Images Online | As secondary school students spend more time online, sharing photos and videos has become a normal part of everyday life. Young people use images to communicate with friends, express themselves creatively, and take part in online communities. While this can be positive, it also brings important safeguarding considerations that parents should be aware of. Images shared online can spread quickly and are often difficult to remove completely, even when sent privately or through apps with disappearing messages. Screenshots and reposts mean that once an image is shared, control over it can easily be lost.
Parents can support their children by having regular, open conversations about online behaviour and digital safety. A calm and non-judgemental approach helps young people feel comfortable discussing the apps they use, the people they communicate with online, and any situations that make them feel uneasy. Encouraging teenagers to think carefully before sharing images is especially important. Students should consider whether a photo reveals personal information such as their school, location, or home address, and whether they would feel comfortable if the image were seen more widely than intended.
It is also important for young people to understand the role of consent and respect when sharing images. Posting or forwarding someone else’s photo without permission can cause embarrassment, distress, and in some situations may have serious consequences. Through our Personal Development Curriculum we teach children to respect the privacy of others. This helps develop responsible online behaviour and digital citizenship.
Parents should also take time to review privacy and safety settings on social media and messaging apps with their children. This may include setting accounts to private, limiting who can contact them, turning off location sharing, and discussing how to block or report inappropriate behaviour. Alongside practical safety measures, reassurance is essential. Children should know they can speak to a trusted adult if they feel pressured to send images, if an image has been shared without their consent, or if someone online makes them uncomfortable. Responding calmly and in a supportive way makes it more likely that young people will seek help early when problems arise.
Although changes in behaviour do not always indicate an online safeguarding issue, parents may notice signs such as anxiety around devices, withdrawal from social activities, or unusual secrecy about online interactions. These moments can provide opportunities for supportive conversations rather than immediate punishment or restriction. By remaining informed, approachable, and involved in their child’s online life, parents can help secondary school students enjoy the benefits of digital communication while staying safe, respectful, and aware of the potential risks associated with sharing images online.
Useful guidance for families can be found through NSPCC Online Safety, Childnet for Parents and Carers, and Internet Matters.
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.
Extra-Curricular | English Language Club | Ms Favara and Mr Muruako invite you to find out more about our English Language, which is quickly becoming one of the most enjoyable places to be after school on a Thursday. It’s a relaxed and friendly club where students can explore English in a different way, without the pressure of the classroom. Each week, students read and discuss interesting stories, poems and extracts, try out creative writing activities, play fun vocabulary games, and share their thoughts and ideas with others. There’s always plenty of laughter, imagination, and discussion where everyone is able to join in. The club is open to all students, whether you already love English or simply want to grow in confidence and try something new. It’s a great opportunity to be creative, meet new friends, and discover that English is fun, inspiring, and enjoyable.
Safeguarding | Supporting Teen Mental Health: Kooth and Headspace | Secondary school can be an exciting but sometimes challenging time for young people. Academic pressure, friendships, social media, and changes at home can all affect emotional well-being, and many students may not feel ready to talk face-to-face about how they are feeling. Online mental health support can therefore provide a helpful first step.
Two trusted services that families may find useful are Kooth and Headspace. Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online well-being platform for children and young people, offering access to trained counsellors through online chat, moderated peer support forums, and a range of self-help articles and activities. Many local authorities and schools across the UK provide free access to the service, making it an accessible option for students who may need support outside school hours.
Headspace is a well-being app designed to support mindfulness, relaxation, and better sleep through guided meditations, breathing exercises, calming audio, and short well-being activities suitable for teenagers. Parents and carers play an important role in supporting emotional well-being by encouraging open conversations, listening without judgement, and reminding young people that support is available. While online tools are not a replacement for professional medical care, they can provide valuable early support and positive coping strategies. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, please speak with your GP or contact the school’s safeguarding or pastoral team.
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.
What's been happening in RE this week? | This week, Year 07 have been hard at work on their 'Inclusivity Project' newspaper articles, drawing together their learning from the last two terms to explore the positives and challenges of being a teenager of faith in the UK. They produced some amazingly creative and thought provoking work. Yosha and Abraham have produced particularly strong examples, well worth a look.
Year 08 were wrapping up their topic on faith expressed through art and music, turning their attention this week to Sikh music and the role it plays in worship within Sikhism. We spent time listening to a range of pieces, exploring how the music made us feel and discussing why it might be used in worship.
Year 09 students have been getting stuck into a bigger question this term: 'Does religion help people to be happy in the modern day?'. This week, they tackled altruism and Peter Singer's ethical thought experiments, which sparked some genuinely thoughtful and at times brilliantly heated debate.
Year 10 have made a strong start on their Islam paper, beginning with a fascinating introduction to Islam led by Ms Belhadj. From there, they explored the Six Beliefs and began to dig a little deeper into what these mean in practice.
Inclusion | Understanding Behaviour as Communication | All behaviour is a form of communication. When children find it difficult to express their needs, feelings, or worries using words, their behaviour can often become a way of showing us what is going on for them. Understanding this is especially important when supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Behaviours such as withdrawal, refusal, frustration, or disruption are often signals that a child may be experiencing difficulty. This could be related to feeling overwhelmed, not understanding a task, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or difficulty with social situations. By viewing behaviour through this lens, adults can respond with curiosity and support rather than simply focusing on the behaviour itself.
In school, staff work to identify what might be behind a child’s behaviour by observing patterns, considering triggers, and using consistent approaches. We aim to create a predictable and supportive environment, where children feel safe and understood. Strategies such as visual supports, clear routines, calm communication, and sensory breaks can all help reduce anxiety and improve engagement.
At home, families can support by gently exploring what their child might be communicating, especially during moments of distress. Staying calm, offering reassurance, and helping children label their emotions can be very effective. Over time, children can learn more positive ways to express their needs.
By understanding behaviour as communication, we can better support children to feel safe and regulate their emotions.
Careers Insight Talk | London Metropolitan Police | This week, our students had the privilege of hearing from Lavinia Osei, a serving officer with the Metropolitan Police Service who has over 10 years of experience in policing. Lavinia delivered an engaging and insightful presentation, sharing her personal journey into the police force and providing students with a valuable understanding of the wide range of careers available within the Met.
Students learned about the different divisions within the Metropolitan Police, including front line Policing, Specialist Operations, Specialist Crime, Counter Terrorism Command, Intelligence, Professional Standards, and Roads & Transport Policing. Lavinia also highlighted the rewarding aspects of policing, such as protecting communities, working within specialist teams, solving complex problems, and making a positive impact on society. In addition, she spoke honestly about the challenges officers can face, including working under pressure, long hours, and responding to emotionally demanding situations.
The session also explored the various pathways into policing, including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), and entry through a professional policing degree. Students were also informed about salary progression and opportunities for career advancement from entry-level roles to senior leadership positions.
We encourage parents and carers to continue these conversations at home and explore careers within policing and related sectors using the Labour Market Information (LMI) widget.
Extra-Curricular | Verbatim Theatre | The Stories They Told Me | On Wednesday evening, the Drama club welcomed family and friends for a very special performance of The Stories They Told Me.
The production was created using Verbatim Theatre, a style of theatre based on real words, memories, and life experiences. What made this performance so meaningful was that every scene came from a treasured memory shared by someone important in the students’ lives. Over the past two terms, Drama club members have interviewed loved ones, written their own scripts, and brought these stories to life on stage. With very little support from Mrs McGibbon, the students took full creative control of the production, making decisions about staging, lighting, sound, and props themselves.
The result was a heartfelt and moving performance filled with humour, warmth, and personal stories that clearly meant a great deal to both the performers and the audience. It has been wonderful to watch the students grow in confidence, creativity, and independence throughout the project, and they should all be incredibly proud of what they achieved.
We Love Reading | Following our virtual parent workshop on 13 May on the different strategies that parents can use to support developing students’ fluency and comprehension skills at home. Please find a link to a recording of the virtual parent workshop here.
Barcelona Meeting | There was a real buzz of excitement on Tuesday, 12 April as we welcomed 70 families of students preparing for our highly anticipated Year 10 trip to Barcelona this June. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity to share key information about the upcoming four-day adventure, giving students and parents a glimpse into what promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with culture, history, and fun. Among the highlights of the itinerary are visits to some of Barcelona’s most iconic attractions, including the breathtaking Sagrada Família and the world famous Camp Nou. Students will also experience the passion and tradition of a spectacular flamenco show and take part in an exciting paella cooking class, offering a true taste of Spanish culture. The trip promises to be an incredible opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, create lasting memories, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. We cannot wait for June to arrive and look forward to sharing more updates as the countdown to Barcelona continues!
Year 06 Transitions | Wacky Science | This week, we were delighted to welcome our Year 06 students onsite for a fun and engaging Wacky Science workshop. The session was packed with hands-on learning, giving students the chance to step into the role of real scientists for the day.
During the workshop, students learnt how to use microscopes to view cells up close and explored the fascinating microscopic world around them. They really enjoyed investigating the slides and discovering details that cannot be seen with the naked eye. After observing the cells carefully, students created their own scientific diagrams, focusing on accurate observations and clear labelling. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm, curiosity, and concentration throughout the session, with students fully immersed in the activities and eager to learn more.
The excitement is already building for next week’s Dramatic Drama session, which promises to be full of creativity, imagination, and confidence-building activities as students explore performance and storytelling techniques together.
Thorpe Park Trip Criteria | We are delighted to announce our upcoming Thorpe Park reward trip, which will take place on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
This trip has been organised to reward students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, effort, attendance, and positive conduct throughout the academic year. We are proud to recognise students who consistently contribute positively to our school community and uphold our school values on a daily basis.
Student selection will be based on a points system, with points awarded for positive contributions in the following areas:
Please note that points may also be negatively affected where there are persistent issues relating to punctuality, behaviour, or incorrect uniform. A Year 10 & 12 rewards experience will take place before they leave for work experience as well as their sports day.
We are incredibly proud of the many students who demonstrate these qualities every day and look forward to celebrating their hard work, resilience, and positive contribution to school life through this exciting reward opportunity.
Band Items for School and Uniform Expectations | As we continue to uphold high standards across our school community, we would like to remind all students and families of our expectations regarding uniform, presentation, and banned items in school.
Our school uniform is an important part of our identity and reflects the pride we take in our school community. All students are expected to attend school dressed correctly, prepared for learning, and following our uniform expectations at all times.
Uniform expectations include:
The following items are not permitted:
Students should also not wear:
We would also like to remind families of the items that are banned from school. These include:
These expectations are in place to ensure a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students. Students who do not meet these expectations may receive sanctions in line with the school behaviour policy.
We appreciate the continued support of parents and carers in helping us maintain high standards and ensuring that all students arrive at school ready to learn and represent the school positively each day.
Visitors From Kazakhstan | This week, we were delighted to welcome principals and executive principals from some of the highest-performing schools in Kazakhstan to our school through our partnership with Canva Education.
As part of their visit, our guests met with Ms Luthfa and Mr Read, who shared insights into our school’s approach to integrating technology into teaching and learning. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase our practices while also exchanging ideas with fellow educational leaders from across the globe.
Discussions focused on several key areas of our digital learning strategy, including:
The use of Canva and other digital platforms to enhance student creativity, engagement, and collaboration
Our visitors were particularly interested in how technology is used not simply as an add-on, but as an integral part of everyday learning experiences that help prepare students for the future.
The visit was a fantastic opportunity to share best practice, strengthen international connections, and reflect on the innovative work taking place across our school community. We are proud to be recognised for our approach to digital learning and look forward to continuing these important conversations with educators around the world.
What's been happening in Geography this week? | This week in Geography, students across all year groups have been consolidating their learning from the half term through a series of formal assessments and structured revision activities.
In Year 07, students have been building strong foundational knowledge of physical geography. Mr Sheehan’s class revised key concepts before completing an assessment on the rock cycle and notable UK landforms. Over the term, students have explored the structure of the Earth, processes such as erosion, and tectonic movement. Case studies have included well-known UK features such as the Giant’s Causeway, Wenlock Edge and the Grampian Mountains, helping students connect theoretical knowledge to real-world examples.
Year 08 students have focused on polar environments. In Ms Chaudhuri’s lessons, students reviewed their learning ahead of an assessment on the importance of these regions. Throughout the term, they have studied some of the coldest places on Earth and developed an understanding of the vital role polar environments play globally, particularly in regulating climate and supporting the fight against climate change.
In Year 09, students have been revising and completing assessments on glacial processes, with a focus on erosion and deposition. This unit has enabled students to understand how ice can shape landscapes over millions of years, forming dramatic landforms and transforming environments.
Year 10 have now completed their assessment on “The Living World” unit. In Ms Victor’s lessons, students have been engaging in “Try Now” activities, which allow them to reflect on their assessments, revisit key questions, and improve their responses. This unit has covered ecosystems, tropical rainforests and hot environments, equipping students with essential knowledge for their GCSE course. With three units remaining, students will next move on to studying Coasts.
The highlight of the week was the first GCSE Geography exam for Year 11. Despite having completed a GCSE Biology exam the previous afternoon, students demonstrated excellent resilience and commitment by attending after-school, evening (online), and morning revision sessions. Their hard work paid off, with many students reporting a positive experience of the exam. The Geography team are incredibly proud of their effort and determination—35% of the GCSE is now complete, with the remaining 65% still to come.
Lift Bexleyheath
Woolwich Road
Bexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7DA
