Welcome back to Leith Academy as we head into 2026 which is hopefully a year of success, achievement and no doubt some perseverance for our young people and their Families. It has been a very positive first week back, but as ever we move into a very busy period as we plan for course choice across several year groups, the national assessments, and our new 26/27 timetable in the summer term.
Some key points below;
S2 into S3 Course choice – We held an information evening for Parents last night which was well attended and we hope useful. The recording is on our website along with other relevant information under the Pupil Info section.
Next week we have our S2 Family / Parents Eve online which also helps young people make their subject choices over the coming weeks, Mr Stewart / Office has sent direct emails to all S2 Families linked to next week.
S2 Careers Speed Dating – Our S2 pupils took part in a speed-networking careers fair on Thursday, where they had the opportunity to spend time with representatives from ten different organisations. They learned about a wide variety of jobs and the many different pathways people have taken to reach those careers. This experience supports current subject choices and continues to build pupils’ understanding of the world of work, providing a strong platform for ongoing discussions at home and in school about their futures over the coming months and years.
Feedback from the event was very positive, and our guests were particularly impressed by how engaged our young people were throughout.
World of work – Next week all of our S5’s will have a mock interview with a range of our partners and supporters. This will help develop a wide range of communication skills in this situation which will help young adults in their confidence and next steps beyond Leith Academy.
Prelims marks / feedback / interventions – We are now in the important phase of marking assessments and feeding back via learner conversations on what has gone well and what needs to be improved. We will link in with home as required to ensure support is coming from varied angles, our S4,5,6 Track 2 reports are being finalised before being issued to home. Pro active discussions between home and school are always helpful in supporting our young adults through the coming months.
Burns event – The Queen’s Wake – To celebrate Robert Burns, Scottish Literature, music, the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots to Leith and the Leith community in general, we are holding a Battle of the Bards. Pupils will compete with poetry and music for a prize, as was done in times past, often called a ‘Wake’ – a celebration in song and music was the old meaning.
The prize fund has been contributed by local businesses which means that all the money raised from ticket sales, after costs, will go to local community groups and charities. Our business donors will be acknowledged in our programme for the event. So, we are hoping that all people involved will benefit, especially the pupils involved who will showcase their talents to an enthusiastic audience drawn from the community.
Here is the link to purchase a ticket: https://leith-academy.sumupstore.com/product/1-the-queen-s-wake-ticket
See the flyer below for a little explanation of the context of the event.
Mr Wilson, English Teacher
Keeping your child safe online: Porn, Nudes and Online Sexual Harm
Online event – 27th January from 7pm to 8pm
The Lucy Faithful Foundation are delivering an online one-hour session on online sexual harm. This is for parents/carers and aimed at sharing practical strategies to keep children safe online. Similar sessions delivered this time last year were very popular.
You can book here: Lucy Faithful Foundation Online Safety Event
Hoping you have a nice weekend from all at Leith Academy.
