Blog week ending 10th June
As we enter the final term of the academic year, there is a strong sense of anticipation across the school community. Term 6 is always a particularly rewarding time, where we see the results of sustained effort alongside a rich programme of events that bring learning to life both inside and beyond the classroom.
Our Year 11 and 13 have approached this important exam period with focus, maturity and determination. Their commitment to their studies has been evident throughout the year, and I know they will have given their very best. Alongside examinations, there is a wide range of opportunities for students to engage, explore and celebrate their talents. From Year 10 Duke Of Edinburgh expeditions, to careers workshops, and Sports Day this term reflects both achievement and progression at every stage of school life.
Transition events for our incoming Year 6 students and SL6 induction activities will ensure that new members of our community feel welcomed and inspired as they begin their journey with us.
Experiential learning continues to play a vital role in enriching our curriculum. Educational visits, including the Year 10 Geography trip and the STEM on Track Grand Prix finals, provide valuable opportunities to broaden horizons beyond the school site. Learning Beyond the Classroom Week, in particular, offers a truly exciting programme of learning, cultural and social experiences both in the UK and internationally, with opportunities ranging from a visit to Disneyland Paris, participation in a residentail Bush Craft trip, exploration and language skills in Barcelona as well as Berlin in Germany. These experiences are instrumental in developing confidence, independence and global awareness in our students.
It promises to be a busy, purposeful and memorable conclusion to the academic year. Thank you, as ever, for your continued support and for playing such an important role in our thriving school community.
Year 13 Leavers Meal – EFES in Dartford. We recently held our Year 13 celebration meal at Dartford Efes. This was a lovely opportunity to celebrate the end of two years with our Year 13 students, who are now destined for bright futures ahead. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together, along with some entertainment provided by Efes.
As our Year 13 students continue with their exams, we wish them the very best of luck and every success in the exciting futures ahead!
Each member of this Year 13 cohort should take immense pride in all they have achieved – the milestones reached, the challenges overcome and the positive steps taken along the way. The thoughtful and inspiring addresses from our Headteacher, Heads of WG6, Student Managers and Heads of Year reflected not only what a pleasure it has been to work with this group over the past two years, but also how growth and development cuts both ways. Whilst responding to the learning needs and aspirations of our students, we continue to refine and strengthen our support, creating an environment that nurtures progress and enables every student to achieve.
As they reach the end of their formal exams Year 13 demonstrated their readiness by approaching each paper with genuine positivity and professionalism. We wish them every success for the future, both in their examinations and in the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We also hope they will remain a valued part of our community as members of our distinguished alumni, continuing to inspire and support those who follow in their footsteps.
Mr Poole’s Year 8 Computer Science students are currently putting their learned coding into practice as they use block-based programme language (backed by JavaScript) to create mobile applications. Students are using a website called AppLab to make games and simple applications, like a reaction timer, to practice their programming skills.
Mrs Gordon-Keyes’ Year 8 Scientists have been studying acids and alkalis in their current topic. In the below practical lesson students conducted an investigation into the reactivity of metals in dilute acids. Students then sorted their findings into a reactivtity series.
Mr Ofosu-Apea’s Year 7 Graphic Design students have been considering branding and target audience as they design bespoke items of merchandising. As you can see from the below images, students are excelling – creating unique bold designs that would appeal to their chosen audience. Designs include ones that can be personalised, vintage style and highly stylised colour-pop.
Our DT Club, STEM On Track is an immersive educational initiative consisting of three core elements: Build, Learn, and Race whilst fostering practical skills and a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This incredible project is led by Mr Ofosu-Apea as students construct their kart, consider the optimum aerodynamic design, as well as driving skills to ensure the best approach to race day!
The project culminates in the STEM Prix on 20th June, a thrilling racing event showcasing students achievements in STEM education and kart building. The below photos were taken at the recent training day … students are more than ready for the final! Good luck everyone – enjoy your day.
Careers Update. our latest Newsletter includes a round-up of the latest news and opportunities and can be viewed on our website by clicking here
Fashion Students Donation Request! As part of LBC Week, the Stone Lodge Met Gala is making a return and we’re calling on your support to help make it even better than last year.
We’re asking for donations of any materials that could be transformed into masterpieces.
This could include:
- Old clothes or accessories
- Fabric scraps, buttons, ribbons, or lace
- Old newspaper or other packaging materials (e.g., cardboard, bubble wrap, foil)
Your contributions made a huge difference last year, with donated dresses, tops and jeans being upcycled into floor length gowns. We can’t wait to see what our talented students create this time around!
The Kent Family Hub together with Kent County Council have shared the below information;
Supporting Young People to stay well this summer. As we head into the summer months, it’s a great time to think about how we can support the emotional wellbeing of the young people we live with. Changes in routine, more free time, and the pressures of social media or isolation can all have an impact on how young people feel over the holidays.
To help with this, the i-Thrive team at Kent County Council have created a “Keeping Well This Summer” Sway – a simple, engaging resource designed especially for young people. It’s full of practical tips, ideas and signposts to help them look after their wellbeing during the summer break.
What’s included?
The Sway covers:
- Easy ways to look after mental health and wellbeing
- Ideas for staying active and connected
- Tips for managing low mood, anxiety, or boredom
- Links to trusted support services if extra help is needed
How you can help. We’d really appreciate your support in sharing this resource with the young people you live with. You could use it as part of a conversation about how they are feeling.
A simple share could make a real difference in helping a young person feel supported and know where to turn. Access the Sway – Keeping well this summer 2026
Additionally, we have been asked to share the below important advice and information;
Staying Safe Around Water. Recently, as temperatures increase, there have been a number of incidents up and down the country where young people have got into difficulty around water. Tragically, some of these young people have lost their lives. This term, we will be educating your child on the importance of staying safe around water and what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty. To reinforce this important message, we ask you to speak with your child about the dangers of water and to look at the websites linked below together to get more information:
Staying safe around water – GOV.UK
Float to Live. Would you know what to do if you got into difficulty in the water? Float by following these five simple steps – it could save your life.
This advice is useful to everyone, however you use the water. It has helped save the lives of more than 50 people in all sorts of situations. From children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, from people swept out by waves, to fisherman falling overboard.
The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it’s OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool.
5 steps to know how to float
- Tilt your head back and submerge your ears
- Relax and control your breathing
- Move your hands and legs to help stay afloat
- Your legs may sink and that’s OK as everyone floats differently
- Find your float by practicing at a supervised location
Watch the video and get more information from the RNLI: Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 DofE Assessed Expedition – 12 & 13 June
Year 11 Leavers Event – 17 June (from 11.15am)
Year 13 Leavers Breakfast – 17 June
STEAM Club Go-Karting Finals – Saturday 20 June
Year 8 Career Workshop – 22 June
SLG Sixth Form Induction Day – 23 June
Year 11 Prom – 24 June 7-11pm
Y6 Induction (small primaries day) – 25 June 9-12noon
Sports Day – 26 June
Year 9 Careers Workshop – 29 June
Year 10 Geography Field Trip – 29 & 30 June
Year 6 Transition Day (1) – 2 July
Year 10 Careers Advisor – 2 July
Year 6 Transition Day (2) – 3 July
Year 10 Careers Event Trip – 6 July
All Years LBC Week – 13-17 July
Years 7-10 Written Reports home – 17 July
End of Term 6 – 21 July 12noon
First Day of 2026/27 Academic Year – Thursday 3 September (except new Years 7 & 12 whose first day is Wednesday 2 September
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
