Blog week ending 13th November

At Stone Lodge we believe that preparing students for life beyond the classroom is just as important as academic success. This term, our Careers Programme is buzzing with activity, offering students valuable insights into the world of work and the many opportunities available to them.

Our Careers Lead is Mr Barron – a Teacher of History who has been at Stone Lodge since September 2022. After being appointed to the post over the summer, he has been expanding our Careers Programme, adding events early in the academic year to get students thinking about their future. He said “From engaging lessons to hands-on clubs, exciting trips, and inspiring guest speakers, every element of school life at Stone Lodge is carefully crafted to broaden horizons. These experiences give students the confidence to explore new interests and the knowledge to make informed choices about their next steps.”

Year 13 students recently took part in an Apprenticeship Workshop, designed to help them understand the benefits of earning while learning and the wide range of industries offering apprenticeship routes. Meanwhile, our Year 10 students enjoyed a series of careers talks from external industry representatives, giving them a real-world perspective on different professions. These sessions featured experts from diverse fields including the Army, NHS, Psychiatry, Finance, Construction, Mechanics, Architecture, and Law, each sharing their experiences and advice on how to succeed in their sector. Next week, Stone Lodge will be welcoming a guest speaker from the Charlton Athletic Community Trust to speak to students in Year 9 about their choices going forward. Mr Barron is also working behind the scenes to organise talks from employers to deliver to Year 7 and 8, and work has already started on a Careers Talk for Year 9 in May. 

These events are part of our ongoing commitment to ensure every student feels informed, inspired, and ready to take the next steps toward their future career. Whether it’s university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, we aim to provide the guidance and resources needed for our students to make confident choices.  Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming careers events and opportunities!

Millie S, our Year 13 SL6 Correspondent provided the below report

Apprentice Advantage visited students in Year 13 to help equip us with the knowledge, skills and resources to navigate degree apprenticeship pathways successfully.  Students were treated to a focussed apprenticeship bootcamp which consisted of four stations, each focused on a different stage of the application process that students often find challenging:

1. CV review and improvement
2. Interview preparation
3. Teambuilding activity
4. Answering application questions

We had a wonderful time learning from, and engaging with, our speakers, which provided a valuable insight into a range of career paths. The speakers were welcoming and knowledgeable, making the experience both enjoyable and inspiring for all involved.

I found the afternoon very informative with lots of support from their team – who are current apprentices – I had so many questions going into the session due to an apprenticeship being my preferred choice and have found them thoroughly answered. They gave us mock interviews, coached us in teambuilding skills and gave us lots of chances to pick their brains regarding a day in the life of an apprentice. Because of the workshop I am excited (and confident!) to actively pursue apprenticeship opportunities in mechanical engineering.

Additionally, sixth form student Lilah had this to say: ‘I found that the apprenticeship workshop was efficient at providing a good insight on what life as an apprentice can look like. The people running each section were knowledgeable and provided advice that ranged from cv tips to how to manage social and work life’.

Year 10 Careers Sessions. Nine employers from a range of industries visited the school to share insights into their sectors and career paths with our Year 10 students. Speakers included representatives from the Army, Training, NHS, Psychiatry, Finance, Construction, Mechanics, Architect and Law.

Students had the opportunity to select two talks.  Each speaker discussed the skills and qualifications needed in their field including the usual tasks expected and the routes into these industries. It was a great opportunity for Year 10 to start understanding the world of work and inspired many to consider their own career goals.

Our guest speakers were full of praise for the interest and enthusiasm that the students showed. You could feel the buzz of excitement in the corridors as students moved from their first talk to the second. The next step for Year 10 on their careers journey will be for them to start looking for their work experience placements and logging the details onto Unifrog.

We also recommend that students to keep looking at the local market information to help inform potential goals – Kent labour market information

Patrick in Year 10 said ‘I really enjoyed the career talks as it gave me an insiders view on what it’s like to work in different sectors. It has helped me think about what I want to do when I’m older’.

Year 11 Careers Support – As students approach the end of their secondary education, the choices they make about their next steps can shape their futures in profound ways. That’s why one-to-one Post-16 Careers interviews are such a vital part of the support offered at Stone Lodge. Year 11 have been in these sessions since the beginning of September, and it has been very effective in helping students think about their next steps. The sessions will be recommencing in the New Year.

These personalised sessions give students the opportunity to explore their interests, strengths, and aspirations with an experienced careers advisor. Whether they’re considering sixth form, college, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce, the interviews help clarify options and build confidence.

What makes these interviews so impactful?

• Tailored Guidance: Every student is different. These sessions provide bespoke advice based on individual goals, strengths and circumstances.
• Informed Decision-Making: Advisors help students understand the pathways available, entry requirements, and how to align choices with long-term ambitions.
• Empowerment: Students leave feeling more prepared and motivated to take ownership of their future.

Stone Lodge is commited to student wellbeing and success beyond the classroom. It’s not just about choosing a course; it’s about building a future!

Sixth Form SL6 Open Event. We are thrilled to introduce our exciting new curriculum offer for Stone Lodge Sixth Form.

It is designed to be broad, ambitious and inclusive and cater to a wide range of interests and aspirations. 

We will be offering both Level 2 and level 3 Pathways with a blend of academic and vocational options. 

We look forward to being able to meet with you and discuss possible options to help inspire your son/daughter for their next stage. Please click here to book your place at our Open Event

Introducing, Mrs Ward who joins us as Deputy Headteacher.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Stone Lodge as Deputy Headteacher, bringing with me a deep passion for student development and school improvement. Previous roles include Vice Principal within a dynamic academy Trust, where I led strategic initiatives to raise attainment and foster inclusive learning environments. My background also includes roles as a Careers Leader and NQT Mentor, where I championed future pathways and supported early-career teachers to thrive. I’m excited to work alongside the talented staff and students here, and I look forward to contributing to a culture of excellence, ambition, and care.”

In the featured lesson Mrs Ward’s Year 10 GCSE Health and Social Care students have been exploring the factors and conditions that would impact a person’s Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social development (PIES). This is the framework used to understand and manage the total health of an individual.

Introducing teacher of Design & Technology, Mrs Igwe.

In the featured lesson Year 7 Engineering students are working on their ‘dream bedroom’ architectural scale models. As you can see, they have embraced the project, designing elaborate features and colourways!

Mrs Igwe is an exceptional teaching practitioner with boundless enthusiasm for her subject and in helping students make the connections between their learned skills and their application and career potential in the workplace. Mrs Igwe added “the engineering sector is at the cutting edge of science and technology … and a thriving industry in terms of the range of exciting job opportunities! I’ve been impressed by student attitude and aptitude for the subject at Stone Lodge and am looking forward to supporting them in their learning and career ambitions. It’s wonderful to be able to take students on the journey from an initial idea/ concept to physical product that they can proud of – to see the excitement of the students for the subject and possibilities for the future.”

Oliver!, one of this year’s school musicals, is being performed Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th November 2025. Performances are due to commence at 6pm in the main school hall. 

Parents/Carers can purchase tickets on our online platform iPay and some will be available to purchase on the door. Tickets are £5 each, children under secondary age can attend for free with an accompanying adult. 

Oliver! is a musical about the orphan Oliver Twist in Victorian England, who, after escaping a cruel workhouse, finds himself in London and taken in by the pickpocket gang of the criminal Fagin. A series of misadventures leads to Oliver being mistakenly arrested for theft but then rescued by the kind Mr Brownlow. Fagin, fearing exposure, orchestrates Oliver’s kidnapping with the help of the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy. Ultimately, Oliver is revealed to be Mr Brownlow’s grandson, Nancy is tragically murdered by Sikes, and Oliver is reunited with his true family.

Students involved in the production have been working incredibly hard to put this performance together.

Congratulations to the Year 10 football team who recently went up against the Leigh UTC and secured a comfortable 1-0 victory. The lead was gained after a great team goal that started with a goal kick from Charlie T and through many flicks and carefully placed passes was turned in confidently by Aston D from the edge of the box. The boys showed great determination to stay calm and collected and survived a short resurgence from the Leigh at the end of the game. They have advanced to the next round of the Cup and we are waiting to find out who that will be!

“A Remarkable two Weeks of Remembrance in Our Library!” Last week, our school library truly ‘brought history to life.’  I was thrilled to welcome the fantastic author of historical fiction books Tom Palmer. He joined us from Compiegne Forest in France where The Armistice was signed on 11^th of November 1918. It remains one of the most important European sites in history. Tom shared the inspiring story behind his book “Armistice Runner”, which among other themes, follows a young trench runner on a daring mission during the final day of WW1, linking it beautifully to the theme of peace and the true meaning of Remembrance Day.

Tom Palmer encouraged our students to think critically about how stories can connect us to history and to remember the real people behind the events we learn. During the lesson I asked students to consider what the book ‘Armistice Runner’ might be about just by looking at its cover. The students came up with some amazing ideas, from a mystery adventure in a French village to a story about a secret message being delivered during a time of war. I was impressed by the students’ imaginative suggestions and shared how some of their ideas matched themes in his book, such as bravery, friendship, and the significance of the Armistice that ended the fighting. I am very grateful to Tom Palmer for sharing his wonderful book with us and for helping our students see how history, literature, and Remembrance are all connected.

This week, we continued our inspiring Remembrance theme. We kicked off with an enlightening video specially prepared by a team of Sky News journalists asking the big question, “Why is Remembrance important?” The clip sparked a lively, thoughtful discussion among our students, who shared their own ideas about what Remembrance means to them and why it matters in today’s world. We listened to war‑veteran and TV presenter, JJ Chalmers, a former Marine Commander who served in Afghanistan. He shared first‑hand experiences of fighting on the front line, captivating our students with his personal story and some facts from his life that brought the past conflict vividly into our library. The students loved hearing about JJ’s personal experience of serving in Afghanistan and how it impacted his life.  His story made the virtual session truly moving and very memorable.

To round off our immersive Remembrance lessons, we enjoyed a spectacular video by The Royal British Legion, which beautifully traced the history of the iconic Remembrance poppy. The video also featured a moving recitation of John McCrae’s timeless poem, “In Flanders Fields,” reminding everyone of the poem’s powerful connection to the poppy symbol and to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Our students listened with attention, and many were inspired to reflect on the poem’s message of sacrifice and peace. In conclusion of our Remembrance, our whole school community observed the two minutes silence on Tuesday.

I am thrilled with how our Remembrance activities brought our students together, deepening their understanding of this important day. Please don’t forget to wear your poppy in November proudly as a symbol of our shared Remembrance! Mrs Nguyen, Librarian

As you may be aware, Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic category 5 storm recently struck Jamaica causing widespread destruction and significant flooding across the island. Lead by our SL6 students our school community came together to raise money via a bake sale to help all those who have been affected.

The SL6’s students’ enthusiasm and teamwork helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that drew in staff and students. This initiative not only showcased the students’ commitment to global citizenship but also highlighted the power of community action in times of need. 

Teacher of Science, Mrs Pearce-Fowler spoke on behalf of all in our Stone Lodge community that have been affected saying “As many of you know, our home country has recently faced the most devastating storm in history. Our hearts were warmed today when we saw the outpouring of love from the staff and students in solidarity with the Jamaican staff members, in what has proven to be a very difficult time for our families and country.

Your messages, corridor chats, pop-ins, understanding, and solidarity have meant so much to us over the past 10 days. Today was icing on the cake literally and figuratively. I speak for all when I say, it reminds us how fortunate we are to work alongside such compassionate and caring people.

Thank you for standing with us and showing that even in challenging times, community and empathy makes all the difference. We will cherish this.  Warm regards, Jamaican Stone Lodgers.”

We are only in Term 2 and students have already earned 32,000 House Points!! Hawking are currently in pole position, but there are lots more opportunities to enter House Competitions, or secure points in lessons or the wider community!

Mrs Wenham, together with Student Leaders entered, and won, this year’s ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ KCC competition. Their prize includes a range of reflective clothing items and accessories to help keen students seen .. and safe as they walk home from school.

Forthcoming Dates;

SL6 – UCAS Application Deadline – 14 Nov

Year 9 Careers Workshop – 20 & 21 Nov

School Production – Oliver! – 24 & 25 Nov – 6pm – tickets available on iPay or on the night

Year 11 MFL Mock Speaking exams – 25 Nov

PTFA Annual General Meeting – 25 Nov 6.45pm – come and find out more!

SL6 Open Evening – 4 Dec 5-8pm

Music Concert – 10 Dec

Year 11 Parents’ Evening – 11 Dec 4-7pm

Last Day of Term 2 – 19 Dec 12.10pm

First Day of Term 3 – 5 Jan

Best wishes,

Catherine Cusick

Headteacher