Blog week ending 14th May
Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh’s Practice Expedition, Hopehill Meopham. Our recent 
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition was a fantastic success, with students proving to be outstanding ambassadors for both themselves and the school. Throughout the expedition, they rose to every challenge with maturity and enthusiasm.
The DofE providers were full of praise, commenting on how conscientious, well-prepared and respectful our students were at every stage of the experience. From navigation and campcraft to supporting one another on the journey, our students showed a real commitment to doing their best.
The expedition was expertly led by Miss Haynes, with staff providing calm guidance and encouragement throughout, making sure the students got the most from the experience (and the beautiful countryside!). Their support helped ensure that students not only developed practical outdoor skills but also grew in confidence and independence.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a highly valued scheme, helping young people build transferable life skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. These are skills that are recognised and respected by both employers and higher education providers, making the award a valuable addition to students’ CVs.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 10s and are looking forward to the assessed expedition – let’s hope the weather is kind to us!
Miss Haynes, DofE Lead, added “What really stood out was how confidently students working in groups to take responsibility for different aspects of the preparations and expedition with strong communication and great peer support to overcome any challenge and get the most out of the opportunity. These are exactly the same qualities we value at Stone Lodge – effort, cooperation and resilience.”
Year 8 students made the most of the sunshine in a recent PE lesson, taking part in an energetic game of rounders on the field. The lesson was a great opportunity for students to develop key skills beyond physical fitness, with leadership, teamwork and clear communication on show throughout.
Students worked effectively in their teams, encouraging one another, organising fielding positions and making quick decisions under pressure. Several pupils stepped confidently into leadership roles, helping to motivate teammates and model positive sportsmanship.
Careers Update. We recently held our second Careers Insight Morning of the year, this time for Year 9 students. Prior to the event, students attended a presentation organised by Mr Barron, Careers Lead, which introduced the range of employers attending and explained what opportunities would be available. Students were then able to select the employers they wished to meet on the day.
We were delighted to welcome eight employers from a wide range of sectors, offering students plenty of variety and insight into different career pathways. During the sessions, employers spoke about working life within their sector, what their careers involve day to day, and what it is like to be part of the wider world of work. They also took time to answer the many thoughtful and inquisitive questions from our Year 9 students.
Jamie C of 9F said “the two session I went to were good, we learnt a lot and it was helpful to learn more about future careers”.
We would like to thank ER Productions, Kimberly-Clark, Grain LNG, Karen Handley, Port of London Authority, Skanska, United Infrastructure and Hilton for generously giving their time to inspire our students.
At Stone Lodge, we are fully committed to providing a strong careers curriculum in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring our students are well prepared for their future pathways.
Sarah Dunne. Post 16, Work Experience and Careers Administrator
Year 10 Work Experience Week. During the week commencing 11th May, over 200 Year 10 students took part in work experience placements, stepping into the world of work and gaining valuable firsthand insight into a wide range of careers.
Students secured placements across more than 35 different sectors, including Education, Technology, Law, Pharmacy, Construction, Psychology, Fashion and Animal Care, to name just a few. This diverse range of opportunities has enabled our young people to explore potential career pathways and develop essential workplace skills.
In the current economic climate, we recognise how challenging it can be to enter the world of work without prior experience. Having work experience on a CV can be highly beneficial and can significantly support students in their future career prospects.
For students who were unable to secure a placement, Mr Barron, Head of Careers, put together an excellent in-school programme. Students participated in a range of work-related learning activities, including practice interviews, a UCAS virtual tour, using Unifrog to explore suitable career pathways, a CV workshop, and Post‑16 pathways sessions. In addition, an external speaker from Make It Make Sense, in partnership with Charlton Athletic, delivered two separate workshops focusing on mental health and financial education.
In the spotlight: Debbie E (pictured above) is currently undertaking her work experience with our Science Technicians. Debbie is shadowing their role, supporting in class with Year 7 practical lessons and helping prepare equipment for all lessons. Debbie commented “This experience has given me a great insight into science-based roles within a school. It has really supported my interest in pursuing a future career in Biomedical Science.”
In the spotlight: Eight students from Stone Lodge were given a fantastic opportunity to visit The Observatory at Ebbsfleet Garden City for a 2-day placement. During their visit, they learned about the development of the area, which is projected to continue until at least 2040. Students explored a variety of career pathways linked to the Garden City project and gained an understanding of how community remains at the heart of its ongoing development.
Year 7 Biologists are currently working on a propagating and growing plants topic. In the featured practical lessons students conducted a flower dissection as a practical way to understand the plant’s structure and function. Students continued the topic by exploring germination. Using their learned conditions for successful germination – WOW (Water, Oxygen, Warmth) students planted seeds which they will monitor over future lessons.
Year 11 Support Session. As part of our preparation ahead of the GCSE written exams, Mrs Wenham and Miss Waghorn led an exam wellbeing session. With the focus on a positive routine and coping strategies, students were able to create their own exam wellbeing timetables – as well as learn practical tools to support them recognising when they feel stressed and how overcome negative feelings and emotions. Students discussed their routines and tips to encourage self-care for the exam season .. and beyond. All were given a pack to take away that included inspired quotes, signposting, and support activities.
Welcoming Our New Year 7 Community. Welcoming new students and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of the school year. Our Transition Programme is carefully designed to do more than prepare students for September .. it helps them feel known, supported and genuinely excited about the next chapter of their learning!
A key focus of transition is getting to know every child as an individual – their strengths, their interests, their ambitions and anything they may need additional support with. This early understanding allows us to tailor each student’s experience from day one, laying strong foundations for both academic success and personal development. Just as importantly, it marks the start of open, positive relationships between home and school, forming partnerships that help students thrive.
The event itself reflected this personal approach. I gave an opening welcome and talk, with members of the Senior Leadership Team on hand for informal one‑to‑one conversations. Students and parents/carers were able to ask questions, meet staff and get a feel for daily life at the school in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Light refreshments were provided, and families took home a comprehensive Family Handbook outlining our ethos and ambitions, alongside practical guidance on uniform, transport, curriculum etc. To view the booklet, please click here
- We will be holding induction days on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd July 2026 to support with transition and to get a taste of life at Stone Lodge School.
- Meet the SENCo and members of the SEND team event – Coffee morning 7th July – by invitation only. Meet and talk with other parents and carers of children with SEN. We hope this relaxed setting will give you the chance to ask questions, share experiences, and feel reassured about the support in place for your child as they begin this next stage of their education here at Stone Lodge.
Transition isn’t a single evening; it’s the beginning of a shared journey with our new Year 7s and their families.
Library update – We’ve won books! Our librarian Mrs Nguyen successfully applied to the School Library Association for a free book pack so our students could take part in the annual SLA Information Book Awards. The books are now in school. This award is generously supported by funding from the Authors Licensing & Collecting Society and schools successful in their application not only receive free books shortlisted for the award but also have the opportunity to run an IBA book club. The club will offer students opportunities for positive engagement with information books, book talks, reading for pleasure and reading as a social activity in our library. Students will also have a chance to discover new interests and develop critical thinking skills, confidence in communicating their opinions and fire up their love of reading.
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Work Experience – until 15th May
Last Day of Term 5 – 22nd May
First Day Term 6 – 1st June
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
