Blog week ending 21st July
What a wonderful way to bring another successful academic year to a close. Our Learning Beyond the Classroom programme of activities, day trips and residential visits has provided students with a remarkable range of life-enhancing and aspirational experiences. While these opportunities undoubtedly support academic development, their impact extends far beyond the classroom, helping young people to build confidence, develop resilience, discover new interests and broaden their horizons.
Throughout the week, students have explored new places, embraced new challenges and encountered new ideas that encourage them to think more deeply about themselves, their futures and the wider world around them. Whether experiencing a residential adventure, visiting a place of cultural or historical significance, or participating in activities closer to home, these moments help to create memories that last a lifetime. Equally important, they strengthen the friendships, sense of belonging and community spirit that make our school such a special place.
This week has been a fitting celebration of all that we value as a school: ambition, curiosity, opportunity and togetherness. It has also served as a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful learning takes place when students step beyond their everyday surroundings and discover what they are capable of achieving.
The photographs below capture just a small snapshot of a truly memorable week, both in and beyond the classroom.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive families and, most importantly, our remarkable students. Together, you have made this school year such a special one. We wish all our families a happy and restful summer break and look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another year filled with opportunity, achievement and success.
Our intrepid Space Week students have enjoyed space travel (sort of) rocket development (definitely) and plenty more besides this week! A highlight (for me!) was the mobile planetarium that took over our sports hall. Students were taken onto space stations and beyond via this immersive 3D cinematic experience. I am confident that this week has created budding astronomists and scientists of us all!
Wild Week did not disappoint! Amongst our favourite external visitors during LBC Week were a tarantula, a bearded dragon, a scorpion, tortoise and a royal python! Our visiting Ranger discussed conservation topics with students concerning endangered animals highlighting the specific challenges they face in the wild and how they might be supported. Students were particularly engaged, discussing the animals and their welfare making astute and positive contributions to the animals’ plight and potential solutions. As you can see, even I got ‘hands-on’ in this session!
Spain Trip. Thirty students enjoyed an unforgettable four-day educational visit to Spain, taking in some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and attractions.
The trip began in Salou, where students spent time relaxing on the beach before exploring the local area. A full day in Barcelona followed, with visits to the famous Camp Nou, the colourful Park Güell and the breathtaking Sagrada Família. By chance, students also experienced the electric atmosphere in the city as Spanish fans celebrated their national team’s victory over France. A trip highlight was PortAventura World and Ferrari Land, where many students challenged themselves by conquering some of Europe’s biggest rollercoasters. The final day provided a chance to unwind with time by the hotel pool.
Throughout the visit, our students were outstanding ambassadors for the school, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Dorset Trip. Students explored the stunning Jurassic Coast, taking in some of Dorset’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Highlights included a visit to Dorset Wet and Wild Adventure Park, where students tackled the water park and mud trail with enthusiasm and lots of laughter. (Our apologies to parents and carers for the extra washing that followed!)
The trip also included exploring the historic Corfe Castle, visiting the iconic Portland Bill Lighthouse, travelling on the famous Swanage Railway, and trying their hand at fossil hunting along the world-renowned coastline. There was plenty of friendly competition during energetic Laser Quest battles, as well as time to enjoy the beach, amusements and, of course, a well-earned ice cream.
It was a fantastic week of learning, teamwork and creating lasting memories. From history and geography to adventure and discovery, the Dorset residential truly showcased the value of learning beyond the classroom and gave students experiences they will remember for years to come… what more could you possibly want from a trip away?!
Bushcraft Experience. Our students enjoyed an unforgettable bushcraft experience at Boughton Woods, where they fully immersed themselves in the beauty of this ancient woodland. From camping under the stars to cooking salmon over an open fire that they helped to light themselves, students embraced every aspect of outdoor life. Activities included fire lighting, shelter building, camouflage and concealment, target sports, and Scenario SOS challenges, all designed to develop teamwork, resilience and confidence.
The camp’s yurt, field kitchen, campfire area and safari-style bell tents provided the perfect setting for adventure and learning in the great outdoors. Students threw themselves enthusiastically into every activity, and staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience too!
It was a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from technology, connect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We hope this experience has inspired an abiding love of the outdoors that students will carry with them for years to come.
Business Week Entrepreneurs visited historic Greenwich for inspiration and stimulus to develop their business ideas ready to pitch in the Stone Lodge Dragon’s Den! Students then went on to market and sell their made products to students and staff. From notebooks and pens to personalised gifts, eco-friendly stationery, mini-magnetic whiteboards, stress-relief slime pots and squishes, your support helped us raise over £120 after costs. The students have decided to donate their profit to our PTA – thank you to everyone for your immense support and generosity! Please join me in congratulating our Business Person of the Year – the award goes to (drumroll) Maisie W!
Art Week. Frameless in London provided a immersive artistic experience for our students to explore their creativity and create their own piece based on the art around them. Frameless is a brilliant sensory experience providing a unique take on how we appreciate and see art!
A Taste of Europe. Student embarked on an exciting journey across the continent through a range of cross-curricular activities. They explored Europe’s countries, regions, and history through geography and archaeology activities before learning about famous European artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Dalí, Michelangelo, and Klimt. A highlight of the week was a Flamenco dance workshop delivered by Flamenco Con Gusto, where students learned new dance techniques, took part in practical sessions, and gained an insight into careers in the arts.
Students also worked collaboratively to prepare and cook pizzas, applying their knowledge of European cuisine while developing teamwork and organisational skills. Alongside this, they designed and presented their own pizzeria concepts before visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to explore European art and design. The week concluded with a languages project in which students created football clubs using languages such as Spanish, Italian, and Turkish. Overall, A Taste of Europe provided students with a memorable opportunity to deepen their understanding of European cultures while developing valuable employability skills.
Disney Trip. We had the time of our lives rubbing shoulders with Mickey, enjoying spectacular firework displays, taking part in parades and generally immersing ourselves in the joy of Disney!
Laughter, excitement and a little bit of Disney magic filled the air as our students enjoyed an incredible residential trip to Disneyland Paris. From adrenaline-fuelled rollercoasters (where we overcame our fears!) to immersive attractions and unforgettable shows, every day brought new adventures. It was a truly magical experience, filled with laughter, friendship and unforgettable moments from start to finish.
Skills Week students have been teambuilding across a number of diverse, but equally valuable life-skills sessions that could benefit not just themselves, but our wider local community too! St john’s Ambulance came in to equip us with CPR skills … and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to have the perfect recipe for chocolate chip cookies to treat ourselves and others!
Criminology Week. Students took on the mantel of forensic scientist to solve a dramatic ‘murder’! Learning and applying scientific procedures used by police forensics, students analysed the ‘crime scene’ to correctly establish the perpetrator of the murder! Additionally, they travelled to the London Dungeons … sadly we weren’t allowed to take photos inside … but Ms Clarke has confirmed, it was absolutely terrifying!
Berlin Trip. Our students had a fantastic opportunity to visit Berlin and experience the city’s rich history and culture first-hand. From taking in breathtaking views from the TV Tower to standing beneath the famous Brandenburg Gate, there was plenty to discover.
One of the most impactful parts of the trip was a visit to Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum. Students reflected on the importance of remembering the past and gained valuable insights into world history. The trip was both educational and inspiring.
Fashion Week students produced a wonderful array of couture items on the theme of Myths & Legends. Each piece was first drafted as part of a mood board before finalising their designs and then making their finished items using a range of upcycled garments that had been donated! As you can see – the results were nothing short of magical!
Year 10 students attended the Pathways For All event at St John’s School, Gravesend. The event was designed to help students explore their post-16 options and begin thinking about their future education and career pathways.
The morning started with an informative presentation, providing students with an overview of the different routes available after Year 11. They learned about a variety of courses, qualifications and training opportunities offered by local providers, helping them to gain a better understanding of the choices available to them. Following the presentation, students visited the Sports Hall where a wide range of exhibitors had set up information stalls. Representatives were on hand to answer questions and offer advice about further education, apprenticeships and career opportunities. Exhibitors included local sixth forms (with Stone Lodge School showcasing its courses), North Kent College, The Learning Shop at Bluewater, BAM, Ebbsfleet Garden City, Lower Thames Crossing, Reynolds Training Academy, and Nacro Education Chatham, among many others.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore the many pathways available to them after Year 11. It provided valuable insight into local education and employment opportunities, ensuring that students are well informed and better prepared to make decisions about their future. We would like to thank St John’s School and all the exhibitors for hosting such an engaging and informative event.
Our latest Careers Newsletter, packed with tops and resources can be read by clicking here
We have been asked to share the below information posters, we hope you find them useful!
Forthcoming Dates;
Last Day 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
