BLOG WEEK ENDING 21ST JUNE
Spotlight on the Science Department.
“Our aim is to encourage a life-long love of science, scientific enquiry and inspire the scientists of tomorrow. Whilst following an inclusive curriculum in a consistent environment of quality first teaching and mutual respect”
We aim to inspire the scientists of the future and encourage enquiry, thinking and exploration of the fundamental principles of science, through an appreciation of the world around them and the scientific advances that have led to our understanding today. Based on the national curriculum students’ knowledge will develop through gaining an understanding of the main themes of science interleaved across the key stages. This allows the progression from KS3-4 seamlessly and provides the skills needed to be successful in external examinations.
Meet the team!
Introducing Mrs Masoud, Head of Science. “I am a physicist and am very passionate about instilling my love of scientific enquiry in our students. I bring with me a vast experience of sixth form, raising standards and pastoral management. My main goal will be to develop our KS3-4 students to become independent and resilient scientists. I would like to start a well-rounded A Level programme for all science disciplines. This will open a wide range of opportunities, not only for students at Stone Lodge but for other members of our community too.”
In the pictured lesson, Mrs Masoud’s Year 10 students have been exploring metal oxides, and specifically the reactions of metals with oxygen. This leads onto the acids and alkalis topic and as part of their investigation students staged the ‘rainbow fizz’ experiment to demonstrate how acids and alkalines react as they go throught the pH scale.
Year 7 students are currently learning about the structure of the solar system, and in this lesson, understanding the gravitational pull of the Sun which keeps the planets in orbit around it. Students will go on to researching each planet and its moon (or moons) and using the information they discover to produce a series of models and presentations to share with the class.
Year 8 have been taking part in a desert Island project to support their understanding of renewable energy sources. Students have first researched the different options available then have to determine the most appropriate technology to suit their islands topography and infrastructure. Students create working models of their preferred energy source .. water wheels! Students are now considering the local wildlife of their Island and using animal tracks to identify potential dangers!
Miss White’s Year 10 Physics students have been exploring the random nature of radioactive decay and in this practical lesson conducted an investigation to demonstrate the idea of ‘half-life’ and the decrease in the activity of a radioactive sample over time.
Mrs Pearce-Fowler’s Year 10 Chemistry students have been exploring displacement reaction and in this practical lesson conducted an experiment to gather evidence to show a chemical reaction has taken place.
As part of our enrichment programme of ‘Learning Beyond the Classroom’ one of the opportunities is Wild Week, which is dedicated to the scientific study of animals – Zoology. The group will explore various elements including habitats, feeding habits, survival strategies and careers relating to animals. The week will culminate in an enriching trip to Colchester Zoo, offering insights into both the natural world and potential careers involving animals. Another cross-curricular activity combines Geography and Scientific discovery is a visit to Snowdonia National Park in Wales with a ride on the mountain railway to the summit of Snowdonia and an exhilarating visit to zip world! Additionally, members of our science department are running extra-curricular sessions; Miss Deacon is leading ‘Fashion Week’ dedicated to creativity, design and discovery. Miss Cogswell is leading ‘Harry Potter Week’ which promises to be a truly magical experience!
Year 6 Active Kent Transition Programme. Our Year 7 and Year 9 students supported the running of a Year 6 sport transition event at Stone Lodge. In total, we had over 100 students (including 68 students who will be joining Stone Lodge next year) from both Brent Primary and Temple Hill Primary. Our Year 7s worked alongside the Year 6 students, completing a range of Highland Games themed activities which were being led by our Year 9s.
All Year 6 students who took part were surveyed by Active Kent who led the event. Before they started, the Year 6s were asked how confident they were about moving to secondary school with answers ranging from 1-3 out of 10. By the end of the event all students rated their confidence between 7–10 which really shows the value of such events. Both our Year 7 and Year 9 students acquitted themselves brilliantly and truly showed the best of Stone Lodge. The feedback from the teachers at the schools and the event organisers was overwhelmingly positive and all students left with smiles on their faces! Thank you to all Year 7 and 9 students who undoubtably made the event the success it was.
Our Year 11 and 13 students enjoyed special celebratory breakfasts and assemblies to mark the end of their GCSE and A Level courses.
Particularly poignant was the assembly and speeches for our Year 11 students .. the first ever students of Stone Lodge School! These students made up our launch cohort, settling into our temporary school before moving into our current school building. Teachers and staff past and present made a series of heart-felt video messages for students; clearly our students have made a wonderful and positive impact on staff, the messages were wonderful. We wish all of our students the very best in every future endeavour .. and we look forward to welcoming many of them back to our sixth form, SL6.
Our Year 13 students who have pioneered the way for SL6 signed off on their Sport and Engineering courses. They are embarking on their new chapter in life whether it be university, apprenticeships or full-time employment and we wish them the very best of luck! Students shared a leavers breakfast and were given Stone Lodge School passport and document covers as both a memory of their time here and to signify the start of their future adventures and travels. It has been an absolute pleasure having them here and it is a very bittersweet feeling saying goodbye to them. They have set the gold standard for our sixth form provision – stay in touch everyone!
Introducing, Harvey Humphris, our SL6 correspondent. Harvey is currently studying for a Level 3 Sports BTEC, and is, as you would expect a keen and accomplished sportsman and scholar. “I am passionate about promoting the physical and wider wellbeing benefits of taking part in a sporting activity and take every opportunity to work with our younger years coaching and inspiring them to incorporate healthy life habits. Additionally, I am a keen follower of sports media and regularly contribute opinion pieces and will add regular items to our school Blog” Harvey’s first items can be read below.
The SL6 sixth form cohort had the privilege of getting a careers talk from Millwall Football Club journalist Mark Litchfield. Mark spoke to the Post 16 students about his day-to-day duties as a club journalist, including what he does on a matchday and behind the scenes at Millwall including announcing the latest transfers and the newest kits. He also spoke about the hardest parts of his job, which included sadly announcing the passing of Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic over the weekend. Mark informed us of how he was able to attain this job through gaining attention from local media outlets, doing voluntary reporting work and climbing his way to the top through his hard work. This talk was thoroughly engaging for the Year 12 students and they enjoyed speaking to Mark, in particular our BTEC Sport students, and we are very grateful to Mark for making the time to come and deliver this talk.
This week we welcomed our new Year 12s (starting next academic year) for their induction day. Across the school new students took part in ‘taster’ lessons for their chosen SL6 subjects as well as teambuilding activities and a shared lunch.
We celebrate our dedicated and outstanding staff all year .. but especially on National Thank a Teacher Day! This national campaign aims to recognise the impact that the education community has in shaping the minds and futures of our young people. If you would like to send a free digital ‘thank you’ card to any staff member of our school, you can do so by clicking here Thank a Teacher Form – Thank a Teacher The Thank a Teacher campaign recognises ALL staff working in UK early years, schools and colleges; school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, and all support staff such as lunchtime supervisors, caretakers and cleaners. If you’re feeling shy you can send a card anonymously.
Careers update. As part of our Careers Programme Year 9 students took part in a careers and role modelling session with representatives from Make it make sense (MIMS) which is a partnership between University of Greenwich and Charlton Athletic. This financial education and problem solving session focused on financial wellbeing – including budgeting, savings and future responsibilities.
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 and were unpacked by a group of students this afternoon. This award is sponsored by Hachette Children’s Group 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 from September. The IBA September Book Club will offer students opportunities for positive engagement with information books, reading for pleasure, book talk and reading as a social activity in our library.
Refugee Week 2024 17–23 June 2024. In library lessons this week we were raising awareness of the worldwide refugee crisis and highlighting the fact that children make up half of all refugees, with over 400 million of them living in conflict zones across the globe. Students watched a video about child refugees and listened to an interview with a child refugee conducted by children now settled and living in the USA. The theme for Refugee Week 2024 is “Our Home”.
Stone Lodge Year 11 Prom – 5th July! It’s going to be EPIC! Tickets are available to buy on ParentPay now! Your ticket includes; finger food buffet, soft drinks, DJ, and photobooth! Last call for tickets – deadline Monday 24th June
Looking for a new career opportunity? It is our firm belief that a motivated, supported and empowered staff are at the heart of our students’ achievements. Endeavour MAT’s staff development programme offers our staff opportunities for career progression across our Trust schools for the next generation of exceptional teachers, support staff and leaders. All our schools take pride in being warm, friendly and supportive workplaces. You can be assured, regardless of your role, you will be working with people who enjoy their work, are proud to be here and who will want to welcome you to the team. To view our current vacancies, please click here.
Forthcoming Dates;
DofE Silver Practice Expedition – 21 – 23 June
Year 10 Geography Field Trip – 24 June and 25 June
Year 9 Formal Internal exams – 24 – 28 June
Ypres Parent/Carers meeting 5-6pm & Barcelona Parent/Carer meeting 6-7pm – Barcelona – 26 June
Year 6 new starter information evening – 27 June
Year 12 Work Placement Week – 1 – 5 July
Year 10 Formal Internal exams – 1 – 5 July
Sports Day Years 7-9 – 4 July
Year 11 Prom – 5 July 7pm-Midnight – Birchwood Golf Cub
Year 6 Transition Day – 5 July
Year 7, 8 & 9 Reports home – 12 July
Peter Pan school production performance – 16 July 5-7pm
Last Day of Term & Cultural Dress Day – 19 July 12 noon
Best wishes,
Gavin Barnett
Head Teacher
