Blog week ending 22nd January
Our Student Voice group meets regularly with the Senior Leadership Team and I to share 
ideas, discuss new school initiatives, and ensure that the views of our wider student body are represented in key school planning meetings. Mrs Pickard recently chaired a lively and engaging session, during which students explored a wide range of topics – from the possible introduction of new PTA events such as cinema evenings and sporting challenges, to suggested improvements to our shared bathroom facilities and a request for additional basketball hoops in our outdoor areas. As always, students brought a fresh perspective and genuine enthusiasm, offering thoughtful suggestions that aim to create positive changes for the benefit of our whole school community.
Pictured, a small number of our Student Voice panel with Mrs Pickard
Judah of 11C is one of our Student Leaders, with specific responsibility as Lead Mentor. Judah is one of the students that work with our Senior Leadership Team providing feed-back and insight on behalf of our student body. Judah commented “Dr Cusick has brought about positive changes to give clear structure for lessons and behaviour which I really think prioritise my learning. I am at the high point of my studies because I am approaching my GCSEs, so for me, it’s been key. The new GCSE interventions after school are really important and have helped students who aren’t confident, to realise they can improve, and so it gives them confidence in their abilities.”
Albert D of 11F added – “the GCSE interventions are really targeted, meaning they directly benefit and support my own exam preparation.”
Year 11 GCSE Intervention Sessions are embedded within the KS4 timetable to provide targeted academic support across subject areas. Each intervention is delivered by subject specialists and is adapted to meet the specific needs of individual groups, ensuring that learning gaps are identified and addressed. Sessions are deliberately short and concentrated, enabling students to revisit key concepts in a manageable and engaging format.
These sessions are designed to:
- Reinforce and consolidate prior learning. Key knowledge and skills are revisited regularly, strengthening retention and application.
- Maximise student progress by offering focused, curriculum-aligned teaching. Students receive instruction that directly targets their learning needs in a short and snappy format to maintain focus and motivation.
- Address misconceptions promptly and effectively reducing the risk of knowledge gaps.
As part of our ongoing work with our Student Voice we undertook an online survey to allow all students and parents/carers across the school to share their views and contribute to all new initiatives. Whilst much of their feedback was heartening with students and parents/carers providing positive feed-back – we are acutely aware that there will always be areas that can, and will, be improved. The responses to the students’ and parents/carers surveys will help inform that change. The survey highlighted the inclusive and warm community we provide students and their families with students stating that they enjoyed learning here (83%) and agree that Stone Lodge encourages students to respect people from different backgrounds and to treat everyone equally (82%). A key area currently being reviewed is our school communications – we understand that communication should be rigorous, and our response to parent/carer enquiries should be timely. Parents/Carers should receive a response to phone and email enquires within two working days, if this is not the case, by the third working day, please do get in touch with me at headteacher@stonelodgeschool.co.uk .referencing your original enquiry.
PTA Update – Our next meeting is Wednesday 4th February from 6.30pm – everyone is welcome! Come along to hear about our fundraising news and contribute in any way you are able, contribute new ideas and help/volunteer at school events. Our next PTA event is scheduled for 26th February – a Family Quiz Night hosted by our compere extraordinaire, Mr Naylor! Full details to follow.
Spotlight on our Science Department
Introducing Ms Allaway. We are delighted to welcome Ms Allaway, who joins our Leadership Team as SENCo with extensive experience in SEND, alongside her expertise as an accomplished teacher of science. Since joining us, Ms Allaway has already made a positive impression. Her dynamic and engaging classroom practice has inspired students, while her leadership is bringing rigour to ensure that lessons become accessible and inclusive for all SEND learners. We are excited to see the continued impact of her work across the school.
Ms Allaway’s Year 10 GCSE students are currently studying specialised cells in Biology and during this practical lesson students examined a range of specialised animal cells noting their components that allow them to complete a specific purpose. Great engagement with students demonstrating a deep knowledge of the topic.
Mr Dunscombe’s Year 7 scientists have been studying forces and movement in their Physics lessons and in the pictured practical lesson were able to use their learning to conduct an investigation in how adding mass to a spring affects its extension.
Mrs Pearce-Fowler’s Year 11 GCSE Science students are consolidating their learning ahead of their GCSE examinations. In this practical Physics lesson students conducted an investigation into measuring the speed of waves in water as part of their wider learning on wave properties and electromagnetic waves.
Careers Update. National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9-15 February.
Unifrog Virtual Apprenticeships Fair. This event is free for all students and ideal for Years 10 to13. Students can connect with a huge range of employers and are welcome to drop in for just one or two sessions, or stay for the full fair. Expert advice will be available on how to find the right apprenticeship and apply successfully in live sessions with top employers including the BBC, Aldi, and Unilever. Click here to sign up Apprenticeship Fair. The North Kent Apprenticeship Event is being held at nearby Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy this year, details in the below poster.
To explore a wealth of online resources and view current apprenticeship vacancies click here
Miss Ayling’s Year 10 GCSE History students visited the National Portrait Gallery and completed a workshop on migration to Britain through portraits from 1500-present day. Students were looking at sources as primary sources to reveal information about the past. Please see the link to the workshop here: Migration to Britain 1500s to present day – National Portrait Gallery
Miley G of 11C is a member of the Dartford Army Cadets and is a huge advocate of all the opportunities and adventure the group provides.
Dartford Army Cadets offers adventure, skills, and leadership opportunities to young people aged 12 and above. Cadets experience various training such as fieldcraft exercises, first aid, community engagement, and more – all while making lifelong friends and having fun. The Army Cadets is a brilliant scheme that support students’ personal development as well as adding skills, awards and experiences that future employers and universities would value!
Miley said “I’ve been with them for over a year now, and in that time I’ve had so much fun and made loads of new friends. The training is great; first aid, strategic thinking, as well as various field crafts. I would recommend joining to everyone, especially if you’re looking for a fantastic new adventure while broadening your social circle. I’ve been brought out of my comfort zone learning new skills and building confidence, to the point I’m going to be hosting assemblies to present to our Year 7 and Year 8 about joining the Army Cadets.”
If you or your child would like to find out more, please click here for details on how to join!
Find Detachments in Kent | Army Cadets UK –
Student achievement – please join me in congratulating Year 9 student Joshua J of 9H who has been selected to play for the Central Cavaliers District Cricket U15 squad for the 2026 season. Joshua continues to play his club cricket for Cobham CC and is a leg-spin bowler. He had a very successful year last season in both district matches and men’s games, taking a number of wickets. Well done on your achievements so far this season!
Library Update: It’s time to get excited! Following an overwhelming number of requests from our students, we have ordered a brand new set of fabulous graphic novels. Our library has just taken delivery of the first new books – that are already proving popular with our students!
New Arrivals:
- Bone series : A top-ten graphic novel series of all time, this epic fantasy follows the adventures of Bone and his cousins as they navigate a world of dragons, treacherous landscapes, and ancient secrets.
- Marvel “Captain America”: Join the Star-Spangled Man with a plan as he battles evil and protects the world from threats both human and supernatural.
- Spider-Man – Miles Morales series: Discover the story of Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man, as he navigates his powers and confronts the challenges of being a superhero.
- Fazbear Frights series: Dive into the terrifying world of Fazbear Frights, a horror graphic novel series set in the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe.
- Alex Rider series: Get action-packed with Alex Rider, the teenage spy who takes on high-stakes missions and battles evil organizations across the globe.
- Bunny vs Monkey series by Jamie Smart, which promises boisterous humour, hilarious adventures and expressive artwork.
Parent/Carer – new item available for purchaser on iPay. For any students who have misplaced their mini whiteboard that were issued in September, parents/carers will be able to purchase replacement packs on iPay. Once purchased, your child can collect them from Student Services during break or lunchtimes.
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 9 Subject Options student assemblies – 26 January
Year 13 Mocks – till 28 January
Year 11 English Trip Poetry Live – 29 January
Year 11 Mocks – commence 2 February – please click here to read letter
Year 9 Subject Options Evening – 2 February – please click here to read letter
Year 7 Careers HR Employer Talk – 2 February
Year 8 Careers Engineering Talk – 3 February
Year 9 Careers Accountancy Talk from KPMG – 4 February
PTA Meeting, everyone welcome – 4 February – from 6.30pm
Year 10 Careers Finance Talk from Endeavour MAT – 5 February
Year 13 Careers Advisor one-to-one meetings – 9 February
Years 7, 8 & 9 Reports home – 11 February
Year 13 Mock Results assembly & Reports home – 12 February
Years 7 & 13 Parents’ Evening – 12 February 4-7pm
Last Day of Term 3 – 13 February
First Day of Term 4 – Tuesday 24 February
Year 11 Careers post 16 one-to-one meetings –commence 25 February
Year 11 Drama GCSE exam – 26 February
PTA Event, Family Quiz Night – 26 February – details to follow
Year 11 GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition exam – commences 3 March
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
