Blog week ending 24th April
Welcome back, we hope you all had a wonderful Easter break! This Term we have much to celebrate, and to prepare for. Our Year 11 students have already begun practical aspects of their GCSEs and the written examinations are due to start 6th May. We were incredibly pleased to see so many of our Year 11s attending the special revision sessions held at school during the Easter break, demonstrating great dedication to their revision, consolidating their knowledge and taking every opportunity to achieve their very best. In-school support from our Pastoral Wellbeing Team and drop-in teacher revision sessions are available to all students making their final preparations. Thank you to all staff who came in during the holiday to support students’ revision.
Our first Legacy Awards Celebration Event was a truly uplifting and inspirational occasion. Over the course of the evening, we marked the achievements of students who strive to ‘leave the badge in a better place’, always giving a 100%, whether academically in lessons or through their positive and supportive approach to our school community. Certificates and trophies were awarded for every subject, special certificates were presented to DofE students. The prestigious Legacy Award trophies were presented to one student in each key stage – often, these are the ‘unsung heroes’, those students that always do their very best, making our school environment a better place as a consequence. Awards were nominated by subject teachers and supported by staff across the school. Additional thanks to the amazing cast of our High School Music production who, along with Mr Naylor, provided the awards entertainment!
Harvey H, our SL6 correspondent was recognised with an award at our Legacy Awards Celebration Event and commented about the evening ..
“Before half term, the first ever Stone Lodge Legacy Awards Evening took place. This is where awards were given to various students across the school for achievements within their subjects, extra-curricular activities. This included many people within SL6. Archie M, Ellie N and Jasnam K won the DofE Bronze Award and were commemorated at the event. As well as this, Frankie C and I were awarded Student of the Year for our respective year groups, with Frankie winning the Legacy award for SL6. The entire sixth form are proud of these achievements, and it is a credit to each of us.”
Congratulations to Edison House who achieved the highest tally of House Points during Term 4. An impressive 127 students achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificates and attended a special rewards event .. a movie and popcorn! As you can see from the photos, it was a very welcome treat! Plenty of time for students to contribute to your House Point total to secure the next rewards event!
Head of Year Rewards Breakfast. Every Term, each Head of Year nominates just two students per year group for a HOY Commendation in recognition of their positive contribution to their studies, peer groups and wider local community. In addition to sharing a breakfast of fresh fruit and croissants with Mrs Artmann, Mr Naylor and Mrs Pickard, students shared their views and aspirations for our school from their perspective. These breakfasts provide a valuable opportunity to firstly recognise students’ contribution but to give another opportunity for them to feed into the wider school plans. Congratulations to all nominated students.
Careers Update. Year 9 students attended sessions from external speakers including Greenwich University and Charlton FA to provide first-hand guidance and information to help them make their next-step career and education decisions.
Careers Week in the library: Meet professor Noel Fitzpatrick – The Super-Vet. Sometime ago I asked Year 7 and 8 students what their first choice for a future career would be, of the many aspirations, three answers stuck in my memory. A popular one was a Professional Footballer (not surprising given how successful our school football teams are!) plus two more: a Vet and a Veterinary Nurse, so we combined SLS Careers week and Month of Pets in the library. One of our highlights was learning about the inspiring journey of Noel Fitzpatrick, a renowned veterinary surgeon. In our library lesson, we explored why he became a vet, and his remarkable devotion to animals. Noel’s story is truly motivating, showcasing his passion for helping animals and his groundbreaking work in veterinary surgery.
We listened to the account of his often-surprising journey that saw him leaving behind a farm animal practice in rural Ireland to set up Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey, one of the most advanced small animal specialist centres in the world.
Students learned that Noel is also a talented author, writing books that share his experiences and knowledge with a world-wide audience. His books are available to borrow from SLS library and I whole-heartedly recommend them as they are stories of love, hope and compassion. We have books suitable for older and younger students. Noel speaks so beautifully about his career and is always rejoicing in the bonds between humans and animals that make us the best we can be!
As part of our lesson, students completed a reading comprehension activity on “How to Become a Vet” which gave them valuable insights into the skills and dedication required for this rewarding career. New vocabulary was learnt, as well as exploring the process of becoming a Vet and a detailed account of a ‘day in the life’ of a vet from Andrew Monchar.
DON’T FORGET! book donations are always welcome. Students LOVE new books … They don’t have to be perfect. Good, used condition are just fine! Thank you!! Happy Reading everyone! Mrs Nguyen, Librarian.
Waterstones bookshop in Bluewater has a couple of events coming up that students and their families might be interested in;
For older students, age 16+. Bluewater’s Manga-Vention: Rise of the Villains. Friday 25th April 6-9pm. Test your Knowledge on Manga’s Villains to be in with a chance of winning some of our competition prizes. https://www.waterstones.com/events/bluewaters-manga-vention-rise-of-the-villains/bluewater
For younger students – Meet David Walliams at Waterstones Bluewater as he signs copies of his latest book The World’s Worst Superheroes. Saturday 24th May 11am
https://www.waterstones.com/events/meet-david-walliams-at-waterstones-bluewater/bluewater-140057
Message from Miss Haynes, regarding Duke of Edinburgh. Inviting all students who are completing their DofE bronze award to submit any outstanding evidence of their skills – volunteering, new skills etc. Drop-in sessions every Tuesday after school (see poster below). Any questions, please go and see her!
Year 8 Drama students have been exploring how to utilise lifts in our Curious Incident unit. Using Frantic Assembly’s methods to add Physical Theatre to the script and exploring the lead character’s fascination with flying and outer space.
During the first week of half term, Miss Rutt went to see Olivia T compete in the Skate London competition at Lee Valley Ice Rink. It was a very early start (5am alarm during the half term was a slight struggle) but it was all made worth it as Olivia came 3rd and scored a personal best for her “Bang Bang” routine! Miss Rutt was so proud to be able to witness this and Olivia was incredible! Well done Olivia!!
Message from the NHS Immunisation Service regarding the recent Year 8 immunisations.
“Hello from the Immunisation Service. We completed our session at school on 23/04/2025. If your child missed their cancer prevention HPV vaccination on our visit please book an appointment at one of our Community Clinics. You can book via our website on the link below: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/imms or call 03001235205
This link also provides other useful information regarding vaccinations and our Immunisation Service.”
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 24 April (this evening!)
Year 11 Art Exam – 28 April – 2 May
Year 12 Mock Exams – 28 April – 2 May
Careers Insight morning – 2 May
Year 11 written GCSE examinations start – 6 May
Year 10 Work Experience 12-16 May
Last Day of Term 5 – 23 May
First Day of Term 6 – 2 June
Best wishes,
Tanya Artmann & Marc Naylor
Deputy Headteachers
