Blog week ending 26 February
We’re delighted to welcome all our students and families back after the half‑term break 
as we step into what is always one of the most energetic and purposeful parts of the school year!
Our GCSE students will begin the practical elements of their Drama and Food Preparation & Nutrition courses, putting their hard work and preparation into action. Our careers programme also continues in full swing, with a range of meetings, workshops, and visiting speakers designed to help students explore future pathways with confidence and curiosity.
For Year 9, this term marks an important milestone as they confirm their subject options for Years 10 and 11. We’ll be guiding them every step of the way as they consider the subjects that will shape the next stage of their learning journey.
We also want to recognise those students who are approaching their written GCSE and Sixth Form examinations. This can be a demanding period, and we remain fully committed to supporting, encouraging, and cheerleading them through the weeks ahead. Their determination and resilience continue to impress us, and we’ll be working closely with them to ensure they feel prepared and confident.
We’re looking forward to a productive and inspiring term together.
Year 11 GCSE Support and Preparation Programme. As we move into the final phase of Year 11, our priority is simple; to ensure every student feels confident, prepared and supported ahead of their examinations this summer. The coming months are crucial, but they are also full of opportunity and we want families to feel reassured that there is a clear, structured plan in place to help students make the most of them.
Turning feedback into focus – mock results. Students will receive their mock exam results and GCSE exam timetables during Mock Results Evening – which parents/carers will also be invited to attend on the 18 March (timings will be sent out shortly). These results are an important checkpoint they highlight what is going well and where opportunities for improvement lie. This helps students prioritise their revision and helps teachers shape the support offered over the coming weeks.
Targeted intervention built into the school day. Our Year 11 GCSE Intervention Sessions are embedded within the KS4 timetable. This means support is not an “add‑on” or something students must seek out themselves, it is a structured, consistent part of their week. These sessions are:
- Delivered by subject specialists
- Short, purposeful and high‑impact
- Adapted in response to mock results, student requests and teacher insight
This approach ensures that intervention is not generic, it is precise, meaningful and aligned with what each student needs most.
Working together for the best possible outcomes. We know that GCSE preparation can feel intense, both for students and for families. Please be assured that students are not doing this alone. They are surrounded by teachers and student managers who know them, believe in them and are working with purpose to help them succeed. Together, we can help every student approach the summer exams with confidence, clarity and a strong sense of what they can achieve. Further updates to study schedules and support will appear in future Blogs.
Finally, a break in the rain and an opportunity for our PE students to enjoy sunny practical lessons on the field (whilst staying dry!) Mr Proctor and his Year 8 Rugby students spent the featured lesson concentrating on outwitting defenders with their passing and moving skills. Students worked together in pairs to develop their skills and problem solve tactics! Great job .. Looks like Mr Proctor isn’t the only one watching the Six Nations Championship!! (for those interested .. the tournament will conclude with “Le Crunch” clash between France and England on the 14th March!)
Miss Squibb (pictured) has been working on gymnastics and trampolining skills with her Year 8 classes. Trampolining blends physical development, cognitive challenge and personal growth (and it’s a lot of fun!) In the lesson featured below, Miss Squibb and students worked on two elements of their technique – on the trampolines, building control and timing – and whilst using a vaulting horse and crash mats, practising basic gymnastics jumps and safe landings. Miss Squibb joined us at the beginning of this academic year having successfully completed her training across three local secondary schools … we are absolutely delighted she has chosen to join us as a full-time member of our PE Department. Miss Squibb has made an immediate impact with effective, engaging and challenging lessons that bring out the best in all students. Miss Squibb added “It’s been fantastic getting to know our students and seeing how willing they are to give everything a go. Their energy and determination make teaching here a real privilege, and I’m excited to keep building on their successes.”
Celebrating Cultural Understanding in KS3 Spanish. KS3 students have been exploring key aspects of Spanish history, wider Hispanic cultures and civilisations and significant cultural celebrations, including the remarkable Holy Week traditions observed across Spain. Throughout the week, students demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, engaging thoughtfully in discussions about cultural identity, tradition, and historical influence across the Spanish‑speaking world. Their insightful questions and reflective contributions highlighted a genuine interest in understanding global cultures.
At Stone Lodge, we are committed to nurturing deep thinkers who strive to understand the world around them. Through our curriculum, we encourage students to respect different cultures, beliefs, and heritages, recognising the importance of tolerance, open‑mindedness, and global awareness. A key focus of this learning has also been the development of academic language, enabling students to express their ideas with clarity, coherence, and confidence.
As part of their learning, students created a series of eye‑catching and informative posters to showcase their understanding of Spanish traditions and their ability to communicate knowledge creatively and effectively. A selection of these outstanding pieces can be viewed here on our school blog.
This has been a rewarding week of cultural exploration, and we are incredibly proud of the maturity and creativity our students have shown. Mrs Senejoa, Teacher of Spanish
Year 11 Careers. Thank you to Mia Lockett, Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at United Infrascructure who delivered an instructive and inspiring session on career paths and roles within the sustainable constuction and enviromental sectors. Mia highlighted specific apprenticeship schemes and mentoring opportunities within United Infastructure, demonstrating entry requirments as well as future expectations. For further details to discuss with your child, please click here Early Careers | United Infrastructure
Huge congratulations to Year 8 student, and talented figure skater, Olivia T who recently took place in a British Ice-Skating competition in Blackburn. This official event was a British Qualifier competition that allowed Olivia to showcase her skill, wowing judges with her Free Dance and securing fourth place! Over the three dances, Olivia came 11th out of 21 dancers – a terrific achievement. I can’t help but think of Olivia as I’m watching the coverage of the Winter Olympics .. and wish her every success in forthcoming competitions.
House Point Update … and a congratulations to Hawking House who are currently topping the leaderboard with a very impressive 15,223 House Points so far this academic year! Everything to play for, Term 4 offers lots of opportunities to earn points and help move your House into pole position!
Good luck to all quizzers tonight at our PTA EVENT .. Mr Naylor (our fabulous quizmaster!) and the rest of the staff entrants are looking forward to seeing as many of you as are able to attend! Tickets can be bought on the door @ £5 each
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 11 Careers post 16 one-to-one meetings – ongoing
Year 11 Drama GCSE exam (component 2) – 26 February
Whole School PTA Event, Family Quiz Night – 26 February – we look forward to seeing you there!! Click here to sign up
Year 11 GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition exam – commences 3 March
Years 8-11 HPV Vaccination – 10 March deadline for consent 5 March 4pm please click here inputting (not copy & pasting) school code KT147059
Whole School, World Book Day – 5 March
Year 10 Mock Exams – commence – 9 March
Whole School, PTA Meeting ALL PARENTS/CARERS WELCOME – 11 March
Year 11 & Parents/Carers Mock Results Evening – 18 March (timings TBC)
Year 9 Parent/Carer Evening – 19 March 4-7pm
Year 9 Deadline for Options Forms to be completed online – 23 March – please click here to complete
Years 8, 9 10 School Photography – 24 March
Year 8 Parents/Carer Evening – 26 March 4-7pm
Whole School, Student Legacy Award Evening – 30 March 7-8pm
Last Day of Term 4 – Thursday 2 April
First Day of Term 5 – Monday 20 April
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
