Blog week ending 27th November
Celebrating Creativity and Community at Stone Lodge. There’s something magical about a school production – the lights, the music, the laughter, and the sense of achievement that fills the air. Over two nights, our students brought Oliver! to life on stage, and what a triumph it was! From the lead roles to the backstage crew, every student had a chance to shine. These productions aren’t just performances; they’re opportunities for confidence-building, personal expression and discovering hidden strengths.
Our commitment to creativity doesn’t stop at the stage. Through our literacy scheme and library lessons, students are enjoying reading and discussing books that spark ideas and conversation, helping them develop empathy and communication skills. Music lessons continue to nurture talent and self-expression, enriching school life in countless ways. And we’re proud to share that two of our sixth form students recently had their poems chosen to feature on a large mural at Darenth Valley Hospital – a wonderful example of how our students’ voices reach beyond the classroom and into the heart of our community.
Mr Bailey, Head of Drama added “This week’s performances were a fantastic celebration of our students’ talent and hard work. Our students showed remarkable commitment to the arts, taking on the challenge of learning lines, choreography and lyrics with real enthusiasm. They have been an absolute dream to work with and watching them grow in confidence and flourish throughout this process has been incredibly rewarding for me. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to the staff who supported both evenings of the show. Their willingness to give their time and energy is what makes events like this possible, and I’m deeply grateful for their dedication. Finally, a big thank you to the parents, carers and students who attended the performances. Your presence reinforces the importance of the arts in our lives and strengthens the wonderful sense of community these events bring to our school.”
Cast. Logan R 7G, Kiran S 7G, Ella P 7G, Neave A 7A, Louise D 7H, Nisha M-E 7E, Tishe T 7H, Macie L 7H, Victoria B 7D, Kiara B 7G, Kiera G 11B, Rio M-C 10G, Emily R 10D, Freya C 10F, Jessie F 10D, Lily R 10F, Cairon J 10D, Leyton Y 10G, Jack R 10G, Myla N 7E, Lael H 7E, Sophie D 7A, Oscar H 7A, Roseanna R 7G, Lucy B 7G, Christopher-Ian C 7C, Yuliana T 7F, Kiara B 7G, Eliza H 9C, Victoria B 7D, Alanna K 9C, Matilda F 9A, Jaylah M 9B, Leah A 9A, Eliza H 9C, Jacob S 8G
Tech Team. Thomas Kee 10C, John D 10C, Chloe B 10A, Charlie K 10A
Stagehands. Metabel 10B, Eva Ode 10B, Corry A 10B, Ayanna S 10H, Izzy C 10C
Introducing Mrs Ward – Assistant Headteacher for SEND and Inclusion. We are delighted to welcome Mrs Ward to our Senior Leadership Team. Mrs Ward joins us with extensive experience, having held senior leadership roles in secondary school settings. Her expertise and passion for inclusion will play a vital role in ensuring every student at Stone Lodge has the support they need to thrive.
In the featured lesson, Mrs Ward and her Year 11 GCSE English students are reviewing their current topic, identifying strengths and areas for development as they prepare for their GCSE examinations. As Mrs Ward explains,
“We are every bit as ambitious for our students as they are for themselves – now is the time to review our learning and develop individual revision strategies and techniques that suit their learning styles.”
“My vision for SEND and Inclusion is simple: every student should feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their potential. Inclusion is not just about access; it’s about creating an environment where differences are celebrated and every learner has the tools and confidence to succeed.”
We look forward to the positive impact Mrs Ward will bring to our school community.
Creating a Culture of Reading: Our Daily Tutorial Scheme. At our school, we believe that reading is the foundation for lifelong learning. To nurture this habit, all Year 7–9 students take part in a daily reading tutorial during the last 30 minutes of the school day.
In these sessions, the entire class reads the same book together. The teacher leads by reading aloud while the text is displayed on the screen, allowing students to follow along visually or in their own books. This shared experience not only improves literacy and comprehension but also sparks discussion and builds a sense of community around reading. Students I spoke with commented;
“It’s my favourite part of the day!”
“It’s making me enjoy reading again, it’s such a relaxing way to finish the day”
“I don’t tend to read at home, so this is a good way of actually reading a book!”
By ending each day with a story, we aim to inspire curiosity, strengthen vocabulary, and help students discover the joy of books. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make reading a central part of school life. Miss Haynes and her form group (pictured) are currently reading The Amazing Edie Eckhart by comedian and writer, Rosie Jones.
Careers Update. Year 9 students took part in engaging Careers Workshops delivered by a speaker from MIMS (Make It Make Sense) – a fantastic programme linking Charlton Athletic and the University of Greenwich.
The sessions are designed to help students start thinking about their next steps as they prepare to make their GCSE option choices this year.
Students explored: Personal Development – Understanding hard and soft skills and how they apply in different job scenarios and the STAR Technique – A practical method to showcase skills effectively to future employers.
These workshops provide valuable insights into career planning and self-development, empowering our students to make informed decisions about their future.
Matilda and Simirita said about the session; “It was a really interesting session and I liked learning about soft and hard skills. Also talking about getting out of your comfort zone was beneficial and I would recommend it to other year groups.”
Student Leaders have been supporting SLT in the recruitment of a new Pastoral and Wellbeing Manager. A student panel plays a vital part in the interview process, putting candidates at their ease, and providing a uniquely student focussed response to candidates interview answers. Our student panel today was Excellence in Y8, Pelumi in Year 7 (pictured below) and Justin of Year 9. Justin added “I really enjoy being part of the student interview panel, one of the candidates told me it was their favourite part of the interview process! We discuss our recommendations between us and then give our feed-back to the senior leadership team – it’s important that students have a say in important decisions that directly affect us, and I’m really pleased our input is valued and acted upon”
Competition Winners. Lianne Peterkin – Associate Director from Allies and Morrison informed us that two of our Year 13 SL6 students, Lilah and Tegan won a competition, to have their poetry included on a mural at Darenth Valley Hospital!
The mural was installed last week and they are hoping to arrange a visit with the winners in the near future! Well done to Lilah and Tegan on a wonderful achievement – they should be very proud of themselves.
Library lessons Update. A Dash of Magic in the Library: This week, students in Years 7 and 8 had the incredible opportunity to step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter right from our school library! Thanks to a special virtual lesson hosted by Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series, our young witches and wizards were transported to the magical realm of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The virtual lesson was brought to us by Bloomsbury in partnership with Twinkl and the Education Team at Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, and it was truly spellbinding! Evanna took our students on a tour of Diagon Alley and the majestic Great Hall, giving them a glimpse into the wonders of the wizarding world.
Additionally, Year 7 students joined artist Jonny Doddle who brought some of the most beloved characters and locations from Harry Potter to life, for an amazing Hogwarts Castle draw-along session.
Year 8 took part in a Spell Casting session on Platform 9 3/4 with Paul Harris – Harry Potter’s choreographer and inventor of the spell casting movements. They demonstrated some of the most important spells including “Wingardium Leviosa” and ‘Reducio’ that very young witch or wizard was taught in Charms Class if they wanted to make objects shrink, float, or burst into flames. Following that Year 8 students invented their own magic potion, listing its ingredients and explaining its powers.
The Harry Potter lesson was a fun and interactive way of sharing the magic of Hogwarts with our students.
Please stay tuned for more exciting updates from the library in the future.
Happy Reading! Mrs Nguyen, our Librarian
Year 10 GCSE Engineers have made a great start to their GCSE practical. This goes towards their final GCSE grade. Students have been making a series of parts from engineering drawings and have been working independently in lessons.
Some students have also been learning how to use the centre lathe with Mr Barker to demonstrate high level skills.
Parents, Teachers & Friends Association (PTFA) Update. I was delighted to attend this week’s AGM along with Mrs Pickard who has been voted in as Chair of our PTFA! It was great to meet you all and am excited to hear about the events under discussion – I will keep you all updated via my Blog. Next week our PTFA will be providing teas and coffees at our SL6 Open Evening and Year 11 Parents’ Evening – so please do remember to bring along a little loose change! If you would like to get involved, please do speak with our PTFA at the forthcoming events or email on ptatreasurer@stonelodgeschool.co.uk
A huge thank you to PTFA supporters Hawley Garden Centre who have donated the most wonderful real Christmas tree for the second year in a row from their special festive Christmas shop Hawley Garden Centre, Dartford, Kent
Stone Lodge School Lottery Draw – This lottery has been set up specifically to raise money and make a difference for our children! It’s a fantastic way to bring Parents, Carers, Friends, Teachers and the wider community together, in partnership with our school, and at the same time give something back. We aim to raise funds that can support and enrich the education of our children and to provide extra resources to enhance the school environment. Your support is greatly appreciated and we wish you good luck! Click here to enter
Christmas Shopping Easyfundraising – Earn monies for Stone Lodge School when you shop online – at no cost to you! Click here to get started
Year 11 Next Steps – Year 11s will be receiving a copy of ‘The Next Step Magazine’. This is a free essential magazine for Year 11s. Distributed by KM group publication, there is a vast amount of information discussing topics such as: revision tips, getting ready for mocks, open days, apprenticeships, creating a CV and much more.
Just a reminder that Stone Lodge Sixth Form open evening is on 4th December 5:30pm – 8pm with talks at 5:30pm and 6:30pm . This is a great opportunity to explore what possibilities lie ahead for you. Click here to book your space at our open event
Please find a link to an electronic version of the magazine : The Next Step
Geraldine Tiddy, Head of WG6
Christmas Lunch & wear your Christmas Jumper Day – Thursday 18th December. Lunch is available to book in advance on iPay by 11th December. Please note there will be no other meal options availble on this day so if a Christmas lunch is not required please send your child in with a packed lunch!
Forthcoming Dates;
SL6 Open Evening – 4 Dec 5.30-8pm
Year 11 Mock Exam results assembly – 8 Dec
Year 11 Parents’ Evening – 11 Dec 4-7pm
Student Celebration Week – commences 15 Dec
Christmas Lunch & Jumper Day – 18 Dec
Last Day of Term 2 – 19 Dec 12.10pm
First Day of Term 3 – 5 Jan
Year 13 Mock Exams commence – 19 Jan
Best wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Headteacher
