Blog week ending 30th April
As our Year 11 and 13 students commence their formal exams, I want to take a moment to recognise just how far our students have come and to reassure them of how exceptionally well prepared they are for the challenges ahead. Through their hard work, resilience and commitment, they have built strong knowledge, confidence and exam readiness. They should feel proud of everything they have already achieved.
Preparation, however, is never just academic. Our dedicated teaching staff have worked tirelessly to ensure lessons are purposeful, well‑structured and responsive to individual needs. Alongside this, our pastoral and wider support teams stand ready, offering guidance, reassurance and practical help whenever it is needed. We are here to listen, to support and to act, every step of the way.
Looking beyond exams, we are equally passionate about helping our students shape their futures with confidence and clarity. Through high‑quality careers guidance, meaningful conversations and exposure to a wide range of pathways, students are empowered to make informed and considered choices about what comes next, whether that be further education, apprenticeships, training or employment. Our role is to open doors, support decision‑making and champion each individual’s ambitions.
To all of our students .. trust in your preparation, believe in yourselves and remember that support is always close by. Stay focused, be kind to yourselves and know that we are incredibly proud of you.
You’ve got this.
Spotlight on our Careers Provision. Make it Make Sense (MiMS): Empowering Young People Across Southeast London and Kent. The Make it Make Sense (MiMS) initiative is an innovative and collaborative programme created by Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) and the University of Greenwich, aimed at supporting young people across Southeast London and Kent. Aiming to help students feel more positive, informed, and confident about their futures.
As part of this ongoing partnership between CACT and the University of Greenwich, a recent session focused on developing students’ understanding of financial literacy. During the session, students explored a range of key financial topics, including National Insurance numbers, how taxation works, budgeting techniques, and the importance of credit scores. These subjects were presented in a clear and accessible way, helping students make sense of financial responsibilities they will encounter as they move into adulthood.
Stone Lodge School Welcomes Prospective Year 11 Students for September 2026 Sixth Form Intake. We were delighted to welcome families who are considering joining our SL6 in September 2026. As part of our transition and welcome process, we were pleased to invite prospective students and their parents and carers to our Keeping in Touch Evening.
This special event is designed to offer families a closer look at life at Stone Lodge School. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into our values, curriculum, and the supportive pastoral environment we strive to provide. The evening included a short presentation from the Head Teacher, to share key information about the learning experience at Stone Lodge and what students can expect as they prepare to join us.
In addition to the presentation, families had the chance to ask questions about any aspect of school life whether it be subjects, enrichment opportunities, pastoral care, or the transition process itself.
All Parents/Carers who were unable to attend were sent the presentation through Applicaa. Our Induction Day will be on Tuesday 23rd June. More details will be shared nearer the time.
Year 13 Student Finance Workshop. Students attended a finance workshop organised by the University of Greenwich. The workshop provided valuable insight into the financial support available at university, including how to apply for funding, the costs of university life, and what support students can expect while studying.
The session was extremely informative and helped students better prepare for life after Year 13, particularly those planning to progress to university. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of student finance, allowing them to feel more confident about the next steps in their education.
Millie S said of the workshop: “It was a great workshop to learn new things I didn’t know before. It was a very informative session.”
Duke of Edinburgh Training Day. Miss Haynes, our Duke of Edinburgh lead, together with specialist trainer/evaluators took our Bronze Award students through a series of activities to help prepare them for their forthcoming expedition. During the session students worked with trainers learning how to plan their expedition, successfully read maps to navigate their route and fundamental skills such as erecting tents and use of the cooking equipment. The DofE scheme is a great opportunity to build vital life enhancing skills as individuals and groups (and CV enhancing skills!) … not to mention being brilliant fun!
Practice Expedition – 8 & 9 May
Evaluated Expedition is 12 & 13 June
Mrs Gordon-Keyes’ Year 8 Physics students have been studying ‘Forces & Movement’ during their current topic and in this practical lesson conducted an investigation to measure how fast an object is moving over a fixed distance. Students used the equation speed=distance divided by time to successfully calculate the speed of their vehicles and aeroplanes! Students made aeroplanes of several sizes to test results across each design as well as changing the trajectory.
Our Year 10 GCSE Scientists have been deepening their knowledge of Electrolytes and Electrolysis during their Chemistry lessons. Students carried out a hands‑on chemistry investigation using copper chloride, applying their practical skills to observe real chemical changes in action.
Year 13 Engineers have recently completed a budgeting project about calculating the cost of living independently. They’ve learned about different outgoings – such as bills and insurances. They’ve covered how to calculate tax, NI and pensions. Completed a food and budgeting exercise and even looked at cost effective ways to buy whole chickens and break them down to smaller portions.
They then went on to complete a Ready Steady Cook lesson with some basic ingredients to see if they can make a cheap but tasty lunch dish.
Year 7 Food Preparation and Nutrition students made a fresh fruit salad in a recent lesson to put into practice their learned skills. Using a range of fruit including kiwi, orange, apple, strawberry and plum, students skilfully and safely, skinned and prepared their chosen fruit.
Library Update. This week’s session was dedicated to mental health and the wellbeing of our students.
Students watched a short animation “We All Have Mental Health” designed to give young people a common language and understanding of what we mean by mental health and how we can look after it. This was followed by an instructive session “Five Ways to Wellbeing” from the Children’s Society. The below guide is beneficial for everyone .. a positive approach to supporting overall wellbeing.
- Connect: Strengthening relationships with others and feeling close to and valued by others, including at home or school, is critical to boosting wellbeing.
- Keep Learning: Being curious and seeking out new experiences in life more generally positively stimulates the brain. Try something new. Rediscover an old hobby. Take on a new responsibility at school or at home.
- Be Active: Being physically active improves physical health and can improve mood and wellbeing and decrease stress and anxiety. Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Garden. Play a game.
- Be Creative: Can increase happiness and general sense of wellbeing. Draw. Read. Play Games. Doodle.
- Take Notice: Paying more attention to the present moment, to your thoughts and feelings and to the world around. Take time or space to think. Remark on the unusual. Concentrate on your feelings.
We talked about how mental health needs can change over time, and how it is perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions, including feeling sad or worried sometimes and how support from parents, carers, friendship groups and school is essential to nurture their mental wellbeing. Students described ways that helped them cope sharing helpful and doable tips that all students could try to support their wellbeing on a daily basis.
In our library we have space dedicated to mental health/wellbeing and books are available to check out at any given time. Happy reading! Mrs Nguyen
Flourish is a Year 13 Politics student here at Stone Lodge and a Kent Youth Community Council representative for Dartford. Flourish recently attended a meeting at the Houses of Parliament at the invitation of Jim Dickson, Member of Parliament for Dartford. Flourish and other members of the Kent Youth Community Council were there to contribute to government planning on matters that directly impact local young people.
Please join me in congratulating Year 8 student Olivia T who has added to her ice-skating accolades with a stunning performance at the recent British Ice Championships. Olivia was placed 12th in the country in her category! Additionally, Olivia also attended the Solo Ice Dance International Competition in the Netherlands competition against France, America, Sweden, Norway & GB – coming 9th in this top internation competition. Olivia trains with Ice Team Jones in Gillingham – anyone interested in learning to skate or in joining a club, check them out on Instagram and Facebook.
Local Charity Event notice. This exciting, non-competitive fundraising event is designed to get the whole community moving while supporting the vital work of ellenor.
Forthcoming Dates;
Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening (for the parents/carers of current DofE students) – 30th April 5-5.30pm
Bank Holiday (School Closed) – Monday 4 May
GCSE Exams commence – 5 May
Year 9 Careers Insights – 7 May (during school day)
Duke of Edinburgh Practice Exhibition – 8 & 9 May
A Level Exams commence – 11 May
Year 10 Work Experience week – 11 – 15 May
Last Day of Term 5 – Friday 22 May
First Day of Term 6 – Monday 1 June
Best Wishes,
Catherine Cusick
Head Teacher
