School Blog, week ending 27th February
We were delighted to welcome MP for Dartford Jim Dickson back to Stone Lodge. Mr Dickson is committed to supporting local schools and the important work we do to provide a quality education, paving the way for successful future pathways for all our young people. Mr Dickson met with students, teachers, and staff to learn more about our successes and explore ways in which he can assist us overcome any challenges. A panel of students were selected to represent the student body and were given the opportunity to ask Jim about the role of an MP but also about the impact of SLS in the local community and how young voices are heard at central government. Jim was extremely impressed with the questions asked and their interest in making the local area a better place to live in. Jim added “I always really appreciate the chance to see the great work that the schools in Dartford are doing, which is why it’s been such a pleasure to visit Stone Lodge School twice since January – once to see first-hand the school’s excellent Year 10 employer engagement programme and great work experience offer and again to get a tour of the school and answer insightful questions from students who I hope are all budding campaigners and politicians!
It’s fantastic to see the immense impact that Stone Lodge has had on its students and the local community in its first six years as a school, and I look forward to continuing to support its hard-working staff and students!
It’s vital that I represent the interests of people of all ages in Dartford. Most residents who get in contact with me are older, which is why I’ll be holding an event in the coming months to engage with young people to see what you think the government should be doing. Keep an eye on my social media accounts or sign up to my newsletter to keep up to find out when I announce this!”
Ms Ayling’s A Level Politics students have been exploring the composition of the Judiciary, and specifically in our current topic, the Supreme Court role and structure. Students are particularly looking forward to their trip to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey on 12 March at the invitation of MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson. Students will sit in on MPs question time, attend a workshop and tour one of the world’s most famous buildings!
Mrs Mohankumar’s Year 7 Scientists are learning about Light. In this practical lesson students were exploring how when light travels through an object, the object can transmit light. Objects that transmit light (which means to let light through) are either transparent or translucent and objects that cannot transmit light are called opaque objects. Students used a range of materials to conduct their own investigation, then using the data, explained their findings.
Library Update from Mrs Nguyen. I recently came across a book by Richard Reed “If I could tell you just one thing….” It is full of advice from remarkable and famous people I consider both wiser and more experienced than myself. The contributors’ experiences range from having had great success and from others who have endured incredible hardship and witnessed the worst of what humans can do to one another. A single piece of advice can have a profound impact upon us all. Some of the advice in this book is remarkable and relatable to us all regardless of age or life stage. I have never known our library so quiet as when I read from this book in a library lesson, nor afterwards when we listened to the author reading from the book about his encounter with Bill Clinton, the former President of the United States of America.
Once, the most powerful man on the planet said, “One of the most important things is to see people. Acknowledge them. Show them respect.” We had a great class discussion concerning Bill Clinton’s advice – and how it is hugely important to respect people regardless of where they come from, how much money they have or what jobs they do etc. The response from our students was phenomenal and led to some really enlightening discussions. Afterwards, I asked the students what advice they would offer to their older lovely selves, their parents and adults working in schools, which prompted a lot of enthusiastic writing! Our students were able to offer enlightening nuggets of teenage wisdom to all of us, and if that gets them to reflect harder, dig deeper and offer kind and honest responses, than I am happy.
Happy reading!
Mrs Nguyen
Mrs Masoud’s GSCE Physicists took part in a required practical lesson to investigate the rate of emission of Infra-red radiation by different coloured surfaces. Students tabled and analysed their results before providing a scientific review of their findings.
Harvey H, our SL6 correspondent
. Wednesday afternoons for the SL6 cohort consist of personal and professional development opportunities as part of our Electives Programme. Members of the sixth form take part in a range of activities that not only benefit themselves but, in some cases, other people as well. This includes some of our Year 12 students who assist in classrooms in local primary schools for the afternoon. Other students take part in a debate class where engaging topics are discussed and analysed heavily over the afternoon. Alongside this, Year 12 students participate in EPQ (Extended Qualification Programme) to gain extra qualifications to progress them onto their next steps.
Our SL6 football team take on the first match of the season on the 12 March against Wilmington Grammar School. This will be a test that we are looking forward to and hope to see as many people as possible at Dartford Valley to come and support us!
Sports Department update. Huge congratulations to Year 8 students Alfie P and Samuel N who have signed contracts with professional football club Gillingham FC. After a successful trial period both players have represented the U13 Squad producing fantastic performances. We are all incredibly proud of your achievements! Keep up the great work!
Our Sports Department offer a range of clubs and activities open to all abilities … our clubs provide the perfect opportunity to try a new sport, improve fitness, and of course, to have fun!!
Monday Lunchtime – Y11 Basketball
Monday after school – All Year groups – Netball
Tuesday Lunchtime – All Year groups – Net Games
Tuesday after school – All Year groups – Trampolining
Thursday after school – Year 8/9 Football B Team & Football Girls & Dodgeball
Friday Lunchtime – Year 9/10 Fitness Club & Basketball Club
Miss Ho, Head of Year 10, together with subject leaders, has compiled a Subject Revision Guide which has been shared with students. To view the Revision Guide, please click here
The Senior Student Leaders presented at the Senior Leadership Team meeting, giving insight into the issues that students felt could help improve the school further. The Senior Students discussed the concerns of the student body as well as presenting solutions. The SLT were extremely impressed with the presentation and their proposed solutions. SSL will be involved with SLT to further develop rewards, lunchtime activities and fund raising along with providing student representation in the reviewing of school practices. SLT look forward to meeting with the SSL for future agenda items.
Stone Lodge Instagram is now LIVE! We plan to share celebrations, news, dates for your diary and to generally showcase our fabulous school community! Mrs George will be managing our feed and overseeing posts, if there is anything you would like us to include or would like to share any news please do let us know on [email protected]
As you would expect, the safeguarding of our students is at the heart of everything we do, all posts will be approved and monitored to ensure the safety and preferences of our students, staff and families.
To follow us, click here https://www.instagram.com/stone_lodge_school/#
House Update. Recent house assemblies had the theme of ‘Paying it Forward’. Students have been challenged to create the ripple effect from one act of kindness.
Our House Point tally currently has Edison leading the charge with an impressive 21,630 points! With three terms remaining, there’s plenty of time to gain extra House Points and aim for first place!!
In light of the recent news concerning further energy price increases, we would like to share information on a helpline who have got in touch to offer their services. YES Energy Solutions is an award-winning Community Interest Company dedicated to reducing CO2 and alleviating fuel poverty. They offer a free advice line to families and individuals who are struggling with their energy. If you want help with your bills, worried about a cold home or want advice to lower your bills, they’re here to help. For more information click here Energy advice and wrap-around support | YES Energy Solutions
Following the success of the initial meeting, Mrs Tiddy has scheduled our next Local Champions Project breakfast for Tuesday 18th March. If you or your company are able to offer meaningful work experience opportunities to our students, please do get in touch! Mrs Tiddy [email protected]
KCC visited the school to deliver a session highlighting important road safety messages. Students considered the behaviours they have developed over the years, as a pedestrian and a passenger, being mindful of potential hazards and understanding how to remain safe on the roads. The session also included issues affecting young drivers such as peer pressure, speeding, seat belts, inexperience and overconfidence.
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 10 Mocks – till 7 March
Year 10 RSE Workshop with speaker from rePHRASE – 4 March
Year 7 Parents’ Evening – 13 March 4-7pm
Additional Year 10 Mocks – 10-19 March
Year 9 Careers Workshop – 14 March
Local Community Litter pick – 24 March
Year 8 Parents’ Evening – 27 March 4-7pm
Awards Evening – 3 April 7-8pm
Last Day of Term – 4 April 3.30pm finish
Best wishes,
Gavin Barnett
Headteacher
