Blog week ending 11th February

Introduction from our CEO Mr Charlie Guthrie. 

Dear parents and carers,

At Endeavour MAT I am delighted with what is happening in our schools. The challenges of the pandemic have been ably met and I would like to thank you most sincerely for the way you have supported us throughout. We have had to make many difficult decisions over the last couple of years, but this has been made all the easier by the response we have had from you and, of course, your children.

We were not prepared to stand still and I wanted to update you on a number of key successes that have taken place across the Trust over the last few months

1. A number of our senior leaders now regular provide training and support to colleagues from beyond the Trust. This includes the development of leaders, curriculum and teachers in the very early stages of their careers. This demonstrates the high regard in which our leaders are held in the wider educational community. They include Mr Barnett, Mrs Lawson and Mrs Dhaliwal.
2. We have now had approval for Wilmington Primary School to join our Trust and we look forward to welcoming them in the coming months. It is a demonstration of the commitment of Endeavour to work within our community to provide an excellent education for local children. The inclusion of a primary school will help us to gain a better holistic understanding of the learning that takes place from reception to Year 13 and the methods that are applied.
3. We are planning for the opening of Stone Lodge school in its permanent building. This is due to take place at Easter. When complete it will be one of the most exciting new schools in the country, having facilities to match the excellent quality of education that is provided
4. We are now working hard in all of our schools to embed a full programme of extra curricular and enrichment activities for our students. The pandemic has denied young people so many of the usual opportunities and we are working hard to ensure that they can return to leading normal lives and taking advantage of all of the activities that are available. If your child does not participate in any activities currently, I would urge you to look at what the school has to offer. There really is something for everyone

I am in the privileged position of visiting all of our schools regularly. They are calm, purposeful, happy places. teachers, support staff and leaders are absolutely determined to ensure that the education your child receives is as good as it can be. They work hard at their practice, so that maximum time in lessons is spent improving learning.

Following so much disruption, it is now vital that all students attend school regularly. Given the amount of time missed, all absence has an impact. Please support us in this regard.

Have a good half term holiday and we look forward to seeing all of our students back in school on February 21^st.

Charlie Guthrie

CEO

Mr Barnett's Head Teacher Blog

This week students were treated to a live music performance by musician and songwriter Eleni C to raise awareness for positive mental health.  Eleni gave an amazing professional performance of one of her songs using her music to help open the discussion on the way young people come to understand, and safeguard their mental health.  Eleni spoke from the heart, giving personal examples of tools and strategies that helped her overcome and manage anxiety which she has experienced since she was their age.  Eleni is a powerful role model, a relatable and successful woman who has overcome many obstacles to achieve academic success before following her dream and becoming a professional musician and sharing the stage with the likes of Little Mix, Stooshe and Fleur East!

Eleni added "Having a strong mental health is the key to succeed in life. I admire the kids that are growing up right now. The pressure they have growing up is a lot more than I had. We had social media when I was growing up, but not to the extent it is now.  I want to make sure people reach out for advice on mental health and get pointed in the right direction."

Eleni answered lots (and lots!) of questions from students, sharing not only advice for maintaining positive mental health .. but tips on breaking into the music business too!  Eleni urged students interested in pursuing a career in music to ‘find their voice’ and to enter lots of open mic events to gain performing experience.  Our Stone Lodge Open Mic Event was hugely popular with lots of budding musicians and entertainers in attendance (more of that in our next blog!)

To find out more about Eleni C and to view her current single – Queen, please click here

Year 8 students were inspired to join in with the performance!  We hope you all attended the Open Mic event boys!!

The Stone Lodge Maths Club meet every Tuesday lunchtime – all are welcome!  The focus this term is to explore mathematical issues affecting our local community such as investigating hospital admissions numbers and statistics of smokers with a view to investigating any potential correlation between the two.  Students continue to keep our school windows up to date with calculus, fractions and algebra relevant to the current cycle – great demonstration of understanding and brilliant revision ‘prompts’

Year 9 Engineers have been working on a Transport for London brief to design and model a new mode of transport to run in London to link the Southeast of London (Bexleyheath, Erith, Belvedere and Dartford) with the centre of London without the use of trains.  Students have been finalising the modelling of the body of their vehicle to fit the electronics and motor of the chassis.  I’m looking forward to trailing your finished models!

This week we marked Safer Internet Day to reinforce positive online habits.  The Safer Internet Campaign aims to encourage families to have a conversation about the online world, and support students and their families to make the most of the opportunities offered by the internet in a safe and positive way.  To read their ‘advice for parents and carers’ please click here

Year 9 Options - Forms are coming out on Friday – deadline for completed forms to be returned to the school office is 21^st March.

PE Department Update Girls football and Netball club are restarting after half term! 

Girls Football- Tuesday 3.30-4.30pm

Netball- Thursday 3.30-4.30pm.

Thank you to all students, parents and carers who have already nominated members of our staff in the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2022.  I am incredibly proud of the contribution each of us makes on behalf of our school but to have that contribution recognised and noted by our families is invaluable, every one of your nominations means so much to our staff!

If you would like to make a nomination for any member of our school staff - teaching staff, support staff, members of the PTA and senior leaders. Please click here to complete the form

School with a view!  School Business Manager, turned school photographer Miss Brown took these wonderfully atmospheric photographs of our school. #nofiltersneeded

Best wishes,

Gavin Barnett

Head Teacher