Blog week ending 10th February

Our Year 10 students have been preparing for their forthcoming mock examinations (which start on Monday the 27^th February). Each has compiled a ‘tool kit’ which includes video sessions on revision techniques, revision topic lists and a revision timetable template as well as attending a dedicated assembly to help reassure and prepare students.

Mock examinations give an essential opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with the format and content of GCSE papers and provides both them and their teachers a clear indicator of current and future academic performance.  It is vital that students give 100% effort into all revision and mocks as they will provide their first taste of what the examinations are going to be like as well as essential practice.  Thank you to all our parents and carers for your support, your involvement in school life cannot be underestimated.  Parental engagement has been found to support positive classroom behaviour, ensure the completion of revision and independent study tasks, and helps overall organisation.  We value your support, involvement and feed-back greatly.  If you would like any further information on how to support your child during their Y10 mock examinations, please contact Ms Clarke on rclarke@stonelodgeschool.co.uk.  Good luck to all of our Y10 students – you’ve got this!

Mrs Jackson’s Year 7 artists have been creating fabric paintings of endangered animals inspired by Madhubani art.  This traditional wall art form was created by the women of various communities across India and Nepal.  Students first researched animals before planning and executing their artworks.

Humanities Department.  Ms Ayling’s Year 7 Historians have been learning about King Edward I of England and specifically why he was in crisis. In groups students collected ‘clues’ from Ms Ayling to help solve the question “why was Edward I in crisis?” Y7 were focusing on their problem-solving skills needed to lead a successful life! 

Mr Matthews’ Year 9 Geographers have been consolidating their knowledge of the ecosystems of cold environments with a quick-fire quiz to start the lesson.  Students have been considering the habitat of the Russian Tundra Biome (the coldest village on earth!) and the impact on the people and animals that live there.

Across Year 8 our Science students have been exploring circuits.  Using bulbs, buzzers and a motor, students successfully created circuits activating the light and buzzers.  Students were able explore how to vary the resistance and analyse the outcomes of their work.

Miss West’s Year 8 Food Technology students made vegetable spring rolls this week.  Students carefully cut a range of colourful vegetables into Julienne and Chiffonade strips then made individual filo pastry rolls of the same size and appearance.  Delicious!  Miss West is looking forward to us being able to grow a selection of our own herbs and vegetables we can then use in lessons or cooking club .. more on our planned Allotment and Sensory Garden below!

We are delighted to announce our plans for a new Working Allotment and student Sensory Garden!  The allotment and new garden will play a vital role across the school community promoting the benefit of outdoor activities in supporting student wellbeing. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for our young people to learn new skills and support their studies in the classroom across the science and food technology curriculum.  The garden will feature a number of raised beds where we shall plant a range of herbs and vegetables as well as a wildflower area to encourage pollinators and provide a peaceful and scenic area for students to tend the garden and take time to sit and enjoy!  Accessibility will be key, ensuring all of our students will be able to work on the garden and have a safe space to relax.  The project is being led by our PTA in conjunction with our pastoral care and science departments and is undoubtably going to be a wonderful and valuable new resource for the school community.  If you would like to be involved, we would be very grateful for any time or donations you might be able to spare.  We will keep you posted with the progress of this project (and when we might need your help!) through this blog or via email.

World Book Day.  For WBD this year, Miss Clayton, our library, will be running a reading competition! The challenge is to read 5 books before Wednesday 1^st March. Collect the bookmarks from the library and fill it in. Once 5 books have been read, the bookmark becomes a raffle ticket. A student from each year group will be chosen to win a prize on Thursday 2^nd March!

 As part of the event all students receive a free World Book Day book or a £1.00 book token to redeem against a book of their choice.  Simply scan the below barcode to get your digital book token. Tokens can be collected from retailers from 16 February – 26 March 2023.

Mrs Tiddy, Head of our sixth form (SL6) attended the Year 11 Subject Fair over at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls to share details of the three bespoke courses (all equivalent to three A Levels) currently offered at Stone Lodge.  Our next SL6 Event is our New Starters Information Evening Thursday 23^rd March 5-6pm.  Our Induction Programme (for students starting in September 2023) is Wednesday 28^th June in the SL6 Centre, followed by a visit to Canterbury Christchurch University on Thursday 29^th June.

Our last word comes from the Science department .. and it’s a rather inventive Valentine’s window display message of love from the Science Technicians!

Forthcoming Dates;

Enjoy your half term!  We will see students back to school on Monday 20^th February

First day of Term 4 – Monday 20^th February

First day of Year 10 mock GCSE examination – Monday 27^th February – 3^rd March

Year 8 Parents’ Evening 8A, B & C – Thursday 2^nd March (online)

Year 8 Parents’ Evening 8D, E & F – Thursday 9^th March (online)

Year 7 – 9 Learning Beyond the Classroom (School Trip Day)

Last Day of Term – Friday 31^st March

 

Best wishes,

Gavin Barnett

Head Teacher