Blog week ending 19th January

New Arrivals in Our School Library: A World of Reading Awaits!

Our Librarian and Teachers within the English department are championing the joys and value of independent reading across the school.  Our Librarian is committed to finding the perfect new book or latest release for us all .. staff and students alike, supporting us all to build a strong school reading culture!

Mrs Nguyen, our librarian commented “I am thrilled to announce the arrival of a fresh collection of books in our school library, expanding the horizons of our reading world! This year, we've included an exciting range of Manga comics, bringing a burst of Japanese culture and art to our shelves as well as many new titles from very popular authors including; J.L Barnes, Karen M McManus, Anthony Horowitz, Sue Wallman, Marcus Rashford, Holly Jackson, Alice Oseman, Robin Stevens, John Boyne and many more.”

Our library now boasts a diverse selection of genres, from the timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, catering to the varied tastes of our student body. The inclusion of Manga offers a unique visual and narrative experience, perfect for both avid comic readers and those new to the genre. Manga comics are known for their engaging stories and distinctive art style, providing a window into Japanese culture and storytelling. From action-packed adventures to heart-warming tales, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and expanding collection.

So, whether you're a fan of literature, a comic book enthusiast, or someone looking to explore new reading avenues, our library is ready to welcome you. Come and discover your next favourite book or dive into the captivating world of Manga.

Happy reading!” Mrs Nguyen (SLS librarian)

Book donations are welcome too!

Our Food, Preparation and Nutrition Department has launched this term’s House Competition, The Great Stone Lodge Bake-Off! Students are challenged to work in teams to produce three different baked products following a single theme. Students must research ideas and choose recipes that have a clear theme. 

Each team must have a mixture of either, Y7, 8 and 9. Each member of the team will be responsible for the baking of one item (from either, scone, tart, biscuit, pie, cookie or cake). Teams will be judged on teamwork, the theme, presentation, texture and flavour.

The theme could potentially be superheroes, countries, or an Alice in Wonderland Tea party … wherever your imagination takes you!

Don’t forget to bring all the ingredients you are going to need for your bakes!  The ‘Heats’ are scheduled for the below dates.

Year 8 Food and Nutrition students are continuing their exploration of healthy meals and the various preparation and cooking skills required.  This week students made a delicious spicy Jamaican jerk sweet potato and bean curry.  Students demonstrated excellent chopping and knife skills as well as measuring, simmering, frying and seasoning.  As you can see from below the recipe proved a big success in the classroom!

PE Department Football update from Mr Proctor.  After a winter break and a few weeks without football, the Year 7 football squad travelled to Harris Academy Falconwood for a friendly game in preparation for the upcoming cup games.

A quick start to the game saw Stone Lodge quickly take a 3-0 lead before Harris Answered with a goal of their own. The teams went into half time 4-1 to the lodge.

An emphatic start to the second half saw Stone Lodge keep great possession of the ball before putting six more goals past Harris Falconwood, conceding a penalty at the end. The game finished 10-2 win for Stone Lodge. A new Stone Lodge record!  Special shout out to Mr Field for his fantastic refereeing display.

At Stone Lodge we are active participators in the Votes for Schools platform.  During the session students discuss and debate a key talking point in the news that is relevant to our young people.  Votes for Schools enables students to share their thoughts, develop critical thinking and contribute to a nationwide conversation providing them with a platform to be heard and make their opinions count.  This not only helps inspire discussion in the classroom, but also allows us to share their thoughts with charities, organisations and the Government, our student voters are changemakers!

Our students' input was included in the recent vote results shared nationally with other schools, the Government, charities and other organisations.

Thank you to all parents and carers who attended last night’s Year 9 Options Evening.  We will continue to provide careers support and Options ‘catch-ups’ to help students consider the choices open to them, their strengths, and their future aspirations to ensure they make considered decisions to realise their ambitions.  The presentation that Mr Naylor shared can be found on our website by clicking here.

As part of our national curriculum and our ongoing efforts to address crucial issues affecting the wellbeing of our students, we have invited the DSM Foundation to conduct a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Workshop for our KS4-5 students.  The session includes a powerful play following the story of Dan Spargo-Mabbs, a bright, popular Year 12 students who died after taking MDMA (ecstasy) at a rave - the first he had ever attended.  The play and workshop enable other young people to learn the lessons that Dan sadly no longer can, and to make choices to keep themselves safe. This workshop aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

The Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2024 are now open for nominations.  Social Enterprise Kent, who manage the awards are inviting us to get involved… who do you think deserves a Kent Teacher of the Year Award?

“Everyone working in our education system plays a vital role in shaping the future of our children. From the dedicated teachers who ignite passion, to the behind-the-scenes heroes making everything tick along smoothly, we appreciate the hard work and dedication of each and every person shaping the future of our children.

That's why we're excited to invite you to nominate a member of your school community for a prestigious Kent Teacher of the Year Award!

Whether it's a teacher going the extra mile for students, a member of support staff with a perpetual smile, or a volunteer leaving a lasting impact, SEK wants to hear their incredible stories! Hurry, the deadline for nominations is fast approaching, so seize the moment and make your nominations now! Let's give credit where it's due and celebrate those who make our educational journey truly exceptional!”  To make a nomination CLICK HERE 

Careers Programme – North Kent Schools Apprenticeship Event.  On Thursday 8th February 4pm – 6pm Wilmington Grammar School for Boys has an amazing opportunity for students to engage with local and national employers and universities as they are hosting the North Kent Schools Apprentice Event in conjunction with The Education People, Careers and Enterprise Company, supported by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. 

The event has local and national employers from construction, healthcare, accounting, business consultancy and finance, media and events, banking, retail, transport and armed forces. There will also be representation from local training providers, local colleges, and universities such as Ravensbourne University, TEDI London Engineering and Design Institute and London South Bank university.  

Our Year 13 students will have access to this event and the employers in school time between 2pm and 3.30pm.  

We welcome all other students, parents/carers and other interested parties to attend after 4pm and please sign up using this booking form link: Pre-Registration Form: North Kent Apprenticeship Event (office.com) 

This is an excellent opportunity for students to investigate a future career pathway or to start securing an apprenticeship place for September 2024.

Sixth Form Application for SL6  - deadline is 26^th January at 6pm

If you missed our Open Evening, then you may find this video useful  SL6 Open Event 2023 (youtube.com)

Do look at the subject options that are available to you if you decide to stay at SL6.  Do check out the entry requirements for subject – there is still time to work on those predicted grades

We are looking to run Double Engineering (equivalent to 2 A Levels) and you can find further details are available in our curriculum booklet.

Please see Mrs Tiddy for a copy of the curriculum booklet or to discuss options or you can access a web based copy by clicking here

Forthcoming Dates;

Year 11 Career Interviews – 8^th January – 9^th February

Year 11 Parents’ Evening (in person) – Thursday 25^th January 4pm-5pm

Deadline for application for Sixth Form (SL6) – Friday 26^th January

Year 7 Parents’ Meeting (Forms 7A – 7D) – Thursday 1^st February 4pm-7pm

Year 7 Parents' Meeting (Forms 7E – 7H) – Thursday 8^th February 4pm-7pm

Year 12 Work Experience – Monday 29^th January – Friday 2^nd February

End of Term 3 – Friday 9^th February

First day of Term 4 – Monday 19^th February

Year 8 Parents’ Evening (Forms 8A – 8D) – Thursday 22^nd February

Year 8 Parents’ Evening (Forms 8E – 8H) – Thursday 29^th February

Best wishes,

Gavin Barnett

Head Teacher