Tuesday 30 November 2021

To begin this week, I would like to return to the Odd Socks Day and the Children in Need charity days that both took place a couple of weeks ago.  At the time of writing last week’s blog we had yet to understand the total amounts of money raised, but now we do.  So, for the Odd Sock Day on Monday 15 November we raised just over £450 for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, and for Children in Need on Friday 19 November we raised just over £2600.  These are two fantastic figures that total just over £3000, which is the highest sum of money raised in one week at MGS in my time as headmaster.  A huge thank you to everyone who supported the two days, and to the students and staff who made them both happen.  Well done MGS.

Last Tuesday was a special moment for MGS as we completed our 100^th sporting fixture of the academic year.  The U15 and U14 football squads both came from 2-0 down to beat Oakwood Park Grammar School and Maplesden Noakes 3-2 in their respective cup games.  In addition, the U15 rugby squad secured a 25-25 draw against St Lawrence School to qualify for the next round of the National Vase Competition.  Well done to all the players and staff involved, and whilst the results mean very little in the grand scheme, the memories of the games will remain with the students for a very long time.

Over the weekend, eight Maidstonians competed in the Cambridge University Schools Debating Competition. This was conducted over Zoom this year and we missed out against Eton of all schools! This is an elite academic competition that only very few states schools are involved with, and our students put in an excellent performance, as well as gaining valuable experience for their upcoming university interviews. A particular mention must be given to Jessie P of Year 13 who demonstrated exceptional leadership behind the scenes in preparing all the students.

This week is a slightly quieter week for us before we build up to the end of term.  Year 11 continue with their mock exams all week and I drive down to Newquay in Cornwall on Friday to accompany the four students who are taking part in the National Intermediate Cross Country Final at the weekend.  Good luck boys.

 

Tuesday 23 November 2021

Firstly, I wish to thank the staff and students who ran last Friday’s Children in Need charity day.  From selling cakes to the hungry masses to the 8-hour Badminton-athon to burn off the calories, we all had great fun and raised a lot of money for the charity.  Thank you to everyone who supported the day.  Particular thanks to Sam, James, Henry and Freddie of Year 13 who played badminton for the full eight hours. Good job gents.

This week we begin a two-week period of mock examinations for Year 11.  They have been working really hard to prepare for these examination and we wish them well for a positive outcome.

A few pieces of good news in MGS sport:

Congratulations to the U18 basketball squad who played and beat Gravesend Grammar School 34 – 30 at a match last week.  It was an exciting match which clearly ended in our favour.  Well done to the squad and thank you to Mr Ashenfelter for leading the team.

Well done to the U15 XI football squad who took part in a tri-school competition last Wednesday with Aylesford School and Maplesden Noakes School, beating them both 2 – 1 and 1 – 0 respectively.  The boys’ efforts were tremendous, producing a strong sense of camaraderie amongst them.  Well done boys, and thank you to the many boys from Year 10 who stayed after school until gone 5pm to watch.

And congratulations to the 2^nd XI football squad who beat Oakwood Park Grammar School 2 – 0 in the District Cup.  The local derby is always a tense affair, and on this occasion we came away with the win.  Well done boys.

Tuesday 16 November 2021

Firstly, I would like to thank the CCF cadets and adult volunteers who attended the Maidstone Remembrance Service at the weekend.  Over 70 students and staff representing MGS paraded through the town to finally reach the War Memorial to coincide with the two-minutes silence.  Thank you all.

Secondly, I wish to congratulate the Boys' Intermediate Cross Country Squad who came second in the Regional Cross Country competition last week. Finishing in second place means that the boys have qualified in the National Final later in the year to be held at Newquay School, Cornwall. Well done boys.

Following the theme of cross country, many of our boys have enjoyed taking part in the inter-house cross country competitions that are currently taking place. Corpus Christi and Barton were 1^st and 2^nd respectively in Year 11, Barton and College in Year 10, College and Tonbridge in Year 9, and Corpus Christo and College were 1^st and 2^nd in Year 7.  Year 8 have yet to complete theirs.  Well done to all.

This week we our focusing our attention on acknowledging the national anti-bullying campaign that sees schools promote a culture of kindness and tolerance within their communities. To start the week off we yesterday enjoyed coming into school wearing odd socks or wearing a tie that was different to what we would normally wear. The students and staff had some fun, but the message of kindness and tolerance is an important one, and one that is already well established in the school.

On Friday we have the second of our school charity days, this time acknowledging the BBC Children in Need Appeal. A variety of activities will be going on around the school that the students can take part in, along with the selling of cakes and the wearing of non-uniform.

And finally, we are delighted to have received the positive news last week that we successfully achieved planning permission to build another floor on top of the current pavilion.  The new floor will house the MFL Department, providing much needed space for an expanding school.  Work will hopefully start in the new year.

Tuesday 9 November 2021

Firstly, I wish to thank the MGS Parents’ Association and all of the staff and students who helped support the MGS PA Firework Display on Saturday.  We were delighted that so many people were able to come to enjoy the event, and the weather held off to make it an enjoyable evening. Thank you to everyone who came along.

Thank you also to the students and staff who took part in the weekly rugby fixture against Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School and to the many parents who came along to watch.  Results were mixed, but it was once again an enjoyable occasion just being able to watch school sport once more.

Yesterday we held our inaugural mixed senior girl's netball inter-house tournament.  This was the first year we have been able to allow students from both Year 12 and 13 to participate collectively. The netball programme and opportunities available has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years with fantastic support from Miss Dimmick and Mrs Coveney.  It was great to see participation from all houses yesterday in what was a competitive and well fought battle, played in the right spirit. There were some standout performances and lots of talent on display. The final game of the tournament between Corpus Chirsti and College houses had huge ramifications, as the winner would claim first overall place.  In a tense, back and forth affair, College House ran out as eventual winners after claiming an 8-3 victory. The girls now shift their focus and attention to their first competitive inter-school match taking place later this month with more fixtures scheduled later in the year.  

There one key event this week is the Remembrance Service which will take place on Thursday.  2021 is an important year as it marks the 100^th anniversary of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.  Sadly, due to Covid restrictions we will be unable to hold a normal service; instead announcing it over the school tannoy system. 

Tuesday 2 November 2021

Welcome back to Term 2, I hope you have a good half term break. 

 This week years 11 and 13 are having an organisation called VESPA speak to them about how they can improve their studies as they prepare for their future exams.  It is an organisation that bases its recommendations from evidence-based research and shares them in a clear, practical and on-the-ground way.  We hope the students value the opportunity.

On Saturday we are delighted to be hosting once again the MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display.  Due to last year’s restrictions we were unable to run the event, but this year it returns.  Gates open at 5pm with the display starting at 7pm.  Tickets are available in advance and on the gate.  Do come along and enjoy a spectacular display.  Entrance is via the Mote Park gate at the back of the school.

Tuesday 19 October 2021

I cannot believe we are already approaching half term.  It does not seem we have been at school for seven weeks.  The term has continued to be a good one, and one where we have seen life return to MGS.  Only on Saturday were we able to welcome many parents and visitors on site to enjoy the annual rugby fixture against Cranbrook School.  With it being the last game before the half term we made it more of an event, offering refreshments and conversation after the games.  A huge thank you to the players, staff, parents, and Old Maidstonians who made it an enjoyable day.

As well as the rugby at the weekend I also wish to thank the performers, staff and parents who supported the Autumn Showcase last week.  It was the first live concert for nearly two years and was full of high quality talent that has been eager to shine for a very long time.  Well done to everyone, and thank you to Mrs Brooks and Mr Bourne for hosting.

Today we again open our doors to the wider community and welcome families of prospective students to see the school at work at our Year 6 Open Morning.  Last Friday, at our first open morning, we were incredibly busy, so I am sure today will be no different.  The week of open events culminates on Thursday when we welcome everyone in again at our Year 6 Open Evening.  At that event the entire school will be open to walk around, see the many exhibitions that we put on, as well as hearing from me about what life is like at MGS.  As always the people who sell MGS are the students; they are a credit to their school as well as to themselves, and are our ambassadors.  Thank you to everyone who will be helping.

And finally congratulations to Oliver of Tonbridge House who competed in two Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions at the weekend: The Somerset Open and The All Stars Welsh Pro.  He successfully won two golds and a silver medal in No Gi and Gi, competing against some of the top children in the country.  Well done Oliver.

Tuesday 12 October 2021

This week we reach a time when we can again open our doors to the wider school community. 

Last night we welcomed parents of year 9 students to attend the postponed Year 9 Information Evening.  Due to the fuel shortages a couple of weeks ago it was wise to postpone the event so as not to ask parents to make an unnecessary journey at that time.  With car petrol tanks replenished it was good to run the event last night.  We hope the evening was useful.

On Thursday, we welcome parents and friends of the school in to enjoy the Autumn Showcase.  Led by the Performing Arts department a host of players and performers will entertain the audience with their talents.  The evening starts at 6.30pm and will take place in room 95.

And on Friday we are holding our Year 6 Open Morning: a chance for boys in years 5 and 6 accompanied by their parents to see the school at work and decide whether they wish to come to MGS in the future.  Sadly, we were not able to host such an event, so we are delighted that we can, this year, have it return.

Tuesday 5 October 2021

I start my blog this week by acknowledging three members of staff.  Firstly, Mr Seymour who on Saturday 25^th September undertook the Chiltern 50 Walking Challenge.  He crossed the finish line in 10 hours and 1 minute and in the process raised over £1400 for Breast Cancer Now, in memory of his friend Amy, an ex Head Girl at MGGS, who recently passed away after a 12-week battle with breast cancer.  At the weekend, two members of staff completed the London Marathon, Mr Ferguson finished in 6 hours 23 minutes supporting Racing Welfare, a charity that supports injured jockeys and Mr Sparkes finished in 5 hours 53 minutes supporting Make A Wish. Well done to all. 

I continue with my blog by acknowledging two Old Maidstonians who visited the school last week.  Both were visiting relatives in the area and so wanted to see their old school again.  One of gentlemen left in 1971, and the other in 1954.  Both had fond memories to share, tales to tell, and were able to find their names on the honours board that hang in our school hall.  What was even more incredible was that the gentleman who left in 1971 was able to tell us that his father served on HMS Maidstone and was responsible for donating the ship’s bell that hangs in our lobby.  What an amazing link to have with MGS!

Last week we also had some new display put up around the school.  As part of our revised vision, we are complementing our established Inspire to Learn agenda with our new Inspire to Belong agenda.  These two pillars are the foundations of all that we do, and so the new displays around the school raise the profile of what we do and illustrates to everyone what our intent is.

This week I am out of school for two days attending the annual Grammar Schools Heads Association.  Each year the headteachers of all the grammar schools across the country meet in London to share their ideas, learn about new developments, and offer support to each other.  It is a vital source of professional friendship.

In addition, this week we welcome year 7 parents to attend their respective house welcome events.  On Wednesday, we welcome Barton and Tonbridge houses, and on Thursday, it is the turn of College and Corpus Christi.  During each evening parents will meet each other, meet house staff and senior students, have a tour of the school by their son, and hear from key senior staff about the year ahead.  We are delighted to be hosting such events considering not being able to do so for such a long time.

And finally, congratulations to the 1^st XV rugby squad who beat King’s Rochester in the second round of the National Cup.  Well done gents.

Tuesday 29 September 2021

Last Friday and Saturday were two more days when we could welcome the wider community into the School. 

On Friday we enjoyed a non-uniform day and bumper cake sale to acknowledge the MacMillan Coffee Morning.  About 50 parents and former staff came into school to enjoy the occasion with us, soon followed by hundreds of hungry children eager to buy a piece of cake.  It was a wonderful event and thank you to Mrs Cook and the prefect team for organising the day.

On Saturday it was the turn of the Old Maidstonian Society.  About 50 former students and their families returned to MGS for a light tea and afternoon of conversation.  The Old Maidstonian Society is an important organisation that promotes the School’s culture of belonging ensuring that former students remain in contact with their school.  Maidstonians have an allegiance to their school when they are here, and this is equally seen amongst Old Maidstonians who have similar stories and tales to tell about their experiences.  A big thank you to the Old Maidstonian Committee for organising the event and to the six prefects who acted as guides and who represented the youth of today.

Sadly, in contrast, Saturday morning, before the Old Maidstonian event, was not a ‘good day at the office’.  The rugby fixture on that day was against Skinners’ School.  In total, including the fixtures on the Friday afternoon, there were 10 matches, and MGS only came away with two wins: U12B and U13A.  As always though, the students did themselves proud and played with great spirit, and I know they will use the experience to improve for the future.  Part of winning is losing!  A huge thank you to all of the staff and parent helpers who made the weekend rugby possible. 

Due to the current fuel shortages we have had to postpone the Year 9 Information Evening, but the Year 10 one is still going ahead on Wednesday.  Just like with years 11 and 12, these evenings are important as they provide an opportunity for parents to hear what they can expect from us and how we will be supporting their sons, particularly after the last 18 months of disruption.  We will be in contact with year 9 parents to reschedule.

Tuesday 21 September 2021

We have now reached the end of the second week of the new school year, and I continue to be impressed with how our Maidstonians have settled into life at MGS.  I think they secretly are pleased to be back.  The relaunch of our vertical house structure and the reintroduction of mixed aged forms have been positively welcomed, and this is down to the many positive virtues our students have.  Well done everyone, and thank you.

Last Wednesday we saw both senior rugby squads bring home wins for the School.  The 2^nd XV beat Simon Langton Boys 24-5 as part of the weekly fixture programme and the 1^st XV beat St Lawrence College 42-12 in the first round of the National Cup.  Well done to the players, and thank you to the many who came along to support creating a lovely atmosphere to be a part of.  Last Thursday was the first day the CCF met after school, and it was the first time the new Year 9 students took part alongside their fellow cadets.  Both these examples of the rugby players and CCF cadets illustrate how verticality works: different aged students seamlessly mixing, so much so that you cannot tell who is in what year. 

This week we welcomed parents of year 11 students to attend the Year 11 Information Evening: an evening to hear from us about the coming year.  Next week students of years 9 and 10, and their parents, will have their respective evenings.  

This week we are also arranging for form tutors to meet with their year 13 parents to discuss the year ahead.  The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption, so we feel it is important that Year 13 hit the ground running to position themselves in the best place when we get round to May next year.

On Friday, we are holding our first charity day to acknowledge MacMillan Coffee Morning.  Students will be allowed to wear non-uniform, and there will be cakes available in the Hall at break.  A letter has already gone out inviting parents to attend.  Do come along.

And finally, congratulations to Oliver Thackray of Tonbridge House who has become the All Stars European Champion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The competition was held at the UEL Sports Dock London a couple of weekends ago. He won gold in Gi category and silver in the No Gi.  Oliver also competed last weekend in the Elite Junior European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition retaining his Elite Junior European champion title winning gold in Gi & silver in no gi. An amazing achievement as juniors from across the world compete in this event. Well done Oliver.