Tuesday 19 April 2016

Last week saw three events where Old Maidstonians returned to their school to rekindle links with friends and provide opportunities to look back fondly and remember: the A-Level Presentation Evening, the Old Boys’ Rugby and Football matches, and the Old Maidstonian Supper.  All were a delight to be a part.  By the way, the football match resulted in a 5 - 5 draw, but the rugby saw the Old Boys winning 45 – 41.  Thank you to everyone who took part; it was a glorious afternoon of sport. As we looked back with fond memories last week, this week we look forward and welcome the 175 boys and their families who will become Maidstonians from September.  Tomorrow night is the Year 6 Induction Evening for those boys who have been successful in gaining a place here and who are about to begin their MGS journey.  We look forward to welcoming them.

This week the Senior Leadership Team is spending some time popping into a selection of Performing Arts lessons to experience what the students experience each day.  Just like on previous occasions with other departments, this is simply routine and nothing to worry about.  Part of the Senior Leadership Team’s responsibility is to monitor teaching and learning across the School and part of that process is occasionally spending some time visiting lessons.  The main aim is to share the very good practice that is currently going on in the newly formed Performing Arts department and to celebrate its success.  It also can provide opportunities for members of staff to reflect on their own teaching style and develop further as a professional.  I am sure that everyone involved will learn a lot.

Today, in fact this morning, Year 13 had their year group photograph taken.  The students in Year 13 are on the cusp of leaving MGS and so it is important they have a formal token of their time at school and have something they can look back at in the years to come.  We are fortunate the weather has been kind.  On Friday Year 8 take part in the School’s annual celebration of William Shakespeare.  Saturday marks the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and every year we ensure the boys in Year 8 understand more of Shakespeare’s work and develop an appreciation of his writing which has shaped many aspects of our lives.  I hope the boys enjoy the day and thank you to the staff who put on a great spectacle for them.

The Weald of Kent Grammar School is consulting on proposed changes to their admission arrangements for 2017 entry.  Details are on our website.