Tuesday 17 December 2019

Welcome to my last blog of 2019.  I cannot believe we have reached the end of the first term of the academic year let alone the end of 2019.  It has been another demanding and rewarding year, and we are now looking forward to a well-deserved holiday.  Before we do though, there are a number of things to acknowledge.

 

Firstly, I would like to thank both the staff and students for organising last week’s Barton House charity day in support of the NSPCC.  The day had a joyful feel with the wearing of festive jumpers and a hotly contested mince pie eating competition.  The total amount raised was just under £1,750.  Well done all.

 

Congratulations to Tom Fryer of College House who represented the UKIP Party who won last week’s MGS Mock Election.  The outcome of the Election was unprecedented as both Tom Fryer and Liam Turner, who represented The Brexit Party, both received the same number of votes, but after consulting electoral rules, the final outcome was decided with a coin toss!  Well done Tom, and thank you to all other candidates who took part in the election.

 

Continuing the Christmas theme, today and tomorrow the catering team serve the students and staff their Christmas lunch; Barton and College students today and Corpus Christi and Tonbridge houses tomorrow.  Do enjoy the lunch and let us hope the students eat their sprouts!

 

Tonight after school we invite Old Maidstonians who left last year to return to their school to receive their A Level certificates.  A number of the year group are returning to receive applause for their achievements but also to see each other again and to catch up.  The occasion is always an enjoyable one.

 

Tomorrow is the MGS Carol Service which takes place at All Saints Church at 7pm.  The Service will follow a traditional format: hearing lessons and singing carols, before we all enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.  If you are free then please do come along.

 

And Thursday is the end of term before we break up to enjoy a couple of weeks with our friends and family.  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tuesday 10 December 2019

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 1^st XV rugby squad for beating Windsor Boys School last Wednesday 55 – 0 in the quarter-final of the National Bowl competition.  The semi-final is now not until March, and we wait to see who we will be playing.  The players should be incredibly proud of themselves to have reached the last four. 

 

Congratulations and thank you to the entire cast, band, crew, prefects, refreshment sellers and staff for three wonderful nights of Little Shop of Horrors.  It was one of the best school productions I have seen, and I certainly went home singing the songs in my car.  Well done all and thank you to everyone who supported.

 

A big thank you to everyone who has supported this year’s Salvation Toy Appeal.  Once again we have been amazed by the generosity of our parents and staff who have donated so many gifts and toys for the children of Maidstone.  Thank you ever so much. 

 

The end of term is nearly upon us, but there are still two busy weeks ahead.  Tonight we welcome parents of year 12 students to attend the Year 12 Parents’ Evening.  This will be the first opportunity that parents hear from their child’s subject teachers about how their child has progressed with their A Levels at the start of the sixth form.

 

Tomorrow and Thursday, boys from Year 8 will be taking part in two careers days.  These days are to get the boys thinking about what their interests are and what they possible might wish to do in the future.  These days will also help with the important decisions the boys will be making after Christmas about their GCSE options.

 

On Thursday MGS will be holding its own Mock Election.  Sixth form students have, for the last three weeks, been campaigning for their parties and encouraging us all to vote for them.  We now can have our say.  The Election will be preceded with a Hustings where all the candidates will be grilled by a hall full of students.  Good luck to all candidates.

 

On Friday Barton House will be leading on their charity day to raise money for the NSPCC.  The usual non-uniform day will be the main fundraiser, with students being encouraged to wear a festive Christmas jumper.  Throughout the day there will be of course stalls and events to further raise money.

 

And congratulations to Max Cardosi of Barton House who successful won a boxing competition on Saturday. The competition was part of a boxing event held in Maidstone at the weekend involving a number of clubs in the SE region. Max represents West Tree Boxing Club and he defeated a boxer from a club in Essex.

 

 

Tuesday 3 December 2019

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 1^st XV rugby squad for beating King John School, Benfleet last Wednesday 24 – 17 in the last regional round of the National Bowl competition.  We are now in the last eight of the competition and are due to play Windsor Boys School on Wednesday.  The players should be incredibly proud of themselves to have reached the last eight.  Good luck boys for Wednesday’s match.

 

Sticking with sporting news, the 1^st and 2^nd XI football squads also respectively won their matches last week.  The 1^st XI beat Harvey Grammar 2 - 1 and the 2^nd XI- beat Kent College, Canterbury 8 - 1.  Well done boys.    Last week was a good one for senior sport!

 

Congratulations must also go to the CCF RAF cadets who, at the weekend, achieved 2^nd place in the regional division of the RAF Air Squadron Trophy.  On the way to achieve 2^nd place they came 1^st in the shooting part of the competition.  They now progress on to the national final.  Well done all and thank you to Mr Moores for accompanying them. 

 

This week is one to look forward to as our budding actors and musicians will enjoy putting on this year’s school production Little Shop of Horrors.  The first performance is Wednesday evening and will run for three nights finishing on Friday.  Tickets are available from the Bursary or on the door, with the show starting at 7pm.  Do come along.

 

And on Friday a group of Year 7 and Year 8 students travel to Cologne for a long weekend to experience the culture, try out their language skills and to enjoy the festivities of the famous Christmas market.  I hope the boys, and the staff, enjoy the occasion.  Safe journey to them all.

 

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Yesterday the year 11 students finished their GCSE mock examinations and so return to normal school today.  It is hoped that the last six days have prepared them for next summer’s examinations as well as providing them with a clear ‘marker in the sand’, indicating what work now needs to be done.  The results get published in a couple of weeks.

 

It is at this time of year when our Oxbridge students hear from their respective universities and colleges.  Once they hear we put them through a series of workshops and interviews to prepare them, organised by Mr Rivers, Miss Johnson and Mrs Acaster.  Fingers crossed to them all.

 

Congratulations to the 1^st XI and U14 football squads who respectively won their football matches last week.  The 1^st XI squad beat Borden Grammar School 2 – 1 in the East Kent Premier League, and the U14 squad beat St Gregory’s Catholic School 4 – 1 in the Kent Cup.  Well done boys, and thank you to Mr Terrell and Mr Bing for supporting.

 

This Friday there are two trips: A Level French students are spending the day at the British Film Institute in London experiencing French cinema, and a number of CCF RAF cadets are travelling up to RAF Wittering for a day of flying.  I hope they all enjoy themselves.

 

And on Saturday, the rugby squads play Dartford Grammar in the annual fixture; the cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors spend a day rehearsing in preparation for the 4^th December; and a number of families enjoy a day in Bruges on the MGS Parents’ Association Christmas Market Trip.  I hope the day is successful on all counts.

 

Last Friday 25 students across years 7 to 10 competed in the Maidstone Schools Cross Country Competition at Mote Park.  Everyone ran superbly, giving their all in very challenging conditions, and representing our school with pride.  MGS was crowned the champions of all three races; and many of the boys will now have the opportunity to represent the school again at the Inter-District Competition later in the season.  A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of sport.  Well done. 

 

Also on Friday Matthew Overal-Roe of College House travelled to the Big Rock Bond in Milton Keynes, representing his bouldering squad (Team Chimera), to compete in a combined top rope and bouldering competition. He won his age category dropping only 2 marks in total.  Well done Matthew.

 

And finally, congratulations to Tom Poole, Old Maidstonian who left in the summer, who has just won one of the coveted John Downton Award Prizes at a recent art competition.  His work will now be displayed in the Turner Contemporary Gallery. I believe this is a first for MGS.  Well done Tom.

Tuesday 19 November 2019

Firstly, I would like to thank all of the sixth form students who helped last week organise the Children in Need charity events.  The fundraising started on Thursday with the sponsored row.  Collectively the six senior prefects and I rowed three marathons over 9 hours raising over £1,300.  The support from students and staff who watched and cheered on was incredible.  And on Friday saw the usual non-uniform day which included cake selling, tombola stalls and a staff vs. staff arm wrestling competition.  Congratulations to Ms Wilson and Mr Bell, both from the English department, who won their respective competitions.  The final amount is yet unknown but the total to date is over £3,000.

 

Sadly, on Saturday and during last week, the rugby results against Skinners’ School did not go in our favour, but the spirit in which the games were played was tremendous.  The run up to Christmas is a hard one with Skinners’, St Olave’s, Judd and Dartford over four consecutive weeks.  The step up is a good one for us to rise to, and if the Skinners’ game is anything to go by, the next three weeks will be exciting to watch.  Thank you, as always, to the players who play, the parents who support, and to the staff who coach. 

 

This week is generally a quieter one, which is no bad thing.  By the end of the week we will be halfway through this eight-week term, and with the darker nights and colder weather, it always feels more demanding than it actually is.  This week though is certainly not a quiet one for Year 11 as they have their mock exams to complete.  Over six days the students will be tested across all of their subjects as well as experiencing what it is going to feel like next summer.  Good luck everyone.

 

And just an advance warning that in a couple of weeks’ time the school production is taking place.  Little Shop of Horrors is this year’s production which takes place from Wednesday 4 December to Friday 6 December.  Curtains open at 7pm with tickets being purchased on the door or in advance from the school Bursary.  Do come along.

Tuesday 12 November 2019

Firstly, I would like to thank the staff and students who supported last week’s Post 16 Open Evening.  Nearly 500 Year 11 students from MGS and surrounding schools visited us to see what we do in our sixth form.  Despite it being incredibly busy it was an extremely positive evening with many positive comments from visiting students and their parents.

 

Congratulations to the students who took part in the Mock Trial Competition on Saturday at Maidstone Crown Court.  This is the first time Maidstonians have taken part in the competition for a long time so expectations were somewhat realistic.  I am pleased to say though that the students have progressed into the national final beating Skinners’ School, Mayfield Grammar and Tonbridge Girls Grammar along the way.  The final will take place later in the year at the Old Bailey.  Well done all, and thank you Mr Ferguson for supporting them.

 

Also congratulations to the U13 rugby squad who last week beat Oakwood Park Grammar School 90 – 5, and to the 1^st XV senior squad who beat Chatham and Claredon Grammar School to progress into the final regional round of the National Bowl Competition.

 

And finally, congratulations must go to the junior cross country team who finished fifth in the South East English Schools Cross Country Competition on Saturday. This was an event involving the best teams from schools in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and our students beat the likes of Whitgift School, Hurstpierpoint, RGS Guildford, Dartford Grammar and Sevenoaks School.  There is now an outside chance that the team will qualify for the English Schools Final in Derbyshire next month.  Well done boys.

 

Before looking ahead to this week I would like to acknowledge the conduct of all of our students at last Friday’s Remembrance Service.  Parents should be very proud to know that the entire school paused for two minutes during break time to coincide with the two-minutes silence during the Service.  It is pleasing to know that today’s generation respect the concept of remembrance even in the digital world.  Thank you to each and every Maidstonian. Thank you also to the 73 cadets and five staff who took part in the Maidstone Remembrance Service on Sunday. 

 

This week is a busy one.  Tomorrow afternoon we invite parents of year 12 students into the school to attend the GCSE Presentation Afternoon.  Students from last year’s Year 11 will be receiving their GCSE certificates to recognise their achievements following three years of hard work.  Congratulations to everyone.

 

This Friday is the annual BBC Children In Need Appeal and like every year we support the charity with a day of fundraising events.  The usual non-uniform will be in place as well as the sale of cakes and a staff vs. students Big Hall event.  To help with fundraising, the day before, on Thursday, the six senior prefects will join me in rowing a marathon.  I have foolishly agreed to row a marathon on my own, alongside Jonah and Jack, the school captain and school vice-captain, who will row one between them; and Ben, Zack, Jasmine and Will, the four house captains, who will also be rowing one between them.  There are going to be some very tired legs!

Tuesday 5 November 2019

Firstly, can I congratulate the senior students who played against Oakwood Park Grammar School at both rugby and football last Wednesday.  We always look forward to playing Oakwood Park as they are our closest competitors, and last week’s matches were once again a joy to watch.  The 1^st XI football squad beat Oakwood 2 – 1, and the 1^st XV rugby squad won 32 – 25.  Well done boys.  In addition to the senior players, I also wish to congratulate the U15 rugby squad who also beat Oakwood Park on Friday winning 31 – 12.  One of the best things about this game was the many students remaining behind after school to watch the second half despite it being a Friday afternoon.  Well done boys and thank you to everyone who came along to support.

 

Can I also thank all of the sixth form students who supported the Post 16 Open Morning last Friday and the MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display on Saturday.  Both events were opportunities for the school’s wider community to come in and see what we do, as well as giving our own students opportunities to give leadership and service to their school.  Thank you also to the members and helpers of the Parents’ Association for hosting another wonderful firework display considering the dreadful weather conditions earlier in the day. 

 

Tomorrow after school is our Post 16 Open Evening which is an event providing an opportunity for students who are considering joining our Sixth Form to see what we offer.  The evening is predominantly for students and parents of Year 11 as they are approaching a crucial part of their journey, but this year we are also inviting parents and students of Year 10 as we seek to continue to raise the aspiration and engagement of our students.  We look forward to welcoming everyone to the evening.          

 

Tomorrow is also another day when our senior football and rugby squads are representing the school.  The 1^st XI squad plays Norton Knatchbull School and the 1^st XV rugby squad plays Chatham and Claredon School in the National Bowl competition.  Good luck boys.

 

And on Friday we welcome governors, Old Maidstonians and friends of the school to attend our annual Remembrance Service which this year will be held in our redeveloped War Memorial Library.  Remembrance is very important at MGS and so it is right that we pause for a moment and remember the fallen Old Maidstonians, particularly this year from WWII.

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Welcome to my first blog of Term 2.  I hope you all had an enjoyable half term and a well-deserved break.  

 

Firstly, I would like to thank the staff, the year 7 guides, the prefects and all the other student helpers who supported the school at the Year 6 Open Evening just before the half term break.  It was an extremely positive evening with many families and visitors attending.  Thank you all.

 

We return to school with a quiet week.  Tonight after work the staff have a meeting to reflect on the year so far and to look forward to what is to come.  Friday is the Post 16 Open Morning where we welcome year 11 students from other schools to see what we do before they decide whether they would like to make an application to join our sixth form.  And on Saturday we welcome the wider school community into the school to attend the annual MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display.  This event always proves to be popular one.  Advance tickets are available from the Bursary or they can be purchased on the gate.  Gates open at 5pm with the display starting at 7pm.  Do come along.

 

Finally, congratulations to Zachary Martin of Corpus Christi House CR2 who recently attend two international roller skating competitions as part of Team GB.  He competed internationally for the first time in September at the Cup of Europe in Roana Italy where he placed 7^th; and has just come back from the Hettange International in France where he placed 2^nd.  This follows Zac winning the Youth Men’s British Championship back in May this year.  Well done Zac.

Tuesday 15 October 2019

I cannot believe this is my last blog entry of Term 1 - where have the last seven weeks gone?!

 

Firstly, I wish to congratulate all of the rugby squads for their performances at the weekend.  This weekend’s fixtures were against Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School with all squads winning their respective matches.  Close games were the U15s and 2nd XV who narrowly won 22 - 21 and 10 - 7 respectively.  Well done to all the boys involved and many thanks to the members of staff who accompanied them.

 

Continuing the rugby theme, congratulations to the 1st XV squad who beat St Dunstan’s 64 - 5 last Wednesday in the National Bowl competition.  One more game and we progress from the regional level of the competition to the national one.  

 

This week is another busy one for the school and me.  Yesterday after school I attended the first Old Maidstonian Society committee meeting of the academic year and the Parents’ Association AGM.  Both the Old Maidstonian Society and the Parents’ Association do incredible work supporting the school raising money and providing opportunities for their members to socialise.  Events coming up in November are the annual PA Firework Display and the OM London Get-Together.  We look forward to welcoming many respective members.

 

Today I am going into London to attend the Grammar School Heads’ Association October Seminar and the annual House of Commons Reception.  These events provide excellent opportunities for networking as well as providing important training for grammar school heads.  Before going into London we held our second Year 6 Open Morning - inviting families into school to see if we are a choice for their sons for next September.

 

And on Thursday is our Year 6 Open Evening which is probably the most important event of the school year.  Every member of staff along with many hundreds of our students will be supporting their school during the evening putting on numerous subject exhibitions and displays advertising what we do here.  It always proves to be a busy occasion, but an incredibly rewarding one.

 

 

Tuesday 8 October 2019

HM Blog - Tuesday 8^th October 2019

 

Firstly, I would like to thank College House for arranging the first charity day of the academic year last Friday.  We saw many students and staff enjoying the College House Fete at break and lunch which was put on to raise money for the Maidstone charity Mind.  Early figures indicate a total of £2300 being raised.  Well done everyone.

 

Congratulations to the U12 rugby squads who beat Beths Grammar School at home at the weekend and to the U14 squad who won away.  What also added to a winning Saturday for MGS was the World Cup result of England beating Argentina 39 - 10.  With so many parents accompanying their boys we decided to show the World Cup match in the pavilion clubhouse.  Wins all round, a cuppa, and a bite to eat were all warmly received and all added to a good start to the weekend.

 

This week is a very busy one, with yesterday being the quietest.  Tomorrow we welcome parents of year 7 boys into the school to attend the Year 7 Welcome Evening.  It is an opportunity to explain in more detail what parents can expect over the coming months and years as they begin their relationship with us.  

 

On Wednesday we officially open the new War Memorial Library.  Author and Old Maidstonian Dan Abnett is the guest of honour, who will not only be opening the Library, but will also be running a workshop for a group of students.  Former students and staff, donors, and relatives of some of the fallen Old Maidstonians, along with current students, staff and governors, will all present.

 

On Thursday we not only will be welcoming Mark Fenton, CEO of the Grammar School Heads’ Association, to spend a day in school seeing what we do, we will also be enjoying some music and variety at the Performing Arts Autumn Showcase.  Do come along to the latter - performances start at 6.30pm.

 

And on Friday we open our doors to the wider community for the first Year 6 Open Morning.  That time of the year has come around when we look forward to next September and welcome families who are considering MGS as the school for their sons.  Year 7 guides will be providing tours, supported by senior prefects and staff who will be on hand to answer any questions.

Tuesday 1 October 2019

Firstly, I wish to apologise for having to postpone the whole school photograph last Wednesday due to the weather.  The whole school photograph is not just a photograph; it is an event in itself.  Seeing the whole school together is always a pleasure, but we will have to wait a little while longer.

 

However, last Wednesday was a good day for the school because the 1st XV rugby squad as well as the 1st and 2nd XI football squads all came back from away matches with wins.  The 1st XV rugby squad beat Oakwood Park Grammar School 40 - 0, and the 1st and 2nd XI football squads beat Dane Court Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School 5 - 3 and 10 - 2 respectively.  Well done to all the players and thank you to the members of staff who accompanies them.

 

And I must thank everyone who came along to last Friday’s MacMillan coffee morning.  Once again the event was very well attended bringing together all members of the school community, and in the process raised £430.

 

This week we see a number of different events.  Tomorrow we welcome parents of Year 10 into school to attend the Year 10 Information Evening - an evening for parents to understand what can be expected for the coming year; on Thursday the Old Maidstonian Society annual quiz is taking place; and on Friday we see the first house charity day of the academic year led by College House.  Students and staff are planning a variety of events during the day to raise money and awareness for Maidstone Mind - a charity supporting people of Maidstone with mental health and wellbeing issues.  

 

Finally, congratulations to Beatrice Fury of Corpus Christi House who represented Kent Schools at the English Schools Race Walking Championships at Exeter at the weekend and came away as Senior Girls 5km Champion.  Well done to Beatrice.

 

Tuesday 24 September 2019

At the weekend all of the rugby squads were away at Cranbrook.  With our pitches being too hard following the long dry and warm spell we had to call off all home matches, but fortunately Cranbrook was able to accommodate them.  We returned to school with two wins and two losses. 

 

Also at the weekend, the CCF entered two teams into the Cadet Skill at Arms Meet.  Cadets competed against CCF and ACF teams from all over the South East of England, in five different shooting matches.  The highlight of the competition for MGS was the Falling Plate Competition.  Congratulations to the tri-service team comprising of George Plumb RN, Simon Gurung Army, Alfred Hodges RAF and Logan Runham RAF, who won silver in the Falling Plate. 

 

Congratulations to the 1^st XI football squad who beat Dover Boys’ Grammar School 4 – 0 last week, and well done to Oliver Thackray of Tonbridge House who became the European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion on Saturday in Birmingham winning gold. He also won bronze in the No Gi European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships the following day.

 

Last night we welcomed parents of year 9 students into school to attend the Year 9 Information Evening.  The evening provided an opportunity for parents to hear what can be expected now their sons have begun their GCSE studies.  Thank you to everyone who attended.

 

Tonight after school is the second training session for teaching staff looking at developing strategies for differentiation in the classroom.  Over the course of the year these training sessions will be addressing a number of areas of teaching and learning we wish to see develop.  Feedback so far from teaching staff has been positive.

 

Tomorrow our Higher Education Fair takes place.  Over 50 colleges and universities will be in school providing literature and information about their institutions.  It is a very popular event which is aimed at students in years 10 to 13.  Do come along.  The event is between 5pm and 7.30pm.

 

And on Friday is the annual MacMillan Coffee Morning.  This is a national event which we have been acknowledging for years.  At morning break there will be cakes and refreshments available for the entire school community to buy.  Last year we raised over £600, so let us hope we can beat that this year.

 

Tuesday 17 September 2019

Firstly, I would like thank everyone who was involved with the organisation in last Friday’s speech day, and congratulate again all senior prize winners.  It was a wonderful occasion which added to the already positive start we have had to the new academic year.  It was a good day for the school.

 

Congratulations to all rugby squads at the weekend for bringing home a clean sheet of wins for the School beating Gravesend Grammar School at U18, U15, U14 and U13 levels.  Well done boys, an excellent start to the season; long may it continue.  Next week is Cranbrook School.

 

Also, we are delighted to be able to share the further good news that we last week secured planning permission for our all-weather pitch project.  We can now very soon begin construction of the pitch which is very much needed as the school continues to expand.

 

This week all form tutors are arranging meetings to see parents of year 13 students to discuss what they can expect from us over the coming year, and understand how the UCAS process is going to work.  At these meetings the UCAS predicted grades and elements of the UCAS reference will be shared with the students so they can understand where they currently are and what they can do to improve.

 

Also starting from this week we have a number of library launch events that have been planned to mark the opening of the new library.  The official opening will not take place until early October, but these events have been arranged to illustrate the benefits of the new library with it now being the academic hub of the school.  The first of these events takes place on Thursday – a spoken word poetry workshop aimed at years 12 and 13.

 

On Thursday parents of year 12 students are invited into school to attend the Year 12 Information Evening.  The students have just embarked on their A Level studies and so it is important they understand what is to come over the next two years.  The evening starts at 7pm.

Tuesday 10 September 2019

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mrs Coveney who successfully completed the Great North Run at the weekend.  It was her first attempt, completing it in a time of 2 hours and 25 minutes.  Well done and congratulations.

 

Following last week’s staggered return to school, this week is the first full week of the year.  On Monday, Year 7 enjoyed the presentation ‘Bach To The Future’ from Kent Music, the organisation that promotes and encourages young people to learn an instrument.  It was a success last year, so we invited them back this year, and once again the response from the boys was again extremely positive.

 

Today the teaching staff begin a yearlong programme of continuous professional development that will support our aims of improved academic excellence.  Our hard work over the last two years has identified key aspects of the school we wish to see develop, and so this vital training will address those areas and provide new ideas for teachers to use in their classrooms.

 

On Wednesday we see the first senior rugby match of the year, playing Sutton Valence School in the National Cup.  A win will mean we play either Skinners’ School or our local rivals Oakwood Park Grammar School in the next round.  Good luck boys.

 

On Friday we will be enjoying our annual Beginning of Year Service and Upper School Speech Day, as well as Year 7 taking part in some team building activities.  This year’s guest of honour at Speech Day is Mr Paul Smith, former deputy head, who retired in 2017 and who gave 24 years’ service to the school.  We look forward to welcoming him back.

 

And at the weekend all of our rugby squads take part in their first game of the season, playing against Gravesend Grammar School. The U14 and U13 squads are at home with the U15 and 1^st and 2^nd XV squads being away.  Good luck to everyone.

 

Tuesday 3 September 2019

Welcome to the start of a new academic year, and welcome to the first blog.  For new readers the Headmaster’s Blog is published weekly, and gives readers a small insight into the workings of the school along with hearing about success stories.  

 

Before the year started we have already been busy analysing the summer examination results, and we are delighted to announce two sets of very pleasing and improving results at both GCSE and A-Level.  At A-Level 60% of all exam entries were graded A*- B, up 5% from last year and up 16% from 2017.  85% of all grades were graded A* - C, the highest we have ever had.  40 students achieved two A grades or better with 18 students achieving at least three A grades or better.  At GCSE 44% of all subject entries were graded 7 to 9, up 7% from the previous year.  99% of students gained five 9 to 4 grades, over 50% of students achieved five or more 7 to 9 grades, and over one-third of students achieved eight or more 7 to 9 grades. 

 

Over the next two days we welcome the students back to school.  Today, years 7, 12 and 13 return with the rest of the school returning tomorrow.  This staggered start will hopefully allow us to focus our attention on welcoming our newest students as well as dealing with the very important administration that always occurs at the start of the year.  Once all the students are here tomorrow we can then get on with the year which always starts with a whole school assembly.  Talking to the entire school community is always a delight, and fingers crossed for good weather as we need to have the assembly outside in the Quad.

 

Tuesday 16 July 2019

Well here it is, the final blog of the academic year.  I am sure many of you are looking forward to the summer holiday and having a well-deserved break.  It has been a busy year, but it is not over yet!

 

Firstly, congratulations to Merrick Scott of Corpus Christi House who won a gold medal in Karate for England in a tournament held in Japan at the weekend, at the same time achieving his black belt grading.  Well done Merrick.  And congratulations to William Watson of Tonbridge House who recently has been attending the Italia Conti School of Performing Arts in Tunbridge Wells.  At the weekend he took part in their bi-annual show at the Assembly Hall and was awarded the Italia Conti Prize for Upper Junior Acting.  Well done William.

 

Last night many members of staff enjoyed the company of Year 13 at the Leavers’ Prom, which was held this year at Leeds Castle.  The weather stayed dry which added to a pleasant evening, and Year 13 looked the part in their dinner jackets and evening dresses.  Thank you Year 13 for being a special year, and thank you to the staff who supervised the event until the early hours of the morning.

 

Today is Sports Day.  This annual event sees the entire school community come together to compete in houses for the Sports Cup.  Last year Corpus Christi House dominated the day, but will the other three houses want to see a different name on the cup this year.  

 

Tomorrow is a new event in the school calendar, but an important one.  We are inviting the many supporters of the school who volunteer their time for free to join us in school for us to say thank you.  Representatives from the Governing Body, the Parents’ Association, the Old Maidstonian Society and the MGS Development Fund will be attending as well as referees who have supported our sporting fixtures, volunteers who support the CCF, and representatives from Maidstone Mind and CAST.

 

Thursday evening is the end of year staff party where we say goodbye to those members of staff who are leaving the MGS Community.  This year we are saying goodbye to 10 of our colleagues, who have collectively given 70 years’ service to the school.  We wish them all well in their new ventures.

 

And Friday is the last day of term and the last day of the academic year.  It will end in the usual way with the final assembly where we look back on the year and give out some more awards to recognise a variety of achievements.

 

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

 

Tuesday 9 July 2019

Firstly, I would like to thank the entire staffing body for another excellent Extended Learning Week.  While Year 10 and Year 12 were completing a week of work experience, years 7 to 9 enjoyed a week of fun activities.  The weather stayed fine, which added to the success of the week, and the hard work in preparation for the week paid off.  Thank you.

 

On return to normality yesterday we held a very special event in the school.  Ben Babington-Browne, an Old Maidstonian who left in 2000, died tragically in Afghanistan exactly 10 years ago.  He was the last Old Maidstonian to have lost his life whilst serving in the armed forces, and so it was befitting to commemorate the occasion with a small memorial service.  In attendance was Ben’s family; Mr Turrell, Ben’s Headmaster as well as Governors.  Ben’s name, and all other names of Old Maidstonians who have lost their lives whilst serving since the 2^nd World War, will be remembered on a new memorial board that will hang in the new library. 

 

Also yesterday we welcomed parents of Year 10 into school to attend the Year 10 Parents’ Evening.  Even though we are nearing the end of the academic year it is vital at this stage to prepare the boys for the next 12 months, particularly as they are going to end that time with their GCSE examinations.

 

Today we welcome pupils from our local primary schools into school to enjoy two events: The Kent Music Primary Orchestra and Concert Day and our own Primary Outreach Brazil Event.  And then on Thursday we welcome our newest Maidstonians into school to enjoy the Year 6 Induction Day. Over 200 boys will spend the day with us getting to know each other and learning a bit more about the school they will be spending the next seven years in.  We hope they enjoy the day.

 

And on Friday we celebrate the founding of the School at the Founders’ Day Service and congratulate our youngest students in their achievements at the annual Lower School Speech Day.  The Rt Hon Helen Grant, MP is the Guest of Honour.

 

Tuesday 2 July 2019

Congratulations to the boys who took part in the Big Bang South East STEM Competition.  All of the boys performed very well following months of hard work at the weekly STEM club. Their projects made impressive displays and presentations.  Well done to Ali Shelley and Daniel Gray who both won a sponsor’s prize which consisted of a £50 amazon gift voucher, cup and certificate.

 

This week is probably the best week of the school year: Extended Learning Week.  Years 10 and 12 are enjoying a week of work experience and years 7 to 9 are collectively taking part in nearly 30 different activities, both in and out of school.  A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the week, and so I would like to thank all of those staff who have contributed.  I hope everyone enjoys themselves.  The School Facebook page will be updated daily so you can follow what is going on.

 

Tuesday 25 June 2019

Congratulations to Hamish Reilly of Corpus Christ House who, at the weekend, took part in the ETU European Youth Triathlon Championships.  On the Friday of the competition Hamish came through his semi-final in 3^rd place recording the fastest bike split of all 90 competitors.  In the final on the Saturday, Hamish again performed brilliantly to come home in 7^th place overall, and just 10 seconds off the podium positions. On the Sunday Hamish was part of the mixed team relay.  With 25 teams participating, it was very exciting as places kept changing.  Hamish was on the final leg, and successfully brought the team home in 6^th place.  Well done Hamish.

 

Congratulations to the Year 10 students who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessed expedition at the weekend.  The good weather meant for some pleasant walks around the Kent countryside.  Well done boys and thank you to all of the staff who volunteered their time to support.

 

Well done and thank you to the Art and Performing Arts departments for putting on the annual Art Exhibition and Summer Production of Bugsy Malone.  Many students contributed both their work and their talents to help create three wonderful nights of creativity and performance.  Congratulations to the art prize-winners and all those who took part in the show.  And thank you to all of the staff who supported the students over these last few months.

 

Tomorrow is a busy day.  A group of students from years 8 and 10 are taking part in the Big Bang South East Science Competition, psychology students from Year 12 are visiting Maidstone Crown Court as part of their A-Level studies, and Year 13 students come in to school to return their textbooks and attend the Leavers’ Tea following the end of the public examinations. 

 

Friday is also another busy day as a number of CCF cadets are attending the Armed Forces Day National Event, and we welcome students from Year 11 and our visiting students to attend the Pre-Sixth Form Induction Day. 

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Despite the heavy rain for most of last week we were able to put out a full side of cricket against St Olaves School.  The U12s and U14s were at home, and the U13s and U15s were away.  Sadly, only the U14s won their game bowling the other side out for 90 after giving them a target of 117.  Well done boys.

 

Congratulations to Sam Ghinn of Barton House who, as well as revising hard for his GCSEs, competed at the South East Regional Gymnastics Championships this weekend and won.  He is now the U18 Regional Champion winning gold on high bar, vault and parallel bars and silver on pommel, rings and floor.  Fantastic news.  Well done Sam.

 

This week is another busy week for the school.

 

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week we put on three nights of the production Bugsy Malone.  For months students and staff have been preparing for the show, but there has been little evidence of custard pies being launched all over the place!  Let’s wait and see what happens on opening night.  The show starts at 7pm and tickets can be purchased from the Bursary.

 

Also this week the GCSE and A-Level Art Exhibition takes place.  To complement the production visitors will be able to enjoy three days of art work produced by our budding artists for their respective examinations.  The Art Exhibition is always something I enjoy going to.  The opening is on Wednesday and starts at 4pm.  Do come along.

 

At the weekend the year 10 students who have chosen to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award will complete their assessed expedition.  Up to 100 boys will be roaming the country lanes and footpaths of Kent hoping to get back to their start point.  Good luck to them all, thank you to the staff who will be supervising them, and fingers crossed for good weather.

Tuesday 11 June 2019

Firstly, I would like apologise for not being in a position for the school community to witness the D-Day Flypast last week.  The flypast was scheduled to fly over the school just after 2.30pm, but there was a delay with take-off that meant the planes did not reach Maidstone until just before 5pm.  Some staff and students though remained in school to enjoy the occasion which will be remembered for a long time, and thank you to the CCF led by Mr Parish who arranged a display on the field which we were able to catch on camera.

 

This week is a very busy one for the school.

 

Yesterday and today, I am out of school attending the Grammar School Heads’ Association annual conference.  It is a chance for grammar school headteachers across the country to meet up and discuss matters that affect our schools.  Guest Speaker this year is the Rt Hon Nick Gibb, MP who is the Schools Minister, and in fact an Old Maidstonian.

 

Today and tomorrow students from Year 12 are off normal timetable to undertake two days looking at matters that affect them.  Today’s focus is UCAS, higher education and the world of work; and tomorrow’s focus is on personal, social and health education.  We hope the students value the days.  At the end of tomorrow’s sessions, the students will be receiving their Year 12 UCAS examination results – results that will help them understand what they could achieve this time next year.  Following on from the day, parents of the students will be invited into school to attend the UCAS Information Evening.

 

On Thursday and Friday students from Year 10 who are studying geography will be visiting Reculver, just outside Herne Bay, to complete a day’s field work.  Let us hope they don’t come back sunburnt!  Also on Friday, some more students from Year 7 visit Bletchley Park, following a previous trip there back in December. 

Tuesday 4 June 2019

Welcome back to the final term of the school year; I hope you all had a good half term holiday and were able to enjoy the fine weather at the weekend.

 

Just before half term 12 year 8 students (two teams of six) took part in the National Institute of Engineering and Technology Competition. Congratulations to the team consisting of William Fletcher, David Ringelmann, Charles Stanley, Archie Coombe, Marc Venegas-Grau and Fraser Passmore who successfully won the competition.  Runners up were Mahrus Syed, Charlie Hilder, Sam French, Sonny Henley, Jack Creasy and Ali Shelley.  Well done boys.

 

A Level and GCSE examinations continue this week for our year 13 and year 11 students, but examinations for other year groups have now finished.  Three more weeks to go!

 

Yesterday was an additional day’s holiday for most of the school as staff completed a day’s training.  Much of the focus at this time of year is looking towards the next academic year, so staff were working on a number of areas we wish to further develop from September.  

 

Today, being the first real day of school following the holiday, sees the beginning of our House Teas.  Since the new vertical house structure was introduced we have been inviting year 6 boys and their parents in to enjoy an hour or so with us preparing for next year.  The boys get a chance to meet each other and their house teams whilst the parents enjoy a cuppa and a natter with senior staff.  The teas take place each afternoon for the rest of the week.

 

Today is also the launch of the 2019 Inter-House Photography Competition.  Once again students and staff have an opportunity to demonstrate their photography skills and enter the competition, with this year’s theme being Identity.  Good luck all.

 

Tomorrow is a very special day for the School as we will be able to watch the D-Day 75^th Anniversary flypast that is flying over Maidstone in the afternoon.  Over 40 planes are flying over to Normandy for the celebrations, and their route is taking them right over the School.  The entire school community will be out on the field watching.

 

And finally, this term also sees the beginning of our Quad assemblies.  With the weather usually being on our side, Quad assemblies are opportunities for the entire school to come together outside in the Quad.  Those members of staff who deliver the assemblies always enjoy being able to speak to the whole school outside in the fine weather in a beautiful part of the school.