8 December 2020

I am so pleased to be writing this blog with students back in school.  Last Wednesday was an extremely challenging day, and once again I am really sorry that I had to close the school for the majority of the students for the rest of that week.  Yesterday we were able to welcome back three year groups, and by the end of the week we will have everyone back.  It is always good to be in students’ company.

Yesterday, students in Year 11 completed their CAG exams and so return to normal school today.  Over the last six days the students in Year 11 have been exemplary – conducting themselves brilliantly and representing themselves and their school well.  The entire school community should be very proud to know we have a year group of fine Maidstonians.  Well done boys.

This week we host our first virtual parents’ evening. Parents of year 12 students will hopefully see and hear their child’s teachers via the internet, and at the same time hear some positive feedback.  Let us hope it all works!

On Friday we will be holding our annual You Can Help Christmas Appeal Charity Day where we ask students to bring in non-perishable food items to support the homeless.  Despite the difficult circumstance we are all in we still wish to continue to support this worthwhile charity, and so the day is still going ahead. It will be the usual non-uniform day, and we ask that students pay £1 for the privilege.  Friday is also National Christmas Jumper Day so students are welcome to wear a Christmas jumper to school.

Headmaster's Blog - 1 December 2020

This week we welcome year 11 students back from their self-isolation and study leave period to complete, what we are calling, their Year 11 CAG examinations.  These examinations will not only be the first real test for Year 11 following the long period of lockdown, they will also act as a big piece of evidence that we may use if we are in a similar position as this year.  Good luck boys.  It is nice to have you back.

Last Friday, Jon Sopel, the BBC North America Correspondent was involved in a video-call from Washington D.C. with three of our students. Jon Sopel is internationally-renowned; he has recently been covering the U.S. Election, making visits to the White House, and appears on TV regularly. He has interviewed the President on numerous occasions and is also the author of two brilliant books. Chris Haywood, Ellie Breeze and Liam Turner, all of Year 13, enjoyed asking questions on the students’ behalf, with their call being recorded and later broadcast to the rest of the school at a later date. This was an amazing opportunity for all, and thank you to the students who made all of the arrangements.

 

24 November 2020

We started the week yesterday welcoming back year 13 students from their two-week self-isolation period.  Their return followed the return of year 12 students last Friday.  It is now good to have the entire sixth form back in school - we have missed them.

This week we share some good news.  We are holding two edited down but socially distanced speech days for years 12 and 13 to recognise the students’ achievements from last year and award prizes and school colours to those students who have gone over and above in their commitment, service and leadership to the School.  We look forward to sharing their successes at the afternoon events.

Congratulations to the Senior Debating Team who qualified in the final of the Debating Matters competition. Thank you to Liam Turner and Ellie Breeze of Year 13 who led the team, and for Mr Ferguson for making it all happen.  It is so pleasing to be sharing such good news considering the difficulties schools are having at the moment running their extra-curricular programmes. 

Tuesday 16 November 2020

Firstly, I would like to thank those members of staff and students who helped organise the Children In Need charity day.  Collectively we raised nearly £1000, and enjoyed taking part in the virtual Children In Need duck race.  Over 300 members of the MGS community took part in the race, but sadly my duck, James Pond, came sixth.  Oh well!

Year 10 are now the eldest students in the school.  Currently, years 11, 12 and 13 are at home self-isolating so it is down to Year 10 to be the ambassadors of the school.  Teaching for years 11, 12 and 13 continues online, but nothing can replace the experience the students receive when in the classroom.  We look forward to them returning over the coming days.

The all-weather pitch is progressing extremely well and hopefully will be ready for use in December.  Being on duty each day in the Year 7 zone I have witnessed with my own eyes the gradual construction of the pitch, from the first hole being dug to now a completely flat tarmacked surface.  Over the coming days the shock pad, rubber crumb and then artificial grass layers get put down which will turn it from being a giant carpark to a 3G pitch.  We are all looking forward to it being completed.

Tuesday 10 November 2020

This week is a busy and significant week at MGS. 

Tomorrow is Armistice Day and so we will be pausing at 11am to acknowledge the two-minute silence and remember the fallen Maidstonians who lost their lives whilst serving in the armed services.  Around the school there are memorial boards that honour the Old Maidstonains that died in The Boar War, the First and Second World Wars as well as those who died since 1945.  The Remembrance Service will be somewhat different due to the circumstances we are in, but it is still important that we pause for two minutes and reflect for a moment on those Old Maidstonians who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Later in the week, on Friday, we are holding our second charity day of the year in conjunction with the annual BBC Children in Need appeal.  The theme for the day is ‘Come as Yourself’, and isn’t just about dressing to impress. It’s about showing it’s okay to let the world see the real you, so BBC Children in Need can help more young people feel better about themselves, and this is particularly poignant during a national lockdown and being restricted in who we are and what we can do.  Thank you in advance to everyone for supporting.

Also on Friday the MGS Parents’ Association is holding a virtual gin event where people who have signed up will experience a tour of a local gin factory as well as tasting a couple of different samples.  The Parents’ Association has been restricted in what it can do, so I am really pleased that the committee members, led by Mrs Hudson, have been creative, trying different ideas, to bring the wider MGS community together.  Enjoy the evening.

Tuesday 3 November 2020

Welcome back and I hope you all have had an enjoyable but restful October break.

This week sees the beginning of the autumn GCSE examination period.  Due to the National Lockdown year 12 students sadly missed the opportunity to sit their GCSEs, so a number of them have chosen to sit some of their examinations over the next three weeks.  We wish them all well.  Results will be released in January.

Today we welcome to MGS a representative from The Good Schools Guide.  The Good Schools Guide is a well-recognised guide that helps parents choose the best education for their children.  Today will provide an opportunity for us to showcase what we do and how we have developed as a school since they last visited four years ago.  Thank you in advance to the students and members of staff who will be supporting me during the day.

Friday will see the first set of assessment data published to students and parents following the first term of work.  The students have returned to normal school in good spirits and this data will help us understand how they have progressed since lockdown.

Tuesday 20 October 2020

This week sees the end of the A-Level examinations.  A handful of Old Maidstonians from last year’s Year 13 have returned to sit their A-Level examinations as they were unable to sit them back in the summer.  It has been good to see them and find out how their lockdown has been.  We wish them well for results day in December.  After half term the GCSE examination period begins with students from the current Year 12 choosing to sit some.  Good luck to them.

Tomorrow we welcome back Year 11 from self-isolation.  Last week we had to send them home after we received confirmation of a positive Covid 19 test from one of them.  They all appreciated the situation they were in and have all immersed themselves in home learning once again.  It will be good to see them again.

On Thursday our virtual Year 6 Open Event goes live on our website.  Thursday would have been the day when we opened our doors up to the hundreds of Year 6 boys and their parents to see the school for our Year 6 Open Evening.  Sadly, due to the circumstances we are unable to do this, but hopefully the video presentations that we have put together will go some way in illustrating what life is like for each and every Maidstonian.  Even if you are not a parent of a Year 6 boy do take a look. 

Tuesday 13 October 2020

Firstly, I would like to say how pleasing it is to have Year 13 back in school.  They returned last Thursday after having to self-isolate at home for the previous two weeks.  Lessons during that time continued virtually via Microsoft Teams, but nothing can replace being in the classroom and engaging with the learning there.  Welcome back Year 13.

Each week, as we progress through the term and our new way of working, we are looking to see if we can introduce some of the activities that would normally go on in and around school.  A number of them have evolved and moved to a temporary home on line, but senior rugby training for years 12 and 13 has started, CCF training and parade continues on a Thursday, and this week preparations for the next Harvard trip begin.  And also, very soon, peripatetic music lessons begin.  All of these activities are being risk assessed to ensure they can go ahead, with the long term aim being to bring back as many as possible, but as carefully as possible.  It is vitally important that we return to the MGS we remember.  

Just a quick update, the all-weather pitch is coming on well with a completion date around the middle of November.  As I do a lot of my duty in the Year 7 area up by the new pavilion, I have watched the progress of the pitch on a daily basis.  I was particularly impressed with the machine being used to ensure each level of hard core and gravel being laid are level.  Now the fencing posts are being installed right around the pitch as well as the retaining wall that lines the edge that runs adjacent to the school building.  We are all looking forward to it being completed.  

 

Tuesday 6 October 2020

 Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who supported last week’s charity day which was in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.  Considering the circumstances, and the fact that Year 13 students were not here, we did extremely well, raising £1302.73.  We should all be very proud of this, and thank you to the Year 12 prefects who helped out.

This week, for the first time ever, MGS is staging autumn public examinations.  With there being no GCSE and A-Level examinations in the summer there is now a series of examinations for those students from last year’s Year 11 and Year 13 who wish to sit them.  A handful of students have made this choice, and so we wish them well.

This week we are continuing to make preparations for our Year 6 virtual open event.  Under the current circumstances we are sadly not able to welcome the wider community into the school, so we are having to do things differently.  So, students and staff have been working really hard to move what we normally do, online.  The open event, which will go live in a couple of weeks, will include a speech from me, a speech from the School Captain and a Year 7 student, and a virtual tour of the school.  We hope that perspective parents and their sons find the presentations useful.

Tuesday 29 September 2020

Thank you to the many members of the school community who supported last Friday’s MacMillan Coffee Morning.  Under the current circumstances we were unable to host the event in the Hall, but across the school site in the various year group bubbles staff and students came together, but at a distance, and enjoyed a slice of cake and a morning cup of coffee.  In total we raised £680, which is a fantastic sum considering the situation we were in.  Thank you.

Congratulations to the many year 11 students who completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition over the weekend.  The weather on Friday would have certainly been an element to deal with (!), but knowing the students, they would have not let that deter from their enjoyment.  Thank you to Ms Adams and Ms Alloy for coordinating the entire programme, and to the other members of staff who gave up their weekend to supervise.

Tomorrow is the School’s first charity day.  Again, under the current circumstances, we cannot run our charity days in the way that we would like, but hopefully we can raise awareness and money in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Thank you to the staff and students for organising the day. 

Finally, I wish to acknowledge and thank the 52 year 12 students who have stepped forward to support the School in the absence of Year 13.  With Year 13 needing to self-isolate at home we are currently without the entire prefect team.  The prefects play a number of different roles across the school, and the month of October is always a busy one for them.  These 52 students have illustrated once more how many of our students feel about their school and how they wish to support their peers.  Thank you so much to them. 

Tuesday 22 September 2020

We are now into the third week of school and already students and staff are settling into the new way of living and working.  Everyone has really appreciated the adjustments we have had to make, and for that I am extremely grateful.  The weather has been on our side, which has been fortunate, as we all know that the best place to be under these current circumstances is outside.  Sadly, this fine weather cannot last, so the four marquees that we have recently purchased will come in very handy.  A big thank you to all of the staff members who have worked hard erecting them, as well as constructing the many picnic tables and benches that are now around the site for students to sit on.

This week we will be speaking to years 11 and 12 about the Harvard Model United Nations Trip for January 2022.  Sadly, we won’t be able to go this January, but we are keeping our fingers crossed for the following year.  It is an amazing opportunity for the students to attend, so we are keen to continue to run the trip despite the circumstances we are in. 

And this Friday we are acknowledging the MacMillian Coffee Morning.  Sadly, we cannot deliver it in the normal way, but hopefully we will be able to go some way in supporting the charity and come together at a distance over a cuppa and a piece of cake.  Thank you to parents who are sending their children into school with a piece of cake!

Tuesday 15 September 2020

Firstly, I would like to thank the entire school community for the excellent start we have had to the new academic year.  With the many changes we have had to make, both the students and staff have adjusted to them extremely well and have already settled into a new way of living.  All credit to them. 

This week is the first full week for everyone, and so hopefully by the end of the week everyone has got used to things.  With it being the first full week, we have also been able to introduce year group assemblies to each day, with this week’s theme being, ‘It’s Good to Talk’.  This quite simple mantra is being used to re-brand and re-launch the work we already do in school in supporting students with their mental health and wellbeing concerns.  So far the assemblies have been positively received and very much appreciated.

Also this week, on Thursday, every student in the school is having their individual photograph taken; so parents be ready to make a purchase if you would like.  Seeing one’s child grow up can sometimes remind us how old we are getting!

Tuesday 8 September 2020

 Welcome to the first Headmaster Blog of the new academic year.  It is so good to be able to welcome all of the students back to their school and return to some form of normality.  School is going to be a different place for some time - we have had to make many adjustments to the school to be in a position to welcome everyone back – but those adjustments are worth it in order to bring life back to MGS.  I have missed the students, as it is the students, not the buildings, that define MGS; and already after only a few days, laughter has returned.  The induction days for years 7 and 12 went extremely well, welcoming over 400 students back last Thursday and Friday.  They were joined by years 11 and 13 on Monday, and will be joined by years 8, 9 and 10 on Wednesday.  I look forward to saying hello to many of them over the coming days and weeks. 

The main focus of the first few weeks is to teach the students how to be students again.  Some will not have been in formal school for 24 weeks, and so they are going to need our support in settling in as well as ensuring any gaps in their progress are filled.  We of course do not know how things are going to develop over the coming year. We still do not know what the public examinations are going to look like for years 11 and 13, and we don’t know if there is going to be a need to ask some students to work from home for a period of time if there is a local lockdown, but we are flexible and ready to make any required adjustments to ensure the students receive the best possible experience in any eventuality.  I was so proud in what we did achieve during lockdown - thank you again for the overwhelming positive feedback from parents - and we are ready to do the same again if required.

 

Tuesday 16 July 2020

Firstly, I wish to apologise for the tardiness of this week’s blog.  As you can appreciate my mind has been focusing on our return in September and ensuring we get as much done as possible before we break for the summer holiday.

This week a number of video presentations have been created and released.  My presentation on Monday provided more detail about the start of the new academic year, and will be followed on Friday with my final assembly.  The Heads and House and Senior Prefect Team put together a video to our new year 6 students; and the School Captain and School Vice-Captain, accompanied by some year 12 students, created an amazing video looking at the work we do in promoting good mental health and wellbeing, saying, ‘It’s good to talk’.  Do look out for these presentation as they get released.

The last thing to say is I do hope that you all have a pleasant holiday and a well-deserved rest.  See you all in September.

Tuesday 7 July 2020

The last week for me was filled with looking ahead to the start of the new academic year.  The Government released its guidance last Thursday illustrating what schools are going to look like in September.  There is plenty to do to make all of the necessary adjustments, and life for a while will be somewhat different, but it will be so good having everybody back together. 

This week we are running a new event: The MGS Virtual Sports Week.  With not being able to hold the normal Sports Day the PE department devised a virtual competition that everyone can get involved with but from the comfort of their own homes.  All participants will generate points for their house, and some houses really do need the points! 

Tuesday 30 June 2020

I cannot believe we are at the end of June and now in Week 12 of school lockdown.  We now have three more weeks before the end of the academic year and there is still plenty to do.  We are still delivering a variety of different subject related sessions to students from years 10 and 12 as well as making the necessary plans for fully reopening in September.  On this second point, yesterday I recorded myself deliver a presentation that will be sent out to students and parents in the next couple of days illustrating our plans.  More information about September was released in the press last night ahead of the Government’s announcement on Thursday.  We still have a long road ahead!

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting the six students who have been selected to lead the three sections within the CCF and the 18 students who have been selected to be next year’s Senior Prefect Team.  We are having to do things differently though.  I would normally gather the students in my office to congratulate them but this year I am speaking to them via Microsoft Teams.  Year 12 is a really good year, and so I am looking forward to working with these students who will now lead the student body.  The task ahead will be a challenge; the first part of their job being to establish how they are going to lead by example from a distance.  They are already full of ideas though.

Tuesday 23 June 2020

This week we continue to welcome more Year 10 and Year 12 students back into school.  Yesterday we delivered the last of the Year 12 UCAS sessions as well as running a drama workshop for Year 10.  We are now moving to more subject specific sessions for Year 12 as well as continuing to run sessions for Year 10 students studying more practical subjects.  It has been so good seeing the students again, and hearing more young voices about the place.  

Much of the focus now is looking towards September and putting a plan together for the new academic year.  We have established a set of principles we wish to follow, which include ensuring we welcome the students back in a phased and safe manner as well as preparing the students for a blended style of learning to enable them to work at school and from home.  Details of this plan will be published soon.

We now have some very good news about our all-weather pitch project.  All of the planning conditions have been signed off so we now have the green light to start.  It has been a long journey, but hopefully we can start very shortly.  The project will take about 20 weeks and will hopefully be ready by November. 

Tuesday 16 June 2020

We have now reached the point where we are able to welcome more students into the school.  Yesterday we welcomed a group of Year 12 students to begin looking at the UCAS application process and a group of Year 10 students to complete essential work in their Film and Media GCSE. The day went very well, and everybody understand the new way of working.  More similar sessions will continue during the rest of the week.

Yesterday we also completed some work on our new virtual Year 6 Induction Programme.  Supporting Year 6 boys during the transition from primary to secondary school has always been very important to us, and this mind-set has not changed during these unprecedented times.  Most of what we have done in the past is now being delivered virtually, and this has required us to think creatively.  We hope that the boys and their parents appreciate our new way of supporting them.

Tuesday 9 June 2020

We are now in Week 12 of lockdown and Week 9 of school closures, but this time next week we would have opened our doors to more students.  From Monday small groups of Year 10 and Year 12 students will be coming into school to receive face-to-face support.  We are starting with students who need to complete essential work that requires school equipment.  Subjects such as Film and Media, D & T, Art and Science are desperate to move their curriculum on but have not been able to.  As we do this we will then move to a position where we can invite other students into the school who require some one-to-one support - those students who may have been struggling at home.  Throughout all of this we will constantly review what we are providing and make any adjustments where necessary.  I am looking forward to seeing the students.

Tuesday 2 June 2020

Welcome back everyone, and welcome to the start of Term 6.  I hope you all had a good half term break and that you were able to enjoy the glorious weather.

Today is a very busy one.  It not only sees the start of the final term of the academic year and the continuation of online learning, it also signifies the start of our final preparations that we need to make to be in a position to reopen.  The aim is to reopen from Monday 15^th June for small groups of Year 10 and Year 12 students, and there is still plenty to do before we open the school gates.  Parents of those year groups will be informed very soon of our plans, but it is hoped that reopening can form the beginning of how we return to some form of normality.  This journey of returning to normality will be carefully managed and cautiously undertaken as it is important we review what we do at regular intervals and ensure we provide a level of confidence to everyone involved.

From today we also welcome back students from years 11 and 13 who are being invited in to return their textbooks.  This administrative task occurs every year, but this year we have had to things a lot differently.  Students will come into school in small groups over the next two weeks, and hopefully by the end of next week we will have everything returned!  Despite this all being very functional, it will be really good to see the students again and find out how they have been doing.

Also today, the School Captain and School Vice-Captain Handover Ceremony is taking place.  Jonah and Jack, the current incumbents, are coming into school to return their textbooks.  At the same time, Chris and Tom, the new incumbents, will join them to officially receive the roles.  This small ceremony usually takes place just after Easter, but again, we have had to do things differently.  I will be saying a few words, followed by some words from Jonah and Jack, before they both ring the school bell to signify the end of their tenure.  They will of course ring the bell separately, and after a clean with an alcohol wipe!  There will be tears.

Tuesday 21 May 2020

Firstly, I wish to apologise for the delay in publishing my weekly blog.  With the circumstances that we are in I have had my attention elsewhere!  I am sure you will understand.  My focus over the last week has been to digest the guidance I have been receiving in order to prepare for a potential reopening in June.  There is a lot to consider, but we are working hard to ensure we are prepared to welcome students and staff back, and that we get it right.  More details will be shared in due course.

This week marks a significant milestone in the current lockdown.  The school has been closed for longer than a normal summer holiday period.  I have never experienced schools being closed for this length of time – I have even gone eight weeks without wearing a shirt and tie!  Sadly, we are going to be closed, for the majority of the students, for much longer, but I am so pleased to know that the Maidstonians out there are progressing with their studies and that spirits remain high.  We will be together again one day soon.

Yesterday I attended the first ever virtual Old Maidstonian Committee meeting.  The Committee meets every three months, but sadly due to the current situation they had to do it via Zoom.  In the Society’s 136-year history who would have thought its Committee members would meet in this way.  It went surprisingly well!

Tuesday 12 May 2020

Welcome to the sixth week of school lockdown.  I hope you are all still keeping well and remaining safe.  Following the Prime Minister’s announcement at the weekend we now know that years 10 and 12 may possibly return to school before the end of the academic year, but other year groups it is unlikely that we will see them until September.  We now have something to work towards, and so we will be making plans accordingly.  I will keep you updated.

The archaeological work on the field is now complete.  One digger and two archaeologists were on site for three days last week looking at what is underneath the surface of the field.  We await their report before we can begin the all-weather pitch project.

For any Old Maidstonians out there, you will be pleased to hear that I have been in contact with former school captains and school vice-captains during my tenure as headmaster.  Over the last few weeks I have enjoyed catching up with as many of them as possible.  It is lovely to find out how they are all getting on and what they are doing.  I have still a few more to contact.

Tuesday 5 May 2020

Welcome to the fifth week of school lockdown.  I hope you are all keeping well and remaining safe.  After the last few weeks of closure, talk has now begun on when and how we may reopen in the future.  Obviously we are waiting for clarity from government, but please be reassured that when that arrives we will consider our options and keep you all updated.  Please watch this space.

This week we would have been saying goodbye to Year 11 and wishing them well in their up-and-coming examinations.  Sadly, this cannot happen, and so instead I have written separately to Year 11 to say that we are thinking of them at this time.  We look forward to welcoming many back in September and wish those who are leaving MGS the best in their futures.

Preliminary work has begun on the all-weather pitch project.  Archaeologists are on site investigating what is directly beneath the surface of the field, and will be on site for the next few days.  We wait to hear their findings before moving on to the next stage.  

Congratulations to Harvey Eldred of Year 10 who, with his family, ran 10 x 2.6km laps of Leybourne village to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association's Mid-Kent Branch.  Harvey ran solo laps or as a pair, and on the last lap some of the neighbours joined in to finish the challenge with him. He had amazing support from family, friends and neighbours, with the whole community cheering him on as he ran by each and every front garden.  He raised £1730.  Well done Harvey.  If you would like to show your support, please click on the link. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lynne-carl-and-harvey-s-2-6-challenge

And finally, thank you still to the staff for their continued and collective efforts at this time.  It has been pleasing and humbling to see.  Thank you.

Tuesday 28 April 2020

Firstly, I wish to say well done to Matt Mcguire, Archie Strudwick, George Halpin, Ben Hursey and Fin Smith all of Year 12 who took part in the 2.6 Challenge this Sunday 26^th April.  They all completed their 26km individual run in just under 2 hours, and raised a significant amount of money for The Blackthorn Trust, a local charity that helps people with mental health issues.  Well done boys.

It seems that these five students have inspired others to do the same.  Theo Ronchetti and Matthew Sherry of Year 7 have arranged to take part in the Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club marathon this Sunday 3^rd May.  The boys will be running one quarter of a marathon each.  They have chosen to support The Heart of Kent Hospice and The Royal British Legion Industries.  If you would like to support the boys, then please click on the link. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=MandMACMarathonBusters&isTeam=true Good luck boys.

As you can appreciate, school is very quiet.  Apart from a few students and members of staff the place is empty.  While we are closed though, a lot of work is going on.  The annual Easter deep clean is taking pace as well as a number of premises jobs.  The biggest job currently taking place is the conversion of room 90 to the new CCF Headquarters.  Eventually, the CCF will move out of the Headmaster’s House and into its new home.  Cadets and adult volunteers will be able to see how it is coming along when they return, with the aim being for the CCF to move into its new home by September.

Tuesday 21 April 2020

Welcome back everyone and welcome to Term 5.  I hope you have all had a good Easter break, and that you and your families are well and keeping safe.

We return this week knowing that we are in lockdown for a further three weeks and with no idea of when schools might reopen.  But we do return knowing more about what is to happen with years 11 and 13.  Their examinations are sadly not going to be taking place, instead being replaced by predicted grades.  A lot more work now needs to occur to ensure this happens, but the guidance published at the start of the Easter break from Ofqual was extremely helpful.  Regular updates to parents of years 11 and 13 will be provided.

For years 7 – 10 and 12, learning continues but in a virtual way.  Work will be uploaded onto our VLE and Microsoft Teams just as we did in the last two weeks before the Easter break.   Students should follow their normal timetable and complete the work being asked of them.  Any issues then they should make contact with their teachers.  As we develop more effective ways of using Microsoft Teams then expect to see different approaches in our teaching.

Finally, good luck to five students in Year 12 who are taking part in the 2.6 Challenge this Sunday 26^th April.  Matt Mcguire, Archie Strudwick, George Halpin, Ben Hursey and Fin Smith have all decided to take part in a 26km individual run to raise money for The Blackthorn Trust, a local charity that helps people with mental health issues.  If you would like to support them then please click on https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1161130

Tuesday 31 March 2020

Despite these unprecedented times and the fact that the school is closed, the Headmaster Blog still continues.  I know, for example, there is a number of Old Maidstonians who regularly look at my weekly blog to remind them of life at their old school, and so during these self-isolating times, any connection of life outside of their home is a blessing.  Sadly, there is no news to share of congratulations, but it is hoped that individual students are achieving their own successes at home.  If there is any news amongst Maidstonians that could be shared in future blogs, please do send the school an email.

We are now in Week Two of MGS Online, and life is beginning to settle down.  I would like to thank the entire staff for moving, so quickly, the core business of the school to the virtual classroom.  We have had to make many adjustments, as well as upskilling ourselves to meet the numerous challenges, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.  Thank you to the staff and thank you parents for your positive support.

Best wishes and stay safe.

Tuesday 24 March

I never thought I would be writing my blog in the situation that we are now in.  It does not feel right that here we are in March and the school is incredibly quiet.

Firstly, I wish to extend a huge personal thank you to everyone, students and staff, for the combined efforts over the last few weeks.  We have all had to adjust, react quickly, and come together – and seeing this from the entire school community was not only humbling but made me feel very proud to be part of an amazing and selfless profession.  Thank you.

Secondly, I wish to thank the parents for their support over the last few weeks.  I have received a number of emails expressing thanks and appreciation, and praising the work that we are doing to ensure the life of the school continues.  Parents, with our help, it’s over to you now.  Please support us by ensuring your child completes the work being set and that they follow their normal timetable.  It is vital they get into some kind of routine.

The MGS Community is full of pride and tradition, and is full of people who hold MGS close to their hearts.  We have temporarily left its home of Barton Road and have moved to a more virtual one.  Despite our temporary home I know that the spirit of MGS will carry on.  And as I said in my speech at the Founders’ Day Service in July last year, ‘What makes us Maidstonians?  Other Maidstonians’.  It is the people within MGS that defines the school, not the school buildings themselves. 

Last week HM The Queen said, ‘The UK is entering a period of great concern and uncertainty and at times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal’.  Last week we as the MGS Community came together and extended our support and kindness to each other.  We will get through this and come out the other end as an even more cohesive and thoughtful community, and I am already looking forward to welcoming the students back.

Best wishes and stay safe.

 

Tuesday 16 March 2020

This week’s blog is full of congratulations.

Congratulations and thank you to all the students and staff who took part in the 12-hour Crossbar Football-athon and the Sport Relief Mile on Friday.  Over 100 students were seen running around the field at lunch in the Mile, and a few members of staff, including me, were seen walking round at the back!  Well done everyone.

Congratulations to Corpus Christi House who won the week’s Sport Relief Inter-House Competition.  After three days, Barton House was convincingly leading, but the rowing event on Thursday and the Mile on Friday turned things around.  Thank you to Mr Highsted for organising and to everyone who took part.  A good week.

Congratulations to the Senior Rugby Squad who came a respectable third in the Kent Sevens Rugby Competition on Wednesday.  Coming third also meant that they were the highest placed state school in the competition, which is something the players should be very proud of.  Well done boys and thank you to Mr Hathaway for supporting.

Congratulations to William Luckhurst of Barton House who recently competed at the World Cold Water Swimming Championships.  Will placed 7^th in the freestyle relay, 4^th and 5^th in two others, and came third (gaining bronze) in the individual freestyle event.  Overall, his placings were better than what he achieved in the previous World Championships in Serbia 4 years ago.  Well done Will.

And the CCF RN contingent enjoyed a superb day on HMS Kent at the weekend.  The cadets were a credit to the school and they got to meet The Lord Boyce, the Admiral of the Fleet.  Thank you Mr Pinn and Ms Alloy for accompanying.

Tuesday 10 March 2020

Firstly, I must acknowledge the CCF RAF cadets who took part in the RAF Air Squadron Trophy Competition at the weekend. The cadets had to compete in six different categories ranging from Knowledge to Aircraft Recognition.  Out of the six categories they placed in the top three for three of them. 3^rd place for Drill and Aircraft Recognition, and 2^nd place for Knowledge.  William Luckhurst, cadet in charge of the RAF section, also received praised for his command calling during the Drill competition.  Well done to all the cadets, and thank you to Mr Moores and Ms Dimmick for accompanying them.

Also at the weekend many of the students from Year 10 who have chosen to complete their Duke of Edinburgh were here at school undertaking a day of practice.  Learning how to use an OS map, navigating around the streets of Maidstone, how to pitch a tent successfully, learning how to cook a reasonable meal using a Trangia were all shared in preparation for the real expedition later in the year.  Thank you to the members of staff who gave up their weekend to support the boys.

This week sees a number of charitable inter house sporting competitions covering a range of sports, culminating in the Sport Relief Mile on Friday.  Football tennis yesterday, killer basketball today, relay shuttle runs tomorrow and rowing on Thursday, finishing with everyone running a mile around the field on Friday.  Good luck to everyone taking part.

Yesterday, the Year 13 mock examinations finished and so the students returned to school today for their last push before the real thing.  Teachers are now marking the exam scripts with the results coming out soon. 

Today we also welcome parents of year 11 students to attend the Year 11 Parents’ Evening.  Just like with the Year 13 mock examinations and those students preparing for their A Levels, this parents’ evening will provide an opportunity for the students to understand what they now need to do before the GCSE examinations start in May.  Let us hope for a good evening for everyone.

And on Friday the biannual Sports Relief non uniform day takes place.  The usual £1 donation will be collected at the gates, and thank you to the MGS Prefects who always do a sterling job collecting the money.

Tuesday 3 March 2020

Firstly, I wish to congratulate Christopher Haywood and Thomas Micalizzi-Lloyd for successfully achieving the roles of next year’s School Captain and School Vice-Captain respectively.  The six shortlisted candidates last week all performed incredibly well and it was a very difficult decision to whittle it down to two.  All should be very proud of themselves; and good luck to Chris and Tom who will be leading the School next year.  
Also, congratulations to Max Armstrong of College House and Emma Cresswell of Barton House for winning and coming runner up respectively in last week’s House Spelling Bee Competition.  The final took place on Friday and was extremely tough with some very difficult spellings.  Well done to them both and thank you to Ms Wilson, Mr Highsted and Mr Amin for organising.
Bad luck to the U13 Football Squad who lost the final of the Kent Cup on Saturday to Ravenswood School 4 - 1.  The boys played well and had many chances, but frustratingly they could not find the back of the net.  The final score line certainly did not reflect their performance.  Commiserations, but well done for getting to the final.  Thank you to Mr Terrell and Mr Bing for supporting them.
This week is an important week for Year 13.  The students complete their Year 13 mock exams - exams that will indicate to us how they are getting on, but more importantly will provide the students with an indication of where their gaps are.  Good luck to all of them.
Also this week, on Tuesday Year 12 students studying A-Level Art are attending a trip in London to support their studies; Year 11 students are off timetable on Thursday for two periods to attend an internally organised Mind-Set Conference; and at the weekend Year 10 students who have chosen to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award will attend some training here at school.
We have two big events this week where students are competing at a national level.  The first is the 1^st XV rugby squad who are playing in the semi-final of the National Bowl Competition.  The match is away in Worthing on Wednesday, and I do hope they bring back the win. I wish them all the best of luck.  The second event is the CCF RAF Air Squadron Trophy final that is taking place on Sunday 8 March. Traditionally in recent years we have done incredibly well at this event so I wish the cadets the best of luck. All the students involved in this and the rugby match should be very proud to know they are representing the school at a national level.

Tuesday 25 February 2020

Welcome back to school and to Term 4; I hope you all had a good week’s rest. 

This week starts the new term with us hitting the ground running. 

Yesterday and today Mr Rivers and I, accompanied by Jonah and Jack the current School Captain and School Vice-Captain, interviewed the six shortlisted candidates from Year 12 who wish to take on the roles of School Captain and School Vice-Captain next year.  The interview process was a two-day rigorous affair to put the candidates through their paces, and now I have the difficult job in selecting the two successful ones.  I will be in a position to announce the successful candidates next week.

Also this week there is a lot of focus on Year 11.  Firstly, the students complete their mini-mocks - another set of assessments across all of their subjects to provide another picture in how well the students are performing and what they need to do in their last few weeks before study leave begins.  In addition to these mini-mocks all of the student in Year 11 will have a meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss their thoughts for the future and what steps they wish to take in the next phase of their education. 

On Wednesday parents of year 12 students are invited in to attend the Year 12 UCAS Evening.  The evening will be a chance for both parents and students to hear what the UCAS process is all about and how the students should be positioning themselves to get the best out of it.  Many of our students make university applications, and we have always been proud in the destinations are students go onto.

And finally, on Friday, we have a non-uniform day to raise money for the Parents’ Association and to collect donations for the up-and-coming Spring Fair, and the final of the Spelling Bee Competition takes place.  Over the last few weeks preliminary rounds have taken place to find the best speller of MGS.  The final on Friday will see the best spellers pitted against each other to find the ultimate winner.  From memory, the spellings from last year’s final were very hard indeed!  

Tuesday 11 February 2020

It is good to be back!  Thank you to Miss Johnson and Mr Ferguson for writing my blog over the last couple of weeks - I was away in the US attending the Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston.  I am pleased to say that all 28 students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and gained so much from the experience. Congratulations to Daniel Andrews, our Head Delegate, who achieved a Diplomatic Commendation for his work. 

Congratulations also must go to the U14 and U15 basketball players, the U13 and 2^nd XI football squads and the 2^nd XV rugby squad who all performed incredibly well last week.  The basketball players took part in a Kent tournament bringing home four wins out of six; the 2^nd XV rugby squad beat The Judd School 19 – 7; and the U13 and 2^nd XI football players have now reached the final of the Kent Cup for their respective ages.  Well done all.  A good week for MGS sport.

Friday was also the deadline for year 12 students to apply to be next year’s School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  At last night’s SLT meeting we shortlisted the applicants based on their letters of application, but also took into account the student and staff votes that took place yesterday.  Interviews for the two posts take place after half term.  News of the two successful applicants will be shared soon.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Parents’ Association Quiz Night last Friday.  It was a successful evening raising over £1800 for the School.  Thank you to the members of the Parents’ Association for organising the event, to the students who helped throughout the evening, and to Mrs Friend who supported me with the questions.  A good evening was had by all.

And finally, tomorrow we welcome parents of year 8 students to attend the Year 8 Parents’ Evening.  It is a chance for parents to hear how their sons are getting on particularly at this crucial stage when the boys are choosing to select what subjects they wish to study from next year.  We look forward to welcoming them tomorrow evening.

Tuesday 4 February 2020

It has been another lively week at MGS with so much to report on and look forward to next week. As usual, we strive to develop the wider character of our students, so we have sporting updates, fund raising and academic events aplenty to update you on.

Last Friday, Tonbridge House held their annual charity day. The students decided to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research and held a number of events to support the cause. We had a vast tombola, bustling fete in the gym and cake sales galore. Tonbridge also encouraged Maidstonians to wear a hat for the day to raise awareness for the cause and brought the day to close with their own version of ITV’s ‘The Masked Singer.’ As much as Mr Taylor’s rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’ got the crowd going, Mr Ashenfelter stole the show with his powerful version of ‘Amazing Grace.’ Well done to all involved; it was a fantastic day to be part of.

On Monday, 28 delegates, Mr Rivers, Mrs Van Mol and Mr Tomkins himself returned from the Model United Nations Conference in Harvard. This was a remarkable opportunity for the students and as always, they performed incredibly well and conducted themselves in a considerate, authoritative and intelligent manner when discussing the most complex of topics. I know how much Mr Tomkins relishes his time on this conference, always returning beaming with pride and full of ideas to continue to build a culture of leadership and academia at MGS. While on that topic, MGS also hosted the Cambridge University Debating Regional Round this weekend, with MGS entering four teams against 48 other schools. We are incredibly proud to be selected to host such a prestigious event and look to build on this further on Tuesday when we take another team to the English Speaking Union competition at Tonbridge School. One of the reasons that these events are so popular with our students is the number of them that want to study Law. If your son or daughter is interested in this path, we are running a talk on Wednesday afterschool in the Library on careers in Law.

During tutor time this Friday, tutors will be running the first round of our annual ‘Spelling Bee’ competition. This was a huge success last year and we look forward to seeing the students push themselves again as they look to accumulate points for their Houses. You could certainly see that competitive House spirit this week as the fiery Inter-House Rugby competition got underway! If you and your family have got that same competitive strain running through you at the moment, there is still time to enter a team for PA Quiz this Friday, which is always a fantastic event. Do also look out for the Parent Mail sent out by the PA on their new sporting predictions quiz that you can complete at home and your child can hand it at the Bursary with £1 per entry. I like to think I know my sport, so I might have a go myself!

Finally, the 1^st XV rugby side will be playing Judd this week as they continue to prepare for the national semi-final in March. Last week, they played Langley Park and beat them 40-0. It is at this point that I would like to highlight the contributions of one young man in Year 11. Toby Henley of College House contributed significantly in securing that victory, so much so, that Mr Hathaway was eager to share his thoughts on Toby’s impressive efforts during the difficult transition from junior to senior rugby. Toby is playing sport inside and outside of school, debating for the school next week and performing well academically. This demanding balancing act is one we want to push Maidstonians to strive for and Toby is one of many examples of young men and women here that prove it can be done.

A busy, but productive period of the year for all involved. Friday is the deadline for School Captain applications from Year 12 and then Mr Tomkins and Mr Rivers will begin the challenging process of finding the school’s new leaders. Never a quiet moment at MGS, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Mr Ferguson

Deputy Head