Tuesday 14 December 2021

Welcome to my last blog of 2021 - I cannot believe we have reached the end of the calendar year already.  I am sure, like me, you are looking forward to the upcoming festive period, particularly considering the restrictions we had to endure last year.  Once again I wish to thank the staff and students for bringing life back to MGS since returning to school since September – it has been so good seeing the energy and buzz around the place. 

Reflecting on last week, I would like to thank College House for organising last Friday’s Christmas-themed charity day.  Students and staff enjoyed the Christmas market in the Quad, sang along to numerous Christmas songs being played over the school Tannoy, and enjoyed the many cakes and gingerbread sweets on offer.  Everyone enjoyed the day and raised loads of money for charity.  Thank you for the support.

On Saturday the school rugby squads enjoyed the last weekend fixture of the season.  It has been so good having the rugby fixture programme return this year, but there is still one more game of the season: 1^st XV MGS vs. Oakwood this Wednesday.  Good luck to the players.

Yesterday we congratulated Year 12 at the GCSE Certificate Presentation Afternoon.  Students in Year 12 who were at MGS last year received their GCSE certificates in this formal event where the students came up on stage in the Hall to receive a round of applause from their peers.  In amongst the presentations, speeches were made by Mr Martin, Mr Rivers, and two students, before singing the School Song at the end.  A good way to finish the year.

This week there are of course a number of Christmas events to finish off the term.  Today and tomorrow the students enjoy their Christmas meal cooked for them by Cucina; on Thursday the MGS Christmas Concert and Carol Service takes place at 7pm at All Saints Church; and then on Friday I will be leading the Christmas assembly across the airwaves before everyone going home for a well-deserved break. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Tuesday 7 December 2021

Firstly, a huge thank you to all the School’s rugby players who came out to play the biggest game of the season, The Judd School.  Following last week’s mixed performances against Dartford Grammar School I expect some players approached The Judd School with a little bit of trepidation.  Sadly, many of the results did not go our way, but a big well done to the U15 squad who came away with a win. 

And also at the weekend, four boys from years 9 and 10: Alan, Jack, Alex and Theo all competed in the final of the National Cross Country Competition in Newquay.  Out of the 28 schools that competed, the MGS team came 16^th, which was a fantastic result.  Well done boys, and thank you to the parents who made the long journey down to support them.

This week Year 11 return to normal lessons after two weeks of mock examinations.  Teachers are now busy marking the papers, with results being shared before Christmas.  Let us hope they do well. 

The Year 12 Virtual Parents’ Evening is taking place today providing an opportunity for parents to hear how their children have progressed at the start of their A-Level studies.  This is the first parents’ evening of the year, and just like last year, we are delivering it through our new School Cloud system which seemed to go down well last year.  Fingers crossed the technology works!

Students in Year 8 this week are involved in two days of activities that will help them think about future careers and in doing so get them to consider what GCSE subject choices they wish to make.  We have run these two days of activities for Year 8 for a number of years now and we have found they really help the students think about what they want to do after they leave MGS.

And on Friday we are hosting our Christmas Charity Day where students will be encouraged to wear a Christmas jumper, buy goodies from the MGS Christmas market, and bring food donations in for a number of local homeless charities.  The usual £1 contribution on the gate for non-uniform will also apply.

Tuesday 30 November 2021

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

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

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

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

 

Tuesday 23 November 2021

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

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

A few pieces of good news in MGS sport:

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

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

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

Tuesday 16 November 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 9 November 2021

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 2 November 2021

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

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

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

Tuesday 19 October 2021

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 12 October 2021

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 5 October 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 29 September 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 21 September 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 14 September 2021

Welcome to my first blog of the academic year.  I have now been writing a weekly blog for seven years, and so for our newest Maidstonians and their families, they simply provide a brief insight into life at MGS - sharing news, up-and-coming events and success stories.

 Firstly, I would like to reflect on the start of term and the first few days of the new year.  It is so good having everyone back in school and living life pretty normally.  On Wednesday last week we had a whole school assembly in the Quad.  With the excellent weather it was a perfect opportunity to have the entire school community in one place, and it reminded us what we all belong to.  In fact, last week’s assembly was the largest gathering of Maidstonians in the School’s 472-year history.  It was a glorious sight.

The start of term also signified the return to verticality and mixed aged forms.  Sadly, due to the pandemic and the need for year groups to remain in their bubbles, verticality has had to be put on hold, but we are delighted that we can see it return.  Our vertical house structure is something that we are very proud of and has been a main feature of the school for the last four years.  It promotes a sense of belonging and identity in a very large school community, and what we are seeing on a daily basis is truly remarkable.  In fact, on Thursday, a group of year 11 students invited a group of year 7 students to join them in a game of football, and I witnessed myself a group of year 10 students helping some year 7 students in the Refectory.  These two anecdotal examples illustrate the benefits of the house structure and the beautiful nature of MGS.

Last Friday we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon celebrating the achievements of last year’s Year 11, 12 and 13 at the Upper School Speech Day.  Sadly, the weather did not allow us to hold the event in the Quad, but despite being in the Big Hall it was still an enjoyable occasion.  Congratulations again to all prize winners, and thank you to Dr Vaughan Everett for driving all the way from Pembrokeshire to be our guest of honour.

Also on Friday we hosted our team building event for Year 7.  All morning Year 7 took part in a range of activities and challenges on the field to promote a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.  They had a lot fun and got to know many more of their peers.  

Saturday was another wonderful day for MGS as it marked the beginning of the new rugby season.  School rugby has not been seen for 18 months, so it was great being able to hold a full fixture of matches against Gravesend Grammar School.  Sadly, we only came away with two wins out of six, but the atmosphere was incredible, and the size of the watching crowd was probably the biggest I have ever seen.  Welcome back rugby!

This week we welcome parents of year 12 students to attend the Year 12 Information Evening: an evening to hear from us about the coming year.  Other year groups and their parents will have their respective evenings over the coming weeks.  

This week we are also arranging for form tutors to meet with their year 11 parents to discuss the year ahead.  The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption, so we feel it is important that Year 11 hit the ground running to position themselves in the best place when we get round to May next year.  The same idea will apply to Year 13 the following week.

 

Tuesday 13 July 2021

Welcome to my last blog of the 2021-22 year – and what a year it has been.  This time last year we had received the guidance from the DfE for opening the school back up for the start of the new academic year.  So much has happened in the last 12 months that we could have never predicted, and on the way there have been many highs and lows that were both rewarding and overwhelming, but writing this last blog I can say for certain that despite the many challenges MGS has become a more supportive and closer community than we already thought it was.  Feedback from parents has been tremendous; staff have stepped up and gone over and above in the daily roles; and the students have been an absolute pleasure.  Thank you to everyone who has made this year special and for bringing life back to MGS.

Last Friday we welcomed back Alex Rolfe (OM 2006 – 2013) to be guest of honour and our Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we had to have the event in the Hall because of the wet ground in the Quad, but that did not put a damper on the occasion.  Prize winners and Year 7 were still able to enjoy the afternoon, despite being indoors, and thank you to the students and staff who spoke on behalf of the School to reflect the last 12 months.  Friday was a good day.

Also on Friday a group of year 12 students enjoyed at afternoon of sport as they took part in a number of house competitions for their year group.  I am currently unaware of the results, but the winners for each event will have generated vital house points for their house that will contribute to the overall winners of the House Cup which will be announced at the End of Term Assembly on Friday.

Congratulations to Alex Mclauchlan of Corpus Christi House who achieved his first Dan black belt in karate.  Well done Alex, and it is so good being able to again share news like this following the year we have had.

And at the weekend a number of year 10 cadets enjoyed taking part in their condensed Summer Camp.  The School and Headmaster’s Garden were excellent venues to enjoy a variety of CCF activities.  A huge thank you to the adult volunteers who gave up their weekend to supervise.

 

 

Tuesday 6 July 2021

A huge congratulations and thank you to the staff and students who enjoyed last week’s adjusted sports days.  Due to the on-going restrictions we had to run separate year group sporting events as opposed to the usual MGS Sports Day.  Despite this though there was great fun had by all.  Thank you to Mr Terrell, the PE Department, Mr Highsted, and the all of the members of staff who made the week’s events possible.

Well done to the students from Year 10 who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessed expedition at the weekend.  Despite the showers they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and for the first time since the restrictions were able to camp overnight.  Thank you to the staff who accompanied them led by Miss Adams and Miss Alloy.

This week we see the A-Level geographers go off site for a couple of days to complete their essential fieldwork.  Normally they would take part in a four-day field trip, but due to the restrictions they have had to complete their work much closer to home.  Let’s hope the students come back with loads of data.

This week we are also running a number of inter-house rugby competitions.  Rugby, due to its nature, has been severely impacted this year and so we are delighted to be at a point where the competitions can take place.  Year 9 played yesterday, with the other years playing later this week.  Good luck to them all.

And on Friday we recognise and acknowledge the good work put in from years 7 to 10 at the Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we will not be able to invite parents, governors, former staff and friends of the School to join us, but Mr Alex Rolfe (OM 2006-2013) will be in attendance as our guest of honour to congratulate the students.  Fingers crossed for some good weather so we can hold the event outside in the Quad.

Tuesday 29 June 2021

This week each year group will compete an afternoon of sport to replace the annual School Sports Day.  Sadly, due to the restrictions, we are having to run five separate sporting events in order to keep year groups in their bubbles.  The students involved are taking part in rowing, volleyball, table tennis, Frisbee, handball and badminton.  All of the sports generate house points which will be added up at the end of the day to see which house has won their year group.  Good luck to all four houses.

Also this week, due to the restrictions, we are running three open mornings for those year 11 students from other schools who wish to join the MGS Sixth Form in September.  Sadly, we were not able to have them join our own year 11 students last week for the Pre Sixth Form Induction Week, so these open mornings will hopefully go some way in sharing to the students what we do here.  Our own students will be on hand to guide them around the school.

And finally, Simon Coppard (OM 2018) took part in the Olympic Trials last Friday in Manchester.  Simon is an outstanding athlete currently studying at Loughborough University, and throughout his time at MGS his main event was 1500m; and this was the event he ran in last Friday.  We could well be seeing him at a future Olympic Games. 

Tuesday 22 June 2021

At the start of this week we welcomed Year 11 back into school to attend the Sixth Form Induction Week.  All week the students will familiarise themselves with aspects of being in the sixth form: a number of A-Level lessons, some independent work in the school library, and some free time in the sixth form common room.  It is good having them back.

This week we also see the continuation of the Year 12 UCAS exams.  Speaking to a number of the students last week the exams seem to have gone well and they were happy with what they had written.  Results will be released in the coming weeks.

And finally, congratulations to Alfred Moison of Tonbridge House who has helped write ‘In Conversation With…’: a book that explores the world of Michelin chefs, fine dining and wine making.  This is so impressive as, not only is Alfred still a student at MGS, he is only in Year 7!  Well done Alfred, and I expect more is to come from you in the future.

Tuesday 15 June 2021

Firstly, I would like to thank Samantha Croucher of College House who led the organisation for last Friday’s charity day.  The aim of the day was to raise money and awareness for Lend with Care, a charity that provides loans for small businesses in the developing world.  Students arrived in non-uniform and were met by a sweet stall at the front gate.  Later, they all enjoyed buying ice lollies in the warm weather as well as perusing through a huge collection of donated books and DVDs.  It was lovely to see a number of students with an ice lolly in one hand and a selection of books in the other.  Well done Sam; and an extended thank you to the prefect team who supported her.

Also on Friday, the out-going senior CCF cadets enjoyed a formal meal in the school refectory to acknowledge their time, celebrate their efforts and thank the many adult volunteers who support the cadets week in, week out.  It was a pleasant affair in the cooling, evening sun. 

This week is the start of a two-week period where we see Year 12 sit their UCAS exams: a set of exams across all subjects which will help teaching staff predict their students their UCAS grades.  The year group has been working hard over recent weeks, so best of luck to them all.

Tuesday 8 June 2021

Welcome back everyone to Term 6 and the final six weeks of the academic year; I hope you all had a good half term break and enjoyed the glorious weather.

The week begins with Year 12 having two days off timetable completing some essential work on the UCAS process as well as hearing about some key issues that affect teenagers and young adults.  In other parts of the school years 7, 8 and 9 begin the week completing end of year tests reviewing what they have learnt over the year and seeing what impact, if any, remote learning has had. 

In addition, on Friday we are having a non-uniform charity day to raise money and awareness for Lend with Care: a charity originating from CARE international UK which allows individuals to make small loans to individuals in developing countries so they can start their business and work their way out of poverty. It was founded in 2010 and so far, over 60,000 people have helped change the lives of those in need.  We look forward to having another charity day back at school.

Tuesday 25 May 2021

Friday last week we said goodbye to Year 13 and it was a probably the best leavers’ day in my lifetime at MGS.  Spirits amongst the year group were perfectly judged, and it was clear that the students will really miss us.  Thank you to the entire year group for being a very special bunch of people.  Good luck and best wishes to them all.

This week is a moment in the story of MGS where we turn over to a new chapter.  As we slowly progress out of lockdown and restrictions are lifted we are able to return to elements of the old MGS.  We have now gone back to a normal timetable with a single break and lunch, and now students move around the school for each of their lessons.  Measures are still in place to keep year groups in some form of bubbles, particularly during unstructured time, and students have been informed how they should move round the school in a sensible and safe manner, but the opportunity to see each other and appreciate that we are one small part in a much larger community is wonderful.

This week we also see our first ‘big event’ in the Hall to raise money for a charity we are supporting. “Lend with Care” is a charity originating from “CARE International UK”. It allows individuals to make small loans, starting at £15, to individuals in developing countries so they can start their business and work their way out of poverty.  Today we are staging a ‘Staff Wars’ event which will see staff pitted against each other in a number of different challenges.  My money is on Mr Hughes who is taking part in the Keepie Uppie Challenge against Mr Terrell.  I would like to thank the group of business studies students, led by Samantha Croucher of College House, who has organised the event. 

Tuesday 18 May 2021

This week is the last week for Year 13.  For many of them they have been at MGS for seven years, so Leavers’ Day on Friday will be a bitter-sweet occasion.  Before that though they have their final assessments to complete.  Good luck to them all, and I look forward to the Leavers’ Assembly on Friday where I am sure there will be tears.

This week we are also putting together the final touches to our new arrangements that will be in place from Monday 24 May.  From next Monday, we are adjusting a number of measures that we have had inn place all year to return the school to some form of normality.  Teachers will be teaching in their own classrooms, students will travel around the site to get to their lessons, and we go back to having a single break and single lunch during the day.  This is something to be looking forward to.

Congratulations to College House who won the first ever inter-house netball tournament.  Year 12 students took part in this high-spirited event which saw both boys and girls play together.  It is always fun watching the boys try and bring the rules of basketball into the game!  Thank you to Mr Hughes, Mr Highsted, Miss Wilson, Miss Dimmick and Mrs Coveney for supporting.

I wish to acknowledge the many students I see every day bring their cricket kit to school to take part in our after school cricket clubs.  Thanks to Mr Davies, Mr Calvert, Mr Rivers and Mr Johnston the profile of cricket has drastically increased across all age groups.  It is so good to see many students take part and see them using our new cricket nets alongside the all-weather.

Tuesday 11 May 2021

We start the week with one fewer year group in school.  Year 11 left last Friday after finishing all of their final assessments, and now they have gone the focus for the next two weeks will be on Year 13 and ensuring they do as well as they can in their final assessments.  This is their last push so good luck to them all.

Much of the work over the next couple of weeks will be to prepare the students and staff for Monday 24 May: the day when we return to our normal timetable and to when teachers teach in their own subject areas and classrooms.  Since September teachers have been moving around the school site, teaching their classes in year group zones.  But with fewer students in school from Monday 24 Monday we are going to be moving to a point where students move around the site and have their lessons taught in departmental areas. Certain precautionary measures will be put in place to minimise risk, but this is something we have been looking forward to for a while.  It illustrates a big step forward to normality.

Tuesday 4 May 2021

Firstly, welcome back following the long weekend.  The May Day Bank Holiday weekend has always been my favourite bank holiday weekend of the year, and with the good weather, particularly on Saturday, it made for a pleasant extra break in the middle of a busy term.

Last week we enjoyed the last three inter-house football tournaments for years 7, 8 and 9.  Like all of the others they were strongly contested and played in good spirits. Congratulations to Barton House for winning both A and B competitions in Year 9; to Corpus Christi and College houses in Year 8; and Corpus Christi and Barton houses in Year 7.  All of these results get plugged into the overall House Cup Competition that will be awarded at the end of the academic year.  Thank you once again to the PE Department and to Mr Highsted for overseeing the events.

This week we welcome back Year 13 for their last three weeks of school.  During that time they will complete essential final assessments in each of their subjects before jetting off for a long summer holiday.  The hard work is not yet over, but some light at the end of the tunnel is slowly becoming visible. 

We also say goodbye this week to Year 11 who have come to the end of their time at MGS (for the moment).  They will complete all assessments by Friday and then leave having 17 weeks of holiday ahead of them!  Use it wisely, boys.

Finally, Haydn Price of Year 13 will be doing a 1.4 mile open-water swim in the Bournemouth 'Pier to Pier' on Saturday 3 July.  Haydn has started training, and gratefully welcomes donations towards the British Heart Foundation here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/haydn-price1?experiments=b2c_054_show_hide_fitness_totaliser%2Cb2c_059_donate_to_yourself_v3&isMobile=true&successType=StaticDonateButtonClick

Tuesday 27 April 2021

 Firstly, I wish to thank the PE Department for staging a series of inter-house football tournaments over the past few weeks.  So far we have seen years 10 to 13 compete for their respective bragging rights, with this week seeing years 7 to 9 compete for theirs.  Congratulations to College House for winning both the A and B competitions in the Year 10 tournament, and to Tonbridge and Barton for winning the A and B competitions respectively in the Year 11 tournament.  Good luck to years 7, 8 and 9 this week.

Thank you and well done to the students of Year 10 who took part in some Duke of Edinburgh training at the weekend.  Spirits were high, as I am sure the boys were eager to be outside enjoying each other’s company after the year we have had, and the feedback from the duty staff was excellent.  Thank you to Ms Adams and Ms Alloy for organising the experience.

This week Year 13 continue with their mock exams, with Year 11 beginning to sit some of their final assessments.  I am sure at the moment there are a number of anxious students and parents out there - and we really do understand the pressures that everyone is going through - but the hard work will pay off and soon there will be a very long summer holiday to enjoy.  Good luck to all students taking any kind of assessment.

To begin recognising the eventual farewell to Year 13 the year group has its leavers’ photograph this week.  Tomorrow morning the entire year group will be smartly dressed and will stand together for the penultimate time.  The photograph will be treasured by many for years to come, so let us hope the weather is good for them.

And also this week the Year 7 Parents’ Evening takes place. Since September parent consultation evenings have been delivered online with great success, so let us hope that this time our Year 7 parents have a positive experience.

Tuesday 20 April 2021

Welcome back to school and to the start of Term 5; I hope you have all had a well-deserved break.  I hope the Easter break provided a chance to catch up with friends and family as well as provide an opportunity to enjoy elements of the lifting of some lockdown restrictions.  Sadly, on Friday 9 April we received the news of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.  The Union Flag was flown at half-mast on top of the School Gatehouse throughout the eight-day period of mourning. Our thoughts have been with HM The Queen and the rest of The Royal Family during this very sad time.

We return to school this week with two weeks of exams for Year 13.  Just like the exams for Year 11 before the Easter break, these exams will form an important part of how we as a school assess the students for their final examination grade.  Best of luck to Year 13.  Year 13 now have only five weeks before they leave MGS.  Over that time they will complete these exams, complete any other final assessments that are required, and prepare themselves for their leavers’ day, which will be on Friday 21 May.  The last day for Year 13 is always an emotional day as many students form a connection to MGS that is very special.  Let us not wish those five weeks away!

To contrast, Year 11 have only three weeks remaining.  Their last weeks will also include any final assessments that are required as well as their own leavers’ day.  Many students from Year 11 will return to the sixth form, but after the year they have had, I am sure emotions will be high.  Year 11 leave on Friday 7 May.

Speaking of Year 11, today after school the Year 11 Inter-House Football Tournament takes place.  We have already seen years 12 and 13 complete theirs, so tonight it is Year 11’s chance to show us what they are made of.  Good luck to the players and thank you to the PE Department for arranging.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the English Department and Ms Wilson for leading on our Read to Succeed campaign.  The campaign’s main agenda is to promote the love of reading across the school - part of it being a number of members of staff videoing themselves talking about their favourite book or making a book recommendation to the students.  Thank you to the staff who have contributed and to Ms Wilson for leading on the campaign.

Tuesday 30 March 2021

It is incredible to think that we have reached the end of the Spring Term.  It started back on Monday 4 January, but that evening Boris Johnson made the announcement that we were to go back into lockdown and schooling would return to being delivered online.  Since then we have achieved so much – evolving and moving forward in what we have always perceived as being possible.  Despite the students only being back for four weeks, the Spring Term has come at a good point - we are all looking forward to having a well-deserved rest.  I wish to again thank the students, staff and parents for their ongoing support and appreciation during these challenging times.  Let us see what terms 5 and 6 bring!

Last week I had the great pleasure of interviewing the six shortlisted candidates for the School Captain and School Vice-Captain positions.  Being in the company of fine Maidstonians and hearing how they feel about their school is something I have really missed.  They were, and are, a credit to the School.  The two successful students will be announced at the final assembly on Thursday. 

Following the Comic Relief charity day on Friday 19 March, I thought you would all like to know that we raised an impressive £2484.29.  This is a fantastic amount and all credit to the prefects who organised the day.

Last Thursday and yesterday I enjoyed seeing a number of students and staff remain in school after the day to take part in some of our extra-curricular activities.  On Thursday last week about 70 year 7 students and six members of staff were enjoying playing cricket on the new all-weather pitch, and about 150 cadets and adult volunteers were taking part in the weekly CCF training programme.  And last night, nearly half of Year 12 took part in the Year 12 Inter-House Football Tournament.  It was so good seeing students being allowed to be children again – it has been a long time coming.  With the improving weather and lighter nights, it is hoped that more activities can take place after school bringing life back to the place. 

And finally, news of two recently successful Old Maidstonians: Oli Leyland (OM 2019) made his professional debut for London Broncos at the weekend and it was live on the BBC.  Oli was a fantastic rugby player when he played for MGS and it was always a matter of time before he made it professionally.  Well done Oli, and we look forward to seeing you play again in the near future.  And Andrew Rout (OM 2015) and his Warwick University team reached the final of University Challenge last week.  Andrew has captained the team throughout the entire series, and has pretty much led the way to reach the final.  Congratulations Andrew, and good luck in the final.

Tuesday 23 March 2021

Today’s date, March 23 2021, marks exactly one year since MGS went into its first lockdown.  Back on Friday 20 March 2020, I said goodbye to the entire school not knowing what the future would hold.  One year later, and after two significant lockdowns, life at MGS is still very different.  So much has happened over the last year, but overwhelming, I can say that it has been one of the proudest moments of my career, and I expect one of the proudest moments in the life of Maidstone Grammar School.  When the time came, we did right!

Looking specifically at the last two weeks of the last 12 months, I would like to thank the entire MGS Lateral Flow Test Team for the enormous efforts that were collectively given, particularly to the 28 parent volunteers who supported MGS at this very challenging time.  Testing over 1200 students, three times each, was no small task.  But, last Friday signalled the end of the school-based tests and the start of tests being carried out at home.  Our responsibility does not end there though.  The distribution of home test kits will now go on, and we will continue to be here responding to any positive cases and completing the process of tracking and tracing any contacts when required.

Outside of coronavirus matters, on Friday we saw the return of an MGS charity day: acknowledging the national Comic Relief campaign.  Students were once again enjoying being in school in non-uniform, buying Comic Relief-themed cakes, and taking part in numerous activities.  The highlight for me was listening to a group of year 11 students singing along to a Rick Astley song during our MGS FM broadcast.  A big thank you to the Year 13 Prefect Team who led the organisation, and thank you to everyone who supported the day.

Now some student news.  Two teams of Year 12 Business students recently competed in a national entrepreneurship competition hosted by Lancaster University Management School.  Up against schools from across the UK they presented their business plans, focusing on achieving their prescribed UN Sustainable Development Goals.  A tough group stage saw one MGS team knocked out, but the remaining group advanced to the final six, where they presented and answered questions from a panel of industry experts & university "entrepreneurs in residence."  A strong performance was not enough to win first place, but the team came away with the Student Choice Award for Best Presentation.  Well done to all participants, especially Sam Croucher and Euan Board, both of Year 12, for leading the two teams so effectively.

To end, and on the request of a few Year 13 students, I would like to share with you all my on-going chess game I am having with Mr Rivers, the Head of Sixth Form.  Over Christmas, I received a chess set as a present and so I set it up in my office.  On return to school on Monday 4 January, Mr Rivers walked into my office and decided to open up a game and so moved one of the white pawns forward.  Game on, I thought!  Since that point the two of us have been making, on average, one move each, per day.  Nine weeks later the game is still going on!  For those of you who are interested, I am up on points, have Mr Rivers in check, but still believe the game is equally poised.  One day we will finish it!

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 16 March 2021

I start this week’s blog by saying how pleasing it is to have all of the students back.  Over the course of last week we welcomed back year groups one-by-one, and by the time Thursday came we had everyone back.  The students were fantastic, and so I wish to thank them for appreciating the situation we were in.  They had to sit in the hall and wait for their Covid-19 test as well as waiting for the result – some were in there for a while.  Spirits were high, and it was so good hearing their conversation again.  By the end of the week we were able to begin the process of testing the students again for a second and subsequent third time; which will be continued during the rest of this week.  By Friday, those who have consented will have had three Covid-19 tests, and then the process of distributing tests to students to complete at home will begin. 

Last Tuesday will be a day that I remember for a long time.  With Year 13 back in school we were able to hold the inaugural inter-house football tournament on the all-weather pitch.  Despite the pitch being for all weathers (!) the weather last Tuesday was glorious.  After a year of disruption, it was so good watching nearly 80 Year 13 students run around together and, despite being young adults, were allowed to be children again.  It’s been a long time coming.  Congratulations to Barton House who won both the A and B competitions. 

At the weekend Ellie Breeze and Liam Turner competed in the national finals of the Oxford Union Debating Competition.  We can be so proud of them, as out of 128 teams, they came 30^th.  They did so well that they qualified for the novice final, and along the way they beat a number of prestigious private schools and colleges.  Well done Ellie and Liam.

Congratulations to Nicholas Cutbill of Year 7 who recently won the 3rd place cash prize in the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) ‘Paint Our Way To Peace' competition in the age 8-12 category.  The contest was open to anybody currently resident in the UK.  Well done to Nicholas.

This week Year 10 complete their long-awaited Year 10 exams.  These exams were supposed to take place back in January and form an important part of their GCSE studies.  Good luck to them all.  Next week it is the turn of Year 11 to sit their second set of mock exams, followed by Year 13 who will sit their mock exams after Easter.  Good luck to Year 10.

 

 

  

9 March 2021

I am so delighted to be writing my blog again – it has been a long time since my last one.  So, welcome back everyone, and welcome to the first blog of 2021.  Yesterday was the first day we welcomed students back to school, and from Thursday of this week the entire MGS community will have returned.  The last time we were altogether was back in December before we broke for the Christmas holiday so it is going to be so good having everyone back.  MGS has always been here, but the heart of the place has been missing.  This week, life will return; we will hear conversation again; and we will hear laughter again.  I am so looking forward seeing the students again, and I am sure they are happy that they are retuning too.

Despite the school being quiet over the last two months I know there has been lots of excellent work going on at home. The feedback from parents about the experience we have been providing has been overwhelmingly positive, and I thank those parents for sharing that with us.  A big thank you too, to the staff, who have put in a tremendous collective effort right across the school: to delivering online lessons to getting the site ready, as well as establishing from scratch our Covid-19 testing programme. Thank you.   also wish to thank the students who have approached their online learning so well.  It has not been easy for some, but the general feeling amongst those who I have spoken to has been an encouraging one.  As I have said a number of times over the past year, the responsibility for one’s learning has never been so great, and despite being overwhelming at times, it has taught our students a lot about self-management, how to be independent, and appreciating what is possible.  Well done to them all.

Whilst we have been in lockdown we have had a number of house competitions that have kept students and staff busy, and maintained the competitive spirit amongst the houses that we have seen develop over the past four years.  A big thank you to Mr Highsted who has overseen the coordination of them all and to the individual members of staff who have led them.  We have seen: The Great MGS Bake Off, This is Language, The Brands hatch Challenge, The English Competition, The Poetry Slam, MGS in the Spotlight; The MGS January Challenge, and MGS Superstars.  I look forward to presenting the House Cup to the winning house in the summer.

We have also had some fantastic news with our debating students.  Congratulations to Liam Turner and Ellie Breeze of Year 13 who recently won the Debating Matters National Competition and qualified for the Oxford Union Debating Society National Competition.  Also, congratulations to Toby Henley, Daniel Sowerby, Nathan Gray, Freddie Gache, Sam Luxton and Ben Collins, all of Year 12, who successfully won the Regional English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition just a few weeks ago.  Well done to them all.

So, the big focus of this week is getting the students safely back into the school, but also we are looking forward to opening up our new 3G all-weather pitch.  It has taken a massive effort to get to this point, but I am delighted that we can now make use of it; and make use of it we will.  Today we invite Year 13 to make use of it first with an inaugural inter-house football tournament.  They will be the first ever Maidstonians to set foot on the pitch, which will be followed by everyone else over the coming days and weeks.  I am sure the students are eager to get on it. 

It is so good to be back!