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.