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 100th 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.
