Tuesday 24 May 2022

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the U13 football squad for winning the Maidstone District Final last Tuesday, beating Valley Park School 1 - 0.  It was a hard fought game throughout, particularly during the last 10 minutes when Valley Park School were trying desperately to equalise and take the game into extra time.  Fortunately we held them off and in doing so secured the third Maidstone District final win in the last two weeks.  Well done boys, and thank you Mr Saunderson for leading the team all season.

This week the GCSE examination continue for Year 11, but now the bulk of the A Level examinations begin for Year 13.  Good luck to them all.

Good luck also to the 1^st XI cricket squad who are taking part in the Kent Cup semi-final this week.  They have a good run, so fingers crossed for more success.

Last Friday a number of parents, staff and friends of MGS enjoyed a night of questions at the Parents’ Association Quiz Night.  The winning team was ‘Hudson’ who led the way almost from the start.  Well done to them and thank you to the Parents’ Association, Mrs Friend and the student helpers for supporting the event.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1884, the year in which Greenwich Meridian and Mean Times were adopted, the Old Maidstonian Society was formed: an organisation that ensures many former students remain in contact with the school and each other.

Tuesday 16 May 2022

This week is the start of the public examinations. GCSEs began yesterday with RS, and continue for the rest of the week with a number of different subjects including science, mathematics and English. Next week the A Level examinations begin. Good luck to all students in years 11 and 13.

Yesterday Year 12 returned to school following their UCAS examinations. With Year 13 on study leave, Year 12 are now the leaders of the school, so they now have even more of a role to play.

Today the U13 football squad play in the Maidstone District Final. They follow the U15 and U16 squads who played their finals a couple of weeks ago. Good luck to the squad.

On Friday the Parents' Association Quiz Night is finally taking place - it has been postponed twice already due to Covid. This event is one of the first events that the Parents' Association has been able to hold for over two years. Hopefully a good evening will be had by all. Tickets are still available from the Bursary. Quiz starts at 7.30pm.

Congratulations to Henry N College House who has been accepted to join the Commandant’s Advisory Panel for RAFAC CCF, one of three from entire RAF CCF.  This group of cadets will help RAFAC HQ to understand the lived in experience of cadets and will help to inform for decisions on RAFAC direction.

Congratulations also to Jake W of Tonbridge House who came top of the recently sat UK Junior Mathematics Challenge.  He achieved a gold certificate, scoring 108 pints.  Well done Jake.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1871 one famous building was opened, the Royal Albert Hall and the school relocated to its purpose built building in Tonbridge Road.

Tuesday 10 May 2022

Firstly, congratulations to both the U15 and U16 football squads who won their respective Maidstone District finals 5 – 2 and 6 - 0.  Both games were played with spirit and enthusiasm, attracting a large number of fellow Maidstonians in support.  Well done to all players, and thank you to Mr Terrell and Mr Hughes for leading the squads during the season.  The same U15 squad played in the Kent Cup Final on Friday at Bromley Football Club but sadly lost 2 – 0.  The players were of course disappointed, but they played the game right up to the final whistle with hope and guts.  Bad luck boys.

This week Year 12 continue with their UCAS exams and return to normal lessons next week.  Once they return, the GCSE and A Level examinations begin for the following six weeks involving both Year 11 and Year 13 and so this week they approach the end of their time as being Maidstonians.  Year 13 leave on Friday with Year 11 finishing at some point during the week.  Best wishes to them all.

Tonight parents of Year 9 have an opportunity to meet their son’s teachers at the Year 9 Virtual Parents’ Evening.  Following eight months of GCSE studies tonight provides a good opportunity for parents to understand how things are progressing.  I am sure it will be a positive night.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1930 when workhouses were abolished in the UK the Junior School from Brunswick House was incorporated into the new main school in Barton Road – the school that we are in now.

 

Tuesday 3 May 2022

Following on from last Thursday’s 2^nd XI Football Kent Cup Final, this week there is a football final being played each night after school.  Tonight the U15 squad compete in the Maidstone District Final, on Wednesday and Thursday the U13 and U16 squads play in their respective Maidstone District finals, and on Friday the U15 play again in the Kent Cup Final.  Sadly, the 2^nd XI last Thursday lost their final 1 – 0 to Tunbridge Boys Grammar School, but it is hoped that this week’s matches bring some alternative results.  Good luck to all players, and thank you to Mr Terrell and Mr Hughes for supporting them.

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Month at MGS.  Led by Tonbridge House, throughout the month of May we will be focusing our attention on mental health and wellbeing with the strapline, ‘You Are Not Alone’.  Mental health amongst young people is a huge issue, and so it is hoped that the focus throughout May will shine a light on a very important subject.

This week each house will have their last house assembly with a full complement of students.  Year 11 and Year 13 leave at some point next week, so this week is the last chance for the heads of house to wish those students best of luck for the upcoming exams.  As well as saying goodbye, this week’s assemblies are also being used for Miss Johnson to feedback on the recent student gender equality surveys.  During Gender Equality Month, a number of students completed our Gender Equality survey, and so it is important that they now hear the results of what they said. 

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1931, possibly due to the relocation of MGS in 1930, the cross-country run, known as ‘The Aylesford Run’ was changed to include more of Mote Park and less of the hop-fields.  It was still known by that name up to 1937 at least, so presumably the runners travelled to Aylesford and back.  Perhaps another reason for the change was to abide by the newly introduced Highway Code!