Tuesday 5 December 2023

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 2^nd XI football squad who last week won the East Kent Premier League.  This is a massive achievement for the players and the school.  In other football news, on Wednesday the 1^st XI football squad take on Wilson’s School in the last 32 of the National Cup.  The squad has done so well in getting this far, but with it being the last 32, the competition is bound to be pretty strong.  Good luck to all the players and thank you to Mr Hughes for supporting the squad all season.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of presenting those Year 12 students who were at MGS in Year 11 with their GCSE certificates at our annual GCSE Certificate Presentation Afternoon.  Joining the year group were a number of parents as well as Mrs Ceri Norey, chair of governors.  Congratulations to all those who received a certificate.

Today, parents of Year 13 hear from their child’s teachers at the Year 13 Parents’ Evening.  With six months to go before the A level examinations, now is a good time to prepare for the final push and utilise the mock exams in January to understand what needs to be done.

On Wednesday and Thursday this week Year 8 take part in a two-day activity to understand what their futures might look like beyond MGS.  Called the Year 8 Careers Days, students will complete a series of task and hear form a number of people about what opportunities are out there and what GCSE subjects they should consider to support their strengths. 

Tuesday 28 November 2023

I had the pleasure last week to hear from three Year 10 students about their passion for karting.  Their goal is to compete in the British Schools Karting Championships as MGS, which is a first for the school.  I hope that we can support the students, and that they do well in what could be a new development for MGS.

At the weekend the weather was kind to those students and staff who enjoyed walking the footpaths of Kent in preparation for the Everest Base Camp trip in April.  Yes, it was cold, but the sunshine and clear blue sky made it an enjoyable few hours.  Thank you to Mr Rai for leading the walk.  Also at the weekend a group of about 40 students, accompanied by four members of staff, enjoyed a couple of days in Cologne experiencing its Christmas market.  I am sure lots of Stollen was bought!

This week there are a number of sporting fixtures across a number of different sports.  Following the results at the weekend against Dartford Grammar School, a couple of U13 rugby squads play The Judd School, the senior football squads play The Harvey Grammar School, and the Year 7 basketball players take on Rainham Mark Grammar School.  Good luck to them all.

On Thursday two polarised worlds come together to enjoy a day in Bath.  The Classics and Business Studies departments take a number of students and drive west to the Roman city to visit the Roman Baths and consider how it has developed its business as well as protect this important Roman site.  I look forward to hearing how the Venn diagram of these two subjects combined!

Tuesday 21 November 2023

Firstly, I would like to thank the Senior Prefect Team for leading on all of the arrangements for last week’s Children in Need charity day.  The 8-hour badminton-athon, the huge cake sale, as well as the non-uniform gate contributions, collectively raised over £2000. Thank you to everyone who supported the day.

Congratulations to some of our football squads who won their respective games last week.  The U13 and U15 teams beat The Lenham School 6 – 0 and 1 – 0 respectively, and the 1^st XI beat Buckswood School 5 – 3 in the National Cup.  Well done to all the players and thank you to the staff who continue to support the squads.

Continuing the congratulations for our sporting teams, MGS Rugby had a really good day on Saturday, not losing any of the matches against St Olave’s School.  Highlights were the 1^st XV 2^nd XV squads winning their respective games 29 – 0 and 68 – 0.  Well done to all players

Turning to this week…

This week Year 11 students return from their mock examinations to continue with their GCSE studies, but eagerly await the results in how they did.  On Thursday evening we will be enjoying a performance by some Year 9 drama students, and on Saturday the students going on the Everest Base Camp trip in April will be taking part in their second practice walk along and around the footpaths of the North Downs.

Tuesday 14 November 2023

Firstly, thank you to Lt Col Highway for making the arrangements for last week’s Remembrance Service at school and thank you to the 70+ CCF cadets and adult volunteers who took part in Sunday’s Remembrance Parade in Maidstone.  The Act of Remembrance will always be important to Maidstone Grammar School.

This week we are acknowledging two charities.  Yesterday we invited students and staff to wear odd socks and unusual ties to acknowledge Anti Bullying Week, and on Friday the annual charity day to raise money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal takes place.  On Friday, as well as the usual non-uniform, we will also be selling cakes and putting on a sponsored sporting event.  Thank you to the students and staff for organising both days.

Tuesday 7 November 2023

Firstly, I would like give a huge thank the MGS Parents’ Association and all the staff and student helpers who supported Saturday’s firework display.  The weather prior to the display was somewhat challenging, but the rain stopped and the winds eased to allow for an enjoyable evening.  Thank you also to the many hundreds of you who came along to enjoy the display.

Also, at the weekend the MGS rugby players took part in the fixture against Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School.  Congratulations to the entire rugby contingent as for the first time this season we brought home wins for each of the squads.  The U13 and U14 A and B squads who were all at home and the U15 and senior squads were away.  Well done boys for what is a very strong rugby school. 

Today after school Year 12 parents hear from their child’s subject teachers at the Year 12 Virtual Parents’ Evening.  It is the first parents’ evening of the academic year, but for Year 12, it provides an early indication of how they are progressing with their A Level studies.

On Friday the community of MGS pauses for two minutes at our Remembrance Service and remembers those fallen Maidstonians who have died in conflict or in serving their country.  This year we acknowledge the 80^th anniversary of the Dambuster Raids, 75 years of the Windrush Generation and the 60^th anniversary of the end of National Service.

Tuesday 31 October 2023

Welcome to my first blog of Term 2; I hope you all had a good half term break. 

The term started straight away yesterday with us inviting parents of Year 11 into the school to attend the Year 11 Information Evening.  It is at this time of year when Year 11 really begin to think about what they want to be doing beyond their GCSEs - ensuring they position themselves well to achieve their best.  In just over six months’ time Year 11 will begin their GCSE examinations, but before that they need to complete their mock examinations as well as understand how the sixth form application process works.  Last night was the opportunity to hear from us about the rest of the year.

On Saturday, our biggest event, the MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display takes place.  The PA has run this event for almost 20 years, and during that time it has grown in size and popularity.  Many members of the MGS community come together to ensure the event goes ahead, so I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to those people and to everyone who will be coming along to support.  If you are keen to come along, and have not yet purchased a ticket, please do so online.  There will be no ticket sales on the night.  Gates open at 5pm with the display starting at 7pm.

Tuesday 17 October 2023

Welcome to the last blog of Term 1; it still only feels like we have just started the year.  Before we break for the October holiday, there is still a busy week ahead of us. 

Last night we enjoyed some cheese and wine at the annual MGS Parents’ Association AGM.  The Parents’ Association works incredibly hard to support the school, and so at the AGM we reflected on the year that has passed, look forward to the year ahead and welcome new parents to the Committee. 

Following last Friday’s first Open Morning, today we host the second.  Year 7 guides and Sixth Form prefects will help welcome the families of perspective Maidstonians to see the school during normal working hours.  These Open Mornings complement the Year 6 Open Evening that takes place this Thursday from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.  At that event we will be exhibiting all aspects of the school from the quality of our curriculum to the varied menu choices in our Refectory.

Before I wish you all a peaceful October break, I just wanted to thank everyone who has contributed in anyway to the achievements of the first term in our 475^th birthday year.  From the thousands of lessons that have taken place to the extensive extra-curricular and enrichment programme on offer, we have seen many positive successes.  Watching Year 7 sing the School Song back in September, to walking with the Year 12 students last weekend on the first Everest Base Camp Practice Walk, I have had some lovely memories already.  More of the same please next term.

Have a good holiday.

Tuesday 10 October 2023

This week is a relatively quiet week for us until we get to Friday when we host the first Year 6 Open Morning.  On Friday we open our doors to perspective Maidstonians and their families to see what we do and what we stand for.  It is always a busy and positive morning, but it also is a morning when many of our newest Maidstonians take pride in their school and act as guides to our visitors.  Thank you in advance to all of the students and staff who will be taking part.

From tonight the 56 form tutors spanning the four houses will be picking up the phone and making contact with our newest Maidstonians’ families to share how the boys have settled in following their first five weeks of MGS.  These personal phone calls follow the two house events that took place last week; they provided an opportunity for parents and carers to hear from key staff about the start of the year and see the school from the eyes of their children.  Year 7 have started extremely well, so I am sure the news will be positive.

On Saturday, as well as the normal rugby fixtures, a number of Year 12 students and staff will be taking to the Kent countryside and completing their first practice walk in preparation for the Easter trip to Base Camp Everest.  The North Downs Way will never compete with the terrain of the Himalayas, but the students and staff will put themselves through their paces and use the undulating nature of the North Downs Way to achieve as much elevation as possible. Let us hope the good weather continues until the weekend.

Tuesday 3 October 2023

Firstly, I would to thank the staff and students who supported last Friday’s MacMillan Coffee Morning.  In total we raised £3 short of £2000, which is a fantastic achievement.  Well done to everyone and a huge thank you to the staff and students who helped with the set up and organisation of the day.

I would also like to congratulate the CCF cadets who took part in the Cadet Skill At Arms Competition at the weekend.  The four cadets competed in a total of four ranges against 17 other teams from across the south east of England. They managed to place second in two of the ranges both Fire Control and the Advance to Contact, and one cadet, Julius, was also awarded overall third best shot for the Over 16 category.  Following the end of all competitions Maidstone Grammar School managed to place third overall and pick up a bronze medal. This is the best the CCF has done in this competition since 2007. Huge congratulations to the whole team for their enormous effort and determination to compete.

This week, with it being the beginning of October, we acknowledge Black History Month.  Miss Johnson, the deputy head, will be leading the week’s assemblies on the theme of Black History, focusing on the subjects of prominent Black British women and the 75^th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

This week we also welcome parents of Year 7 into the school to attend the Year 7 Welcome Evening.  Across two nights, parents will see where their children spend their day and hear from key staff about life at MGS and how the first month has gone. 

The trip this week is to Reculver Bay.  Year 11 geography students will be visiting the village of Reculver to complete essential fieldwork as part of their GCSE examination.  The weather looks good for the week ahead, so I hope no one returns a little sunburnt, but that they have an opportunity to enjoy an ice cream!

 

Tuesday 26 September 2023

I start this week’s blog by acknowledging the first three weeks of football results.  Since the start of the new academic year, MGS football squads have played nine matches in total scoring 37 goals, and conceding only seven.  This is a remarkable achievement and one that should be rightly applauded.  Well done to all the payers and thank you to the members of staff who are supporting the teams.

At the weekend four MGS rugby squads took to the field to play Eltham College in the weekly fixture, seeing the 1^st XV secure their first win of the year.  In other rugby news Gabby of Year 13 and Corpus Christi House has just been called up to try out for the U19 England Women’s Rugby Squad.  This is wonderful news and we wish her well for possible selection.

This week is a relatively quiet week for MGS, until Friday when we as an entire school community acknowledge the MacMillan Coffee Morning.  The day will also be a non-uniform day.  Students will be joined by staff, governors and parents who will come together to enjoy each other’s company over a cuppa and a slice of cake.  MGS has supported MacMillan Cancer Support for a number of years now, and in doing so has raised over £8000 for the Charity.  I am sure Friday will be an enjoyable occasion.

Tuesday 12 September 2023

Firstly, I would like to thank the entire school community for understanding the difficulties we experienced last week with the hot weather.  It was very unusual to have such warm weather at the start of an academic year, but just like at all other times, the community of the school rolled up their sleeves (in some cases, literally) and got on with it.  Fortunately, the weather is to be cooler from this week, but I expect when we are in the deepest, dark depths of the winter we will be crying out for warmer times.  Thank you Maidstonians for getting through the first week.

Following on from the events last week we have a slightly quieter week ahead of us - but with it still being the start of a new year, there are still matters to deal with.  This week students will be having their individual and sibling photographs taken - both for our own use as well as for parents to enjoy.  In addition, we welcome parents of Year 12 students to attend the Year 12 Information Evening on Thursday: an evening to hear from key staff about the year ahead.

Providing opportunities away from school, the CCF RAF section has a trip out today to Biggin Hill Airport, and a group of students will be out on Thursday completing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition. 

However, the main event taking place this week is a week-long event involving Year 11 and their parents.  Throughout the week form tutors will be meeting with Year 11 students and communicating with parents about the upcoming year and what the students should be doing this year to ensure they do well next summer.  These meetings and conversations are crucial to ensure Year 11 approach the year with positivity, and get the best out of it before their GCSEs.  If you are a Year 11 parent then do look out for details.

5 September 2023

Welcome to the start of a new academic year; welcome to Maidstone Grammar School’s 475^th Anniversary year; and welcome to the first Headteacher’s Blog of the year.  I hope you are all keeping well, and for those readers who have had a holiday, I hope you had a good one.  It is so good to be back, sharing once again news stories and successes that we are proud of and wish for you all to know.

We start with some amazing news from three Old Maidstonians.  Owen, Michael and Charlie, who all left Maidstone Grammar School in 2022, decided to set themselves a challenge.  At the end of July they all completed a 76-day walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats.  Along the way they were raising money for Parkinson’s, and at the moment, have raised over £7000!  What an achievement, and what an inspiration to others.  Well done to them.

Today we welcomed the entire student body back and acknowledged it at a school assembly in the Quad.  With the weather being ideal, we were all able to come together and celebrate the start of term before beginning the first lesson of the day.  It is always good to see the students return to their school, and being able to do it altogether added to the day. 

This week there are further opportunities for the school to come together.  On Thursday, we hope to be able to have a whole school photograph – something that we have not been able to do since September 2014.  This opportunity to record the moment when all Maidstonians come together is the first event to celebrate the 475^th anniversary of MGS.  We are keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.

On Friday our older students come together to acknowledge the achievements of last year’s Year 11, 12 and 13 at the Upper School Speech Day.  Guest of honour this year is Eileen Lewis, a former member of staff who gave MGS over 25 years’ service.  Colleagues of mine are looking forward to seeing her again, as well as seeing the many students who have achieved great things receive recognition and applause.  I addition to this event, on Friday morning Year 7 will be enjoying a morning of team building activities to support their transition and induction, as well as helping them make new friends.  This always proves to be an enjoyable and memorable event.

Tuesday 18 July 2023

Welcome to the last blog of the year and the last ever Headmaster's Blog. Don't worry, my weekly blog will continue into the next academic year, but from September will be named Headteacher's Blog as opposed to Headmaster's. This is because from September I will be the headteacher of Maidstone Grammar School and not headmaster. It is right that the School reflects a changing society, and so changing the role name I am known by will be a small but significant change that is right for MGS in the world we live in. 

Before looking at the coming week, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the planning and organisation of Friday's speech day. Despite not being able to have everyone there due to the wet weather, it was still a wonderful event for the school and for the prizewinners. An event in which the whole school could attend together was the Founders' Day Service at All Saints Church earlier in the day. It was an opportunity for the entire school community to celebrate the founding of the School and give thanks to the many thousands upon thousands of Maidstonians who have passed through its gates and given leadership and service to it.

This week's highlight is today's Sports Day. The MGS Sports Day has not taken place since 2019, and so only Year 12 have experienced the delights of competing in one. The weather looks good, and so here's hoping for a good day.  Good luck to all competitors.

Friday is the last day of term where we come together one final time and celebrate the year that has passed. The MGS House Cup will be awarded to the winning house, we say goodbye to leaving staff, and we sing the School Song one last time. At the assembly I will also be looking ahead to next year and preparing everyone for the School's 475th anniversary. There will be lots going on next year, particularly during the month of April, but there will also be events in September and July to launch and end the celebrations. It really will be a year to remember.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a restful summer holiday and thank you all for reading my blogs throughout the year. See you in September.

Tuesday 11 July 2023

A huge thank you to the staff who organised and led the many activities that took place during last week’s Extended Learning Week.  From walking in the Kent countryside to creating a typical picnic lunch, Maidstonians enjoyed doing something different for a week.  In addition to years 7 to 9 partaking in these activities, years 10 and 12 completed some essential work experience that took them away from MGS and into the workplace.  I hope everyone had a fabulous time.

Last week we heard the sad news of the death of former colleague and deputy head of MGS, Dr Tony Webb.  Dr Webb taught history here from 1971 to 2000, and was deputy head for almost 20 years in that time.  Even though I never had a chance to work with Dr Webb, I had the pleasure of meeting him early on in my headship, as well as getting to know him during his time in the Old Maidstonian Society.  I know from some of my colleagues and former staff who worked with him, Dr Webb was a character, and had a unique way of doing things.  Schools like MGS were filled with teachers like Dr Webb, so his passing brings to an end a significant chapter of MGS’s life.  We send our thoughts to his family and friends at this time.

This week, as we approach the end of the academic year, is a busy one.  On Thursday we welcome  our newest Maidstonians to the school to the Year 6 Induction Day.  Over 200 young faces will be spending the day at MGS, getting to know the lay of the land and hopefully getting to know some new friends.  And on Friday we celebrate the founding of Maidstone Grammar School at a service at All Saints Church in the morning, which will then be followed by our Lower School Speech and Prize Giving Day in the afternoon.  We hope for some good weather.

Finally, congratulations to Jamie Noakes, our head chef, who last week placed 3^rd in the National School Chef of the Year Competition.  He competed amongst 12 finalists from across the country, being asked to prepare a two-course school meal in under 90 minutes.  He cooked chicken breast with sticky rice and a vagrant Thai broth with crunchy vegetables; and for desert, he prepared a Peach Melba Crumble.  Well done Jamie.

 

Tuesday 4 July 2023

A huge thank you to Mr Norton, Corpus Christi House and all of the students and staff who took part in last Friday’s Lip-Sync Battle.  An eclectic mix of performances and music genres were on show for everyone to enjoy, from Kylie Minogue to Queen.  In addition to this musical event we also enjoyed the MGS Summer Showcase on Thursday.  The audience enjoyed music from John Williams’s film scores to an extract from Macbeth.  Thank you to Mrs Brooks, Mr Bourne and Mrs Edwards, and to all of the students who took part and helped make it happen.

This week is Extended Learning Week.  Years 7 to 9 are busy enjoying a variety of different activities across the country and beyond, and years 10 and 12 are taking part in some valuable work experience.  Extended Learning Week has been in place for 10 years now.  It is week where Maidstonians broaden their learning experiences to complement their normal classroom ones.  I hope everyone; staff and students value the week and get the best out of it.

Tomorrow, Jamie, our head chef, competes in the final of the School Chef of the Year.  Over 2000 applicants entered the competition, and now the last 12 take part in the final in Birmingham.  The School Chef of the Year competition aims to show off the high quality of school meals and the contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of young people.  We wish Jamie the best of luck and hope his two-course meal choice wows the judges.

 

Tuesday 27 June 2023

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the MGS athletes who took part in an inter-school athletics completion last week at Oakwood Park.  11 schools attended, with MGS coming second in the Year 8 category and first in the Year 7, 9 and 10 categories.  A really good day for MGS.  Well done Maidstonians.

Continuing with athletics, two of our budding athletes have achieved significant recognition in their chosen disciplines.  Faith of Year 12 and Corpus Christi House was selected to join the GB & NI U20 Athletics Team for a competition in Mannheim, Germany last weekend, and Theo of Year 10 and Corpus House has been selected to run for Kent Schools at the English Schools Athletics Competition this weekend after winning the Inter-Counties Race last Saturday.  Well done Faith and Theo.

And finally, congratulations to Aoife of Year 12 and College House who received a commendation for her achievements in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators run by Queen’s College, Oxford.  Over 15,000 students participated in the competition, and so Aoife receiving recognition is a fantastic achievement.  Well done Aoife.

Thank you to the Year 10 band, Corpus Christi House and to Cucina for putting on a fabulous ‘Queen and BBQ’ event in the Quad last Friday.  Over 400 members of the MGS community came together to enjoy some music whilst eating some freshly cooked BBQ food from our caterers.  It was a lovely occasion.

For three days this week we welcome back Year 11, as well as saying hello to some new students, who wish to join the MGS Sixth Form next year.  At this Post 16 Induction Event students will get a feel of what life is like at MGS being a sixth form student.  We hope they have a good time. 

At the end of the week our celebrations of Pride Month come to an end with a Lip-Sync Battle in the Big Hall.  Students and staff will show off their ‘no singing’ skills: miming to some of their favourite songs in front of a hall-packed audience.  I am sure it will be entertaining!  Thank you to the staff and students who are taking part.

Tuesday 20 June 2023

This week is the last full week of GCSE and A Level examinations.  Year 11 and Year 13 have been busy over these last few weeks, but the light at the end of the tunnel is now in sight.  For those students who have their last exam this week, then I wish them good luck, and for those students who have already finished, then I hope they are happy with their performance, and that they have an enjoyable summer break.

At the weekend the MGS cricketers enjoyed their fixture against Norton Knatchbull and the glorious weather with two wins.  However, despite reaching the semi-final of the Kent Cup beating Sevenoaks School along the way, the U15 squad lost their chance of reaching the final by sadly losing to Oakwood Park Grammar School by only seven runs.  Bad luck to the players, but well done for progressing well through the competition.

Tomorrow we enjoy the opening of the annual MGS Art Exhibition.  Artwork from students in years 11 and 13 will be on show, and I always enjoy wandering around the exhibition seeing the talents of some of our students.  Please do come along.  It takes place in the Big Hall and is open from 4pm.

This Friday MGS is proud to present Queen in the Quad. Members of the school band supported by our caterers will be supplying the rock music and BBQ as we celebrate 50 years since the release of Queen's debut album. The day will also be a free non-school uniform day, encouraging everyone to wear bright colours in celebration. 

Tuesday 13 June 2023

Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Hanratty for stepping into my shoes for the last three weeks and writing this blog.  His words allowed me to follow what was going on at MGS from a distance.  The reason for me being away from MGS was that I was on a three-week sabbatical, driving around the country visiting a number of different schools to see what we could learn from them.  I have now returned with lots of ideas and eager to continue developing the school.  As well as thanking Mr Hanratty, I would also like to thank my senior colleagues, particularly Miss Johnson, for stepping in during my absence.  It is good to be back.

Just before the May half term we held a non-uniform day to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.  Thanks to Tonbridge House, led by Mr Holmes and Mr Taylor, we raised just under £900.  Thank you Tonbridge House, and thank you to everyone who supported.

At the weekend, under the glorious weather, the MGS cricketers played their first cricket match of the new term, and at the same time a large group of other Maidstonians completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition.  The cricket fixture was against Dartford Grammar School where MGS won two out of the three matches.  Well done to the players and thank you to the staff who supported both the cricket and the DoE.

Also at the weekend, I sadly was not able to enjoy the weather, as I attended the annual Kent Research-Ed Conference, which this year took place at Cornwallis Academy.  About 150 teachers from across Kent were in attendance, and throughout the day we heard from a number of speakers who presented their research on a variety of different aspects of education, including how to teach everyone in the classroom to the impact of technology. 

Yesterday we had our first Quad assembly: an assembly for the entire school community outside in the Quad.  I always look forward to the summer months, not only because of the warmer weather and lighter evening, but because it is a chance to bring every Maidstonian together in one place to hear a message for the day.  With it being Pride Month, the main theme of the assembly was, ‘What can we be proud of?’  Thank you to the four students: Noah, Ben, Jess and Rafe, who spoke with me.  They collectively shared with the school what they were proud of.

Next Wednesday, 21 June we will be enjoying the opening of the annual MGS Art Exhibition.   Each year we exhibit the artwork from students in years 11 and 13, and I always enjoy wandering around the exhibition seeing the talents of some of our students.  Please do come along.  It takes place in the Big Hall and is open from 4pm.

Finally, congratulations to Patrick of Year 7 and Corpus Christi House who is doing really well at the moment with his golf.  He has competed in three British junior U12 golfing events in the last two months, finishing in 5^th, 4^th and 1^st place.  Well done Patrick.

 

Tuesday 6 June 2023

Mr Hanratty, here.

It has been great to see our students return this morning, well rested, and in their summer uniforms, with most looking like they’ve seen the sun. It’s also been great to hear their stories and tales from the break, shared with each other and the staff. The same can also be said for our staff, who returned yesterday for our Inset Day, also looking sun-kissed and full of drive for the term ahead. Yesterday's Inset is a key date in the calendar where departments work together to review and adapt their curriculum for the year ahead. We also welcomed many of our new staff from September, and it was great to see them get to know and gel with their teams as the day progressed.

Today also marks the start of Pride Month at MGS, a celebration proudly spearheaded by Corpus Christi House. As a symbol of our commitment, the pride flag flies over the gatehouse. It signals not only to our immediate community but also to the broader one beyond our school gates, affirming our role as a welcoming, inclusive school that encourages students to take pride in their individual identities. Lots of exciting events are scheduled to take place, and I have no doubt the Headmaster will keep you updated when he returns to writing this blog from next week. One event I’m particularly looking forward to is the BBQ and Big Band in the Quad on Friday 30 June, where there will be an LGBTQ Icons LipSync Battle with staff and students participating.

Starting this afternoon and until next Monday, we will welcome Year 6 boys and their families to one of their welcome events known as the House Teas. This informal event allows Year 6 students to meet fellow students in their house, their Head of House, Assistant Head of House, their 6th Form Prefect Team, and current Year 7 students. Parents and carers will also join to socialise over a cup of tea. These events are such an important part of our transition programme, which started in April and continues through the next academic year.

Tomorrow, Year 12 are off timetable all day for their PSHCE Day. Throughout the day, Year 12 will take part in a number of carousel activities in small groups exploring a wide range of topics that include online behaviour, sexual health, financial advice, UCAS, drugs and alcohol. This day has been organised and delivered in partnership with a number of organisations, including the Kenward Trust.

This week is filled with several exciting cricket fixtures. Later today, our U15A team will be pitted against Dartford Grammar School at 1.30pm, followed by a match with our U14A team against Bennett Memorial Diocesan School at 2pm. The action continues tomorrow as our 2nd XI cricket team faces off against Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School at 2.30pm. On Friday, we round off the week with matches between our U12A and U12B cricket teams and their respective counterparts from Dartford Grammar School. We wish the best of luck to all the students representing our school in these games.

Of course, I cannot forget to mention the GCSE and A-Level exams that continue until the end of June. We’ve been impressed by the attitude and conscientiousness that our Year 11 and 13 students continue to show during this intense period, and we look forward to celebrating with them all in August. We wish them the best of luck in the rest of their exams this month.

Year 7 are in preparation mode for their end of year exams that begin in lessons next week. This is the first series of 'big exams' they have taken since joining us that assess everything they have learned this year. I know from my conversations with Year 7, their parents, and teachers that they are taking these exams very seriously and really want to prove how far they’ve come. We are all confident that they will do well, having seen how conscientiously they conducted themselves in this period leading up to their exams.

The Headmaster will continue to pen this blog from next week and will no doubt keep you updated on the numerous exciting things scheduled for this term ahead such as Extended Learning Week, UCAS Day, Year 9 and Sixth Form Induction Days, Sports Day, and many more. It’s been a pleasure keeping you all updated on life here at MGS over the past few blog entries. Until next time, take care.

 Mr H

Tuesday 23 May 2023

Hello, Mr Hanratty here.

Although it's the final week of term, there have been no signs of things slowing down as we approach the end. Take a moment to read about many of the exciting events that have taken place at MGS since my last blog post and leading up to the end of term.

Firstly, I wish to express admiration for the maturity and conscientious approach Year 11 and 13 students demonstrated during their GCSE and A-Level exams last week. We've been impressed by their conduct and wish them success as they continue their exams.

Yesterday, Mr Highway and the CCF team launched their recruitment process for Year 8 students to join the CCF - the largest and oldest co-curricular activity at MGS, spanning over 100 years. Our students are always eager to sign up each year, and Year 8 were no exception. The early numbers suggest that we are on track for large contingents again in Year 9 next academic year. It is great to see so many of your students serving their community in this way.

While on the subject of the CCF, we are delighted to share that our Army section won Gold at the recent Cambrian Patrol competition held last weekend. The MGS CCF team showcased a display of grit and determination, securing themselves one of the few prestigious Gold Awards presented at the event. The Cambrian Patrol, is the premier cadet competition and is based in the Brecon Beacons, the birthplace of the infantry, with a prime objective of testing cadets both physically and mentally. With teams from all over the UK competing against each other, the standards are high and demanding, and we are incredibly proud of our team's outstanding performance. Well done to all.

This week, Year 8 completes their End of Year Exams in lessons, marking their final chance to showcase their academic progress since Year 7, before they start their GCSE courses in September. We wish them the best in their exams.

In terms of career development, this Thursday, Year 10 students will receive a briefing from Mid Kent College about Post 16 options and careers during their assembly. This event complements our Careers Programme, which equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for succeeding in the world of work.

Similarly, our Year 9 students benefited from last week's Business Challenge, which culminated in them pitching innovative ideas and solutions to business leaders. We thank the local businesses that partnered with our students to complete this challenge: The Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside, Maidstone Leisure Centre, Maidstone Community Support Centre, Golding Homes, Fusion Maidstone HLC, and Mid Kent Mind. We also thank Alison Temple from Firebird Training for organising the event. Congratulations to the winners of this challenge: Ben W, Theo V B, Ethan W, and Sebastian F, all from Year 9 Corpus Christi House. Their Business Partner for this activity was Julie Herbert from Golding Homes. Well done to all.

Adding to our co-curricular activities, a Year 10 Theatre trip to Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End is scheduled for tomorrow. Such trips enrich our curriculum, often bringing to life the lessons learned in class.

On a different note, this Friday not only marks the end of term but also a non-uniform day, with a theme of "Wear something green" in support of Mental Health Foundation Awareness Week. Tonbridge House continues to lead on mental health awareness throughout May, building on our efforts from April's Autism Awareness Month. These events form an integral part of our curriculum, helping us to promote understanding and inclusivity.

We're also delighted to announce that Cucina has successfully retained the school meal contract for another three years, following a highly competitive tender process.

In relation to sport, congratulations to Daniel Jones (Old Maidstonian 2017) who has been selected to row for Great Britain at this Thursday's and Friday’s European Championships in Slovenia in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls. Since leaving MGS, Dan has actively continued with his love of the sport, rowing at university as well as training with the GB squad in Scotland. We are delighted for him and wish him well.

In relation to last week's sports fixtures, several matches played out with varying results. On Tuesday, our U14A football team put on an impressive performance, securing a 4-1 win in a friendly against Aylesford School. The following day, our Cricket 1st X1 played a friendly against The Canterbury Academy but, unfortunately, they weren't able to secure a victory.

Reflecting on last week’s County Athletics Championship, MGS placed a commendable 6th overall. Some of the standouts from the day include: Noah S (Y8 Corpus Christi House) placing 2nd in the Junior Shotput, Theo R (Y10 Corpus Christi House) winning the 800m inter-race, and Alan B (Year 10 Corpus Christi House) placing 3rd in the 1500m inter-race. Both our junior and inter 4 x100m relay teams came second in their respective races. Well done to all.

Looking ahead to this week's fixtures, today we have a cricket match between our U13A side and Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School at 2.30pm. Also this evening, our U14A football side will take part in the District Cup Football Final against Oakwood Park Grammar School, with an 6.30pm start at The Gallagher Stadium. Good luck to the staff and team, and fingers crossed for what is no doubt going to be an exciting final. Tomorrow, we will host a friendly cricket match between our 1st XI and Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School at 2pm, a U12A cricket match against Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in the Kent Plate, as well as an athletics meet featuring MGS Year 9 & 10 against Oakwood Park Grammar School at 2pm.

As I said at the start, there’s lots going on, and we wish our staff and students a restful break when they break for Half Term on Friday. Staff return for term 6 on Monday 5th June for Inset training, while students return on Tuesday 6th. In Term 6, GCSE and A-Level exams will continue alongside Year 7 exams, welcome events for next year’s Year 7 students, Extended Learning Week, UCAS Day, Induction Days for Year 6 and prospective Sixth Form students, and Sports Day, amongst many other exciting events. Until then, I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful break and some sunshine.

 Mr Hanratty

Tuesday 16 May 2023

Hello there, Mr Hanratty here. I will be the guest writer for the Headmaster's Blog for the next few weeks and I look forward to updating you on life here at MGS during this busy exam season. Yesterday marked the formal start of GCSE and A Level exams. The first one up was Year 11's GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1. After years of preparation, the time has come for Year 11 and Year 13 to show the world what they are truly capable of. We have every confidence in their abilities and know they will do their best. We wish Year 11 and Year 13 all the very best in their final preparations and look forward to celebrating their achievements on Results Day in August.

Last Friday, Year 13 donned their MGS uniforms once more, sparking nostalgia and marking their Leavers' Day. Celebrations included a Quad BBQ, photos, and heartfelt goodbyes. Year 11 also said their goodbyes last Tuesday. Both year groups sang the school song for the final time as year groups in their respective assemblies and there were tears.

The Year 8 End of Year Exams commence next week, in lessons. The boys are making their final preparations both in lessons and at home. This is the last opportunity for Year 8 to demonstrate how much they have learned and how far they have come since Year 7 and before they start their GCSE courses in September. We wish Year 8 the very best in their final preparations for the End of Year Exams.

Yesterday, our Year 12 students returned to school after two weeks of UCAS exams and study leave. They are now the most senior students in the school, and those that younger year groups will look up to as role models. Year 12 students have all the potential to be great leaders and sources of inspiration for the other year groups. I’m confident that they will lead the way. Yes, they have big shoes to fill in the absence of Year 13, but I know they will carve their own path and lead with pride as the oldest students at the school. They have shown resilience and commitment throughout the year, and I have no doubt they will step up to the challenge and set a fantastic example for the Lower School.

Starting tomorrow and for the rest of the week, all Year 9 students will be off timetable to engage in a Business Challenge Activity, organised in conjunction with the Firebird Training organisation. They will work in teams with local business partners who will set them a business challenge.

We have several exciting sports fixtures lined up this week. Today, our U14A football team will be facing off against Aylesford School at 2.30pm. Tomorrow is packed with activities - first with athletics where our Year 7 & 8 team is competing against Oakwood Park Grammar School, and our Year 7 to 11 team is competing against Tonbridge. The day will be capped off with a 2.30pm cricket match between our 1st XI and The Canterbury Academy. On Thursday, our U13B cricket team will play against Maplesden Noakes School's at 3.30pm. To round off the week, on Friday our 1st XI cricket team will compete against Kings Rochester at 4pm.

Reflecting on last week's fixtures, our 1st XI cricket team played a friendly match against Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School on Wednesday, though we didn't secure a win. A massive congratulations to our Year 10 football squad for Thursday night’s 2-1 win against Aylesford School in the District Cup Final at the Gallagher Stadium. Alan B (Year 10 Corpus Christi House) delivered an outstanding performance to be named Man of the Match. We're extremely proud of this achievement and I’m sure there are many more to come for these players.

As we progress through these busy weeks of exams, we remind our students about the importance of self-care and mutual support. We hold pride in each one of our students, and we're confident they will do their best in their exams. If you have the opportunity, do encourage them and remind them of their capabilities. After all, they've got this!

Mr Hanratty

Tuesday 9 May 2023

This week year 12 students continue with their UCAS examinations with students from years 11 and 13 making their final preparations before their examinations begin next week. With these GCSE and A Level examinations just around the corner we say goodbye to a number of students as they move from being a Maidstonian to an Old Maidstonian. Leaving MGS is a special moment for many students, and the singing of the School Song is the highlight. There will be tears. Best wishes to all leaving students and good luck to them in their forthcoming examinations.

Since returning to school following the Easter holiday the cricket season has had mixed fortunes. Both the weather and some of the results have been challenging to manage, but we did see a win against The Judd School last week.  Let us hope the season continues in this vein.

Tuesday 2 May 2023

I hope you all had a good bank holiday weekend, and due to the King’s Coronation, we have another one to look forward to next weekend.  We could all get used to these four-day weeks!  To acknowledge the King’s Coronation we will be flying the Union Flag on top of the Gatehouse and we will be serving some coronation-themed food in the Refectory.  Enjoy the next long weekend.

From today, the summer season of examinations begins.  Year 12, for the next two weeks, will be completing their UCAS examinations.  These will be followed by six weeks of A Level and GCSE examinations.  A lot of work has gone on from both staff and students to reach this point, so good luck to everyone, and let us hope the hard work pays off.

On Wednesday this week I will be joined by five representatives from the MGS community, including governors, staff and students as we enjoy food served up from three companies who are tendering for the school meals’ contract.  I always look forward to this day!

Tuesday 25 April 2023

Yesterday we welcomed back the year 12 geographers and geography staff who had been away in Dorset for four days last week completing their A Level geography fieldwork.  From memory of my own geography fieldwork, I hope they managed to gather all the information they needed, and did not get too wet collecting it.

At the weekend a small number of students from years 10 and 11 took part in the DofE Silver Practice Expedition in and around the Tunbridge Wells and Ashdown Forest area.  They had an enjoyable few days and learnt a few things in preparation for their assessed expedition later in the year.  Thank you to Ms Adams and Ms Alloy for supporting them all.

On Wednesday this week we welcome the parents of our new Maidstonians who will be joining MGS in September.  The Year 6 Welcome Evening is the beginning of the transition from primary school to MGS, and so we look forward to welcoming the boys and their parents at the start of their seven-year journey.  Also at that event it has become customary to welcome in the new prefect team who will lead the student body for the next 12 months.  Rafe and Jess, the new school captain and school vice-captain, will officially begin their roles after Ethan and Sam, the current incumbents, ring HMS Maidstone’s Bell signifying the end of their 12-month tenure.  I am sure there will be a few tears.

In contrast to the Year 6 Welcome Evening, on Thursday this week we begin the process of saying goodbye to our oldest Maidstonians as they move to become Old Maidstonians.  Year 13 will be gathered together for the official leavers’ photograph: a photograph that I am sure many will want to cherish.  Following this photograph, and over the next couple of weeks, there will be an assembly to talk about becoming an Old Maidstonian as well as Leavers’ Day itself, when we officially say goodbye to the cohort.  But, before these students really step into their new lives, there is the small matter of their A Level examinations!

Finally, I would like to congratulate Mr Hughes, head of College House, who successfully completed the London Marathon at the weekend in a time of 4 hours and 7 minutes in support of the British Heart Foundation.  Well done Mr Hughes.

Tuesday 18 April 2023

HM Blog - Tuesday 18 April 2023

Welcome to the first blog of the new term; I hope you all had a good Easter break and that you were able to dodge the many April showers that we experienced.

Before I look ahead to this week, I just want to update you with a couple of pieces of charity news that we received right at the end of the term, to acknowledge the three wonderful performances of Shrek: The Musical, and to reflect on the funeral for Harrison, which took place on Wednesday 12 April. 

On Friday 17 March, we had a charity day to acknowledge both Comic Relief and Maidstone Mind.  Across the day, we raised over £1700, which will now be divided equally between the two charities.  As well as this, on Wednesday 29 March, we staged a staff vs. students touch rugby match to help raise more money for the British Heart Foundation.  Just at that one event we raised over £150, which will now be added to the money that we raised on the charity day back in January when Mr Hughes, head of College House, ran 30 miles during the day.  Thank you to everyone who supported both the charity day and the rugby match. 

In performing arts news, I wish to thank the cast and crew for putting on three glorious performances of Shrek: The Musical.  Over 70 students and staff were involved with this year’s production, and what we got on those three nights in March was truly amazing.  Thank you to everyone who came along to support, and thank you Mrs Brooks and Mr Bourne for leading the cast and crew since September.  A big thumbs up from the MGS community.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the very sad day last week of Harrison’s funeral.  Over 40 members of the MGS community joined Harrison’s family and friends to pay tribute to Harrison and to remember his life.  I was so proud to see fellow Maidstonians embrace and offer support of each other, and show Harrison’s family that Harrison was a popular and kind young man who will be sadly missed.  A memorial assembly will be taking place next week.

This week we see the return of the Easter Ski Trip and Easter Classics Trip and the departure of a number of geographers from Year 12 who are going on the Geography Field Trip.  I hope the skiers return with no injuries and that the geographers have good weather to complete their fieldwork. 

Tuesday 28 March 2023

Welcome to the last blog of the Spring Term. 

This week, to end the term with a bang, we are going to enjoy three performances of this year’s production of Shrek: The Musical.  Over 70 students, supported by a number of members of staff, have been working hard since September to be in the position this week to stage the production.  This is one the biggest cast and crew team MGS has put together, so a huge thank you to Mrs Brooks and Mr Bourne for leading the entire ensemble.  Good luck and break a leg.

As well as Shrek this week, we are also staging a staff vs students sport event that will see old and young legs compete against each other for the most important prize: bragging rights!  Students always relish members of staff making a fool of themselves, so some unfit bodies running round the all-weather pitch one day this week will certainly give the students something to laugh about.  Thank you to my colleagues who have offered to take part.

Over the weekend, we enjoyed three events where we saw Old Maidstonians return to their school.  On Friday, the Hall was packed with over 70 former students who enjoyed an evening of good food and company at the annual Old Maidstonian Supper.  This was then followed the next day with the Old Maidstonain Sports Day: a day where former and current students enjoy the company of each other, playing either football or rugby together.  Then on Monday, we welcomed last year’s Year 13 to receive their A Level certificates at the A Level Certificate Presentation Evening.  It is always good having former students return to their school.

Finally, after another rewarding term, I wish you all a pleasant Spring break.

Tuesday 21 March 2023

It has been humbling to see how the MGS community has pulled together since hearing the news of the tragic death of a fellow Maidstonian last week. Our focus over the last 10 days has been to support each other and ourselves as we all come to terms with what happened. People have phenomenal capacity, and that has been evident all around the school.

Last Friday was another example of this, when we held a charity day to acknowledge Comic Relief. It was decided this year to split the money between Comic Relief and Maidstone Mind; and during the day sixth form students took park in a 300km rowathon as well as selling hundreds of cakes to the hungry masses. Thank you to everyone who took park and helped organise the day.

Last Friday we also welcomed back an Old Maidstonian who left here in 1978. He had kindly supported the resourcing of the new MFL department - a project that was completed last summer. His support at that time was greatly appreciated; it has already gone a long way to make a positive impact on the teaching of languages at MGS. Thank you.

At the weekend a number of the Royal Navy cadets had a wonderful time at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.  Whilst there they were trained to run a field gun, took small boats out onto the River Dart, learnt life-saving and man over board techniques in the pool, played water polo, and performed PLT’s on the low rope course.  Thank you to Mr Pinn and Miss Alloy for accompanying the cadets.

This week parents of year 13 students get to hear how their children are getting on at the Year 13 Parents' Evening. It is just under two months before the A Level examinations begin, so this parents' evening is an opportunity to hear what now needs to be done during this final push. 

Finally, this week, we welcome more Old Maidstonians back to MGS to attend the annual Old Maidstonian Supper. It takes place on Friday 24 March in the Big Hall, and is always a lovely occasion when seeing former students return to their old school to reconnect with one another. Shared memories, familiar faces, good food and the singing of the School Song will all be enjoyed throughout the evening.

Tuesday 14 March 2023

We started the week with the sad news of the death of a member of our school community.  The entire school has been deeply saddened by the sudden death of a fellow Maidstonian, and our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family and friends at this time. 

On other matters, on Tuesday and Wednesday this week we will be interviewing for of a new deputy head.  Mr R Ferguson will be leaving MGS at the end of the academic year to take up his first headship position, and so over the last couple of weeks we have been in the process of finding his replacement.  That process ends this week as we interview the shortlisted candidates and hopefully appoint.  With a deputy head position it is important to gauge a variety of views, so joining me in the interview process will be a number of governors, staff and of course, students.  Thank you to everyone who is taking part in the process.

On Friday, MGS will be supporting Comic Relief in the usual way.  Students and staff will be allowed to dress down for the day; cakes will be sold throughout the day made by a team of students; and the prefect teams of Year 12 and Year 13 will be competing against each other in an all-day rowathon.  Thank you in advance to everyone who will be supporting the day.

Tuesday 7 March 2023

This week it is the turn of Year 9 to complete a set of examinations. After six months of studying for their GCSEs, it is a good time for Year 9 to understand where they are and what they need to be doing going forward. Good luck Year 9. 

Tomorrow is the Year 11 Parents' Evening.  Following the Year 11 mock examinations a couple of weeks ago it is a chance for the parents to hear about how their children are getting on and what they now need to do in these last few weeks of school. I am sure the evening will be a positive one for many; but I am also sure it will be a nudge for others!

Congratulations once again to the senior hockey squad who won their fourth consecutive match last week against a tough Langley School, maintaining their 100% record this season. Good job everyone. 

On Sunday, a few of the RAF cadets took part in the final of the prestigious RAF Air Squadron Trophy. In the past we have won the trophy, so the expectations on the cadets were high. Sadly the cadets did not place, but they did come second in the Command Task, being beaten by only one point.  Thank you to the staff who supported the cadets.

Over the last few weeks, the rugby players have been returning to school after doing well at the numerous Rugby 7s tournaments that take place this time of year. Beating schools such as Dartford Grammar School and The Judd School are significant wins, and are examples that illustrate how MGS Rugby has progressed over the last few years. Well done to everyone involved, and good luck to the senior players who take part in the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s im a couple of weeks.

Finally, I had the absolute pleasure last week in inviting Rafe Lamb and Jessica Riedl to be next year's school captain and school vice-captain. After a rigorous application and interview process, involving 25 applicants and eight shortlisted candidates, these two students demonstrated the qualities that were need to do well in the roles. Congratulations to them both, and well done to the other six shortlisted candidates who did themselves proud.

 

Tuesday 28 February 2023

Following last week’s school captain and school vice-captain interviews, I am delighted to announce that Rafe Lamb and Jess Riedl, both of Year 12, will be taking on the respective roles for the 2023-24 academic year.  Congratulations to them both, and well done to the other shortlisted candidates who did extremely well reaching the final eight. 

Congratulations must also go to the MGS Senior Hockey Squad who won their third game of the season beating Ashford School 5:0.  That is a 100% record so far.  Well done to the players and thank you to Mrs Cook for supporting them.

This week it is the turn of for year 13 students to complete their second set of mock examinations.  With only three months before the A-Level examinations, this set of mock examinations marks the beginning of the ‘business end of the year’.  Good luck to them all, and let us hope the revision for the summer is well underway!

 

Tuesday 21 February 2023

Welcome back to school and to Term 4; I hope you had a good half term break. 

Firstly, I would like to thank the entire school community for supporting the non-uniform day that we had on Friday 10 February in aid of the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.  Since that day we have watched the story unfold, seeing images of both hope and despair of the many millions of people who have been impacted.  Thank you MGS.

We return to school this week with three weeks of internal examinations.  Years 11 and 13 go through another set of mock examinations following their first set before Christmas, and Year 9 complete their examinations during the second week of March.  Good luck to them all.

It is at this time of year when I spend a couple of days interviewing candidates for next year’s school captain and school vice-captain roles. This week I am interviewing eight shortlisted candidates from an original group of 25 applicants to see who will take over from Ethan and Sam from April.  I will announce the two successful candidates in next week’s blog.

Tuesday 7 February 2023

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who attended the MGS Parents’ Association Quiz Night last Friday.  Fun was had by all, with the Hudson family beating the Senior Leadership Team by one point!  Congratulations to the Hudson family.  A huge thank you must go to the Parents’ Association, the sixth form helpers, and to Mrs Friend for supporting the event.

I would also like to congratulate College House for their charity day which I mentioned in last week’s blog.  The charity day on Friday 26 January was for the British Heart Foundation, and after adding up all the money a total of over £2600 was raised.  Well done to College House, and to Mr Hughes, Miss Dimmick and the College House prefects for their efforts.

But a huge congratulations must go to the Senior Hockey Squad who played their first game last Wednesday in over 15 years.  Not only was it their first game, it was also their first win, beating Gravesend Grammar School 4 – 3.  Well done to the players and thank you Mr Saunders and Mrs Cook for training them.

Yesterday, parents of year 12 students attended our UCAS Information Evening: an evening to learn more about the UCAS process that will begin in earnest very soon.  Thank you for coming, and I hope that the evening was informative.

This week we enjoy the Upper School Spelling Bee where our senior students compete against each other to find the best speller amongst them.  Good luck to everyone who is taking part; and thank you to Miss Wilson for once again organising the competition.

Wednesday is another evening for parents, but this time for parents of Year 8 at the Year 8 Parents’ Evening.  It is at this time of the year when year 8 students begin the process of choosing their options, and so Wednesday’s parents’ evening is suitably positioned to help parents and students make informed choices.

And, on Friday, a group of students in years 7 and 8 fly out to Italy to have a long weekend learning more about Pompeii and what life was like for Romans when Pompeii was destroyed in the eruption of Mt Vesuvius.  I am sure they will have wonderful time.  Thank you to Ms Adams for organising the trip. 

Tuesday 31 January 2023

I write this blog from Boston, Massachusetts whilst accompanying 24 students at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference.  Once again, the experience of attending such an event was truly incredible. The students debated world issues on a world stage with 4000 other students from across 60+ other countries. It was an absolute pleasure seeing them do their thing; an experience they will never forget.  Thank you to Mrs Van Mol for organising the trip and supporting the students over the last four months, and thank you to Miss Alloy for joining us both.

Continuing my thanks, I wish to also thank members of the Senior Leadership Team for looking after MGS whilst I was away, and Mr Hughes, Miss Dimmick and College House for organising last week’s charity day.  Even though I could not attend, the day went extremely well, which included Mr Hughes running 30 miles on a treadmill - helping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.  Thank you College House and well done Mr Hughes.

This week we look ahead to February and LGBTQ+ History Month.  Throughout February we will be flying the rainbow flag on top of the gatehouse as well as putting on a number of events to raise the profile of this very important issue.  It all begins with my assemblies highlighting the history behind the Month.  

On Friday we see the return of the February Parents’ Association Quiz Night.  Due to Covid we had to cancel the 2021 one, and last year the event moved to the summer.  Once again I am quizmaster, and this year’s theme is the number 10.  Do come along.  Doors open at 7pm, with the quiz starting at 7.30pm.

 

Tuesday 24 January 2023

Hello there, Mr Hanratty here.

I am delighted to be the guest author of the Headmaster's blog this week. As you may already know, the Headmaster is attending the prestigious Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston, where 24 of our senior students are representing MGS and also have the honour of representing Ukraine at the event. This is a remarkable achievement for the school, as we are the only UK school attending the conference, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff.

While the conference is the main focus of the trip, students and staff are also taking the opportunity to explore New York. They will be experiencing American culture and immersing themselves in the diverse and vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Do follow our social media feeds for updates and photos from the trip.

Congratulations to our Senior 1^st XI Football Squad who made history last week by winning the East Kent Premier Division with a game in hand, and going undefeated all season! This is a remarkable achievement that showcases the talent, determination and teamwork of the players, and the support and guidance of our PE Department, and their coach Mr Hughes. This victory is the first in over a decade for the school, and has made the entire school community proud of their achievement.

Last week's Post 16 Open Evening and Open Mornings were a great success. Our sixth form prefects went above and beyond in their roles as tour guides and representatives of the school, and Amelia L (Y12 Tonbridge House) and Lucy S (Y13 College House) did themselves and the school proud in their presentations to our guests at the Open Evening. It is not easy speaking to such large audiences and both Amelia and Lucy did a great job! The events truly highlighted the strong sense of community that exists within the school, and it was inspiring to hear our students and staff speak with pride and passion about the school. These events remind us of why MGS is such a special and unique place to study and work.

Last week, several of our scheduled football and basketball fixtures were postponed. Outside of our Senior 1^st XI Football Squad’s historic 3-2 win against Norton Knatchbull Grammar School, our U14A side had a 3-2 loss against Oakwood Park Grammar School in the Kent Cup and our U15A side had a 1-0 loss in a friendly against Skinner's School. This week, our U15A basketball side has a friendly against NTC, our U16A basketball side has a friendly against Beth's Grammar School, our 2^nd XI side has a league match against Aylesford School, our 1^st XV side has a friendly against Ravens Wood School and the U15A football side has a Kent Cup match against Holmesdale Technical College. Good luck to all those participating in fixtures this week! 

This Friday, College House is organising a Charity Day event to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. The event will feature a cake sale, a re-gifting shop stall, a teacher talent show, and a non-uniform day. Additionally, our Head of College House, Mr Hughes, will be attempting to run 30 miles on a treadmill in Piccadilly on Friday to raise funds. He will also be participating in the London Marathon to support the cause. The school community is excited for this upcoming event and is looking forward to raising money for a good cause.

Tomorrow is an important date for our Year 13 students as it marks the UCAS application deadline. This serves as a reminder of how quickly the academic year is progressing and how soon the exam season will be upon us. Our school motto, ‘Olim Meminisse Juvabit’, reminds us that the hard work put in now will pay off in the future when students look back on their time here. As the exams approach, it is crucial for students to stay focused and motivated, knowing that the outcome will be worth it in the end.

Do have a read of next week’s blog, in which the Headmaster will share his experiences and insights from the Harvard trip. Until then, take care and have a good week.

Tuesday 17 January 2023

Firstly, congratulations to Corpus Christi netball players who won last week’s Inter-House Mixed Netball Competition.  There was a fantastic turnout for the competition, with all four houses well represented and over 35 sixth form students taking part.  Many of the students had never played netball before, but learned quickly and gave their all for their team.  It was also pleasing to see many supporters, lining the court and giving encouragement to those playing, after school had finished. 

Last week we received some pleasing news after an application we made to the Woodland Trust for some new tree saplings.  We have been given 30 new tree and hedge saplings that will help contribute to our green agenda as well as improve the aesthetics of the school site.  We will receive them in March and look to galvanise the students to help plant them.

This week the Year 10 exams, that started last week, continue.  These exams are not only helping the students, parents and us understand where the students are, they also illustrate to the students how examinations work and what the regulations are.  So far, so good.

The main feature of this week is the Post 16 Open Evening, which takes place on Thursday, and the accompanying Post 16 Open Mornings, taking place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  At these events we will be welcoming our own year 11 students and parents as well as many other students and their families from other schools to see if they wish to consider MGS for the sixth form.  The open mornings are appointment only, but the evening event is open door.  Doors open at 4.30pm.

Finally, good luck to the Senior 1^st XI Football Squad who play Norton Knatchbull School in the Kent league on Wednesday.  The game is away, and if they win, we win the Kent league for the first time for over 10 years.  Best wishes to the players and to their coach, Mr Hughes.

Tuesday 10 January 2023

Happy New Year and welcome to my first blog of 2023.  I hope you all had a good Christmas and a well-deserved break.

We returned last week to a three-day week and the tail end of the formal Christmas period.  Normally we look forward to the year ahead and have Christmas behind us, but with the need to postpone the Christmas meal that many students purchased to enjoy in December, the start of the new term had a festive element to it.  It was so good seeing the students enjoy their meals together and wearing their Christmas Crowns, even if it was January.  Thank you to Cucina, our food provider, for putting on a good spread.

Last week we also saw the 1^st XI senior football squad beat Harvey Grammar School 6 - 1 to produce a deciding match against Norton Knatchbull next week to determine who wins the Kent league. The squad has had an excellent season to date, not losing a match in nine games, and so excitement is brewing because MGS has not won the senior league for over 10 years. Good luck boys.

Friday last week we welcomed over 30 families into the school at the first Post 16 Open Evening. Our own sixth form students guided the families around the school to see a typical day at MGS. Three more open mornings take place next week.

Finally this week, year 10 students complete a set of examinations that mark halfway in their GCSE studies. We wish them all well.