HT Blog - Tuesday 17 December 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 17 December 2024

Welcome to my last blog of not only 2024 but of Maidstone Grammar School’s 475^th birthday year.  Following the end of this term we officially leave the year of our 475^th birthday and begin a new one.  We have, together, been reminded of our special association we have for this school and the special connection we have with our fellow Maidstonians.  I hope Maidstone Grammar School has enjoyed its birthday year just as much as we have.

But before we say goodbye to 2024 there is still this week to finish.  On Friday last week, thanks to Tonbridge House, we all enjoyed the annual Christmas-themed Charity Day.  A variety of different activities took place throughout the day with a sum of just under £1700 being raised for Save the Children, well done to all involved in organising the day.  Following the day, a large crowd of Maidstonians gathered under the floodlights to watch the MGS Senior XI Football Squad play The Judd School in the National Cup.  The atmosphere was amazing - with the result going our way, beating The Judd School 3 – 0.  This means we are now one of 16 remaining teams still in the competition.  Huge congratulations to the Squad and thank you to Mr Hughes for guiding the players to reach this point.  Following the match the Big Hall was transformed into a festival venue as a number of musicians from across the staff and students took part in the Battle of the Bands event. Huge thanks to Mr Martin who not only performed with his band but organised the entire event.  It certainly was a good day to be a Maidstonian.

Also, at the weekend the last Saturday rugby fixture took place against Ravenswood School.  There were mixed fortunes across the different squads, but the 1^st XV managed to secure a win, beating Ravenswood School 7 – 5.  Well done to them.  Whilst our rugby players were out representing their school, the Navy cadets were spending the weekend at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth and a group of younger students travelled to Cologne to enjoy the Christmas market.  They all had a fantastic time and thank you to the staff who accompanied both trips.

This week many of the students and staff will be enjoying their Christmas lunch served by the staff of Cucina.  It is always a popular occasion, and with the sound of pulling crackers and the sight of paper hats, the meal is always well received.  Thank you to Cucina for preparing it for us.

Also, this week I deliver my last Christmas assembly to Tonbridge and Barton Houses.  Since last week I have been sharing with everyone my thoughts on the last term and saying goodbye to leaving staff as well as hearing from the School Captain and School Vice-Captain on their thoughts on the upcoming festive period. 

Finally, William in Year 11 and College House has just regained his title of National Junior Champion in the electric kart series Global Karting League for 2024. This meant that he has gained a fully funded place in the 2025 season.  Huge congratulations William.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and peaceful New Year.  See you in 2025.

HT Blog - Tuesday 10 December 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 10 December 2024

Firstly, I must praise and give thanks to the brave rugby payers and staff who braved the dreadful conditions of Storm Darragh at the weekend.  Fortunately, I found shelter in the dug-out, but the players, coaches and referees all suffered the challenging conditions for the pride of their school.  A weekend we won’t quickly forget.

Yesterday we welcomed parents of Year 12 to attend our annual GCSE Certificate Presentation Afternoon.  It is an event where we issue Year 12 with their GCSE certificates and recognise their hard work and academic achievements from last year.  The students now need to look after them as those certificates will be needed in their futures.

Also yesterday, a number of parents spent an enjoyable evening together at the MGS Parents’ Association Christmas Wreath Making event.  At the start of the evening the school refectory floor was covered in Christmas-themed foliage, but by the end, every parent took away with them a hand-crafted wreath fit for any front door.  Thank you to the Parents’ Association and to Mrs Hudson for leading the event.

This week I begin delivering my Christmas assemblies to each house.  Over the next two weeks I will be speaking with each house and sharing with them my thoughts on the term that has passed and looking ahead to next year.  Joining me will be the School Captain and School Vice-Captain who will also share a few words of their own about the upcoming festivities.

On Friday this week we have three big events: the Christmas Jumper charity day led by Tonbridge House; the Band Evening; and the MGS vs. The Judd School 1^st XI football match as part of the National Cup.  The Christmas-themed charity day where we invite Maidstonians to wear a Christmas jumper has become a well-established event in the MGS calendar, but as well as the wearing of festive jumpers, this year a number of school bands (including a staff band) will be performing on stage in the Big Hall in front of an excitable audience.  Following the day, some of those same bands will be performing at our Band Evening to a larger audience of rock lovers; and just before that our senior football players take on The Judd School in the all-important match in the National Cup.  The match is at home and will be under the floodlights of the all-weather pitch, which always makes for an exciting event. Good luck to the players.

Huge congratulations to Dexter of Year 11 and Corpus Christi House who last week received the fantastic news that he has been selected for the GB Gymnastic Top Squad for 2025.  This is a wonderful opportunity for him to represent Great Britain!

Finally, well done to Tonbridge House who won the first Battle of the Houses Quiz that took place last Thursday.  100 house points go to them.  Thank you, Mr Holmes, for organising the event and acting as quizmaster. 

Tuesday 2 December 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 2 December 2024

I cannot believe we have already reached the month of December.  The Christmas tree is up in the Big Hall, and we are beginning to make plans for the end of term.  But before we break for the Christmas holiday there are still three weeks to go.

This week Year 8 take part in two days of activities to begin thinking about what they might be interested in doing after they leave school.  I am sure, like me, the students have very little idea of what they want to do in the future, but the work they will be doing over these two days will help them consider what their strengths are and what they might like to study at GCSE.

Yesterday we welcomed again students and their families from outside MGS who are considering joining the school in the sixth form.  This open morning follows the two we had last week as well as the Post 16 Open Evening we had last Thursday.  At that evening event many people wandered the corridors of MGS to get an idea of what we do and how special it is being a Maidstonian.  Thank you to the many staff and students who shared their pride for their school with our guests.

On Thursday we are hosting a new house competition: Battle of the Houses Quiz.  Students across the four houses will be pipped against each other in a series of general knowledge rounds to see which house comes out on top.  Good luck to them all and thank you to the competitors for taking part and the staff for compiling the questions.

Tuesday 26 November 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 26 November 2024

Following on from my comment in last week’s blog, I now am able to share the total raised at the recent BBC Children in Need charity day.  Putting together the non-uniform gate contributions, the cake sales, and the donations for the 24-hour sportathon, this year we raised a total of £2,415.72.  Huge congratulations to everyone and thank you again for everyone who took part. 

Congratulations to Dexter of Year 11 and Corpus Christi House who competed for England in the 2024 Artistic Gymnastics Austrian Future Cup.  Dexter performed brilliantly, securing silver in the Pommel and bronze in the Rings.  Well done Dexter.

Both last Wednesday and yesterday, MGS rugby squads took to the field to play Worth School in two National Cup matches.  The first match last Wednesday was another ‘under the floodlight’ game for the senior players.  Sadly, they lost 31 – 20, but they put up a really good fight to keep the scoreline close.  Yesterday the U15 players played the same school in their respective match, but this time away at the Worth School itself.  Sadly, we lost 17 – 12, but again, the fight and passion from the players, particularly near the end, was certainly something to see.

This week year 11 students return to normal lessons following their mock examinations but now have to wait a few weeks for them to be marked, moderated and graded.  Results will be released on Wednesday 18 December, so not too long to wait.

This week we also open our doors and welcome the wider MGS and Maidstone community to attend our Post 16 Opening Mornings and Post 16 Open Evening.  The mornings provide an opportunity to see the school at work, whereas the evening provides an opportunity to talk with students and staff about A-levels in more detail and to hear from key staff about what life is like for a Maidstonian.

On Wednesday we welcome the BBC to MGS to share their BBC Bitesize initiative with a group of students.  Over the course of the day students from across a number of different years will hear from representatives from the BBC about how BBC Bitesize can help, and how the BBC is funding new developments in how it supports education.  I am sure it will be interesting.  Also, on Wednesday the senior football squads play The Harvey Grammar School in their weekly fixture, which will be followed on Friday and Saturday with the rugby squads playing the always-strong Dartford Grammar School.  Good luck to all the footballers and rugby players.

Tuesday 19 November 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 19 November 2024

Firstly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the College Pastoral and Prefect Team for putting on last Friday’s Children in Need charity day.  What with the rowathon, the jumble sale, the cake sale, and guess the weight of a student, there was much for everyone to enjoy.  Alongside these, and the usual non-uniform gate collection, a number of staff and students also took part in a 24-hour sportathon which saw Mr Williams from Student Services play a variety of sports throughout the day and night.  Well done Mr Williams and thank you to everyone who supported him.

This week the Year 11 mock exams continue into their second week with many more exams still to complete.  Following numerous conversations with Year 11, the exams seem to have gone well so far with the usual ‘some good’ and ‘some not so good’ comments.  Continued good luck to Year 11.

Also, this week the entire student body will be shown the recently produced MGS 475 film that was commissioned last year to commemorate the school’s birthday year.  It was filmed and directed by Chris Haywood, Old Maidstonian and 2020-21 school captain, who back in April spent a week in school filming the school and interviewing numerous students and members of staff to capture life at MGS in 2024.  It is a beautifully crafted piece of film which I know will be received positively.

Three of our year 13 students Theo, Rafe and Emir recently took place in a coding competition completing the task in a sixth of the allocated time.  The organisers contacted the school to pass on their comments about the exceptional efficiency, combined with the quality of the students’ solutions, speaking volumes of the students’ technical capabilities and problem-solving acumen.  Thank you to these students for representing the school in such a positive way - a testament to the values of Maidstonians. 

Tuesday 12 November 2024

 

HT Blog - Tuesday 12 November 2024

Firstly, can I thank the staff and student helpers as well as Mrs Hudson and the MGS Parents’ Association for Saturday’s firework display.  This annual event has grown into one of the biggest community events MGS puts on, and it is with the help from everyone that allows it to go ahead.  The weather conditions were ideal for a November day, and with the food, music, and of course the fireworks themselves, it made for an enjoyable evening.  Thank you again, and thank you to everyone who came along to enjoy.

Also, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate both the 1^st and 2^nd XV rugby squads who played under the floodlights on Friday evening against Sutton Valence School.  Due to the fireworks and the need to set things up on the Saturday morning, it has become customary to play the annual fixture on the Friday night instead of the usual Saturday morning.  Both squads won their respective matches, and what made it more of an occasion, there was a large crowd of spectators who came along to watch. Thank you to those spectators and to the staff who made the evening a success.  As for the Saturday morning fixture, the U15 rugby squad also beat Sutton Valence School 17 – 14, which means we won all home matches against one of our closest schools.  Well done all.

This week the year 11 mock exams begin in earnest.  Over the next two weeks year 11 students will complete examinations in all of their subjects to provide them with a clear indication of how they have progressed and what they need to do in the coming months.  Good luck to them all.

Yesterday the MGS community came together to acknowledge the two-minutes silence at 11 o’clock to remember those fallen Old Maidstonians who lost their lives in conflict or who died during military service.  The theme for this year’s Remembrance Service was to remember those former students who died during WWII in Asia, particularly recognising Lieutenant Giovanni Arrigoni, who died in February 1944 serving in Burma.  Associated with this, I also wish to thank the 50 or so cadets and staff volunteers who represented MGS at the Remembrance Parade in Maidstone on Sunday. 

Also, yesterday four year 13 students took part in the south east regional heat of the English Speaking Union Schools Mace.  The students competed against St Edmunds School, Sutton Valence School and Dover Grammar School for Girls, and over four debates across the afternoon the MGS students successfully progressed to the next round.  Well done, and thank you Mr Andrews for accompanying them.

Today and Thursday, Year 7 and a few students from Year 12 are visiting Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire to understand more about what work went on there during the WWII.  This trip has been taking place for almost 10 years now, and it not only has an educational purpose, it also forms another occasion when our newest Maidstonians can get to know more of each other.  A huge thank you to Mr Gokool and Mrs Ridgeway for leading the trip.

Tuesday 5 November 2024

Welcome back to school and to the start of Term 2.  Here we are in November already, and whilst Americans vote in the US election, we begin the process of supporting year 11 students with their thoughts and ideas of life beyond GCSE.  Last night we welcomed parents of Year 11 to attend our Year 11 Information Evening: an evening where parents understand how we guide their children through the next couple of months as they consider what they want to do.  Part of that process are the upcoming Year 11 mock exams that start next week.  These mock exams will form part of what Year 11 will use to help them identify what their strengths are what they may wish to consider studying at A-level.  Good luck to Year 11 over the coming weeks.

On Saturday we can all look forward to enjoying a fine fireworks display put on by the MGS Parents’ Association.  Yes, this annual event always proves to be a popular one with many from the school and wider school community coming together to enjoy.  Thank you in advance to the many helpers who make the event possible, particularly Mrs Hudson, who continues to support MGS in her capacity as chairman of the Parents’ Association.

Finally, I would like to thank the many members of the school community who joined together just under two weeks ago at the 11+ Open Evening.  We opened our doors to the wider community on Thursday 25 October to welcome those potential Maidstonians and their families to see what life is like at MGS.  It was once again a very busy and popular evening with many positive comments being shared with us.  A huge thank you to the School Captain and School-Vice Captain for organising the prefects and many student helpers.

Tuesday 22 October 2024

Welcome to my last blog of Term 1 – I cannot believe it is eight weeks since we started the new academic year back at the start of September.  Firstly, I would like to thank the year 7 guides, sixth form prefects and all the staff for their contributions to yesterday's and last week’s 11+ Open Mornings.  Many prospective students and their families came round the school to see what we do and get an understanding of what it is like being a Maidstonian.  The big day for MGS is however this Thursday when those same families visit the school once more and attend the 11+ Opening Evening.  Usually, over 1000 people come round the school on the night to see more of what we do and hear from me about what life is like being associated to MGS.  Thank you in advance for everyone associated with the school and the contributions they will make.

Last Thursday after school I had the pleasure of enjoying the U16 football match where we beat Tunbridge Wells Grammar School 4 – 2 on penalties.  At full-time it was 1 – 1, and so the gathered crowd, as well as the players and coaches, had to endure a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out between the two teams.  Fortunately, we came out the winners, mainly due to the two fantastic saves by Spencer, the U16 goalkeeper.  Well done to the entire squad.

Also, well done to the senior rugby players who came through a difficult Saturday rugby fixture against Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School.  Both the 1^st and 2^nd XV squads won their respective matches, but did cause the watching fans to go through a few tense periods when we were up against it.  Good job boys.

Tuesday 15 October 2024

I must start this blog by recognising and acknowledging the amazing camaraderie and support seen right across the school during last week’s Ofsted inspection.  I was in my office on Monday morning when the phone call came in, and straight away the school rose to the occasion and stepped up to show the inspectors the many reasons why being associated with this school is very special.  The feedback from the inspectors was incredibly humbling to hear, and the views from staff, students and parents were extremely positive.  Thank you everyone for what ended up being a very positive experience.

Well done to the 1^st and 2^nd XV rugby squads who beat Cranbrook School at the weekend.  It was a fine display of rugby, and it was made even better with a few Old Maidstonians making the journey back to MGS to watch their fellow Maidstonians.  Thank you to the staff who continue to support the players.

This week is the beginning of a two-week period where we open our doors to the wider community and invite them in to see what we do. Thursday is the first of two Year 5 & 6 Open Mornings that we are holding before we break up for the October half term.  Prospective Maidstonians and their parents will be coming round the school and getting a taste of what life is like at MGS.  Thank you in advance to the prefects and year 7 students who will be acting as guides.

Also, this week we are going to be enjoying an evening of performance at the MGS Autumn Showcase.  Many of our budding musicians and actors will take to the stage and offer the audience a variety of performances that I am sure they will enjoy.  Do come along on Wednesday at 6.30pm.  Thank you to Mrs Brooks, Mr Bourne and Mrs Edwards for supporting the students over the last few weeks whilst they rehearsed.

Tuesday 8 October 2024

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Owen of Year 13 and Barton House who, over the last few days, has been competing in the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in South Africa.  I am delighted to say that he achieved second place in the 93kg Junior category securing a silver medal.  Owen has been weightlifting for a few years now, and to be selected to compete for England in the Championships was an achievement in itself, but to win a silver medal illustrates not only his ability but his commitment to the sport.  Well done Owen - we are very proud of you.

At the weekend we saw the first home game for the senior rugby players as the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd XVs took on Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School.  Results were mixed, but it was good to have a large crowd watching, and the bacon and sausage sandwiches supplied by the Parents’ Association went down well.

On Friday last week our newest Maidstonians from years 7 and 12 joined together to learn the history and words of the school song, Gaudeamus.  Led by the Prefect Team, the students gave a fine rendition of our school song that has been part of MGS since 1908.

Throughout this week we will be launching to the school community how MGS is acknowledging Black History Month.  Miss Johnson, the deputy head, will be leading four house assemblies on the theme of Reclaiming Narrative.  In addition to this our library staff have created a huge display of books that might be interesting for our students to read: books that have been written by Black authors as well as books that feature stories associated with Black history.

Tuesday 1 October 2024

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Toby of Year 12 and Tonbridge House who has successfully passed his audition for the National Youth Orchestra (NYO). This is a huge achievement as it is where the top young players in the country play at events such as the BBC Proms.  Well done Toby.

Congratulations to the 1^st XV rugby squad who won their National Cup match last week against The Duke of York School 19 – 13.  The squad has had a good start to the year, and so let us hope the players continue this good start and have more success as the season progresses.  Also, well done to the U16 XI football squad who played in the first round of the National Cup last night beating Tunbridge Wells Grammar School 4 - 2.  It was a well-fought game and played in good spirits and was supported by a number of staff and students who stayed to enjoy the game.  Good job.

Thank you to the many parents and friends of the school who came in last Friday to enjoy the Macmillan Coffee Morning with us.  Over 50 people from the wider school community joined the many Maidstonians, staff and students who took part in our first charity day of the year.  Lots of cake was eaten, and, with the non-uniform contributions, we raised just over £2000 for the charity.  Thank you to all the staff and prefects who helped organise the day.

This week will be the fourth training session for the students wishing to go on next year’s Harvard Model United Nations Conference.  Each week about 25 year 12 students remain in school until about 5pm undergoing essential training to help them prepare for the conference.  They debate an array of global issues such as healthcare across the world to the causes of the recent UK riots.  Thank you to the School Captain as well as Mr Andrews and Mrs Van Mol for supporting.

On Thursday this week we welcome to the school parents and carers of Year 7 to attend the Year 7 Welcome Evening.  After five weeks, our newest Maidstonians have settled in well and got used to the MGS way of doing things, and so this event is for the parents and carers of Year 7 to understand what those four weeks have looked like, and what things they can look forward to.

Tuesday 24 September 2024

Firstly, well done to the rugby squads who had a successful day on Saturday at the second Saturday rugby fixture of the year against Eltham College. It was a beautiful day weather wise, and many parents came out to watch their children as well as enjoy a bit of September sun. Thank you once again to the staff who support the players week in week out.

Today is the first full governing body meeting of the school year where they discuss the priorities for the coming year and ensure that they go on being critical friends of the school. Both the support and challenge they give throughout the year is very much appreciated, and so I say a huge thank you to them for their work, their time and their contribution. 

On Friday, a number of students studying German from years 10 to 13 enjoy a day at the Goethe-Institute London, looking at German culture, how the language is taught and seeing an array of different learning materials. Also on Friday it will be our first charity day of the year. Each year on the last Friday of September we join the entire nation and host a coffee and cake morning to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. It is always a popular event with many from the school and wider school community coming together to enjoy a piece of cake. Thank you to the staff and students who will be helping put on the event.

A reminder that for the next three months work from the teachers of the MGS Art Department will be on display in Maidstone Museum in a special exhibition celebrating their skills and interests. Do go along. 

Tuesday 17 September 2024

Firstly, I would like to thank the staff who supported the students at the weekend at either the first Saturday rugby fixture of the year against Gravesend Grammar School or the Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Assessed Expedition.  The weather was kind to everyone involved, and the results for the rugby were in our favour, winning five out of the seven matches.

As I mention results, I must also acknowledge the first senior football match of the year that took place last Wednesday against Oakwood Park Grammar School.  It was certainly a good day for MGS as the 1^st XI beat Oakwood Park Grammar School 4 – 1.  Well done Maidstonians.

Continuing the theme of sport, thank you to the senior players and staff who have made it possible for two inter-house competitions to take place so far this year.  In the first week of term we saw benchball, and last week we saw netball.  The winners of the benchball competition were Corpus Christi House, with Tonbridge taking the honours in netball. The bar is now set very high for the upcoming touch rugby inter-house tournaments.

This week is a slightly quieter week following a busy start to the year.  There are a number of rugby and football fixtures across different age groups against a variety of Kent schools, and on Wednesday we are hosting our annual Higher Education Fair for years 10 to 13, where over 50 university and higher education institutions will be present in school promoting their organisation and providing essential advice to some of our more senior students on the next steps.  Parents of those year groups do come along – it starts at 4.30pm.

Tuesday 10 September 2024

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who was involved with Friday’s Upper School Speech Day and Year 7 Team Building Day.  The weather was sadly not on our side, but despite wet conditions Year 7 still had a good time getting to know their fellow Maidstonians, and the guests and prize-winners at the speech day still valued the opportunity to celebrate.  It was a good day for MGS.

With last week starting in a phased way, this week is the first full week of school for everyone.  On Wednesday we welcome year 12 students and their parents to the Year 12 Information Evening: an event for Year 12 to understand more about what is to come as they embark on two years of A-level study.  On Friday we wish a number of our students well as they leave for the weekend to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Assessed Expedition.  And on Saturday we look forward to the first Saturday rugby fixture against Gravesend Grammar School.  Good luck to all the walkers and players, and thank you to the staff who will be accompanying them. 

Finally, huge congratulations must go to Carys of Year 13 and Corpus Christi House who, over the summer, competed in the Junior Track Cycling World Championships in China.  She competed in three events: the Team Pursuit, the Individual Pursuit and the Madison.  Her team placed 1st in the Team Pursuit - achieving a world record time of 4 mins and 20 seconds for 4km; she won a gold medal and achieved a PB in the Individual Pursuit; and also won another gold medal in the Madison with her partner.  Well done Carys – clearly someone to look out for in the future.

Tuesday 3 September 2024

 Welcome back to a new academic year; I hope you have all had a wonderful summer break and an opportunity to rest and relax.  This week, as we start the new year, we welcome many new Maidstonians who are joining the MGS community.  The 216 young year 7 students, the 50+ year 12 students and the 17 new members of staff all began their MGS journey today, and I hope that their time at MGS is a good one.  Tomorrow I will be welcoming them all, as well as the rest of the school, at the first whole-school assembly in the Quad.  Having over 1500 Maidstonians sat in front of me reminds me how we are all connected, and it is those connections that make MGS a special place.  I hope everyone has a good start to the year. 

Contrast this to the end of the week where we will be welcoming back some of the outgoing students who left in the summer to receive prizes at the Upper School Speech Day.  At the start of every academic year we award prizes to a number of senior students from the previous years’ 11, 12 and 13 as well as reflect on the year that has passed.  This year’s guest of honour is Old Maidstonian Dan Abnet who attended MGS back in the 1980s and who went on to write for Marvel and DC Comics.  Let us hope the weather is good so as we can host the event in the Quad – something we have not been able to do since 2019.  Also on Friday the new year 7 students will be enjoying a morning of team building activities to encourage them get to know more of their fellow Maidstonians as they transition from their smaller primary schools to the much bigger school of MGS.  I am sure they will make new friends in the process.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to an upcoming art exhibition featuring the work of MGS art teachers.  From Saturday 21 September for three months, work by Mr Ashenfelter, Mr Hanratty, Mr Jones and Mr Martin will be on display at the Maidstone Museum.  Please go to www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk for more details.  Admission is free.

Tuesday 16 July 2024

They say, ‘time flies when you’re having fun’, and they also say, ‘time seems to travel faster the older you get’, so writing this final blog of the year, I really cannot believe that we have reached the end of the academic year. 

The main focus of the year has been to acknowledge and celebrate the school’s 475^th birthday year, and in doing so has allowed everyone associated with MGS to come together on numerous occasions as one Maidstonian community. Yesterday, for example, the entire school community processed down to All Saints Church for the annual Founders’ Day Service which was then followed with our Lower School Speech Day.  Both occasions were particularly special due to the school’s 475^th birthday year, but also we were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain as guest of honour.  A huge thank you to everyone who helped support yesterday’s events, and to those who have helped create the many memoires that we have seen right throughout the year that we will, I’m sure, all take away with us.  So for the final time this year: Happy Birthday MGS!

Have a wonderful summer break.

Tuesday 10 July 2024

This week is a different week.  There are no normal lessons scheduled as years 7 to 9 are taking part in a variety of different activities during their enrichment learning week and years 10 and 12 are completing some essential work experience before they progress into years 11 and 13 respectively.  I am sure they all have a good week.

On Saturday this week we return to our 475 celebrations by holding the MGS 475 Garden Party.  Over 130 guests from across the school community will not only be enjoying each other’s’ company but will also be enjoying a lovely afternoon tea made by our catering team, Cucina.  Let us hope the weather holds for us.

Finally, two weeks ago I acknowledged Owen, of Year 12 and Barton House, who competed in the recent All-England IPF Power Lifting Competition. After placing 1st in his category at that event, making him the English Champion for under 93kgs, he has now been selected to represent England in the forthcoming Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships to be held in October in South Africa.  Huge congratulations Owen; well done.

 

Tuesday 2 July 2024

This week sees Maidstonians go to the polls in the big election: The MGS Mock Election.  To coincide with the general election, we are running a mock election in parallel where a number of year 12 students have put themselves forward to stand as candidates for the various parties. Hustings will be taking place the day before, with polling taking place on Thursday 4 July.  As Returning Officer, I will announce to the school that afternoon the results of the election.  Good luck to all candidates.

Also on Thursday, as well as the mock election, we welcome our newest and youngest Maidstonians to attend a day in school at the Year 6 Induction Day.  In just over eight weeks these students will be fully-fledged Maidstonians who will begin their MGS journey for the coming years, and so spending a day with us will show them what being associated with this school is all about.

At the weekend a number of Maidstonians will be jetting off to a variety of destinations to enjoy a week away as part of the Enrichment Learning Week programme.  Whilst years 10 and 12 next week will be completing essential work experience, years 7 to 10 will be enjoying being outside of the classroom and taking part in an activity that they have chosen.  Some are away on a school trip, whilst others will be in and around Maidstone doing a variety of different things.  I hope everyone enjoys themselves, and safe journey to all those who are travelling.

Finally, congratulations to three students: Theo of Year 11 and Corpus Christi House, Clark of Year 12 and also of Corpus Christi House, and Liam of Year 12 and Barton House.  Theo has just been accepted for the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.  His enthusiasm for all things design and technology has been regularly praised by Mr Alvarez, head of D & T, and so Theo’s success is very much deserved.  And Clark and Liam have just been awarded gold for their participation in the recent Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.  Well done to them all.

Tuesday 25 June 2024

On Sunday we welcomed back the students who spent three days in the New Forest completing their Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition.  The weather was extremely kind to them which certainly adds to the experience and enjoyment of camping out under the stars.  Thank you to the staff who accompanied them.

Today Year 12 begin their Year 12 UCAS examinations: the last big piece of assessed work before we say goodbye to the 2023-24 academic year.  These examinations form a significant part of their two-year A-level study programme as well as helping us predict the students their overall UCAS predicted grade.  Good luck and best wishes to Year 12.

Following on from last week’s blog and the entry I made about the recent MGS Art Exhibition, I am delighted to say that the four members of staff who support the work of the Art Department are having their own work displayed at an upcoming exhibition in September at Maidstone Museum.  Between them they offer over a century of professional practice, and so seeing their own work will certainly inspire the many Maidstonians who enjoy the subject.  The exhibition begins in September and continues all the way to December.

Yesterday we welcomed back our own Year 11 as well as welcoming a number of new students to the school who wish to join the MGS Sixth Form.  Over three days these students will enjoy experiencing what it is like being an MGS sixth former as well as undertaking a number of taster lessons in their chosen A-level subjects.  I hope the experience is a positive one and that we see many return here formally in September.

On Thursday this week we will be enjoying the MGS Summer Performing Arts Showcase: an event where our budding musicians and performers come together and show off their talents in a number of different ways.  The event will be taking place in the Big Hall and will begin at 6.30pm.  Do come along.

Finally, I would like to congratulate two Maidstonians for achieving significant success in their chosen field last weekend.  Firstly, to Henry of Year 8 and Tonbridge House who came second in his category for the Kent and Medway Grammar School Association Piano Competition held in Canterbury where he competed against a number of students from grammar schools across Kent and Medway.  And secondly, to Owen Visser of Year 12 and Barton House who competed in the All England IPF Power Lifting Competition. He placed 1st in his category making him the English Champion for under 93kgs, and in doing broke two records, one being unbroken for the last seven years.  Well done to them both.

Tuesday 18 June 2024

I start this week’s blog with a thank you to the Art Department.  Last week’s Art Exhibition was excellent.  A number of students whose work was on display were in attendance, and they were joined by their parents, staff and friends of the school.  Congratulations to the three prize winners in years 11, 12 and 13, and a huge thank you to the caretakers and Mrs Morton for once again spending many hours setting up the exhibition. 

This week is the last week of the GCSE and A level examinations.  Year 11 and Year 13 have been working incredibly hard during these last few weeks, and I am sure that they are relieved the examinations are coming to an end.  For those last few who have yet to finish: keep going, the end is in sight.

Today is the Year 10 Parents’ Evening where parents will hear from their child’s teachers how their child is getting on.  Following the Year 10 examinations at the end of April, the upcoming Year 11 mock examinations in November, and the thoughts of life beyond Year 11, there will be lots to talk about.  I hope the evening is a positive one for many.

At the end of the week a group of students, accompanied by Ms Alloy and Mr Pinn, will be heading off to the New Forest to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award Expedition.  In addition, a group of year 9 army cadets, accompanied by the CCF Army Section, will be enjoying a weekend in Mereworth Woods completing a number of exercises in preparation for the summer camp in a couple of weeks.

Tuesday 11 June 2024

Firstly, I would like to thank the MGS CCF for acknowledging last week’s 80^th anniversary of D-Day.  The CCF gathered together on the school field and positioned themselves in the figure of 80 before the school drone went up to take a photograph.  Thank you to the CCF and all of the adult volunteers who supported the commemoration.

I would also like to thank the 1^st XI cricket squad for taking part in the annual MCC game last week.  The MGS players took to the Mote Park Cricket Club wicket and enjoyed a number of overs against the MCC team, but sadly could not match their power.  The MCC scored over 250 runs in their innings and then MGS was bowled out for just 33.  Never mind boys.  They did tell me though that they enjoyed the lunch!

Well done to the many year 9 students who took to the footpaths and country lanes of Kent at the weekend to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition.  The weather was kind to them and let us hope they valued the opportunity to practise before they complete the real thing later in the year.  A huge thank you to the members of staff who gave up their weekend to supervise. 

This week is the annual MGS Art Exhibition where GCSE and A-level students’ work is put on display for everyone to enjoy.  The exhibition takes place in the Big Hall on Wednesday from 4pm, with presentations being at 5pm.  Do come along. 

I will be out of school for a couple of days this week as the Grammar School Heads Association annual conference is taking place.  Each year grammar school headteachers across the country come together in London at the RAF Club to spend a day sharing good practice and hearing about current issues that affect us all.  I am sure it will be another good conference.  I will be back in school on Thursday.

4 June 2024

Welcome to Term 6 and the beginning of the last term of the academic year - I really cannot believe we are in June already.  The weather is better, the days are longer, and the summer sun is certainly making a difference.  It is also the time of year when we as Maidstonians enjoy the annual Quad assemblies: coming together as one school community in the Quad each week for the whole-school assembly.  With it being the first one of the year I will be leading it, and also, with it being Pride Month, I will be speaking about something that I am proud of: the recent Everest Base Camp trip.  I will be joined by Henry of Year 12, and between us we will be sharing our thoughts and experiences on what has become a proud achievement of our lives.

On returning to school this week we also see Year 11 and Year 13 return to their respective GCSE and A-level examinations.  The examination period has reached its mid-point, and so a number of the students are already beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Keep going Year 11 and Year 13 as each day of examinations brings the end one step closer.

This week we welcome our prospective Maidstonians to enjoy an afternoon in the school at our annual Year 6 House Teas.  Starting today, and over the following three days, students and their parents will come into school to attend their respective house tea: an opportunity to meet their fellow Maidstonians and play a few getting-to-know-you activities.  When the students arrive many of them are nervous, but after the event they leave with a smile on their face and an excitement for what is to come as they prepare to become a fully-fledged Maidstonain. 

Finally, I wish to congratulate the U13, U14 and U15 football squads for each winning their respective Maidstone District Cup Final.  Over the two weeks before the May half term break each squad played their final at the Gallagher Stadium, and each final resulted in a win for Maidstone Grammar School.  The U13 squad beat Wrotham School 4 -2 on penalties after a 4 – 4 draw, the U14 squad beat The Malling School 4 – 3 also on penalties after a 2 – 2 draw, and the U15 squad beat Aylesford School 3 – 0.  Huge congratulations to all three squads, and thank you to the PE Department for collectively coaching and supporting the players throughout the season.  Well done all.

Tuesday 21 May 2024

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the U14 and U15 football squads for winning their respective Maidstone District Cup finals last week.  The U15 squad beat Aylesford School 3 – 0 and the U14 squad beat The Malling School 4 – 3 on penalties after a 2 – 2 draw.  Well done to all the players, and thank you to Mr Smith and Mr Hughes respectively for coaching the players all season.  We now wish the U13 football squad the best of luck as they are playing in their cup final tonight. 

Last week Year 9 enjoyed two and a half days taking part in the Year 9 Business Challenge.  From planning a new development for Maidstone town centre to managing the highways across Kent, the students took part in a number of different tasks that saw them consider a variety of diverse challenges in the business world.  Thank you to everyone who was involved in organising the Challenge, and to the many outside presenters who facilitated the sessions.

This week our Year 9 Curriculum Extra Lecture Programme continues with Mrs Brooks presenting a lecture in the performing arts field.  These lectures have been designed for Year 9 to continue their interest and understanding in the wider curriculum that MGS has always offered. 

Tuesday 14 May 2024

This week sees the first full week of GCSE and A-level examinations.  Year 11 started last week with RS and Biology, but it is the turn of Year 13 to start their exams this week. Best wishes to all students completing examinations this week.

Tomorrow the MGS 475 Showcase is taking place which will see a host of MGS singers, musicians and actors stage a variety of performances to mark the School’s 475^th birthday.  The Showcase takes place in the Big Hall and starts at 6.30pm.  Do come along - you may even see a guest appearance from a very special performer!

Last week a number of year 10 and 12 PE students took to the road and went down to Canterbury University to experience a day of fitness and nutrition activities.  Students got to have a tour of the facilities as well as complete a variety of exercises to test their own fitness.  They returned to school having learned a lot about how their body works.  Thank you to the PE Department for organising.

Finally, the new video wall in the main reception of the school, to mark the 475^th birthday of MGS is now completed installed and working.  It is huge!  Thank you to everyone who supported the project. 

Tuesday 7 May 2024

This week we say goodbye to years 11 and 13.  They have reached the point when they now need to focus on their upcoming GCSE and A-level examinations.  Good luck to them all.  A number of these students will now become Old Maidstonians, and they are leaving MGS to begin the next chapter of their lives.  There is a huge community of Old Maidstonians beyond the school gates, with many wishing to remain in contact with each other and the school, and the Old Maidstonian Society is the best place to do this.  Our leaving students should now be proud to call themselves Old Maidstonians.

Remaining with the theme of examinations, Year 10 finish their examinations this week after spending most of last week in the Sports Hall completing theirs.  Results for these examinations will be released soon.  Well done Year 10

Last week the company installing our new video wall were on site, following the last couple of weeks when we had one on loan.  Following last year’s fundraising campaign, and a significant donation from an Old Maidstonian to kick start the project, we can now enjoy what having a video wall can offer.  It will completely transform the reception of the school.  Thank you to everyone who donated, and to the Old Maidstonian who initially triggered the idea. 

Tuesday 30 April 2024

Yesterday felt like the day after the night before!

We started the week reflecting on our week-long 475 celebrations that took place last week.  Across the week the entire school came together for five whole-school assemblies looking at the history of MGS as well as hearing from key people about why MGS is special to them.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to the week - it was so good sharing in the celebrations together.  Very soon our year 11 and year 13 students will be starting their study leave and their respective public exams and so it was right to have these celebrations before they leave.   

Talking of exams, this week year 10 students complete their school exams: a set of exams that will illustrate to them how they are all doing half way through their GCSE studies.  Good luck to them all.  As I talk about examinations, this week is the last full week before the GCSE and A-level exams begin.  Thursday 9 May is the key date, with the first exam being GCSE Religious Studies.  Keep up the hard work Year 11 and Year 13, not long to go now.

Yesterday, Year 7 enjoyed an afternoon in the Big Hall hearing from Kent Music who delivered their Bach to the Future presentation.  It is a presentation Kent Music do every year to promote the idea of learning a musical instrument as well as encouraging our younger Maidstonians to continue their enjoyment in music.  I always enjoy this presentation as from my office I can hear the opening music from the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.  A good afternoon was had by all, including me! 

Tuesday 23 April 2024

Happy St George’s Day and welcome to the MGS 475 birthday celebration week. 

This week the entire school community will come together each day to celebrate the 475^th anniversary of the Royal Charter being granted to the town of Maidstone to set up a school: Maidstone Grammar School.  Each day, one of the four houses: College, Corpus Christi, Tonbridge and Barton will be sharing with the school what life was like at MGS at that specific site, and then on Friday I, joined by OM Jaron Tarry, will be speaking to the school about what it means to be associated with MGS and what it means to be a Maidstonian.  It will certainly be a week to remember.  The week of celebration follows the weekend where we enjoyed the CCF Dinner on Friday, an afternoon of football played by a few former students, and the Old Maidstonian Supper on Saturday.  A good weekend was had by all, and thank you to the many members of staff and students who helped support the occasion.

Also at the weekend, well done to the students who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition in the New Forest, and thank you to the staff for accompanying them.  The real thing is later this year in Wales. 

As we begin to say goodbye to Year 13 on Thursday the year group will be coming together for the annual Year 13 Leavers’ Photograph.  Very soon Year 13 will make the journey from being a Maidstonian to becoming an Old Maidstonian, and part of that rite of passage is the annual photograph.  Let us hope there is good weather on Thursday!

Huge congratulations to Jack, Old Maidstonian and former member of staff who ran the London marathon at the weekend.  He was running in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust and completed it in 5 hours and 25 minutes.  Well done Jack.  And as I acknowledge Jack, I also wish to congratulate Mr Highsted and Mr Hughes who both ran the Paris marathon in the Easter holiday.  Well done to them.

 

 

Tuesday 16 April 2024

Welcome to my first blog of Term 5; I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

Yesterday, the 24 students and five staff who trekked to Everest Base Camp over the Easter holiday returned to the UK. We all had an amazing experience, and one that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. Today is their first full day at school, and even though it was an incredible trip, it is so good returning to MGS and to routine. 

Just as we return though, a group of geography students and staff make the trip down to Swanage to complete essential A level fieldwork. We wish them safe travels and a rewarding week of activities. 

This week we begin to look forward to our 475 celebrations. The main week of celebrations for the school is next week, but on Friday we host the CCF Dinner and on Saturday we welcome back over 130 Old Maidstonians to the annual OM Supper. As well as these two events, an Old Maidstonian and former school captain will be in school all week capturing life at MGS now. Back in 1971 a video was produced to capture the life of the school then, and because we are celebrating the school's 475th birthday, the time has come to do the same again. Many aspects of the school will be recorded to reflect the essence and spirit of MGS, and so we look forward to seeing what is produced in the coming months. 

 

 

 

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Welcome to the last blog of Term 4.

Last week we enjoyed a ‘friendly’ one-off football match where we saw the MGS 1^st XI play the MGS 2^nd XI.  As we near the end of the season it was good to see fellow Maidstonians enjoy a friendly match to round off what has been a good year for both teams.  Spirits were high, fun was had by players and spectators, and we even saw guest appearances from Mr Hughes and Mr Smith who put their boots on and joined in.  Thank you all for an enjoyable event.  Also last week a number of students who study drama enjoyed a matinee performance of Life of Pi at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.  A good time was had by all.

On Monday we welcomed back a number of Old Maidstonians who left in the summer last year to the A Level Certificate Presentation Evening.  About 60 OMs from last year’s Year 13 cohort returned to collect their A level certificates and enjoy each other’s company.  It was good to see them again.

Tuesday is the last day in school for me, four of my colleagues and 24 year 12 students before we leave for Nepal and trek to Everest Base Camp.  This trip has been two years in the making, and so I am delighted to be joining my fellow Maidstonians on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  We will bring back many photos and treasured memories. 

Good luck to Gabby of Year 13 who is representing England at the U18 Six Nations tournament this week.  We have followed her success over the last two years, and this opportunity to play for her country is a fantastic one.  Well done.

Finally, as this is the last blog before the Easter break, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a pleasant holiday and a well-deserved rest.  See you in a few weeks, and don’t eat too many chocolate eggs!

 

 

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Firstly, I wish to thank everyone for supporting last Friday’s charity and non-uniform day.  The amount raised for Mid-Kent Mind is yet to be finalised, but once again, the generosity from Maidstonians was very much appreciated.

At the weekend, the CCF Army Section took part in a Military Skills Competition against other CCFs in the South East. They took part in a variety of activities including military knowledge, shooting, radio communication and casualty evacuation. The MGS team continued to show their general ability to adapt to situations and performed well overall in the tasks finishing mid-table. Feedback was generally positive from the directing staff and lots of useful feedback has been provided allowing for development in preparation for the prestigious Cambrian Patrol competition in the summer term 

Today, parents of year 7 students hear from their child’s teachers about how their child has got on since joining MGS back in September. The Year 7 Virtual Parents’ Evening is an opportunity to hear how our youngest Maidstonians are progressing and how they are seeing MGS as their second home.  I am sure the evening will be a positive one.

This week we see a number of our rugby squads take part in the prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament.  Rosslyn Park Sevens is the largest school rugby tournament in the world and has been around since 1939.  It is always hotly contested with many very strong rugby schools attending.  Best wishes to the players, and thank you to the staff for accompanying.

This week is also the last full week before 24 year 12 students, accompanied by five staff, fly out to Nepal to begin their trek to Everest Base Camp.  Over the course of 19 days, the students fly to Kathmandu and then onto Lukla, before beginning the nine-day hike up and four-day hike down, before spending two more days in Kathmandu before flying back.  Best wishes to them all.  We look forward to hearing all about it when they return.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge Lieutenant George, an Old Maidstonian who left MGS in 2015.  Whilst he was at MGS, George took part in the CCF and always wanted to make the Royal Navy his career.  He is now commanding officer of HMS Trumpeter, and has just recently invited current MGS Royal Navy cadets onto a P2000 to show them around and tell them about his career to date.  Thank you George, and huge congratulations for making commanding officer.

Tuesday 12 March 2024

I start this week’s blog by remembering fellow Maidstonian Harrison, who sadly died in tragic circumstances one year ago.  On Friday last week, Harrison’s closest friend, Oliver, shared a few words with his year group about his friend and what life has been like for him in the last 12 months.  As well as this, on Friday of this week we use the charity day to raise money for Mid Kent Mind: a charity that supports the young people of Maidstone and surrounding areas.

On Thursday this week we welcome 30+ visitors to MGS to speak to many of our students at our annual careers event.  Students will be able to choose two different career talks to attend, ranging from engineering to finance, and law to medicine.  Thank you to the 30+ visitors, many of whom are Old Maidstonians, who have offered to come in to share their experiences.

Well done to Amelia and Joe, both of Year 13 and Tonbridge House, who competed in the final of the Oxford Schools Debating Competition at the weekend.  To reach the national final and have a chance to debate against some of the finest schools in the country and at one of the finest universities in the world was such an honour.  Across the four debates they achieved three 2^nd places and one 3^rd place.  The two of them should be very proud indeed.

Huge congratulations to Theo, of Year 11 and Corpus Christi House, who has been invited to interview for the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship for 2024.  From a group of seven year 11 students who applied, Theo was the only successful candidate – which goes to show the expectations and calibre expected for the next generation of upcoming engineers.  We are very proud of all seven students who participated this year, who will now forge ahead on their own path in design or engineering careers.

Tuesday 5 March 2024

Firstly, thank you to the MGS Parents’ Association for staging another enjoyable evening last Friday at the annual quiz night.  Thank you to the many parents, governors, students, Old Maidstonians and friends of MGS who came along to test their general knowledge.  Congratulations to Quizzy Rascals aka the Senior Leadership Team for winning the quiz, and thank you to the members of the Parents’ Association, the year 12 helpers, and to Mrs Friend for supporting.

At the weekend a number of our CCF cadets were out and about.  A group of Royal Navy cadets, accompanied by Ms Alloy and Mr Pinn, enjoyed the sights of Dartmouth taking part in a multi activity weekend at Britannia Royal Navy College, and two teams of Army cadets competed in mini military army skills competition against Skinners’ School in Ashdown Forest.

Over the last couple of weeks a number of squads have represented MGS at various Rugby Sevens tournaments across Kent.  Most mornings I see a mix of students, including a girls team, dressed in their MGS rugby kit to go off somewhere to play the fast-paced game.  Thank you to the players for representing the school, and to the staff who support them.

Today is the Year 9 Virtual Parents’ Evening.  It provides a chance for parents of year 9 students to hear how their child is getting on after embarking on their GCSEs six months ago.  I am sure it will be a positive evening for many.

On Thursday this week it is World Book Day, so throughout the week Ms Merrett, our literacy lead, will be leading a series of assemblies accompanied by students sharing their thoughts on their favourite books. 

On Friday I accompany two year 13 students to Oxford to take part in the final of the Oxford Schools Debating Competition.  Joe and Amelia, who both lead the Debating Club, have been debating together for nearly two years now, and are a force to be reckoned with.  In Oxford I am sure they will meet some strong competition, but it will be an absolute pleasure see them do their thing.  Good luck to them both.

Tuesday 27 February 2024

Firstly, well done to the Year 12 Everest walkers who completed two 20km walks over the weekend in preparation for the Everest Base Camp trip that is now only five weeks away.  On both Saturday and Sunday a group of 25 Maidstonians could be seen walking the footpaths of the North Downs getting very wet and muddy in the process.  Not long to go now before they depart.

This week is a slightly quieter week for us following a busy return to school last week.  The highlight for me last week was awarding the roles of school captain and school vice-captain to the two new incumbents.  Huge congratulations go to Isaac and Noah who were successful in the two-day interview process.  The two of them will now work with Rafe and Jess over the next couple of months before they officially take over in April.

This Friday is the annual MGS Parents’ Association Quiz Night.  This year’s theme is MGS 475: every question will have something to do with the letters M, G or S and the numbers 4, 7 or 5.  Knowledge of MGS is not required!  Tickets are still available so do come along.  Quiz starts at 7pm in the Big Hall.

20 February 2024

Welcome to Term 4 and the half-way point in the school year.  I hope you have had a good half term break and found an opportunity to recharge.

I start the term spending two days interviewing the eight shortlisted candidates for the roles of next year’s school captain and school vice-captain.  Eight Year 12 students were successful before the half term break in progressing to the final stages of the process, and so by Thursday this week we will know the next two incumbents.  Good luck to them all.

I also start this term by saying thank you to the staff and students involved in this year’s school production.  Three evenings in the week before the half term break audiences enjoyed being thrown back to the 1980s in The Wedding Singer.  A huge thank you to the musicians, cast and crew and to the members of staff who supported the production, led this year by Mrs Brooks and Mr Bourne.  Here’s to next year!

Finally, huge congratulations to Gaby of Year 12 who has just become the National Schools Equestrian Association County Dressage Champion achieving 2nd place in the Restricted Class and 1st in the Open.  She has now qualified to compete in the County Championship to be held in May at the All England Show Ground Hickstead.  Well done Gaby.

Tuesday 6 February 2024

I start this week’s blog by acknowledging two groups of students who represented MGS over the weekend.  On Saturday nine students, accompanied by Ms Adams, took part in the regional round of the Cambridge University Debating Competition, which was in fact held at Maidstone Grammar School.  Sadly, none of the students progressed to the national finals, but there were some good outcomes across the day and some promising younger debaters who will form a strong team going forward.  In contrast, on Sunday a number of senior rugby players, accompanied by Mr Saunders, took part in a rugby sevens tournament in Surrey.  Competition was extremely tough, particularly against Dulwich College, but the players valued the experience and exposure.

Very soon Year 12 students will begin to think about life beyond MGS, and many will be wanting to make an application to university to further their education, so yesterday, students and parents of Year 12 attended the annual UCAS Information Evening: an evening providing information about the UCAS process. 

This week we look forward to three performances of this year’s school production The Wedding Singer.  A huge ensemble of cast, crew and musicians have been rehearsing for months, and are now ready to perform for an excited audience.  The Wedding Singer is on tonight, Wednesday and Thursday in the Big Hall at 7pm.  Do come along.

Also this week the 25 candidates for next year’s school captain and school vice-captain positions get whittled down to a shortlist of about eight who will progress onto the interview stage.  25 Year 12 students putting their name forward indicates how strong the year group is and how much they all wish to giver service and leadership to their school. 

Tuesday 30 January 2024

I begin this week with a huge thank you to the entire Senior Leadership Team who led the school in my absence last week, and to Mr Hanratty for writing last week's blog. I returned yesterday following a week accompanying 24 Year 12 students who attended the Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston. We had an amazing time sightseeing in New York as well joining 3,600 other students from across the world at the conference. A massive thank you to Mrs Van Mol for leading the trip, and for Miss Alloy for joining us both. 

Congratulations to Amelia and Joe of Year 13 who successfully progressed to the national finals of the Oxford Schools Debating Competition.  Last night eight students from years 12 and 13 took part in the regional round, four of whom having just returned from the Harvard trip, and Amelia and Joe, who have led the MGS Debating Club all year led by example and broke through.  Well done to everyone who took part

This week the Year 13 mock exams continue. Starting last week Year 13 students are completing seven days of exams to assess where they are four months before their A Level exams in the summer. I hope the opportunity to find out where students' strengths and weaknesses is welcomed.

Today we welcome parents of Year 8 to attend their virtual parents' evening - hearing from subject teachers about progress as well as recommendations for GCSE options. 

On Thursday, with it being the first day of February, the school begins its acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ History Month, which this year has a theme of healthcare and medicine. Once again the Pride flag will be flying on top of the gatehouse, display screens across the school will be showing images of renowned figures in the field of medicine and healthcare, and some form time activities will be adapted to acknowledge the month. 

Also on Thursday it is the deadline for applications for the roles of School Captain and School Vice-Captain for 2024-25. A number of Year 12 students have thrown their hat in the ring, but will need to wait until next week to see if they have been shortlisted for the interviews the week after half term. Best wishes to all who apply.

 

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Hello there, Mr Hanratty here, in the absence of the Headteacher who is currently in the USA with our Year 12 students and staff members representing the school at the prestigious Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston. Prior to the conference this weekend, the staff and students are staying in New York, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds while enjoying everything the city's culture has to offer.

We are honoured to be the only UK school attending this conference, a testament to the hard work, commitment, and impact of our staff and students year after year. We send our best wishes to all the students and staff participating in the conference, and we will be sharing updates and photos from the trip on our social media profiles later this week and next.

Last Thursday, our Sixth Form Open Evening took place. A massive thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event. A particular thanks must go to those staff and students who worked outside in the freezing temperatures to support the event. A special thanks must also go to Megan J (Year 12 Barton House) and Vice School Captain Jess R (Year 13 College House) who proudly spoke about the School and shared their Sixth Form experiences with our visitors during both presentations in the Big Hall. We are delighted to report a record number of applications to join the Sixth Form, and submissions are still coming in before the deadline this Thursday.

This Thursday also marks the start of our Year 13 Mock Exams, scheduled to run until Monday 5 February. It has been heartening to see how seriously Year 13 have taken their preparation for these exams and they are working hard to put their best foot forward. A special thanks to all the staff providing last minute revision sessions for Year 13. These exams serve as a valuable indicator of how Year 13 students will fare in their upcoming exams starting in May. Best wishes to Year 13 in their final preparations and during the exams – you've got this!

Also this Thursday (there is a lot going on this Thursday), a number of staff and students will travel to Queen’s College, Cambridge. We regularly visit universities as a part of careers and destinations programme, and our students and staff always return with positive feedback, and an extra bounce in their steps. On the subject of Cambridge, we extend our best wishes to our prospective Cambridge candidates, hoping for the best as they await confirmation of their offers tomorrow.

We have a wide variety of fixtures scheduled for this week: this afternoon, our U13A basketball team will compete against Wrotham School at home, while our U14B football team will also face Wrotham at home. Tomorrow, we have two football away fixtures, with our 1st XI playing against Judd and our 2nd XI against Oakwood. On Thursday, our 1XI hockey squad will play away at Ashford School. The sporting week will conclude with four football sides (U13A, U13B, U12A, and U12B) competing against Ewell Castle School at home. Best of luck to all those participating.

In last week's fixtures, the U14A football team secured a 3-1 victory against Wrotham on Monday. Despite an unfortunate loss in U16A basketball against The Canterbury Academy (67-70) on Tuesday and a 1-1 draw for our U14B football side against The Howard School last Thursday, Friday brought success for our U16A basketball team with a 74-51 scoreline against Wrotham School. Unfortunately, our U14A football side experienced an unlucky loss against Ravens Wood School (3-5). The Saturday fixture resulted in a 1-4 scoreline favouring Hurstmere against our U14B football side. Congratulations to all for their efforts, and a massive thank you to the staff and families who supported these fixtures.

Do have a read of the Headteacher’s blog next week, where he will undoubtedly provide an update on their exciting trip stateside. Until then, take care and have a good week.