HT Blog – Tuesday 1 July 2025
Firstly, I would like to recognise
Old Maidstonian Professor Peter Brennan, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeon at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, who has been awarded an
OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. This prestigious recognition reflects his
outstanding contribution to the field of surgery and his commitment to
improving patient safety. Our heartfelt congratulations go to Peter on this
well-deserved honour.
This week, our Year 9 students are
taking part in the Business Enterprise Challenge – a two-and-a-half-day event
where the entire year group collaborates with external facilitators to tackle a
range of business scenarios. The programme culminates in a presentation
afternoon, during which students pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges
and MGS staff. It promises to be a valuable and inspiring experience for all
involved.
Continuing the theme of business and
the world of work, on Thursday our Year 8 students will be out of school for
their Workplace Shadowing Day. This initiative gives them the opportunity to
experience a day in the professional world—many alongside their parents, while
others venture further afield. Whatever the setting, we hope the day offers a
meaningful insight into life beyond MGS.
Also on Thursday, we are delighted to
welcome the newest members of our community for the Year 6 Induction Day. These
future Maidstonians will spend the day getting to know their new school and
each other, as they prepare for the exciting step into secondary education in
September. And while the school may be filled with the energy of our youngest
pupils during the day, we will be celebrating at the other end of the journey
in the evening, as over 150 students and many staff members come together at
Leeds Castle for the MGS Leavers’ Prom. It will be a wonderful evening of
reflection, celebration, and farewell—with, no doubt, a few tired faces the
following morning!
For next
week’s HT Blog, I will be handing over the reins to Mr. Hanratty. It is
Extended Learning Week, with Years 7 to 9 participating in a range of exciting
activities, while Years 10 and 12 engage in valuable work experience. I will be
out of school for the entire week, as I will be involved in one of the
activities myself.