Tuesday, 1 July 2025

HT Blog – Tuesday 1 July 2025

 

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.