Welcome to the first blog of Term 4. We have reached the halfway point
of the academic year - a moment that invites both reflection and celebration. I
hope that those of you who were able to enjoy a few days of rest over the break
found time to recharge, reconnect and return ready for the opportunities ahead.
At the heart of our school is a strong sense of belonging - to
our Houses, our teams, our classrooms and our wider community. Nowhere is that
more evident than in this year’s House Cup competition. With over 66,000 house
points already awarded, and just 600 points separating all four Houses, the
spirit of friendly rivalry and collective pride is truly alive. Every
contribution matters. Every effort counts. As we begin the second half of the
year, there is everything to play for, and I look forward to seeing how each
House continues to support one another on the journey towards the Cup this
summer.
Over the half term break a small group of
Royal Navy cadets accompanied by Mr Pinn and Mr Parish travelled down to Somerset to take
part in the Royal Navy Cadet Force STEM Challenge Day at the Fleet Air Arm
Museum. The MGS cadets spent several
hours working on their models in the STEM competition, competing against many
other CCF RN, Sea Cadet and Sea Scout sections.
The day resulted in the MGS cadets gaining second place, narrowly being
beaten by only 3 points out of a possible 500.
Huge congratulations to all involved.
We begin the term with some outstanding sporting achievements.
Congratulations to Alex and Josh in Year 9, who were selected to represent
Southeast England in the Inter-Regional Aspire Basketball Tournament. To be two
of only twelve players chosen across the entire region is a remarkable
accomplishment. Their selection reflects not only their skill and dedication,
but also the teamwork, humility and commitment they show every day as members
of our school community. We are immensely proud of them. My thanks also go to
Mr Ashenfelter, whose coaching and encouragement continue to nurture both
talent and character in our basketball programme.
The excitement continues this week as our U16 Basketball Squad compete
in the quarter-final of the Kent Cup. We wish them every success as they
represent the school with pride and unity.
Meanwhile, our 1st XI Football Squad travel to West London on Wednesday
to face Hampton School in the semi-final of the National Cup. Reaching this
stage of a national competition is an extraordinary achievement in itself. The
opportunity to compete for a place in the final is testament to months of hard
work, resilience and teamwork. We send them our very best wishes and extend our
gratitude to Mr Hughes for his leadership and dedication throughout the season.
Beyond the sports field, excellence continues in the classroom. Several
of our Year 12 students have qualified for the London Regional Round of the
International Economics Olympiad - an impressive accomplishment that reflects
intellectual curiosity, ambition and rigorous preparation. We wish them well as
they compete for a place in the National Round. Their success reminds us that
belonging to this school means striving for excellence together, supporting one
another in academic as well as co-curricular pursuits.
Leadership, too, plays a vital role in sustaining our community.
Yesterday, the eight shortlisted candidates for next year’s School Captain and
Vice-Captain completed the final stage of a thorough four-part interview
process. I was deeply impressed by the integrity, thoughtfulness and vision
shown by each candidate. Their willingness to serve the school speaks
powerfully about the culture of responsibility and belonging that defines our
Sixth Form. The announcement of our new student leaders will take place today,
and I know they will carry forward this tradition with pride.
Finally, this week all Year 12 geographers travel to Norfolk for three
days of essential A Level fieldwork. This annual experience is a cornerstone of
their studies, bringing learning vividly to life beyond the classroom. It also
offers invaluable time together - strengthening friendships, curiosity and
shared purpose. My sincere thanks to the Geography Department for organising
and leading this important opportunity.
As we move into the second half of the year, I am continually reminded
that our greatest strength lies not only in achievement, but in community.
Every success - whether in sport, scholarship, leadership or daily acts of
kindness - contributes to the collective story of who we are.