Tuesday 21 June 2016

Despite the grey clouds on Saturday, many parents and students turned out for the annual Parents’ Association Summer Fete.  The students enjoyed the football competition, the tug of war and the inflatable assault course; and the parents enjoyed wandering about the stalls, picking up the odd purchase and enjoying a cup of tea and a piece of cake.  Thank you so much to the Parents’ Association for organising the event, the team of sixth formers who helped throughout the day, and the many of you who came along to support.

Over the last couple of weeks I, along with a number of members of staff, have been making visits to primary schools to meet every year 6 boy who is joining MGS from September.  I always look forward to going out and visiting these boys; it not only offers an opportunity to get to know someone and provide them with a recognisable face when they arrive, but it also reminds me of how primary and secondary schools differ and the need to ensure that our induction process supports that transition. 

Last night we all enjoyed the annual MGS Art Exhibition and the newly created Performing Arts Showcase.  It was an evening where students who excel in creativity were able to show off their talents and be recognised and acknowledged.  Both events were a joy to experience; thank you to the staff that helped organise them; and thank you and well done to all the students who took part in some way.  Tomorrow we welcome back Year 13 to the School to attend their Leavers’ Tea.  It is a final chance for the School to say goodbye to the year group before they finish their examinations and enjoy a well-deserved summer holiday.  We hope to see many there.

As one year group leaves the Sixth Form, we turn to welcome a new one.  This week we invite the current Year 11 students, accompanied by students who are wishing to join MGS in September, to attend the two day Pre Sixth Form Induction event.  Transition into the Sixth Form can be a big step, so it is important we ease that process as much as possible.  The two days provide the students with an insight of what to expect and gives them an opportunity to get to know each other a little before starting in September.  We look forward to seeing them all later this week.

Next week is Extended Learning Week for Years 7 to 10 and work experience for Year 12.  Numerous activities will be taking place in and around school with students from different ages working together.  This is the fourth year we have run the event, and it always proves to be a memorable week for many.  I hope everyone enjoys the week. 

Finally, the MGS Mock EU Referendum is taking place on Thursday.  Ballot papers will be available in the School Hall at break and lunch to cast your vote.  Do come along.

Tuesday 14 June 2016

Hopefully parents of Years 7 to 10 will have received a letter from me last week keeping them updated with developments of changes to the pastoral and House structures from September 2017.   This week I continue to meet with each form from Years 7 to 10 to share with them the rationale behind the developments and offer the students the opportunity to ask me any questions so as to ease their anxieties.  So far the meetings are going well, with many of the students leaving more reassured than at the start. 

This week Year 12 finish their internally set mock examinations and today have a day focusing on the UCAS process.  This is followed by an evening event tonight where Year 12 parents are invited into the School to understand for themselves the university application system and what the next six months holds for their son or daughter.

This week I attend the annual Grammar Schools Heads’ Association Conference where Heads of every grammar school meet up to discuss and hear about issues that affect their schools.  This year the two keynote speakers are the Schools Minister Nick Gibb, MP who will be speaking about the current education climate, and Rob Andrew, MBE, Professional Rugby Director of the RFU will be speaking about the challenge of leadership.  I look forward to hearing from them both.

Next Monday we look forward to the MGS Art Exhibition and the new Performing Arts Showcase.  Both take place after school on Monday beginning with the Art Exhibition at 4pm in the Big Hall followed by the Showcase at 6.30 in the Quad (weather permitting).  Both events are always a delight to see, so please do come along and see some of the talents Maidstonians have to offer.

Thank you to the many students and parents who made a donation at Friday’s Non-Uniform Day towards the Parents’ Association Summer Fete which is this weekend.  This Friday we ask the students to bring in a variety cakes that can be sold at the Fete too.  Please support the Parents’ Association if you can.  Thank you.

And finally congratulations to Hamish Reilly of 8S who took part in the World Triathlon Series in Leeds at the weekend.  It was a strong field of 'elite' Tristar 3 competitors, involving a 300m swim, a drafting cycle around Roundhay Park finished by a 2.5km run.  Hamish was thrilled to have come 3rd and receive atrophy.  Well done Hamish.

 

Tuesday 7 June

Welcome back from the May Half Term; I hope you all had a lovely holiday and enjoyed the break. 

Despite the public examinations already starting a couple of weeks ago, it is now when they really take hold as this week Year 13 begin their own examinations and join Years 11 and 12 in theirs.  The examinations now continue until the end of June, so best wishes to everyone who is taking them.  In addition to the public examinations, Years 7, 9, 10 and 12 complete internally set examinations to assess how they have progressed during the academic year.  The Year 12 examinations are new this year as, since September, students in Year 12 have been completing both new and old style A-Levels.  Those subjects that are new now require a more formal Year 12 mock examination to help provide greater evidence of attainment when completing UCAS applications.  It is hoped that these examinations will help students, parents and staff understand the kind of result that will be achievable this time next year and so support the transition from MGS to university.  Good luck everyone.

Today is the first day when we have an outdoors assembly.  This time of year we take advantage of the good weather and conduct whole school assemblies in The Court or The Quad.  Having the whole school together in one place is always a delight to see, and these assemblies illustrate one small aspect of our culture and tradition which we value.  Later today, after school, I am attending the next Parent Forum meeting of the year.  The Parent Forum acts as my sounding board but also provides me with an opportunity to hear from a very important voice within the whole school community.  I will feedback on what we discussed in next week's blog.

Finally, Friday is the annual Parents' Association Non-Uniform Day.  Students will be allowed to come into school not wearing their normal uniform, but we ask them to make a contribution to the annual Parents' Association Summer Fete.  This year we are also asking the students to make a £1 contribution to The Salvation Army, a charity that we normally support at Christmas.  The money raised will help send 40 children from very challenging backgrounds on a 5 day break in August.  The Parents’ Association Fete takes place on Saturday 18 June and at that event a number of activities will be taking place including football, tug-of-war, inflatable assault course, tombola, cake stall, Pimm's tent and much more.  The items that the students donate at Friday's Non Uniform Day will support this event to help raise plenty of money for the School and provide an opportunity for students, staff and parents to socialise more informally.  Do come along if you can.

24 May 2016

Yesterday the entire Senior Leadership Team spent a day away from school reflecting on how the School has evolved during this last year and how it can continue to develop.  Last year we created the 2020 Vision: a direction MGS would now be following over the next few years to ensure it continues to grow in strength.  It was a rewarding day with many conversations being had covering a number of areas of the School.  We look forward to sharing a number of these discussions over the coming months.

As well as our day yesterday, the rest of this week is a busy one for me and a number of other members of staff.  I am hoping to secure a couple of staffing vacancies that we have for September.  Every year a small number of staff members leave the MGS community for pastures new, so final arrangements to ensure we are fully staffed for September always take place during the last few weeks of May. 

Tonight is the last Full Governing Body Meeting of the academic year.  At the meeting a number of key matters about the School will be discussed and I am sure a number of discussions the SLT had at yesterday’s Away Day will be mentioned.

Since January I have been spending some time in each department popping in to lessons, talking with staff and students, and just establishing a general feel of what is going on.  I have already seen some excellent practice across the School and this week I am spending time in ICT & Computing, Film & Media, Geography and Classics.

The week after half term is the week of internal examinations for Years 7, 9, 10 and 12.  Plenty of revision is going on around the School to ensure everyone is prepared and staff are also making their final arrangements to ensure the examination week goes as smoothly as possible.  I am sure plenty of revision will also be going on over the half term. 

17 May 2016

This week the public examinations begin and continue for the next six weeks.  Year 11 and 12 start with their GCSE and AS examinations followed by Year 13 with their A2 examinations in June.  Thank you in advance to the examination team, led by Mrs Smith, who ensure the students feel as comfortable as possible during the next few weeks, and thank you to all the hard work that has already gone in to ensure the examination admin runs smoothly.  Good luck everyone.

Friday we said goodbye to Year 13 as they moved to becoming Old Maidstonians.  The weather on Friday was wonderful which allowed the students to sit outside and enjoy their BBQ before the Leavers' Assembly.  Ms Kruppa, Harry Webster and Alex Harward reminded the year group of some good memories but there were also tears around the Hall as the students prepared themselves to sing the School Song for the last time as Maidstonians.  The japes around the School during the day were both clever and memorable; the 200 yellow ducks around the site, I'm sure, will take a long time to find!  Good luck Year 13.

Yesterday the U13 Football Squad played Oakwood Park at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium in the Maidstone District Final.  They were playing exactly a week after the U15 Squad beat Oakwood Park 2 – 1 in their respective final.  It was a tense match for all spectators as all the boys played with heart and determination; and I am pleased to say that we brought the win home beating Oakwood Park 3 – 1.   Well done boys, huge congratulations and thank you to Mr Darbey for supporting the team all season.  Tonight after school all of the teaching staff are involved in some staff training looking at Thinking For Learning.  Five different workshops are being put on, led by staff, who are sharing good practice in a variety of different aspects of learning.  This opportunity continues the theme of staff training this year looking at teaching and learning.  It is hoped staff come away with some new ideas about how they can adapt their teaching so as to further enhance the experience the students get in the classroom.

This week Year 10 complete a day's work shadowing away from school and then return to take part in our annual Business Enterprise event.  The boys will spend three days off normal timetable; instead attending a variety of sessions led by outside speakers and presenters from the business world.  Each year the Year 10 boys learn a great deal about business and enjoy themselves in the process.  Have a good week boys.  Finally, congratulations to Cameron Browning of Year 8 who came in overall first place in the Junior Mathematics Challenge scoring 100 points, with William Drury of Year 7 coming second scoring 91 points.  Well done boys.

 

10 May 2016

This week and next we look forward three football matches that MGS is playing in.  Yesterday we played Oakwood Park in the Maidstone District U15 Final and won 2-1. Well done boys.   Next Monday the Year 8 boys compete in the U13 Final, and yes once again, against Oakwood Park.  Good luck to all those boys, well done for reaching the final and many thanks to staff members who have coached the squads all season.

This Friday is the last day for Year 13.  Despite some anxieties amongst the year group with important examinations just around the corner, the students of Year 13 thoroughly enjoy their last day and look forward to the Leavers’ Assembly.  The assembly is the formal opportunity for the School to acknowledge the year group and say goodbye before the students all become Old Maidstonians.  The most significant part of it is the singing of the School Song.  It is the last time they ever sing it as Maidstonians, and the last time they sing it together.  It is a memorable occasion and one where a number of students and staff get very emotional. 

Last Wednesday a group of drama students took part in a theatre workshop in London, culminating in them all enjoying the West End Musical Wicked.  They all thoroughly enjoyed the day, and already we have heard from parents thanking the Performing Arts Department for organising the day, and from members of the public who commented on the students’ conduct and behaviour during the performance.  Well done boys and thank you Mrs Brooks and Ms Mason for accompanying them.

Congratulations to Alexander Luisi , an Old Maidstonian who left in the summer of 2015, who was successful in receiving a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarship.  Alex is enjoying studying a degree in engineering and technology and was one of about 100 successful applicants who will receive a grant from the charity to help fund their university years.  I received an email from the Institution of Engineering and Technology last week sharing the good news and asked me to give details of others who wish to do the same in the future.  For more information about the scheme, please visit www.theiet.org/diamond or contact diamond@theiet.org.  Well done Alex.

Congratulations to George Hage, another Old Maidstonian who left last year who just recently celebrated his formal commissioning as a Royal Navy Officer during a parade attended by HRH The Princess Royal.  George will now begin his specialist training to qualifying as a warfare officer and can hope to be promoted to sub-lieutenant in about six months.  Well done George.

Tuesday 3 May 2016

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend.  I am sure we can all get used to these three day weekends and four day weeks!

Firstly I wish to acknowledge the enormous efforts from staff and students with the Year 7 and 8 Science Fair.  It was the first event of its kind and we shall certainly be doing it again in the future.  Seeing all of Year 7 and 8 in the Hall and Gym displaying their own science based projects was incredible.  There was such a buzz about the place and it was clear that the boys had learnt a great deal from their work and the work of others.  A huge thank you to the Science department, particularly Ms Jefferson who led the way with the organisation behind the event.  It was also lovely to see so many parents come along and support the event.  A good day to be a part of Maidstone Grammar School.  Well done everyone.

The U13 Rugby Sevens squad took part in a floodlit tournament at Aylesford RFC last Wednesday.  They played outstandingly well to run out overall winners.  They won all 3 of their games, against both school and club opposition, scoring 13 tries and only conceding 3.   The boys involved were: Bill Leyland (Captain); Jack Mason; George Halpin; Reuben Evans; Finlay Smith; Max Cornford; Will Haywood; Jacob Wells; Josh Wells.  Well done boys.

Sam Ghinn of Year 8 competed in his first ever international gymnastics competition in Portugal over this weekend.  Sam won the all-around gold medal in the U14 age group as well as his team taking the team gold medal.  He also qualified for 4 apparatus finals and won gold on pommel and silver on floor.  He was competing against over 40 boys in his age group from 9 different countries, so this was a big achievement for him.  Well done Sam.

26 April 2016

We are slowly approaching the time when Years 11, 12 and 13 get into examination mode.  I hope that there is plenty of preparation and revision going on behind the scenes!  Year 13 are particularly approaching their last ever day at school.  Some are already becoming emotional and not wishing the next three weeks away too fast.  Last week it was lovely to see Year 13 altogether in their Year 13 Photo; it is hoped that many will purchase a copy and keep it for future viewing.  Last week we also said thank you and goodbye to Harry Webster and Alex Harwood, the School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  On Wednesday the HMS Maidstone Bell was rung by the both of them to signify the end of their tenure and the beginning of the two new incumbents.  Thank you once again. 

Year 8 had a thoroughly enjoyable day on Friday celebrating the work of William Shakespeare.  This day has become part of the School year and seeing the English Department dress up in 16th Century costumes to get into the spirit of the day is a great sight!  Well done boys and thank you to the staff who put the day together.

This week is a slightly quieter one, but we look forward to a new event on Wednesday for Years 7 and 8.  To further embed the House Structure into the workings of the School a science themed House event takes place on Wednesday afternoon where we see boys from Years 7 and 8 take part in a Science Fair in the School Hall which also acts as a House Competition achieving House points that will contribute to the overall House Cup which is awarded at the end of the year.  I hope that the boys enjoy themselves and learn something new about science.

Congratulations to Angus Taylor of Year 12 who won 1^st prize at last night’s Public Speaking Competition.  He made two excellent speeches: one on Donald Trump and one on the EU referendum.  Well done Angus.  Many thanks also to Oli Oakley of Year 12 who partnered Angus to represent MGS and to Mrs Lewis and Mrs Brooks who supported them both.

Finally, Tom Rowe, Sam Luxton, Freddie Gache, Alex McLean, Louis Ashworth and Jack Brown all from Year 7 were part of the U12 Aylesford Bulls rugby that retained the title Kent Rugby Champions.

The boys have won a number of tournaments this year playing in other counties to keep the competition at a high level, beating London Irish and a number of other County champions along the way.  Well done boys.

Tuesday 19 April 2016

Last week saw three events where Old Maidstonians returned to their school to rekindle links with friends and provide opportunities to look back fondly and remember: the A-Level Presentation Evening, the Old Boys’ Rugby and Football matches, and the Old Maidstonian Supper.  All were a delight to be a part.  By the way, the football match resulted in a 5 - 5 draw, but the rugby saw the Old Boys winning 45 – 41.  Thank you to everyone who took part; it was a glorious afternoon of sport. As we looked back with fond memories last week, this week we look forward and welcome the 175 boys and their families who will become Maidstonians from September.  Tomorrow night is the Year 6 Induction Evening for those boys who have been successful in gaining a place here and who are about to begin their MGS journey.  We look forward to welcoming them.

This week the Senior Leadership Team is spending some time popping into a selection of Performing Arts lessons to experience what the students experience each day.  Just like on previous occasions with other departments, this is simply routine and nothing to worry about.  Part of the Senior Leadership Team’s responsibility is to monitor teaching and learning across the School and part of that process is occasionally spending some time visiting lessons.  The main aim is to share the very good practice that is currently going on in the newly formed Performing Arts department and to celebrate its success.  It also can provide opportunities for members of staff to reflect on their own teaching style and develop further as a professional.  I am sure that everyone involved will learn a lot.

Today, in fact this morning, Year 13 had their year group photograph taken.  The students in Year 13 are on the cusp of leaving MGS and so it is important they have a formal token of their time at school and have something they can look back at in the years to come.  We are fortunate the weather has been kind.  On Friday Year 8 take part in the School’s annual celebration of William Shakespeare.  Saturday marks the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and every year we ensure the boys in Year 8 understand more of Shakespeare’s work and develop an appreciation of his writing which has shaped many aspects of our lives.  I hope the boys enjoy the day and thank you to the staff who put on a great spectacle for them.

The Weald of Kent Grammar School is consulting on proposed changes to their admission arrangements for 2017 entry.  Details are on our website.

Tuesday 12 April 2016

Welcome back to the Summer Term; I hope you all had a good Easter Holiday.  We come back to school to a week when we welcome back many former students to three specific Old Maidstonian events.  The first event takes place today when we invite last year's Year 13 cohort to their A-Level Presentation Evening to be presented with their A-Level certificates.  Tomorrow at 2.30pm the Old Boys' Rugby and Football matches take place when former students who played for their school enjoy a 'friendly' game with the current school teams.  We look forward to two school wins!  And finally on Friday we welcome back over 100 former students at the Old Maidstonian Annual Supper.  It is always a wonderful event seeing the School Hall filled with former students reminiscing over their school days and catching up with old friends.  This year is particularly special as it sees the beginning of Neil Turrell's presidency of the Old Maidstonian Society.  We look forward to seeing him again.

Next week is also a busy one.  On Monday parents of Year 7 come into school and attend their son's Parents' Evening meeting their son's teachers for the first time since they joined back in September; and on Wednesday we welcome parents of the Year 6 boys who successfully gained a place at MGS to attend our Year 6 Induction Evening.  Not only is that evening an opportunity for the boys and their parents to begin their MGS journey, but it also signifies the end of office of the current School Captain and School Vice Captain and the beginning for the new incumbents.  It is tradition that the out-going captains ring the HMS Maidstone bell that hangs in the School Lobby to signify the exact time when they hand over the reins to the new captains.  All of the out-going and in-coming senior prefects will be present to witness this poignant and sometimes emotional occasion. Once again I would like to thank Harry Webster and Alex Harwood for doing to tremendous job this year and best wishes to Tom Lindsey and Joshua Gray who have the next year to look forward to.