Tuesday 26 February 2019

Welcome back to school; I hope you all had a good half term break and enjoyed the pleasant weather.  For years 11, 12 and 13 though, the February half term is the beginning of the next three to four months of hard work, revision and preparation before the examinations in the summer.  Good luck to them all.  Welcome back also to the students and staff who went on the Classics trip to Rome and the Rugby Tour to Italy.

 

Yesterday was certainly an eventful day and one that I have never experienced before.  Having to make the difficult decision to close the school due to no water was hopefully a one off.  Thank you very much for understanding the position we were in, but I am sure the students, despite returning after a week’s holiday, enjoyed the extra half day off.  Back to normality today.

 

Just before the half term break we all enjoyed the annual Inter-House Senior Rugby Competition.  Players from years 11, 12 and 13 came together to represent their house, hoping to achieve bragging rights for the next 12 months.  Regular school players were supported by their peers, some of whom had not played for some years, to put on six heavily contested games.  Congratulations to College House who won all of their games and a huge thank you to the players who took part.  True MGS spirit.

 

Tonight we welcome parents from across the school who wish to hear about the recent Ofsted inspection.  I will be joined by senior staff and governors, and will be answering any questions and hearing the thoughts of parents.  If you would still like to come please do let my PA, Mrs Friend, know.

 

On Thursday I drive to Coventry to attend the annual CCF Headteachers’ Briefing.  It is vital that headteachers of schools with CCFs have an opportunity to hear about developments and put forward points to ensure that the experiences the cadets get are good ones.

Tuesday 12 February 2019

I cannot believe we are almost halfway through the school year.  We continue to be busy with this week being no different.  Yesterday and today I am interviewing five candidates for the roles of School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  The shortlisted students are going through a rigorous process including presenting an assembly to a group of students, having lunch with senior staff, governors and Old Maidstonians, taking part in a group activity, and being interviewed by me and Mrs Sewell.  I hope to be able to announce the successful candidates after half term.  Good luck to them all.

 

Tomorrow we welcome parents of year 8 students to attend the Year 8 Parents’ Evening.  It is a chance for parents to hear how their sons are getting on particularly at this crucial stage when they are choosing to select what subjects they wish to study from next year.  We look forward to welcoming them tomorrow evening.

 

Later this week the Classics trip to Italy leaves taking students to Rome, Sorrento and Pompeii, and the senior rugby squad depart for the rugby tour to the same country.  Thank you in advance to the staff who are accompanying the students.  Stay safe everyone.

 

Finally, just a reminder to parents, if you wish to attend the Ofsted Q & A Parental Evening on Tuesday 26 February please email my PA, Mrs Friend, letting us know.  The evening starts at 7pm.

 

Have a lovely half term holiday.

 

Tuesday 5 February 2019

Thank you to the students and staff of Corpus Christi House who led the charity day last Friday.  Despite the damp and cold conditions fun was had by all, particularly at the main event at lunchtime where staff and students performed songs from the 1970s and 80s.  The rendition of Bon Jovi’s Living On A Prayer will certainly be remembered!  The total amount raised was just under £2,800 for Motor Neurone UK, which is the highest amount so far for any individual house charity day.  Well done everyone.

 

Friday was also the deadline for year 12 students to apply to be next year’s School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  At last night’s SLT meeting we shortlisted the applicants based on their letters of application, but also took into account the student and staff votes that took place yesterday.  Interviews for the two posts take place next week.  News of the two successful applicants will be shared by the end of next week.

 

This week is a busy one for senior staff as on Thursday and Friday we all are involved in interviewing perspective candidates for two assistant headteacher roles.  Following the announcement that Mrs Sewell, the deputy head, is retiring at the end of the academic year, there is now movement to appoint new faces to the senior team.  We look forward to meeting the candidates and hope to be successfully appointing two of them.

 

This Friday the Amnesty International Student Group is hosting a quiz night here at MGS.  Do come along.  It starts at 7pm and tickets can be purchased on the door.

 

Congratulations to the RAF cadets who took part in the Regional RAF Air Squadron Trophy Competition last weekend.  They won!  Winning the regional competition means they now go direct to the final in March as strong contenders.  Well done to the cadets and many thanks to Mr Moores and all of the RAF adult volunteers for supporting the cadets over these past months.

Tuesday 29 January 2019

Yesterday I returned to the UK after spending the last eight days in the US enjoying the sights of New York and attending the Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston. More than 3,500 delegates from around 200 secondary schools across 40 countries came together to grapple with some of the most serious challenges in international relations. The 24 Maidstonians were all a pleasure to be with and represented themselves, their school and their country incredibly well. Many thanks to Mrs Van Mol for organising the trip and Ms Kruppa for also accompanying. Definitely a memory of the year.

Yesterday also saw the return of Ms Lonsdale who has been on a maternity leave for the last nine months. Welcome back Ms Lonsdale.

Thank you to the Parents’ Association who organised Saturday’s Ceidlh and Hog Roast. In conjunction with MGGS parents enjoyed an evening of dance, entertainment and frivolities. I hope the parents who came along had an enjoyable evening.

This Friday sees the deadline for hopeful applicants who wish to be considered for the roles of School Captain and School Vice-Captain. Shortlisting will take place next week followed by two days of interviews in the week before February half term. The field is again very strong this year, and at the time of writing, I have no idea who will be successful. Good luck to those who apply.

Congratulations and well done to William Luckhurst of Barton House who despite being under the weather, had an extremely successful day at the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships on Saturday. William entered five events which consisted of 90m freestyle, 30m Butterfly, 30m Freestyle, 30m Breaststroke and a 4 person relay. The water temperature was below 3 Celsius. William came away with 5 gold medals having won each of his events. A fantastic achievement and William will now aim for the World Championships in Bled next year.

Marvellous Maidstonian - Congratulations to Matthew Hua from Barton House who won the Maidstone Young Musician competition for 2019. Matthew won this year's competition held at Maidstone Grammar School on Saturday 19 January with impressive performances of Mozart's Sonata no17 in B flat major, and Chopin's Nocturne in E, opus 61. He competed against 7 other finalists on the night and is now through to the district finals for the national Young Musician competition which takes place in February. Well done Matthew and good luck in the next round.

A reminder that on Friday the Corpus Christi Charity Day takes place raising money and awareness for the local Mid Kent branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. (MNDA). Students will be able to come to school in non-uniform for a £1 donation on the gate. Motor Neurone Disease affects adults of any age and there is currently no cure. However, MNDA works alongside families in need to help them through difficult times.

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Well, this week is a stark contrast to last week.  Currently, as you read my blog, I am in New York and Boston accompanying 24 Year 12 students who are representing MGS at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference.  The trip is an amazing experience and provides the students a fantastic opportunity to debate world issues on a global stage.  This contrasts with last week when we welcomed five Ofsted inspectors into the school to complete an Ofsted inspection. 

 

Ofsted inspections can be both draining and exhilarating, but I must say I was bowled over by the response I saw from both staff and students.  Everyone played their part in showing the inspectors how we all feel about MGS.  In particular, thank you to those students, members of staff and governors who gave up some time and met with them.  The outcome of the inspection will be shared shortly, but I will say that our community nature, the respect the students have for everyone around them, and the sense that a moral code exists at the heart of the school were particularly mentioned.

 

This week we welcome Year 8 and Year 13 back into normal school following last week’s examinations.  I hope they went well for everyone.  Results will follow in due course.

 

Congratulations to Daniel Lloyd of Tonbridge House who took part in a practice event last Saturday before he competes soon at the British Cycling National Cyclocross Championships.  Daniel competed in the U14s race held at the Cyclopark in Gravesend on a very tough and technical course, with Daniel having to do the same course as the Elite Pro men who compete in World Cup races. The course had 40m of sand, a steep 30% hill, a scaffolding bridge, steps, muddy off-camber sections, and road sections. Only the top competitors qualify for the British Championships based on points accumulated from races earlier in the season. First to be set off were the 80 competitors in the U16s and then 2 minutes later the 60 competitors in the U14s. It was a five lap race over 40 minutes with a very fast and furious start. Daniel had a steady start but then completed the last laps very strongly to finish in 8^th place overall.  Well done Daniel and good luck for the British Championships.

 

Tuesday 15 January 2019

At the weekend the U13 football squad played Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in the quarter finals of the Kent Cup.  The squad played extremely well but sadly lost the game 2 – 1.  Bad luck boys.  Also on Saturday the U12A, B, C & D rugby squads travelled to Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex to enjoy a weekend fixture with a difference.  The boys came back with two wins, one draw and one loss – a very good and promising set of results.

 

This week Year 8 and Year 13 complete their school exams.  Year 8 students are about to make decisions on what GCSE subjects they would like to take next year and so their exams will help them and their parents make more informed choices.  Also, starting yesterday, Year 13 students are spending six days completing their mock exams.  These exams will form the final academic profile of the Year and highlight to the students what work is required between now and the summer.  Good luck all.

Yesterday I launched the application process for finding the next School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  Interviews do not take place until early February, but over the next four weeks hopeful candidates need to apply, we need to shortlist, and students and staff need to have their say.  For me watching the students grow in confidence and share with us how they feel about their school is incredibly rewarding.  Good luck to all those who apply.

On Sunday 24 students from Year 12, accompanied by three members of staff fly out to America to spend a week in New York and Boston, and take part in the prestigious Harvard Model United Nations Conference.  The students have been preparing for the conference since September attending weekly training sessions led by students from the year above.  It is a fantastic opportunity for them; let us hope the US Government shutdown and recent snow in New York do not cause too many disruptions. 

Advance notice: Coming up on Friday 1^st February is the charity day for Corpus Christi House.  They will be supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).  The usual non-uniform with a £1 contribution will take place as well as fair stalls, a raffle and a 1980s themed fancy dress for staff!  Please do get involved in as much as possible.

And finally, as many of you know already, we welcome five Ofsted inspectors into the school today and tomorrow to complete an Ofsted inspection.  We hope they see how we all feel about the school.  The outcome of the inspection will be shared in due course.  Best wishes to everyone who is involved and thank you for the tremendous efforts being put in today, tomorrow and always.

 

Tuesday 8 January 2019

Welcome to the first Headmaster’s Blog of 2019.  Welcome back to a new term; I hope you all had a good holiday, and Happy New Year.  

 

2019 starts with a busy week as from this week we welcome the new catering company, Cucina, who were successful in gaining the school meals contract back in November.  We look forward to see what they will be providing.

 

Yesterday the parents of the year 12 students who are attending this year’s Harvard Model United Nations Conference attended an information evening to learn more about the trip.  The trip to Harvard is a fantastic experience and provides an opportunity for the students to debate global issues on a world stage.  The trip goes in two weeks.

 

Tonight we welcome parents of year 8 students to hear about the GCSE options process.  The time has come for year 8 students to consider what they would like to study next year, and tonight’s information evening explains the detail.  Next week’s Year 8 exams are the beginnings of the process.

 

Tomorrow night is the Year 9 Parents’ Evening.  After two terms of GCSE studies it is a good point for parents to hear how their sons have progressed.  We look forward to welcoming you.  

 

Just before Christmas, Tom Rowe and Freddie Gache of Corpus Christi House were invited to attend the U15 Saracens rugby trials for their development squad just before Christmas.  I am pleased to say they have both been selected and represent two of only 13 players from Kent.  Well done boys.

 

Congratulations to Joseph Pickard of College House who has been invited to join the National Children's Brass Band.  This is an amazing achievement for him as there are only 4 soprano cornet seats available in the band. Well done Joseph.

 

 

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Welcome to the last Headmaster’s Blog of 2018.

Firstly, thank you to Tonbridge House for their charity day last Friday which raised money for Young Minds.  With Christmas being just around the corner the theme for the day had a festive dimension.  Mr Holmes, the head of Tonbridge House, dressed up as a Christmas tree, with many of his prefect team wearing festive jumpers and acting like his little elves.  The highlight of the day was the lip-sync battle in the Hall at lunch, where Mr Holmes had transformed himself from a Christmas tree to Freddie Mercury!  Well done all and thank you for supporting the day.

Continuing the Christmas theme, today and tomorrow the catering team serve the students and staff their Christmas lunch; Barton and College students today and Corpus Christi and Tonbridge houses tomorrow.  Do enjoy the lunch and let us hope the students eat their sprouts!

Tonight after school we invite Old Maidstonians who left last year to return to their school to receive their A Level certificates.  A number of the year group are returning to receive applause for their achievements but also to see each other again and to catch up.  The occasion is always an enjoyable one.

Thursday is the MGS Carol Service which takes place at All Saints Church at 7.30pm.  The Service will follow a traditional format: hearing lessons and singing carols, before we all enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.  If you are free then please do come along.

And Friday is the end of term before we break up to enjoy a couple of weeks with our friends and family.  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tuesday 11 December 2018

Well done and thank you to the entire cast, crew and supporting members of staff for three enjoyable performances of this year’s school pantomime Treasure island.  It was a typical pantomime with cheeky one-liners and cheesy musical numbers, and with of course, audience participation.  Good job everyone.

At the weekend the school rugby squads should have been out in force against The Judd School.  Sadly, due to the water-logged pitches all matches, apart from the 1^st XV, were postponed.  The 1^st XV squad was able to play away at Judd due to them having an all-weather pitch.  The squad sadly lost 34 – 12, but the score does not reflect the fight and spirit in which the boys played.  For a long time the score line was 10 – 5, but during the second half the wind picked up in Judd’s favour, and so we struggled to get into their half.  Well done boys though for an exciting game to watch.

Tonight is the first school parents’ evening of the year.  Year 12 students and parents will find out how the first term has gone following a very demanding start to sixth form and A Level studies.

Tomorrow and Thursday year 8 students will be off timetable to take part in a careers themed day.  These days signify the start of the process in which the boys begin to think about their futures and how those thoughts will determine what GCSE subjects they will choose for next year.

Also on Thursday, as well as Friday, a group of year 7 students will be enjoying a day out of school visiting Bletchley Park.  The trip is being led by the mathematics and history departments and is one that I have wished to see in schools for many years.  Thank you to Mr Gokool and Mr Wrein for organising.
Friday is a day year 11 students will be aware of.  It is the day the students receive their mock examination results, and following on from last year’s introduction, they will receive them in the same way as they would in August next year.  Good luck boys and make sure you learn from what you receive.
Also on Friday we are looking forward to the second house charity day of the year, this time it is Tonbridge House’s turn.  The house is raising money for Young Minds and will involve the usual non-uniform arrangements, Tonbridge tutors dressing up as Christmas characters, but will also include a Lip-Sync Battle in the Hall between staff and students.  Also this charity day dovetails with our annual ‘Quid And A Can’ Appeal where we ask students to not only contribute a £1 for wearing non-uniform, but also to bring a food item which can be donated to the local homeless charity.  Thank you in advance for all of the organisation and support.

Tuesday 4 December 2018

I cannot believe it is December already.  With only three weeks of term left, where did the last three months go?

Last week we spent two days interviewing candidates for the role of Deputy Head.  I am delighted to announce that Misis Johnson has been successfully appointed.  Following the two-day rigorous process across a variety of tasks and interview panels Miss Johnson displayed both passion and exceptional leadership qualities.  She will be an outstanding deputy headteacher.  I am sure you will join me in congratulating her and wishing her the best in her new role.  

We returned to school on Monday following a weekend when the CCF cadets enjoyed their first recruit camp.  A number of younger cadets experienced their first opportunity being out in the field supported and accompanied by staff and more senior cadets.  The weather played its part sadly, particularly on Saturday, but everyone returned with smiles.

Also at the weekend, MGS competed for the first time against 15 other grammar schools at Maidstone Crown Court in the Bar Mock Trial. 16 students across key stages 4 and 5 represented the school and put in an excellent performance.  Many thanks to Mr Ferguson who accompanied them.

The main focus for this week is the school pantomime.  Technical and dress rehearsals take place today and tomorrow in preparation for three performances of Treasure Island on Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 7pm.  Good luck to the entire cast and crew, and thank you to the members of staff who have been supporting the students over these last couple of months.  Do come along, tickets are still available.

Congratulations to three students: Marcus Stephens of Barton House who has been awarded a Try Angle Award that recognises exceptional achievement and good work of young people and  Matthew Hau of Barton House and Joseph Pickard of College House who both took part in the recent Maidstone Music Festival, and have been invited to perform at the Maidstone Young Musician competition for 2019.  Well done boys.