Tuesday 5 October 2021

I start my blog this week by acknowledging three members of staff.  Firstly, Mr Seymour who on Saturday 25^th September undertook the Chiltern 50 Walking Challenge.  He crossed the finish line in 10 hours and 1 minute and in the process raised over £1400 for Breast Cancer Now, in memory of his friend Amy, an ex Head Girl at MGGS, who recently passed away after a 12-week battle with breast cancer.  At the weekend, two members of staff completed the London Marathon, Mr Ferguson finished in 6 hours 23 minutes supporting Racing Welfare, a charity that supports injured jockeys and Mr Sparkes finished in 5 hours 53 minutes supporting Make A Wish. Well done to all. 

I continue with my blog by acknowledging two Old Maidstonians who visited the school last week.  Both were visiting relatives in the area and so wanted to see their old school again.  One of gentlemen left in 1971, and the other in 1954.  Both had fond memories to share, tales to tell, and were able to find their names on the honours board that hang in our school hall.  What was even more incredible was that the gentleman who left in 1971 was able to tell us that his father served on HMS Maidstone and was responsible for donating the ship’s bell that hangs in our lobby.  What an amazing link to have with MGS!

Last week we also had some new display put up around the school.  As part of our revised vision, we are complementing our established Inspire to Learn agenda with our new Inspire to Belong agenda.  These two pillars are the foundations of all that we do, and so the new displays around the school raise the profile of what we do and illustrates to everyone what our intent is.

This week I am out of school for two days attending the annual Grammar Schools Heads Association.  Each year the headteachers of all the grammar schools across the country meet in London to share their ideas, learn about new developments, and offer support to each other.  It is a vital source of professional friendship.

In addition, this week we welcome year 7 parents to attend their respective house welcome events.  On Wednesday, we welcome Barton and Tonbridge houses, and on Thursday, it is the turn of College and Corpus Christi.  During each evening parents will meet each other, meet house staff and senior students, have a tour of the school by their son, and hear from key senior staff about the year ahead.  We are delighted to be hosting such events considering not being able to do so for such a long time.

And finally, congratulations to the 1^st XV rugby squad who beat King’s Rochester in the second round of the National Cup.  Well done gents.

Tuesday 29 September 2021

Last Friday and Saturday were two more days when we could welcome the wider community into the School. 

On Friday we enjoyed a non-uniform day and bumper cake sale to acknowledge the MacMillan Coffee Morning.  About 50 parents and former staff came into school to enjoy the occasion with us, soon followed by hundreds of hungry children eager to buy a piece of cake.  It was a wonderful event and thank you to Mrs Cook and the prefect team for organising the day.

On Saturday it was the turn of the Old Maidstonian Society.  About 50 former students and their families returned to MGS for a light tea and afternoon of conversation.  The Old Maidstonian Society is an important organisation that promotes the School’s culture of belonging ensuring that former students remain in contact with their school.  Maidstonians have an allegiance to their school when they are here, and this is equally seen amongst Old Maidstonians who have similar stories and tales to tell about their experiences.  A big thank you to the Old Maidstonian Committee for organising the event and to the six prefects who acted as guides and who represented the youth of today.

Sadly, in contrast, Saturday morning, before the Old Maidstonian event, was not a ‘good day at the office’.  The rugby fixture on that day was against Skinners’ School.  In total, including the fixtures on the Friday afternoon, there were 10 matches, and MGS only came away with two wins: U12B and U13A.  As always though, the students did themselves proud and played with great spirit, and I know they will use the experience to improve for the future.  Part of winning is losing!  A huge thank you to all of the staff and parent helpers who made the weekend rugby possible. 

Due to the current fuel shortages we have had to postpone the Year 9 Information Evening, but the Year 10 one is still going ahead on Wednesday.  Just like with years 11 and 12, these evenings are important as they provide an opportunity for parents to hear what they can expect from us and how we will be supporting their sons, particularly after the last 18 months of disruption.  We will be in contact with year 9 parents to reschedule.

Tuesday 21 September 2021

We have now reached the end of the second week of the new school year, and I continue to be impressed with how our Maidstonians have settled into life at MGS.  I think they secretly are pleased to be back.  The relaunch of our vertical house structure and the reintroduction of mixed aged forms have been positively welcomed, and this is down to the many positive virtues our students have.  Well done everyone, and thank you.

Last Wednesday we saw both senior rugby squads bring home wins for the School.  The 2^nd XV beat Simon Langton Boys 24-5 as part of the weekly fixture programme and the 1^st XV beat St Lawrence College 42-12 in the first round of the National Cup.  Well done to the players, and thank you to the many who came along to support creating a lovely atmosphere to be a part of.  Last Thursday was the first day the CCF met after school, and it was the first time the new Year 9 students took part alongside their fellow cadets.  Both these examples of the rugby players and CCF cadets illustrate how verticality works: different aged students seamlessly mixing, so much so that you cannot tell who is in what year. 

This week we welcomed parents of year 11 students to attend the Year 11 Information Evening: an evening to hear from us about the coming year.  Next week students of years 9 and 10, and their parents, will have their respective evenings.  

This week we are also arranging for form tutors to meet with their year 13 parents to discuss the year ahead.  The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption, so we feel it is important that Year 13 hit the ground running to position themselves in the best place when we get round to May next year.

On Friday, we are holding our first charity day to acknowledge MacMillan Coffee Morning.  Students will be allowed to wear non-uniform, and there will be cakes available in the Hall at break.  A letter has already gone out inviting parents to attend.  Do come along.

And finally, congratulations to Oliver Thackray of Tonbridge House who has become the All Stars European Champion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The competition was held at the UEL Sports Dock London a couple of weekends ago. He won gold in Gi category and silver in the No Gi.  Oliver also competed last weekend in the Elite Junior European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition retaining his Elite Junior European champion title winning gold in Gi & silver in no gi. An amazing achievement as juniors from across the world compete in this event. Well done Oliver.

Tuesday 14 September 2021

Welcome to my first blog of the academic year.  I have now been writing a weekly blog for seven years, and so for our newest Maidstonians and their families, they simply provide a brief insight into life at MGS - sharing news, up-and-coming events and success stories.

 Firstly, I would like to reflect on the start of term and the first few days of the new year.  It is so good having everyone back in school and living life pretty normally.  On Wednesday last week we had a whole school assembly in the Quad.  With the excellent weather it was a perfect opportunity to have the entire school community in one place, and it reminded us what we all belong to.  In fact, last week’s assembly was the largest gathering of Maidstonians in the School’s 472-year history.  It was a glorious sight.

The start of term also signified the return to verticality and mixed aged forms.  Sadly, due to the pandemic and the need for year groups to remain in their bubbles, verticality has had to be put on hold, but we are delighted that we can see it return.  Our vertical house structure is something that we are very proud of and has been a main feature of the school for the last four years.  It promotes a sense of belonging and identity in a very large school community, and what we are seeing on a daily basis is truly remarkable.  In fact, on Thursday, a group of year 11 students invited a group of year 7 students to join them in a game of football, and I witnessed myself a group of year 10 students helping some year 7 students in the Refectory.  These two anecdotal examples illustrate the benefits of the house structure and the beautiful nature of MGS.

Last Friday we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon celebrating the achievements of last year’s Year 11, 12 and 13 at the Upper School Speech Day.  Sadly, the weather did not allow us to hold the event in the Quad, but despite being in the Big Hall it was still an enjoyable occasion.  Congratulations again to all prize winners, and thank you to Dr Vaughan Everett for driving all the way from Pembrokeshire to be our guest of honour.

Also on Friday we hosted our team building event for Year 7.  All morning Year 7 took part in a range of activities and challenges on the field to promote a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.  They had a lot fun and got to know many more of their peers.  

Saturday was another wonderful day for MGS as it marked the beginning of the new rugby season.  School rugby has not been seen for 18 months, so it was great being able to hold a full fixture of matches against Gravesend Grammar School.  Sadly, we only came away with two wins out of six, but the atmosphere was incredible, and the size of the watching crowd was probably the biggest I have ever seen.  Welcome back rugby!

This week we welcome parents of year 12 students to attend the Year 12 Information Evening: an evening to hear from us about the coming year.  Other year groups and their parents will have their respective evenings over the coming weeks.  

This week we are also arranging for form tutors to meet with their year 11 parents to discuss the year ahead.  The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption, so we feel it is important that Year 11 hit the ground running to position themselves in the best place when we get round to May next year.  The same idea will apply to Year 13 the following week.

 

Tuesday 13 July 2021

Welcome to my last blog of the 2021-22 year – and what a year it has been.  This time last year we had received the guidance from the DfE for opening the school back up for the start of the new academic year.  So much has happened in the last 12 months that we could have never predicted, and on the way there have been many highs and lows that were both rewarding and overwhelming, but writing this last blog I can say for certain that despite the many challenges MGS has become a more supportive and closer community than we already thought it was.  Feedback from parents has been tremendous; staff have stepped up and gone over and above in the daily roles; and the students have been an absolute pleasure.  Thank you to everyone who has made this year special and for bringing life back to MGS.

Last Friday we welcomed back Alex Rolfe (OM 2006 – 2013) to be guest of honour and our Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we had to have the event in the Hall because of the wet ground in the Quad, but that did not put a damper on the occasion.  Prize winners and Year 7 were still able to enjoy the afternoon, despite being indoors, and thank you to the students and staff who spoke on behalf of the School to reflect the last 12 months.  Friday was a good day.

Also on Friday a group of year 12 students enjoyed at afternoon of sport as they took part in a number of house competitions for their year group.  I am currently unaware of the results, but the winners for each event will have generated vital house points for their house that will contribute to the overall winners of the House Cup which will be announced at the End of Term Assembly on Friday.

Congratulations to Alex Mclauchlan of Corpus Christi House who achieved his first Dan black belt in karate.  Well done Alex, and it is so good being able to again share news like this following the year we have had.

And at the weekend a number of year 10 cadets enjoyed taking part in their condensed Summer Camp.  The School and Headmaster’s Garden were excellent venues to enjoy a variety of CCF activities.  A huge thank you to the adult volunteers who gave up their weekend to supervise.

 

 

Tuesday 6 July 2021

A huge congratulations and thank you to the staff and students who enjoyed last week’s adjusted sports days.  Due to the on-going restrictions we had to run separate year group sporting events as opposed to the usual MGS Sports Day.  Despite this though there was great fun had by all.  Thank you to Mr Terrell, the PE Department, Mr Highsted, and the all of the members of staff who made the week’s events possible.

Well done to the students from Year 10 who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessed expedition at the weekend.  Despite the showers they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and for the first time since the restrictions were able to camp overnight.  Thank you to the staff who accompanied them led by Miss Adams and Miss Alloy.

This week we see the A-Level geographers go off site for a couple of days to complete their essential fieldwork.  Normally they would take part in a four-day field trip, but due to the restrictions they have had to complete their work much closer to home.  Let’s hope the students come back with loads of data.

This week we are also running a number of inter-house rugby competitions.  Rugby, due to its nature, has been severely impacted this year and so we are delighted to be at a point where the competitions can take place.  Year 9 played yesterday, with the other years playing later this week.  Good luck to them all.

And on Friday we recognise and acknowledge the good work put in from years 7 to 10 at the Lower School Speech Day.  Sadly, we will not be able to invite parents, governors, former staff and friends of the School to join us, but Mr Alex Rolfe (OM 2006-2013) will be in attendance as our guest of honour to congratulate the students.  Fingers crossed for some good weather so we can hold the event outside in the Quad.

Tuesday 29 June 2021

This week each year group will compete an afternoon of sport to replace the annual School Sports Day.  Sadly, due to the restrictions, we are having to run five separate sporting events in order to keep year groups in their bubbles.  The students involved are taking part in rowing, volleyball, table tennis, Frisbee, handball and badminton.  All of the sports generate house points which will be added up at the end of the day to see which house has won their year group.  Good luck to all four houses.

Also this week, due to the restrictions, we are running three open mornings for those year 11 students from other schools who wish to join the MGS Sixth Form in September.  Sadly, we were not able to have them join our own year 11 students last week for the Pre Sixth Form Induction Week, so these open mornings will hopefully go some way in sharing to the students what we do here.  Our own students will be on hand to guide them around the school.

And finally, Simon Coppard (OM 2018) took part in the Olympic Trials last Friday in Manchester.  Simon is an outstanding athlete currently studying at Loughborough University, and throughout his time at MGS his main event was 1500m; and this was the event he ran in last Friday.  We could well be seeing him at a future Olympic Games. 

Tuesday 22 June 2021

At the start of this week we welcomed Year 11 back into school to attend the Sixth Form Induction Week.  All week the students will familiarise themselves with aspects of being in the sixth form: a number of A-Level lessons, some independent work in the school library, and some free time in the sixth form common room.  It is good having them back.

This week we also see the continuation of the Year 12 UCAS exams.  Speaking to a number of the students last week the exams seem to have gone well and they were happy with what they had written.  Results will be released in the coming weeks.

And finally, congratulations to Alfred Moison of Tonbridge House who has helped write ‘In Conversation With…’: a book that explores the world of Michelin chefs, fine dining and wine making.  This is so impressive as, not only is Alfred still a student at MGS, he is only in Year 7!  Well done Alfred, and I expect more is to come from you in the future.

Tuesday 15 June 2021

Firstly, I would like to thank Samantha Croucher of College House who led the organisation for last Friday’s charity day.  The aim of the day was to raise money and awareness for Lend with Care, a charity that provides loans for small businesses in the developing world.  Students arrived in non-uniform and were met by a sweet stall at the front gate.  Later, they all enjoyed buying ice lollies in the warm weather as well as perusing through a huge collection of donated books and DVDs.  It was lovely to see a number of students with an ice lolly in one hand and a selection of books in the other.  Well done Sam; and an extended thank you to the prefect team who supported her.

Also on Friday, the out-going senior CCF cadets enjoyed a formal meal in the school refectory to acknowledge their time, celebrate their efforts and thank the many adult volunteers who support the cadets week in, week out.  It was a pleasant affair in the cooling, evening sun. 

This week is the start of a two-week period where we see Year 12 sit their UCAS exams: a set of exams across all subjects which will help teaching staff predict their students their UCAS grades.  The year group has been working hard over recent weeks, so best of luck to them all.

Tuesday 8 June 2021

Welcome back everyone to Term 6 and the final six weeks of the academic year; I hope you all had a good half term break and enjoyed the glorious weather.

The week begins with Year 12 having two days off timetable completing some essential work on the UCAS process as well as hearing about some key issues that affect teenagers and young adults.  In other parts of the school years 7, 8 and 9 begin the week completing end of year tests reviewing what they have learnt over the year and seeing what impact, if any, remote learning has had. 

In addition, on Friday we are having a non-uniform charity day to raise money and awareness for Lend with Care: a charity originating from CARE international UK which allows individuals to make small loans to individuals in developing countries so they can start their business and work their way out of poverty. It was founded in 2010 and so far, over 60,000 people have helped change the lives of those in need.  We look forward to having another charity day back at school.