Tuesday 18 July 2023

Welcome to the last blog of the year and the last ever Headmaster's Blog. Don't worry, my weekly blog will continue into the next academic year, but from September will be named Headteacher's Blog as opposed to Headmaster's. This is because from September I will be the headteacher of Maidstone Grammar School and not headmaster. It is right that the School reflects a changing society, and so changing the role name I am known by will be a small but significant change that is right for MGS in the world we live in. 

Before looking at the coming week, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the planning and organisation of Friday's speech day. Despite not being able to have everyone there due to the wet weather, it was still a wonderful event for the school and for the prizewinners. An event in which the whole school could attend together was the Founders' Day Service at All Saints Church earlier in the day. It was an opportunity for the entire school community to celebrate the founding of the School and give thanks to the many thousands upon thousands of Maidstonians who have passed through its gates and given leadership and service to it.

This week's highlight is today's Sports Day. The MGS Sports Day has not taken place since 2019, and so only Year 12 have experienced the delights of competing in one. The weather looks good, and so here's hoping for a good day.  Good luck to all competitors.

Friday is the last day of term where we come together one final time and celebrate the year that has passed. The MGS House Cup will be awarded to the winning house, we say goodbye to leaving staff, and we sing the School Song one last time. At the assembly I will also be looking ahead to next year and preparing everyone for the School's 475th anniversary. There will be lots going on next year, particularly during the month of April, but there will also be events in September and July to launch and end the celebrations. It really will be a year to remember.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a restful summer holiday and thank you all for reading my blogs throughout the year. See you in September.

Tuesday 11 July 2023

A huge thank you to the staff who organised and led the many activities that took place during last week’s Extended Learning Week.  From walking in the Kent countryside to creating a typical picnic lunch, Maidstonians enjoyed doing something different for a week.  In addition to years 7 to 9 partaking in these activities, years 10 and 12 completed some essential work experience that took them away from MGS and into the workplace.  I hope everyone had a fabulous time.

Last week we heard the sad news of the death of former colleague and deputy head of MGS, Dr Tony Webb.  Dr Webb taught history here from 1971 to 2000, and was deputy head for almost 20 years in that time.  Even though I never had a chance to work with Dr Webb, I had the pleasure of meeting him early on in my headship, as well as getting to know him during his time in the Old Maidstonian Society.  I know from some of my colleagues and former staff who worked with him, Dr Webb was a character, and had a unique way of doing things.  Schools like MGS were filled with teachers like Dr Webb, so his passing brings to an end a significant chapter of MGS’s life.  We send our thoughts to his family and friends at this time.

This week, as we approach the end of the academic year, is a busy one.  On Thursday we welcome  our newest Maidstonians to the school to the Year 6 Induction Day.  Over 200 young faces will be spending the day at MGS, getting to know the lay of the land and hopefully getting to know some new friends.  And on Friday we celebrate the founding of Maidstone Grammar School at a service at All Saints Church in the morning, which will then be followed by our Lower School Speech and Prize Giving Day in the afternoon.  We hope for some good weather.

Finally, congratulations to Jamie Noakes, our head chef, who last week placed 3^rd in the National School Chef of the Year Competition.  He competed amongst 12 finalists from across the country, being asked to prepare a two-course school meal in under 90 minutes.  He cooked chicken breast with sticky rice and a vagrant Thai broth with crunchy vegetables; and for desert, he prepared a Peach Melba Crumble.  Well done Jamie.

 

Tuesday 4 July 2023

A huge thank you to Mr Norton, Corpus Christi House and all of the students and staff who took part in last Friday’s Lip-Sync Battle.  An eclectic mix of performances and music genres were on show for everyone to enjoy, from Kylie Minogue to Queen.  In addition to this musical event we also enjoyed the MGS Summer Showcase on Thursday.  The audience enjoyed music from John Williams’s film scores to an extract from Macbeth.  Thank you to Mrs Brooks, Mr Bourne and Mrs Edwards, and to all of the students who took part and helped make it happen.

This week is Extended Learning Week.  Years 7 to 9 are busy enjoying a variety of different activities across the country and beyond, and years 10 and 12 are taking part in some valuable work experience.  Extended Learning Week has been in place for 10 years now.  It is week where Maidstonians broaden their learning experiences to complement their normal classroom ones.  I hope everyone; staff and students value the week and get the best out of it.

Tomorrow, Jamie, our head chef, competes in the final of the School Chef of the Year.  Over 2000 applicants entered the competition, and now the last 12 take part in the final in Birmingham.  The School Chef of the Year competition aims to show off the high quality of school meals and the contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of young people.  We wish Jamie the best of luck and hope his two-course meal choice wows the judges.

 

Tuesday 27 June 2023

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the MGS athletes who took part in an inter-school athletics completion last week at Oakwood Park.  11 schools attended, with MGS coming second in the Year 8 category and first in the Year 7, 9 and 10 categories.  A really good day for MGS.  Well done Maidstonians.

Continuing with athletics, two of our budding athletes have achieved significant recognition in their chosen disciplines.  Faith of Year 12 and Corpus Christi House was selected to join the GB & NI U20 Athletics Team for a competition in Mannheim, Germany last weekend, and Theo of Year 10 and Corpus House has been selected to run for Kent Schools at the English Schools Athletics Competition this weekend after winning the Inter-Counties Race last Saturday.  Well done Faith and Theo.

And finally, congratulations to Aoife of Year 12 and College House who received a commendation for her achievements in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators run by Queen’s College, Oxford.  Over 15,000 students participated in the competition, and so Aoife receiving recognition is a fantastic achievement.  Well done Aoife.

Thank you to the Year 10 band, Corpus Christi House and to Cucina for putting on a fabulous ‘Queen and BBQ’ event in the Quad last Friday.  Over 400 members of the MGS community came together to enjoy some music whilst eating some freshly cooked BBQ food from our caterers.  It was a lovely occasion.

For three days this week we welcome back Year 11, as well as saying hello to some new students, who wish to join the MGS Sixth Form next year.  At this Post 16 Induction Event students will get a feel of what life is like at MGS being a sixth form student.  We hope they have a good time. 

At the end of the week our celebrations of Pride Month come to an end with a Lip-Sync Battle in the Big Hall.  Students and staff will show off their ‘no singing’ skills: miming to some of their favourite songs in front of a hall-packed audience.  I am sure it will be entertaining!  Thank you to the staff and students who are taking part.

Tuesday 20 June 2023

This week is the last full week of GCSE and A Level examinations.  Year 11 and Year 13 have been busy over these last few weeks, but the light at the end of the tunnel is now in sight.  For those students who have their last exam this week, then I wish them good luck, and for those students who have already finished, then I hope they are happy with their performance, and that they have an enjoyable summer break.

At the weekend the MGS cricketers enjoyed their fixture against Norton Knatchbull and the glorious weather with two wins.  However, despite reaching the semi-final of the Kent Cup beating Sevenoaks School along the way, the U15 squad lost their chance of reaching the final by sadly losing to Oakwood Park Grammar School by only seven runs.  Bad luck to the players, but well done for progressing well through the competition.

Tomorrow we enjoy the opening of the annual MGS Art Exhibition.  Artwork from students in years 11 and 13 will be on show, and I always enjoy wandering around the exhibition seeing the talents of some of our students.  Please do come along.  It takes place in the Big Hall and is open from 4pm.

This Friday MGS is proud to present Queen in the Quad. Members of the school band supported by our caterers will be supplying the rock music and BBQ as we celebrate 50 years since the release of Queen's debut album. The day will also be a free non-school uniform day, encouraging everyone to wear bright colours in celebration. 

Tuesday 13 June 2023

Firstly, I would like to thank Mr Hanratty for stepping into my shoes for the last three weeks and writing this blog.  His words allowed me to follow what was going on at MGS from a distance.  The reason for me being away from MGS was that I was on a three-week sabbatical, driving around the country visiting a number of different schools to see what we could learn from them.  I have now returned with lots of ideas and eager to continue developing the school.  As well as thanking Mr Hanratty, I would also like to thank my senior colleagues, particularly Miss Johnson, for stepping in during my absence.  It is good to be back.

Just before the May half term we held a non-uniform day to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.  Thanks to Tonbridge House, led by Mr Holmes and Mr Taylor, we raised just under £900.  Thank you Tonbridge House, and thank you to everyone who supported.

At the weekend, under the glorious weather, the MGS cricketers played their first cricket match of the new term, and at the same time a large group of other Maidstonians completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition.  The cricket fixture was against Dartford Grammar School where MGS won two out of the three matches.  Well done to the players and thank you to the staff who supported both the cricket and the DoE.

Also at the weekend, I sadly was not able to enjoy the weather, as I attended the annual Kent Research-Ed Conference, which this year took place at Cornwallis Academy.  About 150 teachers from across Kent were in attendance, and throughout the day we heard from a number of speakers who presented their research on a variety of different aspects of education, including how to teach everyone in the classroom to the impact of technology. 

Yesterday we had our first Quad assembly: an assembly for the entire school community outside in the Quad.  I always look forward to the summer months, not only because of the warmer weather and lighter evening, but because it is a chance to bring every Maidstonian together in one place to hear a message for the day.  With it being Pride Month, the main theme of the assembly was, ‘What can we be proud of?’  Thank you to the four students: Noah, Ben, Jess and Rafe, who spoke with me.  They collectively shared with the school what they were proud of.

Next Wednesday, 21 June we will be enjoying the opening of the annual MGS Art Exhibition.   Each year we exhibit the artwork from students in years 11 and 13, and I always enjoy wandering around the exhibition seeing the talents of some of our students.  Please do come along.  It takes place in the Big Hall and is open from 4pm.

Finally, congratulations to Patrick of Year 7 and Corpus Christi House who is doing really well at the moment with his golf.  He has competed in three British junior U12 golfing events in the last two months, finishing in 5^th, 4^th and 1^st place.  Well done Patrick.

 

Tuesday 6 June 2023

Mr Hanratty, here.

It has been great to see our students return this morning, well rested, and in their summer uniforms, with most looking like they’ve seen the sun. It’s also been great to hear their stories and tales from the break, shared with each other and the staff. The same can also be said for our staff, who returned yesterday for our Inset Day, also looking sun-kissed and full of drive for the term ahead. Yesterday's Inset is a key date in the calendar where departments work together to review and adapt their curriculum for the year ahead. We also welcomed many of our new staff from September, and it was great to see them get to know and gel with their teams as the day progressed.

Today also marks the start of Pride Month at MGS, a celebration proudly spearheaded by Corpus Christi House. As a symbol of our commitment, the pride flag flies over the gatehouse. It signals not only to our immediate community but also to the broader one beyond our school gates, affirming our role as a welcoming, inclusive school that encourages students to take pride in their individual identities. Lots of exciting events are scheduled to take place, and I have no doubt the Headmaster will keep you updated when he returns to writing this blog from next week. One event I’m particularly looking forward to is the BBQ and Big Band in the Quad on Friday 30 June, where there will be an LGBTQ Icons LipSync Battle with staff and students participating.

Starting this afternoon and until next Monday, we will welcome Year 6 boys and their families to one of their welcome events known as the House Teas. This informal event allows Year 6 students to meet fellow students in their house, their Head of House, Assistant Head of House, their 6th Form Prefect Team, and current Year 7 students. Parents and carers will also join to socialise over a cup of tea. These events are such an important part of our transition programme, which started in April and continues through the next academic year.

Tomorrow, Year 12 are off timetable all day for their PSHCE Day. Throughout the day, Year 12 will take part in a number of carousel activities in small groups exploring a wide range of topics that include online behaviour, sexual health, financial advice, UCAS, drugs and alcohol. This day has been organised and delivered in partnership with a number of organisations, including the Kenward Trust.

This week is filled with several exciting cricket fixtures. Later today, our U15A team will be pitted against Dartford Grammar School at 1.30pm, followed by a match with our U14A team against Bennett Memorial Diocesan School at 2pm. The action continues tomorrow as our 2nd XI cricket team faces off against Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School at 2.30pm. On Friday, we round off the week with matches between our U12A and U12B cricket teams and their respective counterparts from Dartford Grammar School. We wish the best of luck to all the students representing our school in these games.

Of course, I cannot forget to mention the GCSE and A-Level exams that continue until the end of June. We’ve been impressed by the attitude and conscientiousness that our Year 11 and 13 students continue to show during this intense period, and we look forward to celebrating with them all in August. We wish them the best of luck in the rest of their exams this month.

Year 7 are in preparation mode for their end of year exams that begin in lessons next week. This is the first series of 'big exams' they have taken since joining us that assess everything they have learned this year. I know from my conversations with Year 7, their parents, and teachers that they are taking these exams very seriously and really want to prove how far they’ve come. We are all confident that they will do well, having seen how conscientiously they conducted themselves in this period leading up to their exams.

The Headmaster will continue to pen this blog from next week and will no doubt keep you updated on the numerous exciting things scheduled for this term ahead such as Extended Learning Week, UCAS Day, Year 9 and Sixth Form Induction Days, Sports Day, and many more. It’s been a pleasure keeping you all updated on life here at MGS over the past few blog entries. Until next time, take care.

 Mr H

Tuesday 23 May 2023

Hello, Mr Hanratty here.

Although it's the final week of term, there have been no signs of things slowing down as we approach the end. Take a moment to read about many of the exciting events that have taken place at MGS since my last blog post and leading up to the end of term.

Firstly, I wish to express admiration for the maturity and conscientious approach Year 11 and 13 students demonstrated during their GCSE and A-Level exams last week. We've been impressed by their conduct and wish them success as they continue their exams.

Yesterday, Mr Highway and the CCF team launched their recruitment process for Year 8 students to join the CCF - the largest and oldest co-curricular activity at MGS, spanning over 100 years. Our students are always eager to sign up each year, and Year 8 were no exception. The early numbers suggest that we are on track for large contingents again in Year 9 next academic year. It is great to see so many of your students serving their community in this way.

While on the subject of the CCF, we are delighted to share that our Army section won Gold at the recent Cambrian Patrol competition held last weekend. The MGS CCF team showcased a display of grit and determination, securing themselves one of the few prestigious Gold Awards presented at the event. The Cambrian Patrol, is the premier cadet competition and is based in the Brecon Beacons, the birthplace of the infantry, with a prime objective of testing cadets both physically and mentally. With teams from all over the UK competing against each other, the standards are high and demanding, and we are incredibly proud of our team's outstanding performance. Well done to all.

This week, Year 8 completes their End of Year Exams in lessons, marking their final chance to showcase their academic progress since Year 7, before they start their GCSE courses in September. We wish them the best in their exams.

In terms of career development, this Thursday, Year 10 students will receive a briefing from Mid Kent College about Post 16 options and careers during their assembly. This event complements our Careers Programme, which equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for succeeding in the world of work.

Similarly, our Year 9 students benefited from last week's Business Challenge, which culminated in them pitching innovative ideas and solutions to business leaders. We thank the local businesses that partnered with our students to complete this challenge: The Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside, Maidstone Leisure Centre, Maidstone Community Support Centre, Golding Homes, Fusion Maidstone HLC, and Mid Kent Mind. We also thank Alison Temple from Firebird Training for organising the event. Congratulations to the winners of this challenge: Ben W, Theo V B, Ethan W, and Sebastian F, all from Year 9 Corpus Christi House. Their Business Partner for this activity was Julie Herbert from Golding Homes. Well done to all.

Adding to our co-curricular activities, a Year 10 Theatre trip to Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End is scheduled for tomorrow. Such trips enrich our curriculum, often bringing to life the lessons learned in class.

On a different note, this Friday not only marks the end of term but also a non-uniform day, with a theme of "Wear something green" in support of Mental Health Foundation Awareness Week. Tonbridge House continues to lead on mental health awareness throughout May, building on our efforts from April's Autism Awareness Month. These events form an integral part of our curriculum, helping us to promote understanding and inclusivity.

We're also delighted to announce that Cucina has successfully retained the school meal contract for another three years, following a highly competitive tender process.

In relation to sport, congratulations to Daniel Jones (Old Maidstonian 2017) who has been selected to row for Great Britain at this Thursday's and Friday’s European Championships in Slovenia in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls. Since leaving MGS, Dan has actively continued with his love of the sport, rowing at university as well as training with the GB squad in Scotland. We are delighted for him and wish him well.

In relation to last week's sports fixtures, several matches played out with varying results. On Tuesday, our U14A football team put on an impressive performance, securing a 4-1 win in a friendly against Aylesford School. The following day, our Cricket 1st X1 played a friendly against The Canterbury Academy but, unfortunately, they weren't able to secure a victory.

Reflecting on last week’s County Athletics Championship, MGS placed a commendable 6th overall. Some of the standouts from the day include: Noah S (Y8 Corpus Christi House) placing 2nd in the Junior Shotput, Theo R (Y10 Corpus Christi House) winning the 800m inter-race, and Alan B (Year 10 Corpus Christi House) placing 3rd in the 1500m inter-race. Both our junior and inter 4 x100m relay teams came second in their respective races. Well done to all.

Looking ahead to this week's fixtures, today we have a cricket match between our U13A side and Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School at 2.30pm. Also this evening, our U14A football side will take part in the District Cup Football Final against Oakwood Park Grammar School, with an 6.30pm start at The Gallagher Stadium. Good luck to the staff and team, and fingers crossed for what is no doubt going to be an exciting final. Tomorrow, we will host a friendly cricket match between our 1st XI and Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School at 2pm, a U12A cricket match against Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys in the Kent Plate, as well as an athletics meet featuring MGS Year 9 & 10 against Oakwood Park Grammar School at 2pm.

As I said at the start, there’s lots going on, and we wish our staff and students a restful break when they break for Half Term on Friday. Staff return for term 6 on Monday 5th June for Inset training, while students return on Tuesday 6th. In Term 6, GCSE and A-Level exams will continue alongside Year 7 exams, welcome events for next year’s Year 7 students, Extended Learning Week, UCAS Day, Induction Days for Year 6 and prospective Sixth Form students, and Sports Day, amongst many other exciting events. Until then, I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful break and some sunshine.

 Mr Hanratty

Tuesday 16 May 2023

Hello there, Mr Hanratty here. I will be the guest writer for the Headmaster's Blog for the next few weeks and I look forward to updating you on life here at MGS during this busy exam season. Yesterday marked the formal start of GCSE and A Level exams. The first one up was Year 11's GCSE Religious Studies Paper 1. After years of preparation, the time has come for Year 11 and Year 13 to show the world what they are truly capable of. We have every confidence in their abilities and know they will do their best. We wish Year 11 and Year 13 all the very best in their final preparations and look forward to celebrating their achievements on Results Day in August.

Last Friday, Year 13 donned their MGS uniforms once more, sparking nostalgia and marking their Leavers' Day. Celebrations included a Quad BBQ, photos, and heartfelt goodbyes. Year 11 also said their goodbyes last Tuesday. Both year groups sang the school song for the final time as year groups in their respective assemblies and there were tears.

The Year 8 End of Year Exams commence next week, in lessons. The boys are making their final preparations both in lessons and at home. This is the last opportunity for Year 8 to demonstrate how much they have learned and how far they have come since Year 7 and before they start their GCSE courses in September. We wish Year 8 the very best in their final preparations for the End of Year Exams.

Yesterday, our Year 12 students returned to school after two weeks of UCAS exams and study leave. They are now the most senior students in the school, and those that younger year groups will look up to as role models. Year 12 students have all the potential to be great leaders and sources of inspiration for the other year groups. I’m confident that they will lead the way. Yes, they have big shoes to fill in the absence of Year 13, but I know they will carve their own path and lead with pride as the oldest students at the school. They have shown resilience and commitment throughout the year, and I have no doubt they will step up to the challenge and set a fantastic example for the Lower School.

Starting tomorrow and for the rest of the week, all Year 9 students will be off timetable to engage in a Business Challenge Activity, organised in conjunction with the Firebird Training organisation. They will work in teams with local business partners who will set them a business challenge.

We have several exciting sports fixtures lined up this week. Today, our U14A football team will be facing off against Aylesford School at 2.30pm. Tomorrow is packed with activities - first with athletics where our Year 7 & 8 team is competing against Oakwood Park Grammar School, and our Year 7 to 11 team is competing against Tonbridge. The day will be capped off with a 2.30pm cricket match between our 1st XI and The Canterbury Academy. On Thursday, our U13B cricket team will play against Maplesden Noakes School's at 3.30pm. To round off the week, on Friday our 1st XI cricket team will compete against Kings Rochester at 4pm.

Reflecting on last week's fixtures, our 1st XI cricket team played a friendly match against Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School on Wednesday, though we didn't secure a win. A massive congratulations to our Year 10 football squad for Thursday night’s 2-1 win against Aylesford School in the District Cup Final at the Gallagher Stadium. Alan B (Year 10 Corpus Christi House) delivered an outstanding performance to be named Man of the Match. We're extremely proud of this achievement and I’m sure there are many more to come for these players.

As we progress through these busy weeks of exams, we remind our students about the importance of self-care and mutual support. We hold pride in each one of our students, and we're confident they will do their best in their exams. If you have the opportunity, do encourage them and remind them of their capabilities. After all, they've got this!

Mr Hanratty

Tuesday 9 May 2023

This week year 12 students continue with their UCAS examinations with students from years 11 and 13 making their final preparations before their examinations begin next week. With these GCSE and A Level examinations just around the corner we say goodbye to a number of students as they move from being a Maidstonian to an Old Maidstonian. Leaving MGS is a special moment for many students, and the singing of the School Song is the highlight. There will be tears. Best wishes to all leaving students and good luck to them in their forthcoming examinations.

Since returning to school following the Easter holiday the cricket season has had mixed fortunes. Both the weather and some of the results have been challenging to manage, but we did see a win against The Judd School last week.  Let us hope the season continues in this vein.