28 February 2017

This week students from Year 11 continue to meet with key staff to discuss their thoughts about life after the GCSE examinations.  The advice and guidance we give students throughout school, particularly at this stage is crucial.  It is hoped that many of the boys decide to remain at MGS and continue their studies here.

Last night and tonight I am meeting with a group of parents who wanted to come into school and ask questions regarding our imminent expansion plans and decision to reshape our pastoral and house structures.  Last night went well and I look forward to meeting different parents tonight.  If you would like to come along then please do.  The evening begins and 6pm and will last about an hour.

Last week I had the pleasure in appointing Kristian Szwedziuk and Lex Delamere-Ayling as the new School Captain and School Vice-Captain respectively.  This week I launched to the rest of Year 12 the Student Leadership Prefect Team application process.  Students will have the next two weeks to write a letter of application if they wish to be considered.  It is hoped that a decision of who will be selected will be made by the third week of March. 

This Friday the Parents' Association is hosting a Jam Tribute Night, one of a number of new events this year.  The evening starts at 7.30pm.  Do come along.

21 February 2017

Welcome back to Term 4, I hope you all had a good break.  I also hope that this blog is reaching a much larger audience.  Following the recent Parent Forum meeting it was suggested by parents that this blog should be emailed out each week via ParentMail as well as being posted on the School website.  For those who are new to these blogs, then welcome, and I hope they provide a small insight into the life of MGS.  I have just returned from Paris where I accompanied the senior rugby squad on the 2017 Paris Rugby Tour.  24 sixth form students enjoyed the half term playing two games of rugby (won one 40 – 0 and lost one 29 – 12), took part in four training sessions, watched Racing 92 play their weekly fixture and enjoyed the sights of Paris and took in much of its culture.  Thank you Mr Hathaway for making this tour happen, and I look forward to the next one.

From this week senior staff and staff who predominantly work in the Upper School meet each student from Year 11 to discuss their progress to date and their plans for next year and beyond.  These meetings play an important part in the advice and guidance we give to the students, and I hope the boys come away with a clearer understanding of what they need to do during these last few months before their GCSE examinations.  Yesterday I had the pleasure in interviewing the shortlisted candidates for the roles of School Captain and School Vice-Captain.  I always look forward to this day, but more especially offering the roles to the successful two.  Tomorrow we welcome parents of Year 10 students to the School to attend the Year 10 Parents’ Evening.  The boys in Year 10 are about one year away from their GCSEs and so tomorrow night is a chance for parents to understand how their sons are getting on and understand more the new GCSE grading system. 

A reminder to parents of students in Years 7 to 12, there are two opportunities next Monday 27 February and Tuesday 28 February to come into school and meet with me and key staff to answer any questions you may have regarding our expansion plans and reshaping of the Pastoral and House structures of the School.  The sessions start at 6pm, please email my PA, Mrs Friend, if you would like to attend on denise.friend@mgs-kent.org.uk   And finally congratulations to Jabez Cheeseman of 7S who has just secured the role of young Harry in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue.  This is an amazing opportunity and a great thing for a Maidstonian to have achieved.  Well done Jabez.
 

 

7 February 2017

We have now dug the first hole to begin phase 1 of our 3 year building project.  On Wednesday last week we had a Ground Breaking Ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction of the Performing Arts Building.  Governors, parents, staff, students and representatives from the Local Authority, the architects and the building contractors were all present to witness me dig the first hole.  It has taken a long time and a great deal of hard work to reach this point, but we are all now very pleased that we will see the building get built. 
Yesterday after school I met with the Parent Forum, a group of parents who act as my sounding board and provide me with a parental perspective into the future of the School.  Last night we talked about the expansion plans, the new vertical pastoral structure, the new assessment arrangements and how we are supporting young people with their mental health.  It was a very positive meeting and we all came away with a better understanding of how the School is developing and how it goes on ensuring that it works for the benefit of all of our students. 
This week, following last Friday’s deadline, we shortlist the applicants who have applied to be the next School Captain and school Vice-Captain.  13 students applied and the interviews take place the first day back after half term.  Today we will be asking Year 12 and all of the staff who they think should take up the two roles.  Watch this space. Tomorrow we welcome parents of Year 8 to attend their Parents’ Evening.
Year 8 is a crucial year as it is when the students choose the GCSE subjects they wish to study from next year.  Subject teachers will be on hand to provide essential feedback, and also teachers who teach some of our newer subjects will be on hand to provide information about their subject. 
At the weekend 70 cadets took part in a CCF Training Camp to prepare for a variety of different events coming up later this year.  The RAF Section took part in the preliminary round of the Air Squadron Trophy and came 4^th, successfully achieving a place in the Nationals.  A number of other cadets took part in some weapon handling training and the Cambrian Patrol Team Exercise.  All had a good weekend.
And Finally, William Luckhurst of Year 10 competed in the National Cold Water Championships a couple of weeks ago.  He was competing in the 15 -18 age range, and so was one of the youngest competitors there.  Despite this he secured Gold in two events namely the 90m freestyle, an absolute killer of an event in freezing water, and the 30m breaststroke.  He is now the National Champion in these two events. These results also put him in a good position for the World Championships in 2018.  Well done Will.

 

 

31 January 2017

Firstly, congratulations and well done to the senior rugby squad who played and beat Skinners’ School on Wednesday last week 21 – 19.  The boys played extremely well, and the result was a good one considering it has come just before they travel to Paris in half term for their rugby tour.  Well done boys.

Last Friday I attended an Old Maidstonian event in London which invited former students to gather together and catch up with each other before travelling home after their day at work.  It was good to meet a variety of OMs ranging from students who left in the 50s to those who left only a few years ago. 

Yesterday we spent the day interviewing candidates for the Assistant Headteacher position that will be vacant from September following Dr Everett’s decision to retire.  Governors, staff and students were all involved in the process and I am pleased to say that we were able to make an appointment.

Thursday this week is the deadline for all applicants from Year 11 who wish to join our sixth form from September.  We are always oversubscribed and so it is hoped, once again, that many students finally join us in September after the many months’ long process.

This Friday is the annual Parents’ Association Quiz Night, which this year has a British theme.  The event is always very popular, but if you have not purchased your tickets yet, and you still wish to come along, then please make contact with the School straight away.  See you there.

Tuesday 24 January 2017

All of this week a group of Year 12 students are in Boston and New York to attend the Harvard Model United Nations Conference.  Each year the students on return speak very positively about their experiences and are always ready to promote the trip to subsequent year groups.  We look forward to hearing how they got on when they return next Monday.

Yesterday I was involved in interviewing a number of members of staff for a new role which we have created to start in September.  Part of the interview involved the shortlisted candidates taking part in a student led interview and an assembly.  It is always important to get a student perspective; young people are incredibly perceptive.  Thank you to them for their views.

Today is the Year 9 Parents' Evening.  Subject teachers will be available to meet parents and discuss the progress of the boys since starting their GCSE courses.  With some staff being fully booked, if parents are unable to make appointments then please do let us know.  There will be plenty of senior staff on hand to answer any questions or concerns, but I will be unavailable as I am attending a meeting elsewhere in Kent. I hope the evening goes well.

On Friday I am attending the first Kent and Medway Grammar Schools' Association meeting of 2017.  The meetings always provide opportunities to network with fellow Heads and discuss issues that affect us all. 

Following this meeting I will be commuting into London to attend an Old Maidstonian event.  With Neil Turrell, Headmaster of MGS from 1992 to 2009, being President of the Old Maidstonian Society this year the Committee felt it would appropriate to organise an event in London to encourage Old Maidstonians who work in London to meet over a couple of drinks before commuting home.  There will be a number of former students attending, and so I look forward to meeting them and sharing with them how their school has developed since they left.

Finally congratulations to Hamish Reilly, Bashri Ryan and Simon Coppard who have all been selected to represent Kent Schools at the English Schools Cross Country Championships in March.  All of them took part in the Kent Schools Championship at the weekend coming 2^nd, 4^th and 3^rd respectively in their respective races.  As well as these three boys Matthew Howson also competed at the weekend in one of the Maidstone District teams finishing 2^nd, 4^th, 5^th, 8^th, 9^th and 28^th.   Well done boys. 

Tuesday 17 January 2017

Following the very brief snowy conditions at the end of last week, it is good to be back to normality.  Two and a half hours stuck on Bluebell Hill on Thursday evening was the highlight of my week!

This week Year 13 students are on study leave and coming in to school to complete their mock examinations.  It is hoped the results of these examinations provide a good idea of where students are and what they need to do to prepare for the real ones later in the year.  Good luck to all.

Last night after school I attended the Old Maidstonians Society January meeting.  It was a chance for the Committee to discuss a number of matters and prepare for the Old Maidstonians Annual Supper coming up in March.  The work the Committee does is incredibly important, ensuring that as many Old Maidstonians remain in contact with each other and with the School.  When a Maidstonian becomes an Old Maidstonian, the School motto, ‘Olim Meminisse Juvabit’ really begins to mean a lot.

Throughout the year a number of training opportunities are put on for staff to support them with their own professional development, and tonight a large proportion of the staff are remaining at school for an additional hour to take part in some of that bespoke training, which includes a session on ‘Being Creative in the Classroom’.  

Congratulations to Sam Ghinn of Year 9 who has been selected to be a member of the British Gymnastics training squad for boys aged 14-17. Well done Sam.

And finally I am pleased to announce that work begins from next Monday on phase 1 of our 2 year building project.  BEC was awarded the contract just before Christmas for the Performing Arts and Science and Computing buildings.  It all starts next week beginning with the Performing Arts building.

10 January 2017

I hope after last week everyone has settled back into term.  The Spring Term for me is always the hardest despite it not being as long as the Autumn Term.  Students are beginning to prepare for the summer examinations and complete all their necessary coursework, but also, as a school, we really begin thinking ahead and preparing for the next academic year.  There is always a lot to do.

Yesterday I launched with Year 12 the School Captain and School Vice-Captain application process.  Those students who are interested in applying now have four weeks to put their letters of application together as the deadline is Friday 3 February.  Following shortlisting there will be interviews in the first week back following the February Half Term.  I look forward to seeing who applies.

All of this week boys in year 8 are completing their Year 8 examinations which will help them decide what GCSE subjects they wish to study from next year.  Last week’s Year 8 Information Evening was the beginning of the GCSE Options process and by the end of the period all the boys will know what they will be studying.

Next week Year 13 will be completing their mock examinations, which will be their last internally set examination before the real ones in the summer.  Make sure you all prepare yourselves well and good luck to everyone.

Just an advance warning that there is a Year 9 Parents’ Evening coming up in a couple of weeks: Tuesday 24 January.  This will be the first chance parents hear feedback from teachers about their son’s progress since beginning their GCSEs.  We look forward to welcoming parents then.

 

 

3 January 2017

Welcome back everyone and Happy New Year.  I hope you all had a well-deserved and peaceful break.  This week is a slightly quieter and shorter one to start the year off. 

On Thursday we welcome parents of Year 8 to attend their son’s Information Evening.  Year 8 is an important year as the boys choose what GCSE subjects they would like to study from next year, and this Information Evening begins that process.  The Year 8 Exams begin next Monday which will help the boys and their parents consider their strengths and subjects of interest.  We look forward to meeting parents on Thursday. 

Before next week’s Blog I would have also spoken to Year 12 regarding the up-and-coming application process to become the next School Captain and Vice-Captain.  Despite the interviews for the roles not being until after February Half Term, the process needs to begin early to allow interested students a chance to apply and for us to shortlist.  I look forward to receiving application letters in the near future.

Have a good first week back everyone.

13 December 2016

Welcome to the last blog of 2016.  We have finally reached the last week of term! 

 

Firstly I would like to say thank you to everyone who donated a gift to our annual Salvation Army Christmas Present Collection; the response from you all has been overwhelming.  All of the presents were placed under our Christmas tree yesterday and then taken along to the charity’s depot before being distributed to hundreds of children for Christmas.  A photograph of what you have all donated will be posted in our newsletter, which will be going out at the end of the week.

 

This week there are a number of events that acknowledge the end of term and the up-and-coming festive period.  Today is Christmas lunch day.  A large number of the School come together to tuck into a plate full of delights prepared by Independent Catering.  On Wednesday the School Carol Service takes place at 7.30pm in All Saint’s Church where many from the wider school community congregate together to hear the traditional nine lessons and carols.  If you are able to please do come along.  And on Friday we are acknowledging the Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day.  Students and staff will be allowed to wear their Christmas jumpers with their uniform and offer a donation to support the charity.  I am sure some of the jumpers will have flashing lights!

 

2016 has been a very busy year, and I wish to thank everyone who has contributed in any way to the workings of MGS.  Your help and support for the School is very much appreciated.

 

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see each other again on Tuesday 3^rd January, 2017.

 

 

6 December 2016

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the final performance of this year's School Production on Saturday evening.  Over 50 students across all seven year groups and about 10 members of staff were all involved in the classic tale of Zorro.  It was a lively mix of South American colours, costumes and music with many moments of comedy brilliance.  The confession scene was genius!  Well done to the entire cast and crew, and thank you all for giving an incredible amount of commitment for the last three months. 

This production is followed tonight by the GCSE Drama Showcase.  Year 10 and 11 students are showcasing their work to an audience at 5.30pm in Room 60.  I look forward to another evening of entertainment.

Tomorrow night we welcome parents of Year 12 who will be attending the Year 12 Parents' Evening.  It is the first opportunity for Year 12 and their parents to hear how they are progressing with their A-Level studies.  We have high hopes for the year group, so let us hope the evening is a positive one.

Thursday night is the Parent's Association Christmas Fair and Pamper Evening.  This year is the third time this event has run, and if last year is anything to go by, this year's event will be well-attended.  There will be a number of different stalls selling a variety of Christmas goodies and stocking filler ideas, plus an opportunity to relax and be pampered.  Do come along.  It starts at 6pm and is £3 to enter.

Friday is the second House Charity Day of the year.  Endeavour and invincible lead this, and as it is the charity day nearest Christmas we ask students and staff to also bring in a food item that gets donated to a charity supporting the homeless.  The day will include the usual opportunity for students to come to school not in uniform in exchange for £1, plus enjoy a number of events during break and lunch.  Remember also we are collecting toys and gifts for The Salvation Army to pass to children less fortunate than ourselves.  If you can support this your offers of help will be very much appreciated.

And finally this Friday and Saturday are two big days in the rugby calendar: they are the days we play The Judd School.  It is always a hotly contested weekend, so I wish all the players the best of luck.