Tuesday 17 December 2019

Welcome to my last blog of 2019.  I cannot believe we have reached the end of the first term of the academic year let alone the end of 2019.  It has been another demanding and rewarding year, and we are now looking forward to a well-deserved holiday.  Before we do though, there are a number of things to acknowledge.

 

Firstly, I would like to thank both the staff and students for organising last week’s Barton House charity day in support of the NSPCC.  The day had a joyful feel with the wearing of festive jumpers and a hotly contested mince pie eating competition.  The total amount raised was just under £1,750.  Well done all.

 

Congratulations to Tom Fryer of College House who represented the UKIP Party who won last week’s MGS Mock Election.  The outcome of the Election was unprecedented as both Tom Fryer and Liam Turner, who represented The Brexit Party, both received the same number of votes, but after consulting electoral rules, the final outcome was decided with a coin toss!  Well done Tom, and thank you to all other candidates who took part in the election.

 

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.

 

Tomorrow is the MGS Carol Service which takes place at All Saints Church at 7pm.  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 Thursday 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 10 December 2019

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 1^st XV rugby squad for beating Windsor Boys School last Wednesday 55 – 0 in the quarter-final of the National Bowl competition.  The semi-final is now not until March, and we wait to see who we will be playing.  The players should be incredibly proud of themselves to have reached the last four. 

 

Congratulations and thank you to the entire cast, band, crew, prefects, refreshment sellers and staff for three wonderful nights of Little Shop of Horrors.  It was one of the best school productions I have seen, and I certainly went home singing the songs in my car.  Well done all and thank you to everyone who supported.

 

A big thank you to everyone who has supported this year’s Salvation Toy Appeal.  Once again we have been amazed by the generosity of our parents and staff who have donated so many gifts and toys for the children of Maidstone.  Thank you ever so much. 

 

The end of term is nearly upon us, but there are still two busy weeks ahead.  Tonight we welcome parents of year 12 students to attend the Year 12 Parents’ Evening.  This will be the first opportunity that parents hear from their child’s subject teachers about how their child has progressed with their A Levels at the start of the sixth form.

 

Tomorrow and Thursday, boys from Year 8 will be taking part in two careers days.  These days are to get the boys thinking about what their interests are and what they possible might wish to do in the future.  These days will also help with the important decisions the boys will be making after Christmas about their GCSE options.

 

On Thursday MGS will be holding its own Mock Election.  Sixth form students have, for the last three weeks, been campaigning for their parties and encouraging us all to vote for them.  We now can have our say.  The Election will be preceded with a Hustings where all the candidates will be grilled by a hall full of students.  Good luck to all candidates.

 

On Friday Barton House will be leading on their charity day to raise money for the NSPCC.  The usual non-uniform day will be the main fundraiser, with students being encouraged to wear a festive Christmas jumper.  Throughout the day there will be of course stalls and events to further raise money.

 

And congratulations to Max Cardosi of Barton House who successful won a boxing competition on Saturday. The competition was part of a boxing event held in Maidstone at the weekend involving a number of clubs in the SE region. Max represents West Tree Boxing Club and he defeated a boxer from a club in Essex.

 

 

Tuesday 3 December 2019

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the 1^st XV rugby squad for beating King John School, Benfleet last Wednesday 24 – 17 in the last regional round of the National Bowl competition.  We are now in the last eight of the competition and are due to play Windsor Boys School on Wednesday.  The players should be incredibly proud of themselves to have reached the last eight.  Good luck boys for Wednesday’s match.

 

Sticking with sporting news, the 1^st and 2^nd XI football squads also respectively won their matches last week.  The 1^st XI beat Harvey Grammar 2 - 1 and the 2^nd XI- beat Kent College, Canterbury 8 - 1.  Well done boys.    Last week was a good one for senior sport!

 

Congratulations must also go to the CCF RAF cadets who, at the weekend, achieved 2^nd place in the regional division of the RAF Air Squadron Trophy.  On the way to achieve 2^nd place they came 1^st in the shooting part of the competition.  They now progress on to the national final.  Well done all and thank you to Mr Moores for accompanying them. 

 

This week is one to look forward to as our budding actors and musicians will enjoy putting on this year’s school production Little Shop of Horrors.  The first performance is Wednesday evening and will run for three nights finishing on Friday.  Tickets are available from the Bursary or on the door, with the show starting at 7pm.  Do come along.

 

And on Friday a group of Year 7 and Year 8 students travel to Cologne for a long weekend to experience the culture, try out their language skills and to enjoy the festivities of the famous Christmas market.  I hope the boys, and the staff, enjoy the occasion.  Safe journey to them all.

 

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Yesterday the year 11 students finished their GCSE mock examinations and so return to normal school today.  It is hoped that the last six days have prepared them for next summer’s examinations as well as providing them with a clear ‘marker in the sand’, indicating what work now needs to be done.  The results get published in a couple of weeks.

 

It is at this time of year when our Oxbridge students hear from their respective universities and colleges.  Once they hear we put them through a series of workshops and interviews to prepare them, organised by Mr Rivers, Miss Johnson and Mrs Acaster.  Fingers crossed to them all.

 

Congratulations to the 1^st XI and U14 football squads who respectively won their football matches last week.  The 1^st XI squad beat Borden Grammar School 2 – 1 in the East Kent Premier League, and the U14 squad beat St Gregory’s Catholic School 4 – 1 in the Kent Cup.  Well done boys, and thank you to Mr Terrell and Mr Bing for supporting.

 

This Friday there are two trips: A Level French students are spending the day at the British Film Institute in London experiencing French cinema, and a number of CCF RAF cadets are travelling up to RAF Wittering for a day of flying.  I hope they all enjoy themselves.

 

And on Saturday, the rugby squads play Dartford Grammar in the annual fixture; the cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors spend a day rehearsing in preparation for the 4^th December; and a number of families enjoy a day in Bruges on the MGS Parents’ Association Christmas Market Trip.  I hope the day is successful on all counts.

 

Last Friday 25 students across years 7 to 10 competed in the Maidstone Schools Cross Country Competition at Mote Park.  Everyone ran superbly, giving their all in very challenging conditions, and representing our school with pride.  MGS was crowned the champions of all three races; and many of the boys will now have the opportunity to represent the school again at the Inter-District Competition later in the season.  A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of sport.  Well done. 

 

Also on Friday Matthew Overal-Roe of College House travelled to the Big Rock Bond in Milton Keynes, representing his bouldering squad (Team Chimera), to compete in a combined top rope and bouldering competition. He won his age category dropping only 2 marks in total.  Well done Matthew.

 

And finally, congratulations to Tom Poole, Old Maidstonian who left in the summer, who has just won one of the coveted John Downton Award Prizes at a recent art competition.  His work will now be displayed in the Turner Contemporary Gallery. I believe this is a first for MGS.  Well done Tom.

Tuesday 19 November 2019

Firstly, I would like to thank all of the sixth form students who helped last week organise the Children in Need charity events.  The fundraising started on Thursday with the sponsored row.  Collectively the six senior prefects and I rowed three marathons over 9 hours raising over £1,300.  The support from students and staff who watched and cheered on was incredible.  And on Friday saw the usual non-uniform day which included cake selling, tombola stalls and a staff vs. staff arm wrestling competition.  Congratulations to Ms Wilson and Mr Bell, both from the English department, who won their respective competitions.  The final amount is yet unknown but the total to date is over £3,000.

 

Sadly, on Saturday and during last week, the rugby results against Skinners’ School did not go in our favour, but the spirit in which the games were played was tremendous.  The run up to Christmas is a hard one with Skinners’, St Olave’s, Judd and Dartford over four consecutive weeks.  The step up is a good one for us to rise to, and if the Skinners’ game is anything to go by, the next three weeks will be exciting to watch.  Thank you, as always, to the players who play, the parents who support, and to the staff who coach. 

 

This week is generally a quieter one, which is no bad thing.  By the end of the week we will be halfway through this eight-week term, and with the darker nights and colder weather, it always feels more demanding than it actually is.  This week though is certainly not a quiet one for Year 11 as they have their mock exams to complete.  Over six days the students will be tested across all of their subjects as well as experiencing what it is going to feel like next summer.  Good luck everyone.

 

And just an advance warning that in a couple of weeks’ time the school production is taking place.  Little Shop of Horrors is this year’s production which takes place from Wednesday 4 December to Friday 6 December.  Curtains open at 7pm with tickets being purchased on the door or in advance from the school Bursary.  Do come along.

Tuesday 12 November 2019

Firstly, I would like to thank the staff and students who supported last week’s Post 16 Open Evening.  Nearly 500 Year 11 students from MGS and surrounding schools visited us to see what we do in our sixth form.  Despite it being incredibly busy it was an extremely positive evening with many positive comments from visiting students and their parents.

 

Congratulations to the students who took part in the Mock Trial Competition on Saturday at Maidstone Crown Court.  This is the first time Maidstonians have taken part in the competition for a long time so expectations were somewhat realistic.  I am pleased to say though that the students have progressed into the national final beating Skinners’ School, Mayfield Grammar and Tonbridge Girls Grammar along the way.  The final will take place later in the year at the Old Bailey.  Well done all, and thank you Mr Ferguson for supporting them.

 

Also congratulations to the U13 rugby squad who last week beat Oakwood Park Grammar School 90 – 5, and to the 1^st XV senior squad who beat Chatham and Claredon Grammar School to progress into the final regional round of the National Bowl Competition.

 

And finally, congratulations must go to the junior cross country team who finished fifth in the South East English Schools Cross Country Competition on Saturday. This was an event involving the best teams from schools in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and our students beat the likes of Whitgift School, Hurstpierpoint, RGS Guildford, Dartford Grammar and Sevenoaks School.  There is now an outside chance that the team will qualify for the English Schools Final in Derbyshire next month.  Well done boys.

 

Before looking ahead to this week I would like to acknowledge the conduct of all of our students at last Friday’s Remembrance Service.  Parents should be very proud to know that the entire school paused for two minutes during break time to coincide with the two-minutes silence during the Service.  It is pleasing to know that today’s generation respect the concept of remembrance even in the digital world.  Thank you to each and every Maidstonian. Thank you also to the 73 cadets and five staff who took part in the Maidstone Remembrance Service on Sunday. 

 

This week is a busy one.  Tomorrow afternoon we invite parents of year 12 students into the school to attend the GCSE Presentation Afternoon.  Students from last year’s Year 11 will be receiving their GCSE certificates to recognise their achievements following three years of hard work.  Congratulations to everyone.

 

This Friday is the annual BBC Children In Need Appeal and like every year we support the charity with a day of fundraising events.  The usual non-uniform will be in place as well as the sale of cakes and a staff vs. students Big Hall event.  To help with fundraising, the day before, on Thursday, the six senior prefects will join me in rowing a marathon.  I have foolishly agreed to row a marathon on my own, alongside Jonah and Jack, the school captain and school vice-captain, who will row one between them; and Ben, Zack, Jasmine and Will, the four house captains, who will also be rowing one between them.  There are going to be some very tired legs!

Tuesday 5 November 2019

Firstly, can I congratulate the senior students who played against Oakwood Park Grammar School at both rugby and football last Wednesday.  We always look forward to playing Oakwood Park as they are our closest competitors, and last week’s matches were once again a joy to watch.  The 1^st XI football squad beat Oakwood 2 – 1, and the 1^st XV rugby squad won 32 – 25.  Well done boys.  In addition to the senior players, I also wish to congratulate the U15 rugby squad who also beat Oakwood Park on Friday winning 31 – 12.  One of the best things about this game was the many students remaining behind after school to watch the second half despite it being a Friday afternoon.  Well done boys and thank you to everyone who came along to support.

 

Can I also thank all of the sixth form students who supported the Post 16 Open Morning last Friday and the MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display on Saturday.  Both events were opportunities for the school’s wider community to come in and see what we do, as well as giving our own students opportunities to give leadership and service to their school.  Thank you also to the members and helpers of the Parents’ Association for hosting another wonderful firework display considering the dreadful weather conditions earlier in the day. 

 

Tomorrow after school is our Post 16 Open Evening which is an event providing an opportunity for students who are considering joining our Sixth Form to see what we offer.  The evening is predominantly for students and parents of Year 11 as they are approaching a crucial part of their journey, but this year we are also inviting parents and students of Year 10 as we seek to continue to raise the aspiration and engagement of our students.  We look forward to welcoming everyone to the evening.          

 

Tomorrow is also another day when our senior football and rugby squads are representing the school.  The 1^st XI squad plays Norton Knatchbull School and the 1^st XV rugby squad plays Chatham and Claredon School in the National Bowl competition.  Good luck boys.

 

And on Friday we welcome governors, Old Maidstonians and friends of the school to attend our annual Remembrance Service which this year will be held in our redeveloped War Memorial Library.  Remembrance is very important at MGS and so it is right that we pause for a moment and remember the fallen Old Maidstonians, particularly this year from WWII.

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Welcome to my first blog of Term 2.  I hope you all had an enjoyable half term and a well-deserved break.  

 

Firstly, I would like to thank the staff, the year 7 guides, the prefects and all the other student helpers who supported the school at the Year 6 Open Evening just before the half term break.  It was an extremely positive evening with many families and visitors attending.  Thank you all.

 

We return to school with a quiet week.  Tonight after work the staff have a meeting to reflect on the year so far and to look forward to what is to come.  Friday is the Post 16 Open Morning where we welcome year 11 students from other schools to see what we do before they decide whether they would like to make an application to join our sixth form.  And on Saturday we welcome the wider school community into the school to attend the annual MGS Parents’ Association Firework Display.  This event always proves to be popular one.  Advance tickets are available from the Bursary or they can be purchased on the gate.  Gates open at 5pm with the display starting at 7pm.  Do come along.

 

Finally, congratulations to Zachary Martin of Corpus Christi House CR2 who recently attend two international roller skating competitions as part of Team GB.  He competed internationally for the first time in September at the Cup of Europe in Roana Italy where he placed 7^th; and has just come back from the Hettange International in France where he placed 2^nd.  This follows Zac winning the Youth Men’s British Championship back in May this year.  Well done Zac.

Tuesday 15 October 2019

I cannot believe this is my last blog entry of Term 1 - where have the last seven weeks gone?!

 

Firstly, I wish to congratulate all of the rugby squads for their performances at the weekend.  This weekend’s fixtures were against Sir Joseph Williamson Mathematical School with all squads winning their respective matches.  Close games were the U15s and 2nd XV who narrowly won 22 - 21 and 10 - 7 respectively.  Well done to all the boys involved and many thanks to the members of staff who accompanied them.

 

Continuing the rugby theme, congratulations to the 1st XV squad who beat St Dunstan’s 64 - 5 last Wednesday in the National Bowl competition.  One more game and we progress from the regional level of the competition to the national one.  

 

This week is another busy one for the school and me.  Yesterday after school I attended the first Old Maidstonian Society committee meeting of the academic year and the Parents’ Association AGM.  Both the Old Maidstonian Society and the Parents’ Association do incredible work supporting the school raising money and providing opportunities for their members to socialise.  Events coming up in November are the annual PA Firework Display and the OM London Get-Together.  We look forward to welcoming many respective members.

 

Today I am going into London to attend the Grammar School Heads’ Association October Seminar and the annual House of Commons Reception.  These events provide excellent opportunities for networking as well as providing important training for grammar school heads.  Before going into London we held our second Year 6 Open Morning - inviting families into school to see if we are a choice for their sons for next September.

 

And on Thursday is our Year 6 Open Evening which is probably the most important event of the school year.  Every member of staff along with many hundreds of our students will be supporting their school during the evening putting on numerous subject exhibitions and displays advertising what we do here.  It always proves to be a busy occasion, but an incredibly rewarding one.

 

 

Tuesday 8 October 2019

HM Blog - Tuesday 8^th October 2019

 

Firstly, I would like to thank College House for arranging the first charity day of the academic year last Friday.  We saw many students and staff enjoying the College House Fete at break and lunch which was put on to raise money for the Maidstone charity Mind.  Early figures indicate a total of £2300 being raised.  Well done everyone.

 

Congratulations to the U12 rugby squads who beat Beths Grammar School at home at the weekend and to the U14 squad who won away.  What also added to a winning Saturday for MGS was the World Cup result of England beating Argentina 39 - 10.  With so many parents accompanying their boys we decided to show the World Cup match in the pavilion clubhouse.  Wins all round, a cuppa, and a bite to eat were all warmly received and all added to a good start to the weekend.

 

This week is a very busy one, with yesterday being the quietest.  Tomorrow we welcome parents of year 7 boys into the school to attend the Year 7 Welcome Evening.  It is an opportunity to explain in more detail what parents can expect over the coming months and years as they begin their relationship with us.  

 

On Wednesday we officially open the new War Memorial Library.  Author and Old Maidstonian Dan Abnett is the guest of honour, who will not only be opening the Library, but will also be running a workshop for a group of students.  Former students and staff, donors, and relatives of some of the fallen Old Maidstonians, along with current students, staff and governors, will all present.

 

On Thursday we not only will be welcoming Mark Fenton, CEO of the Grammar School Heads’ Association, to spend a day in school seeing what we do, we will also be enjoying some music and variety at the Performing Arts Autumn Showcase.  Do come along to the latter - performances start at 6.30pm.

 

And on Friday we open our doors to the wider community for the first Year 6 Open Morning.  That time of the year has come around when we look forward to next September and welcome families who are considering MGS as the school for their sons.  Year 7 guides will be providing tours, supported by senior prefects and staff who will be on hand to answer any questions.