Tuesday 27 September 2022

I start this week’s blog by acknowledging a Maidstonian’s efforts in the community.  I received news last week that a student of MGS had helped a distressed member of the public who had fallen and hurt themselves.  The student in question heard a cry for help and offered assistance – calling an ambulance and remaining with the person until help arrived.   The member of the public ended up being fine.  It is always pleasing to receive news like this about a Maidstonian, but also to know that there is still a lot of good in the world.  Thank you very much.

Last week we saw mixed fortunes with the senior football squads.  The 2^nd XI squad beat Cornwallis School 11 – 4, but the 3^rd XI lost against Oakwood Park School 3 – 1.  The 1^st XI match against Queen Elizabeth School, Faversham was sadly postponed.

On Saturday, playing Eltham College, we had a better ‘day at the office’ with our rugby squads following last weekend’s disappointing performance.  There were mixed results amongst the junior squads, but the two U14 squads won 22 – 5 and 63 – 7.  I am also delighted to say that both senior squads led by example, returning to MGS with two more wins.  The 2^nd XV won 61 – 7, and the 1^st XV won 35 – 7.  Congratulations to the players.

On Friday this week 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.

Tuesday 20 September 2022

Today’s blog comes after a very reflective period of national mourning, culminating in the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II.  Last Friday the entire MGS community came together to remember her life and acknowledge her death, which with the good weather, resulted in a lovely occasion.  The conduct of the students was exemplary, and illustrated how many young people feel about the recent news.

On Saturday the first weekend rugby fixture took place against Gravesend Grammar School.  All teams, along with a couple of basketball teams, played away at Gravesend, but sadly, many of the results did not go in our favour.  The 1^st XV match, for example, ended 60 – 5, which I think is the biggest loss the senior players have experienced for a very long time. But, what was good was the spirit I saw amongst the players and the support they gave each other.  A steep learning curve for us, though.

Throughout the week this week, form tutors will be meeting with their year 13 tutees to discuss the coming year, the students’ thoughts for when they leave MGS, and how they are positioning themselves in order to achieve their potential.  This mirrors a very similar week last week for Year 11.

Tonight we invite parents of year 9 students into the school to attend the Year 9 Information Evening, which was postponed from Monday.  The evening is an opportunity to hear from key staff about the year ahead as the students embark on the first year of their GCSE studies.

Tomorrow we are welcoming over 1000 people into the school to attend the Higher Education Fair, which is taking place in the Hall from 5pm.  Over 50 higher education and apprenticeship organisations will be attending, providing information and guidance to people across Maidstone who are considering their plans for the future.  

Tuesday 13 September 2022

Welcome to my first blog of the 2022-23 academic year.  I hope you and your families had a good summer holiday and are now looking forward to progressing through a new year.

Sadly, the start of term has been overshadowed by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.  The news of her death became apparent during the day last Thursday, and I am sure like me, you went home keeping a close eye and ear on developments.  Since the official announcement just after 6.30pm on Thursday, we at school have been responding to government guidance and making preparations to acknowledge the news more formally as one MGS community.  This will take place at some point in the next week.

Despite the news of HM Queen Elizabeth II, life at school has, and will, continue.

Last week, we welcomed the entire school back and acknowledge it with a whole school assembly in the Quad.  I always look forward to leading the first assembly of the year because it is one of very few occasions when the entire MGS community: students and staff are gathered together in one place.  As the school continues to grow in size, this year MGS is at its largest with over 1550 members.  Standing in the Quad at that assembly looking at back at everyone is very special indeed, as it reminds me that even though we are all different, we are also all connected.  We are all Maidstonians. 

Apart from the start of a new academic year, last week we also held our Upper School Speech Day on Friday.  At that event, a number of students from last year’s upper school were presented with prizes to acknowledge their academic performances and achievements.  This year’s guest of honour was Mrs Naomi Lumutenga, an Old Maidstonian herself, who taught at MGS for 23 years.  Sadly, the weather did not allow the event to take place in the Quad, but it was still a wonderful occasion, and a lovely way to end the week. 

On Friday, our newest students in Year 7 enjoyed a morning of team building activities as well as an opportunity to try out for the school rugby squads.  They had tremendous fun getting to know each other, and hopefully made some new friends.

This week we begin to make headway in some of the more operational aspects of the school.  Throughout the week form tutors will be arranging meetings with their year 11 tutees to discuss with them their thoughts and plans for the future and what the students need to do to position themselves well for their exams next year.  In addition, on Thursday we invite all students to have their annual photograph taken as well as inviting parents of Year 12 to attend our Year 12 Information Evening.

Outside of these events, the first sporting fixtures begin starting with the senior football players playing a match against Oakwood Park and the senior rugby players playing in the first round of the National Cup.  Within performing arts, budding actors and performers are invited to audition for this year’s production, Shrek; and the first parade takes place across the CCF. 

Tuesday 20 July 2022

Welcome to my last blog of the 2021-22 academic year and one that I am writing during a red weather warning.  Temperatures in school today will probably reach 40^oC: a temperature never experienced before in the UK let alone at MGS.  Like the last two years of the pandemic have taught me, and which I mentioned in my speech at the Lower School Speech Day last Friday, we humans adapt to what is put in front of us, and so this mini heatwave we are experiencing is just one more obstacle to deal with, and deal with it we will. 

This week, as well trying to stay as cool as possible, we hopefully are going to be enjoying Sports Day: a day that we have not had since 2019.  We hope the temperatures drop enough after today to allow the entire school community to be outside and compete in their houses to try to win the MGS Sports Day Cup.  Fingers crossed.

Finally, I would like to thank the entire school community for another successful year at MGS.  It continues to be an absolute pleasure being the headmaster, and being in the company of so many fine Maidstonians.  Get a rest, have a wonderful holiday, and we will see each other in September.

Tuesday 12 July 2022

Firstly, I would like to thank the members of staff who led and supported the numerous activities during last week’s Extended Learning Week.  The theme of the week, following two years of being stuck indoors, was MGS Outside, and so seeing hundreds of Maidstonians being allowed to be children once more was wonderful.  I hope they all had a great time.

As we approach the summer holiday, this week is a busy one.  Yesterday we welcomed parents of Year 8 into the school to attend a newly created event that acknowledged the two years their sons had been at MGS.  Sadly, due to the pandemic, yesterday was the first time many of them had actually stepped foot into the school, so having them all together and hearing from us was a good thing to do.  Thank you all for coming.

Tomorrow we formally say goodbye to Year 13 at the Year 13 Leavers’ Prom, which this year is being held at Leeds Castle.  The weather is looking to be glorious, so it will be nice to see the leaving Maidstonians in their finest in the early evening sun.

On Friday we acknowledge the founding of the School at our Founders’ Day Church Service, and celebrate a number of academic achievements of years 7 to 10 at our Lower School Speech Day.  We have not been able to do this since 2019, so it will be good once again to bring the whole school community together to recognise an important day.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1888 the Archbishop of Canterbury awarded a Doctorate of Music to Mr. Henniker (the master who wrote the music to the school song).  And, after 134 years, we are still singing it.

5 July 2022

I wish to begin this week’s blog by saying how proud I am of the MGS Parents’ Association for being awarded first prize at the recent National PTA Awards.  Huge congratulations to the PA, and to Sarah Hudson who has led the PA for a number of years.  Great job!

Last Thursday we welcomed back to MGS Oli and Billy Leyland (Old Maidstonians from 2019 and 2021).  The two brothers, accompanied by London Broncos Rugby League Club, returned to their Kent roots to coach a number of our own senior rugby players.  Meridian TV was also in attendance to capture the training session and speak to a number of our players.  The players thoroughly enjoyed picking up a rugby ball once more and being in the company of two fine Maidstonians.  Thank you to Mr Ferguson, Mr Saunders, London Broncos, and of course Oli and Billy.

In other Old Maidstonian news, Daniel Jones (OM 2017) and Oliver Evans (OM 2018) both rowed at last week’s prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.  Oli competed for Maidstone Invicta Rowing Club in the Thames Cup, and Dan competed in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup for Leeds Rowing Club.  Sadly they both got knocked out in their respective first rounds, but to qualify for Henley is an achievement in itself.  Well done gents.

This week is Extended Learning Week, which we have not been able to run since 2019.  Years 7 to 9 are taking part in a range of activities from walking in the Kent countryside to outdoor photography, whilst years 10 and 12 are completing valuable work experience to help them better prepare themselves for the world ahead.  I look forward to hearing how it all went when the students return to school next week.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1895 the annual river picnic organised by the headmaster's wife was held at the Chequers, Teston.  The whole school travelling to the site in boats. Also, in 1895, the whole school was invited to the Mayor's garden party along with all the girls from the Girls Grammar School. 

Tuesday 28 June 2022

A huge thank you to the parents, staff and students who helped support the MGS Parents’ Association Summer Fair on Saturday.  The weather held for a glorious day of fun and food, with many attendees going home with a souvenir of their day.  Thank you all very much for coming along. 

Even though many of our year 11 and year 13 students finished their exams last week, yesterday marked the official end of them.  Well done to all the students and thank you to the huge staff team that supported the students along the way.  Now they can all have a good rest.

Yesterday we welcomed over 200 students to MGS to take part in our Sixth Form Induction Week.  Throughout this week students thinking of joining the MGS Sixth Form will experience what it is like being a sixth from student.  They will have lessons in their chosen subjects, opportunities to use the library and sixth form common room, and take part in a few ‘getting to know’ you activities.  We hope they have a good week.

On Thursday we are looking forward to the Summer Showcase which will include a number of music and drama performances including extracts from Aladdin.  Do come along.  It starts at 6.30pm in the Big Hall.

On Friday we acknowledge the end of Pride Month with an MGS BBQ in the Quad and a performance from The Madam, a local cabaret drag act, who will sing a few songs and talk about her life. 

Congratulations to Lucas of Tonbridge House who won this year’s Year 7-9 Spelling Bee Competition. He won a £20 Amazon voucher and 120 points for his house.  The runner-up was Mark of Barton House. Well done to both of them, and thank you to Miss Wilson, Mr Highsted and Mr Amin for their help.

Congratulations must also go to Theo R of Corpus Christi House who won the Kent Schools U15 800m race two weeks ago and won the Inter County Schools 800m last Saturday.  He has been selected to run at the English Schools Athletics Competition in Manchester in a couple of weeks.  Well done Theo.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1932, the year that the Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened, the first Mars bar was sold and the first Christmas broadcast was made by the monarch, the MGS swimming pool was opened?  Sadly, the swimming pool was replaced many years ago with two tennis courts.

Tuesday 21 June 2022

Firstly, I would to thank Corpus Christi House for arranging the Pride Bake-Off Competition and cake sale last Friday. There were plenty of rainbow-themed cakes on sale for everyone to enjoy, and out of the ten competition entries, Kai B of Corpus Christi House came away as the winner. Congratulations Kai.

This week the GCSE and A Level examinations begin to come to an end. Many of the big examinations will finish this week so I expect years 11 and 13 will be looking forward to a well-deserved rest. To acknowledge Year 13 finishing, the Year 13 Leavers' Tea will be taking place on Thursday. It is an event that dove-tails with the book collection day where we say goodbye to the students before they venture onto the next phase of their lives.

This Saturday the MGS Parents’ Association Summer Fair takes place.  Sadly, due to the pandemic, the Parents’ Association has not been able to host its annual fair, so this Saturday’s event is hoping to be a successful one.  Do come along; doors open at 12pm.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1888 Mr. Henniker, the teacher who wrote the music to the school song, was awarded a Doctorate of Music by the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Tuesday 14 June 2022

Last Friday we all enjoyed coming to school wearing rainbow-coloured clothing to acknowledge Pride month as well as helping the Parents’ Association for their upcoming Summer Fair which will be held on Saturday 25 June.  Thank you to everyone who supported the day.

As part of Pride month, yesterday we welcomed an Old Maidstonian and former School Vice-Captain back into school to share with a group of students what it was like for him growing up at MGS as part of the LGBT+ community.  The ‘In conversation’ event was well received, and hopefully will be the trigger for similar events in the future.  Thank you to everyone who came along.

Tomorrow the MGS Art Department is hosting its annual Art Exhibition in the Big Hall: an event that shows off the many talents of our budding art students.  The event is free to come along to and starts at 4pm.  Do join us.

Congratulations to the MGS 1^st XI cricket squad who enjoyed playing against the MCC last week.  Sadly, the MGS players lost the match (MCC scored 300 runs, MGS scored 138), but they had an amazing experience playing against some incredibly talented players.  Thank you to Mr Saunders for arranging the fixture.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1668 the 13^th headmaster, John Law, was admonished for frequenting alehouses. Twenty three years later he was indicted for murder, but refused to leave the school buildings until an order was given by the Queen!

Tuesday 7 June 2022

Welcome to Term 6 and the last term of the academic year. It is incredible to think that there are only seven weeks before we break for the summer holiday. I hope you all had a good half term and an enjoyable Jubilee weekend.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Pride month and the start of a number of activities and events that the School is putting on to acknowledge the month. Mr Terrell and I shared with the school how important the month is to us at the first quad assembly of the year. We hope many take part. 

 Also, yesterday marked the start of a week-long series of house teas that we are putting on to say hello to our newest Maidstonians who are starting Year 7 in September. Sadly, due to the pandemic, we have not been able host such events over the last couple of years, so we hope that they go well and are able to enjoy a spell of fine weather.

And of course, picking up from where they left off, Year 11 and Year 13 continue with their GCSE and A Level exams. Good luck to them all.

Finally, from Icarus in the Archives, did you know in 1554 the School was closed for 4 years following Maidstone's sympathy with Sir Thomas Wyatt and cancellation of the town's charter.  The Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I) was imprisoned in the Tower of London by Queen Mary.