A Message from Mrs Knox

This week, we welcomed all of the new children who are due to join us in September. The sun shone and we had a super day getting to know one another. There was a lovely sense of anticipation and excitement in the air.

I thoroughly enjoyed hosting Year 6 for lunch on Thursday as we congratulated them on their wonderful leadership this year and wished them all the best as they move to our Senior School. The table was full of yummy treats and one pupil exclaimed: it’s just like Christmas!

Thank you again to all of the families and children who joined us last Saturday to finish the Forum Garden. Vegetables and plants are now growing nicely and are being extremely well watered every day by the pupils. The School is being transformed this afternoon as PADoK prepares for the James Bond night tomorrow. My husband Tim and I are very much looking forward to it! Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Mrs Knox

Year 3 Camp

Last Friday, Year 3 had their annual camping evening. The children were all very excited in the lead up to the event, and hopefully, the experience was one they will remember. We started the evening by organising the tents and playing a game of ultimate tag. After dinner, we had a campfire and toasted marshmallows whilst telling jokes and riddles. We then went for a walk up to Forest School before getting ready for bedtime. With the sun rising and birds chirping, it was a very early wake up call! Thank you to Mr Monk for joining us for the experience. We hope all the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

Mrs Gritton

Year 6 trip to Osmington Bay

Year 6 had a superb few days down in Dorset staying at Osmington Bay overlooking Weymouth Bay - a breathtaking coastal setting to say the least. The weather was very kind to all, bright and sunny for most of our time there - in fact the only time it did rain, we were in the midst of tackling the indoor climbing wall. The purpose of the trip was to enjoy practical activities that really pushed the pupils both physically and mentally as they had to overcome many heights. They certainly did this and should be so proud of themselves as they embraced activities such as the Giant Swing, Jacob’s Ladder and the Trapeze. As well as the challenging daytime activities, pupils found time in the evenings to play team building games and roast marshmallows round the camp fire. The children behaved superbly throughout, and it was a pleasure to take them away. They have certainly returned buzzing with new stories, songs and memories that will last a lifetime.

Mr Ellarby

Year 7 Trip to Hampton Court

On Thursday, Year 7 visited Hampton Court Palace. We visited the kitchens where I learned that roasting was so expensive that they changed the term ‘baking’ to roasting, so they could say when you have a roast dinner you actually BAKED it - like a cake!

We then had a workshop set in 1562 where the scenario was that ‘Elizabeth I has smallpox so who will be the next heir? A very refined gentleman from the 16th Century, called Robert Dudley, helped us explore the issue of who should be the next Queen; Catherine Grey, little sister of Lady Jane Grey, or Mary Queen of Scots?’ We had a vigorous debate, and I was in the team defending Catherine Grey and we won the debate! 

We also visited William III’s apartments where the further you went down the corridor ,the more important you got. Did you know, when Henry had guests over he would let them watch him get ready for bed and tuck him in and say goodnight. 

It was a brilliant day and we learnt a lot that day. Thank you to Mr Seeley and the other teachers for such a fantastic History trip!

Annie B, Year 7

Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Expedition

On this occasion, some of the boys asked to describe their DofE experiences from last Friday for the Weekly Bulletin so please enjoy.

Ozzie H: The day started out with a first aid course by Mrs Sarjant. She first explained in detail all of the possible dangers of our impending walk. She listed hazards such as loose cows, open roads, and so on along with their solutions. We then got a chance to be a bit more hands on. The year was split into the groups they would walk in, and each group was given a card with a medical problem and questions surrounding it. Some groups were given cards with allergies, others had asthma, and another group had hypothermia.

Bobby F: DofE was a learning curve for all of us. A way to relax after our stressful exams, however, reaching a quarter of the way through we made a BIG mistake. Though this didn’t knock us down, we kept our spirits high and sang all the way. When we realised our mistake, we decided (like any rational individual) to sit down, eat and wait for someone to arrive that knew what they were doing. Luckily, Mr Wylie came to our aid. We were able to continue on our journey to victory (more or less).

Kai G, Oscar D-K, Alex F, Daniel M: Blissfully unaware of the challenge to follow, we set off on our expedition, our first hurdle a climb up Pitch Hill. At this stage we were still in high spirits singing even as we went, the weight on our shoulders still had its novelty (this was quickly lost). Our struggling morale was helped by the incredible views in the area, you could tell, due to the fact we soon started singing again. This good mood alongside the slight boosts of snacks carried us through to our lunch spot near the halfway point; Madge Hill. We had done it!... Well we had done half of it. This rush of pride was quickly disturbed by a call from our stomachs begging for a quick lunch or snack; luckily we managed to find a picturesque area of green grass by the side of a quiet road which we decided would make the perfect place to have a quick picnic. We had a whole range of treats, from jelly snakes to well… more jelly snakes. We would then run down hills, only to find even bigger ones ahead. 

Johnny Mc: We chanted YMCA around the whole of the Surrey Hills surrounding us. Even our DofE guide, Mr Boden, started to pick up the rhythm as we went on. The lovely weather added to the overwhelming and beautiful surroundings of the hills. There was some misdirection that led us in a huge circle around the beginning of our walk. The views we experienced up there were heavenly, just surrounded by wildlife, friends and an overall sense of peace. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

Well said Year 9! See you again for the qualification event in September!

Mr Lodge

Stretch and Challenge, Walk and Draw Day

This week we were lucky with the weather as the Art department took a stretch and challenge group of Year 7 and 8's on a walk and draw in our local surroundings. Starting with Pitch hill in the morning, where we were joined by Miss Anand for a nature inspired poetry session.

After lunch at the school we walked up Holmbury hill for the afternoon, stopping at various spots along the way to use a variety of medium from watercolours to charcoal, capturing the surrounding landscape and many things within it. 

The art work from the day will be put up on display in the link over the coming weeks. Well done to all the pupils involved as they embraced the unusual and challenging working environment and tasks.

Mrs Kerr

Parent and Pupil Golf Day

On Saturday morning, an enthusiastic group of 22 golfers made up of staff, parents and Senior School pupils, descended on Hoebridge Golf Club to take part in a friendly round of golf. The morning started with bacon rolls and coffee and the first group got underway at 9:30 under beautiful blue skies. It was lovely to see all the competitors come to the first tee at the start to see everyone off. The round included a closest to the pin competition on holes 3 and 12, these were won by Mr Instone and Harry S respectively - well done! Everyone had a delightful morning, and it was a joy to hold this type of event again after the three year hiatus. Thank you to all who attended - I hope to see you at a similar event again in the future!

Mr Southee

Year 1 hosted their first class assembly on Wednesday morning, retelling the story of the Princess and the Pea. With some excellent outfits and superb singing, the audience saw how small things can have a big impact as the Prince finally found his match. Year 1 did an outstanding job of learning and delivering their lines, which they accomplished with enthusiasm and gusto! Another first this week featured Reception pupils completing their first crossword. They've also been out on a minibeast hunt, finding masses of bumble bees enjoying the bee-utiful flower beds on South Terrace. Nursery have also bee-n celebrating these wonderful pollinators, making bee wands and making their bees fly from flower to flower. Year 2 have been studying flora too, planning an investigation to answer, 'What do seeds need to grow well?' They have planned and set up a host of variables, paying close attention to what they need to do to make it a fair test.

The Prep School Council met on Monday to discuss the DoKtopus design; our sincerest thanks to Mr Knox for helping Evelyn and Holly's designs come to life! The latter part of the week has certainly been audibly quieter in Prep School, with Year 4 and 5 away to the Isle of Wight - further updates on that in next week's Bulletin! Year 3 have created their own top trump cards featuring Roman gods and goddesses. With the perfect introduction around the campfire last Friday, they have also been solving riddles ahead of creating their own next week. 

Year 6 enjoyed a special lunch with Mrs Knox in the Meetings Room on Thursday. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the pupil's time and experiences in Prep School as well as sharing their excitement for their upcoming move into the Senior School. This was followed by a trip to Ewhurst riverside on Friday morning, where pupils shared in an atmospheric reading of the Lady of Shalott. This is part of their current poetry studies, where they will also be looking at other ballads, such as the Highwayman, between now and the end of term.

Values Certificates:

Responsibility: Poppy F

Mrs Green

The ongoing busy schedule sees us into our penultimate week of GCSE Exams and I think it is fair to say some of the Year 11s are starting to tire from the process! You are almost there, keep going. Monday saw the ISA National Finals in Manchester where talent and good sportsmanship were both on show in the Duke of Kent School ranks. On Tuesday we welcomed our new joiners for next year to spend the day familiarising themselves with the expectations of the Senior School and allay any fears they may have as we look forward to embracing them into our community. Year 7 had an enlightening trip to Hampton Court Palace on Thursday, whilst House Drama presentations took place on Wednesday evening. A personal highlight for me this week came in the Years 9 and10 House Tennis competition on Tuesday afternoon where the application, camaraderie and humility of the competitors was refreshing to witness.

Commendations this week have been awarded to; Matilda R (Year 7) for her outstanding research about colonialism in Geography, Annabel O and Alex G (Year 8) for their outstanding performances in the French talent show, Maddie I, Josh N, Hannah M and Charlie C (Year 10) for their ongoing efforts in Geography, Jonny J and Jack P (Year 7) for their outstanding ketchup sonnets in English, and Adam S (Year 10) for his excellent performance in his Summer English Exam. Well done to all of you!

Mr Wilson

This week's suggested competitions and events are listed below. Remember there are many more that can be view on the Stretch and Challenge Website (https://sites.google.com/dokschool.org/stretchandchallenge/home)  

Sports Cover Design Competition

Calling all budding designers! We’re looking for sports-themed images for the covers of ISA Sport’s 2022/23 programmes. Closing Date - 22nd June 2022. More information available here:

https://www.isaschools.org.uk/arts/art/cover-design-competition

Junior Sketch for Survival (5-16 years)

A global art initiative in aid of conservation. You can be a part of Junior Sketch for Survival 2022 by entering this art competition. There are three age categories.
The short-listed art selected from all submissions will be exhibited in London & Manchester, as well as competing for the awards. The deadline for entries is 30th June 2022. For more information visit:

https://explorersagainstextinction.co.uk/initiatives/sketch-for-survival/junior-sketch-for-survival/

Mr Wyllie

GCSE Drama Devising Workshop

On Wednesday afternoon our Year 10 GCSE Drama pupils were lucky enough to take part in a Drama Devising workshop. We welcomed Eve, who is a practitioner, actor and community producer for the Maltings Arts Centre, Farnham. She worked with the pupils on how to get from concept to performance and gave them techniques and tips to help them begin the process of devising their final GCSE pieces. It was a whirlwind workshop with huge amounts thrown at the pupils but, as usual, they did themselves proud and learnt loads!

'A Monster Calls' - Tickets are now available for the Years 7 and 8 production. Please email bookings@dokschool.org to reserve your seats. 

The Summer Concert - 6pm on 25th June. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the choirs, bands and ensembles from Prep and Senior School. Plus some surprise guests!

Mr Rye

What Parents Need to Know about Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR for short) has existed for decades, but it’s only in the last 10 years that the technology has really become publicly available. With VR’s rapid rise as a gaming and educational medium, there are plenty of unknowns regarding its use – for adults and children alike. Is it safe? How long should someone use VR for? How expensive is it? What’s clear is that VR is becoming ever more ubiquitous in everyday life: from companies using it for training to at-home fitness. Knowing what the technology is capable of is more useful than ever.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as physical accidents, premature exposure and eye strain.

Click on the link to help you find out more about "What Parents Need to Know about Virtual Reality".

Mr Boden

Girls' Cricket: U12 v. Box Hill School

On Wednesday the U13 A team faced Box Hill at home on an incredibly hot day. The girls bowled first, and they did a brilliant job, Jess I got a wicket early on and this was followed up with catches from Niamh A (2), Sydney R, Daisy N and Isla B (2). All the girls bowled exceptionally well, they were confident and accurate and Sydney R also had a fantastic spin on her bowl which threw some Bx Hill batters.

The girls went into bat chasing 266 runs.  They did really well against some strong bowling and managed to get a variety of 4's and 6's in their pairs. It was a close battle until the end, but Duke of Kent School managed to get 268 so narrowly taking the win. Well done everyone!

Mrs Woolgar

Girls' Cricket: U12/13C v. Box Hill School

It was very warm and sunny on Wednesday afternoon as the U12/13C team welcomed Box Hill School for a cricket match. The girls chose to bowl first and took two wickets in the first three overs! Box Hill settled into the game and started to score a few more runs but fantastic bowling from Daisy N saw her take another wicket! Belles H was awarded Bowler of the game as Box Hill only scored 2 runs off her over. There was also some great fielding to stop too many boundaries. Then it was Duke of Kent's turn to bat, This is an area in which the girls have shown great progress over the term with lots of them now able to strike the ball and score boundaries. A particular well done to our final pairing of Francesca R and Florrie P (Batsman of the Game) who had a high scoring final two overs, to win us the game! The girls should all be very proud of that performance.

Miss Martin

We are nearing the end of term, and many thoughts are turning to Summer holidays. Exams and testing are almost at a close for this year and the opportunity to spend more time engaging in fun chosen activities is a welcome incentive. My interaction with pupils over the last couple of weeks has reconfirmed the importance of this balance and the therapeutic benefit of play for all the age groups at school. Life is rarely about one thing or another; it is about balance and the opportunity to develop in a number of areas. As the first full School year following two years of lockdowns and Remote Learning, some feel the importance of catching up with academic lost time is paramount. I would argue that the opportunity to socialise and play with friends after long periods of isolation is as important, if not more so.

In order for children and young people to maintain their emotional wellbeing, it is important to practise self-care and enjoy play, whether that is with their peers, their family or alone.

Play allows children, as they develop through nursery and Pre Prep, to understand the intricacies of building relationships and it reinforces those relationships as they progress through the Prep and Senior school. Playing with siblings and/or parents helps to strengthen family relationships and provide a fun and nurturing environment in order to retreat from outside stresses.

The importance of play in helping children deal with uncertainty and challenge, regulate emotions and experience fun, enjoyment and freedom is documented in much research. Not least, by the British Psychological Society who stress how -

Play can help promote wellbeing in terms of helping children to:

• Make sense of events in their life;

• Deal with emotional upset and regain control of their lives;

• Experience normality and pressure during times of upheaval, loss, isolation and trauma;

• Foster resilience through promoting emotional regulation, creativity, relationships, problem-solving and learning.

A lovely video voiced by children with author Michael Rosen on the importance of play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dGjaTWF3KY&t=10s. So, whilst we have the luxury of some sunny weather, I would encourage everybody to get outside and play (water pistols and hoses optional) over the weekend!

Mrs Douglas

We've had a handful of Covid 19 cases reported amongst the School community this week, so we wanted to remind you of the current guidance:

1) There is currently absolutely no requirement to test for Covid 19 - it is now treated as any other respiratory infection (coughs, colds, runny noses, sore throats) - anyone who feels too poorly for School, or who has a temperature of 37.8 degrees or more should stay at home until better.

2) Some people may feel they should test for Covid 19 before visiting vulnerable relatives, however we would encourage anyone with any active respiratory infection to avoid contact with vulnerable people, regardless of whether it's Covid 19 or not.

3) If someone decides to test for Covid 19 and the result is positive they should follow current guidelines:

4) Children to stay at home for 3 days (with day zero being the first day of symptoms)

5) Adults to stay at home for 5 days (with day zero being the first day of symptoms)

6) There is no requirement for a negative test before returning to School/work.

7) Children who are isolating at home with Covid 19 can keep up to School work (if well enough) by logging onto google classroom.

Please continue to refer to the Covid-19 area of the School website (in the parents section) for all latest guidelines and advice.

Finally, it's been a beautiful sunny week, with the inevitable knock on effect of some cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion, hayfever and asthma exacerbation.  Please can all children bring a full water bottle, sun cream (please apply before school), and sunhat to School, and take antihistamine before school if needed.  Those with asthma should carry their inhaler at all times.

Many thanks and have a lovely weekend,

The School Nurses

PADoK News

BOND NIGHT - Later start of 7.30 pm

Casino Royale is on Saturday night.  If you still would like to get a ticket then do email padok@dokschool.org.  

Please join us for a night of Bond Themed glitz, glamour and fun on Saturday 18th June. The school will be transformed into a fabulous casino for the night with welcome bubbles and canapés at 7.30pm, dancing, magic and more to accompany the event.

Dress Code: black tie or a twist of Bond

Carriages: Midnight

Tickets: £55 per person to be added to the School bill.  

Duke of Kent School Singers

Another fun filled start to Thursday with a morning singing session.  Wonderful to hear Soprano, Alto and Tenor voices singing together in harmony.    It is always an uplifting start to the day with lots of laughter. Everyone welcome.

Running Technique Club 

Cracking on after a half term break run rehab and technique group met up to progress skills working on ankle balance which had been identified as an area of concern for a few of the group. We put the other practised exercises into place and we are layering the learning of recruiting our gluteal muscles to stabilise our pelvis while adding small movements to challenge those muscles. All this progress taps into running stability and the runners joined me for a brief and steady run to pitch hill viewpoint and back allowing a chance to chat through the exercise and technique. 

Next week's session will build further again with a short run to put skills into practice. 

It’s not too late to join us and if you have a run injury or even a walking issue we will encompass exercises that will help. See you on Friday at 0830 at the Astro. 

PADoK Book Club

Do you like to enjoy a glass of wine or two with friends and laughing about great life stories?!  Then you should come to the PADoK book club to do just that! We are meeting on Thursday 30^th June at 8pm at the Hurtwood Inn Pub in Peaslake to catch up and talk about our summer term PADoK book, Again, Rachel.  It’s a No 1 Sunday Times Bestseller by Marian Keyes – it’s a fun, easy read that makes you feel as if you are part of Rachel's life and we would love to see lots of you on the 30^th to chat about the book and then of course, catch up more with other Duke of Kent School parents.  Hope to see you there. 

PADoK Walk

On Friday a small group of us met for our twice monthly walk and headed up to Pitch Hill.  A lovely start to the weekend. Next walk will be on Friday 24th June, Car Park 3, Hurtwood Control (Pitch Hill) at 08.30, everyone welcome.

Second Hand Uniform

Second hand Uniform Shop will be open next Wednesday 22nd June from 3pm to 4.15pm.  

Mrs Phillips

Senior School Optional Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen above.  They have done a fantastic job at putting this design together and now finally getting to see the finished product.

This new hoodie is available from Stevenson's on their website: https://www.stevensons.co.uk/.  There is also the option to have your child's initials printed onto the front of the hoodie for a slight additional cost, something we would advise to avoid mixing up tops with other pupils. This hoodie is not an essential item of School uniform, so there is no expectation for pupils to have it.

If you wish to see the sample, please pop into the Main Office to see me and have a look at the new hoodie.

Mrs Woolgar

School Social Media

At Duke of Kent School we have three social media platforms; Instagram (dukeofkentschool), Twitter (@DoKSchool) and Facebook (Duke of Kent School). All of our social media accounts are public.

We recommend following all three accounts to receive push notifications with news, updates, educational articles, interactions with other schools, communities and public figures.

        

Mrs Woolgar