School Menu for Next Week

Visiting Speaker - Olivia Winther

On Monday morning as part of the Stretch and Challenge talk programme we welcomed Olivia Winther who visited us to talk about her role as a Physiologist at Qinetiq. Olivia focussed her talk around demonstrating what STEM looks like outside of the classroom as an actual career, in addition to showcasing how a multi-disciplinary team can work together to investigate and solve problems. 

Olivia explained how she works for Qinetiq who are a leading science and engineering company operating primarily in the defence and security markets with their goal being dedicated to protecting lives and defending sovereign capabilities. Pupils heard how Olivia works within the human performance section of Qinetiq, with her working alongside other Physiologist, Psychologists, engineers and Physicists. 

It was fascinating to hear about the equipment she works with on a daily basis such as a state of the art centrifuge capable of reaching 9G and labs that are capable of reaching temperatures from +70°C down to -70°C.

Olivia took us through the type of work that she does on testing out new clothing or equipment on pilots which enable them to work in extreme conditions whilst still performing the required tasks to the best of their ability.

Throughout the talk Olivia spoke with such enthusiasm and passion that she fully demonstrated her love for science and her career. Her concluding slide had just one thought provoking statement - Do what you love and enjoy; a career will follow.

Thank you so much to Olivia for giving up her time to talk to us and starting our Monday morning with such energy.

Mr Wyllie

Year 7 Trip to Hampton Court

On Friday 21st April, Year 7 had the opportunity to visit Hampton Court Palace and delve into the Tudor period, particularly focusing on the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Our guide for the day, in full Tudor dress, was very knowledgeable and developed a real rapport with our pupils (the best group he’s ever had, apparently!). He delivered two educational sessions which were incredibly informative, interactive and engaging. We learned about Tudor politics and power, and how Elizabeth I navigated her way through a male-dominated society to become one of the most successful monarchs in British history. We also examined the Elizabethan world and its connections to historical slavery and colonialism, which was a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion for our students.

Exploring the palace itself was an incredible experience. We wandered through the state apartments, imagining what life would have been like for Henry VIII and his courtiers. We were awed by the intricate detail and beauty of the architecture, and gained a deeper understanding of the power dynamics that existed within the Tudor court. Mr Lodge also sat pupils around the table of the grand Privy Council Chamber at the Palace, asking them to imagine themselves as powerful council members and advisors. 

One of the highlights for the pupils was getting lost in the famous Hampton Court maze! The maze was originally planted in the late 17th century, and is still a popular attraction today. Year 7 really enjoyed navigating the twists and turns, and it was a fun way to get them involved and excited about history. 

We also had the opportunity to visit the tulip festival in the palace gardens, which was a feast for the senses. The gardens were filled with vibrant colours and sweet fragrances, and it was a wonderful way to start our day at Hampton Court.

Overall, our trip to Hampton Court was an incredible experience for both students and teachers alike. It provided a unique opportunity for us to delve deeper into the Tudor period and gain a greater appreciation for the history of our country. We left feeling inspired and motivated to continue exploring the rich tapestry of British history.

Mr Seeley

Year 5 Trip to North West Surrey Synagogue

Year 5 visited a Synagogue in Weybridge this week as part of their RS work on Judaism. They had a fascinating talk from a member of the Synagogue who explained the importance of different artefacts. They were fascinated by the way the Torah scrolls are created - handwritten by scribes in ink. If the scribe makes a mistake then the whole scroll has to be rewritten but cannot just be thrown away. Each scroll must be buried in the ground and archaeologists are still discovering scrolls in Israel which were buried thousands of years ago. The pupils asked many interesting questions and thoroughly enjoyed their visit.

Mrs Lock

Nursery Trip to Local Farm

On Tuesday, Nursery were lucky enough to spend an idyllic morning at a local farm, which is the home a past parent of ours. Our journey was pleasingly swift and the children were so excited to explore a new environment. First we met the sheep, they are an ancient breed and were very friendly. Each sheep was named and their name began with the letter I. We met Ida, Inka, Irene and Imogen. They had very long, curly woolly coats and horns. We then explored an amazing tree house where the children enjoyed a hot chocolate and a biscuit. This was followed by a stroll in a bluebell wood, the perfume from the bluebells was sweet and the children paused to appreciate the sound of babbling brooks and a little waterfall. We were then introduced to the chickens. The children were fascinated by the newly laid eggs in the chicken coop, one of which was still warm! We finished our trip meeting some horses and playing in a tractor.

At the end of the morning we returned to school in time for a lovely roast lunch. What a perfect day! 

Mrs Ragless

This week we had a delightfully uplifting assembly from our Year 2 pupils, made all the more exciting because it was their first ever assembly. Not only did they deliver their lines with volume and clarity, but they also exuded confidence and enjoyment as they did so. We have several classes giving assemblies this term, and Year 2 most certainly set the bar very high! We were told about the importance of the word 'yet', because whatever we feel we can't do, we just need to remind ourselves we can't do it 'yet'. The children explained how with patience, determination, practice and - sometimes - a different approach entirely - we can often achieve things we didn't think possible. Famous names such as Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, JK Rowling and the Wright Brothers (no relation) were mentioned as examples of people whose brilliance took a long time to be noticed or rewarded. Let's hope we can all be a little more like these inspiring figures when we next encounter obstacles or frustrations. 

As well as being jam packed with assemblies, the term looks equally busy with at least one trip scheduled for every class. This week, Nursery headed out to a local farm to meet the sheep and other animals (thank you, Mrs Cheveley!), and Year 5 pupils visited a Jewish Synagogue in Weybridge where we were warmly welcomed and expertly informed. Going out to see new places and people is a hugely rewarding experience for the pupils, and one we greatly missed when it was denied us in recent years. With Years 1, 3 and 4 all heading out on important curriculum enriching trips next week, and Year 2 looking forward to hosting a workshop about Florence Nightingale here at school, it feels like we are making up for lost time! We even have a dog and his trainer coming to see all of Prep School next Wednesday, so the children can learn more about how to stay safe around man's best friend. Enjoy the long weekend!

Values Certificates Awarded This Week:

Responsibility: Casey J

Respect: Hope N

Effort: Charlotte P, Seren G, Finlay C

Reading Certificates Awarded This Week:

Silver Reading Certificate: Max M

Aloud and Proud: Violet W and Lois M

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Charlotte D for using expressive and reflective language and for her continual enthusiasm throughout the day.

Reception: Grisha D for being helpful and showing kindness towards a visiting child.

Charles L for a big improvement in his engagement and enthusiasm in reading.

Year 1: Maddie C for always being so kind and helpful.

Year 2: Georgia C for a positive attitude to all her learning and activities.

Mr Wright

As we come to the conclusion of Week 2 it is great to see the GCSE Year 11 Art pupils busily completing their two-day exam. Whilst this is undoubtedly a bit of an ordeal for them, I have nonetheless been struck by the mature attitudes shown; preparing sensibly and working towards a positive conclusion. Monday was a designated Study Skills Day with outside speakers talking to all year groups on the subject of how, when and what to study, whilst Tuesday saw the entire Senior School complete a short Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) survey to help staff identify how best to support pupils pastorally to achieve their potential. Sadly, with the staff cricket team already quaking in their boots having witnessed the pace of the Year 11 bowling, the annual Staff vs First XI, scheduled for Tuesday evening, was postponed due to rain, although we hope an alternative date will be found soon.

We also welcomed Ingrid Clift from 'The Loop' to our Friday assembly, who talked passionately about how this organisation looks to help those wishing to volunteer within the charity sector and the benefits this can bring, both for the individual and the charity.

Mr Wilson

Girls' Cricket: U14/15 A v. Belmont

On Tuesday afternoon, U14/15 A team made the short journey to Belmont for their first cricket match of the term! The weather held off, although it was a little chilly! Belmont won the toss and elected to field first. Each of the Duke of Kent School pairs scored well and improved in their batting as the overs went on as their confidence grew. A huge well done to Phoebe, Alex, Jess and Saoirse as they all scored boundaries throughout the match. We scored 174 runs in total for our innings and so it was down to the accuracy of bowling to see if we could win the match. The team started well with a brilliant over from Ava W with the highlight being a catch from Jess I to keep Belmont's score to a minimum. The quality bowling continued with particularly good overs from Bella S, Emily B, Helena K and Saoirse W. The key was that Duke of Kent School managed to get 4 wickets and so Belmont lost 20 runs (-5 for a wicket). This meant the U14/15 team were victorious in their first game of the season, well done to everyone involved!

Miss Vickers

Girls' Cricket: U12/13 B v. Belmont

On Wednesday the U12/13 B team played their first cricket match of the season against Belmont at home. The girls' started batting first, and although we didn't take as many risks as we could have, they worked well as a team and scored plenty of 4's and Rose S scored a superb 6! At the end of their innings they scored 256 and were now trying to defend their score against Belmont who were coming into bat. Belmont were very strong and took risks at every opportunity which served them well. The fielding team did well with Lucy P stopping multiple 4's from being scored and Tansy T who took an outstanding catch in the final moment of the innings. The final score was 302 to 256. Congratulations to Belmont and well done Duke of Kent School for a brilliant first game, the only way is up!

Mrs Woolgar

Mixed Cricket: U10/11 v. Belmont

On Wednesday, the U10/11 A mixed cricket team played against Belmont in their first cricket match of the season. Duke of Kent School lost the toss and were put into bat, a steady innings from the team with a few great shots played by Arthur H and Ben W. The innings ended with a competitive score of 73, the teams then switched over with a strong bowling performance from the team and some great wicket taking bowling from Henry W. In the last over the game could have gone either way but with a crucial run out by Duke of Kent School, the team got the well deserved win. Well played to everyone involved in a good team performance for the first hard ball match of the season. 

Mr Orme

Mixed Cricket: Year 3 v. Belmont

On Thursday afternoon, some very excited Year 3s took a ride in the "mini minibus" to Belmont for their first cricket match of the year (and for most of the team, their first cricket match, ever!) We were the lucky team as we were chosen to play indoors at Belmont, this worked out brilliantly as we managed to avoid the horrible rain of Thursday afternoon!! Team Duke of Kent School batted first and soon got into their rhythm with Charlotte L batting fantastically and some great running between the wickets from Elizabeth S helped score runs for the team. The quality strikes continued with Barnes P, Lottie O and Mila S also making good contact with bat and ball. After watching the great, and very alert, fielding from Belmont, it was Duke of Kent School's turn to field! The highlight of the innings was Beth F's over as she managed to get 2 wickets! The rest of the team showed some really accurate bowling with Mila S, Charlotte L and Barnes P bowling with great accuracy. What a brilliant first match of the season - a huge well done to all involved! 

Miss Vickers

Boys' Cricket: U13 D v.Handcoss Park

On Wednesday Duke of Kent School Boys' U13 D team hosted Handcross Park in their first match of the season. There was some accurate bowling from Duke of Kent School and some good technique on display from many of the boys. Unfortunately, the pitch was still very soft and the ball had very little bounce. Handcross batted first and scored 154 in their 24 overs. Duke of Kent School steadily ate away at the Handcross total and only needed six runs from the final two overs. We lost a wicket which made the run chase a little more difficult. However, William B played some very good strokes to help Duke of Kent School to victory by 9 runs. Well done to all who played.

Mr Herbert

What Parents and Carers Need to Know about OFCOM’s Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report 2023

Ofcom’s annual ‘Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes’ report provides a comprehensive picture of how young people used and interacted with the internet in the preceding year. It’s a fascinating snapshot of what games and apps young people are currently favouring, how long they spend online and how tastes change at certain ages.

While some of Ofcom’s latest findings will probably come as scant surprise (YouTube being by far the most popular platform among under-18s, for instance), other conclusions may raise an eyebrow or two. This special guide presents some of the report’s most eye-catching facts and figures in an accessible infographic format.

In the guide you'll find statistics and trends such as the current most popular platforms for young people and the proportion of children in each age group who play online games.

Click on the link to find out more information about "What Parents and Carers Need to Know about OFCOM’s Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report 2023".

Also, Internet Matters is a great website that can help you deal with online issues, give you advice for different age groups and give you step-by-step guides for setting controls for different devices.

Mr Boden

We have been notified of a likely (unconfirmed) case of Strep A in Pre-prep this week.  Please see the following link for a reminder of all the relevant information.  Pupils with Strep A should remain off school whilst they have a fever, and until 24 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/

Please can Mrs Sarjant have all medical forms for the Year 10 Swanage residential trip (June) and the Senior School Rwanda trip (October) completed and returned as soon as possible.  Any pupil medications for the Year 4 Isle of Wight Trip should be handed in to the front office for Mrs Sarjant's attention by Friday 5th May please.

Finally, well done to Reception Class and Year 6 pupils for being brilliantly behaved having their measurements done with Mrs Sarjant on Thursday in line with the National Childhood Measurement Programme.  Results will be sent home to parents of pupils taking part via letter in the next week or so.  BMI readings are designed to help inform lifestyle choices for your child and your family in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle.  For more information, see the following link to NHS Healthier Families (the new home for the previous Change 4 life campaign)

https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy weekend,

The School Nurses

PADoK News

PADoK Summer Event - Saturday 17^th June 

This is going to be a great night with live music, food and fun so please save the date.  Details will come out shortly.

Duke of Kent School Singers – Thursdays 08.20 – 09.00am

Singing started this week!  

As always please do remember that there is never any pressure to perform and no set plan. Our focus is always on enjoying singing and getting the most out of our time together 

Huge thanks to all who come along and make the sessions so much fun. The group is a very fluid mix of past and present parents. Everyone is welcome to join at any time, and we have a WhatsApp group you can dip in and out of as you’d like to. 

We would absolutely love to have some male voices coming more regularly. If you’re out there even slightly thinking about it, please come along and give it a go!  

PADoK Core Control: Strengthen your body, Improve Your Health with our Physio-Led Stability Group.

Friday morning 08.30 at Ness Hall. This started on Friday 28^th April.  We would love to see you from 08:30am to 09:00am.

Note: Runners still welcome! 

PADoK Walk

Wednesday 3^rd May & Friday 12^th May, 08.30 Car Park 3, Pitch Hill, everyone welcome.

PADoK Book Club

Last month the PADoK Book Club met to talk about Snow Country by Sebastian Faulks.  The story begins in 1914 before WW1 breaks out, where an aspiring journalist meets his first love, and we are taken on a journey of what happens when his country declares war on hers. We all agreed that Sebastian Faulks is a fabulous storyteller, you get a true sense of what it was like for the main characters living in the period up till the early 1930s.  Although we all thoroughly enjoyed how well written and researched the book was, we found the way in which the main characters thought and acted to be one dimensional, not believable and just couldn’t connect with them.

One of the best parts of the PADoK book club is to have a reason to switch off and find time for ourselves and then look forward to an evening where we can debate the good and the bad in what we have read, which is what we certainly got from reading Snow Country.  We would love you to join us this term and let us know your thoughts about her next book club choice.

Mrs Phillips

Senior School Optional Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have 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