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A Message from Mrs Knox
 We have finally come to the end of our School year and have had a wonderful week of celebrations which will culminate in our Parents’ Day tomorrow. As well as celebrating the achievements of our pupils, we will be saying farewell to three members of staff. Our Sports Assistants: Mr Tom Orme and Miss Bethany Arnold as well as Maintenance and Performing Arts Technician, Mr Alex Garood. They have contributed significantly to the School and I wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. At lunchtime today, the children thoroughly enjoyed the delicious BBQ and ice cream. Huge thanks to our catering team for such a lovely feast. I do hope you can join us tomorrow to celebrate the pupils, hear from an inspirational speaker, Charlie Walker, meet our special character and enjoy a picnic together. Have a wonderful summer break. We look forward to seeing the children on Tuesday 5th September.
Mrs Knox
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Sports Day 2023
Pre-Prep Sports Day
 The weather held out for our rearranged Pre-prep Sports Day, and it was amazing to see the pupils enjoying the throws, jumps and races in front of such a supportive crowd of parents. The obstacle races were fantastic to witness with balancing, jumping and running skills in abundance. The Nursery obstacle race was fantastic with the pupils dressing as bees and collecting their pollen. The jumping and throwing showed just how much the pupils have improved this year, well done everyone!! Medals and stickers were awarded at the end of the mornings competition with watermelon as a lovely treat at the end.
Prep Sports Day
 The Prep School Sports Day went ahead after a late pitch inspection and what a great afternoon the pupils gave us. The competitive but supportive nature of the children was great to see. Events included sprints, middle distance races, jumping, throwing, skipping and shot put. After some very closely competed events the final scores were Peregrine 181, Buzzard 169, Kestrel 163 and Hawk 150. These scores were the start point for the Senior Event the day afterwards. Congratulations to all who took part and particularly well done to Holly B and Rommy B who won the Best Athletes of the Day Trophies.
Senior Sports Day
With the scores from the Prep School Sports Day carried forward, Peregrine started this event with a clear lead. The weather was a little damp at the start of the afternoon so the throw events were restricted to a one step approach and all races were restarted if there was a slip at the start. There was some great athleticism on show and some wonderful camaraderie between the pupils. The Prep School came down to the track to witness the final relay races and to discover who had won the overall Athletics Trophy. The final results were:
1st Buzzard - 499
2nd Hawk - 478
3rd Peregrine - 466
4th Kestrel - 406
Congratulations to all who took part and well done to Emily B and Zac L for winning the Best Athlete of the Games awards.
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Year 11 trip to Eurodisney
 On Tuesday, Year 11 made their last Duke of Kent School trip to Disneyland Paris. The excitement began with a dash across London to catch the Eurostar before taking a coach from Gare du Nord station to stay on board a Pirate ship. The themed hotel had several decks and an indoor swimming pool which was hugely popular with the kids after a long day on their feet. After settling into our wave inspired rooms we set sail and arrived early evening at the Disney Park for food and fun. They spent time shooting Zombies and flying down a Dragons flume and eventually went to their rooms tired but happy.
 Everyone woke up bright and breezy on Wednesday, ready to find out all that Disneyland had to offer. After a rapid continental breakfast, with the sacrosanct ‘ham and cheese in French bread’ taken up by most (as well as various pastries and fruit), we were on our way. A short shuttle bus took us to the gates and we were there for the 9.30 opening so as to arrive before the queues built up. With the excitement building the pupils made their way to the biggest rides, with identifiable Duke of Kent School screams being heard from Hyperspace Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Crush’s Coaster and the infamous Tower of Terror, to mention just a few. The group came together for a lovely buffet meal, where a tremendous amount was consumed, before some headed back to the hotel pool whilst others went back to repeat certain rides, determined to fully utilise the 14 hours available in the park!
 After another sumptuous buffet breakfast, we were ready to say goodbye to The Explorer hotel and make our way, by coach, to the centre of Paris. Driving along the Seine, it was not long before the Eiffel Tower peaked its head above the beautiful architecture of the Paris streets. Jumping off the coach, we all pulled onto a boat to take us on a cruise up the Seine. We saw the amazing sights of the Louvre, Marie Antoinette’s prison and the stunning Grand Palais. Having relaxed onboard for an hour, the students had a bit of free time to sample the many plats du jour that were on offer at the local cafes. Tired, but satiated, we squashed our way onto the metro to head back to Gare du Nord for our final trip home. Prizes given, snacks bought and souvenirs inspected, we headed home. A busy, thrilling and wonderful few days completed.
Mrs Punter and Miss Honey
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Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
 On Monday we travelled to Ditchling Beacon in the South Downs to begin a 3 day walking expedition. Completing this 40+ km venture is one of the four requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Silver Award. It was a hot, windy and rainy experience, sometimes all at the same time! The five groups of Year 10s walked west towards the first campsite at Small Dole. After much comparing of blisters we survived the first night despite the attention of a grumpy (albeit tethered) goat, and set off for Washington Camp on the second day. Most groups were caught by a torrential shower, luckily towards the end of this leg of the walk, which ensured a soggy look for the majority! We camped next to a pond which hosted a thoroughly inquisitive family of ducks who desperately tried to share the tents. This site also had a usable shower block which improved spirits tremendously! The final day's walk was completed effectively (and surprisingly rapidly) and concluded at Wepham (near Arundel). EVERYONE worked hard, few, if any, of them having walked three significant back-to-back walks before. They also analysed their own teamwork which revealed how initial frustrations were ultimately resolved! Many thanks also to Matron for her huge medical assistance, and to Mrs Vermeulen, Miss Francis, Mrs Douglas and Madame Toussaint for their overnight and check pointing support.
Mr Lodge and Mr Wyllie
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Year 7 Watersports Day
On Monday 3rd July, Year 7 travelled to Southwater Country Park to take part in some water-based activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Despite some chilly conditions, spirits were high and they set off for their day's activities. Everyone managed to enjoy their time on the water, with a lot of smiley faces returning at the end of the day. Thank you to Miss Francis for all her help on the day, and Mrs Coackley for organising such a wonderful trip.
Mr Monk
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Year 6 Final Assembly
Year 6 hosted an emotional and entertaining assembly this week, for the very last time in Prep School. Some of the children have been at Duke of Kent School already for 8 years, and we always feel a pang of sadness that the Year 6s must move on - eventually - to Senior School. They are most certainly ready for the step up, and if they approach the challenges ahead with the same can-do attitude, team spirit and all round gumption (which really ought to be one of our Attitude to Learning criteria!) as they've overcome hurdles this year, they will be just fine. They spoke fondly of their teachers who have guided and inspired them to do things they never thought they'd achieve, and some well-earned, surprise prizes were presented. Mrs Green, appropriately, still needs to come back to get her "Stop trying to leave School" award! They also acknowledged the contribution of their peers, with whom they have shared so many friendships and so much fun. Always my favourite part, and just so touching to see the collective affection in the room. This year's Year 6 song - "Say Goodbye" - did not disappoint, and was being hummed by everyone who left the PA Hall afterwards, and after a final ode to Mr Herbert, their wonderful Form Teacher this year, the Year 6s can most certainly feel that they followed their own advice to "Leave it on the Field" this year. We will miss you all!
Mr Wright
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Pre-prep Summer Dance Show
On Thursday, Pre-prep performed their annual Dance show, always a highlight of the year. This time the audience were treated to a retelling of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Every child from the youngest performers in Nursery to the Year two children were all absolutely brilliant! Lisa Lee, manages to balance fun and expertise, showcasing the talents of all the children in an imaginative and engaging way.
The Year Two children took on the role of the main characters and were ably supported by their peers including Nursery as the good folk from Oz, Reception as Munchkins and Year One as Jitterbugs. The costumes (with a little additional sparkle!) were amazing, and it was a fantastic way to end the year. Parents joined in with the finale of ‘Disco Inferno’ and tears of joy and pride were shed by many!
Pictures will be released next week, keep your eyes peeled on social media to know when they are available!
Mrs Henry
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Pre-prep Trips Day
On Wednesday 5th July, Pre-prep had a fantastic day at RHS Wisley to celebrate the end of the school year. Both the Key Stage One children and Early Years benefitted from tailored workshops with a focus on food. Each child planted peas and learnt about edible foods grown in the UK and elsewhere in the world. We visited the world food garden and they were challenged to find a plant that they liked the smell of, a plant that had edible roots and a plant that they knew by sight. Their knowledge was impressive and the scent from the Lemon Verbena and Rosemary was delightful. We looked at the amazing orchard containing over 800 trees and climbed the lavender covered mound to get a view from the top stretching in all directions. The children watched the honey and bumble bees busy flitting from flower to flower and learned about the ‘white bottomed’ Bumble bee as we saw it landing on poppies and cornflowers. Throughout the gardens the vast array of colours, particularly the shades of purple were impressive and everyone had a good appetite for our packed lunches.
We also had opportunity to visit the play area and the Duke of Kent school children were polite and excellent at taking turns with children from many other schools, a real credit!
Mrs Henry
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Year 2 Celebration Assembly
 Year 2 have had a very busy week culminating in their Celebration of Learning Assembly this morning . They shared some special memories , their best writing and some interesting facts. Alongside Mr Rye , they wrote a song about leaving Pre-Prep and moving on to Year 3. It was bittersweet, as we say farewell to some of our Year 2's today, but we know they will make their next schools just as proud as we are.
Mrs Rigby
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 There has been much excitement in the department this week, with Pre-prep in particular stealing the show - quite literally - on several occasions! I spoke to a few parents at the rescheduled Sports Day on Tuesday, and they felt they may as well set up camp here at School, with so many opportunities to come in and watch and cheer on their children, this week.
The sporting endeavours of all pupils (and a few brave parents) were a joy to behold; huge thanks to our PE team for conducting everything so well, and even steering the clouds away from MacRobert - very impressive! The children were then able to display their dance moves on Thursday, and what a sight to behold that was. A greater show of fun, energy and colour - all to the most brilliant musical backdrop - I cannot imagine. Lisa Lee, you are a choreographic marvel; huge thanks also to the Pre-prep staff for overseeing costumes, rehearsals and general pep talks whenever and wherever needed, this term.
You'll read about the conclusion of the House table-tennis finals and super assemblies hosted by Years 2 and 6 elsewhere in the bulletin, and of course, we will have a chance to further celebrate your children's brilliance at Parents' Day. I look forward to seeing them, and you, there.
Values Certificates:
Effort for Ruby W and Hubie S
Reading Certificates:
Silver for Florence A and Gold for Henry O'B
Mr Wright
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 A hugely busy week, befitting of the Summer Term, ended the academic year in style. Year 10 attacked their Silver DofE expedition with typical endeavour, overcoming many personal obstacles to complete the challenge. A lot is written about the importance of grit and determination these days, something these young people have in spades, and we are hugely proud of the way they conducted themselves.
 Year 7 went on a fun trip to Southwater Country Park on Monday, taking in all kinds of exciting water pursuits in a highly wet, entertaining and exhausting venture. Smiles were ear to ear as they attacked the obstacles with gusto. On Tuesday, the Year 11 headed to Paris for a celebratory few days (after a big year!) whilst the annual Felix Macdonald Alumni Cricket Match was sadly rained off. On Friday the BBQ lunch will undoubtedly be a sumptuous event, provided the weather stays fine, and the school is now gearing up for what promises to be a fantastic Parents' Day on Saturday and the opportunity to celebrate the many great achievements across the School.
Mr Wilson
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Years 7 and 8 House Rounders
On Wednesday afternoon, the sun shone and the girls were ready for House Rounders! With the focus being on cricket this term, the girls haven't done much Rounders practice but after two wins against Belmont last week, they were ready to go! It was a thrilling afternoon with all teams winning at least one match making the scores very exciting at the end of the afternoon! Some highlights included a thriller match between Hawk and Peregrine with Hawk winning by just half a rounder! There were some epic catches, with Cesca making 4 catches in one game for Buzzard and Alice making some epic catches on 4th post for Kestrel. There was some fabulous batting too with Erin C, Issy N and Tildy C all scoring multiple rounders for their teams! What a fantastic afternoon of Rounders with Buzzard winning all 3 of their matches and coming top! After some complicated maths, the teachers worked out that Hawk came 4th, Kestrel in 3rd and Peregrine in 2nd. Congratulations to everyone for their wonderful efforts and well done to Buzzard!!
1st - Buzzard
2nd - Peregrine
3rd - Kestrel
4th - Hawk
Miss Vickers
Prep School Summer Gala
What a crowd and what an atmosphere at Monday's Prep School House Gala! The standard of swimming and the improvement that the pupils have made throughout the year was truly evident at this event. The Prep School pupils all took part and gave their all in front of their wonderfully supportive parents. Congratulations to everyone for trying their best and particularly well done to Ben W and Lola C for winning the Best Swimmer Awards. The final results were:
1st Peregrine - 88
2nd Kestrel - 84
3rd Buzzard - 77
4th Hawk - 68
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What a busy end to the term it has been in the Performing Arts Department. From the Pre-prep Dance Show to the Years 8 and 9 Production, via the Senior School Summer Concert and the Prep Music Assembly it has been a hectic but wonderful couple of weeks!
In the middle of it all we have been running our Senior School Battle of the Bands competition, which was completed this week as well. Congratulations are due to Harvey R, Paddy W, Jasper T and Elliott S in Year 7, Tildy C, Alice B, Ben K and Ethan K in Year 8 and Daisy R, Isaac P, Leo T-R, Vir O'R and Charlie N in Year 9 for their brilliant entries and efforts in winning their respective year groups.
On Thursday morning we held our Prep School Summer Music Assembly, bright and early at 8.30 in the Performing Arts Hall. It was lovely to listen to the Junior Chamber Choir and the Ukes of Kent do their thing, entertaining the crowd wonderfully and well done to the soloists who performed - Lola C, Paddy W, Hope N, Eva W, Layla B, Florence A, Mila S, Grace M and Herb M.
Next year promises to be as full as this one has been, if not more - until then have a wonderful Summer!
Mr Rye
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What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Amino
A sprawling online discussion forum with incentives for checking in each day and the facility to follow certain users, Amino bears comparison to Reddit – but with an added sprinkle of Snapchat and a Twitter twist. It may not be radically original, but it's proving popular: there are now more than a million communities of fans exchanging views on topics from anime to zombies.
The concept is to recreate the passion and excitement of live conventions in the online world: from behind their screens and keyboards, however, not everyone behaves as well as they might in person. From hurtful comments to age-inappropriate images and predatory messaging, our guide highlights some potential hazards to protect young users from.
Click on the link to find out more information about "What Parents and Carers Need to Know about Amino".
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
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As we reach the end of another busy week, term and academic year, it is a great time to celebrate our achievements - as we will at Parents' Day tomorrow. It is also important to recognise our own personal achievements, whether those are publicly recognised or not, and give ourselves credit for the challenges and difficulties we’ve faced but fought through, sometimes unseen by others.
It is also an opportunity to let go: rest, relax and have fun - which I hope everyone will have the opportunity to do. This may be a trip away, time spent with people important to us, or opportunities to pursue hobbies and interests more regularly with the greater free time. It may look different for everyone - and that’s ok. It is identifying and addressing our own needs that is important.
For those whose children may be struggling with their mental health over the summer break, please look on our Wellbeing section of the website which has links to some mental health organisations, or follow links on the attached signposting document which directs to general support and help, as well as issue specific advice.
Have a great summer everybody and I look forward to seeing you in September.
Mrs Douglas
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We've done it - another year completed, and my goodness, we are all ready for a well-earned rest!
Looking ahead to the new School year in September, a reminder that the annual medical form for the academic year 2023/2024 is now available for parents to access on the Parent Portal (go to "Interactive" and "Electronic Forms"). I do not require a form for all pupils, however, if the following applies, then it would be really valuable to have a medical update for the new School year in September:
- Your child is new to DOK in September (essential)
- Your child is in Pre-Prep and you have not completed an update since they joined DOK
- Your child has a significant medical condition including asthma, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes etc
- Your child has not attended a residential trip this year
Similarly, any health events/medical updates regarding your child during the summer would be much appreciated, to keep us in the loop at School. Please email Mrs Sarjant csarjant@dokschool.org - she will check emails periodically throughout the summer holidays in order to keep medical records current. Thank you for your help with this.
Pupils for the Rwanda trip are encouraged to use the summer break to get on top of trip planning, especially with regards to travel immunisations and purchasing anti malaria medication.
Year 10 (September) have their Bronze DofE Expedition early in the Autumn Term, so the summer would be a good time to purchase all the required kit. Mrs Sarjant will be restocking the first aid bags with plenty of blister plasters just in case!
Wishing everyone a healthy and happy Summer Holiday, and looking forward to meeting all our new pupils in September.
The School Nurses
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PADoK News
The 100 Club
The 100 club winners this term are:
1st Place - Jenson P - Year 6
2nd Place - Quentin J - Year 9
3rd Place - Esme W - Year 8
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Booking is required for the July and August opening times
We will be open on Wednesday 5th July from 3 to 5pm. You will need to book a slot please via emma.lowe74@sky.com.
Summer Dates are:
Tuesday 22nd August 9.30am to 12.30pm
Tuesday 29th August 1.30pm to 4.40pm
Please book your slot through emma.lowe74@sky.com
We are also low on PE kit so if you have any that you plan to hand in please do leave it in the box outside the shop. Thank you.
PADoK Core Control: Strengthen your body, Improve Your Health with our Physio-Led Stability Group.
Last Friday we focused on the plank, abs and then inverted bicycling to help relieve shoulder and upper traps tension. Working the muscles against gravity in a different way always adds a challenge.
We followed this up with a run up pitch hill at a “nobody left behind” pace. Come join us this week for our final session before the summer holidays!
Mrs Phillips
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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
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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
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