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A Message from Mrs Knox
What a fabulous six weeks we have had! New pupils are to be congratulated most sincerely on the way they have settled seamlessly into Duke of Kent School and all pupils from Nursery to Year 11 are making excellent progress in their learning. It has been such a pleasure spending time in the classrooms watching the depth of learning that has taken place. The pupils in Rwanda arrived safely this week. On their first day, they were hosted by Nyamirambo Women's Centre and had a fabulous tour of Kigali visiting their cooperative sewing and hairdressing schools as well as their business training centre for women. They head off on a mountain trek tomorrow. I am excited to hear all about their adventures on their return.
Thank you so much to many of you who have completed the parent survey. This remains open during half term, so do please take the opportunity to share your feedback. I wish you and the children a relaxing half-term break and look forward to seeing you on Monday 30th October.
Mrs Knox
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The School menu for after half term
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Biology Week
 After kicking off Biology Week with an explosion of Science at the ExCeL Centre with the Year 11 pupils, activities became much more refined on Tuesday with a lunchtime pluck dissection session. The pupils got to see the lungs inflating, feel their different composition compared to the heart, and enjoyed feeling the rigid but also slightly bendy trachea due to the C-shaped rings of cartilage.
 On Wednesday, Year 9s celebrated Stem Cell Awareness Day to accompany the topic of the curriculum they are studying, and some of them shared some important information with staff in assembly. On Thursday lunchtime, pupils had the option to dissect a flower or a mouse. For those who chose the mammal, we started by discussing both the ethics and importance of using animals in medical research. The pupils then worked with care and respect in order to see a whole organism and the internal workings, a skill that isn't normally covered until A level and at university. For those pupils who dissected a flower, they enjoyed seeing the delicate organs they have that enables reproduction, as well as the pleasant smell they emitted!
Throughout the week, Years 8 and 9 have also been partaking in a Biology Spelling Bee. The finalists for each year are now being put forward for the national competition with the Royal Society of Biology after half term. The winners from both years are listed below; congratulations and good luck!
Lastly, some Year 8 and Year 10 pupils swapped roles in this morning's assembly, becoming the teachers, to give a very informative presentation on the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our society and supermarkets. Hopefully they will have encouraged some of us staff members to bake or cook a little more of what we eat ourselves; perhaps time to dust off the bread maker or ice cream churner!
Well done to all the pupils who engaged so maturely for the dissections and to the winning Spelling Bee participants.
Year 8 - Ben O
Year 9 - Jack P
Mrs Vermeulen
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New Scientist Live 2023
 Year 11 took to the road on Monday morning to make their way to the ExCel Centre in London for Schools Day at New Scientist Live! The hallways of the ExCeL in London echoed with excitement as we made our way to embark on an educational journey to spark curiosity and expand horizons. The event provided a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of science, innovation, and discovery.
Year 11 were given the freedom to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and explore the range of exhibits and interactive activities at their own pace. This led to a huge variety of experiences and highlights to talk about on the way home. Rose, Ariane and Pippa enjoyed a game of food top trumps, which highlighted the sustainability and environmental impact of food as well as its nutritional value. Several pupils sampled biodegradable glitter from Eco Glitter Fun, who demonstrated a passion for reducing plastic in the design and packaging of their product. Eva built a rocket, Sam and Annabelle successfully completed a science hunt, Kai enjoyed seeing an electric F1 vehicle, whilst Daniel and Charlie T were fascinated to learn about the future of fusion energy. There was even the opportunity to smell space!
 Pupils spoke to universities, research companies, healthcare providers, and space exploration organisations, all of whom spoke with passion and enthusiasm about their field. Pupils were also able to enjoy a host of fascinating talks including the Human Guinea Pig show showcasing healthcare sciences, How to Build a Racing Car complete with hydrogen explosions, and a very exciting live link up with Andreas Mogensen aboard the International Space Station. What a great day!
Mrs Tattan-Robb
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Years 7-11 poet visit
 On Tuesday 10th October, the English Department had the pleasure of welcoming renowned slam poet Ash Dickinson to our School. Ash held poetry workshops with Years 7-11, showcasing some of his poetry and what inspired him to write. The pupils themselves then had an opportunity to play with words, forms and rhythms to create some poetry of their own. From using the song titles of Kate Bush, to fighting jellies as stimulus, each and every one of them were inspired to create their own poetic works. We hope that some of them may be budding poets and look forward to the masterpieces they may create in the future.
Mrs Punter
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Year 3 social event
 Last Friday evening, Year 3 enjoyed their first Duke of Kent School social evening. We started with a few rigorous rounds of Just Dance to burn off some energy. This was then followed by an insightful game of truth or lie where the children proved themselves to be unnervingly convincing with their fictitious stories! There was great excitement when we turned out the lights and played hide and seek in the Prep corridor – luckily everybody got found in time to enjoy a picnic tea in the Pre-prep playground. There was then just enough time to play a guess who version of sleeping lions and keeper of the keys before everyone was collected for the weekend.
Mrs Nicholson
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Baby Woolgar
 On Thursday 28th September, Mrs Woolgar and her husband, Alex, welcomed Roo Woolgar to the world. He was too excited to meet his parents so arrived early at 33 weeks. He had some help in the Special Care Baby Unit at The Royal Surrey County Hospital and finally came home on Tuesday 10th October. They are thrilled to head home and start this exciting next chapter as a family of three!
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Surrey Wildlife Trust
This year, as part of the Wilder Schools programme, Surrey Wildlife Trust Education & Engagement officer, Emma Rothwell, will be joining Duke of Kent School to help pupils improve their School grounds for nature and take more of their learning outdoors. Surrey’s wildlife is in decline, but by taking some simple actions at home, we can all help create a Nature Recovery Network across the county.
Action for Nature – Pick of the (leaf) Litter!
As autumn arrives and our deciduous trees start to shed their leaves, instead of sending your green waste to landfill, why not create your own compost?
The benefits of composting your garden and kitchen waste are two-fold. You’re reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and providing a habitat for a range of minibeasts. The community of creatures who live amongst the waste help the decaying process, and in turn, provide a valuable food source for hedgehogs and other animals. Once your compost has turned rich, dark and crumbly, you can use it to enrich pollinator-friendly plants in your garden.
If you don’t have your own outdoor space at home, why not help wildlife with a litter pick on the way to or from School? Wear gardening gloves or use a litter picker to avoid touching anything contaminated or sharp, and stay away from needles, human waste (like nappies), electrical items or any potentially dangerous chemicals. Don’t forget to bring a bin bag so you can carry any rubbish away with you, and always make sure you wash your hands properly after picking litter!
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There's no doubt that many of the pupils are ready for a break, and I'm not at all surprised, so great have their efforts been over the past six weeks. We ended last week with House Captains Freddie, Ben, Hope and Alexander representing Prep School admirably with a well-delivered prayer in the Harvest Festival Assembly, and began this week with further thoughts of food as the hugely popular Bake Off got underway. Congratulations (and thank you!) to all who entered.
 In class, Year 4 marked Mental Health Awareness Day on Tuesday, as they practised some mindful meditation – when they weren't honing their measuring skills in Maths. Reception had their first lesson on 'addition', and moved their international focus to Canada, drawing flags and learning about (and sampling) maple syrup!
 Year 3 have been investigating how clean their teeth are (or aren't!) by sucking a disclosing tablet, seeing the plaque illuminated in a mirror, and then giving them a thorough brush and check to see how important it is to do so regularly. Year 6 were also experimenting in Science to understand the conditions in which yeast grows best, and also marvelling at the wooden boat Charlotte C has been making at home with her dad.
In Assembly this week, the children were reminded of the four Fundamental British Values of: Democracy, Liberty, the Rule of Law, and Respecting Difference. Discussion around these topics in Wednesday's Assembly led rather nicely into our second Assembly of the week about Black History Month. Mr Lodge, Head of History, very kindly came to tell the pupils the story of Walter Tull. Hopefully, your children will be able to tell you all (or at least something) about him, if you don't already know. Lastly, Year 6 head off to the Battle of Hastings re-enactment this Saturday, which should be entertaining, and can hopefully inspire their essay writing after half term. I wish you all a lovely break.
Values Certificates:
Effort for Henry H, Alexander I, Arthur M, Henry G, Norah C, Charlotte P and Layla B
Kindness for Oscar F
Respect for Freddie G, Alexander I, Ben W and Hope N
Mr Wright
Stars of the week
Nursery - Cooper for his massive enthusiasm and progress this term.
Charlie for her focus during activities and lovely playing with her friends.
Reception - Oscar for improved focus and increasing effort in all our classroom activities.
Year 1 - Gregory for his contribution to lessons and the extra effort he is putting into his reading and handwriting.
Year 2 - Annabelle for settling into Duke of Kent School beautifully and actively contributing to class discussions.
Alfred for working with an amazing level of independence during lessons!
Mrs Henry
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 A busy Monday saw Biology Week introduced alongside a morning assembly looking at Black History Month; particularly focusing on the issues surrounding unconscious bias in today's society, as well as just a few of the many Black British trailblazers that have impacted our country. Year 11 headed to the ExCeL Centre in London for the New Scientist Live exhibition, with many thought-provoking talks, ground-breaking discoveries, interactive experiences, hands-on activities, workshops and performances taking place to stimulate their minds.
Monday was also the first round of the House Bake Off, with a record number of cakes (64 and counting!) being presented for judging. The standards were incredibly high and, whilst not all were able to make it through to the next round, I hope all the pupils were proud of their efforts and pleased to know they had helped raise money for the pupils' chosen charity, Sarcoma UK.
On Tuesday, Ash Dickinson visited us for the day, undertaking workshops with all of the senior year groups and inspiring some hugely pertinent and fascinating questions regarding his life and works as a poet. It was also World Mental Health Day, with staff wearing a splash of yellow as part of the YoungMinds' "Hello Yellow" campaign to raise awareness regarding young people's mental health.
 Wednesday saw the Rwanda Trip depart after School with a long flight for the participants. I have no doubt this ten-day excursion will be full of lifelong memories for the 18 pupils (and staff) taking part and cannot wait to see the photos and hear the stories, with pupils hosting an assembly on 6th November to explain exactly what the trip entailed.
 On Friday we brought Biology Week to a close with a fascinating assembly after a week of lunchtime clubs, various animal dissections, plant dissections and experiments. We also gave out Commendation Badges to the following for accumulating 100 merit points since the new system came in; Erin C, Samuel H (Year 8), Annie B (Year 9) and Henry C (Year 10).
At morning break we welcomed the following to come and receive a stationery prize and a lunch fast-pass after accumulating a multiple of 25 merit points; Bob P, Holly R, Max S, Jasper T (Year 8), George C, Oliver C, Jamie C, Emily N, Eva PR, Chester S (Year 9), Maggie B, Dante D, Harry F, Alex G, Oscar H, Jake L, Leo T-R, Zac W, Josh W-D (Year 10) and Rufus B, Josie B, Kai G, Helena K, Johnny McM, Sam S, Ava W (Year 11). A huge number of pupils this week, reflecting a great deal of hard work being put in across the Senior School. Well done to you all and enjoy a deserved half-term break.
Mr Wilson
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House Bake Off
 The first round of the Duke of Kent School Bake Off kicked off this week, with an influx of impressive baked goods. The competition in the first round was fierce, with over 64 entries from pupils across the School, a new record! The Heads of House and the Year 6 House Captains had the challenging (and tasty!) task of sampling all the cakes and bakes brought in. They then had to decide which entries would progress to the Prep and Senior finals, which will take place after half term. All pupils who took part should be proud of what they accomplished, and by taking part, they earned three House points. During break time, the pupils held a bake sale, with all the money raised going to our School charity, Sarcoma UK.
Congratulations to the pupils through to the finals:
Buzzard: Prep – Annabelle T, Senior – Sydney R
Hawk: Prep – Layla B, Senior – Esme P
Kestrel: Prep – Evelyn C, Senior – Manon A
Peregrine: Prep – Elsie S & Elsa H, Senior – Poppy F
Mr Gritton
  
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Girls' hockey: U15/16 A Hockey v Farlington School
On Tuesday, the U15/U16 A Team took on Farlington School at home. The team got off to a very strong start and were 1-0 up within the first five minutes of the match after Phoebe P slotted the ball accurately and powerfully past the keeper! Farlington responded quickly to the pressure and by half-time they were 2-1 up.
After end-to-end play, the team were unlucky to concede another goal in the third quarter; Fleur S made a number of great saves to keep the team in the game. Helena K and Abi W did particularly well to absorb a lot of the pressure through their fearless tackling and Esme P’s decision-making at centre back was excellent. A highlight in the third quarter was watching Alex K dribble through Farlington’s defence and skilfully place the ball in the back of the net to take the score to 2-3! In the final quarter, Duke of Kent School dominated the attacking play; Jess I held her position and distributed the ball brilliantly at centre midfield. There were also some lovely through balls that led to the forwards winning penalty corners and consistently putting their keeper under pressure. The team were very unlucky not to come away with a draw, but should be proud of their overall performance.
Mrs Dann
Girls' hockey: U14/15 B Girls' Hockey v Farlington School
On Tuesday afternoon, the U14/15 B Team travelled to Farlington for a 7-a-side hockey match. After a quick warm up, the match was underway. The team made a great start and moved the ball with speed and precision to score within the first five minutes of the game. The goals just kept on coming with some excellent play from our defenders, Clara H-S, Issy F and Alice B, into our midfield and through to Tildy C as our forward. It was great to see the girls work as a team to create opportunities down the right-hand side of the pitch in particular. Daisy R played some great hockey and scored a wonderful goal in the second half. Isla B worked well on the right wing, linking with Clara H-S to put crosses into the D and force a short corner. The highlight of the game was a successful short corner towards the end of the match. Bella S accurately delivered the ball to Alice B, she slipped the ball to Tildy C and Tildy made perfect contact on her strike to put it past Farington's keeper. Miss Vickers was particularly impressed that their plan had been executed perfectly! A shout-out should go to Maggie B for some great goal keeping and also showing great team morale and supporting her defenders with decision-making. Well done to the whole team for a brilliant win.
Miss Vickers
Girls' hockey: U12/13 A Hockey v Dorset House School
On Wednesday, the U12/13 A Hockey Team played Dorset House School at home. Duke of Kent School looked sharp from the outset, moving the ball quickly and accurately past their opposition and, within the first quarter of the game, Issy N scored a lovely goal after receiving a well-timed pass from Esme W.
Dorset House School were a tidy side who certainly gave our defenders plenty to do, but Duke of Kent School were particularly good at hassling their opposition and working together to win back possession as soon as they had lost it. The team created a number of goal-scoring opportunities in the second half, but Dorset House battled hard to keep the team from scoring again and managed to sneak a goal in the last minute of the game to take the final score to 1-1. Disappointing not to win but a fantastic team performance.
Mrs Dann
Girls' hockey: U12/13 B Team v Dorset House School
On Wednesday, the U12/13 B Team headed to Wilson's pitch for a match against Dorset House. Despite a good warm up, Dorset House took us by complete surprise and got a quick goal very early on. However, the girls didn't let this throw them and Lois M and Isla W formed a great partnership in defence to cut out numerous passes and runs in attack. Thanks to continual effort in the middle from Molly F and Holly B, we started to create chances in our D and by the second quarter, Holly B scored a brilliant goal from across the D.
Elfie G showed her versatility in the third quarter, moving from playing up front to the middle, working tirelessly together with Manon A to track the ball and hassle the opposition. Penny N created some great chances up front and both teams were unlucky not to score, unusually hitting the post twice each in one game!
Despite the great work in defence from Isla W, Lois M and Olivia S, Dorset House still created a number of chances, but thanks to Millie L, they didn't manage to score another goal. Millie L not only stopped numerous fast balls from entering the goal, her clearance was also fantastic, and she made a huge difference to the final score.
In the final quarter, we were unlucky not to convert a winning chance, with Penny A creating some great chances up front and Milly B showing much improved defending and chasing down the ball to aid the team. The final score was a well deserved 1-1, reflecting how close and exciting the game was. Well done girls!
Mrs Vermeulen
Boys' football: U15/16 B Football vs King Edward's Witley
Duke of Kent School travelled to King Edward's Witley on Tuesday to play the first U15/16 B Team match of the season. The teams started fairly evenly with both trying to suss each other out; until Dante D turned with the ball in midfield and found himself some space to have a shot. The goalkeeper saved it but, due to the power of the strike, he could only fumble it into the path of Moxon K, who calmly finished with his left foot. Unfortunately, Duke of Kent School couldn't keep applying the pressure and despite Leo T-R's best efforts in goal, we did let in three throughout the match to finish 3-1 to King Edward's Witley.
Mr Green
Boys' football: U12 A Football v Farlington
We visited Farlington with a 12-man squad, expecting a 9-a-side match, but unfortunately our opposition had only seven to field. This left us rather substitute-heavy, and without wanting to find excuses for a defeat (!), we were rather hampered by having to make changes so regularly throughout the game to give everyone equal playing time. Despite that, the boys coped admirably, and without complaint, quickly finding their ever-rotating positions and doing their best for the team. Having weathered some early onslaughts, we scored the first goal, against the run of play, only to go in at half-time 1-1. The second half started with another Farlington goal but, to the boys' huge credit, heads didn't drop, and our efforts were rewarded with a late equaliser. Regrettably, we conceded an even later winner, to lose the game 3-2. Even though the boys left the pitch deflated, the parents watching, and the opposing coach, agreed it had been a thrilling match, played in good, competitive spirit. Well done all!
Mr Wright
Boys' football: U12/13 C Football v Moon Hall School
The Duke of Kent School U12/13 C Team travelled to Moon Hall School on Wednesday. It was a tight affair with the midfield, consisting of Henry S, Ethan G and Samuel H, battling away to gain possession. This did lead to chances for Ben D and Leo B, but they were saved by the opposition goalkeeper. It was our turn to defend for the remainder of the half, and we were up to the task with Bob P, George S and Wolf R stopping the attacks before they could get to Jenson P. Unfortunately, we could not hold on, and it took a brilliant strike in off the post to beat Jenson for Moon Hall School to lead 1-0 at half-time. After the break Duke of Kent School started slowly and conceded two goals. However, into the final stages of the match, Samuel H broke through the defence and made the goalkeeper make another save before Ben D smashed home the ball for a well-deserved goal.
Mr Green
Boys' football: U11 ISA London South Football Tournament
 The U11 Duke of Kent School team travelled to Lingfield College last Friday to take part in the ISA London South Football Tournament. Twenty-four teams took part and the standard of play was very high. This was a regional qualifying event for the National Finals in March, with the top four teams going through. The Duke of Kent School team consisting of Alfie H, Hubert S, Arthur S, Harlyn S, Ben W, Oliver T and Mac Y were placed in a very tricky group and found it particularly difficult to keep possession of the ball in their first match against Rosemead. There was a great improvement in the team's performance in the second match against Lingfield College and the confidence of the team was rising. Some positive results in the following group matches saw Duke of Kent School finish third in their group and qualify for the last 16. A draw in the first knockout match meant there would be a penalty shootout which Duke of Kent School won. We played Farlington in the quarter finals and again won this on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The semi final against Lingfield College was a great game, but we eventually lost on penalties. However, a top four place was achieved, and the boys are now extremely excited to be playing at St George's Park in the National Finals!! Well done to all who played.
Mr Herbert
Boys' football: U11 Handcross Parke Be Trewe Festival
The U11 C team took part in the Handcross Parke Be Trewe Festival on Wednesday. The Duke of Kent School team, consisting of Alexander I, Oscar F, Akash M, Herb M, Max M, Casey J and Ivan K, played extremely well together and showed amazing team spirit throughout the afternoon. A draw against Windlesham House was followed by a win over Hazlewood, a loss against Lancing Prep, a draw against Cumnor House and another win against Brighton College Prep. This was a fantastic afternoon for the boys, who truly enjoyed the experience of a tournament. Well done to all who played!!
Mr Herbert
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Coming up in November are a number of engaging career webinars on UNIFROG, which feature as part of their "A Day in the Life" series. These webinars offer a unique opportunity to delve into various career paths, providing insights directly from industry experts.
These webinars will guide you through individuals’ respective career journeys, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of what it's truly like to work within their industries. Whether you're exploring potential career paths or seeking to expand your knowledge, these webinars are designed to provide you with a wealth of information and inspiration.
We encourage you to participate actively and take advantage of these fantastic opportunities to broaden your horizons, even if these are not career areas previously considered.
Please see below for full details, however if you have any questions please just contact Mr Wyllie.
Careers in engineering: building the machines of the future – Monday 13th November @16:30
If you love maths and science and you want to find out how to apply them to complex, real-world problems, a career in engineering might be for you. Sign up to this webinar to find out what an average day in engineering looks like, the key skills you’ll need in the role, and expert tips on how to apply.
Click here to sign up.
Teaching the future: unlocking tomorrow's potential – Monday 13th November @17:30
Do you want to help shape the minds of future generations? A career in education and teaching can be very rewarding, with plenty of avenues of work to choose from. Join us to find out about the skills you’ll need for a career in education and teaching, and see whether it could be your best next step.
Click here to sign up.
Tech trailblazers: discover your career in tech – Tuesday 14th November @17:00
Whether we’re flying planes, performing surgery or playing video games, technology is a major part of all our lives. Want to know if the tech industry is for you? Sign up now to find out what it takes to work in technology, and discover exciting opportunities for kick-starting your career in tech.
Click here to sign up.
Making a lasting impact: careers in healthcare – Wednesday 15th November @16:30
Whether you're a doctor, nurse, paediatrician or pharmacist, working in healthcare can help make a lasting impact on many lives. Want to know if you've got what it takes to join the healthcare industry? This webinar will give you an insight into what it’s really like to work in a number of healthcare professions and the skills you'll need to succeed.
Click here to sign up.
Paving the way to successful law careers – Wednesday 15th November @17:30
If you're considering a career in law, but don’t fancy years of university and thousands of pounds of student debt, a law apprenticeship could be the right path for you. Join us in this webinar to find out more about what it’s like to work in the legal profession, the skills you’ll need, and top tips from the experts on how to apply.
Click here to sign up.
Mr Wyllie
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What parents and carers need to know about Among Us
Created in 2018 by a small indie studio that (at the time) had only four employees, Among Us has become one of the gaming world’s biggest breakout hits of recent years. In 2020, for example, it was the world’s most-downloaded mobile game. Its simplicity helped Among Us to resonate with younger players in particular: the game’s second largest audience slice is the 13–18 age bracket.
While the 7+ age rating, emphasis on teamwork and cartoonish, colourful graphics all suit a young fan-base, the game does carry more serious risks than betrayal by a team-mate or an untimely on-screen demise. In-game purchases and possible contact from strangers are on our guide’s list of hazards that trusted adults should bear in mind.
Click on the link to find out more information about "What Parents and Carers Need to Know About Among Us".
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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 Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend Shoreham Wordfest, where Lemn Sissay read from his new collection "Let the Light Pour In" based on the quatrains he has been posting online for the last decade or so. He described it as an exercise for himself to focus on the positive opportunities for each new day.
He was a really engaging and funny speaker and the positive messages of forgiveness, hope and avoiding cynicism shone through. What struck me as I sat listening with the book in front of me, and the abundant references to light and the sun, were the book's design and Lemn Sissay’s penchant for yellow clothing. There was a synchronicity to my planning for this week.
 Not least because we have been celebrating Hello Yellow at School this week. Young Minds’ initiative for World Mental Health Day, their slogan "stand out and show up" referenced staff wearing yellow today to signify to pupils how important their mental health is to us. Yellow signifies light and children will often choose this as a colour to represent happiness and joy – it is not subtle and so it makes a statement about feeling confident to be "seen".
Pupils also had the opportunity to: enter the House Yellow Quiz; decorate Christmas bunting to be delivered to Children’s wards around the country; take home booklets about their mental health from MIND; meditate with their classmates; receive affirmation cards from their teachers and colour mindfully at lunchtime.
We hope this has given them the opportunity to open up a discussion and focus on what their needs might be and how they might begin to meet them.
I hope you manage to have some restful and fun family times over the half-term break.
PS. Wear the yellow!
Mrs Douglas
‘I am not defined by darkness’
Confided the night
‘At dawn I am reminded
I am defined by light’
Lemn Sissay
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Well done to all the pupils involved in the flu immunisations this morning (and a big thank you to the staff who assisted). It's a huge undertaking getting well over 200 pupils immunised, so we are grateful to you all for being well behaved, patient whilst queuing, and polite to our visiting Immunisations Nurses. Some pupils may find they feel a bit under the weather during the next day or two after the immunisation – this is quite normal, and usually easily resolved with a little paracetamol (Calpol).
Lots of tired faces at School this week – everyone has been working (and playing!) so hard – we are all ready for a well-earned and good rest! We've heard of lots of exciting plans for half term (not least those who are currently enjoying the adventure of a lifetime in Rwanda)...we hope everyone has a very happy and healthy break. However, occasionally accidents or illness will of course arise. If this applies to you or your child, please remember to update us at School, especially if something happens which will impact your child's attendance at School when we return on 30th October. Health updates to Mrs Sarjant please at csarjant@dokschool.org, and please "cc" your child's form tutor.
Thanks so much, and we'll look forward to catching up with everyone in a couple of weeks!
The School Nurses
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PADoK
Please do get in touch if you would like to get involved, this can be in any capacity, you don’t need to be a class rep to be on the PADoK team. Email me at camillahja@yahoo.com for more information.
Christmas Hamper raffle donations – after half term
That time of year is fast approaching when we dust off our Christmas hats and root around for good quality gifts to donate to our annual Christmas Hamper collection. We are looking to put together some wonderful hampers which will include chocolates, alcohol, pamper items, candles, toys, games or anything that you think you might like to win in a hamper. Please bear this in mind over half term! Collection dates will be announced on the return to School.
Thanking you in advance for all your help and support.
PADoK Christmas Hamper Raffle Team
BAG2SCHOOL collection
PADoK are organising a collection on Monday 20th November – more details after half term.
https://bag2school.com/what-we-collect
Duke of Kent School Flyers – Wednesday 08.30 – 09.30, Ness Hall (Tara Coles and Lois Williams)
This week we saw the start of our Duke of Kent School netball team. What a fun way to start a Wednesday morning! After a warm up and stretch and a few practice throws we threw ourselves (literally) onto the court! Lots of fun was had learning and reminding ourselves of the netball rules.
Join us every Wednesday at 08.30, Ness Hall. No experience required!
Duke of Kent School Singers – Thursday 8.20-9.00am (Cathy Williams)
A great session this week in the PA Hall with Nick, a solid 18 of us in strong voice. We enjoyed warming up again with the Swahili banana harvest song, ‘Si, Si, Si’, breaking into a three-part round and then individually walking around the room trying to stand next to someone who was singing a different part to themselves. Far easier said than done! There was a lot of laughing (and a lot of switching parts!).
We then began work on an arrangement of Coldplay’s "Yellow" managing to successfully get through the first couple of verses. A simple harmony that sounds so rich and lovely already. We talked about how nice it is to work on a popular song as the lyrics don’t seem so difficult to learn. Trying to sing it together as a choir, with the same phrasing, breathing and so on, takes some real concentration and focus. Singing is not just good for the soul, it exercises the body and mind! Please do come along at any time to have a listen or give it a go. All are welcome.
Wishing everyone a fantastic half term!
Please do join us every Thursday 08:20 - 09:00 in the PA Hall. All are welcome at any time and we are keen to encourage more Dads to the group. Stick your head in for a listen to see what we’re all about. Super relaxed and no pressure to perform.
Any questions please do contact Cathy Williams rhodricathy@sky.com/07813 282910 or please just come along!
A relaxed singing group run by our Director of Music, Mr Rye, who kindly gives up his time to teach us how to sing. It is always fun and uplifting rather than a pressured environment. Our focus is always on enjoying singing and getting the most out of our time together.
PADOK Core Control: strengthen your body, improve your health with our physio-led stability group. Friday morning 8.30am, Ness Hall
Hey Mums and Dads! Here's the latest update from our ongoing core control class with Julia Rowe-May, our experienced Ironman and local physio!
What we achieved this week:
This week, we took our core control skills to the next level. We focused on neck muscles, the upper trunk, and added foot intrinsic muscle activation to the mix. The challenge: can you balance confidently on one leg, even on a thick padded surface, with your eyes shut? Give it a try! Our group members were able to do this confidently, even with their eyes shut.
Julia's expertise + injury prevention focus = a winning combo. Join us for the ultimate fitness journey.
Have questions or want to join PADOK Core Control WhatsApp group community? Contact us today! julia@therunningspecialists.com
Click here for the WhatsApp group link.
PADoK Book Club
This term, PADoK have voted to read Kayla’s Girls by Kerry Gibb. Following the success of her children's book series, It's A Kid's Life, Kayla’s Girls is Kerry Gibb’s debut novel for adults. “Amber Clayton’s limited experience of a mum’s night out consists of a Christmas get-together last year, where she spent the night mingling with imposter syndrome as she sipped her obligatory glass of Prosecco. That is, until she meets Kayla.” We would love you to join in and read this terms book and look forward to catching up in November to catch up on the novel.
Mrs Newman claire@bluetreerecruits.co.uk
PADoK Walk – Friday 3rd November 08.30
Please join us for a walk every other Friday, everyone welcome. Meet at Hurtwood Control Car Park 3, Pitch Hill. Hope to see you there.
PADoK Second Hand Uniform Shop
We will be open on Wednesday 1st and 29th November from 15.00 to 16.00.
If you wish to hand in items that you no longer need, please leave in the box outside the shop. ONLY CURRENT UNIFORM bought from Stevensons please.
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Backpacks needed for Ukrainian orphanage
 As part of my Duke of Edinburgh volunteering, I am putting together some Christmas bundles for 40 children in the Sokolyatko orphanage. I’d like to package these in backpacks. So if you have a backpack you’d be willing to donate, please can you bring it into School and leave it in the box just outside the front office.
Also, I am planning to fill these backpacks with presents for each child; if you have any presents, stationery, clothes or toiletries suitable for girls and boys aged 3-16, I would love to send these to Sokolyatko. These don’t have to be brand new, but good quality.
I am planning to send the backpacks off mid-November so would like to have donations by 3rd November please.
Thank you!
Edie H, Year 9
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Senior School optional hoodie
The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen below. 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 and have a look.
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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.
  
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