Year 7 and 8 House Hockey
Monday saw the Year 7 and 8 boys battle it out in their House hockey competition. It was decided by a league format with each team playing one another. The first matches saw Hawk v Peregrine resulting in Hawk winning 1-0 and Buzzard beating Kestrel 2-1. The second round was Hawk beating Kestrel 1-0 and Peregrine losing 1-0 to Buzzard. Before the final round matches Hawk and Buzzard were level on points. The final standings were decided as Buzzard beat Hawk 5-0 and Peregrine beat Kestrel 1-0.
Final standings:
1st. Buzzard
2nd. Hawk
3rd. Peregrine
4th. Kestrel
Mr Green
Girls' netball: U14-U16 A Netball Team v Downsend School
On Tuesday, the U14-U16 A Netball Team faced Downsend at home. It was the Year 11's last match for Duke of Kent School, so a significant moment for them. Throughout the match the team passed fluently and the timing of their movement was lovely to watch; it all looked effortless. Daisy R and Ava W (who usually plays WD!) linked well together in the circle and their shooting was on song. Isla B and Bella S showed what versatile players they were, as they played just as well in defence as attack. When asked to play shooter to try and slow down our lead, they merely increased our scoring rate! Edie H and Saoirse W were a tight team when defending the shooting circle – they made it difficult for Downsend to convert any of their attacking play. The team went on to win the game. Frankie M had a great game at C and was voted player of the match. Well done to all on a very positive set of results this season!
Mrs Dann
Girls netball: U14-16 B Team v Downsend School
On Tuesday afternoon, the U14-16 B Team played a fantastic game of netball against Downsend School. The girls were particularly excited to get started, as it would be the Year 11’s last ever netball match at Duke of Kent School, and what a game to end on! We started strong, with Sophie R, Annabelle R and Josie M dominating the mid-court play. They were communicating beautifully and able to pass into the shooting circle with ease. Rose S (who was our captain) and Ariane L worked brilliantly together in the circle, securing that by half-time we were 6-3 up.
In the second half, Ella S came on as WA, which injected even more energy into the flow of the game. Josie B and Helena K played so well in the defensive positions, that Downsend were only able to score a further two goals in the remaining half, while Rose S and Ariane L scored a further eight, leaving the final score 14-6! Annabelle R was named girl of the game. Well done girls, it was a joy to watch and I will miss umpiring your games.
Mrs Turnbull
Girls' Football: U15/16 A Team v Moon Hall School
On Tuesday afternoon, the U15/16 A girls' football team welcomed Moon Hall School for their one and only football match of the term. It was great to see the girls excited for the match and, after a quick discussion about positions, the team were ready to go. Alice B kindly stepped up to play in goal for the first half and Jess I took one for the team by playing in goal for the second half. Both girls made some epic saves and contributed brilliantly to the team. The match was exciting, with some quality play shown from both teams. Duke of Kent School went one ahead early on in the first half, but Moon Hall School came back into the game with some great striking and the score was 2-2 at half-time with all to play for. Alex K came alive in the second half and scored a hattrick of epic goals! It was fantastic to see such quality football considering the small amount of practice time the team had to prepare. A huge well done to all involved for a cracking win, 5-3!!
Miss Vickers
Girls’ football: U12/13 A Team v Box Hill School
It was a beautiful, warm and sunny afternoon for the last football match of the season. After a few minutes into the game it looked like it was going to be a tough fixture. Box Hill had one particularly strong player who looked dangerous, and it stayed 0-0 for a long time. The team worked hard to keep their shape, close their opposition down and everyone took responsibility for their defensive role. During the second half Duke of Kent School began to grow in confidence and push more players forward and then Norah H scored a lovely first goal! There was no stopping them after this. Penny N snuck the second goal in after her hard work up-front pressurising the defence and Willow D, who was excellent throughout, made a lovely drive through and surprised the keeper with her early strike at goal. Penny N took the final score to 4-0 with a cracking strike and was voted player of the match. A special mention goes to Myrtle M who was a rock in defence and saved the team on countless occasions. This was a very happy finish to the season and a well-deserved victory. Everyone has worked really hard to improve their individual skills and tactical awareness of the game.
Mrs Dann
Year 10 and 11 House Hockey
On Tuesday the Year 10 and 11 boys had their house competition with the same format of a league, with everyone playing everyone. It was great to see a high level of competitive spirit on show and this was matched by skills on the pitch too. It was a tight contest with both Buzzard and Hawk finishing on 7 points, Peregrine on 5 points and Kestrel on 3 points. To decide the final standings, Buzzard and Hawk entered into a shuffle competition. Three players from each team had eight seconds to score a goal before the time finished. Buzzard won this 2-1 with their final attempt to win House Hockey.
Final standings:
1st. Buzzard
2nd. Hawk
3rd. Peregrine
4th. Kestrel
Mr Green
Boys’ basketball: Year 9 House Basketball
Year 9 had their turn of House basketball action on Tuesday. It was great to see all the boys trying their best and enjoying playing the fast-paced game of basketball. All matches displayed intense defence, leading to a lot of sprinting up and down the court. Everybody managed to show off skills worked on in games afternoons at points in matches, leading to some nice moves and good shots. The results were as follows: in fourth place and, with a valiant effort, the whole afternoon were Buzzard. Kestrel came in just ahead of them in third place, Peregrine slotted themselves into second with two wins. Finally, Hawk claimed first place with a dominant display, winning all three of their matches. They were led by Hugo S showing off some great intensity in his play. A few more names to mention were Kit B for Buzzard as he showed off brilliant dribbling skills to create space, Charlie L, who was a constant presence all over the court for Kestrel, and Harry L who made a few lovely jump shots!
Mr Clayton
Boys' hockey: U11 As and Bs Hockey v Moon Hall School
We played a triangular tournament between our two teams and our guests, Moon Hall. First up, our A Team showed just how far their teamwork and match awareness has improved throughout the term with some accomplished, patient approach play. Our midfield looked particularly effective, with Hubie S and Arthur S proving a constant threat on either wing, supported by Ben W who retained and distributed the ball intelligently. Alexander I showed a keen eye for goal in his striking role, scoring twice, whilst at the back – despite having to absorb relatively little pressure, there were key, powerful defensive interventions from Jasper W, Harlyn S and Archie H. A hard-fought and well-deserved 3-1 win. The next two games were less even, yet the Bs stuck to their task against powerful opposition; Henry S and Ben G made some super tackles and clearances and, in attack, Mac Y and Oliver T showed good stick skills to make well-timed passes to team-mates. It was an excellent way to round off the hockey season – well done, boys!
Mr Wright
Girls’ football: U8 Blue Football Team at Longacre Festival
On Thursday, the U8 Blue Team travelled to Longacre School to take part in their Football Festival. There was a lovely-relaxed atmosphere and the team took part confidently in their first match against Longacre. They dominated the play and were unlucky not to score. It was evident that everyone had learnt a lot from the Pennthorpe Tournament the week before and in the second match, after fighting their way through Pennthorpe 1's defence, Willow converted the pressure and scored!
Next up was a match against Claremont, who were confident in their attacking play and, although we conceded a goal, Tildy T and Obie M should be congratulated on their work rate and determination to keep their opposition from scoring again. The highlight of the festival for Duke of Kent School's Blue Team was their game against Pennthorpe's other team. Elsa H was strong and reliable at the back, Annabelle T worked tirelessly in midfield, Darcie S was cool and calm as GK and Elsie S was excellent at striker and scored a hatrick! The team faced Duke of Kent School's other U8 Team in the final match. It was a close game and Elsie S snuck a goal past the keeper to clinch one last victory. As the football season draws to a close, it's great to reflect on how much everyone has grown in confidence with their skills and understanding of the game in a relatively short period of time. Well done!
Mrs Dann
Girls’ football: U11 Girls' Football Tournament
Bringing the football season to a close, Year 6 participated at the Longacre festival on Wednesday afternoon. We played five matches across the course of the afternoon, resulting in three draws and two close losses overall.
As we have seen on many occasions this season, the girls performed brilliantly as a team. With Millie W protecting the goal and some excellent proactive defending from Hope N and Charlotte C, opposing teams found it tricky to get the ball near our net. Ruby W, Jasmine W and Bea T-R worked tirelessly in midfield, charging the ball forward and had lots of excellent shots on target. Halle and Amelie kept the pressure on up-front, keeping the opposition on their toes. It really was a stellar effort from all!
The festival approach to the tournament meant that the scores from the matches were not recorded, with the main aim of the afternoon being participation and to have fun. There was, however, a bear which was to be awarded to the Player of the Tournament: somebody who demonstrated impressive skill and game play but, more importantly, who participated with a good spirit and attitude. Congratulations to our Ruby W, who was awarded the Player of the Tournament bear! To be selected from the many, many talented players who took part is a real achievement – well done!
It has been a pleasure to watch this team perform the past few weeks. They have shown excellent determination and a real desire to do well. They have responded to feedback given on the pitch and their confidence on the ball has continued to grow. Their next School football match will now be as members of the Senior School – so much to look forward to!
Mrs Green
Girls’ football: U10 Girls' Football Tournament
Another Wednesday and another football tournament! The U10 girls' team have been enjoying a very successful football season (unbeaten, in fact!) and so they were very excited for their final matches of the term. On this occasion, the team made the short trip to Longacre for an afternoon of fun! The focus was on participation and enjoyment with lots of matches packed into the afternoon. The girls rose to the challenge of a fast astro pitch with small goals and continued to shine! Florence A, Evelyn C and Eva W all took stints in defence and made cracking tackles to help the team. Midfield was the most popular position and so Elsa H, Seren G and Charlotte P all demonstrated some speedy runs off the ball and excellent dribbling skills. Layla B and Ivy B rotated as strikers and both managed to score goals for the team. Elsa H showed her exceptional skill and also made great contributions to the score sheet. The team finished with four wins, one draw and one loss – incredible work from the whole team! Most importantly, and amazingly, Elsa H was awarded Player of the Tournament – one pupil was chosen out of all the schools by the Longacre referees for great skill, effort and team work. Huge well done to all the team for an epic season of football.
Miss Vickers
Girls’ football: U9 Girls' Football Tournament
After just 24 hours, Miss Vickers was back with another football team at Longacre! This time it was the U9s turn! Longacre were extremely smooth with the running of each tournament and it was a joy for our teams to be a part of! Despite it being so close to the end of term, and shortly after the Prep Production, the team managed to find some energy from somewhere and started brilliantly with win after win! Violet W was on fire, finding the top corner for multiple goals! It was fantastic to see so many goal scorers throughout the afternoon (ten in total) with Lottie O, Mila S and Norah C all scoring for the team. Meanwhile, Alaska B made some great saves in goal and really improved her distribution of the ball from goal kicks. Charlotte L found her position, defence! She was fantastic at tracking her players and making strong tackles and clearances for the team. Beth F worked hard in midfield and it was great to see such fantastic team performances from team Year 4! The U9s finished with some challenging matches, drawing one and losing one to Longacre's A team. As the tournament came to a close, the player of the tournament was announced – a huge well done to Norah C for being awarded the Longacre teddy bear and being selected from all the teams in the A tournament (six in total) for her wonderful effort and team work. Well done to all the Year 4 girls for their cracking efforts throughout the afternoon, what a great way to end a very successful football season.
Miss Vickers
Girls’ football: U8 Green Football Team at Longacre Tournament
Thursday afternoon provided the U8 girls their last football matches of the year and what an incredible last showing the U8 Green Team put on in all five matches of the festival! Everyone in the team put in magnificent effort and they should all be tremendously proud of themselves. Siena N had several key saves in goal, Pia S was very switched on in defence, with big clearances. Georgia C and Coralie C both ran the midfield well, with very positive runs and amazing close control when dribbling forwards. Flossie H was great all over the pitch in all the positions she played and Daisy W was the star of the afternoon as she received a Longacre bear for being the much-deserved Player of the Tournament!
Daisy was a great goal-scorer for the Green Team, helping power them to three wins during the afternoon and the other two games they played were both very close 1-0 losses. A big thank you to Longacre for putting on such a well-run event as well as a thank you to the parents that gave such lovely support to all the girls playing!
Mr Clayton
Last Monday, a number of Stretch and Challenge Art pupils visited The Sculpture Park in Fareham. This eager group of creatives from Years 6 and 7 were met with an eclectic range of artwork and sculptures. These ranged from skeletons flying on a whale’s back bone to giant Cambodian gods, abstract geometry to kinetic realism. Despite the poor weather, there was plenty to wow even the dampest of artists.
Thursday afternoon, the English department was a sight to behold! The annual Year 7 Charity Stalls event did not disappoint!
The afternoon’s highlight came when it was time for all groups to pitch – the collaboration, hard work, and excellent knowledge of not only their charity, but also persuasive techniques was incredibly evident in each group. Everyone should be very proud of their efforts. Alas, the Charity Committee could only pick one winner, which was “Gorilla Doctors” who were praised for their well-structured, emotive and engaging pitch. There were a number of special mentions too: “Unbearable”, “Lively Lungs” and “Protect the Pandas” were recognised for their significant efforts too. Congratulations to all involved!
I can't start this final Bulletin of the term in any other way than in the rapturous celebration of the Prep Production. My heartfelt thanks go to the children for entertaining us so magnificently and the staff, led by Mrs Tuite and Mrs Gritton, for their warm and ambitious guidance of them. It really was a joy to behold. In a similar vein, we were treated to a marvellous celebration of musical talents in Pre-prep at their concert this week; yet more budding talent which we will no doubt be privileged to witness as it develops throughout the School. 
