Parking

Whilst I appreciate that finding a parking space in the Top Car Park can be difficult at peak times, please can I request that cars are only parked in designated parking spaces. Recently, cars have been parked on yellow lines, in front of the Performing Arts Hall, in the delivery bay for the kitchen and on the drive leading up to the top pitch.

 It is essential that only designated parking spaces are used to minimise the risk of injury to all members of the School community and to ensure that emergency vehicles can access the main school entrance in case of need. In the event that you cannot find a space in the first instance, then please go around the Performing Arts Hall and retry, or alternatively park at the bottom of the site where sufficient parking is available. 

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.   

Mr Stacey

European Day of Languages

Duke of Kent School celebrated the European Day of Languages with a variety of cultural activities. The day began with an assembly, including a speech by Mr Seeley outlining how learning languages opens doors to new cultures, enhances communication skills, and provides valuable opportunities in an increasingly globalised world. This was followed by a vibrant Flamenco dance performance by Anna Dueñas. Pupils from Year 4 to Year 9 took part in Flamenco dance workshops throughout the day, embracing Spanish culture through movement. A special themed lunch featured French, Greek, Polish, and Spanish dishes, giving students a taste of Europe. Lunchtime activities included flag painting and a German taster session, allowing pupils to further explore European languages and cultures. It was a fun filled day of celebrating European languages.

Mr Seeley

National Poetry Day bulletin

National Poetry Day was celebrated across the School on Thursday with a wide range of exciting events! Senior School pupils and Mrs Knox read poems to Pre-Prep, later they had the opportunity to write acrostic poems with more Senior Pupils at Big Break! It was a wonderful collaboration! Year 8 wrote some Gothic haikus and Year 9 wrote their own poignant protest poems inspired by their reading of ‘Noughts and Crosses’. A number of Prep and Senior pupils have engaged beautifully with the outdoor lunchtime poetry workshops all week- writing some nonsense poetry, shape poems, and poems focused on this year’s theme of ‘Counting…’. 

The main event of the day unfolded dramatically at 10am, when Year 7 took part in a historic Guinness World Record attempt to be involved in the Largest Poetry Lesson (multi-venue)! Mrs Knox was our official ‘witness’ for the School’s attempt. Year 7 shared their opinions in online polls to shape and edit the poem organised by poet Laura Mucha, which was created using the shared  ideas of our pupils, and thousands of other pupils, before the online lesson. The poem is now uploaded to the Children’s Poetry Archive for your perusal.

Well done to everyone who got into the poetic spirit this week! 

https://childrens.poetryarchive.org/poem/what-counts/

Mrs Southee

Bronze DofE Expedition

Last Friday Year 10 packed their rucksacks, found their maps, route-cards, compasses, water, trangia cookers, food, tents, medicines and other assorted vitals and we sallied forth in the rain for the challenge of cross country navigation from Chilworth (near St Martha's Church) to Shamley Green. All eight groups (a record) successfully made it around before putting up their tents at School, cooking some steaks & noodles (supervised by Head Chef, Mrs Knox), enjoying some marshmallows, Dom K's storytelling, and surviving a rather chilly night. On Saturday the groups walked a circular route from and to Holmbury Hill carpark, again, without major mishaps, albeit one group completed the route in the reverse direction! The routes were challenging enough, but so were the requirements to mingle with one another at close quarters, and cope with being outdoors and away from home. In that light ALL of them did superbly and all the participants successfully earned this part of the qualification for which they have been officially commended. Thanks are also due to the numerous staff who assisted including Mrs Sarjant (medical preparations), the caterers (Fri lunches), ground staff, checkpoint specialists (Mrs Punter, Mr Allen, Miss Allsop and Mrs Knox), 'overnighter' (also Miss Allsop), residential staff who visited us, and, especially, my DofE brother-in-arms (and Assessor), Mr Wyllie.

Mr Lodge

Year 8 trip to Strawberry Hill

On Friday, Year 8 spent an appropriately gloomy and rainy day at the Gothic revival castle of the pioneering writer, Horace Walpole. Pupils spent a morning touring the mysterious and labyrinth-like holiday home of Walpole, complete with creaky noises, jump scares, and haunting readings from Walpole’s diary! There were shouts and shrieks from many pupils after the enigmatic housekeeper’s hat ‘fell’ from the top of the staircase…

A creative writing workshop allowed the staff of Strawberry Hill to be blown away by Year 8’s incredible understanding of Gothic Literature. Pupils also showcased their ability to write with suspense and tension, whilst they adapted the story of Walpole’s ‘Castle of Otranto’, the first Gothic novel. This story was inspired by a nightmare that Walpole had in one of the very rooms we stood in! Pupils thoroughly threw themselves into creating their own Gothic comic strip, cleverly using provided props and costumes to create moody and melancholy shots of monsters, ghouls, damsels in distress, and tyrannical villains! 

Thank you to Mr Rye, Mrs Monk and Miss Allsop for their fantastic help on this spooktacular trip.

Mrs Southee

Year 4 Social Evening

Last Friday, Year 4 had their annual social evening. We started with the children showing off some of their best dance moves following along to Just Dance. We then played a minute to win it game, attempting to get an Oreo from their forehead to their mouth. There were many funny facial expressions and only a few successful Oreos reached their final destination. We also enjoyed a game of musical chairs before dinner. After dinner, it was time for the much competitive Prep School corridor hide and seek, in the dark. It was the quietest we’d ever heard Year 4 and it took a while for everyone to be found. The evening was a great success and fun was had by all!

Mrs Gritton

Year 5 trip to Winchester Science Museum

Year 5 have been learning about the heart and its role in the body in Science. To support their learning, they visited Winchester Science Centre on Thursday and participated in a hands-on workshop where they were able to pick up and study a real lamb's heart, looking at the structures inside in great detail. Pupils also completed an investigation to see if lung capacity increased with height. Whilst at the centre, there was an opportunity to visit the amazing planetarium, a highlight for everyone. The pupils had a brilliant time investigating the many different exhibits and playing various games. The visit was hailed as 'The best School trip ever!'. Well done to all of Year 5 for brilliant behaviour and endless enthusiasm. 

Mrs Tuite

Mr Wright

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Indie S for settling happily into Nursery and for participating in all activities with enthusiasm.

Rosie A for a great start to the term and building lots of new, happy friendships.

Reception: Charlie R for a fantastic start with blending and reading activities.

Jacob G for great focus and super effort in our work on patterns this week.

Year 1: Annabelle S for her super positive attitude to everything. She is a ray of sunshine in the classroom!

Flynn H for being so responsible in Year 1. You can always rely on Flynn to help, he is such a kind boy.

Year 2: Grace B for an exceptionally positive and proactive approach to her recount writing. She world so hard an should be very proud of herself

Theodora J for her positive and determined approach to her learning, especially in maths this week, navigating two-way Carroll diagrams.

Mrs Henry

The week began with a vibrant celebration of European Day of Languages, highlighted by a captivating Flamenco dance performance during our assembly. It was a wonderful reminder of the rich cultural diversity that language brings into our lives.

In celebration of National Poetry Day on Thursday, members of the English Department hosted daily poetry readings in different locations around the School. These spontaneous sessions brought poetry to life, infusing the week with a distinct cultural and creative energy.

We concluded with our annual Harvest Assembly, a moment to reflect on the abundance of food we are fortunate to enjoy and a timely reminder that autumn is well and truly upon us.

Looking ahead, next week promises to be equally eventful. The week begins with Medical Mavericks on Monday, offering hands on workshops as part of our Biology Week celebrations. Additionally, the first round of our annual Bake Off will take place, and we are eager to see the results of our enthusiastic bakers showcasing their impressive talents.

There are a huge number of pupils who have passed another milestones of 25 Merit points and joined today for Celebration Snack Break, well done to:

Amelie C, Jasmine W, Ruby W, Millie W, Mac Y, Lockie B, Norah H, Indie K, Harry L, George R, George S, Henry W, Theo C, Willow D, Poppy F, Ben J, Myrtle M, Ella M, Henry M, Bob P, Holly R, Harvey R, George S, Alice B, William B, Kit B, Felix C, Edie H, Ethan K, Charlie L, Lucy P, Oscar V, Hector W, Maggie B, James B, Dante D, Phoebe P, Grace S, Bella S and Zac W. 

A special congratulations to Ben D, Hugo S and Jack D for exceeding 100 Merit Points and receiving their recognition badges, and to Alex W and Jamie C for surpassing 200 Merit Points and earning their recognition badges!

Mr Wyllie

ISA National Skiing Championships

The Duke of Kent School Ski Team travelled to Hemel Hempstead on Monday for the ISA National Skiing Championships. Daisy R, Henry C and Amelie C were making their debuts in this competition and all showed great effort skills and determination throughout the day. Daisy completed both runs and improved her time by a second in her second run. Henry C posted a good first run time but unfortunately dwell on the second run. Amelie C completed both runs showing amazing technique and resilience. Thibaut J was competing at the championships for the third time and performed brilliantly to be awarded the U14 Boys' bronze medal! Well done to all who took part and if there are any pupils that would be interested in taking part next year please let Mr Herbert know.

Mr Herbert

Senior School Girls' House Hockey

On Tuesday afternoon, all girls in Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in the highly anticipated House Hockey Tournament! Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side and it rained continuously, and very heavily at times, for the entire afternoon! On the bright side, all the pupils approached each match with great determination and there was no mention of the rain! The first two matches to be played were both thriller games, the standard of play was fantastic! Peregrine played Hawk in a close game with Hawk scoring in the first half, Peregrine worked hard to get a goal back but couldn't manage it so Hawk took the win. Meanwhile, Kestrel and Buzzard were battling it out with the score finishing 2-2! The draws continued, with Kestrel also drawing against Hawk 2-2 in the next round of games. Buzzard took charge in their game v. Peregrine to win 2-0. After a quick snack break, the final two matches were also exciting with Peregrine beating Kestrel 2-1 and Buzzard and Hawk continuing with the draws as the game finished 1-1! A special shout out should go to the amazing Year 9 parents who watched all afternoon despite the poor weather conditions, a huge thank you to Mrs Fletcher, Mr Newmark, Mrs Robertson and the Cruxtons (x3!!) for their amazing support! The final results were extremely close and went down to goals scored! A huge well done to all the pupils for their super effort throughout the afternoon and congratulations to Buzzard for being crowned the winners!

1st - Buzzard

2nd - Hawk

3rd - Kestrel

4th - Peregrine

Mrs Monk

Netball: U10 v. Frensham Heights

On Wednesday, the U10s played their third netball match of the season against Frensham Heights. Under ominous clouds, play started and the girls took control of the court, passing the ball quickly between them and scoring three goals in quick succession. Unfortunately the rain decided to make an appearance and play was diverted to Ness Hall. Despite the interruption and soggy conditions, the girls were undeterred and continued to work very well as a team, scoring three more goals! Well done to Beth F and Violet W for their confident scoring, to Alaska B, Charlotte L and Lottie O for competent defending and to Mila S, Norah C and Georgia C for working hard to pass the ball accurately. They should be proud of their 6 - 1 win! 

Mrs Tuite

Football: U8/9 Tigers v. Frensham Heights

After a long drive down to Frensham Heights giving the boys another chance to show what they have. A good start to the game gave Duke of Kent School an early lead, some great play in both attack and defence contributing to this. Keeping it tight in both defence and goal gave the attackers some freedom to play, this leading to a couple of more goals giving Duke of Kent School a well deserved win. 

Mr Hewitt

Football: U8/9 Pathers v. Frensham Heights

Following a win for the Tigers the Panthers not wanting to be undone started strong with chances created leading to an early goal. Keeping the pressure on Frensham Heights lead to more chances and another 2 goals. An amazing double save (one being a penalty) from Henry G and a clearance of the line kept Duke of Kent School from conceding. A great win for the boys and very well played both defensively and attackingly. 

Mr Hewitt

 

The House Bake Off is back once again! Here is a summary of the important information for the first round and the bake sale on Monday. 

• Pupils can enter as a pair with somebody else in your House. They can work with someone else in Prep or Senior. Seniors can enter with a Prep School sibling if they really want to.  We don't mind if the Pre-prep pupils who would like to enter get some assistance!

• All entries need to be dropped off in the Dining Room when you arrive at School. There will be a space for each House. 

• The cakes should be in a plastic container that is CLEARLY named with their Year group and House. We would appreciate it if the cake could be cut ready for the bake sale. 

• The bake sale will take place during the morning breaks for Pre-prep, Prep and Senior School. All the slices and pieces of cake will be £1. Pupils can bring in £2 to spend. 

• After the bake sale, all of the containers and leftover cake will be moved to the Domestic Science Lab. PLEASE can the pupils collect their things at the end of the day. 

• We will announce which students are through to the finals by Wednesday 9th October at the latest. The Prep School Final will take place Monday, 18th November and the Senior School Final will be Monday 2nd December. 

Good luck to everyone who is going to take part! 

Mr Gritton

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about AI Solutions

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of modern life and, for all intents and purposes, isn’t something we can shy away from. The explosion of ChatGPT, for instance, has brought this kind of technology into a more purposeful context, with millions now using the language model to help solve problems, write computer code, or even complete their homework.

So how do artificial intelligence solutions work exactly? What kind of risks do they bring? Will they eventually negate the need for certain job roles, particularly in the creative industries? Our guide explains what AI solutions are and suggests ways parents and carers can support children to use the technology with an open mind. In the guide, you'll find tips on several potential risks, such as inaccurate information, reinforcing stereotypes and what impact the technology might have on children’s creativity and problem-solving skills.

Click the link to learn more about "AI Solutions".

***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 various devices.***

Mr Boden

This last week in Wellbeing I have reflected with some of Year 7 on my presentation to them about the mental health condition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the symptoms, issues and battling of myths surrounding the condition that those diagnosed face. This feeds directly into their understanding of the character, Matthew in their set English text, Goldfish Boy. Learning more about the condition and trying to identify some of these behaviours in their protagonist, has helped them to empathise more greatly with the characters struggles.

Empathy has also featured heavily in my work this week with the Year 9’s who are training to be Peer Mentors.

They have considered and set ground rules, with myself and Mr Southee, for the group, ensuring respect and non-judgment for one another is paramount. They have also considered what skills they might employ in different scenarios and were able to discuss and feedback with incredible maturity and empathy. I look forward to our final training sessions after half term.

Mrs Douglas

Next Friday morning 11th October we have the Immunisations Nurses visiting to administer Flu Immunisations (for the vast majority this is by nasal spray and not injection) to pupils (with consent) from Reception Class to Year 11.  For anyone who has not yet given parental consent, the portal remains open until 4pm on Monday 7th October.  

Please can parents make sure all pupils are aware if they are due to be immunised or not.  Pupils not being immunised are kindly asked to stay in class while other pupils attend the Flu Immunisation Clinic.

Some pupils with consent for Flu Immunisation will be absent at the ISA Swimming gala.  These pupils (and any pupils who are off sick on 11th October) will be seen by the Immunisation Nurses at school on Friday 6th December instead.

Finally, a reminder that pupils who are off games due to illness or injury are expected to remain at School for the whole

School day even on match day afternoons.  Lunchtime collections are only applicable if there are medical appointments to attend.

The School Nurses

PADoK News

We are thrilled to invite you to the first PADoK event of the academic year.  It is a new one for us.  Bookings now open!

PARADOX PARLOURS ESCAPE ROOMS PRESENTS:

LICENCE TO DECODE

Friday 15^th November 7.45pm – 10pm in the PA Hall

• 4 rounds of codebreaking
• Immersive interactive spy themed puzzles
• Live leaderboard
• Will your team be crowned the elites?
• Teams of 4 to 6 players.  

Book at padok@dokschool.org with your child’s name and year group please.  Do book as a team (come up with a good name) or individually and we can make up teams. 

Cost: £15 per head.  Any fundraising will be for SARCOMA UK

Cocktail bar (card only) or BYO drinks and nibbles (& glassware)

PADoK Clubs:

PADoK Walk – Friday 11^th October 08:30

Car Park 3 Hurtwood Control (Pitch Hill).

We are moving the days around so if you would like to come along please do keep an eye on messages from your PADoK Rep.  If you would like to be added to the Walk WhatsApp group then please email padok@dokschool.org.

Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training 

Monday at 5:30 – 6:30pm and Wednesday at 08:30 – 10:00am

The DoK Flyers meet on the Netball courts on the Front Pitch by the School drive twice a week.  Do come along if you would like to start playing – new players or beginners are always welcome. 

Duke of Kent School Singers

Thursday at 08:20 – 09:00am

Calling all Singers Great & Small!

It was great to have such good numbers at singing on Thursday morning.  We started with a few warm up exercises and then sang Lil Liza Jane and a bit of Jesse J.  Work then began on the new song and Mr Rye went through each line with both the alto and soprano groups to ensure we were effectively learning the two part harmonies. Mrs Knox dropped in at the end of the session to hear how we are getting on!

If you would like to come and listen to begin with, please do just pop along, it is very welcoming to all new potential joiners.  A super relaxed session, no pressure to perform but an opportunity to have a sing song & a laugh with a very friendly group, led by the wonderful Nick Rye, our Director of Performing Arts. 

Whether you sing in a shower or studio, everyone is welcome to come along & make Thursday mornings a bit more joyful! 

Please contact Cathy Williams for more info: rhodricathy@sky.com

Important Note: please always park at the bottom of the site and walk up to Old Hall.

PADoK Core Control

Strengthen your body, improve your health with our Physio-Led Stability Group. Friday morning at 08.30 in Ness Hall

Do you have new fitness goals or want to build on what you are already doing?  Julia is a physio who will help build your core strength and help your fitness training.  We would love to see you on a Friday morning 08:30-09:00 for a quick weekly input (little and often is the key to building long term goals!) 

Please contact Julia direct to complete a medical form.

Julia Rowe (julia@therunningspecialists.com 

PADoK Book Club

Our PADoK Book Club choice for the Autumn Term is “You are Here” by David Nichols, of One Day fame.   We look forward to catching up with you about the book when we meet up later this term.

Summary below:

Sometimes you need to get lost to find your way. Marnie is stuck.  Stuck working alone in her London flat, stuck battling the long afternoons and a life that often feels like it's passing her by.
Michael is coming undone.
Reeling from his wife's departure, increasingly reclusive, taking himself on long, solitary walks across the moors and fells.
When a persistent mutual friend and some very English weather conspire to bring them together, Marnie and Michael suddenly find themselves alone on the mo.

Mrs Phillips and Mrs Horsburgh

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.

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.