Year 6 Assembly

This week 6GN performed an entertaining assembly explaining the importance of ‘Embracing Mistakes’. The theme was illustrated using a role play involving characters such as Little Miss Must Avoid Failure and her friends, Little Miss Play It Safe and Mr Always Right. The children did a fabulous job in learning their lines and delivering the message with a light-hearted sense of humour. Look out for the posters with motivational quotes posted around the school site to encourage you to embrace your mistakes. 

Mrs Green and Mrs Nicholson

House Bauble Competition

The inaugural House Bauble Competition took place this year, where pupils had the opportunity to design a bauble with a Christmassy House theme. There were some beautiful festive designs, with entries from Pre-prep right through to the Senior School. Well done to everyone who entered this fun and festive competition. The worthy winners are listed below, and their designs will be skilfully created into baubles by Mrs Wilkinson and placed on the School Christmas tree next week!

Pre-prep - Owen G

Buzzard - Holly B

Hawk - Tildy T

Kestrel - Coralie C

Peregrine - Harry M-C

Mrs Vermeulen

Prep School Council met this week to discuss a host of issues, ranging from pupil behaviour in class to Year 6 responsibilities, and from the way teachers mark pupils' work to, as ever, food! One of our chefs, Eden, joined us to discuss the latter, and hear the views all Prep School pupils had shared in a recent survey. The Catering Team are very keen to try and respond to their preferences, and the Council were excited to have the chance to meet them. 

On the topic of food, Nursery have been enjoying the class tale of The Little Gingerbread Man, as well as beginning to prepare for Christmas. Whilst Nativity rehearsals have been going on for several weeks, Reception made a sleigh for Father Christmas and Year 1 have completed writing their letters to him, excited to send them off next week. Year 3 also decorated the School Christmas tree, and what a marvellous job of it they have done, too. 

Despite the cold snap, lessons continue to take place outdoors: Year 6 were inspired by the cave paintings referenced in the book they are reading in English to make 'natural' art with whatever resources they could find. Year 3, at the very same time, were in a different part of the woods, practising placing numbers on a number line and learning about measuring capacity. Year 5 even managed to bring Maths and Christmas together, learning about parts of a circle, drawing with a pair of compasses, and managing to create some delightful snowmen having been given a specific radius or diameter. 

Reading certificates: Bronze for Alfred A, Max M, Annabelle W, Harry S, Harry R, Layla B, Finn H and Jenson Bot

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Atalanta J for her enthusiasm during each day, her focus and confidence during our rehearsals.

Reception: Martha S for wonderful singing in play rehearsals and super effort when writing.

Dixie J for displaying extra effort and determination in reading and carpet activities.

Year 1: Flynn H for his enthusiasm for learning, especially Maths. Flynn is always willing to push himself and now understands it's good to make mistakes as it helps him to learn.

Year 2: Grisha D for always showing kindness to others and for displaying impeccable manners.

Sasha B for her enthusiasm and dedication to mastering her weekly spelling lists!

Mrs Ragless

Netball: U15 A v. Farlington School

On Tuesday, the U16/U15 A Netball Team travelled down the road to play Farlington School. Duke of Kent School took an early lead moving the ball fluently down the court, Daisy R found good space at WA and Izzy F fed some beautifully weighted balls into the circle; the team were 6-2 up after the first quarter. Alice B and Jess I worked very well together in the shooting circle and shot accurately throughout but put away a super 9 goals in the second quarter bringing the score to 15-8 at half time. Another effective partnership was Saoirse W and Maggie B at GD and GK, they defended well against the Farlignton shooters forcing them to make mistakes and scooping up any stray balls off the rebound. The opposition certainly didn't give up and Sydney R worked hard to break down their attack at WD with some good interceptions. Despite beginning to tire in the last quarter and with no subs to look to, Duke of Kent should be proud of their 27-18 victory; a great team performance!   

Mrs Dann

Girls' Hockey: U12/13 v. Farlington

On Wednesday, the U12/13 A Hockey Team played their last hockey game of the season against Farlington School. Duke of Kent School struggled to finish in front of goal in the first ten minutes of the game but once the team had woken up they began to play some lovely looking hockey. Jasmine W was calm on the ball at the back, showing good control with her first touch and bringing width to the game with her passing. Norah H had a great game too, she looked dangerous on the ball in both midfield and up front and scored a hatrick! Lauren B was once again happy to fit in wherever she was needed, she read the game brilliantly at the back and also got her name on the scoresheet! It was lovely to stand back and observe the fantastic progress that every member of the team has made this term; well done everyone!

Mrs Dann

Netball: U11 v. Farlington

On Wednesday afternoon, the U11 girls' netball team made the short journey to Farlington School for their match. It was another chilly afternoon but after a good warm up we had some of the girls even taking layers off!! The game was even from the very start with great play on show from both teams. Ivy B controlled the centre court and made some key interceptions for the team throughout the match. Layla B and Seren G worked well together as shooters, with Elsa H also showing her shooting skills in the third quarter. After 2 quarters, the score was 7-6 to Farlington. Our defence worked tirelessly to gain turnovers from Farlington's centre pass with Evelyn C making some cracking interceptions at GK. The team did brilliantly in the third quarter to put Duke of Kent School into the lead by just one goal! However, Farlington came back strongly in the final quarter with some wonderful movement in and around the attacking third and their shooting was on point! Farlington managed to just take the win but what an incredible performance from our U11s, showing the amazing progress the team have made this term. It was great to see the girls positive attitude and pride in their performance when reflecting at the end of the match. A huge well done to all the Year 6s for a great game!

 Mrs Monk

Netball: U10 v. Farlington

On Wednesday, the U10s braved the cold weather and played an away netball match at Farlington. Despite the freezing temperature, the girls showed strong determination and worked confidently as a team. During the four quarters, Charlotte L demonstrated some super interceptions in defence whilst Violet W moved the ball around the court, quickly and confidently and scored some superb goals, as did Norah C and Beth F. Well done to all the girls for supporting and encouraging each other, which led to a convincing win for Duke of Kent School, 9 - 2.

Mrs Tuite

Netball: U9 v. Dorset House

It was another very chilly match day for the U9 Netball Team who played Dorset House School on Thursday. The team had been working on their defending skills in games so it was really exciting to see Pia S and Obie M not only achieve some tips as they defended against their very strong GA and GS but also some super interceptions! The opposition made it very difficult for the team to get free but Duke of Kent School didn't give up, they persevered and found some rhythm with their passing in the second quarter resulting in a great goal from Darcie S. Despite the loss everyone learnt a lot from the game and after match teas were devoured, much fun was had playing bench ball in Ness Hall! 

Mrs Dann

Football: U16 v. St Edmund's

With one School pulling out of a fixture for our U16 A team on Tuesday it was great that St Edmund's were able to play us. This was going to be the Year 11's last football game for Duke of Kent School and each player was very enthusiastic and determined to finish on a high. We had played St Edmund's a few weeks ago, this was an extremely tight match finishing 3-3. From the start of last Tuesday's match, the Duke of Kent School U16A team showed great composure on the ball and were dominating possession. There were numerous chances to take the lead but either a wayward shot or good goalkeeping kept the score at 0-0. Late in the first half, the referee awarded Duke of Kent School a penalty which Moxon K calmly slotted home. The second half was a close encounter but with our team showing greater control. The match finished 1-0 to Duke of Kent School. This was a fantastic way to finish the season and I am extremely proud of all the boys who have contributed to such an enjoyable term. Well done to all.

Mr Herbert

Football: U8/9 v. Shoreham College

The Panthers went first on this slightly warmer match day than last. With the recent heavy rain and the pitches out of action the fast playing astro, allowing for more of a passing game unlike previous weeks. With the conditions suiting both the Panthers and Lions the 2 Duke of Kent School teams got off to great starts with early goals from. Well done to both Archie H and Jenson B who scored early giving their team the advantage. All defenders from both sides helped to stop any Shoreham College attacks and allow for some great play up front. Both teams have had a really good year, with some good wins, a few draws and a couple of losses. However everyone has improved massively and enjoyed themselves, WELL DONE!!

Mr Hewitt

Using tracking and location settings on kids' devices

Here’s what to consider before deciding to share your child’s location on their device and advice on effectively using apps with location tracking features.

Click here for a quick read (3 mins): "Using tracking and location settings".

Please find the source of this content for further reading: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/guide-to-tech-using-tracking-and-location-settings-on-kids-devices/

Mr Boden

Over the weekend we will officially arrive in December and excitement as we approach Christmas is building palpably, with decorations appearing, Christmas songs being rehearsed and preparations for the Christmas Fayre in full flow.

It is an exciting time; for some, however, it can be particularly poignant if loved ones are no longer able to enjoy festivities with us and it is often an emotive time of year.

As part of my work as a child and young person's grief counsellor with Cruse Bereavement Support, we often refer to maintaining bonds with those who have passed by creating new traditions or marking old ones at significant events or anniversaries. These can act as a way of honouring, remembering and reflecting upon those we have loved.

Yesterday, I organised an activity for pupils to create a memory bauble for a loved one who has passed. The baubles were hung on the School Christmas tree when it was decorated by Year 3 today and pupils who chose to make one, can collect it on the morning of the 13th of December to decorate their tree at home.

If you are attending a performance or match over the next couple of weeks, please do go and look at some of their creations on the School Christmas tree and hopefully enjoy a moment of quiet reflection.

Mrs Douglas

Winter bugs and fatigue are challenging some of our Senior School Production cast and crew this week; they should be commended for powering through and making "All Shook Up" such a huge hit.  Please can parents dose pupils up with calpol/paracetamol etc if they need it before dropping them at School at 12.00 tomorrow for the final two performances.  They are also encouraged to bring water, lozenges and tissues.  The Performing Arts Department can access more over the counter medication from the Medical Room if needed to help get anyone who is a bit under the weather through the last few performances.

A reminder for next week; on Friday 6th December the immunisations nurses are visiting to give nasal flu immunisations to 25 pupils with consent who were absent from School on the 11th October.  Please can these pupils come to Old Hall at 09.20am.

Finally, Year 9 parents should have received an email about the DTP and MenACWY immunisations in January.  Please contact Mrs Sarjant if you have any questions csarjant@dokschool.org.

The School Nurses

PADoK News

Christmas Hamper

For your chance to win a beautiful hamper email padok@dokschool.org with the number of books of raffle tickets you would like to purchase and your child/children names and year group please.

You have to be in it to win it!  We are making up the hampers next week so look out for pictures.

PADoK Christmas Hamper Team

PADoK Clubs:

PADoK Walk

Tuesday 3^rd December – 08.30 at Hurtwood Car Park 3 (Pitch Hill) everyone welcome.

Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training 

Please contact padok@dokschool.org if you are interested in joining.

Monday at 5:30 – 6:30pm

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!

Any queries or to express an interest, please don’t hesitate to drop me a note. Hope to see some new faces next week! 

Email: rhodricathy@sky.com

PADoK Book Club 

Postponed until January 2025.

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), X (@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.