Wonderland the Musical

This week, the children in Prep Production wowed audiences with two outstanding performances of Wonderland the Musical. Their confidence and joy shone through in every scene and song, and each child gave their absolute all – working together as a team to entertain the audience, who filled the PA Hall with laughter and cheers.

One parent commented,"Such a well-polished performance with focus, smiles, and enthusiasm from all involved. I was especially blown away by the choral harmonies. What a fantastic evening!"

A huge thank you to the entire team for making the production such a success. The children should be immensely proud of what they have achieved. Roll on next year!

Click here to view the photo gallery.

Mrs Tuite

SATRO STEMFest 2025 – Inspiring Future Innovators

Pupils from Duke of Kent School had the exciting opportunity to attend SATRO STEMFest 2025, where they engaged in interactive workshops, problem-solving challenges, and career-focused discussions with STEM professionals. The event showcased the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and maths, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for future careers in these fields. A truly inspiring day for our young innovators!

Mrs Boden

Pre-prep Spring Concert

The PA Hall was full of the sounds of the 'Best of British' music at the Pre-prep Spring Concert on Thursday this week.

Each class sang their own British song – Nursery performed 'Yellow Submarine', Reception belted out 'We Will Rock You', Year 1 pulled off a cheeky Cockney Medley and Year 2 had 'A Little Help From My Friends'’.

The children performed with joy and energy and all the pupils did so well to remember their words and their moves. There were brilliant solo performances from Year 2 pupils Ali, Millie, Mark, Aoife, Mattie, Greg, Charles, Eliza and Sienna and the Year 2 violin group also performed wonderfully well.

The concert ended with a grand finale of the song 'Reach' and it was certainly true that our Pre-prep pupils made their voices heard and sang their hearts out! Well done to all involved – it was a gorgeous way to end the term.

Mr Rye

Showjumping success

Congratulations to Poppy K and Chloe K, who were competing on behalf of Duke of Kent School this weekend. They competed as part of the Just for Schools series at Parwood Equestrian Centre and were both placed in their respective classes. Alice B was also competing close by at Munstead Horse Trials. Well done everyone!

Mrs Browning

Year 5 trip to Battle of Britain Bunker

On Thursday, Year 5 visited the Battle of Britain Bunker Museum in Uxbridge as part of their studies on World War II. The children thoroughly enjoyed exploring the many exhibits and were able to experience what it was like to be a 'plotter', moving blocks around a map to show where friendly and enemy formations were located. In the afternoon, they completed a carousel of activities to learn more about the roles of the people who worked at the bunker. It was an amazing experience going deep underground to see where critical decisions were made which ultimately won the Battle of Britain. It was a fascinating and very enjoyable day. As ever, the children behaved impeccably and were a delight to take. Well done, Year 5!

Mrs Tuite

Red Nose Day and charity update

Thanks to your generosity, we have raised over £400 through the sale of Red Noses, making a real difference for this fantastic cause.

Our day kicked off with an inspiring assembly led by the pupil Charity Committee, who shared the impact of Red Nose Day and how the funds will help those in need. Then came the highlight of the day – a hilarious dance-off to celebrate 40 years of Red Nose Day! A huge shout-out to Mr Rye, Mrs Punter, Miss Ward, and Mr Wyllie, who took to the stage with their best (and most creative!) dance moves. It was a brilliant display of enthusiasm, energy, and pure fun!

Looking ahead, we have an important decision to make. At the end of this academic year, we will choose a charity to support for the next two years – and we want your input!

One charity close to our hearts is Sarcoma UK, which has directly supported members of our School community. We’d love to give back in the same way, but we also want to hear from you.

Do you have a charity that has made a difference in your life? If so, we’d love to consider it! Whether it’s an organisation that has helped your family or one you feel passionate about, let us know by emailing mgreen@dokschool.org. We’ll then hold a School-wide vote in our final assembly to decide together.

Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and support.

Mr Green 

We all stepped into Wonderland this week, and what a magical place it was. Whether we were cast, friends, staff or parents, everyone left the Prep Production with a spring in their step and a catchy tune on their lips. Congratulations to all involved and thank you – an amazing achievement and two wonderful evenings of entertainment! Pre-prep were in on the performance act this week, too, playing and singing their hearts out in the Spring Concert, having charmed their mums in classrooms at our much-loved Mother’s Day Parties. There was even time for the Easter Bonnet Parade, as ever showcasing the crafty talents of pupils and parents alike! We weren't visited by the Easter Bunny, but we did have some very kindly Year 10 girls come to play with the Pre-prep children in break time this week, prompting many of them to desperately ask when they would be making a return!

On Thursday morning, Freddie A-F, Alfie R and Rowan B shared their love of mountain biking with the Prep School – stay safe boys! – and Year 5 snuck in a trip to the Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge Museum, helping them envisage what life was like at the time. Year 4, too, stepped back through the decades, comparing their schooling to how children were taught (and disciplined!) in Victorian times. Year 1’s prehistoric studies of dinosaurs came to an end, culminating in the publication of their very own book! In Maths, Year 5 created a 'snakes and ladders' board to test their knowledge of improper fractions and mixed numbers, whilst Year 6 held a superb debate in English, arguing the relative merits of the male and female characters in their class novel.

A super term, then, with so much more to come after Easter. I wish everyone plenty of fun and rest over the break.

Values Certificates: Effort for Alfie R, Violet W, Evie B, Felix Bu, Elsa Ha and Henry S

Reading Certificates: Silver for Henry P; Gold for Coralie C and Harry S; Platinum for Felix Bu, Henry S, Alfred A and Evelyn C

Swimmer of the Week

Hector E for his positive attitude. He does lovely 'push and glides' on the front from the wall and is putting his face in the water.

Mr Wright

 

What a term it has been! House Music, G Live, the Prep Production, GCSE Drama performances, LAMDA showcases, the Ensembles Concert, the Pre-prep Spring Concert, instrumental exams and assembly performances. It has been a busy one! A huge well done and thank you to every pupil involved in any way, from on the stage to behind it – we have seen some exceptional solo performances and wonderful ensemble togetherness.

The Ensembles Concert

Last Friday was the final Senior School event – the Ensembles Concert. It was an evening of very high quality groups, almost all of which were put together by the pupils themselves. We had an eclectic mix of styles on display and every performer should be hugely proud of themselves. The evening finished with a wonderful singalong of the song Piano Man, our G Live finale song, led by Harvey and Humphrey – I have a feeling this will not be the last time we hear that song!

G Live and House Music photos

The professional photographs from House Music (taken by Serena Shelton) and G Live (taken by Jonathan Constant) are now available to view on our website. Please follow the links below.

G Live photo gallery

House Music photo gallery

Mr Rye

 

Boys' rugby U16A v St Edmund's School (Tuesday 25 March)

The U16 A Rugby team played their last ever rugby fixture at Duke of Kent School on Tuesday. They took on St Edmund's who had narrowly beaten the boys in a triangular tournament earlier in the season. This was always going to be a tightly contested fixture and the boys were relishing the chance to overturn the previous defeat and finish their rugby at Duke of Kent School on a high. An early try from Oscar H settled the nerves and the boys started to play some good rugby when they had the ball in hand. A further Dante D try put Duke of Kent School on top. Jamie P was striking his conversions very well and was unlucky not to convert his second kick from a long way out. St Edmund's came back into the game very well and at half-time had a narrow lead. The second half performance from all the Duke of Kent School team was amazing to witness. Roared on by the crowd, they showed determination, togetherness and some sublime moments of skill. Oscar H ended the game with five tries, Dante D with two and Captain Matt A with one. St Edmund's displayed great spirit and scored a couple of late tries, but this was not enough. The score finished 50-38 to Duke of Kent School. Congratulations to all who played not only in this match but throughout the season!!

Mr Herbert

U11 Girls' Football Tournament at Longacre School (Wednesday 26^th March)

On a gloriously sunny afternoon, all girls in Years 5 and 6 made the short journey to Longacre for a football tournament. Mrs Monk's team played in the U11 A tournament and played some cracking football. They won three matches and all in style by winning 4-0, 5-0 and 5-0 with both Elsa H and Violet W scoring two hat-tricks each! Evelyn C made some brilliant saves in goal and only conceded one goal throughout the tournament, a great achievement! All the team put in a great shift and enjoyed playing a variety of positions, with Eva W excelling in defence whilst Layla B and Ivy B played with confidence as strikers. The team won three matches, drew one and lost one, finishing in third place overall. A wonderful achievement!

Meanwhile, the U11 B pool teams put in a great performance, playing with skill and determination. In Mrs Tuite’s team, Alaska B was solid in goal, making some important saves. Norah C was sharp in attack, while Beth F and Lottie O worked well together in midfield. Mila S was strong in defence, keeping things secure at the back. Lottie and Norah both scored excellent goals to finish off a strong team effort. Miss Walters team also put in a fantastic shift, with Evie B making crucial saves in goal and stepping up as a reliable defender. Florence A played a key role in attack, while Georgia C, Charlotte P and Seren G held the midfield well. Charlotte L scored multiple impressive goals with great skill. A shout-out to Florence A, Seren G, and Evie B for stepping in as goalkeepers when needed. Well done to Miss Walters' team who finished third in the B tournament with some great wins!

At the end of the afternoon, Elsa H and Charlotte L were named players of the tournament for Duke of Kent School and received the well-earned Longacre teddy bear. A brilliant effort from all three of our U11 teams, well done to you all!

Mrs Monk

U9 Girls' Football Tournament at Longacre School (Thursday 27^th March)

On Thursday afternoon, all the girls in Years 3 and 4 enjoyed lots of football at the Longacre Tournament! Each team played in a separate tournament and it was fantastic to see the girls give 100% effort in every game! Mrs Monk's team worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon with Coralie C making countless epic tackles and Daisy W driving the ball forwards and scoring a brilliant goal. Meanwhile, Mrs Dann’s team were the queens of draws coming away with four draws throughout the afternoon! Willow B showed great determination with some quality tackles and Georgia C performed brilliantly when running with the ball. Mrs Dann's team drew 1-1 to the eventual winners showing it was a very closely fought tournament! Miss Walters' team also enjoyed their afternoon of non-stop football with Sienna DPL and Maddie C demonstrating great skills and team work and gaining an epic win and draw in their tournament. What a brilliant afternoon, well done to all the girls involved. A special mention should go to Daisy W, Georgia C and Maddie C for being named as players of the tournament for Duke of Kent School and being awarded a special Longacre teddy bear for their efforts!

Mrs Monk

 

The Spring Term has been filled with a wide range of House events for the pupils to participate in, from quizzes to House Music and Cross Country. A big thank you to all the teaching staff who have organised and supported the competitions, as well as the pupils who have taken the time to participate and create lots of memorable moments.

At the end of the term, Buzzard has earned the most House points from rewards, like stars and merits, with Hawk not too far behind. However, the other Houses’ victories in the competitions have narrowed down the gap considerably. Peregrine has been locked in a yo-yoing with Buzzard for first place over the last few weeks. Kestrel’s and Hawk’s success during House Music and Song helped them to close the gap between them and the other Houses. The totals for each House are tightly packed, and it is certainly possible for any House to win the trophy.

You can use this link to see the totals in more detail.

Mr Gritton

Sustainability Termly Round Up

What a term it has been! Spring has now truly sprung, with daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses out in force across our community, and wildfire beginning to reappear across the site.

This term heralded a new era in outdoor learning and sustainability with the opening of ‘The Burrow’, our incredible new outdoor learning classroom. With solar panels to provide electricity, a firepit, and winterised sides, the space makes learning outside accessible all year round, regardless of the weather. 

Pupils in the Prep School took part in a series of ‘Action Days’ during the second half of the Spring Term. The Prep pupils gathered materials for the bug hotel we helped to make at Shere Infant School and replanted wild flowers in the wildlife garden. Years 7 and 8 worked very hard to clear more of the rhododendron in the woodland near The Burrow so this area can be used for more outdoor lessons and potentially serve as an area to have extra benches.

The Sustainability Council has also been hard at work completing our action plan, keeping track of the classrooms that have unnecessary lights on, bins that have recyclable items in them, and monitoring the excess printing in each printer. Even in the staffroom we are doing our bit, composting fruit peels and recycling biscuit wrappers. The next step in our action plan is increasing our biodiversity, encouraging swifts onto the School site, rewilding and leaving certain areas of our grassland to grow long for ‘No Mow May’, as well as maintaining the wildlife garden outside the Prep School. We still have a long way to go, but the progress our community is making is fantastic. Every little action matters.

I’m sure lots of you will be out and about during the break enjoying our beautiful surroundings, so why not take a spare bag with you and complete an impromptu litter pick. Fill in the form on the House classroom with how many bags you’ve collected, and win points for your House. Points mean prizes! This can also double up as an entry in the Actions for Nature competition which the School has entered again this year. More details can be found using this link.

Date for your diary: the next Parent Sustainability Forum will be held on Wednesday 7^th May, 5pm to 6pm. Everyone is welcome, whether you’ve attended before or not. We look forward to seeing many of you there! During that week the School will be holding its first ever ‘Outdoor Learning Week’!

Mrs Wilkinson and Mr Gritton

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Streamers

Livestreaming is now a major part of children’s entertainment, evolving from gamers sharing screens into a booming industry with diverse personalities. While watching streamers can be entertaining, it comes with no small number of risks for children, such as misinformation, negative influences, and inappropriate content. With over 2.5 million viewers on Twitch – the current most popular streaming platform – at any one time, this guide highlights the potential dangers associated with watching livestreams and the importance of staying informed.

We’ve created this free guide – also available in podcast format – to provide parents and educators with everything they need to know about streamers and how to keep children protected.

Click the link to learn more about "What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Streamers".

***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

We are officially in spring and when the clocks go forward at the weekend we will benefit from longer days and lighter evenings. Often, this seasonal change can bring about a brightening of mood as well as weather. The opportunity to fit more activities post-School and work often gives people a greater sense of achievement each day.

Spring is also a time for renewal and change. We notice the changes taking place in the natural world around us as flowers bloom, leaves sprout and animals are birthing their young. The benefits of experiencing the natural world and being mindful of the seasonality of our surroundings are huge on our emotional wellbeing and I would encourage you to ensure your children have plenty of opportunity to engage in the outdoors during their time away from School. Making time to get outside for at least half an hour each day, but also noticing the changes that are happening around them daily – this is a form of mindfulness and allows us to be present in the now rather than the possible future worries.

Click on the following link for some great tips from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on practising mindfulness in nature. Noticing nature: Eight practical exercises you can try to improve your mood | WWT

Spring can also be seen as a time for resetting. We are all familiar with the term ‘spring clean’. This is an opportunity to air and clean a house after the enforced ‘holing up’ of winter – flinging open windows and pegging washing to dry in the fresh air. Metaphorically, we can also consider it a time to spring clean and declutter our lives. Reflecting and considering those things in our life that perhaps no longer serve us. Giving us the opportunity to let things go and ensure we are only keeping what is beneficial to us and our wellbeing. Also, making space for the things that boost us and help us to cope.

A really good exercise for your older children (as well as yourselves) is to engage in a digital declutter. This is an opportunity to consider which social media accounts or groups you are following or engaging with. Are they bringing you joy and useful engagement or having a negative or adverse effect on your mental health? In which case, it is an opportunity to unfollow or disengage. A digital reset is a really good way to take control and positively impact your own mental health.

However you choose to spend the Easter break, I wish you all a peaceful, restful and positive recharge and reset!

Mrs Douglas

Various infections continue to circulate at School as is typical for the end of a busy school term. A reminder that pupils who need antibiotics given during the school day should hand these in at the front office. They need to be delivered in the original packaging with the pharmacy label included, and with a completed parental consent form. We are unable to administer medication from loose strips of tablets (in line with government advice). Pupils should also not be carrying medication and self-administering at School. Thank you.

This week, head lice have joined us in Pre-prep (please remain vigilant and see link below for more information).

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/

We wish all our ski trip pupils and staff a fantastic time on the slopes in Austria; departing tomorrow (don't forget your passport and GHIC card!). However, a reminder to please not bring any poorly pupils to the airport. Not only will they not have much fun being ill away from home, but germs do spread very easily in the close quarters of the ski trip hotel. We need to think about protecting the health of everyone concerned. Thank you.

Please keep in touch with the medical room team during the Easter break with news of any new illness or injury (email: nurse@dokschool.org) so that we can plan accordingly for the Summer Term. It's also time to dig out the sun cream and sun hats for the Summer Term (please bring named items to School daily from April onwards) and hopefully some pleasant afternoons of cricket and athletics in the sunshine! Also, a reminder to pupils who are prone to hay fever; please take antihistamine before School each day next term to avoid the discomfort of itchy eyes and runny noses.

Happy Easter!

The School Nurses

PADoK News

Happy Easter holidays to you all from the PADoK team. Thank you to all the parents for your support this term. Thank you also to the PADoK team for all your hard work and volunteering.

Save The Date ***Saturday 14^th June***

***Viva La Fiesta*** PADoK Summer Event

PADoK are putting on a Mexican-themed summer party, so please do put the date in your diary.

The 100 Club Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the Spring Term 100 Club!

1st – Owen G

2nd – Emily N

3rd – Elfie G

Mrs Lodge

PADoK Clubs:

PADoK Walk – Friday 28^th March 08.30

We met for our walk this morning at Hurtwood Control Car Park 3, Pitch Hill. A good way to lead into the end of term and the start of the Easter holidays.

PADoK Book Club

The book we will be reading this term is Graham Norton’s Holding. Here is a brief summary of the book:

The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama; and yet its inhabitants are troubled. Sergeant PJ Collins hasn't always been this overweight; mother of two Brid Riordan hasn't always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn't always felt that her life was a total waste. So when human remains are discovered on an old farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke - a former love of both Brid and Evelyn - the village's dark past begins to unravel.

As the frustrated PJ struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his life, he unearths a community's worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regret.

We will meet at the beginning of the Summer Term to discuss the book.

Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training 

Monday at 5:45 – 6:30pm & Wednesday morning 08.20 – 09.30 – weather-dependent/Ness Hall availability.

DoK Flyers are looking for new players to join in, lots of laughter, exercise & fun. No experience necessary, everyone welcome! Please do come along if you would like to play netball. All welcome. Contact Tara on 07734 888326.

Duke of Kent School Singers

Thursday at 08:20 – 09:00am

Calling all Singers Great and Small!

Our lovely choir performed ‘Lean on Me’ at the Ensembles Concert on Friday night. It was a fun, if a little scary to sing in front of so many talented pupils and their parents!!! 

For our last meet-up this term we enjoyed a fun sing together and thanked Mr Rye and Cathy Williams for leading the DoK School Singers.

Please feel free to come along any time and join in… you’re so warmly welcome as a one-off drop in or if you’re interested in coming more regularly. Drop me a message any time (Cathy Williams - 07813 282910) or turn up on the day. Every Thursday morning from 8:30-9am in the Meeting Room off Old Hall.

Thanks to Mr Rye and Mrs Williams for leading the DoK Singers.

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

Email: 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. From this term there will be a £5 fee for each week.

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.  

Please contact Julia direct to complete a medical form.

Julia Rowe (julia@therunningspecialists.com)

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) 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.