A Message from Mrs Knox

While the Coronavirus is very much on everybody’s mind, it‘s nice to report something away from this headline which is really positive. Our Year 11 pupils are currently attending interviews at schools for their A levels and I have received some lovely emails from the Heads. Comments such as: “what another wonderful student from Duke of Kent School”. “The children you send us are unfailingly courteous and interesting with an unassuming self-confidence”. Keep this up Year 11! A highlight for me this week was the Year 6 re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings. Do have a look on Instagram if you haven’t already seen the short video. I sent it to my Mum (naturally!) and her response was: “My goodness, what fun they do have these days - our history lessons were very boring”. Her reaction gave me cause to reflect on how education has changed and continues to change encouraging student interaction and participation. I know I learnt more in those 10 minutes about the way the battle was fought and won than I ever did at school! Have a great weekend.

Mrs Knox

Anti-Bullying Week 2020

Anti-Bullying Week started with Odd Socks Day on Monday. This was a great opportunity for the pupils and staff to show that individuality and uniqueness is something to be proud of. Well done to everyone who took part, the colours were amazing and the enthusiasm that everyone displayed was brilliant to see. 

The Senior pupils started the week with an assembly on Monday to discuss how bullying affects us, what to do when you experience or witness bullying and where you can go to find help. The pupils have used their PSHE sessions to learn and discuss how bullying can affect mental health. It has also been fantastic to see so many pupils starting to create posters that spell out our stance on this subject, which is that we are:

'UNITED AGAINST BULLYING!'

It is so important that pupils have the chance to discuss their concerns with a person that they trust, I hope that with the lessons that they have received, all pupils will feel able to talk to a teacher, parent or friend about anything that might be troubling them now or in the future.

Mr Herbert

A Poem on Bullying by Penny A in Year 4

I Am

I am the bullied.

I wonder why they do this to little old me?

I hear them saying horrid things about me.

I see people being mean.

I want to tell someone but I don’t.

I am the bullied.

I pretend to just ignore it.

I feel I can’t just manage.

I worry about what they will do next.

I cry for help, but just don’t get it.

I am the bullied.

I understand they will not stop.

I say to stop.

I dream it will be over.

I try to ignore it.

I hope it will end soon.

I am the bullied.

Penny A, Year 4

The Battle of Hastings

On Wednesday the front bank become the scene of one of the most famous battles in English History. We were transported back to 1066 by 6E and 6W who donned the armour of the famous Saxon soldiers, led by Harold II, and the fearsome Norman Knights, led by William Duke of Normandy. Once again, the Normans won the day after Harold suffered a mortal wound after being struck in the eye with an arrow. 

It was a very enjoyable event and all of Year 6 should be congratulated on their efforts.

Mr Seeley

Youth Sports Trust After School Sport Club! 

I know that many pupils, parents and staff in our community enjoyed 'PE with Joe Wicks' during our first lockdown. It was a great way to stay active without the need for equipment and with the motivation of Joe! More recently, with the current closure of sports clubs outside of school, it is more important than ever to help our young people stay active at home and have fun in the process. Consequently, The Youth Sport Trust have created a new virtual After School Sports Club on YouTube. The club will be led by Athlete Mentors from different backgrounds, abilities and sports. There are different daily themes including Adventure Monday, Wild Wednesday and Fun Friday! Every weekday at 5pm until the 18th December, children and young people can join in with the live broadcast for free. Due to our extended school day, and the wonderful clubs that we have on offer at school, it may be more realistic for the children to take part during weekends or in their spare time. Just click on the link below to access all previous videos and join in at whatever time suits you! Search "Youth Sport Trust After School Sport Club" for more information or get in touch with Miss Vickers if you have any questions. Enjoy and keep exercising!

https://www.youtube.com/user/YouthSportTrust

Miss Vickers

Year 11 Medical Careers Zoom Meeting

Saffron H-C, Milly B and Zara H in Year 11 joined a zoom call with Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The talk started with an introduction into how medical courses are run at the University This was then followed by talks from a select few students from different years about their path into medical school, the highlights of their studies, the close knit community and, of course, the social side.

It was really encouraging to hear of the many options to get into medicine that aren’t just achieving three As at A level, and the girls were interested in the option of a placement abroad in the final year to experience a different healthcare system.

Whatever future studies the girls choose to undertake, it was a valuable insight into university life and the variety of subjects and courses that can be taken at A level and beyond should they decide to embark upon a medical degree.

Mrs Vermeulen

Prep School Draughts

This half term has seen the return of the annual Prep Draughts Tournament. 23 pupils across the four Houses battled it out to earn the chance to be their House's champion for the finals. After a number of tightly contested matches, we have found the finalists for each House and they are: 

Armstrong - Annabelle B

Chichester - Charlie L

Hiliary - Sam R

Whittle - Henry O’B

These pupils will be competing to be the Draughts Champion of the Prep School, which aside from the obvious bragging rights, will earn 100 House points for the winners House. Congratulations to those pupils and also to all of those who took part in the Heats as they earned 3 House points each. 

Mr Gritton

Stars of the Week

Nursery - Archie H for this enthusiasm during maths activities and good turn taking when we play games. 

Reception - Angus D for making good progress in reading and persevering with his handwriting. 

Year 1 - Tombi W for his work ethic and his positive attitude to his responsibilities. 

Year 2 - Herb M for writing a superbly descriptive paragraph about a fin whale; you used great noun phrases and a simile to add impressive detail.

Mrs Henry

The Performing Arts News

GCSE Drama

On Tuesday evening our first cohort of Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils performed and recorded the Devising element of their final GCSE exam. Huge congratulations must be extended to Ben H-F, Ellis M, Eva P, Kiki B, Laura A, Lily W-D, Martha McA, Milly B, Reuben D, Saffron C, Sandy T and Zara H who all overcame their nerves and produced wonderful work and performances, full of emotion, power and meaning and Milly D who designed a wonderful costume. Thanks are due of course to Mrs Honey, who teaches with such inspiration and passion, Lisa Lee who assisted with the movement, Mrs Punter who assisted with the assessment and Mrs Kerr who assisted with the costume element. 

Maddie I, Year 9

Maddie I in Year 9 is attempting, single-handedly, to win the school a Yamaha grand piano! Jamie Cullum has put up his beautiful grand piano as the prize in a song-writing competition, open to any school pupil who can compose an original song about a piano. Maddie recorded hers on Monday in our recording studio and it is a gorgeous song that can be heard here. Good luck Maddie - and thank you!

https://www.dukeofkentschool.org.uk/news/?pid=5&nid=4&storyid=73

Prep Concert

The Prep Christmas Concert is taking shape nicely - Live Stream December 4th - 7pm. 

Mr Rye

E-Safety Tips

Guide to monitoring apps

With children accessing the Internet on a range of devices, the job of protecting them from things they may not be ready for online can be a challenge. In recent years, a wide variety of monitoring software solutions have appeared to allow you to see what children are doing online and set digital boundaries. Here are some tips on how best to use them and the top reviewed apps available. Click here and watch the review to find the monitoring app that suits you and your child.

Mr Boden

PADoK News

Please note that no donations to go into the school

Second Hand Uniform

In the second hand uniform shop they currently have some extra pairs of trainers and Astro boots if anyone is looking for some.  If you're interested, please contact your form rep.

PADoK Christmas Hamper Team 

School Social Media

At Duke of Kent School we have two social media platforms, Twitter (@DoKSchool) and Instagram (dukeofkentschool). 

Our Twitter account is public however, our Instagram account is private to keep it strictly for the Duke of Kent School community only. You will need to request to follow the account. 

Please do follow the accounts to receive the regular updates and to see highlights from each day at School.  There is a link to the Twitter account below.

Miss Vernon

Shere and Peaslake Scouts Christmas Tree Appeal