The Prep School Council

The Prep School Council had a lively discussion about where the new “Friendship Toadstools” should be located. All the council members had elicited opinions from their forms and were keen to persuade the rest of the council of the merits of their particular location. Everyone felt that it was important that the Toadstools were located somewhere where they were clearly visible - so that it would be easy to notice someone sitting on their own, but at the same time they felt it was important that they could also be a place where pupils could enjoy a little bit of quiet time if they wanted to. It was unanimously agreed that they should be put near the flagpole - I am sure may of you will have noticed them already!

The Council also discussed some ideas for meals and snacks that they would like included at lunch and snack time. The food choices made were in within the school’s healthy eating policy and were discussed before a selection was agreed and will now be passed onto our Catering Manager, Mr Hanvey.

Mrs Lock

Senior School Updates

It has been another busy week at school as students have returned to the classroom with vigour.  Year 7 have started their paired work in English, creating a charity of their own and running a campaign to raise awareness. They are creating leaflets, posters, mock social media accounts and persuasive speeches to raise awareness of a cause they feel strongly about. They have started incredibly well and will be presenting their work in the final week of term. Year 11 have set into their routine of in-class tests with purpose and I am certain this system of testing interspersed with teacher feedback and constructive advice will see them do very well.

In Year 10 they have been investigating blindspots in Science and attacked the topic of moles with gusto whilst year 9 have dissected a heart this week, investigating the different workings. In Art Club tin foil sculptures have been made whilst investigating movement and dance whilst year 8 have made a great start composing advert soundtracks in their Music lessons.

Commendations have been awarded to Ruby K and Natasha B in year 9 for their ongoing outstanding efforts in Geography as well as to Alanna H, Max S and Alex S for their 3 in a row Biology quiz success. Lastly, commendations have also been awarded to Kora W, Maddie I and Lucy P for their outstanding musical performances in Monday's assembly, showcasing some of the entries from the recent virtual House Music event. The House Music Finalists Concert, due in the evening of Friday 30th April, is sure to be exceptional. 

Mr Wilson

Weekly Wellbeing

Over the last couple of weeks I have been delighted to see and read a number of pupil’s entries into the House Wellbeing Challenge. The last date for entry is today and Mr Gritton, Miss Anand and myself will decide on winners and points allocation to be announced next week. Pupil’s were encouraged to take part in a bingo-style challenge, crossing off various activities as they completed them. A copy of the challenges can be found in the house Google classrooms and include activities such as:

1. Writing a letter to a missed friend or family member
2. Collecting an object of interest whilst out on a walk (leaf, twig, pebble etc.)
3. Weather inspired emotion art
4. Reading a book
5. Planting a bulb or seed
6. Having a mindful snack

Though the challenge ends today, I would encourage pupils to continue to be inspired by these challenges as a way of continuing to manage their own wellbeing. Just as our physical health is maintained through diet and exercise, our mental health needs to be maintained by ‘feeding’ healthy and positive thoughts and ‘exercising’ our right to choose activities that enhance our mood.

Mrs Douglas

E-Safety Tips

What digital boundaries are right for your child?

How to set the right rules at the right age.

4-7 years - Curious explorers 

Children at this age are starting to become curious about the world around them. It’s important to allow them some freedom to explore the online world but also to do it more safely. Apps like YouTube Kids may give filtered access to social media – but some inappropriate content can occasionally slip through the net, so keep an eye on what your child is viewing. Games for older children might be starting to appeal (e.g. those rated PEGI 12) but be aware that some contain violent content and in-game chat functions. 

Sleep: NHS recommends 10½-11½ hours a night 

Content: PEGI 7; BBFC U, PG, 12A 

Screen time: Maximum 1hr a day

8-12 years - Becoming independent 

Children are likely to have a growing interest in social media, through friends and role models. Many social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, have age 13+ restrictions, but this will not stop your child from being attracted to them. Show an active interest in the platforms they are talking about, whether that’s discussing how sharing selfies makes them feel or the realism of images they see online. Children’s moods can be affected by social media, so it is better to be involved and help them explore in a safer way. 

Sleep: NHS recommends 9¼-10 ¼ hours a night

Content: PEGI 12, BBFC 12A, 12

Screen time: From 1hr, progressing to 1.5hrs a day, as they get older

Mr Boden

A Message from the Medical Room

A huge thank you from the entire testing team goes to the Senior School pupils for completing the lateral flow tests at school, and to the teaching staff for being patient with the inevitable disruption to lessons.  The whole process ran smoothly and we are thrilled that there were no positive tests recorded! 

The pupils are now well practised at the swabbing technique, and should have brought home their test kits by now in order to commence their twice a week  tests every Sunday and Wednesday evening starting this Sunday (21st March).  Please can parents encourage all children to continue to do these tests regularly as per government guidelines.  You will also need to help your child with the process of processing the test through the lateral flow device, reading the result, and with logging the results with NHS Test and Trace (full details in the bag sent home with your child).  Do please ensure you inform us of any positive test results.

Don't forget that parents and other household members are encouraged to test twice weekly at home too.  See this link for further information:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rapid-lateral-flow-testing-for-households-and-bubbles-of-school-pupils-and-staff

Enjoy your weekend, and stay safe,

Mrs Sarjant

School Social Media

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

Our Twitter and Facebook accounts are public however, our Instagram account is private to keep it strictly for the Duke of Kent School community only. To follow the School Instagram account you will need to request to follow the account. 

We recommend following all three accounts to receive push notifications with news, updates, educational articles, interactions with other schools, communities and public figures.

Miss Vernon