At the Senior School Council meeting this week various members from Years 7 to 11 came together to productively discuss, amongst other things, food, uniform and rules regarding jewellery. On the Astroturf a special mention goes to the U15 hockey team who narrowly missed out on victory to Frensham Heights but showed a resilient, respectful and positive attitude throughout. Success is only a matter of time away! Similarly it was wonderful to hear of how well the U15 and U14 teams exhibited themselves in the national football competition in Nottingham, coming away with various personal and team triumphs from throughout the tournament. Year 9 and year 11 drama pupils went to watch a magnificent performance of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' in Southampton on Thursday where their behaviour and engagement with the performance was complemented by theatre staff and other members of the public.

Commendations have this week been awarded to Mercy M for her diligent approach in English, Sam R for his consistently outstanding preps in Geography and to Violetta P, Oscar D-K and Alex F for volunteering to assist with Prep School sporting activities and showing great leadership skills. Also receiving commendations are Archie L and Josh N for coming first in their Computer Science CPU competitions, Jake L for his improved attainment in English, Chester S for his excellent effort in Science and Ethan K for taking the time to engage with kitchen staff, showing true interest in their wellbeing. Lastly, a mention for Tom S who received TWO commendations this week, for his outstanding Geography prep regarding coastal defences and his diligent approach to English. Well done to all of you.

Mr Wilson

The Prep School has been awash with cephalopods the last few days, since School Council launched a House Competition to design an octopus character whose legs will represent each of our eight Attitude to Learning attributes. As ever, the children have thrown themselves into the challenge with gusto, demonstrating - rather appropriately - motivation and focus to produce a wonderfully inventive and colourful array of 'DoKtopus' characters, ready for judging.

In Science, Year 4 continued their exploration of 'sound', making some surprisingly effective string telephones that illustrated how sound travels through waves as vibrations, whilst Year 6 tested the factors that affect speed of dissolving. Maths this week has seen Year 4 simplifying fractions, Year 6 tackling some speed-distance-time equations, and Year 5 distinguishing between types of triangle to estimate and measure angles. 

In English, Year 2 have shown admirable care as they finished their letters to the pupils of Kaputu LEA School in Malawi, whilst Year 3 have been broadening their vocabularies by playing word bingo to help them learn how to search for spellings and meanings in the dictionary. Extending our vocabulary was something Mr Wright spoke about in his assembly about 'reading'; learning new words being just one of the many proven benefits of burying one's head in a book, alongside improving focus, helping us to relax and honing our memory retention. I hope you all find time for some reading this weekend!

Lastly, we are encouraging all the pupils in Prep and Pre-prep to participate in the BIG Garden Birdwatch this weekend. Pre-prep's visit to Forest School involved time spotting our flying friends, and Nursery have been busy making bird feeders to help them through the remaining weeks of winter. If you and your children would like to spend some time bird watching in your garden this weekend, and help contribute to the RSPB's conservation efforts, you can register for free at https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/. 

Values Certificates

Responsibility - The whole of Year 6

Respect - Hubert S and Isabella N

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Roman N for making progress with cooperative activities and role play.

Oli T for his non-stop enthusiasm and friendly, kind attitude towards his peers.

Reception: Lottie F for a massive improvement in tackling tasks with care, enthusiasm and speed!

Year 1: George F for his positive attitude to his learning, in particular, his English, reading and Maths.

Jack M for his continued progress in reading and writing, it's so lovely to watch his confidence grow and grow.

Year 2: Norah C for a brilliant level of enthusiasm and perseverance during writing lessons.

Mrs Green

Protecting Human Health by Developing Livestock Vaccines Talk

On Tuesday morning it was a huge pleasure to welcome Dr Rebecca McLean from The Pirbright Institute. Rebecca delivered a hugely interesting talk to a number of pupils from the Senior School on her role in immunology. 

She introduced her background, and explained her career path. It was very useful and important to hear how she had no ideas what area she wanted to go into when she was at school. It was useful for the pupils to understand her journey, which at times was very difficult unclear and uncertain, but it lead to doors opening and opportunities arising to pen-ultimately result with her working a field now that she hugely enjoys and finds very rewarding. 

It was great to hear about the advantages of working in academic research such as the opportunities to travel around the world alongside the massive flexibility in academic research, as well as understanding what her daily routine involves working at The Pirbright Institute. 

She spoke passionately about how her role at Pirbright involves developing livestock vaccines to protect against human health. Her current focus is working on a vaccination for the Nipah Virus which is a highly pathogenic and dangerous pathogen with a 70% mortality rate. This virus spread from bats to pigs to humans and has affected a small number of individuals around the world. The concern is that pathogens like these could be 'the next Coronavirus'. This is why Rebecca's work is so important to develop a vaccine for the pig which would then prevent its transmission to humans. Rebecca spoke about the danger of the pathogen's possible use as an agent of bio terrorism, and how it was the inspiration of the Contagion film. 

We learnt how Rebecca's role changed (like many of us) during the pandemic and she explained how she actually worked alongside the team from Oxford university assessing the immunogenicity (type of immune response) of the AstraZeneca vaccination. Her claim to fame is that it was because of her research that the Oxford/AstraZeneca team started to give a booster immunisation in their human clinical trials.  

Her talk was hugely inspirational and thankfully we had time at the end for many questions. It was fantastic that so many students attended the talk and to hear such insightful questions from them at the end, such as is it possible that viruses could be released from melting ice in polar regions, are viruses more 'dangerous' when they mutate, and what could be the future outlook for the world in terms of coronavirus and future pandemics. 

Mr Wyllie

The Royal Society of Chemistry, Top of the Bench Competition

On Tuesday, a small group of students enjoyed taking part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench competition. The competition is taking place remotely this year, and we were delighted to be able to use one of our own new laboratories to hold the competition. The competition involves completing a challenging practical activity followed by a short chemistry quiz. 

Representing Year 11, Oscar H carried out a titration to determine the concentration of an acid and the enthalpy change of neutralisation. Oscar carried out the titration accurately before confidently using data to complete the required calculations. 

On behalf of Year 10, Natasha B showed a keen eye for detail as she carefully carried out tests on unknown solutions, her careful observations helping her to identify each solution correctly. 

Finally, representing Year 9, Helena K and Eva L worked collaboratively to prepare a copper (II) sulfate solution before carrying out some chemical tests on the solution and suggesting reasons for their observations. 

I was very impressed to see the students work independently and professionally. Having assessed their practical work and answers, I am delighted to say all four students achieved an impressive score for their practical work. The quiz has also been submitted and we wait to hear back on our final scores. 

A special mention must go to our wonderful Science Technician, Mrs Shaw, who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure this competition could run successfully. 

The Science Department will be running "Top of the Bench" as an internal house competition during Science Week in early March. Over the coming weeks, we will ask the four House Captains to put together a team of scientists from Years 9-11 to represent their house. 

Mrs Tattan-Robb

Winchester Museum

On Tuesday, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 were greeted by our bus driver, Simon who drove us to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium.

Whilst on this trip Year 6 had the opportunity to act as mentors to Year 1 and Reception, a role they embraced with both enthusiasm and maturity. This allowed them to demonstrate their own knowledge and understanding of the different exhibits. It was wonderful to witness the gentle and thoughtful way they looked after their charges and how they tried to explain the different exhibits in a way the younger children would understand- a clear reflection of the Duke of Kent School values of kindness and responsibility.

When we arrived we went straight downstairs and had a snack. We then explored the downstairs exhibition: Explore Space. There were lots of stations for the children to enjoy. Elliot, George and Ivy enjoyed the gravity ball slide, which simulates asteroids and black holes.

Mrs Green enjoyed Mr Southee locating Duke of Kent School from the entire globe using Google earth . Theo C, George F and Rocket M loved the Galaxy Patrol where they were able to explore the whole galaxy. Other activities they enjoyed were video games and the little big room.

We then went upstairs to explore the exhibits. Here, Elsie S loved the gravity run, which was a suction marble run. Florence H really enjoyed the senses challenge. Jack M enjoyed working with the Year 6 on the construction site, where they worked together to build a house.

At 11.30 Reception and Year 1 went to their workshop, Discover: Matter. We discussed matter and how matter can be solid, liquids and gas. Then we made 2 different types of slime, the first was clear and stretchy which the children described as slippy, slimy, gooey, slippery and squashy and the second was much more bouncy, This was described as slippery, sticky, stretchy and really gooey. The children preferred the second slime more. We learnt that the slime is both liquid and solid.

After lunch we all headed to the planetarium where we looked at the constellations, then we toured the solar system stopping at each planet and learning some facts about it. Olivia said that it was ‘AMAZING’!

Miss Walpole and Mrs Lock
 

Theatre trip to Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

It was with much excitement that Year 9 and the GSCE Drama Year 11 class, ventured off to The Mayflower in Southampton, to see the highly acclaimed performance of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime’. It feels like an age that we were able to go to the theatre and this particular performance did not disappoint. It has been a long time coming, but most certainly worth the wait. The students were amazed with the staging and the use of lighting and computer graphics; not forgetting the incredibly loud music! A stand out moment for the students was when they realised that one of the main characters, Christopher’s mother, played by Sophie Stone, is deaf. This added an entirely new level of appreciation of the theatre for them. As one Year 9 pupil stated: “The best part was when Christopher was feeling lost and scared in the station. The way that they used the music and the bodies of the actors was awesome!”

A huge thank you goes to the staff that helped make this trip a great one: Mrs Honey, Miss Anand, Mr. Southee and Mr. Macdonald.

Miss Punter

Mr Boden

This week, I enjoyed visiting Year 2 and talking to them about my role in the school. After some confusion over whether this was Health and Safety or Fire Officer, we established that in a sense it was about people’s health and safety! Perhaps more to do with keeping ourselves safe and healthy by thinking and talking about how we feel - a focus on being well - than assessing the physical dangers.

In our discussion, the pupils realised the incredible secret super power they all possess - the ability to give compliments and be kind - thus the power to make others happy.

Year 2 worked brilliantly, considering what other secret super powers they may possess from being helpful, good at reading, being a good brother or sister to being funny. Everyone had something to be proud of that they noticed about themselves.

It is easy sometimes for us to forget the amazing people we are when we allow ourselves to listen to our critical ‘super villain’ internal voice. I encourage everyone to be kind to themselves and identify something super about themselves.

A lovely short video for children about the importance of self-esteem and identifying and recognising their own ‘super power’ abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdjaxS4ME2A

Mrs Douglas

Mr Rye

Netball: U13A v. King Edward's

On Wednesday afternoon, the U13A girls travelled to King Edward's School for a netball match. For the first time this week, the sun came out in perfect timing for the start of the match! Excitingly, we decided to play 2 shorter matches against King Edwards U12 and U13 teams. The girls got off to a flying start, after a morning PE session focusing on centre passes, the team put their new ideas straight into practice and it worked a dream! Bella S worked extremely hard in centre and fed some very well weighted passes into Jess I, Daisy R and Sydney R, our shooters for the matches. The team won the first game 9-4 with a particularly strong second quarter. Each member of the team was raring to go for the second match with Saoirse W, Niamh A & Emma F working as a great team in defence, making countless interceptions and making it very difficult for King Edward's get any shots on goal. The U13s won their second game after scoring 14 goals in just 16 minutes!! A great afternoon, well done to all of the girls involved for their excellent effort. 

Miss Vickers

 U8 & U9 hockey v. Farlington 

On Thursday, the U8 & U9 girls made the short journey to Farlington School for an afternoon of hockey! After a good warm up, the teams were ready to go! The U9s played fantastically well and had to really up their game against a very strong Farlington side. With a break away goal, Duke of Kent School's U9 team went 1-0 up. But Farlington came back strong and created goal scoring opportunities. At half time, the score was 1-1. Incredibly, the U9 team managed to defend with grit and determination to keep Farlington out and the game finished an impressive 1-1 draw, very well deserved!! Meanwhile, the U8s were having a good game on the other side of the pitch. Farlington managed to connect multiple passes to score some very good goals. Duke of Kent School showed great determination and perseverance and enjoyed a doughnut after the match for their great effort! Well done to you all for a fun afternoon and congratulations to Charlotte C & Layla B for being awarding girl of the game.

Miss Vickers

Boys' Hockey: U14/15 v. Frensham Heights

On Tuesday, the U14/15 B team played against Frensham Heights School. The match was very exciting which had plenty of attacking play. Throughout the match lots of goals were scored with Ozzy H being a key attacking player for Duke of Kent School. Luke M, Tom B and Charlie G were also very key players during the match, helping the to team to turn a solid defence into attack. Well played to everyone involved. 

Mr Orme

Mr Green

PADoK News

Please make a note of our events this term.  Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party on Friday 25th February and the PADoK Quiz Night on Friday 11th March.

PADoK Book Club

Our new book is The Promise by Damon Galgut, which was the winner of the 2021 Booker Prize for Fiction.  The Promise, set in South Africa explores the interconnected relationships between members of a white South African family navigating the end of apartheid and its aftermath.  We do hope you will join us when we meet up, a date will be decided on next week.

Second-hand Uniform Shop

The Second-hand Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 2nd February from 3pm to 4pm.

We cannot accept footwear donations due to lack of space.  As soon as this changes we will let you know. Thank you.

Save the date:

25th February - Macmillan Afternoon Tea Party.

11th March - PADoK Quiz Night.

Mrs Phillips

Optional Senior School Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen above.  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 to see me and have a look at the new hoodie.

Mrs Woolgar

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.

Mrs Woolgar