A Message from Mrs Knox

Today, on Remembrance Day, we stopped as a School to reflect and remember those who fought and lost their lives during their war. Thank you to those pupils who wrote and read poetry during our moving assembly. We gathered around the flagpole at 11am in an Act of Remembrance to thank and salute those who made the sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you particularly to Eddie C who played the Last Post and Tildy C, the Reveille. Also to Mr Lodge for coordinating these significant events. 

On Tuesday, we were joined by our Governors who spent the morning talking to pupils and participating in lessons. The pupils they met were absolutely brilliant. They were asked a whole range of questions about their learning and the School and our Governors were most impressed by their insight. The Governors also gave fantastic feedback to our teachers on engaging and interactive lessons. I would like to thank them for their warm support of our School.  This afternoon culminated in the Years 7-11 Swimming House Gala which was a loud and exciting event!. Well done to all swimmers. Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Knox

Road Closure

There are two separate road closure coming up that you should be aware of.

28^th – 29^th November: Peaslake Road by the Duke of Kent School.

29^th – 30^th November: Peaslake Road by the entrance to the Coverwood Estate.

The closure of Peaslake Road by the entrance to the Coverwood estate on the 29^th – 30^th was previously planned for Monday 24^th October that did not go ahead owing to unforeseen circumstances.

The diversion routes are the same.

The road is closed to enable installation of hyperfast 1Gb broadband.

Author Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC visited the Senior School

On Monday Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC came to talk about her legal career to the Senior School. She then worked with Year 10 in an inspirational writing workshop with a focus on characterisation. 

Until March 2022 Wendy was a judge at the Old Bailey, sitting on criminal cases, trying mainly allegations of murder and other homicides. She was called to the Bar by Gray's Inn in 1975, became a QC in 1998 and sat as a full-time judge from 2007 to 2022. When she moved to the Old Bailey in 2012 she was the only woman amongst sixteen judges, and only the third woman ever to hold a permanent position there. She was also a Diversity and Community Relations Judge, working to promote understanding between the judiciary and many different sectors of our community, particularly those from less privileged and minority groups. She mentors young people, from a variety of backgrounds, who hope for a career in law and has a special interest in helping women. 

She has recently released her first book ‘Unlawful Killings’ in which describes how cases unfold and illustrates exactly what it's like to be a murder trial judge and a witness to human stories behind the high profile cases.

Mr Seeley

WWII Exploring with Years 5 and 6

On a remarkably sunny Friday, luckily sandwiched between downpours before and since, Years 5 and 6 sallied forth to explore 'WW2 on our doorstep'. We were accompanied by Year 6 from St Cuthbert Mayne School, Cranleigh, because I regularly present at this school about WW2, we had this opportunity to enjoy a joint communal trip, and Remembrance Day was just around the corner. Our convoy of five minibuses firstly visited 1940-era anti-tank obstacles known as 'dragon's teeth' and the remains of small trenches next to the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Centre. These were hurriedly built after the Army's evacuation from Dunkirk, and were designed to delay any invading German tanks so the British Army would have time to fight them off. There are over 150 of these pyramid blocks, still standing as a stark reminder of how perilous life was for Britain in 1940. Luckily the successful Battle of Britain successfully deterred the German Army from sending their army towards Guildford. We then travelled to Albury Heath sports ground which has a memorial plinth from where the famous British commander, General Montgomery, addressed 10,000 Canadian soldiers shortly before the D-Day invasion of France in June 1944. All 67 children were then positioned in three ranks (rows) 'on parade', and were suitably addressed by Ben W and Grace M, resplendent in military uniforms. Just think - the first parade for over 80 years on that cricket pitch! Many thanks as well to Mr Seeley, Mr Watson, Mr Orme and Mr Gritton for keeping the wheels turning!

Mr Lodge

GCSE Drama Trip

On Thursday the 3rd of November the Year 11 Drama GCSE cohort went to see a performance of Frantic Assembly’s ‘Othello’ at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. The production used Shakespeare's original text which was underpinned by the company’s energetic physical-theatre interjections accompanied by a vigorous dance soundtrack.The setting was modern-day gangland where tensions rise over the pool table in a local pub and fights break out by the bins in the alley. The characters are young and impulsive, driven by jealousy and the need for respect. It was an urgent, abrasive and intimate production that used a wonderful combination of traditional and contemporary theatre. It was a perfect production for Year 11 Drama students and went on to inspire positively some last minute changes to their own devised pieces before their performances this week. 

Thank you once again to Mrs Punter and Mr Southee for all their help! 

Mrs Honey

 

Year 1 Medieval Day

On Tuesday the 8th November Year 1 had their Medieval day. They started the day by arriving in their superb costumes, we had princesses, a king, knights and even a dragon! 

The first activity they did was they made their very own illuminated letter by embossing it onto a sheet of metal. They then used Sharpies to color them in. Harry S loved the use of plants in his design. Lottie F enjoyed the  use of nature in her design. 

After playtime the children went to games where Miss Arnold took a session of martial arts. They learnt different moves and the children particularly enjoyed learning a new sport. 

Finally, Mr Lodge came into the classroom to teach us about the Battle of Hastings. Olivia asked the very valid question: Why couldn’t they fight for kindness? We went outside and split into 2 teams, the French and the British. Lottie F played William the conqueror and Harry S played King Harold, and they went to the playground to reenact the battle. The children learnt that William the Conqueror tricked King Harold’s army to leave the king, and then they would attack. 

The children had a fantastic day.

Miss Walpole

Prep School Council

The Prep School Pupil Council met this week to discuss creating a survey for all the pupils in the Prep School. The Council are interested in discovering whether pupils feel that they would like to have more facilities in Junior Jungle such as a zip wire! They have been discussing the best questions to ask and how to frame those questions. They are going to continue thinking of questions before they will hopefully have the survey ready in the next few weeks.

Mrs Lock

It's been a week of Science and Art, in particular, across Prep and Pre-prep. The whole of Pre-prep have been industriously making poppies for display around the department, with Mrs Ragless' after school club's efforts looking especially lovely by the playground gate. Nursery and Reception have also been making poppy biscuits to further prompt conversations amongst the pupils about Remembrance. I must also take the opportunity to congratulate all the children for observing so sensibly our 2 minutes' Silence around the flagpole this morning. 

Other artistic creations taking shape in Prep School include the crafts that Year 4 have begun to make for the Christmas Fayre, as part of their Endeavour 'Enterprise' badge, whilst in Mrs Kerr's lunchtime art club, Penny A has been fashioning clothes for a soon-to-be-installed class mascot! I know Year 4 have been very grateful to the Year 3s for sourcing interesting natural materials for them, during their Forest School lessons, on which note, I'd like to draw your attention to Mr Gritton's email, requesting any and all unwanted materials (especially cardboard, cotton wool, wrapping paper and jam jars) to help the Year 4s, 5s and 6s prepare their stalls for the Fayre, on Monday 5th December - thank you!

On the Science front, Year 6 were busy putting their growing knowledge of electricity to purposeful use, designing and making burglar alarms, which they were delighted to demonstrate to the Governors. For Year 5, the focus was on fizzy drinks - exploring which ones are fizzier than others by finding their initial mass, shaking them very enthusiastically (!) and then carefully (!!) letting out the gas, and finally re-weighing them. Meanwhile, Year 3 enjoyed investigating properties of materials by looking at different objects in the playground, comparing and contrasting their density, flexibility, transparency and so on. 

On top of all of this, Reception have been studying Jack and the Beanstalk, making their own golden harps and delighting in listening to to harp music and, of course, with the Nativity just around the corner, Pre-prep pupils have made a fabulous start to learning their dance routines. Lastly, from me, I'd like to  say how lovely it was to see so many of you at this week's Prep Parent Meetings - I do hope you found them helpful, to understand how your child is progressing. If you haven't already, I'd strongly encourage you to show them the report that was sent out in half term, so they too are fully aware of what they can do to improve their learning this half term. 

Values Certificates: 

Thibaut J & Jasmine W for Kindness; Evelyn C for Effort

Aloud & Proud Readers:

Ben Wr and Douglas S

Rising Readers:

Emily C, Ivan K, MIllie W, Henry O'B

Mr Wright

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Harry L for making brilliant progress with self-regulation, turn taking and sharing. Also, for his enthusiastic attitude throughout the day.

Reception: Grisha D for having a positive approach in work and play and super effort in phonics and reading!

Year 1: Fred B for his super reading and for amazing listening and following of instruction in dance.  Fred is also putting his hand up lots in class and having a good go at everything!

Year 2: Rocket M for improved focus in writing sessions.

Johnnie G for working so hard to learn your spellings. You’ve received full marks two weeks in a row!

Mrs Henry

With the Senior Production edging ever closer, and the pupils involved continuing to work hard, I, for one, cannot wait to see all their efforts come to fruition. I have been hugely impressed by the way those involved have managed to juggle their commitments maturely and do hope they have gained a lot from the experience. Well done to all of you, from those treading the boards to those arranging the sound and lighting.

On Monday we were lucky to have Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC present in assembly, discussing her career in law, what a career in law can bring and the challenges she has faced. As a judge in the Old Bailey she shared some fascinating insights regarding the difficult decisions she has had to make and the repercussions of her decisions. On Tuesday we welcomed the Governors to join us on our Differentiation Day where a number of lessons were observed and staff came together to focus on how to best differentiate in the classroom so as to ensure all pupil levels are fully supported and reaching their personal goals.

On Friday we took time to remember those involved in the armed forces and the sacrifices they have made. Mr Lodge started the day with a thought-provoking assembly on the subject whilst at 11am all the school came together around the flagpole to observe the two minutes silence.

This afternoon (Friday) we are hosting our Senior House Swimming Gala whilst next week we look forward to embracing Anti-Bullying Week, starting off with Odd Socks Day on Monday when all pupils are encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate our differences. 

I hope you have an enjoyable and restful weekend.

Mr Wilson

GCSE Drama

This week our Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils took to the stage to perform the Devising element of their GCSE Coursework. Congratulations are due to for Izzy P, Hannah M, Maddie I, Leo H, Olly Y, Fraser R, Sophie S, Charlie C, Alex W, Imogen C, Harley B, Harry D for their hard work and commitment to the process. Big thanks to Mrs Honey for her huge input and dedication to her Year 11 pupils. 

Christmas Dates

As we approach the end of term it is worth keeping the following dates in the diary:

Friday 2nd December - Prep School Christmas Concert - 7pm

Tuesday 6th December - Pre-prep Christmas Show

Wednesday 7th December - School Carol Service

Mr Rye

Girls' Hockey: U12/13 A v. Downsend

On Wednesday, the U12/13A team stepped out into some much welcome sunshine to play Downsend. The pace was quick from the start and we certainly caught the opposition off guard with some brilliant runs down the right hand side from Alice B, as well as some great passes between her and Francesca R. We were consistently getting some fast balls into the D, which were ably picked up by Tildy C and Mercy M, and it wasn’t long before Tildy had us up 1-0, which she fairly quickly turned into 2-0. However, Downsend could have easily been up by a number of goals if it wasn’t for the brilliant defensive work of Clara H-S and Iona H, who stopped countless runs in their tracks. Edie H was outstanding in goal, stopping multiple attempts on goal one after the other. and it took Downsend many efforts before they managed to get a goal back. However, Just before half time, Francesca R made a great interception and remained cool and collected to finish with a goal.

The second half was much more even between both teams, with their goalkeeper finding her feet and keeping every one of our efforts out. Downsend managed to get another goal back to make it 3-2 but despite tired legs, the girls kept up the pace, continued to track back to defend and make some great runs down the wings. The game was of a really high standard and the girls should be really proud of their performances.

Mrs Vermeulen

Girls' Hockey: U12/13 B v. Downsend

On Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed Downsend School to our Wilsons' Pitch for some hockey mathces. The U12/13 B team were up first and started well, they immediately put pressure on the Downsend's defence and forced their goal keeper into making some good saves. The pressure continued to build with Willow D making some good run down the right hand side of the pitch and Tansy T positioning herself well in the D, ready to take the opportunity to score. The goal did come and the U12/13 B's celebrated as they went 1-0 up. Downsend fought back in the second half creating some chances at their end of the pitch but Annie B and Emily N worked tirelessly in defence to keep their clean sheet with Poppy F in goal. Izzy N and Erin C showed great skill in the midfield and we just couldn't quite convert to score even more goals! The game finished 1-0, a great win for the B team - well done girls! Next up were the U12/13 C team, they were raring to go and played their best hockey of the season so far with some great dribbling and confident defending on show, particularly from Sashca H and Eva P-R. Just one moment of a lapse in concentration meant Downsend took the lead to go 1-0 up. Duke of Kent School had lots more of the ball in the second half with Molly F and Esme W worked hard in midfield but couldn't quite convert their chances into a goal. A great game with end to end action - well done girls! 

Miss Vickers

Years 7 and 8 House Football

The Year 7 and 8 boys split into their houses this Wednesday, for Boys' House Football. In the B team tournament, there was a group stage followed by a third and fourth playoff, and a final. The group stage involved all teams playing against each other once, these games were all closely contested and great to see some great energy throughout. After the group stage came the third and fourth playoff, which was played between Peregrine and Kestrel. A great game where both teams were working hard to do their best, Kestrel got the goal late on to give their team the lead and finish third. The final between Buzzard and Hawk, the game started with both teams looking to attack, Buzzard got an early goal to take the lead and kept playing well to end victorious and finish first. Well played to everyone involved. 

1st - Buzzard

2nd - Hawk

3rd - Kestrel 

4th - Peregrine

Mr Orme

Years 5 and 6 House Football

On Wednesday afternoon Years 5 and 6 came out for their second sporting House event of the year. This time it was mixed football! There was an amazing display of all the skills they have learnt over the last few weeks and all the pupils played to the best of their ability. There were goals scored and some great saves from our goalkeepers, keeping all the matches tight, and it often came down to the last few minutes, where surprise goals were scored. All of the pupils had great communication with each other, organising their teams and subs and ensuring everyone got equal playing time. Thank you to Mr Wright for refereeing all of the games, and thank you to all of the parents who came along and supported, even though it was very muddy! Congratulations to Buzzard who won the tournament and well done to all the pupils who took part. 

Miss Arnold

What Parents Need to Know about Amigo

Amigo is a social platform which purports to connect strangers from around the world – and, with built-in translation software, it reduces the expected language barriers. Focusing heavily on one-to-one chat, video calls and live streams, Amigo encourages its users to build up online relationships to unlock exclusive features such as private video and audio calls: essentially, the more that people chat, the more features become available to them. This is an app designed with mature users very much in mind and is therefore definitely not recommended for children.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as inappropriate contact, strangers and membership costs.

Click on the link to find out more information about "What Parents Need to Know about Amigo ".

Mr Boden

Following rather aptly, from International Stress Awareness week, this coming week is Self Care week. We often consider how we will show kindness, empathy and listen to others and forget to do this for ourselves. It is easy to speak harshly and have unrealistic expectations for ourselves, something we would never consider doing to others. It is important to remember that our needs and feelings are just as important as others’ and that we need to ensure they are met.

The most important step in this is listening to ourselves - reflecting on how we are feeling and taking time to work out what we need. It stands to reason that this is most achievable in quiet times when we are able to focus on ourselves; this is when self care is needed.

These tips for self care are worth remembering:

• Exercise - get moving

• Connect socially - join a club/meet up with friends

• Sleep well - recharge

• Eat well - avoid stimulants

• Make lists - prioritize tasks

• Time in nature - relaxation

• Meditation - deep breaths

• Enjoy - craft, music, film, reading, sport etc.

Lastly, try to remember this simple wellbeing mnemonic that represents our school and the importance of looking after yourself.

Discuss any worries with someone you trust

Unwind and allow yourself relaxation time

Kindness, shown to yourself as well as others

Embrace change and build your resilience

Mrs Douglas

We have had a case of head line reported in Prep School this week.  Please be vigilant and follow NHS advice if you spot any visitors on your child's scalp!

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

A letter regarding Nasal Flu Immunisations at school on 6th January 2023 has been emailed to parents of pupils in Years 7 to 11.  Please be aware that currently the immunisation is on offer to any pupil in Years 7,8 and 9 with parental consent, and only to pupils in Years 10 and 11 who are deemed "Clinically Vulnerable".  Please complete your E Consent forms if your child qualifies and you would like them to have their nasal flu immunisation at school.

Yesterday saw the first of two extended PSHE (RSE) lessons for Year 9 pupils, with Mrs Sarjant running a session with the girls about Consent and Contraception, and Mr Southee seeing the boys about STIs.  We will swap groups later this term.  Well done to the pupils who were attentive, interested, and brave, and dealt with this topic with the required levels of both maturity and good humour!

Relationships and Sex Education at school is very important in order to help set our pupils up for their adult lives, but is very much enhanced by us working in partnership with parental input at home.  We appreciate that sex and relationships can be really challenging topics to discuss with your growing children at home.  There are many resources available to you on the internet if you need some assistance; try some of the following if you are looking for a little help:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/

https://www.sexwise.org.uk/

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/friends-relationships-sex/sex-relationships

As always, we welcome the pupils and parents feedback from these sessions to allow us to continue to improve these sessions for future cohorts.  Contact Mr Herbert as head of PSHE or Mrs Sarjant if you have any feedback or thoughts to share.

The School Nurses

PADoK News

PADoK Christmas Hamper Collections

A big thank you to all of you who have kindly handed over bottles, chocolates, toys and lots of lovely gifts to the PADoK elves this week.  The collection boxes will be in the main lobby of Old Hall and in the Pre-Prep entrance all of next week (alcohol to be handed in to the Main Office please) for those of you who still wish to contribute.   

Raffle tickets go on sale on Monday 14^th November so look out for the information from your class rep.

A Taste of Burns – Friday 27^th January 2023

PADoK are delighted to invite you all to our first “Taste of Burns” evening, here at the school on Friday 27^th January from 7pm.  An evening of ceilidh dancing, poetry and food to celebrate Scotland’s greatest bard, Robert Burns.  Tickets are on sale soon so look out for a message from your class rep.

Duke of Kent School Singers

 Another fantastic turn out for singing on Thursday, of past and present parents. Thank you so much for coming. 

As always, we enjoyed warm ups, stretches and a lot of laughing. We’re now rehearsing our chosen Christmas song ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, in 3 part harmony. Mr Rye described the sound as ethereal today! Audio tracks to rehearse to and lyrics, are available via our WhatsApp group. They are very accessible making it easy to practice at home, in the car or shower, all in your own time. 

Our main focus is on those 40 minutes we spend together week on week, enjoying the singing. There is no pressure whatsoever to perform. 

We really look forward to seeing everyone again next week and *welcome new singers at any point.* Come along to listen and join in however you’d like to. Wishing everyone a great weekend! 

Please contact Cathy Williams on rhodricathy@sky.com / 07813 282910 with any queries.

PADoK Running Technique – Friday morning 08.30 in Ness Hall

• Running Technique group was progressing on mat based exercises particularly focusing on the gluteus medius (in the area of the back pocket of the jeans) which helps with stability of the pelvis whilst running (and balancing on single legs) 
• We made this into a functional progression using the benches in the gym to work on our forwards and upwards technique and maintaining this momentum helps with running efficiency avoiding loss of energy while running. It's a well-used technique that I emulated from the physio working with the Manchester City Football team.

All welcome. 08:30-09:00 at the sports hall, please email julia@therunningspecialists.com if you are new to join. Happy Running! 

PADoK Walk

A smaller number of us met on Friday morning and we enjoyed our walk around Pitch Hill.  Next walk is on Friday 18^th November, 08.30, car park 3 Hurtwood Control, Pitch Hill.  Everyone welcome.

PADoK Book Club – A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle

We wanted to read an old fashioned Who Dunnit and set the challenge to all that join us to send your guesses to Mrs Newman (claire@bluetreerecruits.co.uk) about who you think the Murderer is as you read the book and there will be prizes for those who guess who the killer is!  Join us at 8pm on Thursday 24^th November by the roaring fire in the great hall with a glass of wine to chat about the book, which has been described to have 'A very clever plot and a final twist which will delight Agatha Christie fans. You'll love it.' 

Mrs Phillips

Senior School Optional Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have 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). 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.

        

Mrs Woolgar