What a joyous start to the Spring Term this week has been! Snow has graced us twice already, transforming the School grounds into a magical winter wonderland. Pupils eagerly made the most of the snow while it lasted, bringing joy and excitement to the start of the term. The School has been bustling with energy as teaching and learning resumed in full swing on Tuesday.
Year 11 pupils have spent the past few days diligently preparing for their Mock exams, which began today. We wish them the very best as they navigate the week ahead and demonstrate their hard work in these assessments.
This morning, the entire Senior School had the privilege of welcoming back former pupil Josh Bruyns, who shared his incredible journey to the Olympics. It was a pleasure to hear about his impressive achievements, and his assembly served as a powerful source of inspiration. His story reminded everyone of the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
This week also celebrated the dedication and perseverance of our pupils, with a huge number reaching the impressive milestone of earning 25 Merit points. Huge congratulations to the following:
Year 7
Heidi B, Charlotte C, Knysna G, Harrison H, James N, Halle S, Hubert S, Bea T-R, Ruby W, Ben W.
Year 8
Penny A, Leo B, Lola C, Elfie G, Ethan N, Norah H, Thibault J, Jay J, Lois M, Henry O’B, George R, Wolf R, Alessandro S, Jordan V, Ben W.
Year 9
Ben J, Myrtille M, George S, Tansy-Bela T.
Year 10
Alex B, Kit B, Jamie C, Arthur D-K, Declan E, Harry L, Benedict L, Monty L, Charlie L, Lucy P, Jack P, Henry R, Francesca R, Chester S, Hugo S, Tom S, Rhys W.
Year 11
Matt A, Phoebe A, Em F, Charlie H, Troy K, Alex K, Lucy M, Annabel O, Florrie P, Mattie R, Saoirse W.
A special mention goes to the following who have surpassed 100 Merit points and have receive their recognition badges:
Lockie B, Oliver D, Indie K, Sam L, Harry M-C, Milly B.
Even more impressive, are those listed below who have exceeded 200 Merit points and have been presented with their well deserved recognition badges: Holly B, Annie B, Alice B, Theo C, Rose S, Phoebe P.
Mr Wyllie
It has been a fabulous start to the new term with so much going on in and around the School with the added addition of snow which has been great fun. Year 11 began their Mock GCSE examinations today and they are to be congratulated on the manner in which they embarked upon this important part of their education. Right at the other end of the spectrum, Nursery children started their exploration of the Polar regions and will be learning about the Inuit people and Huskies this term. It is at times like this that I just love reflecting on the learning journey each of our pupils takes, from that early curiosity and excitement from our youngest to the critical thinking and problem solving displayed by our Senior School pupils. This learning journey prepares the children so well for the world ahead of them. Have a lovely weekend.
What an amazing Friday morning! We were incredibly lucky to welcome Josh Bruyns, ex-pupil, back to Duke of Kent School for a wonderfully inspirational assembly about his amazing journey to the Olympics as a Speed Climber! Josh gave a brilliant message to our pupils about showing great dedication to both his sport and his studies and embracing opportunities.
Snowballs and steam aren't usually closely associated, but they have been two of my highlights returning to School this week. It never ceases to amaze me how children can make snowballs from even the most meagre smatterings and flakes, and we even got to play with them in the glorious sunshine, Thursday lunchtime. I led STEAM club in Pre-prep this week, and wished I could have captured - in more than just a photograph - the awe and delight on the pupils' faces as our experiment unfolded before their disbelieving eyes. It genuinely felt like they were watching magic happen right in front of them. 
Conducting science experiments requires observation and patience, two skills we also talked about in Assembly this week within the context of how we can all be more aware of what goes on around us. After starting last term by encouraging the pupils to participate as fully as possible in School, this week I suggested a new focus - to be aware and considerate of others and our surroundings, in order to be a good friend and citizen. We were all inspired by the example of Louis Braille' helping the blind to read by honing their other senses, and becoming more aware of things from a different perspective. 
