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A Message from Mrs Knox

Huge congratulations to all of our pupils during exams week. They demonstrated great determination and strength of character and we are very proud of them. Our Year 11s are also to be commended on the way they are tackling their GCSE exams. As they are on study leave, our Year 10s have stepped up into leadership roles and we are looking forward to the process of interviewing and appointing student leaders for 26/27. Good luck to them all. I hope you enjoy a well-deserved half-term break which has come around very quickly. See you on the 1st June for a fabulous (and super busy) Summer Term programme of events and activities. Don’t forget to order your Hog Roast tickets for Parents’ Day here

Mrs Knox

Pre-prep Trip to Bocketts Farm 

There was definitely spring in the air and a spring to our steps when the Pre-Prep children visited Bocketts Farm Park this week. Many of the children have recently been exploring the theme of ‘New Life’ in class, so it was a wonderful opportunity to see lots of baby animals with their mothers.

Our day began with an animal-handling session, where the children met guinea pigs, rabbits and a wonderfully soft hen. We then enjoyed an exciting tractor ride around the farm to visit the animals in their fields, discovering that more than 500 lambs had been born at Bocketts this spring. The tractor ride was a real highlight, and along the way we also spotted a large bull, horses, deer and llamas.

The children went on to meet a variety of larger animals, including cows and calves, sows and piglets, and ewes with their lambs. Everyone had the chance to hand-feed the animals, which was a very popular activity and a memorable experience for all.

Later, we explored the cottage garden, where herbs are grown for the restaurant, and discovered a fascinating minibeast hotel. After all the fresh air and excitement, the children were more than ready for their packed lunches.

In the afternoon, we cheered enthusiastically during the pig race before making the most of the extensive play areas, including the treehouses and bouncy pillows.

The children behaved beautifully throughout the trip and returned to school tired but full of enthusiasm, new knowledge, and excitement about spring and new life.

Mrs Henry
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 La Fête du Pain Bake Off

What an amazing turnout for the very first edition of La Fête du Pain! It was wonderful to see pupils from Pre Prep all the way through to Senior School taking part in the competition. We had such an amazing variety from some Fougasse and Focaccia to some glorious cinnamon rolls!

The standard was incredibly high, making the judging extremely difficult — so much so that I had to call upon our Francophile Headteacher, Mrs Knox, to make the final decision!

Before announcing our winners, I would like to recognise a few standout creations for their creativity and presentation:

  • Jasmine W’s brioche, which was wonderfully sweet and moreish
  • Oscar C’s colourful Duke of Kent birds
  • Darcie S's brioche looked like it came straight out of the Boulangerie
  • Michael McP-B’s soda bread, which finally introduced me to this delicious speciality!

A huge merci beaucoup to all of our participants, as well as to the Kitchen staff for creating our truly époustouflante boulangerie display, which everyone enjoyed tasting.

And now, our winners…

Bread Category

Pre Prep & Prep:
Jessica and Owen G for their crunchy, airy sourdough

Senior School:
Herb M for his delicious challah bread

Pâtisserie Category

Henry A for his “cherry on top” buns

Ruby W and Elfie G for their stunning choux creations

Bravo à tous! We are already looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the DoK Boulangerie next May.

Madame Fellous
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Year 5 Weybridge Synagogue Visit 

Year 5 enjoyed a fascinating visit to the synagogue in Weybridge last Friday as part of their learning about Judaism in RS. During the visit, a member of the synagogue spoke to the children about the significance of different artefacts and demonstrated how they are used during worship. The pupils were particularly interested to see the Torah scrolls housed inside the Ark and spent time looking closely at the intricate details. The children asked thoughtful questions throughout the visit and gained a great deal from the experience.  

 

 

Mrs Tuite

Junior & Senior London South ISA Regional 

Prep

On Friday, 28 Prep School pupils travelled to the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex to compete in the ISA Regional Athletics Competition, representing London South.

Competing against strong opposition, all pupils performed exceptionally well, with standout performances from Henry P, Reggie G and Violet W, who all achieved bronze medals in the sprint events, alongside the Year 6 girls’ relay team who also secured bronze.

A special congratulations goes to Archie H, who achieved gold in the howler throw and has now qualified to represent London South at the National Finals.

Well done to all pupils involved, who represented the school superbly throughout the day, showing great determination, enthusiasm and an excellent attitude.

Senior

Well done to the 37 senior pupils who travelled to Bromley to compete in the ISA Senior Regional Athletics Trials. It was a fierce competition, with athletes from 15 different schools taking part, and the standard throughout the day was extremely high.

All of our pupils performed brilliantly, showing excellent determination, resilience and teamwork in every event. They represented the school superbly and gave their all throughout the competition.

There were some fantastic individual performances, including Seren G winning silver in the javelin and Evelyn C achieving silver in the high jump. A particular well done goes to Bea T-R, who finished 2nd in the 800 metres, and to Amelie C, who has qualified for the National Finals in June where they will represent London South.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a fantastic day of athletics.

Mr Green

It's been an unusual week for Prep pupils this week, with many experiencing exams for the first time. They seem to have approached it all remarkably well, gaining invaluable experience of what is required in preparation for their journey up through the School. We will certainly be reminding them after half term that their results are only part of the story, and teachers will be using the papers to help them further consolidate their learning. Lessons have continued around the exam slots, and we've made them as interactive as possible to counteract extended sitting time: Year 5 did a 2D/3D shape scavenger hunt in Maths; Year 6 have been wandering the Eightfold Path and meditating in their studies of Buddhism; Year 3 practised tying knots in Forest School in order to secure three sticks in a standing tripod - no mean feat! - and Gardening Club enjoyed planting out the 'morning glory' plants that had grown from seed. Pupils also harvested lettuce, which everyone has enjoyed at lunchtime!

In Pre-prep, Early Years have been exploring the life of bees - Nursery made a hive, flowers and 3D bees and Reception made honey crispies, as well as releasing their butterflies! Lastly, Pre-prep gave Mrs Henry a terrific Birthday treat this week and took her to Bocketts Farm on Wednesday; Prep School need to up their game - Mrs Green only got a lunchtime song on Monday! Have a fantastic half term break.

Values Certificates: Mila-Rose S and Aoife F for Effort; Charlie Sw for Kindness

French Certificates: 3N Aoife F; 4R Harry S; 5G Jasper B; 5T Daniel L; 6N Logan N

Stars of the Week

Nursery:
Hector for careful and imaginative work in class and for excellent manners.  Well done.

Reception: 
George R-K for progress in reading; you are using greater expression for the characters and for sharing your knowledge on our farm trip.
Insie S for overcoming her worries to feed the animals at the farm; you did it Indie!

Year 1: 
Oscar P for your growing independence and resilience. I have loved seeing your attitude become more positive and seeing you give things a go. Well done Oscar!
Angus T for your understanding of working out halves of whole numbers. Great work Angus! 

Year 2: 
Zara S for being a wonderful role model within the department and on our trip to Bocketts Farm.
Beaux P for your beautiful presentation of your Samuel Pepys diary. 

Mr Wright

As we reach the end of the first half of term, pupils have spent much of this week completing their exams. Although it has been a demanding and fast-paced few days, the experience has been an important one in helping pupils prepare for the expectations of future GCSE examinations. Alongside developing revision and exam strategies, they have also shown considerable perseverance and focus throughout the week. After such a busy period, I am sure everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to relax and recharge over half term before returning for the final weeks of the academic year.

The second half of term promises to be an incredibly busy and enjoyable one, with a wide range of activities and events still to come. Pupils can look forward to the Year 10 Army leadership workshop, the Year 7 and 8 Residential trip, the Year 8 and 9 production, House Drama, the Year 9 Bronze DofE practice expedition, Community Week, Sports Day, the Year 11 trip to Barcelona, the Year 10 Dorset residential, and the Year 11 leavers’ concert and dinner.

With so many events taking place over the coming weeks, I would encourage families to regularly check the school calendar to keep up to date. The remainder of the term is always one of the busiest and most enjoyable parts of the year, and it will not be long before we arrive at Parents’ Day, a wonderful occasion to reflect on and celebrate all that pupils have achieved this year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise those pupils who have continued to demonstrate consistent effort and commitment in earning merits, with the following pupils recently reaching another 25 merit point milestone:

Ben B, Archie B, Max M, Hubert S, Ben W, Ethan G, Harry M-C, Lewis S, George S, Erin C, 

Ben J, Harvey R, George S, Esme W.

In addition, special congratulations go to Freddie A-F, Henry S, Harrison H and James N, who have achieved their merit badges in recognition of the number of merits achieved. 

Mr Wyllie

What Parents & Educators need to know about Online Slang

Online slang can be a vibrant way for young people to express themselves, but it also changes rapidly and can sometimes carry hidden meanings. This guide helps adults navigate this shifting landscape by breaking down what some of today’s most-used slang terms actually mean and why they matter. From ‘rizz’ to ‘sigma’, it’s a handy starting point for anyone wanting to better understand how young people communicate online. 

Here is a guide offering parents and educators information about online slang and the risks involved – from generational misunderstandings to being used as a veil for harmful content or behaviour. Importantly, it offers advice on encouraging open conversations and critical thinking about language. With slang constantly evolving, this guide encourages adults to stay curious, connected and supportive.

Click the link to learn more about "Online Slang". 

Mr Monk

House Drama

We are delighted to announce that Tony Nominated actress Hannah Yelland will be judging our House Drama competition this year. 

Hannah was nominated for Best Leading Actress from the Broadway production of 'Brief Encounter' and has worked extensively in the West End, on Broadway and all over Europe as a stage and T.V. actress.

Pupils who are entering don't forget: 

  • The closing date for submission of your audition/ recording is - Thursday 4th June
  • Finalists announced - Friday 5th June 
  • The Final - Tuesday 9th June

 

ISA Band competition

Good luck to school band The Jukes (Herb M, George S and Sonny C from Year 7) who have entered the ISA Band Competition. The boys recorded a couple of videos of the songs 'Somebody Told Me' by The Killers and 'No-one Knows' by Queens of the Stone Age for their entry. The videos can be seen here.

https://youtu.be/ypRcvKI6OTA?si=fRtWg_nbiLuOv67n

https://youtu.be/603K6Ptj-1I?si=H4kyvpXpMMEeNpJO

 

Mr Rye

Pupils should be commended on reaching the end of what can be an exhausting and challenging week of exams. Facing challenges and difficulties is what gives us the opportunity to build resilience. Rather than shying away from experiences that push us outside of our comfort zone and challenge our notions of things that feel safe or easy, leaning into challenge can show us that we are far more capable than we perhaps gave ourselves credit for.

 It proves we are capable of doing hard things. Learning comes from struggle and so our reward is not necessarily in the grade but the achievement of having done the thing that felt hard.

That being said, I’m sure many pupils will still be worrying about the final mark they may receive but it is helpful to leave this aside and enjoy the moment of completion (this will be a slightly longer wait for our GCSE pupils). Instead the opportunity to rest and restore in the coming week off is not to be underestimated or wasted in self doubt.

Three tips for enduring the wait:

  • Practice Grounding: If anxiety spikes, use the "3-3-3 rule." Identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three physical objects you can touch to help bring you back to the present moment.

  • Keep Distracted: Stay busy with hobbies, social plans, or exercise to stop yourself from dwelling on the upcoming results.

  • Avoid Comparison: Try to distance yourself from social media groups where people are constantly discussing their expectations or grades.

I wish everyone a restful, restorative and hopefully fun half term break.

Mrs Douglas

Its inevitably been a very busy week in the medical room with exam stress, illness and minor injuries as well as regular medications.  A gentle reminder to pupils to please try to visit the medical room during break times (not at lesson change over or during lessons).  There inevitably may be a queue to see the Nurse.  Please wait quietly and patiently outside the medical room - you will be seen as soon as possible.  Thank you!

Well done to all our Prep and Senior pupils for completing a week of exams (and to Year 11; two and a half weeks to go after the break!).  Time now to enjoy some rest and recovery during a lovely sunny half term break.  Don't forget to apply your sun protection!

Very busy times ahead at school after half term, with trips aplenty.  Please can parents keep Chloe Sarjant updated with any health/injury developments during the half term break; most especially if this impacts involvement in activities on day trips, sports fixtures or residential trips.  Email csarjant@dokschool.org.

Please can all residential trip medications (Years 3, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11) be delivered to school by a week prior to departure where possible (unless medications/inhalers are needed at home until the day the trip departs).  A reminder that we also ask parents to administer hay fever and travel nausea medication at home before school for any day or residential trips departing school before lunch.  Thank you for your help.

Enjoy the break - see you on the other side!

The School Nurses

PADoK News

PADoK AGM – Tuesday 23rd June – 08.30 – 10am

We will be holding our AGM next half term.  As always, we welcome Richard Brocksom, Chair of Governors, who will be coming to talk with us about plans for the school.  Everyone is welcome to attend, we just ask you to tell your class rep so we know what numbers to expect for refreshment and seating purposes.

Summer Ball – Friday 12th June – Ticket Sales close on 28th May.

Why: We’re marking 50 years of Duke of Kent School with a spectacular Summer Ball!

Where: Join us at Denbies Vineyard for a night filled with great food, live music, and plenty of celebration.

Tickets: £35.  Your ticket includes:

  • Welcome drink
  • Entertainment
  • Wonderful food – two course buffet - no formal table plan
  • Live music from Mr Rye’s band

Book your tickets at padok@dokschool.org with your child’s name and year group. 

PADoK Second Hand Uniform Shop

Wednesday 10th June from 3 – 4pm

Please note that we do sell school shoes, trainers, football boots and astroturf trainers, which are boxed in sizes.

If you would like to donate your outgrown uniform then please leave it in the box outside the shop.  Please ensure your child’s name is on the piece as if sold you will then receive 50% of the sale price.

PADoK Clubs:

Duke of Kent School Flyers – Netball training 

A link to the WhatsApp group should have been sent out by your Class Rep.  Please join if you are interested in starting to play netball, we are looking for new players so please do come along.  The WhatsApp group will publish when and where they are training as it varies.  Come along for lots of laughter, exercise & fun.  Everyone welcome!   Contact Tara at padok@dokschool.org.

Duke of Kent School Singers

Tuesday 2nd June 08.20 – 09.00.

🎤 Come sing with us! The Duke of Kent Singers are looking for new voices, male & female. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just curious, you’ll fit right in. ✨ Friendly group ✨ No pressure ✨ Tuesday mornings with Mr Rye & Cathy Come along, have fun, and make music with us.

Please do come along, it is a very relaxed and welcoming choir.

📅 When: Every Tuesday from 08:20 to 09.00

📍 Where: Meetings Room off Old Hall.  Contact Cathy Williams -padok@dokschool.org

Important Note: please always park at the bottom of the site and walk up to Old Hall.

PADoK Book Club – 10th June 8pm Old Hall

Please join us to discuss the latest book, The Names by Florence Knapp.  There will be light refreshments, chats about what we liked and didn’t like about the book and we will also choose our summer read.  Please join us if you would like to be part of our relaxed book club, you are most welcome.

Here is a summary of the story:

It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him - but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives.

Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image - but is there still a chance to break the mould?

Powerfully moving and full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.

A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT, IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY, COSMOPOLITAN AND MANY MORE | A READ WITH JENNA AND HAPPY PLACE BOOKCLUB PICK

Senior School Optional Hoodie

The Senior School hoodies have been redesigned by members of the School Council and the finished product can be seen below. 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 and have a look.

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