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A Message from Mrs Knox
School has been a hive of activity this week which you can read in this packed issue of the bulletin. It has been fabulous watching the pupils simply shining in and out of the classroom and, as one parent commented: “what an adventure our son is having with you”. School is indeed a place of discovery and adventure. Children are discovering what they are good at and where they need to improve. They are watching others and giving things a go. Sometimes, they make unwise choices but learn from them. They are finding their spark. All this in a safe and supportive school environment. Watching our student council and charity committees host our assembly this morning was simply joyful as these young people talked about their school and supporting communities. Well done to all pupils on a fabulous week where you certainly shone brightly. I applaud all of our teachers and staff as well on another incredible week of learning and adventure. Best of luck to our cross country team who are competing in the ISA National Cross Country finals tomorrow. Have a lovely, sunny weekend.
Mrs Knox
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Reminders for next week
Monday 21st March - Comic Relief Cake Sale. Bring 50p
Wednesday 23rd March - Mothers' Day parties for Years 1 and 2, 2:30pm
Thurs 24th March - Mothers' Day parties for Nursery and Reception, 2:30pm
Friday 25th March - Senior Choir trip to Liverpool departs
Pre-prep Easter Bonnet parade @ 10:30
End of Term - End of term departures:
Pre-prep: 12.00
Prep: 12.15
Seniors: 12.30
Buses depart: 12.00 & 1.00
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Hosting Ukrainian Families
We are hoping to host a Ukrainian refugee family and have recently registered our interest with Gov.UK. A friend of the family is currently in Krakow and is working with a Polish charity to provide homes for refugees there. We have been told that next week they will have details of a group of refugees seeking sanctuary here in the UK but this is obviously very early in the process. If anyone has any connections that may help assist in this endeavour please do let us know. Thank you very much. Caroline, Graham and Lucy M. csmlxm@outlook.com.
Mrs More
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Six Degrees of Separation
After much anticipation it was finally time for the Prep School Production of "Six Degrees of Separation" a Mr Macdonald special. After many months of rehearsal at last it was time for the cast to showcase their talents.
The curtain came up, the spotlights shone and the sound of music and singing filled the air. The audience laughed, clapped rapturously and even sang along, encouraging the cast with their enthusiasm.
The evening was filled with well-timed jokes, beautifully delivered lines, lively dancing and joyful singing.
What a spectacular success! It was absolutely lovely to see the children relishing performing. Well done to the whole cast who have dedicated so much time to learning lines, songs and dance routines and immersing themselves in their characters. They were a joy to work with, full of energy and so happy to finally have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
Thank you to everyone who was involved.
Mrs Lock
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UKMT Success
Well done to all the pupils in Years 9 and 10 who achieved certificates in the recent UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. This year we received 2 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze certificates. Particular congratulations to Josh N, Sam S, Ozzie H, Pippa S and Charlie G who qualified for the follow on Kangaroo round.
Mrs Coackley
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SATRO FInals
Our Year 11 team consisting of Freddie B, Casper C, Zoe L, Charlie C, Iris R and Will W performed exceptionally well in the final of the SATRO problem solving challenge. Their task was to design and build a device that would transport marbles down a gentle slope. They were not allowed to use wheels, axils or rollers. The device also had to carry a warning light that they had to wire up. To make the device run they had a 1.5V battery, wires and motor. Whilst we missed out on top spot our students were complimented on their wiring diagrams, design page and teamwork. Another great result for the Design Technology pupils at the Duke of Kent school.
Mr Usher
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Astronaut Day for Year 1 and Reception
On Tuesday Reception and Year 1 had their Astronaut Day. The children all came to School dressed up in their Astronaut costumes ready for the day’s adventures.
We started by looking at each other’s costumes, then we did our first activity. A STEM activity, where the children had to design a space rocket, then use construction toys to create their rocket as a model. They concentrated amazingly well during this and some of their rockets were truly amazing.
Later on we followed step-by-step instructions to draw our own aliens and we coloured them in carefully, George F really enjoyed this. We then ate ‘Space food’ specifically strawberries and vanilla ice cream, this Was Charlie S and Willow B's favourite part.
After lunch we went to the Old Hall, where the Governors judged the children’s outfits and awarded certificates. Well done to Finn H, Florence H and Sienna DPL! Jack M’s favourite part of the day was meeting the Governors.
Finally, we thought of interesting questions and used YouTube to get the astronauts to answer them. Our questions included: How do you brush your teeth in space? How do you wash your hair in space? How do you sleep in space? How do you make a sandwich in Space? and How do you go to the toilet in space? The children were fascinated to learn how these daily tasks were carried out in Space and particularly enjoyed watching how zero gravity effects how they live on the International Space Station.
Miss Walpole
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Coding Competition
Duke of Kent School invited Wonersh and Shamley Green and RGS Prep School to take part in a coding competition for Years 5 and 6 pupils. This was part of the community links program that Duke of Kent School are running but it was also a chance for Stretch and Challenge pupils to take part in. The objective of the session was to work in teams to develop a computer game and then download it onto a handheld console. Following this, the judges then marked their games against a set criteria.
It was great to see teams from different schools collaborating together and giving each other tips. The event was enjoyed by all and there were some very challenging games developed, however coding was the winner in the end! A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped organise the event.
If your son/daughter is interested in coding then why not get them to visit this website to become a creator of computer games and not just a consumer: https://arcade.makecode.com/
Mr Boden
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A busy week has finished with a wonderful assembly from the Charities Committee to kick-start our Comic Relief celebrations this year. As well as making us aware of the history of the event they outlined why money was being raised and introduced the upcoming cake sale (on Monday) and face painting event at lunchtime. This afternoon (Friday) we are also looking forward to seeing the Year 7 charity stalls, something I know they have been working hard on within their English lessons.
Thursday night saw a wonderful ensembles concert hosted by Mr Rye whilst Wednesday saw the Key Stage Four team making their way to the SATRO finals, having won their heat earlier this month, and doing themselves and the school proud with their excellent attitude and application. On Monday the Art Department also took a number of pupils to the Sculpture Park in Farnham as part of their Stretch and Challenge programme, hopefully serving as inspiration for future endeavours, with a vast array of styles and materials on show.
Effort commendations this week have been awarded to Aoife W, Zoe L, Sophie S, Hannah A and Isla Burke for their ongoing application in Geography and to Freddie N and Oscar H for offering to teach the topic of Space to the class in an informative and detailed way. Luca H received a commendation for demonstrating positive leadership skills as the U14 Rugby Captain and Iona H also received a commendation for her consistently outstanding effort and achievement in French. Lastly, William B received a kindness commendation for giving up his seat on the bus home, after realising another pupil who was unwell wished to change to the earlier bus. A wonderful gesture reflecting his considerate attitude. Well done to you all.
Mr Wilson
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Every year, on the 14th March (14.3, or if you use the US date system, 3.14), the Mathematics world celebrates Pi Day. Here at Duke of Kent School, we marked the event in Wednesday's assembly, learning about circles and the history of Pi - all with the help of 'The Cat in a Hat'! Once the pupils had learnt the basics, they set off in mixed age groups to solve mathematical riddles and clues to earn points in the hope of winning the plethora of wonderful prizes supplied by PADoK. The pupils participated fantastically well in their teams and worked both mathematically and creatively in equal measure, ensuring the morning was a huge success. Some children even have a t-shirt to prove it!
On Friday, we welcomed back Comic Relief, and were very grateful to the Prep School Charity Committee for their informative and amusing assembly. Pupils' variety of red accessories brought a lovely splash of colour to classrooms and corridors, and the face painting by some of the Senior Art Scholars was exceptional - not to mention hugely popular! With Monday's cake sale still to come, we hope to have raised lots for our partner charities. If you and your child/ren wish to bake something over the weekend, please remember to clearly name any cake boxes or tins that are sent in, and deliver them to the Meetings Room in Old Hall, first thing Monday morning. Thank you, in advance!
Lastly, although it's been covered elsewhere in this Bulletin, I can't possibly sign off without mentioning the wonderful Prep Production. If ever proof were needed that the 'show must go on', our staff, cast and backstage crew delivered it in spades this week, overcoming the inevitable disruption of recent absences with admirable resilience and resourcefulness. The pupils are deserving of huge praise for their effort and enthusiasm in delivering two brilliantly joyful performances. My last congratulatory words, however, must go to Mrs Lock, Mrs Gritton and Mrs Nicholson who have gone above and beyond to get the children prepared with rehearsals, costumes, line-learning and so much more; thank you, and well done, ladies!
Values Certificates
Responsibility - Poppy F
Stars of the Week
Nursery: Eliza H for careful mark making, imaginative artwork and a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
Reception: Maddie C for fabulous neatness in handwriting and following instructions so well when drawing an alien!
Year 1: Ottilie H for contributing more to class discussions and for her lovely rhyming work in English.
Willow B for her positive approach to her work, her kindness to others and her work on time.
Year 2: Elizabeth S for planning, editing and polishing an incredible rhyming poem. You worked so hard and should be very proud!
Mrs Green
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Ensembles Concert
On Thursday evening we held our Spring Ensembles Concert in the PA Hall. It was a wonderful opportunity for the many groups that have been formed in the school to showcase their hard work and talent. With a broad range of styles on display from folk duets to hard rock bands it was a real celebration of the varied and eclectic mix of music that the pupils create on a daily basis. From Years 7 to 11 the peer support in the hall was lovely to witness and it was a genuinely uplifting and entertaining evening. The pupils are to be congratulated on their independent practice and work in advance of the concert - each band had very little teacher involvement apart from moral support!
Also making a guest appearance was Miss Francis' ballet group who danced a lovely Polka to add a touch of class to the evening!
Mr Rye
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This week I have been reflecting on the power of words, with Year 4. They were able to consider how words stay with us even when we can longer see or hear them. As well as experiencing how words can transform the way that people feel - kind and appreciative words can make people feel happy, liked, proud or important, for example. Conversely, negative words can make people feel rejected, sad, embarrassed or hurt for example. I encourage pupils to be Positivity Champions, harnessing their words as gifts rather than using them as weapons.
It is always important to consider the impact of our words on others. This is not to say we should be disingenuous but rather, consider whether we may do harm by uttering everything we think. We are not always aware of what others are carrying and therefore kind words are the most appropriate, regardless of someone’s emotional state.
Psychological research has shown that negative words release stress and anxiety inducing hormones in research subjects and therefore really do have ‘power’. The importance of this can also be reflected back on ourselves as the study also looked at the words or thoughts we use about ourselves.
Results suggest ‘negative self-talk plays a role in the generation or maintenance of anxiety in normal children.’ “Do Words Hurt?”, Maria Richter
At a time when anxiety levels in children and young people are vastly increased, the importance of positivity and kindness when addressing others and ourselves is hugely important.
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." -Mother Teresa
Mrs Douglas
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Netball: U16 v. Farlington
Our U16 girls made their way over to Farlington for a rematch following our win last term. Both teams were determined to get the win this time or, in our case, for a second time. The girls came out strong and were able to take a high lead in the first quarter however Farlington did work hard to close the gap in the second half.
All the girls were working so hard to turn over the ball and did with great success, especially, Kora W. Bea H, Issy B, Celine C and Zoe L. The centre court was fantastic with Aoife W, Amelie W-B and Izzy B working brilliantly together bringing the ball down to the circle with the assistance of Bea H in the goal third. The girls won with a fantastic but close score of 24-20.
Well done girls! I cannot express how proud I have been of you all this year and I'm sad that this was our final match of the Netball Season and of your time at Duke of Kent School. Your progression as a team and individually has been fantastic and I will miss you all on the court next year! Well done team!
Mrs Woolgar
Netball: U15 v. Farlington
On Tuesday afternoon, the U15 girls made the short trip to Farlington to play their last netball match of the term! The girls were excited for the match and gave it everything from the first moment. Maddie I and Audrey W were on fire with their shooting from the first minute of the game. This gave the team a great lead going into the second quarter and allowed the girls to try out a variety of passes into the circle and mix up their centre court play. Farlington came back into the game in the last two quarters but the U15 girls held out for a brilliant win. Well done to all the girls involved for a cracking game and also a very successful season!
Miss Vickers
Netball: U14 A and B v. Christ's Hospital
On Tuesday afternoon, a depleted U14 A and B teams travelled to Christ’s Hospital. The A team only had 6 players so for each quarter of the game, a different girl from the opposition very kindly came to play for us and the girls welcomed them in, grateful to have a full team! The girls started both games trying to do high passes over the opposition’s heads, however this didn’t work too well as they were very tall! Once the girls realised this and started to use different leads and passes, both Duke of Kent School teams were able to create more chances with Ariane L scoring from quite a distance! In the A team game there was only one goal in it at half time! Although the girls started to tire they did not stop working hard until the very end with joint Girls on the Game Frankie M and Ava W doing so much running! The B team had no subs either but they were able to grow as the game went on, well done to Pippa S for being Girl of the Game for her great defending.
Miss Martin and Mrs Lwambo
Netball: U12 v. Box Hill School
On Wednesday the girls travelled to Box Hill for a netball match. Box Hill came out strong and took an early 4-0 lead. We had a team talk and discussed how to better position ourselves on court, when to pass and change a few players. The girls certainly went out with a new strategy and this showed in the performance. For the next two quarter Box Hill only scored a further two goals and Florrie P scored a hat-trick of goals in the third quarter! The girls worked tirelessly to keep this momentum up and the final score was 7-3 to Box Hill. I was so proud of all the girls, they worked brilliantly as a team and did so well to keep Box Hill at bay after the first quarter. Special mention to Tabbie S-B and Matilda R for their fantastic team work and to Mrs Vermeulen for joining us to cheer the girls on with baby Casper.
Mrs Woolgar
A day of football for Years 5 and 6 girls!
On Wednesday, the Year 5 & 6 girls had a football mad day! It started with the Girls' Football Festival on the Wilsons Pitch. Duke of Kent School invited Surrey Hills and Park Mead to enjoy a morning of football practice focusing on dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Then, we mixed up the girls from each of the schools and played a fun football tournament with team names including Panthers, Tigers, Leopards and more! It was a great opportunity for local primary schools to enjoy our facilities and for the girls to get to know each other. In the afternoon, the Year 5 & 6 girls travelled to Ripley Court for more football! Despite some incredibly wet conditions, the girls gave their full effort and had a great time. Well done to everyone involved for an epic day of football!
Miss Vickers
U8/9 Football Tournament @ Belmont
On Thursday afternoon, all the girls in Years 3 and 4 travelled to Belmont for the annual U9 girls' football tournament. The sun was shinning and the teams were raring to go! Miss Vickers took Team Red and Miss Martin took Team Blue. Both teams got off to a great start with multiple wins and draws in their group matches with goals coming from Halle S and Eliza R! At the other end of the pitch, we also had some brilliant goal keeping displays from Eva W and Bea T-R! After playing 4 matches each, Team Red finished 3rd and Team Blue finished 2nd in their respective groups! It was a fantastic afternoon in beautiful sunshine topped off with Team Red winning a special award for showing great team spirit and effort throughout every match! Brilliant work girls, we look forward to next week's football tournament at Longacre - what an end to the Spring Term!!
Miss Vickers
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What Parents Need to Know about Yubo
Yubo is a social networking platform where users can chat and livestream with up to 10 friends at once. People can connect with others based on location, with a Tinder-style ‘swiping’ mechanism to accept or reject someone based on their profile pictures. The app has approximately 50 million users worldwide – but despite its popularity, Yubo has not been free from controversy. While the app claims to monitor inappropriate content, a newspaper investigation in early 2022 found young users being exposed to sexual harassment, racism, bullying and conversations with adult themes.
In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content and flimsy age gates.
Click on the link to help you find out more about "What Parents Need to Know about Yubo".
Mr Boden
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For latest up to date school Covid 19 news, please go to our Covid mini-site:
https://www.dukeofkentschool.org.uk/page/?title=COVID%2D19&pid=147
Some reminders from Mrs Sarjant:
1) Please can I have all pupil medications for the Liverpool trip delivered to me by Monday 21st March
2) Please can I have all Medical Forms for the Year 10 Geography trip to Swanage handed in by Friday 25th March.
3) Please can all Year 9 parents complete the E Consent forms for the DTP and MenACWY immunisations to be offered at school on Thursday 23rd June (see email 1st March).
4) Please can all pupils bring a named water bottle to school every day!
Thank you, enjoy a lovely sunny spring weekend!
The School Nurses
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PADoK News
We were thrilled to see 11 teams in school for the return of the PADoK Quiz. Teams brought their own sustenance and there were some delicious looking spreads around the room with the buzz of brains ticking throughout the evening. Thanks to our fabulous MC, Mr Seeley who was a magnificent compere. It was a close fought competition, well done to the winning team - 'The Magnificent (Y)7' who won by a single point with a score of 84.5. Thanks also for donations in our Charity Heads & Tails Game which raised £222.50 for the School Charity Committee Red Nose Day Appeal.
Mrs Lodge
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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
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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
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Well done to pupils in Years 9 and 10 who achieved certificates in the @UKMathsTrust Intermediate Challenge. Pupils received 2 Gold, 8 Silver and 10 Bronze certificates. Well done to Josh N, Sam S, Ozzie H, Pippa S and Charlie G who qualified for the follow on Kangaroo round. https://t.co/NpyFMH4Z6n 3 hours ago Follow Past @DoKSchool pupil, Tom Cannon (1998-2004) who has been racing as a professional jockey for 10 years competed in the The Arkle over 2m at @CheltenhamRaces this week on his horse, Edwardstone and won! They remain unbeaten this year! #Alumni Photo credit: Steven Cargill https://t.co/M04wFHU6XB 17 hours ago Follow |
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