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A Message from Mrs Knox
 What a wonderful final week of term! I know Christmas has arrived when I am sitting in the PA Hall watching the Pre-prep Nativity play. This year was no exception and, in that mix of joy and charm, was a little bit of quirkiness with the addition of Bake Off into the traditional story. The Carol Service was also a truly uplifting end to the year with the voices of the choirs filling the church. We have some wonderfully talented pupils here at Duke of Kent School! Today we acknowledged all our prize winners in our final assembly and also said farewell to Rob Hanvey, our Catering Manager, and Curtis Ford, our Head of Grounds. Congratulations to Kelly Gourlay who has been appointed as Head of Grounds and we look forward to welcoming a new catering manager in January. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and much joy and happiness in 2024. We look forward to seeing the pupils on Wednesday 3rd January.
Mrs Knox
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GCSE Computer Science trip to Bletchley Park
 Our visit to the National Museum of Computing was a captivating exploration into the evolution of technology and computing. The day began with engaging workshops that delved into various aspects of the digital world. The first workshop focused on networks, unravelling the intricate web that connects our devices and facilitates communication in the digital realm.
Next, we dived into the fascinating world of data representation, gaining insights into how information is encoded and processed by computers. The workshop provided a hands-on experience, allowing us to manipulate and understand the fundamental building blocks of digital data.
The highlight of the day was the AI workshop, where we entered into the realm of artificial intelligence. Participants had the opportunity to explore the principles behind machine learning and witness first-hand how algorithms are designed to mimic human intelligence. The workshop sparked discussions on the ethical implications and potential future developments in the field.
 Following the workshops, we embarked on a comprehensive tour of the museum. The exhibits showcased the evolution of computing devices, from the early mechanical calculators to more modern computers. We also had the opportunity to view the W.I.T.C.H machine, which is one of the world’s first computers. It was a journey through time, highlighting the milestones and breakthroughs that have shaped the digital landscape.
Overall, the trip provided a rich and immersive experience, blending hands-on workshops with a captivating tour of computing history. Pupils left with a deeper understanding of networks, data representation and artificial intelligence, as well as a profound appreciation for the technological advancements that have shaped our world.
Mr Boden
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Stretch and Challenge and Careers talk
On Monday morning pupils were treated to a fascinating presentation by Sarah Weeden, an accomplished chemical engineer, who generously shared her educational journey and professional experiences. Despite her current role heavily involving biology, Sarah revealed that it wasn't a subject she pursued in school. Instead, she delved into the realms of physics, chemistry and mathematics during her A-level studies.
Sarah's interest in chemistry acted as a catalyst, steering her towards the field of chemical engineering. Her passion centred around understanding how to transition laboratory-scale science into industrial applications. This passion led her to pursue a PhD, during which she conducted extensive research on bubbles, water treatment, and even contributed to the development of a carbonated drinks dispenser.
 Currently contributing her expertise to the water treatment industry, Sarah took the pupils on a journey through the intricate process of water treatment. From the sewage network to treatment and distribution, she provided a comprehensive overview. To make the concepts more tangible, Sarah conducted a demonstration using lemonade and raisins, illustrating how bubbles play a crucial role in water treatment.
The revelation that tap water typically passes through seven individuals before reaching our glasses left the pupils captivated. Sarah shed light on the local context, explaining how a significant portion of the water they drink is sourced from the River Wey and meticulously treated before making its way to their taps.
The discussion on sewage treatment sparked unexpected interest among the pupils, prompting a number of questions. Sarah addressed their enquiries, elaborating on the detrimental effects of wet wipes and fat deposits, emphasising the severe blockages they cause in sewage systems.
Towards the conclusion of her talk, Sarah explored the pressing issue of wastewater overflow systems, a topic making waves in the media. She provided a unique perspective on the challenges posed by urban concretisation, highlighting the strain on drainage systems. Sarah proposed innovative solutions, including the incorporation of planted borders and fresh water run-offs in construction projects to alleviate drainage system overload.
The pupils found Sarah's insights hugely inspiring, gaining a newfound appreciation for the complexities of water treatment. Despite the drizzly Monday morning, her engaging presentation left a lasting impact. A heartfelt thanks to Sarah for sharing her time and expertise.
The Stretch and Challenge and Careers talks will resume in the New Year, with Heather Ford, a quality manager in the construction industry, scheduled to visit on Monday 15th January.
Mr Wyllie
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Year 6 Battle of Hastings re-enactment
After extensive lessons with Madame Toussaint and Mr Hallet, Year 6 re-enacted a pivotal moment in English history, the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. With Alexander I playing the doomed Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, and Ruby W playing the victorious William, Duke of Normandy, battle commenced amidst a rain shower that no-one appeared to notice. William's clever tactics of pretending to retreat tempted too many soldiers of Harold's army to leave the comparative safety of their "shield wall" and so be eliminated by William's quick and deadly cavalry. An arrow in the eye finished off Harold and.....England became part of the Norman kingdom. Vive l'invasion!
Mr Lodge
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Pre-prep Nativity Show
A seat in the Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday afternoon was the hottest ticket in the Surrey Hills, as we welcomed our Pre-prep families to watch the Nativity. This year, it had a decidedly culinary flavour, the children performing the "Bethlehem Bake-off", complete with a handshake that brought gasps of admiration from angels and camels alike. For many, this was a very first opportunity to take to the stage, and for the Year 2s it marked their last Pre-prep Nativity, showing how only a few years of experience of such events has already begun to give them much greater confidence and stage presence. Most importantly, whether old hands or first timers, the children gave their all and were full of fun in their performances. Huge congratulations to all the children for charming and entertaining us in equal measure, and to the staff for supporting sing-songs, rehearsals, costume fittings and make-up throughout the half-term. Special thanks to Mr Rye and Lisa Lee for bringing it all together – it looks so effortless, but we absolutely know it is anything but!
To view the gallery of photos click here.
Mr Wright
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Prep School Christmas Fayre
 Like a hurricane, the Christmas Fayre arrives with fair warning, but never disappoints in its ability to leave nothing in its path untouched, bringing no little chaos to Old Hall every year! It's never a quiet affair – and never should it be! – but beneath the surface of noise and sweet-fuelled excitement, the children were doing their utmost to raise funds for Sarcoma UK.
The crafts that the Year 3s and 4s had made in Forest School and Endeavour were lovely, including origami Santa hat gift tags and wooden reindeer decorations, and quickly sold out to those lucky enough to get there early. The games the Year 5s and 6s had made looked superb, after spending the past five weeks imagining, designing, building and decorating them to be ready in time. Had stalls not run out of prizes, I think the pupils – and parents – would happily still be playing them.
 Despite being given a budget of £10 each, no team spent all the funds available, instead trying to recycle and upcycle materials as much as possible, and help maximise their chances of making a profit. Whilst our elves are continuing to calculate the precise totals, it looks likely that the Fayre raised over £450, and the children should all feel proud of their contributions.
Mr Wright
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Prep School Christmas Concert
For many of us Christmas really begins at School on the first Friday of December when, traditionally, the Prep School holds its annual Christmas Concert. Christmas spirit fills the PA Hall every year as the performers and the audience don their Christmas jumpers, reindeer antlers and Santa hats.
I am proud to report that this year the tradition was fiercely upheld! There was a wonderfully eclectic mix of performances from guitars to violins, vocals to drums, pianos to ukuleles. The Junior Chamber Choir and the Ukes of Kent were in fine voice and strummage, and a wonderful relaxed sense of fun pervaded the air as our wonderful Prep pupils once again rose to the occasion and dealt with nerves and last minute hitches with relaxed professionalism and a confidence that bodes well for the future. Even the parents outdid themselves with the hilarious and chaotic finale of the 12 Days of Christmas! All the children performed brilliantly and deserve big, Christmas-sized congratulations. A huge thank you is due as well to Mr Kaye, Mr Forrester and Mr Valaei for their work before and on the night.
Please click the link here to see the brilliant photos taken by Serena Shelton.
Mr Rye
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Carol Service
On Wednesday this week we held our traditional School Carol Service, at the always-welcoming St Nicolas Church in Cranleigh. A Christmas feeling was in the air as the congregation arrived, with Christmas lights, lanterns and candles adorning the church. Led by one of our parents, Claire Oxborough, who is part of the ministerial team at the church, it was a wonderful and entertaining evening of carols, prayers and readings.
I am proud to report our choirs were spectacular! Our young Year 2 singers sounded lovely with their version of “Onwards to Bethlehem Town”, the Junior Chamber Choir brought energy with their rendition of “Wish Upon a Christmas Time”, the Years 7 and 8 choir sang in beautiful harmony for their lovely version of the modern carol “The Little Road to Bethlehem” and the Years 9 to 11 choir hit all the right the notes in their four-part harmony choral version of “Shining Light” with beautiful cello accompaniment from Maggie B in Year 10.
Congratulations are due to Ariane L in Year 11 for her gorgeous solo verse in “Once in Royal David's City” and to Lola C in Year 7 for her heavenly solo in “Silent Night”. Our readers were also fab – Sienna de P in Year 2, Arthur S Year 6, Kai G and Josie B in Year 11 and the Year 6 House Captains Alexander I, Freddie G, Ben W and Hope N who led the prayers.
Special mention must also be made of Alfie C in Year 6 who stepped in with very short notice to sing a solo line in the Junior Chamber Choir piece as poor Evelyn was ill. Well done Alfie!
Many thanks to the amazing music staff who played and conducted on the night: Mr Forrester, Miss Barnes and Mr Kaye.
Please click the link here to see more brilliant photos taken by Serena Shelton.
Mr Rye
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ISA National Swimming Finals
 Congratulations to Amelie C who swam brilliantly in the ISA National Swimming Finals at the Olympic Pool in Stratford. Amelie won the Silver Medal in the Open Women's Para 50m Freestyle and made light work of the swim with a fabulous performance. She was determined to dive off the blocks and was able to keep her breathing and arm extension on point for the entire race. Well done Amelie!!!
Mr Herbert
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Make Some Noise Anti-Bullying Competition
Many pupils took part in the Make Some Noise Anti-Bullying Photography and GIF Design Competition this term. There were some great entries which really told a story and had a clear message. Congratulations to Ivy B for winning the Photography Competition and to Harvey R for winning the GIF Design Competition!
Mr Herbert
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Movember
A week has passed since Movember has finished and I for one am very happy to be rid of the moustache! We set out with a goal of raising awareness for men’s mental health and men’s cancers, as well as a little bit of money for charity. We did not anticipate what would happen next! Thanks to the support from the Duke of Kent School community, we have managed to raise an incredible £1,420!!! We are just blown away with your kind generosity and support for the Movember charity. Thank you so much to everyone who donated! Have a wonderful Christmas!
Mr Monk
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Surrey Wildlife Trust – Give your garden the Christmas tweetment!
With the arrival of colder winter weather, our garden birds need all the help they can get.
Attracting birds to your garden is easy: supplement naturally available food with bird food and watch them flock in! Remember to keep feeders and tables clean, so the birds stay healthy and disease-free, and position your feeders in a relatively open area away from predators – the birds will feel safer and visit more! Make sure food (and water!) is available at all times, as birds have different needs throughout the year.
If you don’t have your own outdoor space at home, why not aim for a more sustainable Christmas? Avoid throwaway plastic, go homemade, and keep wildlife in mind. It’ll add a sweet personal touch that’ll mean the world to someone this festive season!
Emma Rothwell, Surrey Wildlife Trust
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 A real highlight for Prep pupils this week was having the chance to watch the dress rehearsal of the Pre-prep Nativity, bringing back fond memories for many of them, recalling the roles they themselves once played. You can read more about the show elsewhere in the Bulletin, but suffice to say it was a triumph!
The Prep children also had the chance to take centre stage this week, putting on the Christmas Fayre with aplomb – another event that I've written about in a separate article, here.
On top of the usual end-of-term events, we also hosted several children from Belmont School at the start of the week, and I would like to commend our pupils for taking on their guiding roles with such warmth and responsibility. That same message, of showing compassion and understanding, was further reinforced at the Carol Service, especially in the prayer led by the House Captains, urging us all to show kindness to others at Christmas.
All of the staff in Prep and Pre-prep wish the pupils and their families a very merry and joyful Christmas.
Mr Wright
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Another hugely busy term draws to a close with much festive cheer, not least the excellent school Christmas lunch, film and treats afternoon and our termly prize-giving assembly (which was followed by a wonderfully joyful video and quiz put together by the Year 11s). Christmas jumpers have really come on since I was young and our annual Christmas jumper day was a colourful, humorous, happy and positive event. Secret Santa gifts have been exchanged and the highlight of the week for me has to be the Carol Service on Wednesday night, a fantastic event with a wonderful sentiment. For people of my era, hearing a mid-90s “Ash” indie song (Shining Light), reconfigured for a choir ensemble, was as surprising as it was tremendous. Mr Rye and the pupils really do an amazing job.
After a restructuring of our Leadership positions, we have this week appointed our four House Captains (Pippa, Bobby, Fleur and Alex) as Prefects. We have also, during Friday's prize-giving assembly, appointed a new Prefectship to a pupil who has excelled this term; voluntarily helping at Open Day, assisting with Pre-Prep, polite, respectful, full of effort and having a wonderful “have a go” attitude, Alex F possesses all this and more. Many congratulations to you.
I wish you all a restful and joyful Christmas break.
Mr Wilson
 
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Girls' House Hockey
On Tuesday afternoon, the Year 9, 10 and 11 girls played their final hockey matches of the term – it was time for House Hockey! After a warm up and some discussions about positions and tactics, the teams were ready to go! First up on Mr Wilsons' side of the pitch were Peregrine v Hawk. It was a good game with some cracking hockey on display but Peregrine were too strong for Hawk, who were missing some players. Meanwhile, Kestrel and Buzzard were involved in a thrilling match with Miss Vickers umpiring and enjoying watching how much all the girls have improved in their hockey after the term. Kestrel scored in the first half and managed to hold Buzzard out with some great saves made. Next match up was Peregrine v Buzzard, more exciting hockey with the score finishing 4-2 to Peregrine. Kestrel v Hawk was another very close game, 2-2 with five minutes to play and Kestrel managed to score to get the win 3-2.
The girls went for a very deserved snack break before coming back to the Wilsons' Pitch for their final game. This was the last game in the round robin competition and ended up being the final and 3rd/4th play-off due to earlier results! Hawk and Buzzard had goals galore on their pitch with both teams working tirelessly to earn 3rd place, Buzzard came out on top winning 5-2. Finally, Peregrine v Kestrel was a close game and almost finished 0-0 at half-time. However, Peregrine turned on their skills and suddenly managed to score two goals in the last minute of the half! Kestrel regrouped and showed some brilliant intent to score in the second half, but their one goal was not enough and Peregrine were crowned Year 9-11 girls hockey champions! A huge well done to all the girls for their wonderful efforts despite some fairly damp and cold conditions! Thank you to Mr Wilson and Miss Allsop for their help and encouragement throughout the afternoon!
Results:
1st – Peregrine
2nd – Kestrel
3rd – Buzzard
4th – Hawk
Miss Vickers
Tuesday 5th December
Without any fixtures on Tuesday, this allowed some of the boys to explore the local surroundings as we went for a run up Pitch Hill. The last group were treated to a dusk run, so we got the head torches on and were able to see local villages as the mist had cleared.
Mr Green
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What parents and carers need to know about age-inappropriate Ccontent
“Inappropriate” means different things to different people. What’s acceptable for one age group, for example, may be unsuitable for a slightly younger audience. Online, young people can stumble upon inappropriate content in various ways – from pop-up ads to TikTok videos. The increasingly young age at which children become active in the digital world heightens the risk of them innocently running into something that they find upsetting or frightening. Trusted adults need to be able to help children be aware of what to do if they’re exposed to age-inappropriate content.
In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as social media, gaming and adverts.
Click on the link to find out more information about "What parents and carers need to know about age-inappropriate content".
Mr Boden
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Excitement levels amongst pupils (and some staff!) are reaching fever pitch as we break for the Christmas holidays. Thoughts of Santa’s sleigh, carols, decorations, lights, lie-ins, food and presents are what many of the pupils have spoken of looking forward to most, as well as spending time with family.
 I am aware that for many, for various reasons, we are not always able to spend Christmas with those that we’d like and this time of year can be particularly hard. It is important to remember that not everybody is able to find joy at this time of year and be mindful that the experience will not be the same for everyone.
This week, the 4th-8th December is National Grief Awareness Week, and for those facing the Christmas period without a loved one, my thoughts are with you.
For those approaching their first Christmas without someone who has died, that day and other significant firsts like, birthdays, mother’s/father’s day and anniversaries can manifest a whole host of difficult emotions and grief feelings can resurface.
It is important to prepare for this and consider what is important to you at this time, whether that is to self-care with peace and simplicity, surround yourself with other people and keep busy or change the usual traditions and do something completely different to previous years. Don’t be afraid to make decisions and prioritise what you and those you care for, need most. It can be really helpful to maintain bonds by remembering or considering the person who has died by perhaps:
- buying yourself(ves) a gift they would have bought for you
- going on a trip they would have enjoyed
- visiting a significant place for you and that person
- making or buying a new decoration to display that can be in memory of them
- Adding a new festive tradition or continuing an old loved one
- Make time to share memories with each other
Cruse offer helpful advice to those facing Christmas after someone has died (click here), as well as tips on what to say and supporting those who have been bereaved (click here).
My wish is that everyone is able to enjoy the Christmas season in the way that is right for them and I look forward to seeing the pupils and yourselves in the New Year.
Mrs Douglas
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We've made it to the end of a busy autumn term, and pupils, staff and parents have all earnt a restful and Happy Christmas holiday!
As always, please can we ask parents to keep Mrs Sarjant updated with health/injury developments and any relevant news of pupils during the holidays, so that she can brief teaching staff at the INSET day on Tuesday 2nd January 2024. Please email csarjant@dokschool.org.
Please can parents of pupils attending the Senior Choir Trip (Years 9-11) to Yorkshire ensure they return completed medical forms to the front office for Mrs Sarjant's attention by the end of January 2024 if they haven't done this already – many forms still outstanding. Pupils in Year 9 attending the history trip to Belgium early in the Summer Term will have medical forms sent home in the New Year which will similarly need to be returned promptly please...more information to follow at the meeting for parents on 26th February.
Finally, for Year 9 parents, please be aware of a calendar date coming up in the Spring Term: Friday 1st March 2024 we will have the Immunisations Nurses visiting school to administer both the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio booster and the Meningitis A,C,W&Y immunisation to pupils in Year 9 with parental consent. This will mean x2 injections at the same clinic for those taking part. Information on how to give or withdraw consent for your child will come through in the New Year. In the meantime, if you'd like to read up about these vaccinations in order to make an informed decision, please use the following links:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/3-in-1-booster-questions-answers/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/men-acwy-vaccine/
Wishing you all a healthy and restful break. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The School Nurses
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PADoK
Dear Parents, thank you for supporting our PADoK events this term. My thanks must go to the whole PADoK team for all their hard work as class reps and for putting together events, running our many clubs and supporting the Duke of Kent School when required. All of which is much appreciated.
Happy Christmas to you all.
Mrs Phillips
The 100 Club Winners
1st Prize – Halle S – Year 6
2nd Prize – Charlie T – Year 11
3rd Prize – Oscar V – Year 9
Your prize fund will be credited to your Spring Term bill. Congratulations!
Christmas Hamper Raffle
Congratulations to all the winners of the Christmas hampers. We hope you enjoy them. Please note the cellophane can be recycled.
We are already in touch with the two local schools and Cranleigh Food Bank to arrange donations from PADoK. We will confirm in the New Year how much we donated once we have the approval from the PADoK committee. We are hoping it will be around £1,000. Thank you so much for your support.
Thank you to Mrs Williams for leading our hamper raffle team so efficiently.
PADoK Book Club
Over the Christmas holidays, we have been recommended to read “The Christmas Book Club” by Sarah Morgan, a heartwarming story of friendship, family and love. Alternatively, if you are looking for a traditional haunted Christmas tale, then “The Winter Spirits” is for you. Twelve short stories that take you from a haunted Tuscan villa to a remote Scottish island with a dark secret, these vibrant haunted stories are your ultimate companion for frosty nights.
Our PADoK Book Club choice for the Spring Term is “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin, an exhilarating novel about two friends – often in love, but never lovers, who come together as creative partners in the world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity and ultimately a kind of immortality. We look forward to catching up with you about the book when we meet up in the New Year.
Duke of Kent School Flyers – Wednesday 08.30-09.30, Ness Hall (Tara Coles and Lois Williams)
This week we saw the sixth session of the DOK School netball team. Another great session of netball! So much fun had and so good for the soul.
Join us every Wednesday. No experience necessary!
Duke of Kent School Singers – Thursday 08.20-09.00 (Cathy Williams)
A final festive get together for 2023 took place in the PA Hall with Mr Rye. There were a few festive and sparkly outfits to help us get into the Christmas spirit!
We stretched and sang a warm-up, "I like the flowers" before continuing work on our Coldplay piece, "Yellow". The three-part harmony is challenging, but we will get there! It was then Christmas song time and we all had a go at singing Mariah Carey’s infamous festive tune!!!
Well done everyone, thank you so much for coming along and making it such fun. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas.
Mrs Williams presented Mr Rye with a gift from us all to thank him for giving up his time to teach us to sing together. Thank you Mr Rye and Mrs Williams.
Any questions, please do contact Cathy Williams rhodricathy@sky.com/07813 282910 or please just come along!
A relaxed singing group run by our Director of Music, Mr Rye, who kindly gives up his time to teach us how to sing. It is always fun and uplifting rather than a pressured environment. Our focus is always on enjoying singing and getting the most out of our time together.
PADOK Core Control: strengthen your body, improve your health with our physio-led stability group. Friday mornings 08.30, Ness Hall
Join us next term. Ready for the next level of fitness? Our Core Control Class is taking things up a notch !
When: Fridays 08.30-09.00
Where: Ness Hall. (Sports hall)
All parents are welcome!
Simply message julia@therunningspecialists.com for details and to confirm your spot.
Let's strengthen our cores and build a healthier, more connected community together!
Click here for the WhatsApp group link.
PADoK Walk – Friday 8th December
We met for our final walk of the term. Please do join us next term, dates will be confirmed at the beginning of term. 08.30 at Car Park 3 Hurtwood Control (Pitch Hill). Everyone welcome.
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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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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.
  
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