The School menu next week

Fundamental British values assembly

Monday’s assembly emphasised fundamental British values, namely democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, individual freedoms and the rule of law.

The story chosen to demonstrate these values was Shackleton's famous Antarctic expedition of 1914-16. Their original aim had been to cross Antarctica overland via the South Pole but this had to change after the ship, the Endurance, became trapped by pack-ice and sank. Their aim then changed to survival and getting home. All 28 crew achieved this amidst outrageous difficulties.

As an example, one group of six navigated a small boat 800 miles to landfall before crossing the uncharted interior of South Georgia to reach safety. We recreated this in the PA Hall. Kai G starred as Shackleton, Johnny M as the brilliant (and soaking wet) navigator, Worsley, and Max S as the stowaway, Blackborrow, who endured the amputation of his toes due to frostbite! Allied to my added British values of stoicism and humour all were encouraged to demonstrate these values in their lives.

In the spirit of adventure, six students were also awarded their D of E badges for, respectively, the Silver Award (Ariane L, Annabelle R, Will R) and the Bronze Award (Troy K, Florrie P, Charlie H), and awarded Commendations as a result.

Mr Lodge

Year 5 trip to Sayers Croft

Mrs Rigby and Mr Gritton

Piano recital by Angelina Udovychenko

On Thursday afternoon we were delighted to welcome Ukrainian pianist Angelina Udovychenko to School for an afternoon recital. Angelina left Ukraine two years ago and has been living in the UK since then, first in Shere and now in Wimbledon, working as a professional concert pianist and piano and flute teacher. The recital was Angelina's way of saying thank you to our School community for our donation of two minibuses to one of the Ukrainian Charitable foundations.

The afternoon was a truly gorgeous event. Four of our pupils opened the recital; Lucy M playing some Einaudi, Daisy R some Beethoven, Edie H some Takasha and Johnny on his tenor sax with some lovely Irving Berlin. Angelina then entertained us beautifully for just under an hour with a varied program of Chopin, Debussy, Schubert, Ukrainian composers Lysenko and Kymlik and two of her own compositions – beautiful pieces both lyrical and romantic in their flavour. She ended the afternoon with her own arrangement of the Ukrainian National Anthem.

The afternoon was a chance to forget the chatter and clutter of daily life and just be in the moment, enjoying an emotional and heartfelt performance by a wonderful musician.

Please click on this link to see the program Angelina played.

Mr Rye

History brought to life

Dom K brought in his late Great Great AND Great Grandfathers' medals, pictures, notes and even a passport to share with Mr Lodge and the remainder of his Year 9 History class. This wealth of information covered their respective military histories from both World Wars. As examples, James William Goor, born in 1892, fought with a famous Scottish infantry regiment, the Seaforth Highlanders, while Alfred Kilburn served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers, also in WW1. We will be visiting some of their wartime locations when Year 9 tour the WW1 battlefields of Belgium and France in the summer term.

Mr Lodge

Although British Science Week isn't until March 11^th, many of our week's highlights have come during the pupils' scientific explorations. Year 3 are studying rocks this half term, and were tasked with recreating the way in which different rock types are formed – using starburst sweets! Sticky, for sure, but also lots of fun, and a great way for the children to see the different processes at work. Year 6 are learning about light and shadow and took the opportunity to return to the Pre-prep playground to investigate how objects cast shadows, and how this varies between transparent, translucent and opaque materials. Year 5 designed their own experiments to test what factors can influence the speed of evaporation and Year 6s are working on their Enquiry badges in Endeavour. This requires pupils to come up with a question or hypothesis that they can test and answer – so far we have groups asking: which House is the fittest; what materials provide the best grip; and whether age affects reaction time (something I think, sadly, I can already answer for them...). We've also welcomed the arrival of some frogspawn into the community garden pond areas, and look forward to seeing them grow and develop.

Year 4 deserve a mention for their fabulous Egyptian assembly, and we've also had time for two trips – Year 3 visited Kew Gardens for their Rainforest topic, and Year 5 popped down to Sayers Croft, to see the evidence of how the site was used as an evacuation centre during WWII as well as examining how WWII changed attitudes towards women working.

It was lovely to see so many of you on Tuesday for Pre-prep Parent Meetings. I do hope you found the opportunity to chat with your child's teacher helpful, and please do get in touch if you have anything else you'd like to discuss further. Have a lovely weekend ahead of what promises to be another very busy week!

Values certificates: Finlay C (Year 5), Willow B (Year 3), Charlotte L (Year 4) and Alaska B (Year 4) for Effort; Finn H (Year 3) for Kindness

Reading certificates: Silver for Charlotte P (Year 5) and Norah C (Year 4) 

Mr Wright

Stars of the week

Nursery – Athena dPL for great progress during rhyming activities.

Reception – Flynn H for working really hard to make his handwriting neat and small!

Sofia ST for her increased positivity and progress in phonics.

Year 1 – Theodora J for her fantastic attitude to her phonics and her writing.

Year 2 – Harry S Successfully ordering the stages of a sunflower’s life cycle and for being able to explain what happens when the flower wilts and dies.

Mrs Henry

Girls’ netball: U14/15 C Team v St Edmund’s School

On Tuesday afternoon, the U14/15 C Team welcomed St Edmund’s School to Duke of Kent School for a netball match. Due to reduced numbers, we played 5s, meaning each player was vital to the flow of the game. It was a fantastic start, Lucy and Sydney working together to score the first three goals in quick succession. However, by half time it was 6-6 and all to play for! Due to numbers, both Mercy, Annie and Iona played out of position, showing a fantastic team mentality, intercepting the ball on numerous occasions to keep the match fast-paced. Our final score was a loss of 9-11, but it was a thrilling match to watch, with Anna being awarded player of the game.

Mrs Turnbull

Girls’ netball: U14/15 B Team v St Edmund's School

On Tuesday afternoon, the U14/15 B Team travelled to St Edmund's for a netball match. The sun was shining, as it often does on a Tuesday, and the game soon got underway. The U14/15 B Team is very balanced, with great strength in all areas of the court. The team started slowly but came into their own in the 2nd quarter. Daisy R and Clara H-S worked brilliantly together, creating space for each other in the circle and taking opportunity of every rebound, scoring nine goals in one quarter! As the game continued, St Edmund's came back into it scoring five goals in the third quarter. However, Mattie R and Maggie B worked well as a defensive team meaning St Edmund's were only able to score two goals in the final quarter. The mid court, run by Tildy C in centre, were vital to the game with Josie M and Belles H making some great interceptions and lovely passes towards our shooters. In the final quarter, Francesca R played at GS and scored some fantastic goals for the team. Well done to all the girls on a great team effort and a fantastic win!

Miss Vickers

Girls’ netball: U14/U15 A Team v St Edmund’s School

The U14/15 A Netball Team travelled away to play St Edmund's School on Tuesday. The weather was bright and Duke of Kent School seemed sprightly and up for the task. The first quarter was tight but the team rose to the challenge, Phoebe P was energetic at C making some fantastic interceptions to break down the opposition’s flow; it was 4-4 at quarter time. In the second quarter the shooters Jess I and Alice B were on fire, moving fluently together and scoring seven goals between them resulting in a four-goal lead by half-time. Duke of Kent School continued to extend their lead in the third quarter. Isla B was key at WA linking the play effortlessly through the centre court and on into the circle. Izzy F showed her versatility through her first class defending at GD and her passing and movement off the ball in attack was excellent. It was no surprise that she was voted player of the match. With a 17-10 lead going into the last quarter the team were determined to secure a victory. Edie H and Saoirse W worked brilliantly together at GK and GD, denying St Edmund's shooters a good shooting position and making a number of skilful interceptions. They kept a completely clean sheet in the final quarter to bring the final score to 22-10. A fantastic result, well done to all involved!

Mrs Dann

Boys’ hockey: U14s v Kingswood House School

The U14s travelled to Epsom HC to play a full-pitch match against Kingswood House. Due to the long journey the U14s started slowly and conceded two goals in the first half. However, Duke of Kent School grew into the game and started to take control, through the interceptions of Jude B and the midfield partnership of Hugo S and Rupert H, resulting in Jude B scoring a goal just before half time. Kingswood House managed to score from a short corner at the start of the second half but this didn't deter Duke of Kent School. We continued to knock on the door of their defence and succeeded with Sam R scoring a well-worked goal after Alex B made a good run into the D and slipped it across the goal for an empty net. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to find a third, but well done to all involved as the boys grew into the game and started to make better leads and passes.

Mr Green

Boys' Hockey: U13 C Team v Cottesmore School

We lined up in a 7v7 match against Cottesmore who had some statuesque players, and it seemed we were somewhat intimidated in the early stages. We shied away from 50:50 balls and allowed the opposition rather too much space to attack our D and quite quickly found ourselves 0-2 behind, looking a little shell-shocked. To the boys' credit, however, they put together some effective passing moves and pulled a goal back against the run of play. I am sure it is a cliché to suggest that “goals change games”, but that was certainly illustrated on this occasion. A quick half-time pep-talk at 1-2 behind and the boys came out firing on all cylinders. Cottesmore suddenly were on the back foot, unable to repel our strong pass-and-move approach that brought us not just an equaliser, but propelled us two goals into the lead! At 4-2 up, the boys were really enjoying themselves, but Cottesmore did not give up and levelled the scores to set up a very tense and exciting finale. A draw was a fair result, and I was delighted to see the boys' confidence and determination grow throughout the game. Special mention to Ben W who was especially dogged in defence and Samuel H who scored one particularly impressive goal, reverse stick, lifted into the net from the tightest of angles. Well done, everyone! 

Mr Wright

Girls’ football: U10/11s

On Wednesday afternoon, the Year 6 girls travelled to St Edmund's for their first football matches of the term. The girls were excited to get started and quickly got into their positions against Aldro's U11 A team. The U11s made a great start scoring in the first half. It was brilliant to see the positional awareness of the team considering it was their first football game of the season – they worked well as a group and made some strong tackles. Aldro continued to push and managed to get two breakaway goals to win the game 2-1. It was important that the girls didn't lose spirit as they went into their second game. It was another really close match, this time against St Edmund's A team. St Edmund's took an early lead but it was brilliant to see the determination and fight from the team with Ruby W and Halle S working tirelessly in the midfield and linking up to score a brilliant goal. A huge well done all the Year 6 girls for their excellent effort throughout the afternoon despite the wet conditions. We are looking forward to more football matches in the upcoming tournaments at Pennthorpe and Longacre!

Miss Vickers

Girls’ football: U8/9 Football v Pennthorpe School

On Thursday, the U8/9 girls football teams popped down the road to Pennthorpe for their first football match of the term after poor weather resulted in a change of venue and surface. Duke of Kent School were a little tentative in the first few minutes whilst they sussed out playing off the walls indoors, but they quickly grew in confidence and finished the first match one goal ahead of their opposition. Charlotte L shone for the Blue Team, showing real determination to win the ball and Daisy W made some exciting breaks for this team up front. Violet W demonstrated excellent ball control and scored some cracking goals for the Yellow Team; Coralie C made an impact on this team through picking out some lovely passes. The Orange Team fought hard in their matches, Norah C stood out for her fearless tackling and Lottie O did a great job in goal. Overall, Pennthorpe won three games and Duke of Kent School won three. However, the teams should be proud of scoring a total of nine goals across the six matches; two more than their opponents. A brilliant effort from all involved!

Mrs Dann

Year 11 trip to the National Apprenticeship Show

This Tuesday, Year 11 pupils had the chance to explore the realm of apprenticeships and vocational training at the National Apprenticeship Show, gaining invaluable insights.

The event opened up a number of career paths for the pupils, spanning sectors such as insurance, accountancy, banking, the military, supply chain and logistics, automotive and product design, construction, and the food and beverage industry.

They learnt about the possibility of attaining degree-level qualifications without the burden of tuition fees, thanks to many prestigious organisations and colleges that offer a tuition-free path to higher education, along with a salary during their apprenticeship period.

The pupils engaged with a notable array of companies and organisations, including the RAF, British Army, Royal Navy, Pfizer, British Airways, The Home Office, Metropolitan Police, Goldman Sachs, and others, providing them with a broad perspective on potential career opportunities.

The day was an excellent chance for the pupils to uncover various career options they might not have previously considered. It was heartening to see them actively participating, interacting with exhibitors, learning about different pathways, and even joining in on some interactive competitions.

National Careers Week

Next week marks National Careers Week, an event that both the Senior and Prep Schools will be participating in with a number of activities. This year's theme focuses on “change”, highlighting the pivotal lesson that careers can shift numerous times over a lifetime.

It's essential for pupils to know that they always have options available and the adaptability to navigate different pathways as they get older.

A key part of the week designed to illustrate this concept to pupils involves all teachers posting on their classroom doors a list of the diverse roles, positions and jobs they've held prior to their careers in education.

Pupils will be encouraged to engage in competitions taking place for both the Senior and Prep School which will be promoted throughout the School.

As a parent, National Careers Week presents an ideal moment to potentially initiate a conversation with your child about their current aspirations, ideas and dreams for their future careers.

The Parents Guide to National Careers Week offers excellent advice and information for facilitating these discussions, as well as insights into further education options. You can access it here: 

Additionally, the BBC Bitesize website features a series of informative videos and engaging podcasts produced by the BBC that can be found here: 

Mr Wyllie

Mr Boden

Thank you to those Year 9 pupils who bravely had not one, but two injections at School this morning as part of the on-going School Age Immunisation Programme to protect their future health. For any pupils who feel a little out of sorts in the next 24/48 hours as a result of their jabs, some paracetamol (500/750mg up to four times per 24 hours as needed; minimum of four hours between doses) should help to manage the majority of any side effects.

Year 8 pupils are next-up with the HPV Immunisation (an injection) on offer at School on 25^th April – please keep the "e-consents" coming (see the letter available in the Medical Room area of the School website). Please contact Mrs Sarjant if you have any questions or concerns (csarjant@dokschool.org).

For more information on school-aged immunisations in the Surrey area, please see the following link:

https://childrenshealthsurrey.nhs.uk/services/immunisations

Here at School, the schedule of events is really ramping up as we head towards the latter stages of the Spring Term. Plenty of performing arts (House Music, G Live, Prep production, choir trip to York), sports (ISA events, sports fixtures) and academic events (World Book Day, SATRO, GCSE Drama, end of term tests to name a few) are coming up. We would encourage the pupils to rest up as much as possible at the weekends to recharge the batteries, to keep the bugs at bay, and to preserve energy for the packed timetable of events.

Enjoy a lie-in at the weekend if you can!

The School Nurses

PADoK

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Please can we ask you to ensure all donations are clean, pockets emptied and that it is current and from Stevensons. As this is run by volunteers from the parent body, your help with this will be much appreciated.

Après Ski – PADoK Event, FRIDAY 1^ST MARCH

We are looking forward to seeing those of you who have booked tickets for tonight. Food will be served between 8pm and 9pm. Pay bar (card and cash).

Duke of Kent School Flyers – Wednesday 08.30-09.30 (Tara Coles and Lois Williams)

On Tuesday evening the DoK School Flyers played, and hosted, their first match – a friendly against Longacre. Nerves steadied, adrenaline-fuelled play commenced. The DoK School Flyers did themselves proud keeping Longacre on their toes. Excellent passing got the ball in the all-important D and some excellent goals were scored. 

With seasoned and well-versed players, Longacre won on points. But the overall experience of a match and brilliant camaraderie of our more novice players, made the evening a huge success.

Mrs Knox came to watch the action, and presented Longacre with the match ball, which was well received. Huge thanks to the umpires Olivia, Emma and Steph who made this possible. More matches to come!!

So much fun to be had and so good for the soul.

Duke of Kent School Singers – Thursday 08.20-09.00 (Cathy Williams)

A great session together this morning, warming up physically and vocally, laughing a lot and have a rousing sing through Johnny Nash’s I Can See Clearly Now and John Farnham’s You’re the Voice. What a tune, such a great way to start the day! We welcomed another new singer this morning. Please do come along at any time for a listen or a sing. No pressure to perform just enjoy it week on week. Hope to see you there!

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 Book Club – Thursday 14^th March at 20.00

We would love for you to join the PADoK Book Club when we meet on Thursday 14^th March in the Old Hall at School at 20.00. We will be talking about this term’s Book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Join us over a glass of wine to talk about the book. We look forward to seeing you there.

Good Reads has described the book as “Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before.” It was the winner of Good Reads Best Fiction award in 2022 and it would be great to hear your thoughts on whether you would recommend the book to others.

PADOK Core Control: strengthen your body, improve your health with our physio-led stability group. Friday mornings 08.30, Astroturf

Do come along and meet Julia to find out more about the Core Control Club. 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 8^th March – 08.30 at Pitch Hill – Car Park 3, Hurtwood Control. All welcome.

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.

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.