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A message from Mrs Knox
This morning, we were delighted to announce in our assembly that we have been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction. The pupils have worked hard through the Eco-School's seven steps, which has involved setting up an eco-committee, conducting an environment review and developing a comprehensive action plan. The aim is to make our School more sustainable and we are taking some excellent steps forward. Well done to our Sustainability Coordinator, Mrs Wilkinson, and the Eco Team. Year 4 have enjoyed their residential trip to the Isle of Wight this week, keeping cheerful, despite the rain. I look forward to hearing their stories on Monday! Good luck also to Year 3 for their overnight camp at School tonight. Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Knox
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House Drama
 On Tuesday 10th June, the annual House Drama finalists will have the opportunity of performing their monologue, duologue or group entry to a visiting judge. This year we are very lucky to have Micheal Ayiotis whose previous theatre credits include Arthur in The Sun, The Mountain and Me and Market Boy (all at the Union Theatre), Buttons in Cinderella, Dick Whittington in Dick Whittington, Ross in Macbeth and Charlie Peaceful in Private Peaceful (all at South Hill Park Arts Centre), Achilles in Wrath of Achilles (Bedivere Arts), and Timms in The History Boys (London Contemporary Theatre). One of his most recent theatre credits is playing Detective Sergeant Trotter in the 70th Anniversary tour of The Mousetrap.
His TV and Film credits include Breaking the Band: Black Sabbath (ITV), Raymond’s Five, Grass Roots and The Pains of Youth Shoot My Heart, My Mafia Boss and Loving You From The Sidelines. His commercial credits include EE Mobile and Aldi (Television).
Please come and support the finalists as they perform for their individual houses. The evening will start at 5:30pm and finish at approximately 6.30pm. We wish all the finalists good luck!
Mrs Honey
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Stretch and Challenge Art Group Visit Gemma Wightman Ceramics
 This week, our Stretch and Challenge Art Group enjoyed a truly hands-on creative experience during a visit to Gemma Wightman Ceramics, a working pottery studio in Surrey. The pupils had the opportunity to use a real ceramics wheel – just like on The Great Pottery Throw Down – and each pupil produced their own unique pot. What began as mud and mess quickly transformed into beautiful, handmade pieces that they were proud to take home.
The visit not only gave pupils insight into the world of small arts businesses but also introduced them to the patience and joy of wheel throwing. It was a fantastic afternoon full of laughter, learning, and clay-covered hands. We’re already looking forward to our next creative adventure!
Gemma Wightman, a talented ceramicist known for her refined, functional pottery, welcomed the group into her inspiring space. Her work combines simple elegance with everyday usability – focusing on subtle textures and clean forms that elevate daily rituals like drinking tea or eating breakfast. She runs regular classes and workshops for both beginners and more experienced potters. If you're interested, you can find out more at www.gemmawightmanceramics.com.
Mr Watson
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Year 7 History trip
 Year 7 enjoyed a lively and memorable visit to Hampton Court Palace, exploring the stunning interiors and dodging showers to venture through the beautiful gardens. Our pupils were impeccably polite and well-behaved throughout, impressing staff and visitors alike. Highlights included Mr Seeley accidentally setting off an alarm by pointing his umbrella too close to a painting, and Madame Fellous disappearing in the Maze (she returned). Pupils shone during the 'Politics and Power' role-play, set in 1562 as Elizabeth I lay gravely ill with smallpox. Taking on the role of her counsellors, they debated the Tudor succession with "flair and panache", according to our costumed guide. A superb day of history brought vividly to life, with excellent engagement and plenty of laughs along the way.
Mr Seeley
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Pupils meet the local Fire Brigade
 On Thursday, Year 2 and Year 5 children enjoyed a visit and talks from Julie, an education officer from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. She discussed the role of firefighters and the children learnt that a firefighter's coat is the equivalent of seven normal coats! As well as putting out fires, other roles include rescuing horses and dogs. They also learnt that there are special fire dogs, who are trained to find where a fire had started and stop in this position.
The Year 2 children were able to share their prior knowledge of the Great Fire of London and there was great discussion about the historical and current procedures when a fire breaks out. They were surprised to learn that water squirters, buckets and hooks are in fact still used today, although they are made of different materials.
 Both groups learnt about hazards and common causes of fires, the importance of checking whether our smoke alarms are working properly and how to make an emergency call. It's good to know that we are all in safe hands!
Mrs Nicholson
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Year 5 trip to Weybridge Synagogue
Year 5 visited the synagogue in Weybridge on Tuesday as part of their RS work on Judaism. They had a very interesting talk from a member of the synagogue who not only explained the importance of different artefacts but demonstrated how some of them are used. They were shown the beautiful Torah scrolls which are kept in the Ark and were able to see all the amazing details on them. The pupils asked many interesting questions and thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
Mrs Lock
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Year 7 Guildford Shakespeare Company workshop
Year 7 kicked off the new half term in theatrical style! The Guildford Shakespeare Company spent the morning in School, immersing pupils in the world of Shakespeare; discussing the grimy streets of Elizabethan London; creating tableaus of Globe Theatre performances; exploring the plosive sounds of Shakespearean insults, and much more. After breaktime, pupils were treated to a comedic performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream’s play within a play, ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’, before pupils created their own versions of the play and its prologue. Year 7 pupils shone brightly, as they all took the stage and had their teachers and the professional actors chuckling the whole way through their performances! We saw a range of characters, from dancing walls, to a Spanish lion, to an apathetic moon, and so many overly dramatic deaths! Well done Year 7, the Mechanicals would be proud!
Mrs Southee
 
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 Year 2 have been working hard all week to transfer their plans' key points into paragraphs for their Great Fire of London diary entries – they've been so excited each English lesson knowing they're going to be working on them! There was further excitement for Year 2 (and Year 5) when Surrey Fire & Rescue visited and gave two very interesting and informative presentations, teaching the children about the importance of smoke alarms and how to respond in an emergency. In Reception, the children started looking at oceans in preparation for World Oceans Day next week, on the 8th June.
 Poetry has been the focus in English for Year 3 – in the form of riddles – and Year 6, who have compared poetry and song lyrics, using the features identified to help them make a start on a song for their Final Assembly. Year 1 showed their creative sides in English, too, making letters from play-doh, as well as some weaving in Art.
My highlight this week has been spending time on the Isle of Wight with Year 4. Come rain or shine, the children have had a whale of a time, drawing compliments from shopkeepers, guides and members of the public alike for their polite and considerate behaviour. A full write-up will follow in next week's Bulletin.
Stars of the Week
Nursery: Isla C for being so supportive towards the younger pupils and creating imaginative scenarios around open-ended play.
Atalanta J for her continued positive attitude and all-round progress.
Reception: Theo Mc for showing interest in everything that was going on and respectful behaviour on our trip to Bocketts farm.
Emilia VdB for your wonderful attitude towards phonics and writing. You take great care and remember the important elements of a sentence.
Year 1: Paul E for the fantastic effort he puts into his work every day. Paul always tries his best and shows real determination and a great attitude to learning.
Year 2: Grisha D for transferring your plan’s ‘key points’ into full sentences. You’ve written a great first draft!
Swimmer of the Week
Annabelle S for incredible confidence and listening. Annabelle is now able to demonstrate a lovely streamlined position. Annabelle’s determination has meant that she is now able to breathe bilaterally.
Mr Wright
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Who can believe we are already in the final half-term of the academic year? Where has the time gone?
Year 7 wasted no time jumping straight back into School life, benefiting from a fantastic workshop on Monday morning with the Guildford Shakespeare Company. It was wonderful to hear from their English teacher how enthusiastically they embraced the opportunity and how engaged they were throughout.
 On Tuesday afternoon, Year 10 took part in a challenging teamwork and leadership workshop, hosted by visitors from the Army. Not only did they learn about the wide range of careers and benefits the Army offers, but they also participated in team challenges designed to strengthen problem-solving skills, resilience, and teamwork. Activities included creating pathways to transport "ammunition" safely across the "lava" floor, completing an Army fitness test, learning front-line first aid, and assembling a gazebo while blindfolded (except for one team leader!). Everyone got involved and learned something new in the process. It is an especially exciting time for Year 10 as they continue their school leadership application process and move into the interview stage. We wish them all the best.
Year 7 also enjoyed an inspiring visit to Hampton Court, bringing their history lessons to life as they explored one of England’s most iconic royal palaces.
 On Thursday evening, it was lovely to host our Life in the Upper Senior School event, where we shared with Year 7 and Year 8 pupils and parents the range of opportunities, events, and support available as pupils move up through the school. A big thank you to our Year 10 pupils, Lucy, Mercy, William, and Jamie who came along to share their experiences and highlights from their own journeys through the School.
As always, I would like to end by recognising those pupils who continue to work hard towards their merit totals. Congratulations to all those who achieved the milestone of 25 merit points this week:
Amelie C, Charlotte C, Matthew C, Halle S, Ruby W, Jasper W, Harry M-C, Freddie P, Erin C and Holly R.
A special mention goes to Archie B, Ben G, Alexander I and James N who have all surpassed 100 merit points and have been awarded their well-deserved badges.
An extra special mention to Thibaut J for surpassing 200 merit points and gaining their recognition badge. Well done All!
Mr Wyllie
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Careers opportunities outside school
I am just writing with information regarding a couple of exciting careers opportunities that may be relevant to you or your son/daughter:
Royal Surrey County Hospital Open Day, 28th June 11am-3pm
Could a career in medicine be on the cards? This is a free event with an opportunity to see the world-class healthcare facilities, talk to inspiring staff and find out about the future of Royal Surrey. The Open Day is for anyone interested in health, care, or finding out more about different roles and career opportunities. There will be the chance to get a glimpse inside operating theatres, see surgical robots, walk the laboratory, learn to save a life with the resuscitation team, and get a bird's-eye view of the new surgical innovation centre as it's being built.
There are fun events for all the kids (free face-painting, competitions, prizes and loads of interactive activities) as well as food, live music and a chance to see inside a fire engine, police car and first responder unit. Booking tickets in advance is not necessary and parking on the day is free in the Visitor Car Park. All information can be found here: https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/openday
University of Surrey Undergraduates Open Day, Saturday 21st June/Saturday 6th September
A great opportunity to find out more about the university courses available at Surrey, including the various acting degrees available (in association with Guildford School of Acting), Vet School, Music degrees and Law, to name but a few. Whilst university may feel a long way off, it is important to start thinking about career paths early, take an active interest in the types of courses and study options available and have opinions about what works best for each individual. Perhaps a look round would be useful?
Booking is necessary for some events and all information can be found here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/open-days/stag-hill-open-day
If you know of any other upcoming career opportunities you think may be relevant to the Duke of Kent School community, please do let me know at jwilson@dokschool.org. Thank you.
Mr Wilson
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Oliver Twist
Rehearsals are in full flow for this wonderful telling of the classic Dickens story. Tickets will be available from next week. Please do not email the box office before then – Mrs Honey will send an email to parents once the box office is open. Please also note that there is a full cast rehearsal this Sunday 8th June 10m - 4pm at School in the PA Hall.
Grub and Groove
It was with a sense of excitement and just slight trepidation that our wonderful Senior mini-choir and Year 10 GCSE musos headed to Knowle Park on Bank Holiday Monday in half term to perform at the Grub and Groove event. The excitement was at the thought of performing at this great event. The trepidation because there was a good chance the kids would be performing in a tornado!!
And how brilliantly they performed! The inclement weather did inevitably descend on the event just as we began, with gale-force winds and horizontal rain threatening to lift the gazebos off the ground and send them flying over the large crowds that had come to watch. However, the resilience shown by our brilliant pupils was yet again a joy to witness, and they dealt with the unfamiliarity of the situation, the nerves, and the lack of sound check and the weather incredibly well. They performed with the usual DoK confidence, charm and skill and went down a storm (excuse the pun). So, well done and well played to Maggie B, Daisy R, Jess I, Mattie R, Lucy P, Tildy C, George C, Harris HH, Ethan K, Humph G, Henry R, Max S and Eddie C.
Goodnight Mister Tom
Congratulations to Jensen P in Year 8, Florence A in Year 6 and Henry A in Year 4 who all performed in the Ewhurst Players production of Goodnight Mister Tom over half term. Our pupils did brilliantly and performed with professionalism and charisma. We were super proud of you all!
 
Great Expectations
 Congratulations also to Mercy M in Year 10 who played the role of Estelle in the Peaslake Players production of Great Expectations just before half term. Mercy portrayed this large role with the necessary acerbic wit, haughtiness and cold charm that it required – it was some wonderful acting by one of our Performing Arts scholars. Well done Mercy!
Performing Arts Events
We have a hugely busy half term ahead in the Performing Arts Department, so please check the dates below for all the wonderful events that are taking place.
Sunday 8th June – 10am - 4pm: Oliver Twist rehearsal
Tuesday 10th June – 5.30pm: House Drama finals (more info to follow!)
Friday 13th June – 6.30pm: An Evening of Original Works – a chance for a few GCSE pupils to showcase their original compositions, creative writing and art work
Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th June: LAMDA exams – the timetable for these is up in the PA Dept
Monday 23rd June – 4.40 - 6.30 pm: Oliver Twist dress rehearsal.
Wednesday 25th June – 7.30pm: Oliver Twist performance
Thursday 26th June – 7.30pm: Oliver Twist performance
Saturday 28th June – 7pm: School Summer Concert – for Prep and Senior pupils involved in the many ensembles and groups in the School; this year held outside in the top car park
Tuesday 1st July – 6.30pm: Year 11 Leavers' Concert
Wednesday 2nd July – 2.30pm: Pre-prep Dance Show performance to Nursery and Reception parents
Thursday 3rd July – 2.30pm: Pre-prep Dance Show performance to Year 1 and 2 parents
Mr Rye
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JUNE COMPETITION: Big Bug Hunt
This month Mrs Wilkinson is challenging you to count the bugs in your garden to win sustainability house points.
Choose a day and count the number of bugs you can find in your garden.
How many different types can you find?
Take a photo of the most interesting one.
Email your photos and tally count to Mrs Wilkinson (jwilkinson@dokschool.org)
Good Luck!
New competition coming in July!
Mrs Wilkinson
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Following on from our theme of ‘community’ during Mental Health Awareness week, Miss Stamp has displayed Pre-prep pupils’ bee creations into a beautiful display demonstrating the Duke of Kent School Hive where ‘we are a community working together’. Emphasising that we are here together to work, but equally that there are strengths in our community components that work well.
 Each pupil has created their bee in their own unique and individual way – celebrating that we can be diverse but equally important as one another. The hive accepts that we all have different strengths and roles to play and that’s ok. It’s an important message for young people to appreciate, particularly when self-doubt and comparison to others begin to cause worries about being ‘less than’. It is important to avoid trying to be more like others and instead appreciate our own unique self. Whilst we can focus on our own targets for self-improvement, this shouldn’t be in relation to others.
Hopefully, whilst pupils have received their results and feedback this week following their summer exams, they can remember this and look at results as an opportunity for reflection and their own personal target-setting.
This will definitely be the message in School, and it is important to reiterate this at home. Enquiries into how they have done should be based on their individual achievements rather than in relation to their peers, as well as how they are feeling about how things have gone – rather than assuming how they may feel about a result. Projecting our own feelings about their results negates the opportunity for them to take ownership and process their own feelings. If we’re able to listen, we can then offer support and advice in addressing those things they’d like to improve or change.
In the spirit of individuality, community and acceptance, we are acknowledging that this month is Pride month with our LGBTQ+ community bunting once again displayed. We will be having a pupil Diversity Forum next week and an assembly at the end of the month. It is important as a school community that we are able to encourage acceptance and individual pride in all our pupils, whilst acknowledging that, for some, acceptance may not always feel easy. Every pupil needs to feel unconditional support and acceptance and a reminder that they are all welcome to talk in the Wellbeing space without judgement.
Mrs Douglas
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What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Violent Content Online
This guide explores the troubling rise in children’s exposure to violent online content, unpacking the emotional, behavioural and social risks – and how trusted adults can help.
With around 70% of teens reporting they've seen violent real-life content on social media in the past year, this guide shines a light on a disturbing – and increasingly common – aspect of young people’s digital lives. From shocking videos to hate speech, many children don’t go looking for this material, it finds them via algorithms or peer sharing.
The guide outlines key concerns, including the mental toll of repeated exposure, shifts in behaviour, and the worrying normalisation of harmful ideologies. It also explains how such content can escalate from screen to street, and why some young people may feel pressured to share or even create violent media themselves.
Click the link to learn more about "Violent Content Online".
***Also, Internet Matters is a great website that can help you deal with online issues, give you advice for different age groups, and give you step-by-step guides for setting controls for various devices.***
Mr Boden
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Trip season is upon us! Please can any remaining medications for the Year 5, 6, 10 and 11 residential trips be delivered to School for the attention of Mrs Sarjant as soon as possible. A reminder that pupils with travel nausea and/or hay fever are asked to medicate at home before School on the day of departure for all trips. Pupils with prescription inhalers or adrenaline pens should carry these on their person for each trip (as well as at School!).
Next Wednesday, Year 9 will enjoy their practice Duke of Edinburgh expedition, with a hike through the Surrey Hills. The weather forecast currently looks favourable. Please can pupils bring water, sun cream, a sun hat, and check thoroughly for ticks when they get home (we've unfortunately had one reported case of Lyme Disease this term – see link below for more information). We would recommend all pupils keep an eye out for ticks after spending time in the School grounds.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/
In Pre-prep head lice continue to appear – please remain vigilant and treat accordingly.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/
Have a lovely weekend.
The School Nurses
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PADoK News
Last chance to book your tickets for our PADoK event, details below. Mexican food, drink and music from The Accidentals. What are you waiting for…
*Viva La Fiesta* PADoK Summer Event
Hola Amigos!
Grab your sombreros and spice up your night! You're invited to a Fiesta Mexicana full of flavour, fun and fiesta vibes.
When: Saturday 14th June 2025
Where: Duke of Kent School
Why: Because tacos, tequila and tunes are always a good idea!
Expect colourful decor, mouth-watering Mexican bites, margaritas that pack a punch and music to make you dance like no one's watching.
Come hungry, come thirsty, come ready to party!
Email padok@dokschool.org to get your tickets £35
PADoK AGM – Friday 13th June @ 8.30 am
Venue: The Burrow
We will be holding our AGM in the Burrow on Friday morning and Richard Brocksom, Chair of Governors, will be popping in to talk to us about the School and to answer any questions we would like to put to him.
If you would like to attend, then please do let your class rep know or email PADoK. You will be most welcome. Alternatively, should you have a question for Richard then please ask your rep to put it forward on your behalf.
We hope to see some of you there. Do email padok@dokschool.org if you would like to know more.
PADoK Second Hand Uniform Shop
We are always looking for donations of good quality second hand uniform and PE kit. This can be put in the box outside the shop at any time. Thank you in advance.
PADoK Clubs:
PADoK Book Club – Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Thank you all so much for coming to book club before half term. I think we concluded that Graham Norton's book was "inoffensive" and, for some of us, an enjoyable read.
A summer holiday read that you can pick up and forget.
Something tells me our next book (2nd Irish writer in a row), Intermezzo by Sally Rooney will not garner the same views.
Take your time and enjoy it over the summer break and we will meet to discuss early-ish in the Autumn Term.
Please do join in with book club if you enjoy reading. Everyone is welcome.
Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training
Monday at 5:45 – 6:30pm & Wednesday morning 08.20 – 09.30 – weather dependent/Ness Hall availability.
DOK Flyers are looking for new players to join in the summer term, lots of laughter, exercise & fun. No experience necessary, everyone welcome! Please do come along if you would like to play netball. All welcome.
Duke of Kent School Singers
Thursday at 08:20 – 09:00am
Calling all Singers Great & Small!
It was great to be back singing on Thursday morning. We started with a brief warm up before continuing work on the song we are learning this term. It is coming together and we will soon be performance ready! Thank you to Mr Rye and Cathy Williams for all you do for this group.
Do please feel free to come along any time next term and join in… you’re so warmly welcome as a one-off drop in or if you’re interested in coming more regularly. Every Thursday morning from 8:30-9:00am in the Meeting Room off Old Hall.
Important Note: please always park at the bottom of the site and walk up to Old Hall.
PADoK Core Control
Strengthen your body, improve your health with our Physio-Led Stability Group. Friday morning at 08.30 in Ness Hall From this term there will be a £5 fee for each week.
Do you have new fitness goals for the summer or want to build on what you are already doing? Julia is a physio who will help build your core strength and help your fitness training.
Please contact Julia direct to complete a medical form.
Julia Rowe (julia@therunningspecialists.com)
Mrs Phillips and Mrs Horsburgh
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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), Facebook (Duke of Kent School) and X (@DoKSchool). 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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Duke of Kent School – Summer Sports Camp 
Camp Times: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Location: Duke of Kent School
Week 1: Monday 18th – Friday 22nd August
Activities include:
Costs:
To book a place, email Graham Herbert at:
