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A message from Mr Southee
Another week filled with exciting events and learning. On Tuesday we were delighted to welcome our new joiners for September, as well as our Pre-prep and Prep School pupils 'Moving Up Day'. Every child I spoke to had only positives to say about their day with highlights including: choosing their own lunch, tennis in PE and teamwork games. It was wonderful to see the care the 'buddies' took of our new joiners, showing them the ropes and answering their questions. Next week sees the end of the GCSE exams, Community Week and Year 6 heading off on their residential amongst other things. First up on Saturday is the Parent and Child Golf Morning which I am really looking forward to! Plenty of experiences and opportunities to make great memories.
Mr Southee
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Sport Scholars cricket trip
On Friday evening, 19 of our Senior Sport Scholars enjoyed an exciting trip to the 1st Central County Ground in Hove to watch a men's T20 cricket match between the Sussex Sharks and Somerset. We arrived in good time, giving pupils the chance to explore the ground and collect a variety of fun freebies, including hats and paper sunglasses! The group also took full advantage of the delicious food options available, enjoying a pre-match dinner before settling into our seats.
The match itself was fantastic, featuring thrilling boundaries and impressive fast bowling that had everyone engaged throughout. Somerset were too strong for Sussex Sharks and won the match with two overs to spare. Our pupils were a credit to the School, being brilliantly behaved and showing genuine enthusiasm for the high-quality cricket on display. A big thank you goes to Mr Monk and Mr Herbert for accompanying the trip and helping to make the evening such a memorable experience for us all.
Mrs Monk
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House Drama
This week celebrated the fourth annual House Drama competition where students had the opportunity of performing their monologue, duologue or group entry to a visiting judge. The evening highlighted the finalists’ enthusiasm, creativity and skill. The finalists from each House performed pieces that were unique, thought-provoking and funny, and perfectly showcased the talent of our students. The judge, Michael Ayiotis - who has recently finished the 70th Anniversary tour of The Mousetrap - was blown away by our finalists’ performances. With more entries than ever before the House Drama competition perfectly showcases the up and coming talent that we have within our school community; we are immensely proud of our students and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success in future performances. Many congratulations to all the students involved in the House Drama Finals and the parents for their support and encouragement. The finalists were:
Year 3 and 4
Group
Little Red Riding Hood: Annabelle S, Isabel W. Winner
Year 5 and 6
Groups
Impossible Creatures: Seren G, Elsa H, Florence A, Charlotte P, Charlotte L, Lottie O, Mila S, Norah. Winner
Monologue
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Ivy B
The Stepsister Speaks Out: Eva W
George's Marvellous Medicine. Henry G Winner
Year 7 and 8
Duologue
Ben W and Leo B Winner
Monologue
Elfie G Winner
Year 9 and 10
Monologue
Harvey R Winner
Mercy M Winner
Mrs Honey
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Year 4 Trip to the Isle of Wight
 Last Wednesday, Year 4 set sail on the ferry to start our residential trip to the Isle of Wight. Our first stop after we arrived was Osborne House, the summer home of Queen Victoria. The children explored the many rooms and corridors within the house and ended the tour with a stone skimming competition on the private beach. After dropping off our bags at the YMCA and settling in, we walked down to Shanklin Beach where the children put their sandcastle building skills to the test. Thursday proved to be wet and windy but we braved the island weather and visited Carisbrooke Castle. The children enjoyed walking around the castle walls and seeing the donkeys who would have once turned the wheel in the well house. The sun came out later that afternoon and so we grabbed the moment to eat ice cream on the beach, some of which even went in their mouths! Before heading back to School on Friday, we visited the Shipwreck Museum and found out all about marine archaeology. On the ferry ride home, each pupil received a postcard with an award to remind them of their trip. It was a busy but entertaining trip and the children represented the school beautifully with comments from the public and staff about how well mannered they were. Well done Year 4!
Mrs Rigby
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Year 10 Art Students Visit West Wittering and Pallant House Gallery
 Next year’s Year 10 Art students enjoyed an inspiring and productive trip to West Wittering beach and the Pallant House Gallery, laying the groundwork for their upcoming GCSE coursework. The day began with a scenic visit to West Wittering, where pupils photographed the stunning coastal landscape. The beach’s sweeping sands, dramatic skies and textured natural forms provided ideal subject matter for capturing mood, composition, and contrast.
Students focused on developing their photography skills—experimenting with framing, lighting, perspective and movement to create a strong series of images for future reference. Many explored both natural details and wide, panoramic shots to inform their personal projects. The weather was kind, offering vibrant skies and changing tides, which added variety and depth to the photos taken.
 In the afternoon, the group visited Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. The gallery’s impressive collection of modern British art—including works by Ben Nicholson, Lucian Freud and Barbara Hepworth—offered valuable inspiration. Students were particularly drawn to the use of abstraction, form and composition found in both the temporary exhibitions and the permanent displays. Many took notes and made thumbnail sketches in response to the artworks, which will inform their own developing projects.
Throughout the trip, pupils showed focus, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in exploring new ideas. A large volume of high-quality work was produced and shared on return. This exciting day out has left the group energised and well-prepared as they begin their GCSE Art journey. We look forward to seeing how the experience influences their creative development.
Mr Watson
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Cricket Skills Workshop Welcomes Year 5 Pupils to Duke of Kent School
Last week, Duke of Kent School was delighted to host a fantastic Cricket Skills Workshop for Year 5 pupils from Holy Trinity, Wonersh and Shamley Green, and Tillingbourne schools. Despite an unexpected downpour early in the morning—which caught more than a few staff members off guard—the weather soon brightened, allowing the event to go ahead as planned on our Astro pitch.
Pupils took part in a rotation of cricket-based activities, including batting, bowling, fielding, and tactical play. Led by our dedicated PE staff and supported by our own Year 6 pupils, the stations provided a hands-on opportunity for everyone to learn, practice, and enjoy the sport together.
A highlight of the morning was the wonderful sense of collaboration between the visiting pupils and our Year 6s. The workshop wasn’t just about developing cricket skills—it was also about building friendships, encouraging teamwork, and demonstrating true sportsmanship.
After an energetic session on the pitch, everyone gathered to enjoy juice and biscuits, creating a relaxed space to reflect on the morning’s fun and forge new connections.
We are incredibly proud of how our pupils welcomed and supported their guests, and we thoroughly enjoyed hosting such enthusiastic young cricketers. We hope to see Holy Trinity, Wonersh and Shamley Green, and Tillingbourne pupils again soon—perhaps in a friendly match next time!
Mr Watson
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 In Prep School this week, the chess competitions - beginners and advanced - have been nearing their exciting conclusions. It has been wonderful to see the children locked in intellectual and strategic battle with each other at lunchtimes - good luck to the finalists! As one competition ends, there's always more that are just beginning even at this late stage in the year, and House Table Tennis is now officially underway. We are regularly reminding pupils of the importance of participating, getting involved, and maybe trying something completely new. House competitions are a great way to do just that, earning House points no matter the outcome, and possibly discovering a new talent or interest to pursue further. I am delighted we have 26 entrants in the table tennis competition this year - almost twice the number of last year, with more girls entering than ever before.
Other updates to share this week include a congratulatory nod to those who represented the School so well at the Swim Gala on Monday, as well as those who played House Tennis. Year 5 have been off having a fantastic time on their activity residential in the New Forest - more on that in next week's Bulletin - and Year 4 have been assembling hedgehog houses in DT and looking at circuit components and diagrams in Science. Also in Science, Year 6 were considering which of their characteristics they have inherited or acquired along with identifying examples of continuous or discontinuous variation. They've also been recalling and sharing memories of their time in Prep School for their upcoming Final Assembly. In Pre-prep, the highlight has been welcoming dads, grandads and other cherished family members to Forest School, celebrating Fathers' Day - we hope you had a wonderful time! My last comment is a thank you, to all the children for their warm welcome - on Tuesday - to pupils who will be joining us in September. Familiarisation Day is always an exciting moment, and I very much hope the children are looking forward to their next academic year.
Mr Wright
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 It has been another vibrant and productive week in the Senior School, with excellent teaching and learning continuing alongside a range of exciting events. Pupils have now received feedback from the recent summer examinations and are encouraged to reflect on their teachers’ comments, both the praise and the guidance for improvement as they continue striving for academic progress. As I often remind pupils, the true value of any assessment lies not just in the results, but in understanding what was done well and identifying areas for growth. It is through this reflection that real learning takes place, and learning from our mistakes is essential for continued development.
On Tuesday, the school was abuzz with excitement as we hosted our Familiarisation Day. This event welcomed pupils who will be joining us in September, offering them a taste of Senior School life and providing valuable information for both pupils and parents ahead of the new academic year. Our future Year 7s had a fantastic time conducting science experiments creating rainbows in test tubes and making slime, as well as tackling the highly competitive paper tower building challenge. The creativity on display was impressive, with a range of inventive designs tested. Pupils also explored the school grounds during a fun-filled treasure hunt. We are already looking forward to officially welcoming them to the Senior School in September.
 Year 9 pupils were fortunate to enjoy glorious weather on Wednesday for their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice expedition. Accompanied by staff, many thanks to Mr Allen, Mr Seeley, Mrs Punter, and Mrs Tattan-Robb, pupils navigated a planned route, honing their map reading and teamwork skills in preparation for their assessed expedition in September.
Looking ahead, next week promises to be even more action-packed, hard to believe, but true! We begin with Community Week, celebrate the end of GCSE exams with Year 11 on Wednesday, enjoy Sports Day on Friday, and wave off the Year 11 Barcelona trip as it departs on Saturday 21st.
Amongst this weeks activities pupils continue to put in great effort into their work and as a result their efforts have been recognised with merits during the week.
Congratulations to all those who achieved the milestone of 25 merit points this week:
Alfie H, Penny A, Jenson P, John B, George S, Theo C, Harris H-H.
A special mention goes to Hubert S and Ella M who have all surpassed 100 merit points and have been awarded their well-deserved badges.
An extra special mention to Samuel H and Iona H for surpassing 300 merit points and gaining their recognition badge. Well done everyone!
Mr Wyllie
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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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The Prep School and Year 7 parents were invited to a talk about smart phone use in children and young people on Wednesday evening. A representative from the charity PAPAYA (Parents Against Phone Addiction in Young Adolescents) https://www.papayaparents.com/ to come and talk to our parent community about current research into the effects of smartphone usage on children and young people and possible solutions and choices families may like to take.
As a society, as well as the positive effects of advances in technology, we are also seeing some of the dangers of smart phone access and social media particularly in children and young people.
Constant accessibility (to unkind or harmful communication), inappropriate content, access to data regarding our children and young people, over reliance and ‘addiction’ type behaviours toward their smartphone usage are some of the reasons why some parents are keen to restrict and perhaps delay their children's access to (or ownership) of a smartphone.
If you have similarly felt uncomfortable about when or if you allow your child to have a smartphone, https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/about-us/our-story is a movement seeking to encourage parents to delay allowing their child to have a smartphone until they reach older adolescence, which you may find of interest.
Some of the evidence is quite compelling but as in all things, these decisions are individual choices as to what each parent feels appropriate for their family. The decision to delay access to a smartphone for children can be made easier to take with support of like-minded parents and the aim of the talk was to allow a discussion amongst parents about what they feel could be the right decision for their child(ren). We are a mobile phone usage free School and with this in mind, Mr Southee is also hosting a half hour talk in School at 8:30-9:00am on Wednesday the 18th of June for Years 3-7 parents who would like to learn more and discuss the issue in the hope of creating a parent charter to guide the ownership and use of mobile phones and social media amongst our pupils.
Mrs Douglas
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What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Ofcom Media Report 2025
This edition takes a closer look at Ofcom’s latest Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report. With children embracing social platforms and livestreaming from increasingly younger ages, the guide highlights some critical areas of concern for educators and families – including online exposure, peer interactions and content-sharing habits.
Whether it's the rise in unsupervised screen time, the popularity of gaming with strangers, or the emotional toll of negative online exchanges, the 2025 findings are a timely reminder of the risks that continue to evolve in children's digital spaces. We've highlighted the key statistics to help you navigate this complex landscape, stay on top of emerging trends, and identify where to focus your online safety efforts.
Click the link to learn more about "Ofcom Media Report 2025".
***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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A very busy week ahead next week with many day trips (Community Week plus several others) and Year 6 and Year 11 heading off on residential. A reminder to please make sure pupils come to School ready prepared for departure, having taken travel nausea medication and hay fever medication at home before School if needed. Pupils with inhalers and adrenaline should be carrying these on their person. Can any last medications for the residentials please be delivered to school on Monday morning and given to Mrs Sarjant.
Looking much further ahead, (date for your diary) we have just received the information on our Flu Immunisations for pupils at School in the Autumn Term which will be available for pupils from Reception to Year 11. The Nurses will attend School on Friday 17th October 2025. Further information to follow on how to give or withdraw consent for your children (keep an eye on your emails).
The School Nurses
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PADoK News
We are looking forward to seeing those attending tomorrow night. Be ready to party!!! Just some basic housekeeping below:
No parking at the top of the site as the event is taking place in the top car park and the PA Hall.
Please note there is one welcome drink and a portion of tacos from the food stall per ticket. Pay bar, no cash please. Just a reminder this is NOT a Bring Your Own event.
Food will be served from 7.30pm to 9.00pm
*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 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 – New Book Title
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.
And for those interested in the Timetravelling, Historical, Spy/Thriller, Romance book I mentioned, it was called "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley
Have a lovely summer and feel free to post some book recommendations or absolutely no-nos on here
Please do join in with book club if you enjoy reading, everyone is welcome.
Duke of Kent School Singers
Thursday at 08:20 – 09:00am - Calling all Singers Great & Small!
A really production choir session this week. We had a brief warm up before working on the final section of he song. 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 8:30-9am 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:
