Biology Week

There’s been a real buzz around the Science Department this week!

We’ve been pollinated with enthusiasm as we celebrated Biology Week, which focused on the wonder of wildlife close to home.

The Guildford Beekeepers Society visited, bringing to life the fascinating world of bee communication — including the famous waggle dance, which enables bees to share the location of pollen sources up to 6 km from the hive. We learnt how to protect these precious pollinators, who face threats from habitat loss, pesticides and the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), a predator capable of wiping out an entire hive. Students left feeling inspired to bee the change in protecting these vital creatures that keep our plates full of fruit and veg.

Meanwhile, down in the (slightly fishy-smelling) labs, Years 9–11 dived in to explore the wonders of British marine life. Through dissections of squid, mackerel and mussels, students discovered how animals are fin-tastically adapted to survive in diverse environments. They also examined a dogfish (a small shark), lobster, and a lemon sole all examples of how evolution helps species go with the flow and thrive in their ecological niches.

We could not bee more grateful to Mr Kulczyk, who reeled in an incredible week of activities, and to Mrs Vermeulen and Mrs Shaw, whose input ensured the week went swimmingly well. It’s safe to say this was a week to remember — even after the lingering scent of the sea has finally left our corridors!

Mrs Tattan-Robb

Year 5T Assembly

On Wednesday, 5T performed their assembly all about learning. It was an interactive performance that involved and entertained the whole audience. The assembly got everyone on their feet and their brains switched on, ready for the day ahead. Every child spoke with confidence and enthusiasm, and all should be commended for their efforts in learning their lines and actions; they were all brilliant! Well done, 5T!

Mrs Tuite

ISA London South Regional Gala

Congratulations to everyone who was selected to take part in the ISA London South Gala at the K2 in Crawley. Everyone performed incredibly well, with many swimming in a 50m pool for the first time.

The standard of swimming was high throughout the competition and the Duke of Kent School Squad all gave their very best.  Congratulations to Alfred A, William C, Henry G, Arthur Mc, Logan N, Alfie R, Sonny C, Ben K, Darcey Mc, Dagny N, Siena N, Obie M, Georgia C, Layla B, Bea T-R, Amelie C, Charlotte J, you all swam fantastically well, showing some great technique in the water.

Medal winners included William C (Silver Backstroke), Henry G (Silver Backstroke), Amelie C and Charlotte J (Gold Para Race), Dagny N (Silver Freestyle); this is a fantastic achievement!! Amelie C and Charlotte J (Para Race) and  Henry G, Dagny N and Layla B (Freestyle Relay Team) have all qualified for the National Finals at the London Aquatics Centre, Queen Elizabeth Park on Friday 28th November; we wish all of the Finalists the very best when representing ISA London South.

Mr Herbert

 ootiBOO! Halloween Competition 
Prizes to be won!

 Use your imagination to dream up a monster!
Scary, funny, or totally unexpected — it’s up to you!
You can paint, draw, sculpt, build, or design using any materials or medium you like.
The only limit is your imagination!

 More information can be found here:
 https://play.ootiboo.com/projects/ootiboo/competition

 What weird or wonderful creature will you come up with?

 How to enter:
Upload a photo of your spooky creation here:
 https://play.ootiboo.com/projects/ootiboo/share

 Open to all year groups!
Get creative… get spooky… get ootiBOO!

Mr Green

After a highly enjoyable weekend trip to the Battle of Hastings, Year 6 were re-enacting some of the shouts of the armies in their History lesson, drawing in a surprised visitor who was being shown around the Prep corridor by Mrs Knox at that very moment. Impassioned cries of "Out! Out! Out!" were not the most welcoming thing to have shouted at the unsuspecting guest, but they were most impressed with the children's dedication to their fury-filled craft! Over half-term, Year 6 are encouraged to make costumes and armaments (entirely optional) for our own re-enactment the first week back after the break. Year 3, too, were looking at warriors from history, decorating Ancient Greek vases with depictions of the Trojan War. 

This week, Year 5 have been studying volcanoes, the ten plagues and how to calculate change using real money, and also enjoyed a Halloween themed escape room to practise their English skills.They must have all made it out, because they then started building their bridges in DT and have started preparing resources to crowd fund to raise more money for their engineering companies. In Drama, Year 3 have been pretending to mime using imaginary objects such as a ball, phone or book, focusing on detail to convince the audience the item is real! Meanwhile, Reception pupils have been introduced to the world of digraphs in phonics, as well as learning about circles and triangles; they went on a shape hunt around school and created some artwork based on Kandinsky's concentric circles!

On the topic of Art, after half-term, Art Club will be moving from a Tuesday lunchtime, to a Wednesday. This will mean those who are attending Chamber Choir or Gardening on a Tuesday can also now attend Art, as it was evidently an undesirable clash on the same day. All other lunchtime and after school clubs remain the same until the end of term. Lastly, congratulations to 5T for their super assembly - complete with a highly catchy tune. We all came away reflecting on what type of learner we are, thanks to their insights and entertaining delivery. I do hope you enjoy reading the children's reports, and wish them all a very fun break.

Aloud & Proud Readers: Coralie C and Aoife F

Values Certificate: Arthur M for Honesty

Reading Certificates: Coralie C and Aoife F

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Aurelie E for a brilliant start to the school year, showing great effort and enthusiasm.

Reception: Jessica G for fabulous progress in phonics and reading. You always give it 100% effort!

Indie S for your amazing attitude and bringing such zest and cheerfulness into the classroom on a daily basis.  You make everyone smile!

Year 1: Ellie F for consistently showing a lovely attitude to learning. Ellie is always a ray of sunshine in our class. Well done Ellie! 

Year 2: Beaux P for being so positive towards all areas of learning and demonstrating wonderful resilience. 

Zara S for your beautiful presentation of your work and always approaching challenge with a great mindset.

Mr Wright 

Song Competition Launch

With the school turning 50 this year, we want to celebrate in style - with a brand new school song.

We’re holding a Song Competition to find an original piece of music, composed by a pupil (or pupils)  that captures what makes Duke of Kent School special. It could be a big anthem, a fun pop song or something completely different; as long as it’s original, positive and full of school spirit. Whether you’re into writing lyrics, composing melodies, playing an instrument or singing this is your chance to get involved. You can enter on your own or as part of a group.

It will be judged by a professional songwriter.

 Here’s what you need to know:

• Theme: Celebrating 50 years of Duke of Kent School

• Who can enter: Any pupil

• What to send: Your original lyrics and, if possible, a demo recording

• Deadline: Beginning of the Summer Term

• Where to send it: nrye@dokschool.org

The winning song will be performed and recorded as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations later this year — a once in a lifetime chance to make your mark on Duke of Kent School history! Don’t worry about making it perfect — just be creative, have fun and show what our school means to you.

So, grab your guitar, your friends or just a notebook -  and start writing! This could be your song that the whole school sings for years to come.

For more info or help getting started, chat to Mr Rye or Miss Barnes.

Guitar Lessons

Mr Beale, our Tuesday guitar teacher, has some spaces available and after half term will be running a free trial lesson scheme. If any pupil from Year 2 - 11 is interested they can have two free trial lessons with him in the first two weeks after half term. Mr Beale has recently started teaching at  the world famous Royal Academy of Music -  so grab those free lessons while you can!

Made in Dagenham

Rehearsals are going well and the pupils are getting into their characters - keep working on those Essex accents! Tickets will be available after half term, so keep your eyes peeled for an email about that - please do not email before as the email will not be answered. Cast members please don't forget there is a Sunday rehearsal on November 2nd from 10am - 4pm.

Mr Rye

Last week I had my first training session with a group of our Year 9 pupils who applied to train and work with our younger pupils as Peer Mentors. This is an initiative that has been running for the last four years and shown real benefits for both mentees and mentors.

As all effective interventions, we must constantly adapt to the current cohort, their individual personalities and needs. This year, the Peer Mentors will be working with pupils from Prep school, initially Year 4 and then individuals who may benefit from the 1-1 connection that a mentoring relationship can produce. Reinforcing the sense of belonging and community we know at Duke of Kent School to be vital for pupil’s wellbeing.

The Year 9’s began with a refreshingly open and honest approach and I look forward to their next training session after half term, on Thursday 6th of November.

This half term has been full with rehearsals; sporting fixtures, tournaments and competitions; educational visits; house competitions; external speakers; wellbeing days; music and singing; learning and assessments; hard work and, as always, a lot of fun. This is a snapshot but still a long list. Quite rightly, pupils will be feeling the need for a break and a change of pace. I hope that they are all able to spend the next two weeks enjoying some restorative and fun activities based on fulfilling their individual needs. This is so important in maintaining their resilience to return refreshed and ready to conquer the next half term which will be just as (if not more) full of exciting and worthwhile opportunities for learning and growth.

Have a wonderful half term break all.

Mrs Douglas

The School Nurses

PADoK News

PADoK Second Hand Uniform Shop

The shop will be open on Wednesday 15^th October from 15.00 to 16.00.

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:

Duke of Kent Flyers – Netball training 

DoK Flyers training is on Monday late afternoons from 17.30 to 18.30 and we are looking for new players to join in this term while the weather allows.  Come along for lots of laughter, exercise & fun.  No experience necessary, everyone welcome!   Please do come along if you would like to play netball.  Contact Tara on 07734 888326.

Duke of Kent School Singers

Thursday 6th November, 08.20 Meeting Room (off Old Hall)

Come Sing With Us!  Come along and discover how much fun singing can be! 

Calling all parents who love to sing, humming along to the radio or singing in the shower! Our Parents’ Choir at Duke of Kent School is open to everyone ~ no auditions, no pressure. A welcoming space to relax, meet other parents, and enjoy making music together. Lots of laughter guaranteed!

When: Every other Tuesday from 08:20 to 09:00 & every other Thursday from 08.20 to 09.00

Where: Meetings Room off Old Hall

We met on Tuesday morning with Mr Rye and after some tongue teaser warm ups we moved on to working on the song we are doing this term.  There are beautiful harmonies already taking shape.  Lots of fun and an uplifting start to the day.  Next week we will meet on Thursday, please do come along and see what it is all about.  Drop me a message any time (Cathy Williams - 07813 282910) if you are interested in knowing more about it.

Important Note: please always park at the bottom of the site and walk up to Old Hall.

PADoK Core Control

Thursdays – 08.30

Strengthen your body, improve your health with our Physio-Led Stability Group. Thursday morning at 08.30 in Ness Hall. From this term there will be a £5 fee for each week.

A weekly session focusing on a range of body areas such as back mobility, pelvic strength, hip control, shoulder stability, neck and upper back patterning and ankle balance.  All this pulls into CORE activation.

All this with lots of giggles, trying something new and making friendships across the lovely parent year groups. If you have new fitness goals or want to build on what you are already doing? Why don’t you join in?  Julia is a physiotherapist 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

The Green Duke

We’re delighted to launch “The Green Duke” Sustainability Network
Green Duke is a new parent-led initiative bringing families together to support the school’s wonderful sustainability and nature work. We aim that it is a light, fun way to connect, share ideas and inspire a greener future for our young people.

We will meet just once a term to share ideas and plan next events, and in time we hope to achieve representation across all the school year groups.

Each term we are aiming for one family event and one adult-focused activity for parents and we hope teachers– more below. In addition we aim to support the ongoing work of the School Sustainability Strategy (as requested), and support PaDoK events with sustainability.

Our first project after half term is a monthly guided walk on Pitch Hill with knowledgeable and inspiring local forest guide Lisa Duncan (hinokiforestbathing.co.uk).

Walks leave from Old Hall at 8:00 am on the first Thursday of term time months (first event however falls on
a Friday 9 th Nov!). Sessions include foraging plant and fungi, plant medicine, navigation and cultural storytelling in nature. Sessions end with an optional 15 minutes of forest meditation. Dogs are welcome.

Places are limited to12 at a kindly reduced price of £20 for two trial walks, then £50 for the next six walks over the coming year. You can register via the QR below.

We are starting to plan our first family event for early 2026 with initial ideas for a Free Eco Film Festival on a weekend.

If you’d like to find out more about joining the Green Duke planning group, you are warmly invited and involvement is both relaxed and flexible. You can connect via the QR below where on WhatsApp the conversation will be limited to planning meetings and sharing info.

Alternatively, please look out on your class WhatsApp groups and the school newsletter for forthcoming events!

Green Duke Planning Group
Nature – Community – Future

 

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), Facebook (Duke of Kent School) and TikTok (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.