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A message from Mr Southee

This week we acknowledged the sacrifice of the brave men and women serving in our Armed Service, both past and present, on Remembrance Day. It was beautifully and poignantly observed by our school community, culminating in a two minute silence around the flagpole. Alongside this reflection, we have been learning more about the power young people have to stop bullying as part of Anti-Bullying Week. It is wonderful to see the school community come together and reflect on ways we can show respect and learn from the past one day, and then debate how we can make our world a better place today and tomorrow. 

Mr Southee

Remembrance Day

On Tuesday 11th November, Armistice Day, we held our annual Remembrance Service. We welcomed one of our Governors, Mrs Cropper, whose own father had taken part in WW2 in Italy and been awarded the Military Cross (MC). Mr Lodge presented the assembly and highlighted particular historical anniversaries, notably the Battle of Britain (1940), Gallipoli (1915) and the WW2 battles and suffering in the Far East and the Battle of the Atlantic, both of which both concluded in 1945. All Year 9 pupils had prepared supporting research, some of which was shared by Alessandro S. Jonny J, the Year 11 History rep, highlighted ongoing conflicts in 2025 such as those in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. Edie H, Eva W and Henry G read excerpts of their own poetry before Mr Lodge explained the origins of his Army medals (also referred to as 'badges' by pupils) and how he uses them to help reflect on his associated friends and colleagues who have died either in operational areas or at home. He emphasised the value of 'kindness', a key School value that was also typified by his late friend Lt-Col Jane Hunter, who is buried at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The whole School gathered around the flagpole for the 2 minute silence at 11am. After Mr Southee had read Laurence Binyan's famous poem 'For the Fallen' wreaths were laid by Mrs Cropper, Head Boy (Will B) and Head Girl (Edie), and Harry R (Prep) and Austin (Pre-Prep). The Last Post and Reveille was then superbly played by Eddie C before Mr Seeley closed proceedings. We Will Remember Them.

Mr (Maj) Lodge
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Anti-Bullying Week

It was great to see so many pupils and staff wearing odd socks on Monday to celebrate Odd Socks Day and bring attention to Anti-Bullying Week. All of the pupils have been encouraged to use their 'power for good' and make sure that they speak out if they feel that either themselves or others are being bullied. Anti-bullying lessons have been taught and assemblies given to encourage pupils to discuss how they would act if they witness unkind behaviour towards another person or group; this could be in person or online. Questions such as:

How might a person being bullied feel powerless? 

How can bystanders regain power and use it for good? 

were debated in Senior School lessons. Prep School pupils have also been given scenarios in which they discussed how to act if they see disrespectful behaviour or come across someone who is feeling upset. All pupils have listened extremely well, shown great maturity in their lessons and engaged fully in all activities. We hope that all the work that the pupils have completed will enable them to deal with any potential situation in the future.

Mr Herbert

MOvember

Movember is a powerful and visible movement where individuals grow moustaches during November to raise awareness for men's health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. This month, a number of teachers are taking part in the challenge. If you would like to donate, please click the link to head to the Movember Page. 

Mr Monk
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Year 2 Ocean's Day

On Thursday, Year 2 had an amazing Oceans Day! The classroom was completely transformed into an underwater wonderland - there was an octopus, seaweed swaying from the ceiling, sea-themed music playing and an ocean video on the board to set the scene. Miss Lobster (Miss Munro) and Mrs Fish (Mrs Sammie) joined in the fun too. From the sea-blue outfits to anemones with swimming clownfish and sparkling mermaid costumes, everyone had really gone all out!

We started the day chatting about how we can look after our oceans before singing our favourite Five Oceans Song. Then it was time to get baking. In small groups, they followed a recipe to make delicious ocean biscuits, only needing a little help to get their sea creatures onto the tray before baking.

Next, we thought about animals like whales, seals, dolphins and polar bears, and how they keep warm in the icy waters of the Arctic and Southern Oceans. The children loved testing ‘blubber gloves’ - one with fat and one without - and were fascinated at how much warmer the ‘blubber’ hand felt! William F said “I loved the experiment and learning what blubber is!”. 

After some relaxing under-the-sea themed yoga, the afternoon was filled with a carousel of creative activities. The children imagined they were divers exploring the ocean and wrote about what they could see, decorated their biscuits and made beautiful clay keepsakes using shell imprints. “I loved making the clay prints and now I have a special bowl for crisps when guests come!” - Annabelle S.

We ended the day with a lovely ocean-themed story and lots of happy smiles. It truly was a wonderful day of learning, laughter and ocean fun!

Miss Munro
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The week has been full of highlights of all types, none more spectacular than the Year 2 Oceans Day costumes and classroom decorations on Thursday. What a feast of fishy fun! Elsewhere in Pre-prep, classes have been turning their hand to all manner of cooking: Nursery made crumpets (amidst their counting and crafting efforts); Reception were inspired by the Magic Porridge Pot story and baked oat cookies, and all pupils decorated biscuits like poppies for Remembrance. Speaking of which, I must praise all of our children - from the very youngest in our community - for the impeccable observance of the 2-minute's silence at the flagpole on Tuesday. Special mention, too, for Harry R and Austin Y for their respectful way in which they took on the responsibility of laying a memorial wreath. 

On Monday, we all acknowledged Odd Socks Day and Mrs Nicholson gave an assembly about the importance of combating bullying. Much early morning work has been on this theme, with children designing their own superheros with a "power for good". In Maths, Year 5 made their own angle finder and went on an angle hunt around School, whilst in Science they investigated if air has mass and how much carbon dioxide weighs. In their English, they've begun analysing the structure of a biography, ready to write one about the life of Sir David Attenborough. Year 6's clay masks are now complete and await the kiln, and Year 4 have been trying their hands at completing 3 against 3 polyrhythm challenges in Music. We have, of course, also begun preparations for the Christmas Fayre in Endeavour - any and all donations of sturdy cardboard or Christmas decorations gratefully received at the Front Office! 

Stars of the Week

Nursery: Max M great progress with language and communication and also motivation to join in with structured activities.

Felix B for brilliant teamwork, good listening and resilience, well done!

Reception: Rosie A for continued effort and progress in your reading and writing skills. Well done!

Year 1: Fliss F for her lovely attitude to learning. She is always willing to try and happy to learn from her mistakes.

Year 2: Easton J for your developing confidence and engagement towards your learning.

Humphrey G for your consistently positive attitude towards challenge!

Swimmer of the Week

Ellie F for your growing confidence in the water and excellent, strong kicking throughout your lessons this week - fantastic progress!

Mr Wright 

The week began with a burst of colour and creativity as the school celebrated Anti-Bullying Week with “Odd Socks Day.” Students proudly wore vibrant, mismatched socks, each pairing symbolising acceptance, individuality, and unity in the fight against bullying. It was wonderful to witness such enthusiastic participation, reflecting our shared commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful school community.

On Tuesday, the school came together for a poignant act of remembrance. Gathered around the flagpole in silent reflection, students and staff honoured the sacrifices of past generations and reaffirmed the values of courage, unity, and peace.

This week has also been marked by pupil's hard work and dedication, with many reaching the significant milestone of earning 25 Merit points. 

A huge well done to:

Rowan B, Matilda C, Eva W, Archie B, Max M, Hubert S, Alex M-C, Henry S, Henry M, Ethan N, Tansy-Bella T, Oscar Voltz.  

A special congratulations to Dante R-D, Lewis S, George S, Jonny J for exceeding 200 Merit Points and receiving their recognition badges and to Harvey R, Erin C, Alex W for surpassing 300 Merit Points and earning their recognition badges.

Mr Wyllie

Made in Dagenham

Only two weeks until the first night of our Senior Musical 'Made in Dagenham'! If you haven't got your tickets yet, then we have a few left for Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Please email bookings@dokschool.org.

Instrumental Exams

A few of our pupils bravely took their instrumental exams yesterday. Congratulations to Ben O, Elsa H, Alaska B, Daisy W, Edie H and Felix B on their maturity, focus and practice in preparing and then sitting their exams. Fingers crossed for the results!

GCSE Devising

Well done to our Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils who have now finished the Drama Devising part of their GCSE. They performed and worked wonderfully earlier this week and can now relax. For a little bit!

Mr Rye

House Football Match Report – Last Two Weeks

Over the past two weeks, it has been fantastic to see all of the boys fully involved in their house football fixtures. Every team produced some brilliant performances, with matches being incredibly close throughout. The level of effort, determination and enthusiasm on display made for an exciting and enjoyable competition.

A huge well done to all the boys who took part. Every player contributed to their team’s success and demonstrated excellent teamwork and sportsmanship, not only by supporting their own house, but by encouraging players from the other houses as well. It was great to see such a positive atmosphere across all year groups.

After some fiercely contested games, the final standings are:

1st – Hawk
2nd – Peregrine
3rd – Kestrel
4th – Buzzard

Mr Green

House Swimming Galas

Well done to all swimmers who took part in the House galas on Monday afternoon. We started with the Years 7 & 8 event; it was amazing to see so many swimmers volunteering to take part in this competition. It was also superb to witness the improvement that the swimmers had made since the start of term. The Prep school gala was very loud with both the parents and children creating a super atmosphere. All swimmers coped very well with the environment and swam to the best of their ability. Congratulations to Layla B, Rowan B, Bea T-R, Hubert S, Henry G and Georgia C who were awarded medals for their great performances throughout the afternoon. Peregrine House won both galas but were pushed all the way by the other Houses. 

Mr Herbert

This week I have been contemplating the different approaches pupils take in asking for, seeking or engaging in support for their mental health. It does not always follow that those who are struggling will necessarily be open to support, even when their parents and the adults around them feel it would be really beneficial. As a counsellor, it is important for me to recognise that I can only meet my clients where they are and sometimes that means leaving it on the table until they are ready, or adapting the situation to meet what they feel comfortable with. Allowing them to know that they have autonomy and therefore hold the power in this context is vital to the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Their own sense of agency must not be diminished - it is vital to the process.

I am in a fortunate position of being known well by pupils within school as my interactions with pupils, in my Wellbeing role, go beyond 1-1 ELSA and counselling sessions This coupled with the lure of a cosy enticing Wellbeing space is surely a no-brainer and yet there will always be those that avoid or resist asking for help. 

We live in an age when young people particularly, are much more aware of caring for their mental health and the implications of diagnoses or symptoms. The importance of looking after their mental health is discussed overtly usually at school and home but also in their favourite shows, music and social media. Whilst this can be beneficial in reducing stigma associated with transparency about diagnoses or seeking therapeutic support, it can also be ‘self-fulfilling’ or dangerous due to misinformation, misdiagnosis or misinterpretation.

It is therefore really important as parents to engage with our children and young people in discussion about their mental health and offer safe and welcoming opportunities to do this.

This does not need to be an allocated time of intense 1-1 microscopic investigation of how they are feeling (terrifying!) but rather an open invitation to your child that you are open to and welcoming of their discussion and disclosures.

Ensuring there is time and quiet focused space for that child, as well as offering accompanying activities such as crafts, or limited eye contact (walking or driving) means they will feel more comfortable about possibly opening up and sharing their emotional status.

Young Minds offers some practical advice in talking to your children about mental health here.

For Pre-prep and Year 3 parents, a reminder if you would like to purchase a copy, to place orders for signed copies of The Forest’s Secret by the end of today to mdouglas@dokschool.org.

After this copies can be bought at https://amzn.eu/d/1fwWlfG as well as Waterstones and Blackwells.

Mrs Douglas

What Parents & Educators need to know about Combating Online Bullying

Defined as “ongoing hurtful behaviour towards someone online”, cyber-bullying makes its victims feel upset, uncomfortable and unsafe. In the digital world, it has numerous forms – such as hurtful comments on a person’s posts or profile; deliberately leaving them out of group chats; sharing embarrassing images or videos of someone; or spreading gossip about them. Cyber-bullying can severely impact a young person’s mental health … so, in support of Anti-Bullying Week, we’ve provided a list of tips to help trusted adults know what to look for and how to respond to it. 

In the guide, you'll find tips such as playing online games with your child, talking about your child’s online life and being prepared to listen without showing any judgement or criticism. 

Click the link to learn more about "Combating Online Bullying".

Mr Monk
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The circuit-breaker of half term appears to have proven beneficial in stopping the flow of bugs at school; we have continued to experience a good pupil attendance rate this week with only a handful of pupils off sick.  We have also had the chance today to catch up missed flu immunisations for pupils who were absent in October.

That said, ill health tends to creep up as each term progresses, so we need to prepare accordingly and continue to follow infection control guidelines.  We would advise pupils to take every opportunity to rest and recover from the exertions of the school week at evenings and weekends.  This most especially currently applies to Senior Pupils taking part in the production ("Made in Dagenham").  Two weeks to go, and many rehearsals to fit in before the first show.  Rest, eat, exercise, and sleep well to ensure you are fit and performance ready come opening night 28th November!  We can't wait to see it!

Yesterday afternoon Mrs Sarjant taught her latest PSHE Puberty lesson with Year 6 pupils.  This was as always an energetic lesson, with pupils really starting to be brave and open up with questions and thoughts about this very interesting subject, which can be quite challenging for pupils initially when we first meet in Year 5. Well done Year 6!  

For parents who would like to know more about how PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) is taught at Duke of Kent School, please make note of the parent breakfast meetings coming up on Friday 21st November (Prep School) and Friday 5th December (Senior School).  Mrs Nicholson, Mr Herbert and Mrs Sarjant welcome your attendance and continue to strive to work collaboratively with parents to ensure the PSHE curriculum is useful, relevant, and appropriate to all of our pupils (and families).

The School Nurses

PADoK News

Christmas Hamper Raffle

Our festive elves are back and preparing for the annual Christmas Hamper Raffle! Keep an eye out for ticket sale announcements from your class reps.

Donation Drop-Off Dates: 18th, 19th and 20th November Elves will be stationed in the Top Car Park and by the Changing Rooms to collect donations through your car window. If arriving by bus, pupils can hand donations to the elves or drop them in Reception. Donation boxes will also be available at the Old Hall School entrance for anytime drop-offs.

Suggested Donations:

· Alcohol (must be handed in at Reception if outside drop-off times)

· Chocolates & edible gifts (please check expiry dates)

· Beauty products & bubble bath

· Games, books, or any unwanted gifts

Charity Support: A portion of the proceeds will go to Cranleigh Food Bank and two local village schools.

Thank you for your generosity.

Green Duke Nature Walk – Forest Reflections

Our first Green Duke Nature Walk last Friday with forest guide Lisa Duncan invited parents to slow down and immerse themselves in nature on Pitch Hill.

We learnt how fungi, trees, and wildlife interact and how this is a mast year—when many trees produce an abundance of seeds and nuts, supporting wildlife and often coinciding with a rise in fungi.

We focussed on safely foraging Winter Chanterelles, a mycorrhizal mushroom that shares nutrients with trees through hidden underground networks.

We finished with fifteen minutes of forest bathing, quietly noticing the forest’s sounds, scents, and movement—ending perfectly with the laughter of DoK children in the distance.

To join the next walk, use the link in your class WhatsApp group or email lisa@hinokiforestbathing.co.uk. You’ll also find details there on how to join or follow Green Duke.

PADoK Clubs:

PADoK Pilates Club -NEW Thursday 20th November 08.30 – 09.15

We are delighted to introduce you to Alicky who is kindly taking over the Thursday exercise club to replace Core Control.  A brief bio: Hi everyone, I’m a Physiotherapist & Pilates teacher with 20+ years experience of teaching. Come & join the challenge to get that core fit for Christmas! There’ll be exercise, good tunes & laughs aplenty. Please email alickypilates@gmail.com for further information or if you’d like to book in. With thanks, Alicky  @alickypilates

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.  

Duke of Kent School Singers

We met on Tuesday morning with Mr Rye.  We had a warm up before continuing work on our song.

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 Book Club

PADoK Book Club – 9th December 8pm

We have chosen a new book to lead up to Christmas and hope to meet at the end of term to talk about the book, even if we haven’t finished it.  The Christmas Book Shop by Jenny Colgan.

We will be meeting on 9th December to discuss the previous book and the current title.  Please join us for a festive treat by the fire in Old Hall and a good chat.  All welcome and do come along if you would like to join. 

Mrs Phillips and Mrs Horsburgh

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 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.