{item_alt_tag}

A message from Mrs Knox

Another busy week which saw pupils on a trip to the Harry Potter studios as part of their media studies work in English, Nursery went to Little Street, an indoor role-play centre, and Year 6 had a fascinating trip to SES water to have a behind-the-scenes look at the water treatment works and to find out how water is made safe to drink. These trips are an important part of learning, helping pupils to see how their classroom work connects to the real world. First-hand experiences like these inspire curiosity, deepen understanding and make learning more engaging and memorable. I hope they were able to share what they learnt with you as well. It was a pleasure hosting the final Year 11 parent teacher evening on Wednesday. These pupils have shown real maturity, focus and resilience as they approach the final stages of their school journey. Finally, I am very much looking forward to the Jazz Night this evening - it promises to be a fabulous event.  Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Knox

Nursery visit Little Street, Frimley

This week, Nursery enjoyed their annual trip to Little Street in Frimley, which is housed in the old passenger waiting room at the train station. Inside, a little bit of magic awaits, with the space set out like a miniature street. Everything is perfectly child-sized, with resources that are accessible and moveable—so important for open-ended play and learning.

This year, the children explored a café, beauty salon, vet, supermarket, construction site, and even a helicopter! They moved freely and happily around the room and were deeply engaged in their play and learning throughout the visit. On our return, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch together—which turned out to be the quietest part of the day!

Mrs Ragless
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Year 5 trip to Battle of Britain Bunker Museum

Last week, Year 5 visited the Battle of Britain Bunker Museum in Uxbridge as part of their studies on World War II. The children thoroughly enjoyed exploring the many exhibits and had the opportunity to experience what it was like to be a ‘plotter’, moving blocks around a large map to show the positions of friendly and enemy aircraft.

In the morning, the children took part in a guided tour and a carousel of activities to learn more about the different roles of the people who worked at the bunker. In the afternoon, they explored the museum in more detail. It was an incredible experience going deep underground to see where crucial decisions were made that ultimately helped secure victory in the Battle of Britain. It was a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable day. As ever, the children behaved impeccably and were a delight to take.

Mr Gritton
{item_alt_tag}

Year 9 trip to Harry Potter Studios

Take 31 Year 9 pupils and combine with a minibus full of excitement and enthusiasm. Gently combine with Fizzing Whizzbees and a little sprinkle of magic and - Alohomora! - the doors to the Warner Brothers Studio Tours sprang open before our eyes!

Manifesting our inner witches and wizards, we flew a broomstick in a desperate attempt to catch the Snitch; needed to use the Arania Exumai in the Forbidden Forest and immersed ourselves in the enchanted world of Harry Potter.

Chocolate Frogs and Butterbeer were enjoyed by all! (Thankfully not any Puking Pastilles!)

A huge thank you to Mr Wyllie and Mr Seeley for all their help on the day.

Mrs Punter
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

In Drama this week, Year 5 have been creating characters based on WW2 evacuees, asking themselves "if it were me, how would I feel?" And in ICT, they took a range of fun and thought-provoking personality quizzes to better understand flowcharts in computing. They discovered a host of things they are most like - from historical rulers to mythological creatures - helping them explore how information can be organised and presented in creative ways. 

In Year 2, Maths lessons were focusing on 3D shape nets and the children used their knowledge to make African animals from them! In Reception, lessons took on a certain "je ne sais quoi", sampling croissants and building an Eiffel Tower from pasta (presumably dried!). In Year 4 Science, pupils investigated 'pitch' and how different instruments make high and low sounds, whilst the Year 5s got to test out their parachutes in the Pre-prep playground, demonstrating how balanced and unbalanced forces work. Inspired by last week's Zoom! show, Year 1 were hugely proud to finish their fantastic space display and both Nursery and Year 6 enjoyed trips out this week - to Little Street and the SES Water Treatment Plant - where pupils' behaviour, from our smallest to our oldest cohort, was roundly applauded by the venue guides. Lastly, thank you to Mr Gritton for leading an assembly on the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch and to Josh B and Harry R for their super talk on mantises. Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Values Certificates: Fliss F and Willow B (Effort)

Reading Certificates: Bronze for Aoife F; Silver for Maddie C, Gracie B, William C and Greg O

Stars of the Week:

Nursery: Max M for continued progress throughout the day and for joining in with maths activities.

Reception: Finley F for great effort in maths; using counting on and counting back skills.

Isla C for perseverance in writing, you continued to focus on accuracy and neatness.

Year 1: Rory O'K for improved decoding, fluency and confidence in reading.

Cooper for his concentration and participation during Maths. Learning about 3D shapes has really brought him joy.

Year 2: Beaux P for your wonderful effort when writing an interesting letter to her pen pal in Rwanda. You are a little contraction writing queen!

Swimmer of the Week:

Hector E for showing great progress and swimming 10 metres unaided.  Well done!

Mr Wright 

Years 3 & 4 House Cross Country

This morning, all pupils in Years 3 and 4 braved the weather to take part in their House Cross Country race. After waiting several weeks since the original date, the pupils did brilliantly to perform so well on the day. Everyone showed superb effort and resilience in tackling the muddy and challenging course, giving it their absolute all throughout the race and gaining valuable points for their house!

Congratulations to our winners: Owen G and Sienna H in Year 3, and Henry P and Dagny N in Year 4. A huge thank you to the parents who also braved the cold and damp conditions to support the runners and create a fantastic atmosphere. The pupils then enjoyed a well-earned hot chocolate and cookie after the race!

Mrs Monk

The week began with form groups marking Holocaust Memorial Day and reflecting on the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp by Soviet troops. Pupils took time to remember the horrific atrocities of the past while also considering the important message that genocide remains an issue affecting people around the world today.

Year 9 pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, where they explored the iconic sets from the famous films and took part in an interactive workshop. It was a truly magical way to start the week.
On Wednesday, our keen mathematicians participated in the UKMT Maths Challenge, an annual competition that continues to be popular as pupils put their problem-solving skills to the test.

To conclude the week, Mr Lodge delivered an engaging assembly focused on the importance of British Values.

A huge well done to the following pupils who have reach another multiple of 25 Merit points:
Freddie A-F, Florence , Michael M-B, Isable N, Zara P, Mia P, Charlotte P, Oliver T, Heidi B, Archie B, Humphrey H, Leo B, Maxim D, Rupert H, Ethan K.

A special mention goes to Layla B who has surpassed 100 Merit points and received her recognition badges.

Mr Wyllie

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Yesterday evening, myself, Mr Wylie and Mrs Southee delivered a talk to parents introducing the initiative Girls on Board which aims, with the support of parents and staff, to encourage girls to manage their friendship conflicts. Thank you so much to the parents who attended and engaged in the conversation about how we can best support girls in the unavoidable friendship conflicts that will arise. For those that were unable to attend, here is a video of the sessio:  Click Here 

Mrs Douglas

What Parents & Educators need to know about Mental Health Misinformation Online

Children and young people are increasingly turning to social media for mental health advice, but much of what they encounter online is unverified, oversimplified or misleading. This guide explores why platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become go-to sources, and how misuse of clinical language and viral trends can distort children and young people’s understanding of mental health. 

Aimed at parents and educators, it offers clear, expert-led strategies to counter misinformation. The guide looks at topics such as encouraging open conversations, identifying reliable sources, and strengthening school–home collaboration. Use this information to build young people’s critical thinking, resilience and confidence in seeking appropriate professional help when needed. 

Click the link to learn more about "Mental Health Misinformation Online". 

Mr Monk
{item_alt_tag}

Please can parents of pupils in Prep and Pre Prep continue to keep an eye out for head lice.  These have been very persistent this year, especially in long hair.  

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/.  We've also had a number of door-related finger and head injuries across the school; please encourage your children to take care and take time when transitioning through the school building to reduce the risk of unnecessary injuries.

A reminder that we are waiting for parental consents for pupils in Year 8 to have the HPV Immunisation at school on 6th March.  Please see the email sent 14th January.

We are also waiting for residential trip medical forms (to be completed by parents) for pupils in Years 4, 9, 10, 11 and any pupils on the Choir trip to Cornwall who have not yet done so.  Please contact Mrs Sarjant if you have any questions. csarjant@dokschool.org

The School Nurses

This week, I asked our amazing LAMDA teacher and Performing Arts administrative assistant, the lovely Miss Elder, some questions...

How long have you worked at Duke of Kent School?

'I joined in 2022 so this is my 4th year at Duke of Kent School'

What is a highlight of your day?

'Chatting all things theatrical in lunch breaks with both staff and pupils!'

What does a day in your job involve?

'My day is super busy - I tend to get into school at 7.30 and do admin tasks (such as checking emails from parents and printing / updating the music lesson timetables). Then I normally have an 8.00 AM LAMDA lesson with a Yr11 pupil (like with Mercy!) - followed by back to back LAMDA lessons with senior pupils and then LAMDA club with both the pre-prep and prep school students.'

What is a random fact about yourself?

'I am absolutely obsessed with dry mango!'

PADoK News

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE – Friday 12th June – Hurtwood Polo Club

PADoK is gearing up for a one‑night‑only Summer Party to celebrate 50 years of Duke of Kent School. Expect big energy, great food, and a night worth dressing up for.

Details coming soon - This is the one you won’t want to miss.

PADoK Clubs:

Duke of Kent School Flyers – Netball training 

Duke of Kent School 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.  Come along for lots of laughter, exercise & fun.  Everyone welcome!   Contact Tara at padok@dokschool.org.

Duke of Kent School Singers – Thursday 08.20 – 09.00

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.  Contact Cathy Williams -padok@dokschool.org

PADoK Book Club – Meet up on World Book Day

We have chosen a new book “Before the coffee gets cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguch  Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a 2015 novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. It tells the story of a café in Tokyo that allows its customers to travel back in time, as long as they return before their coffee gets cold.

Empowering Her Exhibition

Duke of Kent School families are invited to a special viewing of Duke of Kent School's very own parent, Caroline de Peyrecave’s exhibition. Please see @cdepeyrecave_portraits for more details and RSVP to caroline@carolinedepeyrecave.co.uk to receive more info.

{item_alt_tag}

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.

{item_alt_tag}

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.