Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition 

Last Thursday 13 intrepid Year 10 participants travelled to Ditchling Beacon in the South Downs to begin a 3-day walking expedition. Completing this 40+ km 'undulating' venture while carrying their kit is one of the four requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Silver Award. The two groups walked west towards the first campsite at Small Dole near Steyning. After being delighted to make the acquaintance of Buzz (the local farm goat), they survived their first night of camping, cooking and 50p showers and set off for Washington Camp on the second day. The only injury of note (apart from a few blisters) was a slight burn caused by a hot marshmallow - remember sweets can be bad for your health! The final day's walk was completed effectively, finishing near Arundel. Everyone worked so hard, few, if any, of them having walked three significant back-to-back walks before in what were quite hot and dry conditions (for a change). George S was very excited to see 'wild boars' although they might have actually been domesticated pigs. Ben O and Ben J stood out for their leadership but everyone was thoroughly supportive of one another - well done to them all.  Many thanks also to Matron for her medical assistance. 

Mr Lodge and Mr Wyllie

Year 3 Trip to Buster Ancient Farm

On Tuesday, Year 3 enjoyed a wonderful day at Butser Ancient Farm. We were greeted by our guide and a rather gorgeous goat called Nutmeg, who the children thoroughly enjoyed introducing themselves to. They first visited an Iron Age round house and learnt about building techniques and what life would have been like at that time. They then worked as a team to make a wattle fence. Luckily they weren’t asked to also go and collect any animal dung to make the daub that would have gone on it! Later in the day we had a tour of a  Roman villa. Although it was much grander than the Iron Age buildings, many of the children said they would prefer to forsake the hypocausts, frescoes and mosaics and would rather live the simple life, round the fire in the cosy Celtic round houses.

They also had the opportunity to be archaeologists, digging into the ground and examining all the treasures that they unearthed. Later in the day they tried their hand at jewellery making by curling copper wire into pairs of spirals to twist around their fingers or wrists. They took these home at the end of the day as treasured souvenirs from a wonderful day out.

Mrs Nicholson

Year 4 Residential 

Year 4 enjoyed a fantastic residential packed with adventure, learning and plenty of fresh air. The trip began with a visit to New Forest Wildlife Park, where the otters were an undeniable highlight and had everyone captivated. The following day brought a slightly more dramatic start, as the children braved a rather rocky ferry crossing (thanks to some very windy weather!) on their way to the Isle of Wight. 

Once there, they explored Carisbrooke Castle, including a rather eye-watering walk along the castle walls. They then continued on to the impressive Osborne House, where it was wonderful for the children to experience what life was like in the past and to see where Queen Victoria once lived and died. Throughout the trip, the children were a real credit to the school—demonstrating excellent behaviour and asking thoughtful, sensible questions at every stop.

The final morning was spent at the beach, where the children enjoyed a walk to get ice cream and had great fun building sandcastles. Back at the youth hostel, evenings were full of energy, with games of cricket, football and badminton keeping everyone (including Mr Stuart) entertained until they were happily worn out and ready for bed - As were their teachers !

All in all it was a fun-filled action packed few days with memories to treasure. 

Mrs Rigby

Year 6 - Wat Phra Dhammakaya London Temple Trip 

As part of their studies on Buddhism this term, Year 6 pupils visited the Wat Phra Dhammakaya London temple in Woking on Wednesday morning. Our visit began with a tour of the building, including key areas such as the dining room, reception room, meditation room and library. The pupils were then introduced to several important religious artefacts, including the alms bowl, monks’ robes and dedication set, learning about their heritage, purpose and significance within the Buddhist faith.

A monk then taught the children about the Five Precepts and guided them through a meditation session. We concluded our visit with alms giving (the practice of giving) during which the pupils placed items into the monks’ alms bowls as they passed.

It was a calm and peaceful morning, filled with lots of new experiences, information and valuable learning. Many thanks to Mr Wright for accompanying us and for driving the bus, and to the Year 6 families for providing items for the alms offerings.

Mrs Green

1st XI v Staff Cricket Match 5th May

A depleted cricket team took on a strong 1st XI in this traditional annual encounter. Maybe the staff were worried about the pace of Hugo S as numbers started to dip with many (including myself) suddenly starting to feel an old injury. However, the staff who played had a good go, with the help of a few U16s and the impressive Mr Ward, at trying to keep the pupils' score as low as possible. Some great batting from Hugo S, Chester S, Harry L alongside many others helped the 1st XI post a score of 134 in 15 overs. This was going to be tough  for the staff with the light fading quickly. Mr Green, Mr Stuart, Mr Cruttenden and Mr Ward batted impressively giving the staff hope of an upset. Despite the late charge, the 1st XI held on for the win. This was a lovely evening and extremely well supported by parents. Thank you to all who played and gave their encouragement!!

Mr Herbert

This week as we said farewell to our Year 11s, I reminded them of the importance of looking after themselves both physically and mentally during their GCSEs. The need for preparation and balance were key messages as they embark on the next few testing weeks.

I have added a slide presentation to their Google classrooms which reminds and advises to:

• Get the most from revision - timing, realistic and targeted
• Make time for hobbies, exercise and relaxation
• Stay in contact with friends and allow opportunities to socialise in balance with study
• Know your exam timetable inside out and have it displayed for quick reference - don’t need surprises!
• Control what you can - uniform and bag ready, water bottle filled, clear pencil case filled and ready
• Prepare for a good night’s sleep - limit screen time, warm bath, relaxation, music etc.
• Remember it’s normal to feel anxious. Calming strategies to try - breathing exercise, meditation, being outside, meditation or exercise, EFT tapping, visualisation
• Talk to someone if you are feeling overwhelmed - parents, friends, teachers or come to the Wellbeing Room where I will continue to be available for pupils who need a calm space to talk

I will be reiterating some of these messages to the rest of the pupils next week during Mental Health Awareness week as they prepare for the internal summer exams the following week.

Wishing all the pupils good luck and calm thoughts during exam season.

                                                                                                                                                       Mrs Douglas 

A very fond farewell to Year 11 pupils, and wishing them all the best of luck for the GCSE exams starting today!  If any Year 11 pupils are struggling with poor physical or mental health during the exam season, please do not hesitate to contact the school nurses (nurse@dokschool.org) and cc Mr Wyllie (awyllie@dokschool.org), so we can assist and try our best to get everyone through each exam, even if unexpected hurdles arise.

Exam stress is starting to show itself among other year groups with exams starting for Year 10 pupils next Friday 15th May, and Years 3 to 9 the following Monday.  We are here to help, so please let us know if your child is feeling particularly wobbly.  Pupils are encouraged to give the exams their best effort, but please keep perspective and a good balance between revision and rest for their wellbeing.

Finally, a reminder to Year 7 & 8 pupils to please deliver Rockley Park trip medications to Mrs Sarjant before the half term break if at all possible.  Thank you!

The School Nurses

PADoK News

Summer Ball – Friday 12th June – Tickets selling fast

Why: We’re marking 50 years of Duke of Kent School with a spectacular Summer Ball!

Where: Join us at Hurtwood Polo Club for a night filled with great food, live music, and plenty of celebration.

Tickets: £35.  Your ticket includes:

• Welcome drink
• Entertainment including a magician from Britain's Got Talent!
• Wonderful food
• Live music from Mr Rye’s band

Book your tickets at padok@dokschool.org with your child’s name and year group. 

PADoK Second Hand Uniform Shop

Due to Stevenson’s currently undergoing a refurbishment, we have decided to open the shop a few times over the coming weeks.

Friday 15th May from 8 – 9am

Please note that we do sell school shoes, trainers, football boots and astroturf trainers, which are boxed in sizes.

PADoK Clubs:

Duke of Kent School Flyers – Netball training 

A link to the WhatsApp group should have been sent out by your Class Rep.  Please join if you are interested in starting to play netball, we are looking for new players so please do come along.  The WhatsApp group will publish when and where they are training as it varies.  Come along for lots of laughter, exercise & fun.  Everyone welcome!   Contact Tara at padok@dokschool.org.

Duke of Kent School Singers

Tuesday 12th May 08.20 – 09.00.

 Come sing with us! The Duke of Kent Singers are looking for new voices, male & female. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just curious, you’ll fit right in.  Friendly group  No pressure  Tuesday mornings with Mr Rye & Cathy Come along, have fun, and make music with us.

Please do come along, it is a very relaxed and welcoming choir.

 When: Every Tuesday from 08:20 to 09.00

 Where: Meetings Room off Old Hall.  Contact Cathy Williams -padok@dokschool.org

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

PADoK Book Club

We are reading The Names by Florence Knapp, and we will meet later in the term to discuss the book.  Here is a summary of the story:

It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son. Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him - but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives.

Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted. Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image - but is there still a chance to break the mould?

Powerfully moving and full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.

A BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE SUNDAY TIMES, GUARDIAN, INDEPENDENT, IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY, COSMOPOLITAN AND MANY MORE | A READ WITH JENNA AND HAPPY PLACE BOOKCLUB PICK

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.