MGS TIMES December 2015

December Newsletter 2015 That time of year has approached again; where has the year gone? As always the term has been a busy one and this newsletter summarises some of the many achievements and success stories seen since September. This, and future, termly school newsletters will complement my weekly Headmaster’s Blog which is published every Tuesday. I hope that those blogs have been informative and helpful in giving you a greater understanding of the workings of Maidstone Grammar School. This year, in particular, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to prepare for necessary changes in the near future. Maidstone Grammar School is already an outstanding school to be a part of, but it needs to go on evolving. The values and principles we live by are core to what we do, and these changes will build on those qualities ensuring that current and future Maidstonians experience a more enriched experience. We are currently reviewing the House Structure as we would like it to be further integrated within the School; we are changing how we assess students’ work to reflect the changing GCSE grading system; we are reviewing our core business of learning to ensure the experience the students get in the classroom is as good as it can be and to be in a position to express simply what learning at MGS is; we are looking to implement a new initiative with Year 7 next year called Challenge @MGS which will be a vehicle to acknowledge the many opportunities that are on offer to our students; and we are constantly striving to improve the learning environment and general site appearance. Much change usually goes unnoticed as it gets implemented gradually, but it is also important it becomes embedded and sustainable for the future. One change that will be noticeable from January will be the use that students make of their personal electronic devices; this was expressed in a recent letter I sent out to parents. The ‘Bring Your Own Device’ initiative began in September 2014 to encourage students to make use of their devices to support their learning. This has gone extremely well, and we wish to see it continue and develop. However, encouraging students to make use of their devices in structured lesson time has required us to review our well-established Personal Electronic Device Policy. My letter explained in more detail what the changes will be, but essentially Years 7 to 10 will not be permitted to make use of their devices outside of structured lesson time, particularly at break and lunch times. Years 11 to 13 in the Upper School will be allowed though to make discreet use of their devices, but will be challenged if inappropriate. I hope that you support both the principles behind the Bring Your Own Device initiative and this necessary change to the Personal Electronic Device Policy to ensure that all students are making use of their devices appropriately. Since September last year we have been sharing with you our vision and 10 Year Plan with regards to our buildings. Like the other projects we are working on in school much is going on behind the scenes to move on with what we want to achieve. We are still working on the very exciting project of improving our facilities for performing arts, science, computing and ICT and PE. There is still a lot to do, and what we will eventually achieve depends on many variables, particularly funding, but we are all very excited at the prospects of improved facilities in the very near future. I will keep you informed on how things progress during next year.

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To achieve the 10 Year Building Plan and to provide a sustainable legacy for the future the MGS Development Fund has continued to grow during the term. The Fund now sits at over £14,000 and as it grows, with continued support from all members of the School community, it will make a big impact in how the School develops in the coming years. Thank you once again to everyone who continues to support the Fund; your help is very much appreciated. This year I would like to particularly thank the parents who sit on the Parents’ Association Committee. The impact the Parents’ Association is having has been growing over the last few years, but the last 12 months has been particularly impressive. The number of events throughout the year has increased; the attendance at each event and so the amount of money raised has grown. This money supports a number of projects in the School which has included this year a new laser cutter for the D&T Department, new drumming equipment for performing arts, and improved resources in the Art Department. The School is indebted to the hard work of the Parents’ Association Committee and thank all parents who have come along and supported the many events. Here’s to another good year. Since September we have had three charity days: Children in Need back in November, and two House Charity Days: one in October and the one last Friday. In addition we held our annual MacMillian Coffee morning and just last week collected Christmas presents for the Salvation Army. The focus of these charity days is clearly to raise money and awareness for each charity that we support, and collectively we have raised just under £6000 for those charities; but also they are occasions when we see the whole school community and each House community come together as one. It is this aspect of MGS that makes us special; we should always feel proud that we are a part of a community that values such a thing. The end of this term also marks the end of service that Mrs Lizzie Norman has given the School. She joined MGS in 1987 working as a part time Clerical Assistant. During her time at MGS, Mrs Norman has taught keyboarding skills as an unqualified teacher under the reign of Dr Pettit, she became a full time Secretary in 1997 before becoming Office Manager. Dr Pettit back in 1988 wrote to the Area Education Officer within the Local Authority asking that Mrs Norman receive a pay upgrade saying, ‘In my fifteen years at Maidstone Grammar School I have only known one other typist who can equal her for speed and accuracy. It is in the interest of the LA and this school that we retain her services.’ For many years she has been the backbone of the School Office playing an integral role in the organisation of Speech Days and in the ever growing UCAS process ensuring all university applicants send off the best possible application form they can. She is one of a very small, and diminishing, number of members of staff who have worked under four Headmasters; she has even helped me sew a button on my shirt. Lizzie, we will miss you, and we wish you all the happiness in your retirement. This newsletter, as normal, goes into some detail of the many successes seen during the Autumn Term. Please read on to see news of numerous trips and visits, sporting results, CCF developments, performing art opportunities and many other extra-curricular activities. I am again extremely grateful to the staff, parents and governors of the School who support the students to ensure we go on being the School that we cherish. Thank you to the many, many students who do wonderful things each day and who take pride in the knowledge that they are a part of something incredibly special. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you. Mr M Tomkins Please do share any successes achieved outside of school with us so that we can include them in our termly newsletters and provide pictures where possible. Send to: [email protected]

Return to the Forbidden Planet A highlight of the end of term was the annual school musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet, a curious but winning blend of Shakespeare’s Tempest, 1950’s sci-fi and 60’s rock’n’roll classics. One of the stars of the show, Christine Bordean, (Year 12) who delighted audiences with her winning portrayal of Miranda, has written her account of the show. After months of tirelessly working on scenes, dance routines and songs; the final performance night of Return to the Forbidden Planet arrived and rushed by. In all honesty, it didn’t seem like so much time had gone by when surrounded by such wonderful people. The final showing was a magical event where we all pulled together and unveiled a show to be proud of. An all singing and dancing extravaganza with an engrossing story of how a routine space survey flight is drawn to a mysterious planet. After revealing the identity of the man behind that “tractor beam”, meeting his enchanting daughter “Miranda” and discussing the small matter of an intergalactic monster, a plot rife with love, discovery and even treachery burst into life curtesy of our innovative Director, Dr Froud and the help of a host of others. Firstly, the cast; a group of some of the most talented people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I played the character of “Miranda” and joining me on stage as my father, “Prospero”, was Oscar Waters (Year 12) that portrayed both an over protective dad and mad scientist, simultaneously. His booming voice and dramatization of almost anything left the audience laughing and ultimately shedding a tear when he departed. Then there was the object of my character’s affections, “Captain Tempest” played by Daniel Sharp (Year 12). He conveyed the very nature of a Captain Kirk-like character; in control of his ship and crew and not shy of a rock star performance during take-off. By his side at all times was “Bosun”; his faithful shipmate, obeying his every command played by Cagri Ustaoglu (Year 10). The “Science Officer” aboard the ship (and also my character’s mother) was brought to life by Annabelle Keane (Year 12), who presented us with a feisty independent woman who will not take illogical orders or prejudice from anyone (no matter what rank) and whose fine bluesy voice breathed life into a string of 60’s classics. The portrayal of my father’s great creation, “Ariel” the robot, was left in the hands of Harris Skinner (Year 10) who created a superb character, both mechanical yet humorous at times. The simple minded cook aboard the Star-ship, “Cookie”, was performed by Will Price (Year 10) who acted and danced his way to a perfect portrayal of a teenager in love with an unobtainable girl. He entertained us with his sublime singing and warmed the hearts of the audience. Last but certainly not least were the crew aboard the Star-ship Albatross: Charlotte Wiles (Year 12) as “Communication Officer”, Elisenda Mitchell (Year 13) as “Navigation Officer”, John Hudson (Year 13) as “Ensign” and Alex Lovatt (Year 12) as an “Engineer”. Professional in both appearance and behaviour, their dance routines were sharp and classy. The success of the production also rested on our brilliant band; all under the instruction of Music Director, Miss Mason. The gifted pupils part of this band include: Matt Hua (Year 10) on keyboards, Stephen Mackie (Year 12) and Liam McDonagh-Brown (Year 12) on electric guitars, Edward Williams (Year 13) on Bass Guitar, James Doran (Year 12) on drums, Ciaran Hamer and Joshua Griggs (Year 8) on Alto Sax, Callum Ainsworth (Year 12) on Trumpet, Liam Bennett (Year 12) on Trombone and Band Runner Ethan Hines (Year 12). Their ability to erupt into any of the multiple rock and roll classics was astonishing! With a thumping beat, rippling guitar riffs and snazzy saxophone melodies as well as sound effects; the songs drew many an applause. Equally entertaining were some of the smoothest dance moves you’ll ever witness, revived from the period of big hair and swinging skirts; all of which were choreographed with skill and flair by Mrs Acaster and Ms Lewis.

However, what really brought the audience’s imagination to life and immersed them in this world of “phasors” and “Klystron Generators” was the set and costumes designed and overseen by Mrs Morton. Her capability to turn science fiction into reality seemed boundless! With the aid of Laurence London (Year 13), Zack Jermy (Year 12) and Matt Ralph (Year 13), she recreated the inside of the spaceship which consisted of glimmering silver surfaces and a multitude of buttons and panels. She even managed to transform my character, Miranda, into a gorgeous Marilyn Monroe! Moreover, her terrifyingly funny puppet monster operated by Mrs Morton herself, Mr Goddard, Jonah Bubb (Year 12), Morgan Richards (Year 12), Nathan Hutchins (Year 10), Ali Khurram (Year 10) and Zac Jermy quickly became the true star of the show. All of the above would not have been anything without the great contribution of the sound and lighting team under the supervision of Technical Director Mr Martin; a lighting wizard who also managed to create a fake flame-thrower out of an air freshener and a torch! Joining him in the gallery was the Sound and Lighting Prefect team who had very little time to get to grips with perfecting microphones and strobe lighting effects. Additionally, a whole host of video content that was displayed on the night was created or filmed by Jacob Fenton (Year 11), Mr Lakey and Assistant Director Mr Goddard who also helped fine tune every aspect of the production. Under the watchful eye of Dr Froud (who knew just about every Shakespearian quote in the script) we felt that we put on a spectacular show. During the time of rehearsal, we all made new friends and became a real team. This was the perfect outlet through which we could all escape into the fascinating futuristic universe and unleash the artist inside. I will miss our rehearsals and look forward to next year with great anticipation. By Christine Bordean Year 12

The MGS School Council: This term has seen the inauguration of the new MGS School Council led and managed by the six Year 13 Deputy House prefects: James Lishman for Challenger, Dhillon Nagar for Churchill, Adam Chappell-Tay for Endeavour, Elisenda Mitchell for Hurricane, Bradley Evenden for Invincible and Assad Khan for Spitfire. The purpose of the School Council is to represent the student voice within the school community - to listen to the views of their fellow students and then to present those views to the Council for discussion. Of equal importance is their role as student voice when, for instance, new staff are being appointed at school and members of the Council are selected to conduct their own interviews with the candidates on behalf of the students. At the beginning of this term, the School Council was asked to discuss what in their opinion outstanding learning would look like and on the basis of their discussions, 3 members—Assad Khan Year 13, Elliot Padfield Year 8 and Kristian Szwedziuk Year 11 - presented the students' idea of outstanding learning to a full staff meeting. This produced a lot of discussion, a few surprises and exchanges of ideas which were very interesting and informative for their audience. The boys made their points with confidence and intelligence and were a credit to themselves—it was a daunting task given that the audience was a collection of all their teachers. Well done boys. There are many exciting topics for discussion over the next few weeks and we can look forward to our new School Council going from strength to strength in the New Year. Mrs Van Mol MacMillan Coffee Morning: This year we held our annual MacMillan Coffee Morning in support of MacMillan Cancer Support. The event was well attended by staff and students and we raised £360.05. This was the seventh year that the School has supported this very worthwhile charity by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. We are extremely grateful to Independent Catering for donating cakes for the event and members of staff and some students who donated cakes and drinks. Salvation Christmas Toy Appeal: Once again parents and members of the school community have taken part in the annual Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal. Last year over 350 toys and gifts were collected by the school so that many children less fortunate than our own would have a Christmas to remember. This year we set our target at over 500 toys – it is a big undertaking but thanks to the support from our parents and staff we will make a difference to the many children on the Salvation Army’s Christmas List.

History Department: In October the History Department organised two field trips for the students. First, Year 7 went to Butser Ancient Farm, which is an experimental archaeological site focussing on life in the Iron Age and the Roman Age. The students examined Iron Age round houses and a Roman villa, both constructed according to ancient methods. They also experimented with building fences and walls, as well as making decorations in the fashion of the ancient Celts. These activities led to very interesting discussions on whether the Iron Age or the Roman Age had the more comfortable living conditions (teachers unanimously preferring the 21 century).

A few weeks later, Year 8 students visited Dover Castle and explored every nook and cranny of the castle grounds, from the lowest tunnel to the highest tower. The trip’s focus was the study of the various layers of fortification that were added to the castle throughout the centuries, but the students also enjoyed walking around the furnished rooms inside the Great Tower. They demonstrated a thoroughly democratic interest in history by rushing rather hurriedly through the King’s Chamber and instead spending the major portion of their time on examining the exhibits in the servants’ quarters in the castle basement.

MGS Library: We took 8 students from Years 7 & 8 to the regional Kids’ Lit Quiz completion. There were 10 rounds of questions ranging from Cats to Cars all based on childrens’ literature. They competed against 25 other teams from across the South East. The Year 7 team – Ben Cheal, Harry Harmon, Sanshraya Patro and Nicholas Siverland- Bishop performed really well coming 11th. The Year 8 team - Zabiulallah Ghasemi, William Phillips, Andrew Shuttleworth and Liam Turner, came 9th and won books for winning a round.

Performing Arts 2015: JULIUS CAESAR ‘Friends, Romans and countrymen – lend me your ears…’ The first exciting event of the MGS Performing Arts Calendar was the performance of ‘Julius Caesar’ at the Sinden Theatre in Tenterden. Students from the lower school took part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. This festival provides them with an opportunity to perform an abridged Shakespeare play before a paying audience in a professional theatre. Auditions took place at the end of the summer term. Thirteen students from Years 8, 9 and 10 took part. Josh Barnes from Year 12 took on the role of assistant director, showing his own considerable skills in managing rehearsals and actors. The costumes were modern, with the students wearing black tunics and red sashes, making them appear sinister with a totalitarian edge. In terms of props, these were minimal; careful rehearsal of mimed scrolls, knives and swords ensured authentic performances. Elliot Stedman, Year 10 and Zac Washington, Year 10 played conflicted Brutus and cunning Cassius. These two organise and carry out the murder of naïve and narcissistic Julius Caesar, played by Kerem Mumyakmaz, Year 9. Harris Skinner, Year 10 portrayed sneaky Casca, while Harvey Crease, also Year 10 stepped up to address ‘the unkindest cut of all’ as Mark Anthony. Our budding actors in Years 8 and 9 proved their talents with multiple roles, slick transitions and quick changes between characters. Elliott Martin, Year 8, a new dramatic discovery, was the all-seeing soothsayer, as well as the authoritative new leader Octavius Caesar, showing concentrated characterisation in both roles. All these young actors were dedicated, attentive to detail and we hope to see them all participate in future productions at MGS. Heartfelt thanks to the lovely Ms. Lang who spent many hours creating our costumes, and of course to Mr Lozano. In addition to providing guidance and support (to say nothing of catering) to our rehearsals, his comic commentary helped to keep us all sane and upbeat. Congratulations to all the cast and crew! Mrs G Brooks Head of Performing Arts

MGS University Fair – 23rd September 2015 Following the success of our inaugural university fair in 2014, MGS held a second university fair on the 24th September 2015. The event this year was also open to Year 10 students and their parents in addition to those in Years 11-13, reflecting the growing trend for students to start thinking about university options earlier in their school career. In addition to our own students, Students and parents from local Maidstone secondary schools attended the event with the total number of visitors being over 1000. 47 of the UK’s leading universities from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were present to offer advice and information to students and parents about their courses and institutions, including the majority of Russell Group and U.K. Top 30 Universities, ranging from St Andrews in Scotland to Queen’s University, Belfast. Advice was also available on taking a gap year and Studying Overseas, with a popular stand being that of Oregon State University in the USA. Once again, the feedback from the universities was very complementary about MGS students, with some quotes from the universities as follows: University of Sussex: “Thanks for putting on a really good event, I had lots of interesting conversations with engaged students.” University of Bournemouth “The students were very enthusiastic about exploring their pathways into Higher Education and are a credit to the school” Newcastle University “Everyone who approached the stand was asking very interesting and insightful questions – they had all certainly done their research.” Lancaster University: “Please pass my thanks on to all your students who helped on the day. They were extremely pleasant and a great representation of your school.”

MGS Study Overseas Fair – 6th October 2015 A new venture for MGS this year was the Study Overseas Fair, organised in conjunction with The Student World organisation, and held in the Big Hall over lunchtime on the 6th October 2015 The aim of the event was to provide information and advice to students on the options that exist for studying abroad, particularly in Europe, where the attraction of low tuition fees and degree courses taught in English, has seen thousands of U.K. students choose Europe as their destination for degree level study over the past few years. Twenty overseas universities attended the event, from Germany, Italy, Jersey, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and The Netherlands, in addition to a couple from further afield in the USA and Canada, and the event was busy with students from all year groups, parents and MGS staff finding out more about the different options possible.

Performing Arts 2015 continued: Autumn Concert—Another exciting exhibition of our talent here at MGS was our Autumn Concert at the end of November. Hosted by Mr Fuller and Miss Mason, with support from Mr Seeds who conducted the Gaudeamus Brass Band, staff, students and parents were all treated to an array of different musical acts. The concert was opened by Gaudeamus Brass, with a selection of movements from Matthew Locke’s Music for His Majesty’s Sackbuts and Cornetts. Thereafter, we heard beautiful piano solos by several students. This included a fabulous performance of Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca by Joel Parfitt, who is clearly the Liberace of Year 7. Harvey Crease, Year 10 played a booming rendition of Goldfinger on the trombone, and stellar singing performances came from Harris Skinner, Year 10 and our very own X-Factor candidate, Daniel Edwards, Year 9. Bastille-fanatic Henry Brown, Year 9 showed his talent and confidence by playing Pompeii as an unaccompanied clarinet solo, whilst James Tuck, Year 11 gave two beautiful performances on vocals and guitar, including his own arrangement of Robyn’s Dancing On My Own. The concert was closed by sixth form Music Mentors Joe Maddison-Roberts and Will Potter, who demonstrated their skills as vocalists, guitarists and music technicians through their innovative and impressive performance of You Need Me, I Don’t Need You. With layered harmonies, a quick switch between instruments and very skilled use of a loop pedal, the pair gave even Ed Sheeran himself a run for his money! Thank you to all the staff, family and friends who came to support our performers and a massive well done to all the students that took part! Miss S Mason Second in Performing Arts

CCF: The start of the year in September was barely underway when the Contingent received its Biennial Inspection on Monday 5th October. The reviewing officer was Col Rod Lambert, the Colonel Cadets for 11 Infantry Brigade and the inspection took place at St Martins Plain Training Camp near Folkestone. In order to make the most of a training opportunity, the Contingent used the Friday to Sunday before the inspection to revise Skill at Arms, take a Military and General Knowledge quiz, undertake Leadership Tasks, practice Rope Work, revise Patrolling, Judging Distance & Fire Control Orders, improvise 2 man shelters, set up Patrol Harbours, practice Section Attacks and set an Ambush. All three sections took part in a Night Navigation Exercise, Light Support Weapon acquaint, Trim Trail, and Leadership Tasks. On the inspection day Col Lambert was welcomed with a Guard of Honour and was shown a variety of training activities from all three sections of the CCF. This included a session on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (where the Colonel showed that he was no mean shot himself), a Fieldcraft Demonstration, and Light Support Weapon lesson. The RN Section displayed how basic messages were sent over distance by flag signals, and the RAF Section demonstrated a range of model aircraft in flight. As a former member of the Army Air Corps, Col Lambert proved quite keen to join in with this practical activity! After lunch, Col Lambert was extremely complimentary in his address to the cadets as he concluded the Inspection with a short address.

Staff Changes: This year we are without the services of Sub Lt R Fisher and Sub Lt S Spruce in the RN Section as both have moved to other work places. Fortunately we have newly commissioned Sub Lt A Pinn from the Mathematics department and help from a parent, Mr I Foremen to keep the Navy afloat. We are very fortunate that the Army Section has gained the services of Capt N Morton, who is serving with another school, and his knowledge and enthusiasm have already benefitted the section at the Biennial Inspection and the Recruit Camp weekend. It is also a pleasure to announce the promotion of Lt P Highway to Captain and his appointment as the Officer Commanding the Army Section with effect from 1st September 2015. Recruit Section: The year started with a healthy intake of over half of the Year 9 cohort signed up for the CCF. Since September they have carried out tri-service training in school leading up to the Recruits camp over a weekend at the start of December once again at St Martins Plain Camp. A varied and busy training programme began with the fact that 0600 really does exist and involved Personal Admin/Barrack Block Routine, Kit Preparation, Military Knowledge Quiz, First Aid, Weapons Familiarisation, a Section Attack Demonstration, Camouflage & Concealment, Basic Fieldcraft, a Night Noise Patrol, Practical Leadership Tasks, a Map & Compass Exercise, and a Drill Competition!

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All three troops worked extremely well and Green Troop was the overall winner of the four competitions involved in the training. The wearing of a beret and cap badge completed the transition from recruit to cadet and the move to the preferred Army, RN, or RAF Section of the Contingent. The RN Section remains strong and in December a short visit was made to their affiliated ship, the Type 23 frigate HMS Kent which was in Dover. While this time of the year only permits a limited amount of afloat training, much use was made of the lake in Mote Park during term one. Rafting, canoeing, and sailing (when conditions permitted) kept the section very active and probably wet. The uptake of all sorts of courses that the RN offers away from school has been good. Many of our cadets have been involved in these since September. The RAF Section has been forming a team to enter the Air Squadron Trophy Competition and regular training has been under taken, after normal Thursday training has finished, dedicated to winning back this prestigious award, which we have won several times over the years, in what has become a very fiercely fought national completion. The regional heats take place early in the New Year. Air Cadet Leadership courses were successfully completed at RAF Cranwell in July by Cpl Louis Young and LCpl Kai Burley. In October three junior cadets attended a leadership cadre at RAF Henlow and achieved an overall pass; in addition to this Sgt Kieran Hearn on a senior course scored a grade A and narrowly missed being awarded best cadet on the course. Flying in the Grob Tutor remains available when the weather permits but gliding remains grounded until all service history checks are completed. The ARMY Section was unable to enter a team for the Cadet Skill at Arms Competition this year; this was not due to a lack of volunteers but due to the monumental difficulties imposed on us for moving arms and ammunition to a range for a team selection and zeroing day! The Army Section prides itself on its versatility and all round training so the next big disappointment was the cancellation of the annual weekend (including overnight) Signals Competition Exercise ‘Christmas Cracker’ on the National Radio Net. Why I hear you ask was this popular event and national competition cancelled. In its wisdom the MOD has withdrawn the long serving but still useful Clansman 320 radio from cadet forces leaving us with no current HF transmitting/receiving facility – and hence no competition. The replacement for the 320 is not yet anywhere near in sight! Nationwide upgrading of armouries and storage facilities along with general security policy is also causing the section many difficulties with training but we do not give up that easily – there is plenty of interest and challenge to come in the New Year!

The Contingent and the Community: The Contingent was once again well represented in Maidstone on Remembrance Sunday with 67 cadets and 4 adult staff on parade making us probably the second largest marching group after the Royal Engineers from 36 Engineer Regiment. The Governors Remembrance Act was held on Armistice Day. This year we were back in the Big Hall where the names of those old Maidstonians who died in World War I are displayed. The CCF organised the annual collection in school for the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal to help enable the RBL to continue its vital welfare and benevolent work. The amount raised has yet to be announced. Finally, BTEC level 2 Extended Certificates in Public Services were awarded to four cadets who left at the end of last summer. Cdt WO Alex Luisi, SSgt Sam Sarre, Sgt William Bethell, and Sgt Andrew King obtained a selection of merits and distinctions between them. Whilst Christmas brings a welcome break, the new term in January already has a lot lined up for the future including preparation for the RAF national Air Squadron Trophy Competition, two Weapon Handling Safety Training and Test weekends and Adventure Training in Snowdonia in the Easter break. CCF: RN trip to HMS Kent in Dover Docks on the evening of 9th December—Lt Tismer and SLt Pinn took 9 cadets to HMS Kent to visit this operational Royal Navy Frigate. We were allowed to see nearly all of the ship except the engine rooms which were a little too noisy and dangerous for the cadets. The Cadets were given a tour of most decks including seeing the Sonar system which listens for enemy submarines and to see a bunk room where the sailor’s lived. On the Bridge we were shown all the Navigation systems and a notable highlight was being able to sit in the Captain’s chair and to use the ship’s sextant. Although the ship normally carries a helicopter it sadly was away for a refit and service, all in all a very interesting and informative trip to see one of our serving Royal Navy ships.

Achievements and Successes: Football: Owen Gough 7Cr, Francis Hatega 7E, Harry Nott 7S, John Openibo 7Cr and Jack Arterton 7Cl have been selected for the Schools Maidstone District U/12 Football team. Karate: Finley Lodge 8E took part in SKF Karate European Championships Switzerland representing England together with 20 other people in team GB. He won three trophies , Silver for Team Kata, Bronze for Individual Kata and Bronze for Individual Fighting (Kumiti). Well done Finley.

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Gymnastics: Sam Ghinn 8Cr competed at the British Championships in the Under 14 age group. He was most likely the youngest competitor and competed against boys nearly 2 years older than himself. Sam did extremely well and came home with a gold medal and is now British Champion on Pommel Horse. This is a very big achievement for Sam, well done. Rugby: Finn Warner 13H1was selected as a starting player for the Kent U18 Rugby squad. Kit Warner 9Cr has also been selected for the Kent U 14 rugby squad. Photo of some of our students who were lucky enough to be photographed with the William Webb Ellis Trophy.

Swimming: In this year's ASA National Championships, Annable Keppel-Palmer 6CL3 won Silver in the Women's 4 x 200m Free relay she was also finalist in the 400m IM. As a result of her competitive swimming achievements, a leading manufacturer of racing costumes, swimming hats and goggles has head-hunted her to appear in an underwater photo shoot promoting their top-end racing products. Art: Two of our students took part in the 2015 Downton Awards Exhibition at County Hall: Sam Smale won a Gold Award 11-16 category, for an abstract painting and Elyas Sadighi also won a Gold Award 17-18 category, for a photographic triptych. 36 schools entering nearly 400 pieces took part in the competition. Charity Relay Cycle: Mr Terrell, Mr Highstead, Jordan Chambers, Year 13 and Frazer Robertson, Year 12 took part in a 12 hour relay Cycle at Brands Hatch. They competed against some very professional looking teams and some teams of old pro rugby player including Shane Williams, Lee Mears and Victor Obogu. They acquitted themselves admirably, coming 17th out of 34 teams; they completed over 80 laps of the circuit in the 12 hour period. The team showed real grit and determination to complete what was a very challenging event. They were raising money for Parkinsons UK.

Raising Funds, Raising Learning

The new academic year started with our main annual event, The MGSPA’s Fireworks night. Once again we had fantastic support from parents, staff, friends, school prefects and our community for this Spectacular on Saturday 7th November 2015. The weather held off, and a great evening was had by all. This event raised a net contribution to the PA’s charity funds of nearly £10,000, and the PA would like to thank Mr Spencer, and Mr Brown from Barclays Bank for providing match funding for this event. We hope that you all enjoyed the evening, and look forward to seeing you all again next year. Later in November, the PA organised a coach trip to Bruges for the Christmas markets. This proved very popular indeed, with a second coach added, to accommodate the additional demand. Despite World events, and extra security, the trip was very successful and quite a lot of chocolate was bought and consumed!! This event raised a net contribution of £800 to funds. We are making plans for another trip next year. Thursday 3rd December saw a return of our Christmas Shopping Evening, with the addition of pamper rooms, where mums could relax for a short while to have a massage, manicure and other beauty treatments, and then hit the 40 stalls selling all manner of wonderful gifts. Despite fewer people attending this year, this event contributed £1000 to PA funds. A big thanks to all who attended, the prefects, and the Sound and Light team. Also thank you to Wateringbury Primary school choir who sang Christmas Carols, whilst we were shopping and having a mince pie, and glass of mulled wine. We do hope that even more of you will come along next year – it really is a good evening!

We receive regular donations via the easy fundraising website, where members shop online via the site http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mgspa. It is quick and easy to use. We now have 288 registered members and have raised £401 this quarter from shopping online. Please, please join us, if you haven’t already – it is really straightforward, takes 2 seconds and doesn’t cost you a penny! This is such a good way to help the school. On Monday 7 December the PA ran their annual Christmas Wreath Making Workshop. This year 52 people attended this fun packed evening, resulting in a wide variety of stunning wreaths, as well as raising over £1000. Wine, soft drinks, mince pies and nibbles were included in the evening, along with festive cheer and Christmas music. A big thank you to Mrs Driver for match funding this event.

The final fundraiser this term was the Grand Christmas Draw. All prize winners will be contacted before the end of this term, and the winners names’ will be published on the school website. We have sold more tickets than ever before, and have raised an incredible £2500. Thank you so much for all your support. The PA also held a Year 7 Welcome BBQ for both parents and students, provided refreshments at the 11+ open evening and at the production of Return to the Forbidden Planet, which was well attended. Finally, the Parents’ Association would like to thank all of you who have supported us during this term. Please check our page regularly on the school’s website, to see what events are coming up, and where the funds are spent. We have our annual Quiz in February and a Charity Golf Day in April to look forward to. Why not get involved? There are many ways that you can help. Please contact the Parents’ Association via the school website, or talk to us at one of our events.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and A Peaceful New Year

MGS Calendar dates Term 3

4 January 2016 7 January 2016 11 January 2016 13 January 2016 18-22 January 2016 19 January 2016 24 Jan - 1 Feb 2016 26 January 2016 2 February 2016 4 February 2016 5 February 2016 6 February 2016 8 to 12 February 2016 11 February 2016 12 February 2016 13 - 19 February 2016 15-19 February 2016

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First Day of Term 3 - Week 2 Y8 Careers Day Y11 GCSE Maths Exam (am) Y8 Information Options Evening Y8 Exams in class Y11 GCSE Maths Exam Harvard Trip Y9 Parents’ Evening Sixth Form Psychology Trip Y8 Parents Evening Challenger & Churchill Charities’ Day PA Quiz night Y13 Mock exams in class Y11 Application deadline Last day of term Ski Trip Spring Break

Term 4 22 February 2016 26 February 2016 2 March 2016 3 March 2016 4 March 2016 7-9 March 2016 10 March 2016 18 March 2016 18 March 2016 23 March 2016 24 March 2016 24 March-8 April 2016

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First Day of Term 4 Y7 BBC School Report (Day 1) Y13 Parents’ Evening Spring Concert Y8 Academic Interview Day Y11 Interviews BBC School Report (Day 2) Sports Relief Charity Day Rock Gig Last Day of Term 4 (2.30 finish for students) Staff Inset Day Easter Break

First Day back in Term 5 – Monday 11 April 2016 (Week 1)