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.

MGS TIMES December 2015

.

To achieve the 10 Year Building Plan and to provide a sustainable legacy for the future the MGS Devel-

opment 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 char-

ity 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 appli-

cation 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: school@mgs-kent.org.uk

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 Re-

turn 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 en-

grossing 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 dram-

atization 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 behav-

iour, 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 Mack-

ie (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, Cal-

lum 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 con-

sisted 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 light-

ing 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 anticipa-

tion.

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 con-

structed 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 unani-

mously 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 Phil-

lips, 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 soothsay-

er, 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 ma-

jority 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 High-

er 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 study-

ing 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 op-

tions 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 Mu-

sic 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 play-

ing Pompeii as an unaccompanied clarinet solo, whilst James Tuck, Year 11 gave two beautiful perfor-

mances 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 demon-

strated 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 instru-

ments 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 Inspec-

tion on Monday 5th October. The reviewing officer was Col Rod Lambert, the Colonel Cadets for 11 Infan-

try 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 Navi-

gation 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 anoth-

er 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!

.

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 ca-

det 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 cours-

es 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 versatili-

ty 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 with-

drawn 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 Maidsto-

nians 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 benevo-

lent work. The amount raised has yet to be announced. Finally, BTEC level 2 Extended Certificates in Pub-

lic 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 Han-

dling 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 the

SKF Karate European Championships in

Switzerland representing England to-

gether 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.

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, An-

nable 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 them-

selves 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.

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 Spectacu-

lar 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!

Raising Funds, Raising Learning

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 al-

ready – 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 peo-

ple 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

Term 3

4 January 2016 - First Day of Term 3 - Week 2 7 January 2016 - Y8 Careers Day 11 January 2016 - Y11 GCSE Maths Exam (am) 13 January 2016 - Y8 Information Options Evening 18-22 January 2016 - Y8 Exams in class 19 January 2016 - Y11 GCSE Maths Exam 24 Jan - 1 Feb 2016 - Harvard Trip 26 January 2016 - Y9 Parents’ Evening 2 February 2016 - Sixth Form Psychology Trip 4 February 2016 - Y8 Parents Evening 5 February 2016 - Challenger & Churchill Charities’ Day 6 February 2016 - PA Quiz night 8 to 12 February 2016 - Y13 Mock exams in class 11 February 2016 - Y11 Application deadline 12 February 2016 - Last day of term 13 - 19 February 2016 - Ski Trip 15-19 February 2016 - Spring Break Term 4 22 February 2016 - First Day of Term 4 26 February 2016 - Y7 BBC School Report (Day 1) 2 March 2016 - Y13 Parents’ Evening 3 March 2016 - Spring Concert 4 March 2016 - Y8 Academic Interview Day 7-9 March 2016 - Y11 Interviews 10 March 2016 - BBC School Report (Day 2) 18 March 2016 - Sports Relief Charity Day 18 March 2016 - Rock Gig 23 March 2016 - Last Day of Term 4 (2.30 finish for students) 24 March 2016 - Staff Inset Day 24 March-8 April 2016 - Easter Break

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

MGS Calendar dates