MGGS Development Trust Newsletter - Summer 2020

The MGGS Development Trust Newsletter Summer 2020

INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:

THE MGGS DEVELOPMENT TRUST

THE MGGS DEVELOPMENT TRUST UPDATE

UPDATE HEADTEACHER'S UPDATE

BY LILA BREWER ALUMNI RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT TRUST OFFICER

MGGS TODAY A SCHOOLGIRL'S PANDEMIC

Firstly I would like to welcome our new Alumni from the 2019/2020 Year 13; sadly it was an abrupt ending to your time at MGGS, but I hope that by joining the MGGS

NON SIBI SED OMNIBUS

Development Trust Community you will remain connected to the school and have many

A CAMPAIGN UPDATE

opportunities to come back and visit us. I would also like to welcome Annie G as the new

SUPPORTING MGGS

Head Student for the Development Trust and to say a big thank you to Bethany S who has

A BRIEF HISTORY SUFFRAGETTES OF KENT MGGS ALUMNI ALUMNI CAREERS FOCUS

now moved from helping to create the content for these newsletters to receiving them!

Bethany has played a huge part in the work of The Trust over the past year and we are extremely grateful to her.

MGGS CAREERS MAGNOLIA TREE

This term is not going entirely the way that we planned it, with many of our events having

MEMORIES

to be cancelled or postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. All has not been lost though,

DEVELOPMENT TRUST OFFER

we have managed to continue to work virtually (never have I been more grateful for modern technology) and actually, I have really enjoyed having more time to get to know

CONTACT US

you via the wonderful emails that I have received. This newsletter will give you an update How much do you know

on the things that the Development Trust have been working on and also an insight into

about the history of MGGS?

how MGGS has been working as a virtual school.

Put your knowledge to the test with our quiz:

https://rb.gy/53u9j8

We want these newsletters to be as much about you as it is about us. If you have any news that you would like to share please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via dto@mggs.org, or on 01622 752103.

Headteacher's Update An update from our Headteacher, Miss Deborah Stanley

The word ‘unprecedented’ seems to have been somewhat over used in recent months; however, it is an accurate description of how

our

students

are

receiving

their

education.

Independent

working is good, but for such an extended period of time is challenging. Students and staff alike have adapted well to 'virtual school' and to our 'new normal' on the school site. It has been good to welcome Year 10 and Year 12 back to school this term and Year 7, 8 and 9 have continued to impress me with the work they have been able to do at home. In addition to their studies, many of our students have been taking part in various other activities, these include the House Photography Challenge and a Culinary Challenge where Year 7 created their own seasonal dishes.

As you may be aware, between 1939 and 1946 the then Art teacher at MGGS, Helen Keen, created a scrapbook of drawings and paintings related to MGGS and the historic events that were occurring at that time. This is now a highly treasured possession of the school that has become more widely known in recent years by the book ‘A Schoolgirl’s War’ by Mary Smith (a previous Headteacher). Mrs Jenkins, Head of Art, has started to create a 21st century scrapbook to record the events of 2020 and I look forward to being able to share some of the paintings and text with you in the future.

MGGS’ Design Technology department has been very

busy

donation

making

whilst

visors

and

supervising

other

our

key

PPE

for

worker

students. These visors were made available to local

workplaces

and

organisations

who

were

very grateful to receive them. As you will read later on in this newsletter, we have also been able to donate supplies to the NHS and to local food banks via The Salvation Army, demonstrating the school's motto: "non sibi sed omnibus", "not for oneself but for all"

Miss Deborah Stanley Headteacher

MGGS Today Former

Head

Student,

Bethany

S

and

our

new

Head

Student,

Anne

G

(both

pictured

below

with

the

Development Trust Ambasadors) share their thoughts on MGGS today.

Bethany S, Year 13

Annie G, Year 12

Former Development Trust Head Student

Development Trust Head Student for 2020/21

It's crazy to think that this time last year I began my role of Head

Former Development Trust Head Student

I have just started to take over the student leadership of

Student. The time has flown by and I have enjoyed every single

the Development Trust which is so exciting as I can’t

second. My time as Head Student has been memorable and has

wait to get stuck in and start planning for the future!

taught me so much about taking initiatives and, vitally, about the

During

spirit of MGGS. Thinking back to who we were a year ago, this role

brainstorming with Year 13 ambassadors, coming up with

has really shaped us to be who we are now. I would like to say a big

new fundraiser ideas. It has been really motivating to get

thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. It has

creative and think about the future.

lockdown

I

have

spent

some

time

online

been so lovely to get the chance to work with everyone; this spans from staff, to House Leaders, Subject Prefects and volunteers. I

The

would never have imagined the friendships I have made this year,

which is a great first step for the coming year! They

and it is something that I will treasure forever. We have been

shared video speeches and we voted via a Google Form;

involved

in

so

many

things

over

the

past

year

and

I

House

Leaders

have

also

been

chosen

recently,

can

it was great to see the enthusiasm and effort that they all

wholeheartedly say I have loved every bit of it, from meet and greet

put in, a great reminder of the MGGS community spirit

for open events to various speeches, to RAG week. This role has

that we know and love.

taught me so much about who I am as a person and I have come out of the other side with four new great friends and as a much more

I have also been into school since it reopened twice so

confident person. The highlight of my year has to be being the first

far. We have a system in the Sixth Form where we go in

head student to work with the Development Trust. I am proud of the

for two four hour days for each subject. I had a really

role that I have created and having been able to open up a new

great time; it felt a little weird to be back when everything

student leadership opportunity lower down the school with my

is far from normal, but getting that face to face time with

Development

themed

our teachers is really beneficial. Everyone is positive and

fundraiser in July 2019 and the opening of The Woodland Garden to

supportive and it makes a welcome change to see my

working with my new team of Development Trust Ambassadors,

classmates instead of my family for a while!

Trust

Ambassadors.

From

the

tropical

every moment has been enjoyable and I will miss all of it. I hope that the work I have done to shape this role will have an impact on

I am really looking forward to taking on my new role as

years of Head Students to come. I have been at MGGS since Year 7

Head Student for The MGGS Development Trust. I hope

and I have so many fond memories. I am excited (yet a bit nervous)

that we can return to normality and plan some events

to move on to my next steps. As much as it pains me to let this role

where I will be able to meet some of you soon.

go, I am sure that Annie will do it justice. I feel that although leaving MGGS will be very sad, I will definitely stay connected. I am signed up to the Alumni Database, so I will be getting news of any events that are going on and I am excited to come back to MGGS in the future to help students or give talks about women in Engineering, as this is something that I valued in my years at MGGS.

Through

working

with

the

Development

Trust

I

have

gained a huge appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes and I am proud to now be a part of the alumni community.

A Schoolgirl's Pandemic An update from our Headteacher, Miss Deborah Stanley

During the Covid-19 Pandemic MGGS has been operating as virtual school. Here is how The Development Trust Ambassadors describe their experiences.

I was devastated when I heard that schools were to be closed, but I think I settled into working at home quite well. I am lucky that I am quite good at working independently at home. Before the half term we were being set lessons in those classes where we hadn’t finished the courses. I stayed in the same routine, doing the lessons as per my timetable and I found this worked out quite well. As I am in Sixth Form I have a lot of independent study periods, which I made use of by doing workouts to keep me active and also to refresh my head space. We then had the Easter holiday during which I kept myself busy by doing various art pieces and by sewing lots of clothes. Since the start of Term 5, Year 13 are no longer being set classwork, but we are being given some guidance tasks to keep our minds active and working towards the pathways we will be starting in September. I think I have kept myself active; so far I haven’t sat down at a loss for things to do. It has been very valuable to be able to stay in contact with teachers and friends. I think having a positive mindset and trying to make the most of the time that I do have at home is really helping me push through and keep my mind open towards being able to get back to ‘normal’.

Bethany S, Year 13

I've always loved MGGS for its community spirit and now more than ever it's showing how much of a family we really are.

We're all connecting, both students and staff, on different Google Classrooms ensuring that we keep in touch, are there for each other and also sharing what we have all been doing to keep ourselves busy. Luckily MGGS is a Google school so it's easier for us to continue learning at home. The teachers have been very good at posting material on the Google Classrooms and the class comments are always open for queries and for the classes to stay in touch and help each other out! Although we're not actually physically at school, I feel we are still so connected with each other. I think it is important to recognise the work and efforts of the teachers, Leadership Team and other staff during this time and I know as a school we are all very appreciative of them! I have personally tried to keep everything as normal as possible, some may say to a crazy extent; like everybody else in the school I have been trying to stick to my timetable, ensuring I go for a 5 minute wander around the house like I usually would during changeover at school. I even wore my lanyard whilst working to make me feel as though I was at school. My friendship group, who I spend time with at break and lunch, and I have been having group FaceTimes at 1:30 (when lunch would normally be) so we are still socialising at lunch time to make things seem as normal as possible. One thing I don't think my mum appreciates is me handing her my canteen card at 11:05 (break time) and 1:30 (lunch time) demanding for food! I also schedule a walk with my dogs for 3:30 (my daily exercise allowance) so it is as if I am walking home from school. When not doing school work, I have used the time to develop new skills including textiles with which I plan to (attempt to) make a dress. As much as I have loved being able to spend time doing things I wouldn't normally have time to do, I hope we are back to normal soon and will definitely try to keep up the new skills!

Heather W, Year 13

Current events have led us to completely change our lifestyles and the ways in which we learn. As a Year 13 student these changes have meant that we can now start working on tasks that set us up for our future pathways, whether this is university, an apprenticeship, a job or taking a gap year. However, staying in contact with the school and friends is very important and helps you maintain a positive outlook despite current circumstances. I also think this time has given everyone the opportunity to reflect and pick up new hobbies and skills which will be valuable once our lives transition back to normality.

Harriet T, Year 13

My experience of lockdown so far has been strange, surprising and somewhat heart-warming. At first, the prospect of teaching myself A level content from home was extremely daunting, however the amazing support from my teachers, friends and peers has been overwhelming. The Google Classrooms are great for student-teacher interaction and I have found that keeping logs of my work has helped me to remain organised and on track. Outside of school, lockdown has given me the time to start some new hobbies like sewing, baking and even yoga! Moreover, the space we're all keeping from each other seems to have brought us closer together. From weekly Zoom meetings with my extended family to dropping round food for my Grandma and talking through her windows, I feel that this international crisis has really united us. The NHS clap was a great time to be able to see my neighbours and catch up with them from a distance, and the support the community has shown my parents (who work for the NHS) has been amazing. We have been inundated with hand sewn scrubs and masks and my Mum's hospital has even received scrubs from the set of Holby City! This crisis is a reminder that we should take the time to appreciate what we have, and gives us a chance to slow down and find joy in the simplicities of life.

Annie G, Year 12

Getting used to this new way of learning has definitely felt strange, however now that we're a few weeks in, I am beginning to settle into online schooling more and more. I've been trying to stick to my timetable like I would if I were at school and keep on top of work as much as possible. I have also been video calling my friends during "lesson" time so we can work through what our teachers are setting together, which helps a lot. My teachers have been really supportive by sending us videos of them explaining difficult topics and giving us lots of resources. I want to make the most of this extra time I now have at home, so I've been reading a lot and my Dad is trying to teach me how to play the guitar, which is something he's wanted to do forever and now we finally have the time to do it. It's very easy to feel down at the moment so spending time with my family and talking to my friends everyday has been really important. I can't wait to see my friends again but for now I’m keeping positive and staying inside!

Lily S, Year 12

For Year 11 I think the biggest consequence of lockdown has been the cancellation of our GCSEs. However, I am very thankful that the staff at MGGS have made it possible for all of us to move forward and prepare for the next stages of our lives. The teachers are always available to answer questions and keep us busy with lots of work. In order to keep on top of everything I use an app called Adapt which I originally used to plan my revision timetable. Having Google Classroom has made communicating with teachers and having access to the work much more simple and I think that we are very lucky as a school to have it. Every morning, Form Tutors email in to make sure we are all alright and so even if we are no longer at school, the sense of community at MGGS is always there.

Emma H, Year 11

Being away from MGGS has felt so strange. It's like a home away from home and not being able to see all of my friends and teachers has felt surreal. Our school is using Google Classroom to operate with some teachers setting slideshows to copy from or voice messages for us to work alongside. Working from home has been tough but I know that my form tutor and Head of Study are making sure we are all managing. Dance is a huge passion of mine and not being able to go anywhere is meaning I can't go to my dance school, to fill my time and keep active I've been taking part in many free online lessons, which is lifting my spirits a lot. I miss school and can't wait to go back and see everyone and get back into my everyday life.

Bethya G, Year 10

As we are all aware, Covid-19 has affected everyone in different ways. For me it has been a strange few weeks. Trying to learn my GCSE content from home has been a challenge in itself, but MGGS has tried so hard to keep everything running smoothly from home. As we are a Google school we have been able to keep in contact with all of our teachers and work is being set via Google Classroom. We are all supporting one another and trying to get by as best we can. Everyone is coping differently so we are really lucky as a school to have our Form Tutors, Heads of Studies and the staff in general to talk to if we need it. Work is still being set as normal and you will be given work that is to be completed during lesson time each lesson. In my opinion working at home can be quite stressful as you have to remember to complete everything and submit it, but I think MGGS is coping well. I have really liked that I have not been given any homework during the weekends. It really makes a difference. I have been able to spend more time with my family and enjoy the weekends even though we are in lockdown. I know though that this will all change after lockdown is over.

Abigail J, Year 9

My experience of working at home is totally new and undoubtedly unique. Sometimes it feels nice with no distractions and sometimes otherwise. It is a new kind of setting, virtual learning where teachers and students are working together to minimise challenges, which in the end brings us closer. While being in lockdown, we all are supporting the MGGS family in this uncertain time by using multiple Google tools (Gmail, Classroom, Drive) to communicate and complete assigned school tasks daily. I am focusing more on subjects where improvement is needed. I believe MGGS is coping excellently with these sudden changes. The majority of each day focuses on completing classwork, watching Netflix, or fighting with my brother. I like to help out with household chores and learn new skills; I enjoy gardening and occasionally play the piano in my free time. I have learnt to cook soup and couscous. My family and I enjoy the sunshine and fresh air in the afternoon together in this lockdown.

Angie G, Year 7

I think that MGGS is doing very well during the lockdown. I have done my best to keep up with studies; for me the easiest way to stay on top of all this work is to have a set schedule and download apps that restrict you from going on your phone during a period of time. It is quite stressful but I think everyone can cope through it and tell their teachers about things that might make it difficult. Overall, I think this lockdown has really opened everyone's eyes but it is helpful at the same time.

Fiyin I, Year 7

Non sibi sed omnibus There is certainly a feeling that everyone is going through this together at MGGS. We have reached out to help the community and are

An update from our Headteacher, Miss Deborah Stanley

ensuring that we support one another through these challenging times.

The Woodland Garden Our space to Remember and Reflect It has been lovely to welcome students back in school this term. Our Woodland Garden, which so many of you helped to make a reality, is absolutely stunning in its second year. Our SEND & Medical Needs Coordinator and our School Counsellor have been able to use the beautiful outside space to meet safely, at a distance, with students. It really has made a postive difference to MGGS. Thank you.

NHS Sewing Staff, students and their families have taken part in sewing masks, scrub bags and ear protectors as well as making hearts for the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Donations MGGS donated goggles, sanitisers and visors to the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. We also donated the vending machine stock to the Salvation Army for local food banks.

MGGS Scrapbook Inspired by A Schoolgirl's War, MGGS staff and students have been documenting the pandemic through pictures. The art department are collating a scrapbook for future generations so that they can learn about life in 2020.

A Campaign

Learning from yesterday,

Update

building for tomorrow

As you know The MGGS Development Trust was busy fundraising to build an extension to the Molly Tipples Sports Hall.

The extension will include a WWII classroom, allowing us to create a fully immersive WWII tunnels experience for both primary school pupils and the general public. This project will also provide MGGS with desperately needed additional changing rooms containing shower facilities, a dance studio and a modern new home for the music department. We are delighted to be able to report that Subterranea Britannica have agreed to a grant of ÂŁ5,000 towards opening the newly rediscovered tunnels at the front of the school. Sadly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had to place the project on hold. Thank you to everyone who had already supported our campaign, we will keep you posted and let you know when we are back up and running. In the meantime, if you would like to help us to shape our WWII Experience for when it opens to the general public, we would be very grateful if you would take the time to complete this survey:

https://forms.gle/mgPUKiAXgDgR8sVW9

Supporting MGGS The MGGS Development Trust Office has raised over £100,000 since 2017 from the generosity of parents, alumni and friends of the school. This has allowed us to replace the failing power distribution system in the main hall, which prevented the use of the stage lights, the refurbishment of the school library and the creation of ‘The Woodland Garden ~ Our space to remember and reflect’. In order to sustain Maidstone Grammar School for Girls’ successes, it is important that the MGGS Development Trust continues to grow. This ensures that the very best facilities are available for our students, supporting them academically and pastorally.

WE NEED

YOUR

The MGGS 1888 Society

Alumni HELP Update

We were delighted to launch The MGGS 1888 Society in January 2020. As you know, MGGS was founded in 1888, at its original site in Albion Place in Maidstone. The MGGS 1888 Society is an exclusive group of alumni with two tiers of membership.

Level 1 - Alumni who pledge to donate at least £18.88 per month to The MGGS Development Trust.

Level 2 - Alumni who pledge to donate at least £18.88 per year to The MGGS Development Trust.

Each level comes with its own member benefits, please contact us via dto@mggs.org for more information.

In order to join, please complete and return the standing order form (and Gift Aid form if applicable) at the back of this newsletter.

The MGGS Legacy Society 2020 will see the launch of the MGGS Legacy Society, which will allow participants who are perhaps not able or willing to donate during their lifetime, an easier way to benefit the School and reduce the tax burden on their family. Inheritance taxefficient, legacies can be left in a variety of ways to suit individual circumstances. More details will follow in due course.

One-off or regular gifts We are very grateful for all donations, big or small. You are able to donate to The MGGS Development Trust via our Virgin Money Giving page www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/astepintime,

by cheque made payable to the MGGS Development Trust

or by BACS . Please pay: Account Name The MGGS Development Trust, Sort code 40-31-06, Account Number 32495813

Easyfundraising You can help raise funds for the school without having to donate anything yourself! Over 4,100 shops and sites will donate to us every time you use #easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself. This means you can raise money for us every time you get clothes, groceries, takeaways, insurance, school supplies or anything else you might be buying online anyway.

It’s easy, completely FREE and will make a BIG difference to the school. Plus you could WIN a £500 donation for MGGS in the easyfundraising Refer to Win competition. To get a free entry, all you need to do is sign up here before 14th July 2020.

Volunteering We would love to hear from you if you are happy and able to get involved with organising fundraising events and/or various administartion tasks for The MGGS Development Trust.

Grants If you hear of any grant making trusts who you feel would be able to help us with our projects, please do get in touch.

Fundraising Ideas Do you have any experience of successful fundraisers? Do you have fundraising ideas to share? If so, it would be wonderful to hear from you.

A brief history of our Buckland Road site

Alumni

During King John’s reign (1199 - 1216), the Archbishop of Canterbury granted this land to Allan de Bocland. The land was therefore known as the Bocland Estate. This is where the name Buckland Estate derives from, and is the land that the current MGGS site now occupies.

Update

The estate passed through the de Bocland family. In 1270 it was owned by Walter de Bocland. It was during this time that Walter’s brother, Allan, attempted to claim some of the estate by going through the Justices Itinerant. He lost and Walter remained sole owner of the estate. Subsequently the site was acquired by the College of All Saints, but it is unclear why. There were accusations the Archbishop of Canterbury should not have given the land to Allan de Bocland originally. On its dissolvement the land where the school now is was handed over to the Crown.

King Edward VI sold the Buckland Estate to Geroge Brooke, Lord Cobham at a cost of £1,081. George’s sister Elizabeth married Thomas Wyatt who is reputed to have had an affair with Anne Boleyn. After George the site was inherited by his son William, who in turn passed the estate, but not the title, onto his second son George. However, George, together with his elder brother Henry, were involved in a plot to kidnap James I. They were arrested by their brother-in-law Robert Cecil. George was tried for treason and forced to forfeit his land. He was executed but his wife Elizabeth was permitted to stay on the estate until she died. Meanwhile Robert Cecil, then Secretary of State discovered and foiled the Gunpowder plot of 1605. Two years later he became Lord High Treasurer, the third most powerful Great Officer of State. When Elizabeth, wife of George died, Robert Cecil became possibly the most famous person who has owned the MGGS site.

On Robert’s death his son William inherited the Buckland estate and in 1618 sold it off in three separate parts: Great Buckland, Little Buckland and South Buckland, the school being on the Great Buckland site. Great Buckland was sold to William Horsepoole. His wife was the daughter of Lawrence Washington. This Washington was the first cousin three times removed of the Founding Father of the United States of America, George Washington. William Horsepoole sold off the land to Sir John Banks. On his death his son inherited Great Buckland. The land then passed through the Earl of Aylesford family line until it reached Charles Heneage Finch-Knightley, twelth Earl of Aylesford. It was during his life that he sold the land and Great Buckland House, which stood where some of our current buildings are, was demolished.

Suffragettes of Kent Earlier this year we invited first time author, Jennifer Godfrey, into school to talk to students about her book, Suffragettes of Kent.

Suffragettes of Kent was of particular interest to our school because of one of the suffragettes Jennifer had researched and written about. Her name was Ethel Violet Baldock, and although not a previous student of ours, she did grow up in Maidstone.

We learned how Ethel, a working class maid, had been involved in the 1912 Women’s Political and Social Union (WSPU) window-smashing protests

in

London.

Ethel,

seemingly

a

novice,

with

no

prior

involvement in such suffrage protests, had been paired up with a wellknown activist, Violet Bland.

Any of you that are members of the

National Trust may have seen, during the 2018 centenary celebrations, their

article

about

Violet

as

she

Dudmaston Hall in Shropshire.

started

life

as

a

kitchenmaid

at

By 1912, Violet had already been

imprisoned for her part in votes for women protests.

Both Ethel and

Violet were arrested in March 1912 having smashed a large window.

They were both imprisoned in Holloway along with nearly 200 other women, including Emmeline Pankhurst. Both remained on remand for several weeks. Ethel was then released on surety whilst Violet was sentenced

to

three

months’

imprisonment,

Aylesbury prison where she was forcibly fed.

which

she

served

at

Jennifer dedicated her

first chapter to the story of Ethel and includes photographs kindly provided to her by Ethel’s descendants. documented Photograph of Ethel Violet Baldock Credit to Ethel Baldock’s family

accounts,

poems

and

Using archive material and

sketches

of

other

suffragette

prisoners in Holloway at the same time as Ethel, Jennifer provides an insight into what Ethel is likely to have experienced.

Suffragettes of Kent also gives an insight into many other stories and journeys of hope, determination, courage and sacrifice of those involved in the women’s suffrage movement in Kent. force feeding suffragette prisoners, including Annie Kenney.

It reveals the part Maidstone prison played in

Included are detailed accounts of the many tours of Kent

undertaken by all the suffrage societies and the reception they received.

In Maidstone, for example, whilst touring in a

caravan, Charlotte Despard was attacked outside Sessions House during a speech. Having previously been a Solicitor Jennifer trained to accurately convey accounts of an event or situation.

Whilst working at a mental health charity, she

listened to stories and experiences and used these to create resources for young people. Jennifer says:

“Writing Suffragettes of Kent has enabled me to become an advocate once again, but this time for historic Kent voices.”

During lockdown Jennifer has worked with the Kent Archives team to produce a film about her book which is free to view online at Kent Archives: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=2BMrOhQivg4&feature=youtu.be

You can purchase a copy of Jennifer’s book directly from her publisher at: https://www.pen-andsword.co.uk/Suffragettes-of-Kent-Paperback/p/16513 or from Amazon, Waterstones, WH Smiths and other retailers.

Jennifer has also spent some of her lockdown time setting up a website and is intending sharing information about other projects she is involved in and other relevant news via it and a newsletter. To take a look and/or sign up to her newsletter, go to: www.jennifergodfrey.co.uk . You can also get in touch with her via her website or by emailing: hello@jennifergodfrey.co.uk

A Schoolgirl's War A Schoolgirl's War, written by Mary Smith, former MGGS Headteacher, is an evocative record of school life in wartime, bringing together an exquisite and unparalleled set of paintings of girls at school during WW2,

and

first-hand

recollections

of

pupils

who

experienced the disrupted schooling, the air-raids, the doodlebugs and the lessons in underground shelters.

MGGS Art teacher, Helen Keen set out to record the life of the school as the war unfolded. Her paintings have never been published before. Those pictures and the vivid memories of the old girls, now in their 80’s and

90’s, will

move

you

and

surprise

you.

The

material will be a rich read for anyone with an interest in the history of the home front in WW2. The selling price is £10 (plus P&P), with profits going towards various school projects. Copies can be ordered via the following link:

http://www.mggs.org/latest-news/its-here-aschoolgirls-war-by-mary-smith-the-story-of-a-kentschool-during-world-war-two

MGGSA (MGGS Alumni)

As I mentioned in the Development Trust Update, it is a real shame that we have had to postpone or cancel the events that we had planned for this year. I was hoping to be able to hold at least one alumni reunion, but it wasn't to be. However, I have had the opportunity to get to know many of you through your emails and through the school 'My MGGS' Facebook page and LinkedIn. I have loved hearing your memories of our magnificent magnolia tree, which has featured in lots of your school photographs throughout the years. Also, the jungle mural in the lunch hall, the warm bread rolls at morning break and of course RAG week, a tradition that we are very proud to say is still going strong. I have also enjoyed hearing about your lives since MGGS and interestingly a surprising number have gone on to plant magnolia trees in their own gardens! It has also been nice to hear from those of

you who are now living abroad and how life in lockdown differs

from country to country. I hope that once we return to normality, I will be able to meet some of you in person at our rescheduled events, but in the meantime, keep the emails coming!

Alumni:

A group of graduates or former students of a specific school, college, or university.

A group of former associates, employees, members, or the like.

Alumni Mysteries I have received a couple of queries and because I am unable to get into the school archives at the moment, I wondered if any of you may have the answers?

Marian has asked "Back in the early 60’s, possibly 63/64, we had an American student staying with us at home. I have been trying to recall why and how but am stuck. Does anyone remember such visits and who organised them?"

Patricia has asked "I may have incorrectly remembered something from the centenary celebrations. There was talk of a box either having been filled and locked away in 1888 or plans to fill one in 1988 for future generations. Has anyone heard of such a box?"

Spread the word!

Head Students 2000-2019

Please help us to to trace as many MGGS alumni as

You may be aware that we are planning to add the names

possible; we want you all to feel part of the MGGS

of all MGGS Head Students from the last 2 decades to a

community. The aim is to hold regular reunions and we

new honours board in the Main Hall. If you were a head

are

also

networking

looking events.

into In

mentoring

order

to

get

schemes

and

student from 2000 onwards and you haven't yet given your

these

and

permission, please do get contact me so that your name

up

running, we need as many alumni on our database as

can be included.

possible. Alumni can sign up using this link:

https://www.mggs.org/connectedcommunity/development-trust-office

Don't forget that you can contact me via dto@mggs.org

Alumni Career Focus Helen Gardner and Katie Swift tell us about their interesting career paths

I joined MGGS in 1998 and really enjoyed science through Years 7 and 8. Later on, during GCSE years, I lost my way a bit as I didn't know what to do following school and lost motivation, so I drifted through the rest of school. I didn't go to university, and messed around for a few years before becoming a police officer at the age of 20 in 2008. I worked as a patrol officer responding to people's 999 calls. After 5 years I wanted to leave the police entirely because I was bored and wanted some intellectual stimulation, but was stuck because I had no qualifications. On a bit of a whim, I decided to study for a degree in my spare time mainly to prove to myself that I could do it but partly so that I might have some sort of long-term back up plan.

When trying to decide what to study, I remembered my Science lessons with Dr Arnold and how much they excited me and I wanted to feel like that again. From the options available I started a Physics degree with the Open University. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and five years later I completed it with a first. In the weird way that things work out, while studying a colleague mentioned it to someone else, and it was suggested that I might be interested in specialising as a forensic collision investigator, which is relatively heavy on the Maths and Physics and puts a lot of police officers off. It turned out to be the perfect role for me; we go to Kent's fatal and serious injury collisions and work out what happened from the physical evidence. It doesn't sound like a bundle of laughs but it's really interesting. I'm currently waiting to see if I've been successful in an application for a bursary to study for a masters in engineering later this year. I owe my thanks to Dr Arnold for sparking a passion for science all those years ago; she really made a difference. It took me a while to work out what to do with it but finally got there!

Helen Gardner, MGGS 1998 - 2005 I started Sixth Form at MGGS in 2013 studying Maths, Economics, Spanish, Computing and Personal Finance. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life but knew I didn't want to go to university. After realising I wanted to work with numbers I took an interest in accountancy and so applied for work experience to see what the career would be like. This is where I found out about the school leaver programme they ran and so I went away and did some research on the different firms and qualifications available. Speaking to the careers adviser at school really helped with the applications and interviews eventually leading to a job offer from the firm I did work experience with which I accepted. I worked full time and studied on the side, however the study was not constant so I could still maintain a good work/home life balance. two years after leaving school I became AAT qualified, two years after that I became a chartered accountant through the ICAEW and I now work for the firm as a Senior Accountant. The programme was great as I got paid throughout and my study was paid for. It was also a quicker route than going to university first and studying to become Chartered afterwards. The last two years especially there are periods that are intense with needing to study and work however you are given some time off to study. My advice for anyone currently in the Sixth Form is to not assume that university is the only option and to research and explore other routes as there are so many out there.

Katie Swift, MGGS 2008-2015

Would you like to feature in our next newsletter? Please do get in touch to tell us what you have been up to since you left MGGS. We'd love to hear from you!

We also want to inspire our students by creating some posters to go up around the school, highlighting the career paths that our alumni have chosen. If you are happy to feature in a poster, please get in touch by emailing dto@mggs.org.

MGGS Careers Update

The last few months have seen new challenges for the Careers department. With the announcement of the closure of schools and nationwide lockdown, adaptations had to be made to keep delivering CEIAG virtually. With the cancellation of our planned careers visit to Dungeness Power Station for Year 9, along with Year 11 and 12 work experience placements being cancelled, The Education People and Careers Live teamed up to produce “My Week of Work”, a series of live and prerecorded broadcasts looking at five different sectors (Health and Social Care, Creative and Digital, Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction and Energy and Renewables). Students from Year 10 were invited to hear about different jobs within these sectors from employers and ask questions via an interactive forum. This was a new and exciting way for students to learn about different careers from an employer’s perspective, without having to leave their house! In addition to this, students who are signed up to the Careers Classroom have been voting each week between two careers. The one with the most votes gets an information video, as well as interesting facts, posted on “Future Friday”. So far students have heard about the following: Paramedic, Mental Health Nurse, Screenwriter, Makeup Artist, Vet, Solicitor, Graphic Designer, Architect, Photographer and Vlogger. If any of the alumni are interested, you can get in touch with your own information video, presentation, Word document or Google Doc related to your current or previous jobs. The idea of this is to increase knowledge about the variety of careers that exist, as well as inform students about the academic and skill requirements, salary, and day-to-day duties of the job.

With the closure of universities, there has been a big increase in the number of webinars being created, covering all kinds of topics from how to be successful in a Law school application to seminars on the chemical engineering of hand sanitiser.

Details of these seminars/webinars are advertised across all year group Classrooms, helping our students to learn more about subjects, further their interests and gather ideas for personal statements.

One of the main aims for Term 6 is to get Year 12 thinking about their post-18 options. This would normally commence with our Post-18 Options Evening in April, and include face-to-face meetings with every Year 12 to discuss their plans in June.

While the Post-18 Options Evening couldn’t go ahead in school, the Sixth Form Management Team and I successfully launched the event with Google Classroom posts, containing links from universities about choosing courses, writing personal statements and student finance, as well as presentations and advice from former students who are currently completing apprenticeships. In addition to this, students in Year 12 have been set weekly tasks to complete, including completing careers quizzes, researching post-18 pathways and completing comparison tables. Face-to-face meetings have also started to take place, complying with Government guidelines, meaning that students have the opportunity to meet with me to discuss any worries or concerns. It has been lovely to return to some semblance of normality, and hear all the interesting future plans.

While this has certainly been a period of extreme uncertainty, I couldn’t be more proud of how our students have adapted and overcome the difficulties of home working. Whatever the future holds for them, I am sure their resilience during this period will prove to be an important factor.

Miss Hodges Careers and Higher Education Co-ordinator.

We have now added some extra fields to The MGGS Development Trust Database which will allow you to tell us about your further education, your career or any other information that you would like to share with us. If you are happy to get involved with student mentoring, coming to the school to give a talk or answering student queries, we would be grateful if you would take the time to complete the form again, giving these additional details.

https://www.mggs.org/connected-community/development-trust-office

Magnolia Tree Memories Thank you to everyone who sent in photographs and memories of the MGGS magnolia tree. It has clearly be loved by so many over the years.

Unfortunately I am not able to share the photos which include alumni without the permission of everyone in them. Here are some of the beautiful photos I have been sent.

Can’t get to the gym?

The MGGS Development Trust understands how important a healthy lifestyle is but unfortunately, getting to the gym or going to fitness classes may not possible at the moment. We have teamed up with Les Mills and want to introduce you to LES MILLS on Demand - where over 800 of your favourite workouts are available for you to stream, download or cast anytime, anywhere! A monthly subscription would usually cost £11.95 per month, but by using our link below, you will get a FREE 60 DAY TRIAL and then a discounted rate of just £7.94 per month!

http://link.lesmillsondemand.com/SHcN

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Kent ME16 0SF

Telephone: 01622 752 103

Fax: 01622 681 947

Email: dto@mggs.org

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