Newsletter Spring 2025

MGSNews

Maidstone Grammar School Newsletter

Spring 2025

From the Headteacher This time last year, when I was writing for the Spring 2024 edition of the MGS Newsletter, I was about to accompany 24 students and four other members of staff on the Everest Base Camp Trip: a

special trip the School arranged to acknowledge our 475th anniversary. Writing for this 2025 edition I cannot believe a year has passed since that trip which I expect is the same thought as those same

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www.mgs.kent.sch.uk 24 students as well as the entire years 11 and 13 who are very soon about to embark on the GCSE and A-level examinations respectively. 12 months ago, April 2025 was a long way off, but as we all know, the sun comes up every day to ensure we continually move through time, and so being one year older with a few more grey hairs is sadly inevitable. But despite briefly acknowledging the last 12 months and the exciting adventure we went on, I now look back on the last three months with a strong feeling of pride, inspiration and respect. The new gym project and new Student Services Centre are soon to be finished, and very soon students in Year 7 will be issued with a device that will not only support their learning but also prepare them for online examinations in the future. But once again, we have seen many successes and heard about many feel-good news stories that have occurred over these last three months, and many of them can be read about in the pages behind this one. How the students have engaged with their learning, how they have contributed to the wider life of the school, how the staff of the school have continued to work hard to support each and every one of our young people in our care, and, this term in particular, how we all came together to support a colleague, teacher and friend who experienced the worst kind of tragedy possible, are all things that embed for me what it means to be a part of this MGS community.

With it being the end of term it is customary to say goodbye and thank you to those members of staff who are leaving, and on this occasion we are saying goodbye

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Spring 2025 to three. During the February half term we said goodbye to Mr Ballard, the IT technician, who took up a new post as network manager at a school nearer to where he lives; and at the end of this term we say goodbye to Mr Marsh and Mr Moores. Mr Marsh has been at MGS since September teaching science, and he now leaves us to take up a new post elsewhere in Kent. But it is Mr Moores who requires a longer acknowledgement because he leaves us after giving MGS 20 years of service. Mr Moores has been the Network Manager for all of those years: a role that oversees all of the IT resources and infrastructure across the entire school. From laptops and computers all the way to the internet and management information system the staff use each and every day, Mr Moores has ensured that MGS remains in the 21st Century. After 20 years serving in this vital role, as well as acting as the head of the RAF section of the CCF, Mr Moores now retires to his new home in Norfolk. Thank you to Mr Moores for the many years’ service, and thank you Mr Marsh and Mr Ballard for your time at MGS - we wish you well in their new ventures.

Finally, I wish to thank the staff and my close colleagues for their collective and significant efforts during what has been another challenging term. There have been a number of overwhelming moments for us during the term, but once again we pulled together to support each other and our students when it was required.

To the students, I also say thank you. They have illustrated what the MGS community is all about.

Their support for each other and for the staff has been wonderful to see, and it once again has been an absolute pleasure being in their company.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

Mr M Tomkins Headteacher

Classics Symposium

DofE Silver

Our Year 10 and 12 Classics and Latin students were delighted to attend Benenden School’s inaugural Classics Symposium in early March, where they experienced a range of lectures and student led presentations.

In the weeks leading up to the event, our students worked hard to prepare and refine their own presentations and projects, which they then shared with 150 other Classics students from local Kent schools.

Congratulations to the 70 plus Year 9 students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition in Term 4. A big thank you also to the staff who dedicated their weekend to supporting our students on this journey.

MGS students presented on a variety of topics, including the Greek Dark Ages, Medea, Roman Engineering, and the Peloponnesian Wars. They also created projects reimagining the Classics, such as an artistic interpretation of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the design of a new mythical creature.

Throughout the event, they ably fielded questions from their peers and represented the school superbly.

Thank you to Benenden’s Classics Department for hosting a wonderful day, and to our staff for supporting and preparing our students for this experience.

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A Message from the School Captain & Vice-Captain

By Isaac M, Year 13, Corpus Christi House Hello MGS, Isaac and Noah here. As we reflect on our time together, the overwhelming feelings are those of gratitude and admiration for the positions we have held, perhaps with a hint of relief that we can return to civic life and focus on our upcoming exams. In Ancient Rome, the state used to call for 2 consuls in times of need to lead groups of people, and this, at times, is a good analogy for what it has felt like to be thrown in the deep end of MGS and its inner workings. Now we’re not saying we’re leading Rome into war, but we have occasionally had disagreements with Classics teachers, so the reference felt fitting.

We’re very optimistic on the school’s behalf for these next few yearsand how they’ll adapt to life without us. Alan and Kiera, our respective successors, are in a strong position to have a great 12 months. We wish them, and everyone else associated with the school, a prosperous and healthy future.

We leave in strong positions in our personal lives also, holding university offers for further study that will hopefully lead to fulfilling careers, and we’re excited to hear about the successes of our peers after the upcoming exam season. It would be difficult to thank all the right people in one address, but we’d finally like to thank everyone who has enabled us to live this journey. Your support, kindness, and knowledge were invaluable to us as we explored the world for the first time. I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you all, and I’m sure Noah feels the same. In case you ever miss us, there’s a wall with our names on somewhere. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you again soon.

Spring 2025

Cycling Success Congratulations to Carys L (Year 13, Corpus Christi House) on her continued cycling success this season.

In February, she competed in the UAE Tour, skilfully sprinting in bunches of up to 300 riders.

She then tackled the first spring classics race, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, ensuring her team leader was in the right place at the right time. Most recently, she raced in the four-stage Vuelta Extremadura in Spain, securing 3rd place in the bunch sprint on Stage 2 while riding strongly and taking on the wind for her team in the other stages.

A massive well done Carys.

Thank you, MGS, for helping us become better people.

Isaac and Noah (School Captain and School Vice-Captain)

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Spring 2025

Corpus Christi Charity Day On Friday 21 March, we held a number of events across the school for our Comic Relief Charity Day, led by Corpus Christi House.

One of the highlights was a staff vs. staff darts competition, which took place at lunchtime in the Big Hall.

The event was incredibly popular, with students packing the hall to watch Mr Calvert, Mr Williams, Mr Owen and Mr Taylor battle it out. After a tense competition, Mr Calvert was crowned champion to thunderous applause.

Thank you to the staff for giving up their lunch break to compete, to the students for their enthusiastic support, and to Corpus Christi House for organising such a fantastic event.

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Spring 2025

Staff vs. Students Charity Football Another incredibly popular event from our Comic Relief Charity Day, led by Corpus Christi House last Friday, was the staff vs. students charity football match. The event took place after school and was attended by hundreds of students, all keen to take in the good natured atmosphere.

The student team featured many players from our 1st and 2nd XI, alongside the School Captain and other Year 13 students - some of whom were not regular footballers but were keen to get involved.

The staff team was large enough to field two squads and featured many Old Maidstonians, including Jack Brown (OM 2022). Proceeds from the event were split among several charities, including Teenage Cancer Trust, which Jack has

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actively fundraised for over many years.

After an early goal from the students and an another late in the second half, it seemed the match was heading for a student victory. However, the staff team scored twice in quick succession during the final minutes, forcing a penalty shootout - which ended in a staff win.

Thank you to all the staff and student players who gave up their Friday afternoon to take part, to the staff who supported the event, and to the hundreds of students who attended, cheered on both teams, and conducted themselves so well. Thank you also to Corpus Christi House for organising the event.

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Spring 2025

Youth Parliament Congratulations to Justice M (Year 11, Tonbridge House) and Haydn C (Year 12, Barton House), who, as members of the UK Youth Parliament, recently met at the Houses of Parliament to debate policies for their campaigns this term.

Both of them, alongside other youth representatives, debated issues around the voting age, public transport, and political literacy. Well done to both Justice and Haydn, who encapsulate the role the youth voice plays in shaping national discussions and driving positive change.

Photo credit: UK Parliament/ House of Commons.

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Year 7 Latin

Navy Recruit Camp

Year 7 Latin students have excelled themselves in a recent homework task to make Theatre Masks inspired by their work on the Ancient Theatre.

Our CCF Royal Navy cadets had an enjoyable time exploring Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in February. As part of the Year 9 recruit camp, they visited HMS Victory, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, and toured HMS Alliance - the only remaining Second World War-era submarine.

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Spring 2025

Allen in Wonderland This year’s school performance, Allen in Wonderland, took place on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of February to packed audiences.

Thank you to all who came along to support the event, and a massive thank you to all our staff and students involved in the production.

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Spring 2025

Model United Nations Conference

Dance Success

Debating

A group of Year 12 students and staff, including the Headteacher, took part in the Model United Nations Conference in the USA this January. The trip began in New York City, where they explored everything the city had to offer before traveling to Boston for the conference itself.

Congratulations to Ryan P (Year 8, Tonbridge House) who placed 1st for Tap in the 12-14 age category at the Dance Inspirations National Grand Final. The competition took place in Blackpool, in January, and is the nation’s largest dance competition. Well done Ryan!

Congratulations to our Senior Debating Team, who made it to the Schools’ Mace Regional Finals thanks to the debating prowess of Isaac M (Year 13, Corpus Christi House), Kiran S-L (Year 13, Barton House), Henry A (Year 13, Tonbridge House), and Benjamin B (Year 13, College House).

The team was one of 360 schools competing in Round One back in November and successfully advanced to the final 72 schools - a significant milestone. Although they did not progress beyond the regional final, we are incredibly proud of their achievement. We thank them for their dedication and commitment to debating this year.

As the oldest, largest, and most prestigious Model United Nations conference of its kind, the event brought together hundreds of Harvard College students and thousands of high school delegates. Our Year 12 students had the opportunity to collaborate, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful debates.

Throughout the conference, they applied the skills they had been honing over the winter months - enhancing their abilities in public speaking, leadership, and diplomacy. These skills proved essential as they worked to tackle some of the world’s most pressing and complex challenges through negotiation and problem solving.

Oxford Trip A group of Year 11 and Year 12 students recently visited St Hugh’s College, Oxford, where they had the opportunity to learn about the interview and selection process, hear directly from students about their experiences of applying, living, and studying at a collegiate university, and also visit the Ashmolean Museum.

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Spring 2025

CCF - Spring Update RAF Section Update

By CWO Scott (Year 13, Corpus Christi House) IC MGS CCF (RAF) Section As the Easter term ends, it’s time to reflect on the past couple of months within the RAF section.

In February, the section sent its RAST team to RAF Halton to compete in the regional heats of the Air Squadron Trophy. Here, the team had the opportunity to display its skills at the largest competition yet, with 26 schools across the London and South East region. The competition consists of many disciplines, including drill and uniform, first aid, leadership, space knowledge, and shooting.

It was amazing to see the effort the cadets put into this event, placing highly in many disciplines, notably achieving their highest result in First Aid in many years (4th place). There were many compliments to the section and its cadets from various schools and judges. However, MGS placed 7th overall - still a great position - but unfortunately not enough to reach the national heats.

Overall, I am incredibly proud to have led a team at this stage, placing so highly with a new team and overcoming the adversities of the year. I have no doubt that in future years, the section will return to its rightful place at the top of the national tables.

Lastly, as summer approaches, my time as IC of the section is ending.

It is a bittersweet feeling - being able to look back on one of the best decisions of my school career and appreciate all the experiences over the years fondly, but also

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feeling sad that my time is almost up. It is undisputed in my mind that any student, regardless of age, gender, or ability, should be involved with the CCF in one of its three sections, as the benefits are immeasurable. You will not be disappointed with the outcome if you give it your all.

I wish the best of luck to the section, its cadets, and whoever takes over my role as IC of the RAF Section.

Army Section Update

By CSM Hicks (Year 13, Corpus Christi House) Cadet IC Army Section From the beginning of the calendar year, our focus has been on getting our Junior NonCommissioned Officers (JNCOs) through the Cadet Forces Instructional Training programme, or CFIT for short, and I am happy to say we now have eight newly qualified instructors. These JNCOs were tested on their abilities at Recruit Camp, held at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire, as they assisted in teaching the new Year 9 recruits during the final stage of the basic syllabus.

This camp was also a success, meaning 38 Year 9 cadets have now passed their basic syllabus and have been issued their berets and Royal Engineers cap badges.

Looking ahead, we have a field exercise planned in May, where we will deploy as a platoon into a fieldcraft simulation, allowing both seniors and juniors to put learned skills into practice prior to summer camp in July. Looking forward to it!

Finally, the year will round off in

July with Summer Camp, this time on the Dartmoor Plain. We will come together as a section for this, with numbers currently at 45 - a good final show, as it’s my last. I will leave the section in July as Year 13 ends, passing it on to the new (and potentially improved) Army Leadership Team, for which I will begin interviews in due course.

To conclude this final entry I make for the newsletter, I’d like to thank all involved in the CCF - cadets and staff - as they are what make this experience enjoyable.

Royal Navy Section Update

By CWO1 Jenner (Year 13, Tonbridge House) Cadet IC Royal Navy Section Now at the end of our time in the CCF, reflecting back on this year, I think we have had a brilliant year on the calendar. The recruit camp earlier was great, with the Royal Navy section heading down to Portsmouth for a day. We got to do many things at the historic dockyard, including visiting the submarine museum, taking a tour of the harbour, and going on a guided tour of HMS Victory. We were also allowed onto the naval

base to look closely at the two aircraft carriers docked there. This was an amazing experience for all.

The Year 9s really did their best and represented the section well.

Looking forward, we have a number of trips planned, including a fire and rescue training event, a field gun run, and our annual CCF summer camp in Scotland for a week.

Now, as this is my last entry, I’d like to thank all the teachers involved, especially Lieutenant Pinn and Sublieutenant Alloy, for making the CCF such a great experience. It has really helped me decide on my career path, as I’ll be joining the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as an officer later this year.

A big thanks to all involved in the CCF, and good luck to those next year!

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Spring 2025

Rugby 100 On 19th March, our 1st XV faced Dartford Grammar School’s 1st XV in a special centenary match, commemorating the first ever school rugby fixture between MGS and Dartford Grammar, played on 14th March 1925.

Although the result didn’t go our way, with a 31-19 finish, the match was played in great spirits, and all players from both sides embraced the occasion.

Thank you to the many spectators who attended, as well as to both teams, their staff, and everyone involved in organising this memorable event.

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Spring 2025

National Cup Quater Finals On 31st January, our 1st XI senior squad played in a significant fixture - the quarter-final of the National Cup - fighting for a place in the semi-finals of the English

By Mark T, Year 10, Corpus Christi House Schools’ Football Association U18 National Cup.

Lorem ipsum dolor The match was held at home against Hampton School, sit amet, consecteturwith strong home support - there had adipiscing elit, buzz sed around been an increasing the team all week in the build-up do eiusmod tempor to the match, and this manifested in an electric atmosphere pitchside from the home crowd, who really got behind the lads. We conceded two goals in the first twenty minutes and scored before the half-time whistle. We scored again deep into the second half, with it seeming that the match would go into extra time; however, Hampton put one in the net within the final few minutes, and despite several attempts right up to the end, our National Cup campaign ended - 3-2 to Hampton School.

Although this was not the score the team or supporters wanted, it is a historic entry into the school’s long list of sporting successes, and congratulations to the team and Mr Hughes on this achievement.

Looking ahead, the same team will compete in the final of the Kent Cup against The Judd School in Herne Bay at the end of this term. Congratulations once again to the team and Mr Hughes on everything they have achieved so far - we wish them the very best in the Kent Cup final!

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Spring 2025

Spring Band Evening

Language Conference

Köln

Following the huge success of our band evening in the Winter Term, a second event took place in the Big Hall on 21st March.

Showcasing the talents of over 60 students - whether performing or contributing to sound, lighting, or photography - the evening was a great celebration of creativity and live music. Headlining the event was Floor 14, a Year 12 band that continues to gain momentum.

Our Year 12 MFL students were invited to participate in a Sixth Form Language Conference hosted by the University of Kent in Canterbury in January. Students took part in a range of workshops in French, German and Spanish, led by specialist practitioners from l’Institut Francais, the Goethe Institut, the Spanish Consejería de Educación and Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School. They also attended a number of presentations led by language lecturers from the universities of Oxford, Southampton and Kent. An inspirational event for our Year 12 linguists which highlighted the value of speaking foreign languages in our increasingly multi-cultural world.

Our Year 8 students returned from a three-day trip to Cologne in late December. After an early start on the last Friday of the Winter term, and a coach journey through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, the group arrived at Cologne’s iconic cathedral.

During the trip, students explored the Lindt Chocolate Museum (where they enjoyed free samples), played a rooftop basketball game with city views, visited The History of Sports & Olympics Museum, featuring exhibits like Michael Schumacher’s F1 car, and of course, took in the architecture of Cologne Cathedral. They also had time to enjoy the festive Christmas markets.

A huge thanks to the staff who made this trip possible, and we’re glad everyone had a great time!

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Spring 2025

Musical Success Congratulations to Eli S-M (Year 7, Tonbridge House) for being cast as the lead in The Parent Agency – The Musical! This brand new production, adapted by comedian and author David Baddiel from his best-selling book, had its world premiere at Storyhouse Chester from 15 February to 2 March, with a national tour and London run planned to follow.

Eli impressively balanced his rehearsals with his schoolwork, demonstrating dedication and talent while taking on this role.

Massive well done Eli!

U14 Kent Cup Champions Congratulations to our U14 XI for winning the Kent Schools U14 Wilf Armory Trophy! After an exciting match at the Gallagher Stadium recently they secured a 6-3 victory against St Columba’s R.C. Boys School.

A massive well done to the students and staff involved.

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Careers Update

Spring 2025

MGS Careers Afternoon

By Mrs S Acaster, Careers and Enterprise Manager

By Mrs S Acaster, Careers and Enterprise Manager

A quick note from the Careers Team to reflect on the events from the past two terms and highlight the events coming up in Terms 5 & 6.

Our annual Careers Afternoon took place on Thursday 13th March which was a fantastic opportunity for our students in Years 9-13 to find out more about occupations that might interest them and to speak with people who are working in these fields.

Exploration of different careers and future study/employment options is an important focus of these two terms.

University of Oxford visit: 15th January • Visit to the University of Oxford for a group of Year 11 and 12 students Year 12 UCAS Evening for students and parents: 10th February • The UCAS evening is an opportunity for Year 12 students and their parents to get information about the process of exploring university options and making applications. In addition to a talk from Mr Rivers, Head of 6th Form, Jonathan Stebbing from the University of Kent gave presentations about Student Finance and Degree Apprenticeships.

MGS Careers Afternoon: 13th March • This annual event is an opportunity for all students in Years 9-13 to attend careers talks in school, delivered by external speakers from a wide range of industries. Students were able to choose from 20 different presentations.

Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair at Mote Park: 21st March • We take all our Year 11 and 12 students to this annual event. Year 13s also have the option to attend. Around 50 local and national employers from a wide range of industries were available to talk with students and answer questions about careers and apprenticeship opportunities within their companies Year 11 Individual Careers Meetings • Throughout these two terms our Year 11 students are scheduled individual appointments with the Careers Team to get impartial information, advice and guidance about their Post-16 Options and future career and study plans

We had representatives, including several Old Maidstonians, from a wide range of industries come into school and talk to our students. The career areas represented included: Software Engineering, Pilot recruitment, Academic careers, Uniformed Services (Army, Police and Ambulance), Osteopathy, Accountancy, Construction, Law, Building Surveying, Finance Apprenticeships, Entrepreneurship, Media, Automotive Engineering, Civil Engineering and Medical careers.

The event was a great success, with positive feedback from students, staff and presenters: • ‘The talk gave me an insight of what’s it is like working in this field, this will help me when choosing a future career path.’

• ‘They deeply explained how the job goes and how to get the job and probably inspired lots of people who attended’ • ‘I thought it went very well, tightly organised with speakers presenting to relevant subject students.’

• ‘The students were attentive and very polite - they were a credit to the school.’

• ‘The boys were inspired by former MGS pupils that are now successful young adults. This is what they need, role models.’

• We would like to thank staff from the following organisations who gave up their valuable time to talk with our students. Events like this would not be possible without their support and expertise.

RDT, Flexjet, University of St Andrews, South East Coast Ambulance Service, European School of Osteopathy, Affinia, Willmott Dixon, Furley Page Law, Kent Police, Cornwallis Academy, Cluttons, HSBC, Turnkey Consulting, Army, Channel 4, Red Bull Powertrains, NHS.

Year 12 Individual Careers Meetings • Throughout these two terms and continuing after Easter our Year 12 students are scheduled individual appointments with the Careers Team to get impartial information, advice and guidance about their Post-18 Options and future career and study plans 6th Form Consultation Meetings with SLT: 17th-21st March • All our Year 11 student have an individual meeting with a member of SLT to confirm their plans for after Year 11.

In Terms 5 & 6 the following activities will be taking place: • Year 12 individual Careers Meetings: continuing • Year 7 & 8 BAE/STEM Roadshow: 9th June • Year 10 Careers Workshops with CXK: June • Year 9 Business Challenge: 30th June-2nd July • Year 8 Work Shadowing Day: 3rd July • Year 10 & 12 Work Experience week: 7th-11thJuly • Year 7, 8 & 9 Enrichment Learning Week: 7th-11th July • Year 12 University/Apprenticeship talks and UCAS registration: May-July during 6th Form Core • Year 10 Morrisby Profiling: July 26

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Spring 2025

Sport Update

By Mr Eldridge, PE Technician Since December half term, MGS have participated in a further 170 plus fixtures bringing the total number to an impressive 392 fixtures since the start of the academic year. There has also been a strong commitment to extracurricular activities this term with 134 year 7’s having attended at least 1 after school football training session (62% of the whole year group).

In football, the 1st XI team showed incredible determination and quality, making it to the semifinal of the National Cup on the 31st of January, a phenomenal achievement! They have also secured a spot in the Kent Cup Final, where they will face off against Judd. The U14s have also had success in the Kent Cup, winning it against St Columba’s on the 14th of March at The Gallagher Stadium.

Rugby 7’s has seen exceptional performances since starting this term. The U14s displayed their ability by winning the Judd 7’s Tournament on the 4th of March, a significant achievement that highlights their skill and teamwork.

The U15s made it to the semifinals of the Kent 7’s Tournament on the 27th of February, showcasing their competitive edge. The U18s have been equally dominant, winning the Maidstone 7’s round robin tournament on the 5th of February (R1) and 12th February (R2), where they outplayed strong teams such as Dartford GS, Gravesend GS, and Sutton Valence. To top off their success, the U18s were crowned Kent Schools Gravesend President’s Shield winners, a testament to their dedication and hard work. In addition, on the

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26th of February, the 6th form girls played in their first rugby 7’s tournament of the year, playing Simon Langton, Archbishops and Dartford GS. The Under 16 and Under 13 basketball teams have both made it to the Kent Cup semifinals which is another huge accomplishment.

These achievements reflect the continued success and high standard of sports at MGS, with various teams continuing to excel at county and even national levels.

Lastly, during the February half term, Mr Smith, Mr Hughes and Mr Cooper took 24 students on an unforgettable football tour to Villarreal, Valencia. The group had the opportunity to compete in several exciting matches, tour the iconic Villarreal FC Stadium, enjoy games on the beach, and engage in a variety of other memorable activities, making it an incredible experience for all involved.

MEMORIES - GROWTH SUPPORT

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Musings from the Penthouse #29

By Icarus

A vicar was visiting one of his parishioners and whilst enjoying the proverbial cup of tea and a slice of fruit cake, asked her if she believed in the Here-after. Her reply came swiftly – “Oh yes, vicar, I often go upstairs and by the time I reached the landing, I say to myself, ‘Now what am I hereafter?’”.

Memories. All living creatures have memories in one way or another. It is the only way that evolution can take place, one event leading to a change that usually benefits the subject.

However the dictionary defines ‘memory’ as having experienced something and then being able to recall it, so that narrows the field quite a bit. Various creatures have different time spans, ranging from our own and elephants down to the proverbial goldfish (10 seconds). One that amused me was the poor old sloth, suffering with poor eyesight and a short term memory resulting, it is reported, that they sometimes mistake their own arms for tree branches! They do however have excellent spatial memories. I suppose it helps if you fall from a tree because you missed a branch, then you at least can climb back up! They can also hold their breath for a longer period than a dolphin, another piece of useless trivia.

What happens when we lose those memories, or even the ability to make memories? Dementia is the obvious answer and is experienced by so many people today, either as victims or to those that grieve for the condition that their loved one is experiencing. I recently lost a dear brother-in-law to Alzheimer’s and to see him struggle was so hard to bear, from not being able to make a sandwich, how to hold a spoon, to being unable to converse in any way. Perhaps the most terrible thing to see was that he clearly understood what was happening to him and what people were saying, but could say nothing even though he tried to. Imprisoned in a body that won’t respond but having some memories of the past.

Recently we commemorated World Holocaust Day, seeing the fifty or so, survivors sitting and taking part in the service at Auschwitz. Each year the number of survivors from those terrible days becomes less and less, taking their first-person memories with them. What of memories then? It is essential that we who live on learn not only what happened but also how the events occurred and what the consequences were and are. One survivor of the holocaust said recently in an interview that ‘You can’t change history, you can’t re-write history, but you can learn from history.’ Even so, history is just facts, but memory hurts, helps, guides and warns, it is the building block of the future. In fact memory is instinct and ultimately yourself. Some do try to rewrite history and others ignore history, both of which are detrimental to mankind. Archives provide historical proof and offer writings made closer to the original time. Of course, some of the latter are personal opinions (just as are my musings), but they are normally better suited to history than modern speculation and ‘woke’ decisions.

MGS Archives is a wonderful resource, carefully maintained by Graham Walker. The information is stored in specific boxes for the relevant subject and carefully catalogued. However an archive that is not used is just a pile of paper, fading photographs and notes. Use them – contact the school with any questions you may have.

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Spring 2025 Having had a break from writing ‘Musings’ for a few days, it is now Valentine’s Day, a time for one to express one’s love for another – perhaps ‘appreciation’ might be a better phrase these days.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people and nations spoke together in love, instead of creating wars, trying to force one’s ideas on another and,– much more importantly, in recognizing that despite the colour of our skin and religion allowing all to live in peace.

What a better place that world would be! No more fighting and persecution - but to achieve that we need to have teaching, understanding, and minds that are willing to accept the variations of humanity. It is probably too late for my generation to change but those of greener years can make a difference. Many religions have a code for living of ‘Don’t do unto others, what you would want others to do to you’ but a more positive side would be of ‘Do to others as you would wish them to do to you’. Positively looking at other people, valuing them as equal human beings as yourself, puts a whole new shade of appreciation providing harmony. How many rioters from Stockport last year would have liked having their homes and family exposed to the acts they were carrying out?

Changing to a more MGS related item, a little while ago the school received a request from a gentleman who was researching School OTCs, JTCs and bespoke CCF badges and who runs a website about British Army badges, https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/forums/, He was seeking the history of MGS CCF cap badges including the link to the Royal Engineer’s regiment. The archivists were able to provide him with some information, including two photographs, one of a school related badge display and the other of a general information poster of British Army Crests/ Badges that are held in the Penthouse – Alan Owen pointed out that there appeared to be some discrepancies in dates, not just on our display but also in related books. He asked if they knew when the change happened as to the date that the CCF cap badge became the Royal Engineer’s badge. If anyone is able to let me know, then please email me (mgsarchive@ longrede.me.uk), then I could have the pleasure of passing it on to Alan.

It occurs to me that I have been neglectful in my musings of coverage of both the CCF and the Scouts at the school. That has been partly due to the fact that I never belonged to either of them in my school years, and also that there doesn’t appear to be any written historical records of them in the archives, other than a C.C.F. booklet covering the period from 1906 to 1981 produced by Mrs. Diana Caley, wife of the Commanding Officer at the time, W. John C. Caley. I will endeavour to correct that, at least as far as the C.C.F. is concerned in future musings. If anyone has memories of their time in either CCF or Scouts then please email me.

Also, if you might have any old OTC cap badges, I would suggest that you have a rummage in your ‘odds and ends’ as some early ones are selling for three figures!

Wishing you well for a warmer period during the summer.

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www.mgs.kent.sch.uk

Spring 2025

Key Dates for your Diary Tue 22 April 2025 Wed 23 April 2025 Wed 23 – Fri 2 May 2025 Thu 24 April 2025 Mon 28 April – Fri 9 May 2025 Thu 1 May 2025 Mon 12 May 2025 Mon 12 – Fri 23 May 2025 Wed 14 May 2025 Fri 23 May 2025

Start of Term 5 Year 6 Welcome Evening Year 11 MFL Speaking Exams Year 13 Leavers’ Photo Year 10 Mock Exams in Sports Hall Year 9 Virtual Parents’ Evening Start of GCSE & Level Exams Year 10 MFL Speaking Exams Year 12 Virtual Parents’ Evening Last Day of Term 5

Tue 3 June 2025 Tue 3 - 6 June 2025 Wed 11 June 2025 Wed 18 June 2025 Tue 23 June – Tue 1 July 2025 Mon 23 – Wed 25 June 2025 Thu 3 July 2025 Thu 3 July 2025 Mon 7 – Fri 11 July 2025 Mon 14 July 2025 Wed 16 July 2025 Fri 18 July 2025

First Day of Term 6 for students Year 6 House Teas Art Exhibition Year 10 Virtual Parents’ Evening Year 12 UCAS Exams Sixth Form Induction Days Year 6 Induction Day Year 8 Work Shadowing Day Extended Learning Week Founders Day & Lower School Speech Day Sports Day Last Day of the Academic Year

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Maidstone Grammar School, Barton Road, Maidstone, ME15 7BT T: +44(0)1622752101 | E: school@mgs.kent.sch.uk | W: www.mgs.kent.sch.uk Founded in 1549 | Headteacher Mr M Tomkins BSc NPQH