MGGS Christmas Newsletter 2014

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

The Newsletter December 2014

A very Merry Christmas and a peace-filled and Happy New Year As I write, there is frost on the ground and our students are arriving to begin the second day of Rag Week. Many of them are in fancy dress, and it is glorious to see their smiles and hear their laughter.

It has been a very happy, busy and productive term for us. The start of the academic year saw us celebrating the success of our Year 11 and 13 students in the summer examinations. In addition, it was an important new beginning for our school; on 1st August 2014 we attained foundation status. As a foundation school our students will see no change to the outstanding education we deliver. Foundation status simply means that our Governing Body employ our staff and own and oversee our site and premises. In addition we are able to act as our own admissions authority. This gives us greater autonomy and control as a business, while maintaining strong links with the local authority.

Finally, I would like to welcome two new School Governors; Theresa Ferguson and Louise Brenlund. We have an outstanding Governing Body who work very hard to support the work of our School and I am very grateful for all that they do.

Thank you very much to our staff, for all their hard work in supporting and educating your daughters, sons and wards. Thank you also to you for the many compliments and words of praise for the work we do. We receive a great number of these and we are always grateful for them.

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a peace-filled and happy New Year.

School Production of ‘War, Women and Song’ Our school production of ‘War, Women and Song’ is coming ……...

Performances will be on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th February 2015.

Tickets will be available soon.

Please see inside for further details.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

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The Newsletter Theatre Studies Trips By Mrs Shand Year 12 Theatre Studies students took part in a trip to see an evening performance of Riot, ‘An epic tale of violence, greed and cheap sofas.’

This was performed by The Wardrobe Ensemble at The E M Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School on 17th September 2014. Students were impressed with this fast paced and creative show based on a true story of a riot in February 2005 at the Edmonton IKEA store. Students commented that the performance was ‘hilarious’ and ‘inventive’; everybody enjoyed the trip and wrote articulately about the production for their AS course.

On 12th November 2014, over a hundred Year 10, 11 and 13 Drama students were taken to see Pilot Theatre Company perform a new production of Antigone, written by Roy Williams from the original by Sophocles, at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury.

The play was given a contemporary urban setting which really highlighted for the audience the universal themes of the play such as family loyalty, integrity and young love. Our drama students participated really well in the Q and A session held after the show with members of the cast. A memorable and successful trip during which our students, as usual, behaved impeccably, were excellent company and an absolute credit to their school.

Reading for Christmas

By Phoebe H, Year 13 Literature Prefect There will be nothing better this Christmas than curling up with a mince pie and a good book. If you want an easy way to expand your knowledge, your imagination and your vocabulary then you need only reach for the nearest novel and you’re halfway there.

It’s even better if you’ve received a book for Christmas, because you know your loved one has thought about it.

A book is not like a scarf, or a toiletries set - it represents an understanding of you as a person and what you might enjoy, or even better, an invitation to enter a world that they have adored and want to share with you.

If you’re planning on getting into true festive spirit, then I’d strongly recommend ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ is perfect once you’ve laid out a carrot for Rudolph.

If you are still stuck on what to buy someone this year, some less Christmassy but still wonderful book ideas are: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler - shortlisted for the 2014 Man Brooker Prize, the twist is unlike anything you’ll have read before.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - a coming -of-age story that acknowledges the predicament

of loss and betrayal.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - a modern ‘Catcher in The Rye’, it has quite the cult following.

And as Chobsky says, "Books, songs, and movies are more than entertainment when we're young. They help all of us discover who we are, what we believe, and what we hope our life can be."

Merry Christmas to one and all.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter School Production 2015 - ‘War ,Women and Song’

By Mrs Shand A record 120 students auditioned for our school show which commemorates the 100 year anniversary of World War One. Over 60 students are taking part as members of the cast or crew and more students will be joining as choir and band members.

Adapted from a new play by Dr Anna Farthing and Bea Roberts and based on the World War One Lena Ashwell concert parties: the play shines a light on the young women who brought music to the trenches. These women risked their lives to journey to war weary soldiers, in order to sing to them and boost their morale.

The show is based on archive material and features real characters who took part in concerts for troops in World War One. These concert parties were instigated by Lena Ashwell, a pioneering Edwardian actor-manager and suffragette who believed the arts could help protect troops from the brutalisation of war. There are many characters represented in the show including: Elsie Griffin Elsie Griffin was a chocolate packer at Fry’s factory in Bristol aged 14. Her singing during the Quaker factory’s morning prayer meeting led to a scholarship for music lessons. Aged only 19, she joined a Lena Ashwell Concert Party, touring France, where girls were locked in a caravan overnight for their own protection.

She went on to have a career as a singer after the War, being selected to sing “Danny Boy” and “Roses of Picardy”.

Daisy Godfrey Daisy Godfrey was an educated modern young woman. She abandoned her plans to be a doctor on winning a music scholarship to Reading University College. Although only five feet tall, and always having to carry her cello case as well as her luggage, she led a troupe of ‘The Lena’s’ from 1916 to 1919.

Anne “Skiddie” Skidmore ‘Skiddie’ was a professional contralto from Blackpool who was performing for the D’Oyley Carte Opera Company when she sacrificed her career ambitions to the war effort. Her papers, found alongside Daisy’s, reveal a life of patient stamina and stoicism and demonstrate Anne’s devotion to her wartime colleague and lifelong best friend.

The production features songs popular at the time and reveals how touring as a group of young women in difficult and dangerous circumstances affected their lives. The show will take place in the main hall on Tuesday 10 th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th February 2015; details of tickets will be published in the New Year. We look forward to seeing you there!

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Mathematics Trip to the University of Kent

By Silke H, Summer R and Katie T, Year 10 Students On Thursday, 11th September we went to the University of Kent, Canterbury, for an inspiring Mathematics trip.

Eight of us were given the opportunity to discover how theoretical Mathematics can be applied to real life situations.

We got to experience three different workshops. Firstly, we were given the chance to see how mathematics is incorporated into personal finance. There were six problems that we had to solve and complete, using the skills that we have learnt in class. After a short interlude we made our way to ‘Maths in Magic’ where we learnt the mathematics behind mechanics. Activities included looping a ring on a chair, tying a knot using only one hand and oscillating springs and their movement; Katie had the chance to demonstrate this ‘trick’ in front of our group. It was nerve-wracking but also very exciting.

After lunch we proceeded to the topology workshop, which was our final class. Here we used balloons to explain Euter’s theorem in relation to Geometry. Our final session of the day was dedicated to a talk by Corelie Colmez who wrote the book ‘Maths on Trial’. This book is about the mathematics that is used in court and abused by the law. This was a fun filled day that has inspired us to take mathematics to A’Level and beyond.

Year 7 Welcome Quiz

By Jan Campbell, Secretary of the PFA whilst the grown-ups enjoyed a cream tea or mince pie with their afternoon cuppa.

The scores were very close. However the teams, which had confectionery names, saw The Chomps winning the overall prize for the adults with 72 points and The Sherbet Dib-Dabs coming out tops for the children's teams with 64 points.

It was a great opportunity for the children to get to know other girls from different forms in year 7 and for parents and carers to meet and mingle with other parents allowing them to network with one another.

From the feedback we received it was a huge success for all involved and something that we will continue to support in future years for families joining Year 7 at Maidstone Grammar School for Girls.

The Year 7 welcome event took place on Saturday, 15th November in Sixth Form Central. The PFA organised the event which, despite the dreadful rain, saw a total of 24 children and 27 adults turning up to join in the fun.

Divided into 9 teams, the adults and children competed against each other in the general knowledge quiz which covered topics such as Science and Nature, History and Politics and Art and Literature.

The quiz was punctuated by a ‘guess the cartoon character slide show’ and some party games which everyone seemed to enjoy taking part in.

Whilst the scores were being added up and checked by our adjudicator, the children tucked into an afternoon tea

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Presentation

By Tracy Rogers, Proud Parent New dress? Tick  High heels? Tick  7.25am high speed train to St Pancras? Tick  8.45am breakfast meeting? Tick  Important business event? No Thursday, 23rd October was Gold Duke of Edinburgh presentation day at St James' Palace and we were meeting our daughters, Alice and Carolyn, off the train and having breakfast together. Knowing that time was short, we chatted nineteen to the dozen as the girls tucked into 'protein' and 'vitamins' after their first term at Uni. A quick detour to platform 9¾ and we were off to Green Park. As we walked towards the Palace we could spot others clearly on their way, smartly dressed young people accompanied by proud parents.

It's true, as you get older the policemen seem so young and they ably directed us to the correct entrance and into the courtyard. It was then the screeching and hugging began as all the girls from MGGS huddled together and made up for lost time. So grown up one minute, but with the abandonment of youth the next.

We British know how to put on a Royal event and it was clear from the outset there was a master plan. We were guided to our seats and the protocol explained. After a short presentation from Charlotte Evans, gold medal winner at the Sochi Paralympic games (Sighted Guide Super-G), the award winners were in their semi-circles and the Duke arrived. Despite his advancing years, he was spritely and interested in the young people's achievements and also those of the parents who had attended the same ceremony a few decades ago for their own Gold presentations.

Was all the effort the youngsters had put in worth it? They certainly learnt lots about their own inner strength and determination on the expedition, how to communicate with others during their service and how to work as part of a new team on their residential courses. And you get to go to the Palace.

Duke of Edinburgh Update

By Ms Starns I am delighted to report and keep you up-to-date with DofE at our School.

Mr Hamilton has now taken responsibility as Assistant Unit Leader for Bronze level. He has now completed his practice Basic Expedition Leaders (BEL) Award and will complete in August of 2015.

Mrs Harding completed her BEL practice expedition in November during extremely wet weather conditions.

Mrs Smith has now completed her BEL Award and will be delivering the DofE Award to Year 12 and 13 Gold participants.

Planned expeditions are taking place as usual for Bronze and Silver levels of the DofE Award. This year, MGGS is planning an overseas Gold Expedition to the French Pyrenees. Update on progress will be sent in January.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter German Christmas Challenge

By Mrs Gibson The poem below, entitled Weihnachten by von Joseph von Eichendorff, is one of the most famous German Christmas poems, and most people in Germany know at least the first two lines off by heart. Joseph von Eichendorff came from a noble Prussian family, and lived from 1788-1857.

Students are challenged to learn the poem off by heart over the Christmas holidays. If they are able to recite it to Mrs Gibson during the first week of next term, she will give them a prize, specially bought from the Lindt chocolate factory in Aachen, Germany. Use the link below to hear someone read out the highly atmospheric poem. Can you recite it just as well? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlPhLnMVkiQ

Weihnachtsgedicht Markt und Straßen stehn verlassen, Still erleuchtet jedes Haus, Sinnend geh' ich durch die Gaßen, Alles sieht so festlich aus.

An den Fenstern haben Frauen Buntes Spielzeug fromm geschmückt, Tausend Kindlein stehn und schauen, Sind so wunderstill beglückt.

Und ich wandre aus den Mauern Bis hinaus ins freie Feld, Hehres Glänzen, heil'ges Schauern!

Wie so weit und still die Welt!

Sterne hoch die Kreise schlingen, Aus des Schnees Einsamkeit Steigt's wie wunderbares Singen O du gnadenreiche Zeit!

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Kent Youth SACRE Meeting

By Frederika G , Year 13 Student On the 18th November I attended the Kent Youth Standing Advisory Council for Religious Studies (SACRE) meeting at County Hall in Maidstone. During the meeting we discussed issues such as ‘What is the greatest evil?’ and everyone was able to give their opinions on various philosophical questions. We learnt about nihilism, which rejects the ideas of order, purpose, meaning and moral goodness. We also learnt about Bishop Dinis of Maputo in Mozambique and his work to turn guns into artwork with the help of Christian Aid. We found the meeting very interesting and had great fun meeting other religious studies students from different schools in the area.

Primary School Outreach

NSPCC Number Day

By Mr Cook

By Mrs Thomas

The long established and very successful links between Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and local primary schools have continued this year with visits to Leeds and Broomfield primary school and Roseacre primary school. These visits involved delivering a lesson on the topic of sound. Progressively louder sounds were created, starting with the gentle sparking of iron filings in a Bunsen burner flame and progressing up to the launching of hydrogen powered rockets! Actually these are just 500ml water bottles filled with hydrogen and oxygen, but they make a very big bang! The students then experimented with tuning forks, investigating how they make sound using plastic cups of water. Most tables got a very good wash! A slinky spring was used, to good effect, to demonstrate the movement of sound in the form of sound waves. This allowed the students to see the difference between quiet and loud sounds and between low pitch and high pitch sounds. The lessons ended with the students making their own musical instrument from a paper straw!

Further visits to other primary schools are planned for later in the academic year too; visits are planned to Allington, Brookfield, Brunswick House, Hunton and Snodland C of E primary schools.

Primary schools will also visit Maidstone Grammar School for Girls during our Science Week for the annual primary school science quiz and Big Reptile Show. In the summer months, when the trees are in full leaf, local primary schools will be invited to MGGS to use our woodland walk, identifying the numerous types of trees and investigating the ways in which we are trying to attract wildlife to the walk area.

On Friday, 5th December 2014, MGGS students practised their number skills in aid of a very good cause. The NSPCC Number Day events took place throughout the day and included Year 7 sponsored times tables, a number-based treasure hunt open to all years and an inter-house quiz at lunchtime with “Countdown” and “Who wants to be a Mathionaire?” rounds. Mr Hamilton was a fantastic host for the quiz and the winning House was the Vikings (Helen T, Daisy K and Rhiannon M).

Thank you very much to everyone who participated.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Year 12 and 13 Trip to Milan

By Anna S, Year 12 Student

Year 12 Students on the roof terrace of the Duomo

Milan has for decades held the accolade of being Italy’s fashion capital. Therefore, on 1st October 2014 the Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Textiles and Art A level students embarked on a school trip to this prestigious land. Our visit lasted from the 1st to 5th of October, allowing us to gain experience of Milanese culture and visit a multitude of inspiring sites. After the flight to Milan, courtesy of EasyJet, we settled into the Albert Hotel.

Our second day began with a ride on the metro to Duomo Square, over which the Duomo Cathedral, the construction of which began in the 5th century AD and took over six centuries to complete, towered impressively. A guided tour of the surrounding buildings was followed by a journey to the Dominican Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, in which the Last Supper mural was painted by Leonado da Vinci on the walls of the rectory. This mural, which depicts the final meal Jesus held with his twelve disciples, was worked on between around 1495-1498 and created using tempura (egg yolk) paint on gesso, pitch and mastic.

Although the viewing of the Last Supper lasted only fifteen minutes, it was an undeniably superb experience.

After this came a trip to the roof terrace of the Duomo; standing at the remarkable height of five-hundred and fifteen feet, we were rewarded with a stunning view of Milan spreading out before us, throwing the variety of the city’s architecture and hues into high relief.

Combined with the Gothic crenulations and carvings of the marble roof terrace, this provided a scene of inspiration for the Textiles and Art students.

The next day held a journey to Lake Como, around which the countryside undulated in great forested hills.

The Silk Institute (‘Museo Didattico della Setta’) situated here delivered a wealth of information regarding the growth, processing and printing of silk, which has featured dominantly in Como’s history for hundreds of years. Furthermore, the afternoon brought a boat trip on the lake, revealing the tiny, colourful houses interspersed among the greenery of the slopes, like beads studding swathes of emerald felt. Needless to say, many photographs were snapped!

Our fourth and final full day was packed with an expedition around the Opera House (La Scala) Museum, which incorporated a combination of musical history, intricate costumes and art, all presented amidst sumptuous drapes and marble columns, along with a trip to the Brera Art Gallery, home to paintings by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Grassi.

Lastly, before our plane journey home on 5th October, we visited the Seraville Designer Outlet on the way to the airport to conduct a spot of shopping and to receive our last instalment of pizza, which had become somewhat of a staple food source throughout our stay.

Finally, all that was left to do was bid ‘Ariverdercci, Milan’!

Grazie mille to Mrs Owen, Mrs Yearly and Mrs Higbee!

“ It was an undeniably superb experience”

La Scala Opera House

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Eco Club

By Mrs Mahon In Eco Club, we strive for an enjoyable approach to developing the understanding of students about the everyday things that they can do to ensure sustainable living. Some of the fun and creative things we have included in our weekly sessions include: Creating animals out of recycled CDs Using a number of recycled materials, including coloured card and CDs, we created a number of small ornamental animals that could easily be used anywhere for decoration.

Calculating our carbon footprints We all calculated our carbon footprints and made posters on the ways in which we could improve our carbon footprints in the future.

Flower pressing We went out along the woodland walk in search of materials that we could press to produce some tasteful decorations that can then be used for a number of creative purposes, such as making cards and bookmarks.

Creating a number of posters to promote recycling around the school Eco Club is designed to ensure that we, as a school, promote environmental friendliness. We made a number of posters to put up that would raise school -wide attention as to what may be put into recycling bins, so that we reduce our waste as a school.

Using recycled paper to produce origami creatures and decorations Our sessions have had a number of themes over the weeks, and to celebrate Halloween we taught our members how to make a number of origami creatures out of recycled materials that they could then use to decorate their house with to get into the festive spirit.

Year 7 Netball Squad

By Mrs Robbins The Year 7’s have made an impressive start to the season. They regularly attend training and are a motivated and determined team. At recent matches they have performed well with the ‘A’ team beating Benenden 4-1 and Maplesden an encouraging 8-1. The ‘B’ team have narrowly missed out on victory with a 10-11 loss to Benenden but a promising result against our own U13 B team 2-2. With Kent players such as Rachael K and strong performances from Emma W, Eloise S, Amelia F, Abbey H and Madeline H the squad is sure to go from strength to strength. Well done to everyone who has represented MGGS.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Modern Foreign Languages Focus Day

By Abbey G, Year 9 Student

The Modern Foreign Languages focus day took place in Term One. Each form was given a specific language out of French, German or Spanish and we then had to create a 3 day holiday for someone from that country in and around Maidstone. At the end of the day, the target was for each form to have created a poster saying what events our trip would include, and also we had to describe our trip in our target language. Leading up to the focus day, we had to collect any materials and articles about Maidstone and what there was to do in the county. This would help us plan what the foreign visitors would do on our trip.

On the day, we came into our classroom and each form had been given a language teacher to supervise them. In first period, they taught us key vocabulary that would help us plan out and write a script for our trip. My form, 9C, was given German as our language. We had only been learning German for a year so it was definitely a challenge! Within our forms, we were split up into groups of 4-6 (we were able to choose to go with our friends). In my group were my friends Kevina, Anna and Aisha. Then, once we had been given the instructions for what we were meant to do, we were able to start.

First, my group decided to give each other roles. I was chosen as the language expert and checker, Anna was the researcher and Aisha and Kevina were the designers of the poster. Next, we decided what activities we were going to do and when. All of us worked really well together, and tried very hard to pull off a poster while saying a long speech in our target language! I wrote the script for us to say during the presentation with the

assistance of Anna, and Aisha and Kevina worked on the appearance of our poster. Kevina and Anna also worked out all the costs for the trip which helped a lot!

During all of this, some of the language prefects were coming around to help us if we needed it and answered any queries that we had. When we had finished our poster and script, we went over the pronunciation very carefully as German has a precise way of saying things.

For example, one of the trickiest things to remember was that ‘ei’ is pronounced as ‘I’ and ‘ie’ is pronounced as ‘ee’.

After lunch, every group had to perform their presentations to the rest of the form which was quite nerve-wracking as we had no idea what the other groups had produced! Then, a language teacher who spoke German judged each presentation and my, Kevina’s, Aisha’s and Anna’s presentation was declared the winner out of our form!

Then, every form was led into the gym, and the winners from each form had to perform their presentation in front of the rest of Year 9. The language prefects were going to judge all of the performances and then pick a winner out of 2 German, 2 French and 2 Spanish presentations. Along with having to present our work in our target language, the language prefects would then ask each group 3 questions in that language.

Once everyone had performed, the language prefects went outside to deliberate who was the winner. We were all very excited, and finally the winner was announced… It was our German presentation! Kevina, Anna, Aisha and I were all extremely happy as we received a WHSmith voucher worth £10! Overall, I would say the day was a big challenge, but it was great fun at the same time and I hope that any future year 9’s will enjoy this day too!

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Futsal Competitons

By Miss Relph

Team: Maddie H, Claudia T, Blessing V, Charlotte W and Anna S. The under 12’s participated in the Shepway/Ashford Futsal competition which was held at the North School.

The girls had never played futsal before so it was a brand new experience for them. The teams were split into two pools. The first match was against Wye which they drew 1-1. The second match saw a tactical change of goalkeepers which led to a 5-0 victory over Swadelands. The next opponents were Folkestone Academy, the girls had majority of the possession but unfortunately could not turn that into a goal and drew the match 0-0. The girls finished the pool in second place and were then drawn against the North School who had won their pool. Maddie H intercepted the ball on the half way line and dribbled it past 3 defenders and smashed the ball in the back of the net to win the semifinal. MGGS played against Highworth in the final; it was an extremely close match with some outstanding play from all players. Unfortunately the girls lost the match 1-0. They still may have the opportunity to progress through to the next round. Well done to all players.

The under 14’s participated in the Shepway/Ashford Futsal competition which was held at Three Hills in Folkestone. All teams were split into two pools.

Throughout the group stage MGGS did not concede any goals, they played some outstanding futsal as a team.

They won all their matches beating Folkestone Academy 2-0, Towers 3-0, John Wallis 2-0 and Folkestone 2-0.

The girls then went on to the semi-final where they faced the North School and successfully beat them 1-0 to face Highworth in the final. Due to time constraints there was a rule change to avoid penalities; if there is a scored draw the team that scored first won.

Unfortuantely Highworth scored first so the girls knew they needed to score two goals which was an extremely difficult task seeing as the matches were only 6minutes in length. Grace S scored a fantastic goal to finish the match 1-1 but it was too late. The girls finished the competition without losing a match but were placed as runners-up. Well done to all players.

Team: Katie S, Megan G, Brooke J, Daisy K, Dani A and Beth W.

Sports Leaders

By Mrs Robbins The Level 2 Community Sports Leader and the Level 3 Higher Sports Leader Awards are well and truly underway.

Students will be leading activities with students from Brunswick House in the near future as well as organising interhouse competitions for students at MGGS. With planned visits to Dane Court Special School in Gillingham and the completion of First Aid and Dodgeball Courses this coming term is going to be a busy one.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Cross Country Update

By Mrs C Smith MGGS achieved success at the Maidstone schools district cross-country championships with two medal winners and the Year 7 team winning their category. Congratulations to all those who took part and ran incredibly well.

The winning Year 7 girls’ team consisted of Ebony B, Madie H, Alice N, Molly N, Anna S, Anna M, Connie L, Zara E, Blessing V and Amber M. Special mention goes to Ebony, Madie and Alice who all finished in the top ten with Ebony narrowly missing out on a medal. Seven of our MGGS Year 7 team have been selected to represent Maidstone in the Kent schools championships.

Our Junior girls team consisted of Fern D, Katie K, Katharine B, Summer R, Lexi G, Hannah R, Rebecca W, Emily E and Beatrice F. Special mention goes to Katie and Katherine who finished in the top ten and Fern who achieved a silver medal. Five of our MGGS Junior team have been selected to represent Maidstone in the Kent schools championships.

Our Intermediate girls consisted of Emily H, Catrina H, Rachael K, Eleanor S and Ella B. Special mention goes to Catrina, Rachael and Eleanor who finished in the top ten and Emily who achieved a bronze medal. The entire MGGS Intermediate team have been selected to represent Maidstone in the Kent schools championships.

International Sporting Success

By Mrs Robbins and Katie S, Year 11 Student As a PE department and school we are extremely proud of Katie S in Year 11. She is an outstanding football goalkeeper and now has her first England cap. She represented England v Germany in an under 17’s international match played at St. Georges Park.

Katie has also been selected to attend the Youth Sports Trust National Talent Camp over the Christmas break. This is a fantastic achievement as only 100 athletes nationwide are selected to attend this prestigious camp. Even more so as Katie is one of only 20 footballers who are attending. We wish Katie all the best of luck not only in the National Talent Camp but her future with the England women’s football team.

Katie says “I’m honoured to have represented my country doing something I love and have worked very hard on for years. During the match, everyone played with such a high quality and standard, so being part of that was really rewarding for me and gave me a chance to push myself to perform at my best. Though we didn’t win, we played very well and as it was a dream of mine to play for England it was a great feeling pulling on the number 1 shirt and achieve a huge goal of mine. The experience has also motivated me to keep working hard to hold on to this opportunity and have more chances to work with the England team and staff in the future.”

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Thinking School Update: MGGS Spreads its Wings

By Mr Harris We have been very busy in the past few months or so in further developing our thinking school programme both in school and to the wider community. In addition to the ongoing use of thinking tools in our lessons such as Thinking Maps we have also held a Neuroscience event in July with speakers from King’s College, London giving a fascinating insight into the workings of the human brain. Sixth form students from several secondary schools around the county attended this event along with some of our own students and it proved to be a fabulous opportunity to find out more about the rapid developments that are taking place in neuroscience. In October we were privileged to have Professor Roger Ainsworth, Master of St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford speak to some of Year 10 to Year 12 students about University life and do a mock interview on stage with one of our sixth form students. Beyond our school, we have been working with teachers and students from several primary schools in Kent in connection with thinking skills.

You may recall that we received our Thinking School accreditation from the University of Exeter in May 2012 and as this is granted for a period of three years this means that we will be re-applying next year and also for advanced accreditation. Thinking skills and developing effective dispositions for learning are really key to helping our students be as fully prepared as they can be both at school and in later life. The web link videos below and over page give a really good insight on the value placed on thinking skills by universities and educationalists.

What is life like for a teenage prodigy? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15482101

Eight short videos from Oxford University about their interview process. http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/interviews

Professor Art Costa talks about the importance of developing ‘Habits of Mind’ In an ever changing world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu2Aqcyp3qo

(Please note that the school does not accept any responsibility for the content of third party websites).

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Digigirlz Trip

By Tash B, Year 8 Student On Friday, 28th November myself and some other students visited Microsoft for the DigiGirlz Convention. Feeling excited for the day ahead, we got off the train and went to the large Microsoft building in London. On arrival we were given passes making us feel very official, we also got a t-shirt, thermal water bottle, torch, pad and lots of pens.

We were served breakfast, which was a happy surprise! We ate our croissants, fruit and orange juice and then headed to the auditorium, where we were joined by the other schools.

We heard the agenda and watched videos of three American women telling us how they attended DigiGirlz when they were our age and how they now work at Microsoft. We heard about a ‘hackathon’ and saw the winners' website about climate change. We then had to design an app. We designated Molly to be our teamleader and we thought of good addictive games such as Flappy Bird! Our initial idea was a plane that the player controls; trying to avoid clouds, birds and buildings. The app developed to have different scenarios including countryside, city, Antarctica, desert and seasonal levels.

Thalia came up with the app name, ‘Sky High’ and Lydia suggested that some of the profits went to the RAF. We made a hyper lapse video of us working together with voiceovers. After lunch we listened to inspirational women in computing and STEM related fields.

We heard that IT businesses need more female employees and it convinced many of us to go into these fields. We also heard talks from the STEMettes (very funny and showed us how much free stuff you can get from technology) and apprentices in Microsoft. We had a video conversation and a Q&A session with the three Americans we saw in the morning. Finally it was time to see the winners video! It was ours! We won! The school got a Raspberry Pi and a spy camcorder each.

It was such a fun, eventful and rewarding day and thank you to Miss Aime and our helpers Cheryl and Vanessa.

Salters Advanced Level Prizes

By Mr Reid and Dr Doyle We are delighted to be able to tell you that Alice R won an award for her performance in the Salters Advanced Chemistry A level examination and Carolyn R for her performance in the Salters Advanced Physics A level examination. They both gained the second highest mark and were invited to attend the Salters’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall to receive a cheque for £200 plus a certificate. This annual event recognises outstanding achievements in science education by both students and technicians.

Alice is now studying Medicine at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, and her sister Carolyn will be studying Natural Science at Magdalene College.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Breakfast Club

Starting Tuesday, 6th January 2015 8am to 8.30am daily in the School Canteen Breakfast Menu

MEAL DEAL Hot Bacon or Sausage in a Roll with Hot Chocolate £1.50

Hot Bacon or Sausage in a Roll £1.00 Toast and Butter 25p per slice Toast, Butter and Jam 50p per slice Cereals £1.30 Yoghurts 90p Fruit 50p (may vary)

Independent Catering Independent Catering is the fresh food caterer at our school offering varied menus using fresh UK meats, fresh salads and vegetables every day from our local suppliers.

A cashless payment system is operated reducing the problems of money in the school and encouraging healthy eating.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Mock Bar Trial

By Charlotte F, Year 13 Student On Saturday, 29th November a group of 9 students in Years 12 and 13 went to Guildford Crown Court to compete in the regional qualifying rounds of the mock bar trial, a national competition run by the Citizenship Foundation. We had been preparing for a few weeks prior to this at lunch times, but waiting outside the courts before the first case we were still quite nervous. There were three rounds and two cases meaning one of our cases we were not only prosecuting but also defending. This case was about an individual who had allegedly thrown bottles at two police officers during summer riots and in order to be successful on both sides of the case we had to know the case, and the legal issues behind it , inside and out. We were extremely pleased when we did, in fact, win the case both defending and prosecuting.

We all found it an extremely interesting day, and enjoyed being able to talk to real barristers and judges and have them give feedback on our presentation in the court room. Whilst we won two of our three cases, we did not make it through to the final round. However we were all really pleased with our performances and took great interest in being able to participate in different areas of the court room, playing witnesses and clerks as well as being on the jury an deciding the outcome to other peoples cases.

Doing Mock Bar Trial was extremely informative and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested following a career in law, or anyone who just has an interest in legal procedure.

Trips

By Miss Brown, Trips and Visits Co-ordinator Here is a selection of some of the trips that have been enjoyed by students over the last two terms.

Trips Out: 29th September 1st-5th October 10th-12th October 16th October 17th October 12th November 12th November 12th November 17th November 28th November 5th December 11th -12th December

Year 12 Bonding Day at the Swattenden Centre Textiles Visit to Milan Year 7 Bonding Weekend, PGL – Marchant’s Hill Author Talk by Morris Gleitzman, acclaimed children’s author Year 12 Art Visit to the Cork Street and Hayward Galleries A Level Medway Media Conference Drama trip to see Antigone at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury Music visit to see The Lion King in London’s West End Business Studies trip to the Entrepreneurs Live! Conference, London Computing Visit to the Microsoft Office, London French and Spanish Visit to Hever Castle Year 8 Visit to Aachen’s Christmas Market

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Admissions Update

By Mrs Hogan, Admissions Manager Year 7-11 Admissions Your daughter or your son in the Sixth Form may have siblings, cousins, friends or neighbours wondering how they can join our school. Please inform anyone who asks that they are entitled to test for a place at our school once a year for each year group from Year 7 - 11. So, if a student in Year 6 at primary school is unsuccessful in the Kent Test (11+) they can test in the summer term when they are in Year 7 for a place into Year 8 that September.

Other students wishing to test for a place into Year 8, 9, 10 or 11 are welcome to submit an application at any time during the academic year.

We always have three static test dates in school every year. Our first was on December 1 st and we have two more planned for 9th March and 20th June 2015. We test at other mutually convenient times throughout the year and this can be arranged once we have received an application requesting this.

To apply for a place at the school, complete an In Year Casual Application Form (IYCAF) and return this to me in school.

There is lots more information on the admissions page of the school website.

Sixth Form Admissions External Applications to the Sixth Form should be made online at www.kentchoices4u.com . Our students in Year 11 completed their application for a place into the sixth form during a recent focus day in school. If you have friends or relatives wishing to join our Sixth Form, then please inform them that there is no closing date for applications, but to ensure the best possibility of obtaining their subject choices, we strongly recommend that they return their application form as early as possible and by Friday 6th February 2015 for the September 2015 intake.

Visits and tours of the school are available on request. For further information or to request a tour of the school please email jhogan@mggs.org or visit the admissions pages of the school website at the following link http:// www.mggs.org/about-mggs/admissions#

School Office Update

By Mrs Hogan, Office Manager As you are aware we do update the information we hold about your daughter or son once a year at each parents’ consultation evening. When you arrive we ask you to check and amend the details on the Data Collection Sheet. As contact details can change at other times during the year, please let the office know if any of your details require amendment. This will ensure that we have to most up to date information for your daughter or son in school in case we are required to contact you through the school day for any reason. You can inform us by telephone, 01622 752103, fax 01622 681947 or email central@mggs.org We have quite a lot of lost property in school which has not been claimed. If you know that your daughter or son may have lost or misplaced an item of clothing, or uniform, an umbrella or a pencil case in school then please do ask them to check the lost property box for this. The box is located near to the office. Clothing that is named is returned to the student when found, so please do ensure that you label everything.

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

The Newsletter Speech Day We were delighted to welcome back last year’s Year 13 students for Speech day on Monday, 15th December to celebrate their examination successes and collect prizes that had been awarded.

Ms Alex Galvin, Head of Curriculum and Achievement at the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust attended as our guest speaker, with Councillor Roger Thick, The Mayor of Maidstone opened the proceedings.

Christmas Charity Events       

Christmas Jumper Day - £532.37.

10G Christmas Fair/Charity Events - £1,139.94.

Rag Week - £3,515.87.

Shoe Box Appeal - £169.70.

Year 7 Numbers Day for NSPCC - £891.00.

10F Charity Auction organised by Rosie W - £406.50.

School Carol Service - £345.66.

These are the current totals, the final values will be calculated in the New Year by the Finance Department.

All I want for Christmas ….. is to be an MGGS Pussy Cat! Many Students have already seen our neighbourhood cat attempting to enter our school.

If you do see our friendly cat please report to a member of staff.

Last seen at Reception on 11th December at 2.45pm. It could not press the automatic door panel and so access was denied!

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947

E: central@mggs.org

www.mggs.org

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

The Newsletter Chemistry High Performance Programme

By Dr Doyle This group meets on Wednesdays to discuss topical issues in Chemistry, competitions and stretch and challenge work to help develop a super-curricular aspect to our studies favoured by admissions tutors and for our own personal interest.

Some of the interesting topics we have been discussing can be seen on this site https:// sites.google.com/a/mggs.org/hppchemistry/.

In particular and topical at the moment, this Chemistry Advent Calendar gives lots of information about the chemicals important in making Christmas. Please have a look and enjoy. http://www.compoundchem.com/2014advent/ If you or any member of your family have an interest in Chemistry and would be willing to provide materials, articles or present a lecture here at MGGS, please get in touch with Dr Doyle.

Term Dates Term 2 - 2014

Term 5 - 2015

3rd November

Start of term 2

20th April

Start of term 5

19th December

End of term 2

22nd May

End of term 5

Term 3 - 2015

Term 6 - 2015

5th January

Start of term 3

1st June

Start of term 6

13th February

End of term 3

23rd July

Development day (no students in school) Development day (no students in school) End of term 6

Term 4 - 2015

24th July

23rd February

Start of term 4

18th March

Development day (no students in school) End of term 4

1st April

a tradition of excellence Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF

T: 01622 752103

F: 01622 681947

E: central @mggs.org

www.mggs.org