KC News Round Up Friday 1st March 2024

On Tuesday, we welcomed prospective Year 7 and Year 9 families to our very busy Spring term week day Open Morning. After a week of rain, the sun was finally shining and visitors were able to enjoy a tour of the facilities with our fantastic student tour guides from Year 9 and the Sixth Form.

After a brilliant musical performance from Ms Bruce leading the Chamber Choir, our visitors then heard presentations by the Head Girl Team, Miss Handford, Mr Mossman and Mrs Payne in the theatre. Thank you to all our students for being amazing ambassadors for KC; the feedback we have received has been incredibly positive. Thanks also go to the KCPA who kindly came along to help with the refreshments and chat to families about KC from a parent's perspective.

Author Visit

On Monday, we were joined by Joseph Elliot, author and actor. Joseph read from his new book, The Good Hawk and answered questions in the theatre for Years 7 to 9 about his writing career, inspiration for books and plans for the future, before running workshops with different groups of students throughout the rest of the day. He also signed copies of his new book.

Futures Programme

This week we had the pleasure of hearing Hayley McMechan speak to our Lower Sixth all about the concept of "squiggly careers". This is the concept that careers these days are not always linear and in fact need to be adaptable to the challenges life throws at us.

Hayley is currently studying for a PHD in Environmental Sciences, after working in museums and becoming a Biology teacher. She gave Year 12's a lot of food for thought and also spoke about the challenges of juggling motherhood with careers.

Year 7 Textiles

We have been delighted with the enthusiasm and impressive accomplishments of Year 7 in their appliqué owl project! Their dedication to exploring various processes in product design, from deconstruction and repurposing of garments to pattern cutting, appliqué, and construction, demonstrates a commendable level of creativity and skill development. They should indeed be proud of their achievements and enjoy cuddling their adorable owls! This project not only showcases their talents but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment in their craftsmanship. Well done to all involved.

Additionally, students took on an extra challenge, normally aimed at Year 8, by adding a patch pocket to their owls which they did brilliantly well in.

Science Club

In Science Club, Year 7 and Year 8 have been growing various sizes of crystals using saturated sodium chloride. We also made ‘Dunking Divers’ based on the same principals of submarines and sub-aqua divers, increasing weight with water to submerge our ‘diver’ and compressing air to surface.

Boarders' Activities

Trip to Drusillas

The boarders went on a trip to Drusillas last weekend but unfortunately it was too wet to see very much and most of the day was spent trying to shelter from the rain!

Flexi Boarding Pamper Night

On Thursday, we hosted our first taster boarding evening for Year 7's to experience a night in boarding and it was completely sold out! All together 12 day pupils joined Year 7 boarders for a Pamper and Flexi Board Evening in H&H.

Firstly the students took part in a "mini chef class" with Mr Hall in the Dining Room. The girls were divided into groups of five and were in charge of making sushi, paella or cheesecake. Afterwards, the girls enjoyed their creations for dinner.

After that, students had a pamper session with Miss Henry. The girls were given face masks with cucumber slices for their eyes of course! Then it was time for the movie, during which the girls were spoilt with hot chocolate and popcorn. What a fantastic evening!

Thanks to all the staff that assisted with the smooth running of the evening. We hope to run these taster evenings with other year groups later this term, please look out for more information!

Oakley School Collaboration

This week we were joined by Sam and Sarah from Oakley School, a special school with sites in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Sam and Sarah talked to pupils from Year 10 and Sixth Form about their amazing school, their approach and their pupils, who all have physical and learning disabilities. Pupils from Oakley and KC will collaborating on a project, beginning later in March, after KC pupils visit Oakley's Tonbridge site to talk about ideas for projects and meet the pupils that they will be working with.

We hope this will project will be the start of a great partnership between KC and Oakley, which will be equally as enriching for pupils from both schools.

I feel very fortunate to be a part of this collaboration with Oakley. Our first meeting on Monday gave insight into the different approaches to teaching and a glimpse into what the students are like. I can't wait to meet the students and discuss ideas for our art project. Tilly, Lower Sixth

I have found working with Oakley School greatly beneficial as not only have I found it highly informative and educational, but I also hope it will help me develop my collaboration skills. I have found that working alongside other schools, as well as learning about different approaches to teaching and learning, will provide access to certain skills I would not have developed otherwise so I am truly grateful for this opportunity. I really look forward to meeting the pupils from Oakley and collaborating on a group project together. So far I have found it really exiting coming up with different ideas for what that project may be. Verity, Lower Sixth

We have learned about the unique teaching method of Oakley School. This is a very special opportunity to be exposed to different school life and to learn more about unique life experiences through cooperation. I am looking forward to providing artistic assistance and listening to Oakley's students' opinion in art. Vicky, Upper Sixth

Duke of Edinburgh

Navigation Exercise

Duke of Edinburgh bronze participants demonstrated resilience last week when they took part in their first mini navigation walk. Despite it being very cold and muddy, students remained upbeat. Some boots were even taken by the mud!

Thanks to the staff who helped out: Chaplain Katie, Mr Shareika, Mrs Bell, Miss Thacker, Miss Howden and Mrs Sweetman.

Volunteering

A few of our D of E students are volunteering at St Peter's Old Church, just outside the Kent College grounds. They are helping to clean as well as restore the wooden pews, that are probably older than their grandparents!

The church is delighted to have students back in the building and hope to host more events for students to attend.

Year 8 Music

Year 8 students have been learning about audiobooks and how to create music which enhances a story. Listen to Louise, Lucy and Emelia’s version of Room on the Broom!

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Booking is now open for our latest whole school musical production, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, taking place from 13th - 16th March.

Featuring over 100 pupils from across the Prep and Senior Schools, both on and off stage, the show promises to be a real highlight of the academic year. Please do come along and support the students and staff who have worked tirelessly on this fantastic production.

Dance Showcase

Come along and support the students and the KC charities at this year's Dance Showcase. Please find details below.

International Women's Day Event for Years 9,10 and Lower Sixth

Upcoming Workshops for Parents

Following on from the success of our Digital Resilience workshop before half term, please see the details below of the next free workshops in our series.