News Round Up 21st March 2025

As part of helping Year 10 to prepare for their GCSEs, some of the current Lower Sixth volunteered to share their revision strategies, hints and experiences with the Year 10s.

They discussed the importance of planning by using a timetable, and emphasised the value of starting early to avoid last-minute cramming. The Lower Sixth students highlighted that creating a realistic and flexible timetable helps to balance revision with other commitments, such as extracurricular activities and personal time. They encouraged Year 10 students to break their study time into manageable chunks followed by short breaks.

In addition to time management, the Lower Sixth students shared effective revision techniques that had worked for them, including: active recall, mindmaps, and practice questions to reinforce learning. They stressed the value of self-testing as a powerful way to identify gaps in knowledge and build confidence ahead of exams.

The Lower Sixth students also advised Year 10 on the importance of maintaining a healthy routine during revision periods. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking regular breaks to improve focus and mental wellbeing.

Finally, the Lower Sixth students encouraged Year 10 to make good use of available resources, including online platforms, past papers, and school support services. They reminded Year 10 students that teachers are always available to provide guidance and answer any questions they may have.

Overall, the session provided valuable insights and practical advice for Year 10 students as they prepare for their GCSEs. With careful planning, effective strategies, and a focus on wellbeing, they can approach their exams with confidence and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Hockey Success

The U13 Hockey team travelled to St George’s College for the South East regionals on Tuesday to play against St George’s College, St John's Leatherhead, Epsom College and Sevenoaks School. The team started the tournament well and fought hard in every game despite tough opposition, scoring five goals across the four games. They should all be very proud of their efforts to get there.

Well done to Elodie, Ivy, Eve, Maddie, Grace, Sadhbh, Kayla, Willow, Ava and April for all of their hard work this past year. It has been a hugely successful year with this team having already won the U13 ISHC plate. We look forward to seeing you progress next year!

Well done to all!

Mr Palmer - Head of Hockey

ISSP Student Meet Up

As part of this year's ISSP activity on the theme of Conservation, a group of Years 7 and 8 students had the exciting opportunity to attend a talk by Countrylife Recycling at Weald of Kent Grammar School on Tuesday. During the session, they learned about innovative ways to recycle various types of waste, including an unexpected item—bubble gum!

Following the talk, the students worked together in mixed groups to brainstorm creative recycling ideas that could be implemented in their own schools. Their ideas ranged from repurposing old materials for school projects to introducing new ways to reduce single use paper cups and packaging at school.

This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of sustainability but also inspired them to think critically about how they can make a positive impact on their environment. We look forward to seeing how their ideas come to life in the future!

Boarding Fun

Our boarders have had a great couple of weeks with lots of lovely things going on, including a trip to the trampoline park, treat night with ice cream cones, popcorn, hot chocolate and a movie, marshmallows around the fire pit and some sunny countryside walks to blow the cobwebs away!

Additionally, last week students enjoyed a special lunch in the boarding house with a number of the Year 10 boarding and day students. They enjoyed a tour of the boarding house, as well enjoying a relaxed lunch in a space just for them.

Year 7 Textiles

The owl cushions are still slowly being finished in Year 7 Textiles. Sadhbh and Chloe even added some fake eyelashes for an added bit of flare! It's lovely to see the students getting creative and thinking about translating designs from graphic to 3D textiles.

Poetry by Heart Competition

Students in Years 7 to 9 have been competing in an in-class poetry contest, with winners selected to represent Kent College in the national "Poetry by Heart Freestyle Competition". Each student was challenged to learn a published poem off by heart and perform it in front of the judges.

The judges were thoroughly impressed with all the performances, but the chosen winners for 2025 and their poems, are:-

• Year 7 - Imi - 'Please do not feed the animals...' (Robert Hull)
• Year 8 - Marja - 'Invitation' (Oriah Mountain Dreamer)
• Year 9 - Louise - 'Invictus', (William Ernest Henley)

We will be videoing these finalists performing their poems next week and if our students are selected to progress further, the winners will perform on stage at The Globe Theatre. We wish them the best of luck!

Matilda Auditions

This is a reminder that auditions are taking place on Tuesday for the Lower School production of Matilda. Students have received instructions on the audition process so please refer to those for further information.

Space! A Musical Journey