Mr Showell's Reflection
Vision – Seeing Beyond Today As we step into a new year at Kent College, our focus turns to a powerful and transformative idea: Vision. Vision is more than simply looking ahead; it is the ability to imagine what does not yet exist and to see beyond the present moment. It is the guiding force that shapes our decisions, inspires our actions, and gives purpose to our journey. Without vision, direction is lost. With it, individuals and communities can grow, aspire, and thrive. For young people and families, having a clear vision for the future is essential. It helps navigate challenges, strengthens decision-making, and encourages perseverance. But vision is not only personal—it is collective. A strong community grows when we recognise and support the aspirations of others. When we champion one another’s goals, we create a culture of possibility and shared ambition. Vision is both an action and an aim. As a verb, it challenges us to imagine boldly, plan intentionally, and take courageous steps towards the future we want to build. For students, that might mean setting academic goals, exploring passions, or developing new skills. For parents, it may involve nurturing environments where children can dream confidently and pursue their potential. As a noun, vision offers a destination—a picture of the future that motivates and inspires us. At Kent College, our vision is to see every student flourish academically, socially, and personally, and to unlock the potential within each individual. This shared vision shapes our decisions, our learning culture, and the way we support one another. True vision grows strongest in community. When we connect, collaborate, and celebrate each other’s ambitions, vision becomes a shared journey rather than an individual pursuit. Encouraging a friend, supporting a child, or working together as families—all these acts help turn vision into reality. Throughout my first two weeks at Kent College, I have been impressed by the kindness and support shown across our student body. It has been encouraging to see students lift one another up—whether in lessons, on stage, in sport, or in everyday moments. This spirit of encouragement strengthens our community and reflects the type of environment where vision can flourish. Long may this continue, as we strive to make Kent College a place where ambition, imagination, and a shared vision for the future guide all that we do. Wishing you all a relaxing weekend, Mr Showell Head of Senior School
60 Seconds with Mr Beck, Director of Sport (Maternity Cover)
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I am a PE Teacher with over 10 years of experience, currently serving as the Director of Sport (Maternity Cover). In addition to this role, I have held positions such as Head of Cricket. I also have previous experience as Head of Hockey and teaching KS3 Science. Sport has always been a vital part of my life, not just as an athlete but as a coach, teammate, and passionate supporter. Whether on the hockey pitch, cricket field, golf course, or in the gym, I find purpose in pursuing personal excellence and helping others unlock their potential through sport. Driven by a deep love for all forms of sport, whether that's coaching, competing or spectating - I have developed important values such as commitment, empathy, leadership, and humility. Whether I’m scoring goals, mentoring athletes, or testing myself in new environments, I constantly aim to inspire those around me and continue learning from the vast world of sport.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favourite aspect of teaching Physical Education is witnessing student achievement whether inside or outside the classroom. Creating an inclusive environment with support for all, ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered to participate, regardless of their ability - is crucial. By celebrating individuality, I recognise each student’s unique strengths and preferences across a range of sports and activities, while fostering reliability among them. I promote purposeful citizenship by encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship, and a sense of responsibility. I emphasise resilience by teaching my students to face challenges and setbacks in a constructive way, helping them learn that mistakes are part of growth. Finally, nurturing enquiring minds inspires curiosity about different sports, techniques, and fitness concepts, motivating students to explore and deepen their understanding of physical activity. Together, these values create a dynamic PE environment in which students thrive physically and develop into confident, responsible individuals.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
Always give something a go, stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to new skills, experiences, and personal growth. I feel sport is for everyone, and if you feel you “don’t like sport,” it is simply because you haven't yet found the one for you.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
Highlights - South Africa 2023 Sports Tour or National Plate U13 back to back winners (2024 and 2025). Upcoming events Unlocking Potential Sports evening (Feb 2026) and Super Sport Saturday (May 2026).
Into The Woods
On Tuesday 13th January the Year 9 Drama students went to see the production of Into The Woods at The Bridge Theatre, London. Here are just a few of their many comments: "It was amazing and very entertaining; it was very clever how so many fairy tales were interwoven." "We loved the puppet cow and the ladder of hair and the way they depicted Cinderella’s carriage in handbag form!"
"The set was wonderful. The forest looked so real and all the Giant effects such as the shaking of the Giant’s footsteps and the lightning were particularly impressive."
A fantastic time was had by all.
Scotts Trust Charity Talk
Yesterday we welcomed Charlotte from the Scotts Charity Trust to speak with Year 9 Drama and Dance students ahead of their creative workshops with their young adults. Charlotte taught our Year 9's some key Makaton signs to help them communicate clearly with the adults during the workshops. We are looking forward to taking our students into the trust throughout the year as part of their Silver Arts Award course.
Textiles Round Up
The Year 10's have been exploring different art textile processes, one of which is lino printing. Using their own individual designs carved into linoleum, they then transferred these designs through a printing press onto fabrics or textured paper using oil-based inks. With this skill, they are able to produce their own printed fabrics.
Save the Date
Anything Goes - Wednesday 18th March to Saturday 21st March, performances at 6:30pm.
Excitement is building for the school’s upcoming production of Anything Goes, a dazzling and high-energy musical. Our talented cast and crew are hard at work bringing this classic show to life, promising an evening of toe-tapping entertainment for the whole community. Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye out for booking details and don’t miss the chance to come aboard for what is set to be a spectacular production.
Parent Toolbox
Prep Sign-up Links
Free Prep A homework sessions run in the library (1h 15m). Phones aren’t allowed, and students should bring a book to read once they finish their homework. Late bus sign-out is by 5:25pm; parents collecting children should come to the main office. The sign up links for 2025-26 are below:
Prep B sessions (1h) are for students staying past 5:30pm and are held in Boarding and the Dining Hall, with optional supper (extra charge). The sign up links are below:
All sessions must be booked in advance for safeguarding purposes.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop - Spring Term Opening Dates
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop will be open on the first Friday of each month from 3:00pm to 4:15pm. The Spring Term dates will be Friday 6th February and Friday 6th March. For those who cannot make these dates, you can contact the Second-Hand Uniform Shop at kcseniorshop@gmail.com.
Lunch Menu - Week Commencing 19th January
Chaplin Katie's Reflections of the Week
Vision can have so many meanings but within a spiritual context, it can mean a revelation has occurred. To have a spiritual vision could mean that someone has witnessed the divine presence of the Holy Spirit. On 8 May 1373, Julian of Norwich received last rights by a priest who believed she was on her death bed. That night, she had 15 visions of Jesus and the next evening she had 16 more. Decades later, she wrote her visions in a book called Revelations of Divine Love, which is the earliest surviving English writings by a woman in the world. Her visions focused on God's love through Jesus of that of a mother toward her children with the repeated theme :"Jesus answered with these words, saying: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' ... " I think of this often when I'm going through a tough time: All shall be well. It is a wonderful vision to have when we need to be reminded that even when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23), we know that God is with us and one day, all shall be well. May you have a vision of God's divine love through the hope you receive in the promise that all shall be well. Amen
Have a wonderful weekend!
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