News Round Up Friday 10th October 2025

A Level Trip to the Museum of Brands

Upper Sixth A Level Business and Economics students took part in engaging Brand Awareness and Customer Profiling workshops, applying the theory from their lessons to real life activities. The visit also provided them with a fascinating insight into how branding has evolved since the mid 20th century, inspiring them to reflect on the power and influence of brands in today’s world.

Open Morning Reflections

On Saturday, we were delighted to welcome prospective families to our Open Morning. Our thanks go to all the students who helped make the day such a success—whether leading tours, joining lessons, or speaking with visitors, they represented Kent College with warmth, confidence, and pride.

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many families praising the school’s ethos of “unlocking the potential of all.” One parent shared, "the atmosphere of kindness and creativity was palpable, and the children we met were confident, articulate, and clearly thriving.”

We are so grateful to our community for creating such a welcoming and inspiring experience for all who attended.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending our next Open Morning on Wednesday 5th November, please do share the link below:

Gymnastics Success at the Spires Competition

On Sunday, the Academy gymnasts competed at Spires in Canterbury in the Key Steps and Intermediate Championships. Sophie (Year 7) impressed in her first competition for KC, performing a brand-new sequence and placing 7th overall — with 5th on floor and 6th on vault. Jessica (Year 8) also performed brilliantly, placing 6th overall, and achieving 5th on both floor and vault. We are so proud of all our gymnasts for their fantastic effort and sportsmanship — well done!

If any students are interested in joining the Academy Gymnastics team, please contact Jo Cox at coxj@kentcollege.kent.sch.uk for more information.

AIMS Lecture: Women's History Told Through Objects

On Monday, Mrs Edwards spoke to AIM students about five objects that have shaped women’s history. Inspired by the book A History of Women in 101 Objects by Annabelle Hirsch, Mrs Edwards shared her own selection of five fascinating items: the Lilith Amulet, the women’s pocket, the safety bicycle, the bikini, and the Dior “We Should All Be Feminists” t-shirt.

Her talk offered a thought-provoking insight into the significance of these objects and the diverse experiences of women across the centuries. Some objects reflected the changing societal roles of women, while others symbolised emancipation or the ways in which women have been represented through history. All in all, it was a fascinating lecture and we thank Mrs Edwards for her talk.

I found it really interesting how objects related to how women were viewed, especially the dress pockets. (Sophie, Lower Sixth)
A really insightful talk - we loved it! Very motivational - go feminism! (Sarah, Elsa, Elaina, Lower Sixth)

Equestrian Success

It’s been a busy and successful summer for our Kent College riders! Highlights include Phoebe (Year 9) riding two clear rounds at the NSEA Hickstead Championships, and Maisie (Year 4) placing 11th out of 102 riders. At Felbridge and Hascombe, Ella (Year 13) produced strong clear rounds, while at Hadlow, Camilla (Year 8) and Sienna (Year 1) secured top-three finishes and qualified for next year’s Grass Roots Regional Championships and Festival. We’re also delighted to welcome Emilia (Year 8) to the team. Well done to all our riders!

Leaps and Bounds in PE!

As part of the Years 11 to 13 sports options this term, students have had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, including hockey, climbing, fitness suite training, dance, badminton, and football. A number of students chose trampolining, and it has been wonderful to see their confidence and skills develop each week. It’s safe to say our trampolinists have truly been reaching new heights!

Science Club - Launching into Learning!

This week in Science Club, we had a blast building popsicle stick catapults! Armed with craft sticks, rubber bands, and a glue gun, students raced to see who could launch a pom-pom the furthest across the lab. Along the way, we explored how adjusting the launch angle, stacking more sticks, or pulling back further could change the results — a fun hands-on way to learn about forces and motion. Next week… it’s Slime Time!

Year 11 Stars Help Secure National Cup

Huge congratulations to Lyra and Arabella in Year 11, who played a key role in the Tonbridge Juddians Academy U16 Girls fantastic 38–19 win against Wimbledon in the National Cup. An incredible performance and a well-deserved victory—well done to the whole team!

Boarding Highlights

It’s been a busy few weeks for our boarders, filled with fun activities and celebrations! A favourite moment was making s’mores around the fire with Chaplain Katie — always a treat and a wonderful way to unwind together. This week, students also marked the Harvest Moon Festival by creating beautiful lanterns for their rooms and crafting friendship bracelets to share with friends.

On Track with Catie Munnings

This week, we celebrate Catie Munnings, Kent College Pembury alumna and trailblazer in the world of rally driving. Currently competing in the FIA Extreme H World Cup, Catie is combining elite performance with cutting-edge hydrogen technology—racing at the highest level alongside her male peers and championing greater equality in motorsport. After intensive training in desert conditions, she’s now taking on one of the toughest challenges the sport has to offer.

Reflecting on her journey, Catie credits her time at Kent College for building her confidence through public speaking, music, and extracurricular opportunities. Her advice to students? “Grab every opportunity with both hands... you really can be and do anything.”

We’re incredibly proud of Catie’s achievements and the inspiration she continues to provide to young women in sport. Good luck, Catie—your determination and pioneering spirit are truly paving the way!

Exciting New Subjects Launching Next Year

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of several new subjects starting in Sixth Form next academic year. Students will have the opportunity to explore dynamic fields including Marketing, Information Technology, Criminology, and Medical Science.

To find out more about what these changes mean, click below to listen as Upper Sixth students Amelia and Anna interview Mr Mossman, Deputy Head Academic, about the exciting developments and what students can look forward to.

Fridge Fotos: A Photographic Competition

We all have them — those fridge magnets collected from holidays, hobbies, and happy memories. But have you ever thought of your fridge as a miniature art gallery? Now’s your chance! Fridge Fotos invites everyone — students and staff — to celebrate these everyday masterpieces by sending in a well-composed photograph of your fridge.

Prizes will be awarded for Most Magnets, Best Arrangement, Best Photograph, and Best Individual Magnet (the stranger, the better)!

Entries are due by Monday 3rd November — email your photo (clearly named) to dixona@kentcollege.kent.sch.uk. Winning photos may even feature in the News Round Up or a special exhibition in the Art Block before Christmas. And remember… be sure to ask your fridge’s (or washing machine's) permission before taking its picture!

Student Spotlight

Creative Focus: Izzy's A Level Photography

A Level Photography student Izzy has been exploring dynamic, multi-layered compositions as part of her “Sports Photography” project. Her work captures the movement, energy, and emotion of athletic moments through inventive layering techniques that bring her images to life. You may recognise some of these images from the trampolining photos above!

Izzy’s experimentation showcases both technical skill and artistic vision — a fantastic example of creativity in action!

Running for Research: Emily’s 10K Success

This past weekend Emily (Upper Sixth) ran her first 10K race! She finished with a time of 1 hour 3 minutes and was the fastest out of all the Under 20 Female racers. Not only did she complete this amazing task but she also raised over £1,000 for the Alzheimer's Research Charity. She is so thankful to her supporters and has already signed up for a half marathon in the Spring. Way to go Emily!

Save the Date

Celts Bake Sale - Wednesday 15th October

Sponsored Walk - Friday 17th October

KCPPA Bonfire and Fireworks Night - Saturday 8th November

Parent Toolbox

The Wellbeing Hub

Kent College is pleased to offer parents free access to The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips—an online portal supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing. Parents can access courses, tips, expert Q&As, and guidance, while students benefit from age-appropriate resources for social and emotional development. Register below for free.

Based on Alicia’s book ‘Why Every Teenager Needs A Parrot’ this talk explores the developmental drive of adolescence and how it impacts parent/child relationships and behaviour. We will discuss how our role needs to change, so we can help young people manage risk and avoid harm, and how to talk about sensitive subjects. This webinar is available for parents and carers of children aged 10 and above.

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 new sign up links for 2025-26 are below:

Prep B sessions (1h) are for students staying past 5:30pm, held in Boarding and the Dining Hall, with optional supper (extra charge). The new sign up links for 2025-26 are below:

All sessions must be booked in advance for safeguarding purposes.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop - Autumn 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 upcoming dates for this term are: Friday 7th November and Friday 5th December. For those who cannot make these times, you can contact the Second-Hand Uniform Shop at kcseniorshop@gmail.com.

Next Week's Lunch Menu:

Have a wonderful weekend!

All photographs featured herein are the property of the school and are used in accordance with our photographic permission policy.