Mr Showell's Reflections
Consideration (this week's theme of the week) is one of the simplest yet most powerful values we can practise in our daily lives. It means thinking carefully about how our actions and words affect others, and choosing to act with kindness, respect, and understanding. It’s more than just being polite, it’s about showing genuine care for the people around us. Whether at school, at home, or among friends, consideration helps us build stronger, more supportive communities where everyone can thrive. As I look ahead with excitement to joining Kent College as the new Head of the Senior School in January 2026, this value of consideration feels especially meaningful. A school is a living community, shaped every day by the way people treat one another. It’s a place where thoughtfulness, empathy, and respect turn classrooms into safe spaces for curiosity and growth. I believe that when students and teachers act with consideration, listening, encouraging, and supporting each other—the whole school becomes a brighter, kinder environment. At its heart, consideration is about empathy, taking the time to imagine how someone else might be feeling. When we do this, we naturally respond with compassion. A simple act, such as checking in on a friend who seems down or offering to help someone who’s struggling, can make a world of difference. Even small gestures such as holding a door, saying thank you, or taking care of shared spaces—show that we value others. At Kent College, I’m eager to see how these small, thoughtful actions will continue to shape the school’s warm and caring atmosphere. Being considerate isn’t always easy. It asks us to pause, to listen, and sometimes to put others’ needs ahead of our own. It takes patience and self-control, especially when we’re tired, busy, or facing challenges. But it’s often in those moments that true strength and character are revealed. When we choose to act with consideration even when it’s difficult, we not only help others but also grow in wisdom and maturity ourselves. The Bible reminds us of this in Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This verse speaks to the heart of what makes a caring community flourish. It’s an invitation to think beyond ourselves and to recognise that our words and actions have the power to lift others up. In families, consideration might look like helping without being asked, speaking gently even when we disagree, or giving someone space when they need it. In school life, it might mean including someone who feels left out, showing gratitude to teachers, or supporting classmates in both success and struggle. These small acts of kindness build trust and unity, shaping a culture where everyone feels seen and valued. As I prepare to begin my journey at Kent College, I am filled with enthusiasm and hope. I look forward to working alongside pupils, parents, and staff to nurture a community where consideration is not just encouraged but lived every day, a place where kindness guides our choices and respect strengthens our relationships. Together, we can continue to make Kent College a school where every person knows they belong.
A message from Miss Handford
As mentioned by Mr Showell, this week’s theme is ‘consideration’. Linked to this theme, in assembly Mrs Payne reminded the students of various ways we would expect all members of our school community to be considerate. Mrs Payne spoke to the students about the ‘R’ of our school values, ‘Respect, Reliability and Resilience’, questioning how consideration could be shown in the classroom and around school, as well as towards friends and in our online behaviour. Mrs Payne reminded everyone of our classroom expectations, for example not talking over teachers and listening to others when they contribute to discussions. Students were challenged about how they can show consideration around school by ensuring rubbish was placed in bins, classrooms left tidy, and doors held open for those around us. In friendships, Mrs Payne reminded everyone of what it means to be a good friend and the importance of kindness and consideration. As a Methodist School, with the ethos of ‘doing all the good you can’ this is particularly important to us in our school community. This led to a discussion about the importance of being kind online too when leaving public messages for all to see, and stopping to think about what one unkind comment about an online post says about them as individuals. Students were able to give great examples of how they could be more considerate in all these areas and yet Mrs Payne pointed out that on a weekly basis she still has to deal with unkindness and inconsiderate behaviour in school and online from members of our community. Students were reflective and thoughtful about this and some have spoken further about these thoughts with staff later in the week. We ask parents to emphasise these important messages from home too, so we’re all able to benefit from a considerate school community. Look out for Mrs Payne’s Pastoral Priorities Newsletter which will explain more about the initiatives around school designed to promote these important life messages.
60 Seconds with Mrs Connolly, Director of STEM
Tell us a bit about yourself...
Kent born but moved with my family to Cheshire when I was younger. I am a medicinal chemist and studied in Manchester; trained as a teacher whilst lecturing and doing research in uni. Taught in state schools and Dubai. I joined KC as the Director of STEM from Millfield in Somerset where I was Head of Chemistry and live-in boarding staff. I am very much a STEMinist at heart; I want to drive up the numbers of females in STEM university courses and industry. I love teaching in the classroom; it is where I am happiest. Outside of school, I love crafts, particularly cross stitching and using my Cricut. I am a bit of a petrol-head and enjoy taking my Mustang out for a country drive on a Sunday morning. I have recently rediscovered my love of Netball after accompanying the sports trip to South Africa in 2023, and I now play for two teams a week, mainly as Goal Attack.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Exam results day - seeing all the student's hard work paying off with their list of grades. That is truly the best bit about teaching.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
Start early, prioritise learning from your mistakes from the start of the course, never tell yourself that you will sort it out one day, that day won't come in time. You can never do enough past papers!
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
STEM club has now diversified and is on two days to make way for multiple amazing projects.
Boarders' Charity Ball
The Boarders’ Charity Ball was a dazzling success, brought to life with a glamorous Great Gatsby theme that transformed the evening into a scene straight from the Roaring Twenties. Students arrived dressed in elegant vintage attire, enjoying a night of music, dancing, and vibrant entertainment, all while raising funds for a worthy cause.
Popcorn Night
Sixth Formers Gracie and Amy hosted a fantastic Popcorn Evening for Years 7 and 8. The night began with everyone changing into their cosy pyjamas, followed by a few fun games to get the laughter flowing. Then came the treats of pizza, hot chocolate and plenty of popcorn, before everyone settled down to watch Nativity. It was a warm, joyful evening filled with singing, dancing and plenty of festive cheer.
Sixth Form Taster Days
On 1st and 2nd December, Year 11 were given the opportunity to join the Sixth Form and try out a range of different A Level and BTEC subjects. This gave students a real sense of what life in the Sixth Form is like. Across the two days, students experienced at least six taster lessons, more than they will eventually study, encouraging them to explore a wide range of subjects, including ones they may not have previously considered. They also had the chance to speak with current Sixth Form students, sample extension curriculum opportunities, and enjoy some free periods to experience life in Tilley.
Bedgebury Lights
Our boarders enjoyed a festive evening at Bedgebury Lights, exploring the illuminated winter trail filled with vibrant displays, glowing trees, and sparkling lakeside reflections. The perfect start to the festive season.
Soroptimist Club
This week we wrote to Mims Davies, MP, (who had invited our Club to visit her in the House of Commons) as part of the 16 days of Activism, an international campaign towards raising awareness and promoting gender equality. The colour orange is often used as a symbol of the campaign and so we made pot pourri oranges studded with cloves for the advent period we are in, and sequinned Christmas baubles for our Christmas trees. We wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas time.
HALO Lecture - Multilingualism and Translanguaging
Mrs Field (Head of the International Study Centre) spoke to Scholars, Exhibition students and AIM students about Multilingualism and Translanguaging on Wednesday. During her lecture, she explained that the world is multilingual, which means that most people worldwide speak two or more languages and that even in an English-speaking country like the UK, over a third (36%) of adults can speak more than one language fluently. She went on to explain that learning and knowing another language has lots of benefits. Being bilingual not only enhances your cognitive ability, it also provides economic or socio-emotional benefits. Emerging research suggests that bilingualism has positive effects on brain health and resilience against cognitive decline and therefore can delay age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. In addition, speakers of other languages can call upon many linguistic and cognitive resources to communicate. This is the practice known as translanguaging. Mrs Field also introduced unique words from other languages that cannot easily be translated into English and our students discussed the explanations and interpretations of these words.
The Halo lecture was very interesting and inspired me to try harder in languages as I learned that it doesn't matter what age you start learning at. There are no boundaries! Juliet & Zara, Year 8
I thought it was interesting and enjoyable, and I liked how in depth this lecture was. Ava, Lower Sixth
I found it fascinating that being bilingual delays dementia Olivia, Year 7
World Wildlife Conservation Day
In EAL Year 11 students joined the world's largest live lesson on Thursday 2pm (on the World Wildlife Conservation Day), online with over 100 other schools around the world to discover how to turn their love for nature into real impact, through storytelling. The online lesson took us behind the scenes of Open Planet’s film Ocean with David Attenborough, revealing how the power of storyboarding, narration, and creative storytelling can help protect nature and inspire hope for the future.
The lesson is full of inspiration and use a very innovative way to combine the idea of creating stories and conservation of environment. Delia, Year 11
The lesson helped people understand what lies behind a film or a story. It was also fascinating to know that so many other schools joined the lessons at the same time. Sarah, Year 11
Year 8 Textiles
Coming to the end of their Keith Haring project, all the students are on the home stretch to complete their cushion projects in time for Christmas! Over the course of the project, each student has learned and used art textile techniques such as illustration, fabric dyeing, heat-press printing in the style of Keith Haring. A few of the students have already completed their cushions ready to take home as gifts - gorgeous work Year 8!
Year 7 Art
Year 7 have been exploring the artist Felice Casorati, creating their own still lifes in response to his work. In the lead-up to Christmas, the students have been busy creating their relief clay tiles, bringing to life their objects in a 3D perspective. Lovely work.
Carol Service - Thursday 11th December
We look forward to welcoming families to our annual Carol Service, a compulsory event for all students. The service will begin at 7:00pm in the Old Sports Hall, with doors opening to parents and guests at 6:30pm. Students must report to their form rooms at 6:30pm. Students wishing to remain in school beforehand may attend a Prep session with supper (£7.00). Please complete the online form by Sunday 30th November to reserve seats and/or book Prep and supper. Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis; any changes should be emailed to senioroffice@kentcollege.kent.sch.uk. We warmly invite you to join us afterwards in the Theatre for mulled wine and mince pies.
Christmas Bake Sale - Monday 8th December
Mayor's Toy Appeal
Christmas Celebration Day
Christmas Jumpers, House Music & Christmas Lunch
On Wednesday next week, we will be holding our House Music event, followed by a House activity for the winning house in the afternoon. It is also Christmas Lunch Day. Students may wear Christmas jumpers instead of their school jumpers; however, full school uniform must be worn underneath.
Lost Property Open Days
We will be holding Lost Property Open Days on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th December. All lost property items will be laid out for parents to look through in the Organ Room near Senior School reception. Viewing times: Thursday 11th December: 8:30–9:30am and 3:30–4:30pm Friday 12th December: 8:30–9:30am Please take a moment to come along and check for any missing items. Any items that remain unclaimed and are not labelled with a name will be donated after these dates. Thank you!
Parent Toolbox
The Wellbeing Hub
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 sign up links are below:
All sessions must be booked in advance for safeguarding purposes
Lunch Menu - Week Commencing 8th December
Chaplin Katie's Reflections of the Week
'Tis the season for...Unity?! It can be a strange concept around this time of year to think of ourselves as a collective while writing our shopping lists for individuals. But the message of Christmas isn't buying the perfect gift, it's receiving the perfect gift. Whether it's the birth of Jesus, being inspired to live peacefully, or reaching out to help those in need, Christmas is a time to think about how we all come together to make the world a better place. How are you celebrating our collective humanity this year? May you be blessed with the concern for others and living in peace as we wait for the Son of God.
Have a wonderful weekend
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