Mr Nicholds' Reflections
This week’s theme is “hope” which I note is also the Chapel theme for this term. Coming from a commercial background, as I do, it’s all too easy to dismiss hope as some sort of passive emotion that doesn’t really achieve anything. After all, if you want something to happen, you need to do something, make some changes or take some action that will produce the results you’re looking for. Simply hoping that something good is going to happen is no guarantee that it will. But hope is really important to us all, as is its close ‘relation’ belief. Together, they are a quiet force in our lives that provides essential motivation and encouragement that things can be better, even when we’re facing really difficult times. When something hasn’t gone right in our lives, hope gives us a reason to try again tomorrow - it is what gets us up in the morning. Hope is what keeps people alive when survival makes no logical sense: prisoners who endured concentration camps, as Chaplain Katie noted in her reflections last week, patients who keep fighting an illness, or communities that rebuild after everything is taken from them – which we unfortunately see too often in the increasingly troubled world that we live in. Having hope, believing things can be better, believing in ourselves, keeping a positive mental attitude, and of course, working hard at things is really important in a school sense also. Kent College is all about unlocking potential, with our teachers and the whole KC team focused on helping students to achieve the very best that they can - providing the support and encouragement that they need as individuals, developing their resilience and giving them confidence to go out into the world and really make their mark. This is very much what we, as a team of Governors, hope for our student body. It is what motivates us and provides us with a focus in working with the school leadership team and our wonderful KC staff to build a better Kent College for tomorrow. Jeremy Nicholds Chair of Governors
60 Seconds with Mrs Drane, Director of Global Citizens
A photo of Mrs Drane at the United Nations in New York.
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I’m a passionate historian – I studied History at Durham University and loved it so much I stayed on to do a Masters in Modern History, specialising in women in the French Revolution. After university and a brief stint in the corporate world as a retail buyer, I realised I missed talking and thinking about history all day, so I decided to become a teacher! As a History and Politics teacher I have taught in a range of schools in both the UK and in Sydney, Australia where I lived for 5 years. On my return to the UK, when I saw the job advertised as a Director of Global Citizens at Kent College I knew this was my dream role – to be able to inspire students to engage with the wider world and to develop as tenacious, original, confident and empathetic thinkers and 21st century learners, in a global context. Outside of work, I love to travel and spend time with my family. My main hobby is music: I have played the violin since I was four years old and have kept this going throughout my adult life playing in various orchestras.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love to encourage young people to gain knowledge and think critically about the issues which matter to humanity. For example, one of the highlights of my career was when I was selected as the UK representative teacher at the annual World School International Forum in Tokyo, leading seminars for students from 20 different countries debating world issues and questions from different cultural perspectives. I have also completed an international training course as a Holocaust educator and worked as the Education Consultant for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust which involved developing and delivering resources and lessons for schools all over the country. I really believe in teaching about challenging world events such as genocide with empathy and critical and ethical thinking, to encourage students to learn from past human behaviour to inform the present and the future. I love my current role at KC because I get to do these things on a daily basis through the Global Citizenship curriculum for Years 7-9.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
In Global Citizenship I encourage students to take every opportunity to challenge themselves in their thinking and in seeking out multiple perspectives – there are so many sides to every story, and it is important we give everyone a voice. I want my students to develop resilience and feel empowered with knowledge and the ability to think independently, and to use this to take brave and positive actions in the world, and make informed choices.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
This year is an exciting year for Global Citizenship as Year 9 are undertaking the Global Citizenship Diploma course for the first time at the school. The course involves academic tasks in each of five subjects (English, Maths, Science, History and Geography), which reflects how Global Citizenship is relevant across the curriculum. It is a mindset and way of thinking which links in with so much of the learning the students do across all their subjects, so this is a great way to show that. The diploma also involves a Community Engagement project where every student in Year 9 works with a specific local group. We have already had our first group for this year go out and lead a fantastic session at Oakley school and the others are lined up over the coming weeks involving local organisations such as Aspens, local food banks, churches, after school clubs, and nursing homes. This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to develop their teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills, and to embody global values in their local community. There will also be reflective tasks from Global Citizenship lessons for the diploma that will give students a chance to develop their critical thinking skills. In the future we have an exciting trip to Nepal in Summer 2027. As well as cultural experiences, workshops and sightseeing, it will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to make a difference as Global Citizens. We will be building a water tank to provide a local Nepalese school with safe drinking water for the first time, doing our part to help towards the UN Sustainable Development goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. We have a wonderful group of students involved from current years 9-12 and they are beginning their fundraising journey for the trip.
Global Citizenship Community Engagement Project
Last Friday, for our Global Citizenship Diploma, Eve, Ivy and I went to Oakley to talk to the students about Valentine's day! We spoke to them about the origin of Valentines day itself, who is Saint Valentine, and how we can celebrate it. We taught them that Valentine's day doesn't have to be romantic, but it can also be about friendship and appreciating those around you. We then helped the students make Valentines day cards for their family and friends, then finished off with a dance! I loved our time at Oakley, and would be more than happy to go back any time! - Marja, Year 9.
BSGA Regional Qualifiers Round-Up
Our Gym Academy students competed against junior and senior schools from across the South East at the BSGA Regional Qualifiers, delivering an excellent set of performances. In the U13 Tumbling National category, Emilia placed 5th in a tightly contested field, while Sophie secured 1st place in the U13 Tumbling Regional category. The U11s had a standout day, with Harriet winning 1st place in the U11 Tumbling National category, qualifying for the National Finals in May. In the U11 Tumbling Regional category, Hanna finished 1st and Sasha claimed 2nd place. In the U11 Acro Pairs, Hanna and Harriet took 1st place, also qualifying for Nationals. We are incredibly proud of all our students and their fantastic achievements.
Ballet Shoes
Years 7 and 8 Drama students enjoyed a fabulous performance of Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre on Monday evening. It was a brilliant and inspirational show, full of adventure and imagination, creatively directed by Katy Rudd. A wonderful experience for our students and highly recommended if you haven't seen it.
British Museum Trip
On Tuesday 27th January, the Year 10 and Lower Sixth Classics students made their way to London to see the Parthenon sculptures at the British Museum. The day got off to an interesting start as we were evacuated from the museum 30 minutes after arriving due to a fire alarm. Thankfully, they let us back in within 20 minutes. Students looked at the metopes, continuous frieze and pedimental sculpture from the Parthenon as well as exhibits in the Greece and Rome Daily Life gallery.
Year 10 said - ‘the sculptures and metopes provided a new perspective for the ancient Greek world and architecture. It was an amazing experience’.
Lower Sixth said - "we really loved our trip to the British Museum. It was great to see our sources in real life and get a deeper insight into our course. Bonus points for the gift shop."
Locusts in Biology
We have set up a locust colony in Biology, as part of Turtle Club. Today one of the juveniles moulted into its adult form and we watched it burst out and its wings unfurl. Hopefully, we'll have some babies soon.
Year 11 Biology
Our Year 11s got hands-on with genetics, building DNA strands using jelly babies and strawberry laces. They modelled the structure of DNA by using four bases and correctly pairing them, A with T, and G with C, turning a tricky concept into a fun (and memorable) learning experience.
Bake Sale
Our bake sales are always popular with the school community. This month, everyone was invited to bring goodies decorated in their house colours. It was a beautiful array of yellow, red, and green! As always, all proceeds go to the Kent College Charity Fund where we support three charities: Hospice in the Weald (local), The Little Princess Trust (national), and All We Can (international).
National Apprenticeships Week
Next week is National Apprenticeships Weeks (9th - 15th February) . This week Mrs Oogarah delivered a whole school assembly, showcasing the wide range of brilliant opportunities that are increasingly growing for school leavers in Years 11 and Upper Sixth. Here are some useful links that she shared with the students so that you can discover more. Find out more about Apprenticeships
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- National Apprenticeships Week
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9 - 15 February 2026 Events
- National Apprenticeship Week Events
National Apprenticeship Week Events
- Unifrog Apprenticeship Fair (Online) – Wednesday 11th February (You'll need to be logged into Unifrog to access the link)
- Next Tech Girls (Online) - Friday 13th February
Next Tech Girls | National Apprenticeship Week Career Conversations with Publicis Media
Anything Goes - Wed 18th to Sat 21st March
Tickets are now on sale for our spectacular school production of Anything Goes, a toe-tapping, feel-good musical comedy packed with romance, comedy and dazzling dance numbers. Anything Goes is set aboard the glamorous ocean liner S.S. American as it sails from New York to England. Nightclub singer and evangelist Reno Sweeney finds herself at the heart of the action, alongside stowaway Billy Crocker, who is determined to win the heart of his true love, Hope Harcourt , despite her engagement to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Add Public Enemy No. 13 Moonface Martin, his sidekick Erma, mistaken identities, tap-dancing sailors and plenty of mischief, and you have an unforgettable night of classic musical theatre fun. All performances begin at 6:30pm and finish at approximately 9:00pm. Ticket options:
- Standard tickets – £20
- Luxury Captain’s Table tickets – £40: Enjoy a VIP evening with black-tie entry, prosecco (or a non-alcoholic alternative), and nibbles served during the show. Captain’s Table seating is arranged at the front of the theatre for a prime view and a true night-out experience. Please note: Captain’s Table tickets must be purchased in groups of four.
Anything Goes - Student Volunteers Needed
The set for Anything Goes is starting to take shape. This week a group of Year 7s have given up their lunch times to help paint the scenic embellishments which will make up the decorations of the set. Thank you so much to Fearne, Lucy, Charlotte, Maya and Camilla for their time and skills. It’s been fun. The production team are looking for volunteers to help with the show. We need technical and stage crew as well as anyone else who wants to be involved getting the show on the road. If anyone wants to be involved, please get in touch with Mr Hougham or any of the Music, Drama and Dance teachers and we will get you a rehearsal schedule. It will involve some afterschool rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays. There will be loads to do and the more the merrier so get involved!
Scavenger Hunt
We need your help to bring the 1920s/30s to life. We’re running an “Anything Goes?” Scavenger Hunt to source period-style props for our upcoming production. If you have an item that fits the bill, please bring it to Ms Bruce (clearly named). Everyone who donates an item will be acknowledged in the programme.
Items needed (1920s/30s style)
Canvas bag, bottle of gin x 2, clipboard, pocket watch, wallet, FBI badge, 2 x deck of cards, passport, Wheelchair, cigar, cigar case, small gong, bottle of champagne, table set for a romantic dinner, phone (old), cologne, glasses (to wear), bedcovers, tea cart, mops, buckets, cleaning cloths, deckchairs, 100 dollar bills, binoculars, life preservers, jewellery, Dice x 2, mirror (art deco), broadsword, robe, lighter, hip flask, fake beard, butterfly net, lobsters, champagne flutes, tin cups, keys, watch, scarves, dark glasses, top hat (collapsible). (Replica items only where appropriate.) Thank you for helping us create a world of glamour, jazz, and intrigue.
Voices of the Deep
Join us on an exhilarating journey under the sea with orchestral music, choral pieces, poetry, art and dance all performed by our wonderful Senior School students, KS2 Music groups and professional musicians. Music ranges from The Pirates of the Caribbean to Titanic to Taylor Swift! Please come along for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Creative Arts at Kent College.
Under the Sea
Join us on an exhilarating journey under the sea with orchestral music, choral pieces, poetry, art and dance all performed by our wonderful Prep School students, Senior School instrumentalists and professional musicians. Music ranges from The Pirates of the Caribbean to Titanic to Taylor Swift! Please come along for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the Creative Arts at Kent College.
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 March. For those who cannot make these dates, you can contact the Second-Hand Uniform Shop at kcseniorshop@gmail.com.
Schoolblazer Spring Sale
Lunch Menu - W/C 9th February
Chaplain Katie's Reflections of the Week
In the Chaplaincy office is a big bulletin board for everyone to post their prayers. If you haven't seen it, you really should come by and take a look. It's my privilege to stop in front of the board on a daily basis and see what people have written. The board is open to everyone to post what's on their minds. Many times our prayers are a reflection of our hopes and dreams. Our collection of hopes in one place is a beautiful thing. On one note it might say, 'I pray for my Latin test' and on another 'I pray for Bruno Mars.' You might have someone who posts a prayer and then someone else will add 'me too' next to it. There are prayers for friends, family, and even neighbours. Whether we bring these hopes and prayers to God or we just want to share them with each other, we all live our lives with hopes for the future and sharing can bring us closer as a community. May God bless you with the courage to share your hopes and dreams with your family, friends, and community.
Half Term Activities
Have a wonderful weekend!
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