Mr Mossman's Reflection
This week's theme of the week is 'aim'. It is important that we as teachers 'aim' to never stop learning. There are always developments in subject knowledge and quality teaching. Kent College staff are very aware of this, with many of them giving much of their time to professional development. Traditionally such training has been guilty of the very things that we as teachers know are not best practice: lots of listening to one person talking at a hopefully interested audience, who then go about their everyday lives and gradually forget what they may have been excited to learn. This is why we are taking a new approach at Kent College. We have identified areas for improvement looking at feedback from students and also from staff. Teachers have then individually chosen one area to research, working in small groups to encourage reflection and improvement. Giving staff ownership of regular training that is creative and clearly related to improving students’ learning is without doubt, the way forward. One of our working groups is looking at AI. This has been an increasingly key area for study in education. Fears about the risks from plagiarism and an over-reliance on technology with a decay in cognitive skills, are not without some grounds. However, it is important that we also see the benefits. Firstly, it is essential to note that AI will shape the jobs of the future; our students must be able to use it. Secondly, AI, in handling the more mundane tasks, can free up the mind for more complex thinking: liberating our students to develop their curiosity, criticality and even more important, creativity. Furthermore, the main platforms are designing AI to enhance thinking, as opposed to making it shallower. I was lucky enough to trial such a platform on Copilot this week. I engaged in a challenging discussion regarding an A Level Latin set text. It explored the gaps in my own knowledge (not that I would admit there were many) and led to some quite sophisticated discussion. The AI did not give me the answer but helped me develop the ideas for myself – just as any good teacher would. It is, therefore, without doubt a time of change in education but teachers at Kent College continue to adapt and are ready for the challenge.
60 Seconds with Mrs Allen, Head of Maths
Tell us a bit about yourself...
I have loved Maths ever since I was a child learning my timetables! I studied Mathematics at Royal Holloway, University of London, and completed my teacher training at King’s College London before moving straight into teaching. I have now been a teacher for 23 years and I love it! I am passionate about helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment in Mathematics. Outside the classroom, I enjoy going for walks with my dogs, reading crime novels, and revisiting the world of Harry Potter. I believe a love of learning comes from enthusiasm, perseverance, and a little bit of magic!
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
My favourite thing about teaching is seeing students grow in confidence and begin to believe in their own abilities. I especially enjoy building strong relationships with my classes and supporting them over time, seeing them through to their GCSEs or A levels. I love watching those moments when something finally clicks, especially when a student realises they can do Maths. Helping them develop resilience, curiosity, and pride in their progress continues to motivate me after many years in the classroom.
What top advice would you give to students studying your subject?
· Practice little and often – Maths is a skill, and regular practice helps build confidence and fluency over time. · Ask questions – If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. Chances are others are wondering the same thing. · Don’t be afraid of mistakes – Making mistakes is a vital part of learning Maths; they help you understand why things work. · Show your working – Even if the final answer isn’t correct, clear working can earn marks and helps you spot where things went wrong. · Revisit topics regularly – Maths builds on itself, so going back over previous work will strengthen your understanding. · Believe you can improve – Confidence grows with effort. Everyone can make progress in Maths with persistence and the right support.
What are the department highlights and upcoming events?
The Maths Department has an exciting programme of events planned for the year ahead. Students in Years 9 to 11 will have the opportunity to take part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge on 28th January, giving them the opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills and enjoy a national Mathematics competition. The Junior Maths Challenge will follow on 29th April. We will also be celebrating Number Day on Thursday 5th February, with a number hunt and a range of fun, Maths-based lesson activities planned throughout the day. More details about all events will be shared closer to the time.
Boarders' Trip To London
Some of the boarders enjoyed a trip to London on Saturday. They spent the day sightseeing, including a visit to the National Gallery. A highlight of the trip was lunch in Chinatown, followed by some retail therapy in Covent Garden. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day out.
Textiles Round Up
The Year 9s have been exploring garment deconstruction and upcycling this term, looking at how they can repurpose clothing such as old KC shirts into a new items garment. Learning about fabric deconstruction helps students understand pattern making and how an item of clothing is made. Alongside this, the students also experimented with fabric manipulation such as gathering, adding their gathering samples to their repurposed shirts.
Art Round Up
The Year 7s have started a new theme this term: Natural Forms. This week, they experimented with a few drawing exercises studying a small natural object such as dried poppy seed flower. Following a time limit, the students created continual line drawing, blind drawing with the object in their hand, using their non dominant hand, white on black paper, and a normal drawing at the end. Very fun and a great way to get the creative juices flowing!
Year 12 Keyboard Visit
On Wednesday, A Level Music students visited a historical collection of keyboard instruments owned by the Finchcocks Charity in Tunbridge Wells. It was fascinating to learn about all the instruments which existed before the piano was invented and to hear how different music sounds on the instrument it would have originally been written for, often much quieter but allowing the performer to play far more expressively than on a modern instrument. Students thoroughly enjoyed trying out all the instruments and the opportunity to perform to the group. We particularly liked the miniature square pianos (which were actually rectangular), designed to be portable and to sound very soft for practice, and were amazed to learn how you could add vibrato on a clavichord. The highlight, however, was the performance of Mozart's Rondo alla Turka on a Viennese fortepiano complete with bells and drum operated by one of the pedals!
Year 7 Taster Day
We were delighted to welcome Year 5 and Year 6 girls and boys from other schools to our recent Taster Day, which gave them an exciting opportunity to experience life at Kent College and sample a range of lessons across the school. The morning was full of energy, curiosity and enthusiasm, as students took part in activities in Sport, Food Technology, Performing Arts and Science.
Regional Tier 2 Champions
Congratulations to our U14 hockey team, who were crowned Regional Tier 2 Champions today. After a challenging pool stage and an initial loss, the team showed great resilience to secure a place in the semi-finals. They went on to defeat Tormead in a closely contested match before facing Lingfield School in the final, where they claimed a well-deserved 1–0 victory. The team now progresses to the national finals. We are extremely proud of their commitment, teamwork and determination, and we would like to thank Mr Beck and Mr George for their excellent coaching.
BSGA U16 Regionals
The U16 team delivered an excellent performance at the BSGA South East Regional Championships, held at Aberdour School in Burgh Heath. The competition brought together schools from across the South East, with teams competing in various age groups. As the region is renowned for its exceptionally high standards, the level of competition was extremely strong. The team was made up of Lucy (Year 10), Zarina, Isla and Ava (Year 9), and Emilia (Year 8). Emilia was moved up an age group to complete the team and rose to the challenge impressively, performing with confidence and skill throughout the event. After a series of strong routines, the team finished in an outstanding second place, narrowly missing the gold medal by just one point. This remarkable result is a testament to the hard work, determination, and talent of all the gymnasts. The team and staff were absolutely thrilled with the performances and proud of the athletes’ achievements at such a demanding regional competition.
Kent Schools Swimming Championships
On Sunday, our swimmers competed in the Kent Schools Individual Championships, and we are incredibly proud of their performances. We had an impressive 10 swimmers taking part, with representation in every race at both Junior and Intermediate level. Our Swim Captain, Elodie, competed in the Senior category. Well done to Year 7 swimmers Amelie, Fearne and Harriet; Year 8 swimmer Eleanor; Year 9 swimmers Aliha, Issy, Eve and Bea; and Year 10 swimmer Georgie for their fantastic efforts throughout the day. A special congratulations to Georgie, who won a silver medal in the backstroke. Elodie also achieved excellent results, finishing 4th in the breaststroke and 5th in the individual medley. An amazing effort from everyone involved, we are so proud of you all. Thank you to our swim coach, Della, for her continued hard work, dedication and support.
Sports Scholars Session
Our Sports scholars had a brilliant session on goal setting this week. They wrote their goals on a balloon and shared them with the group. They then played some games with the balloons and whoever’s balloon they ended up with they had to discuss with them their goals and how they were going to achieve them. An amazing session with all our fab athletes together.
National Rugby Cup
Lyra and Arabella in Year 11 have made it through to the quarter finals of the National Rugby Cup with their club Tonbridge Juddians. A brilliant 29-26 win vs Eton Manor last weekend secured their place in the last 8. Well done to Arabella who was awarded forward of the match.
Dance Showcase Thu 12th Feb
Doors Open 6.45pm, Show Starts 7.00pm
Kent College’s Annual Dance Showcase celebrates the creativity, confidence and commitment of our dancers across the Senior School. The evening features a variety of performance pieces created through curriculum work, including GCSE Dance studies showcasing students’ artistic expression, technical ability and passion for the Arts. This showcase highlights how dance nurtures creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence for our students. We are delighted to share their achievements with you.
Halo Lectures
Our HALO lecture took on a new format this week, as Mrs Hayes and Chaplain Katie held a discussion about Roman attitudes to Christianity on Monday. The discussion focused on the changing attitudes and how in the beginning the Romans considered Christianity to be a "superstitio" or superstition rather than a proper religion. There are also references in writings to the "shameless activities" which show the hostility of the Romans towards Christians. We thank Mrs Hayes and Chaplain Katie for their time and sharing their knowledge with us.
It was an interesting discussion, as well as allowing us to learn about Roman attitudes towards Christianity. Honor & Lily Year 10
It was very entertaining to listen to (and educational!) Salome, Year 9
It was a very engaging and interesting discussion. Loved it! Louise, Year 10
We really enjoyed this HALO lecture. We learned about Roman & Christian religions. When does the podcast start, Mrs Hayes and Chaplin Katie?! Elaina, Sarah & Tash, Lower Sixth
Upcoming Halo Lectures
Join us in the Theatre from 9.00am to 9.40am on the following dates for an exciting series of Halo sessions where you can test your skills, learn something new, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. All students are welcome.
- Monday 9th February: Climbing, Ropes, and Falling with Dr Sharpe, explore the thrill and techniques of climbing and outdoor challenges.
- Wednesday 18th March: Topic TBC with Mrs Drane – stay tuned for another engaging and inspiring session.
Anything Goes Wed 18th to Sat 21st March
Tickets on sale from next week
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)
Martini glasses, cocktail shaker, canvas bag, bottle of gin x 2, clipboard, camera, pocket watch, wallet, FBI badge, Tommy gun, 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), telegram. (Replica items only where appropriate.) Thank you for helping us create a world of glamour, jazz, and intrigue.
Kent College Alumna Ayumi’s Published Work
We are pleased to recognise the achievements of Kent College alumna Ayumi, who has recently self-published two books. It has been a privilege to read Ayumi’s considered reflections on her time at Kent College. Selected extracts from the book are shared below. The publications are available for purchase on Amazon.
"Before I knew it, it was time, my first official day at Kent College Pembury had begun. As soon as I walked into my form room, friendly faces turned towards me. A few girls immediately started chatting."
"Boarding life has taught me so much more than classroom lessons ever could. I have learned how to do my own laundry, save money, choose what to buy and make responsible decisions. These are small things, but they make me feel mature and capable. They make me feel like I'm preparing for the future, step by step. It is exactly why I wanted to return to boarding - because here, I grow. Here I learn."
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 26th Jan
Chaplain Katie's Reflections of the Week
Believe it or not, I was once an archery instructor. I know, it's strange. Did I grow up with a bow and arrow in my hand? I did not. It came with a job I was working at an outdoor centre in the New Forest. However, I learned a lot from that time teaching young people how to shoot like the ancient long bowmen of old and the biggest lesson is that aim is just one step in the process. In archery, you have to take into consideration so many factors: weather, equipment, pressure, strength, etc. It wasn't enough to have something to aim at, you need to keep focused. You can aim as straight as you like but if you're not thinking about the distractions, you'll miss the target every time. As a person of faith, I also take into consideration the support I receive from my trust in God. There is a verse from Isaiah that speaks to this trust: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10. It reminds me of a song we sing at school: "Be not afraid (na na na na na na), Be not dismayed (na na na na na na)". We can walk with the faith that when all the distractions keep us from hitting our aim, God walks along side us, giving us confidence and power to achieve our dreams. May you be blessed with staying true to your aims, walking in faith and victory. Amen.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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