MGGS Christmas Newsletter 2014

a tradition of excellence

Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947 E: [email protected] www.mggs.org

School Production of ‘War, Women and Song’

Our school production of ‘War, Women and Song’ is coming ……...

Performances will be on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and

Thursday 12th February 2015.

Tickets will be available soon.

Please see inside for further details.

The Newsletter

Maidstone Grammar School

for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

December 2014

A very Merry Christmas and a peace-filled and Happy New Year

As I write, there is frost on the ground and our students are arriving to begin the second

day of Rag Week. Many of them are in fancy dress, and it is glorious to see their smiles

and hear their laughter.

It has been a very happy, busy and productive term for us. The start of the academic year

saw us celebrating the success of our Year 11 and 13 students in the summer

examinations. In addition, it was an important new beginning for our school; on 1st

August 2014 we attained foundation status. As a foundation school our students will see

no change to the outstanding education we deliver. Foundation status simply means that

our Governing Body employ our staff and own and oversee our site and premises. In

addition we are able to act as our own admissions authority. This gives us greater

autonomy and control as a business, while maintaining strong links with the local

authority.

Finally, I would like to welcome two new School Governors; Theresa Ferguson and

Louise Brenlund. We have an outstanding Governing Body who work very hard to

support the work of our School and I am very grateful for all that they do.

Thank you very much to our staff, for all their hard work in supporting and educating your daughters, sons and

wards. Thank you also to you for the many compliments and words of praise for the work we do. We receive a

great number of these and we are always grateful for them.

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a peace-filled and happy New Year.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mggs.org/

Theatre Studies Trips By Mrs Shand

Year 12 Theatre Studies students took part in a trip to see an evening

performance of Riot, ‘An epic tale of violence, greed and cheap sofas.’

This was performed by The Wardrobe Ensemble at The E M Forster Theatre,

Tonbridge School on 17th September 2014. Students were impressed with this

fast paced and creative show based on a true story of a riot in February 2005 at

the Edmonton IKEA store. Students commented that the performance was

‘hilarious’ and ‘inventive’; everybody enjoyed the trip and wrote articulately

about the production for their AS course.

On 12th November 2014, over a hundred Year 10, 11 and 13 Drama students were taken

to see Pilot Theatre Company perform a new production of Antigone, written by Roy

Williams from the original by Sophocles, at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury.

The play was given a contemporary urban setting which really highlighted for the

audience the universal themes of the play such as family loyalty, integrity and young

love. Our drama students participated really well in the Q and A session held after the

show with members of the cast. A memorable and successful trip during which our

students, as usual, behaved impeccably, were excellent company and an absolute credit

to their school.

Reading for Christmas By Phoebe H, Year 13 Literature Prefect

There will be nothing better this Christmas than curling

up with a mince pie and a good book. If you want an

easy way to expand your knowledge, your imagination

and your vocabulary then you need only reach for the

nearest novel and you’re halfway there.

It’s even better if you’ve received a book for Christmas,

because you know your loved one has thought about it.

A book is not like a scarf, or a toiletries set - it

represents an understanding of you as a person and what

you might enjoy, or even better, an invitation to enter a

world that they have adored and want to share with you.

If you’re planning on getting into true festive spirit, then

I’d strongly recommend ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles

Dickens and ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ is

perfect once you’ve laid out a carrot for Rudolph.

If you are still stuck on what to buy someone this year,

some less Christmassy but still wonderful book ideas

are:

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen

Joy Fowler - shortlisted for the 2014 Man Brooker

Prize, the twist is unlike anything you’ll have read

before.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - a coming

-of-age story that acknowledges the predicament

of loss and betrayal.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen

Chbosky - a modern ‘Catcher in The Rye’, it has quite

the cult following.

And as Chobsky says, "Books, songs, and movies are

more than entertainment when we're young. They help

all of us discover who we are, what we believe, and

what we hope our life can be."

Merry Christmas to one and all.



The Newsletter



School Production 2015 - ‘War ,Women and Song’ By Mrs Shand

A record 120 students auditioned for our school

show which commemorates the 100 year

anniversary of World War One. Over 60 students are

taking part as members of the cast or crew and more

students will be joining as choir and band members.

Adapted from a new play by Dr Anna Farthing and

Bea Roberts and based on the World War One Lena

Ashwell concert parties: the play shines a light on

the young women who brought music to the

trenches. These women risked their lives to journey

to war weary soldiers, in order to sing to them and

boost their morale.

The show is based on archive material and features

real characters who took part in concerts for troops in World War One. These concert parties were instigated by

Lena Ashwell, a pioneering Edwardian actor-manager and suffragette who believed the arts could help protect troops

from the brutalisation of war. There are many characters represented in the show including:

Elsie Griffin

Elsie Griffin was a chocolate packer at Fry’s factory in Bristol aged 14. Her singing during the

Quaker factory’s morning prayer meeting led to a scholarship for music lessons. Aged only 19,

she joined a Lena Ashwell Concert Party, touring France, where girls were locked in a caravan

overnight for their own protection.

She went on to have a career as a singer after the War, being selected to sing “Danny Boy” and

“Roses of Picardy”.

Daisy Godfrey Daisy Godfrey was an educated modern young woman. She abandoned her plans to be a

doctor on winning a music scholarship to Reading University College. Although only five

feet tall, and always having to carry her cello case as well as her luggage, she led a troupe of

‘The Lena’s’ from 1916 to 1919.

Anne “Skiddie” Skidmore ‘Skiddie’ was a professional contralto from Blackpool who was performing for the D’Oyley

Carte Opera Company when she sacrificed her career ambitions to the war effort. Her papers, found alongside

Daisy’s, reveal a life of patient stamina and stoicism and demonstrate Anne’s devotion to her wartime colleague and

lifelong best friend.

The production features songs popular at the time and reveals how touring as a group of young women in difficult

and dangerous circumstances affected their lives. The show will take place in the main hall on Tuesday 10th,

Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th February 2015; details of tickets will be published in the New Year. We look

forward to seeing you there!



The Newsletter



Mathematics Trip to the University of Kent By Silke H, Summer R and Katie T, Year 10 Students

On Thursday, 11th September we went to the University of Kent, Canterbury, for an inspiring Mathematics trip.

Eight of us were given the opportunity to discover how theoretical Mathematics can be applied to real life situations.

We got to experience three different workshops. Firstly, we were given the chance to see how mathematics is

incorporated into personal finance. There were six problems that we had to solve and complete, using the skills that

we have learnt in class. After a short interlude we made our way to ‘Maths in Magic’ where we learnt the

mathematics behind mechanics. Activities included looping a ring on a chair, tying a knot using only one hand and

oscillating springs and their movement; Katie had the chance to demonstrate this ‘trick’ in front of our group. It was

nerve-wracking but also very exciting.

After lunch we proceeded to the topology workshop, which was our final class. Here we used balloons to explain

Euter’s theorem in relation to Geometry. Our final session of the day was dedicated to a talk by Corelie Colmez

who wrote the book ‘Maths on Trial’. This book is about the mathematics that is used in court and abused by the

law. This was a fun filled day that has inspired us to take mathematics to A’Level and beyond.

Year 7 Welcome Quiz By Jan Campbell, Secretary of the PFA

The Year 7 welcome event took place on Saturday, 15th

November in Sixth Form Central. The PFA organised

the event which, despite the dreadful rain, saw a total of

24 children and 27 adults turning up to join in the fun.

Divided into 9 teams, the adults and children competed

against each other in the general knowledge quiz which

covered topics such as Science and Nature, History and

Politics and Art and Literature.

The quiz was punctuated by a ‘guess the cartoon

character slide show’ and some party games which

everyone seemed to enjoy taking part in.

Whilst the scores were being added up and checked by

our adjudicator, the children tucked into an afternoon tea

whilst the grown-ups enjoyed a cream tea or mince pie

with their afternoon cuppa.

The scores were very close. However the teams, which

had confectionery names, saw The Chomps winning the

overall prize for the adults with 72 points and The

Sherbet Dib-Dabs coming out tops for the children's

teams with 64 points.

It was a great opportunity for the children to get to know

other girls from different forms in year 7 and for parents

and carers to meet and mingle with other parents

allowing them to network with one another.

From the feedback we received it was a huge success for

all involved and something that we will continue to

support in future years for families joining Year 7 at

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls.



The Newsletter



Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Presentation By Tracy Rogers, Proud Parent

New dress? Tick

High heels? Tick

7.25am high speed train to St Pancras? Tick

8.45am breakfast meeting? Tick

Important business event? No

Thursday, 23rd October was Gold Duke of Edinburgh

presentation day at St James' Palace and we were meeting

our daughters, Alice and Carolyn, off the train and having

breakfast together. Knowing that time was short, we chatted nineteen to the dozen as the girls tucked into 'protein'

and 'vitamins' after their first term at Uni. A quick detour to platform 9¾ and we were off to Green Park. As we

walked towards the Palace we could spot others clearly on their way, smartly dressed young people accompanied by

proud parents.

It's true, as you get older the policemen seem so young and they ably directed us to the correct entrance and into the

courtyard. It was then the screeching and hugging began as all the girls from MGGS huddled together and made up

for lost time. So grown up one minute, but with the abandonment of youth the next.

We British know how to put on a Royal event and it was clear from the outset there was a master plan. We were

guided to our seats and the protocol explained. After a short presentation from Charlotte Evans, gold medal winner

at the Sochi Paralympic games (Sighted Guide Super-G), the award winners were in their semi-circles and the Duke

arrived. Despite his advancing years, he was spritely and interested in the young people's achievements and also

those of the parents who had attended the same ceremony a few decades ago for their own Gold presentations.

Was all the effort the youngsters had put in worth it? They certainly learnt lots about their own inner strength and

determination on the expedition, how to communicate with others during their service and how to work as part of a

new team on their residential courses. And you get to go to the Palace.

Duke of Edinburgh Update By Ms Starns

I am delighted to report and keep you up-to-date with DofE at our School.

Mr Hamilton has now taken responsibility as Assistant Unit Leader for Bronze level. He has

now completed his practice Basic Expedition Leaders (BEL) Award and will complete in

August of 2015.

Mrs Harding completed her BEL practice expedition in November during extremely wet

weather conditions.

Mrs Smith has now completed her BEL Award and will be delivering the DofE Award to

Year 12 and 13 Gold participants.

Planned expeditions are taking place as usual for Bronze and Silver levels of the DofE Award. This year, MGGS is

planning an overseas Gold Expedition to the French Pyrenees. Update on progress will be sent in January.



The Newsletter



German Christmas Challenge By Mrs Gibson

The poem below, entitled Weihnachten by von Joseph von Eichendorff, is one of the most famous German

Christmas poems, and most people in Germany know at least the first two lines off by heart. Joseph von

Eichendorff came from a noble Prussian family, and lived from 1788-1857.

Students are challenged to learn the poem off by heart over the Christmas holidays. If they are able to recite it to

Mrs Gibson during the first week of next term, she will give them a prize, specially bought from the Lindt chocolate

factory in Aachen, Germany. Use the link below to hear someone read out the highly atmospheric poem. Can you

recite it just as well?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlPhLnMVkiQ



The Newsletter

Weihnachtsgedicht

Markt und Straßen stehn verlassen,

Still erleuchtet jedes Haus,

Sinnend geh' ich durch die Gaßen,

Alles sieht so festlich aus.

An den Fenstern haben Frauen

Buntes Spielzeug fromm geschmückt,

Tausend Kindlein stehn und schauen,

Sind so wunderstill beglückt.

Und ich wandre aus den Mauern

Bis hinaus ins freie Feld,

Hehres Glänzen, heil'ges Schauern!

Wie so weit und still die Welt!

Sterne hoch die Kreise schlingen,

Aus des Schnees Einsamkeit

Steigt's wie wunderbares Singen -

O du gnadenreiche Zeit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlPhLnMVkiQ



Kent Youth SACRE Meeting By Frederika G , Year 13 Student

On the 18th November I attended the Kent Youth Standing Advisory Council for Religious Studies (SACRE)

meeting at County Hall in Maidstone. During the meeting we discussed issues such as ‘What is the greatest evil?’

and everyone was able to give their opinions on various philosophical questions. We learnt about nihilism, which

rejects the ideas of order, purpose, meaning and moral goodness. We also learnt about Bishop Dinis of Maputo in

Mozambique and his work to turn guns into artwork with the help of Christian Aid. We found the meeting very

interesting and had great fun meeting other religious studies students from different schools in the area.

Primary School Outreach By Mr Cook

The long established and very successful links between

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and local primary

schools have continued this year with visits to Leeds

and Broomfield primary school and Roseacre primary

school. These visits involved delivering a lesson on the

topic of sound. Progressively louder sounds were

created, starting with the gentle sparking of iron filings

in a Bunsen burner flame and progressing up to the

launching of hydrogen powered rockets! Actually

these are just 500ml water bottles filled with hydrogen

and oxygen, but they make a very big bang! The

students then experimented with tuning forks,

investigating how they make sound using plastic cups

of water. Most tables got a very good wash! A slinky

spring was used, to good effect, to demonstrate the

movement of sound in the form of sound waves. This

allowed the students to see the difference between quiet

and loud sounds and between low pitch and high pitch

sounds. The lessons ended with the students making

their own musical instrument from a paper straw!

Further visits to other primary schools are planned for

later in the academic year too; visits are planned to

Allington, Brookfield, Brunswick House, Hunton and

Snodland C of E primary schools.

Primary schools will also visit Maidstone Grammar

School for Girls during our Science Week for the

annual primary school science quiz and Big Reptile

Show. In the summer months, when the trees are in

full leaf, local primary schools will be invited to

MGGS to use our woodland walk, identifying the

numerous types of trees and investigating the ways in

which we are trying to attract wildlife to the walk area.



NSPCC Number Day By Mrs Thomas

On Friday, 5th December 2014, MGGS students

practised their number skills in aid of a very good

cause. The NSPCC Number Day events took place

throughout the day and included Year 7 sponsored

times tables, a number-based treasure hunt open to all

years and an inter-house quiz at lunchtime with

“Countdown” and “Who wants to be a Mathionaire?”

rounds. Mr Hamilton was a fantastic host for the quiz

and the winning House was the Vikings (Helen T,

Daisy K and Rhiannon M).

Thank you very much to everyone who participated.

The Newsletter



Year 12 and 13 Trip to Milan By Anna S, Year 12 Student

Milan has for decades held the accolade of being Italy’s

fashion capital. Therefore, on 1st October 2014 the

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls Textiles and Art A

level students embarked on a school trip to this

prestigious land. Our visit lasted

from the 1st to 5th of October,

allowing us to gain experience of

Milanese culture and visit a

multitude of inspiring sites. After

the flight to Milan, courtesy of EasyJet, we settled into

the Albert Hotel.

Our second day began with a ride on the metro to

Duomo Square, over which the Duomo Cathedral, the

construction of which began in the 5th century AD and

took over six centuries to complete, towered

impressively. A guided tour of the surrounding

buildings was followed by a journey to the Dominican

Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, in which the Last

Supper mural was painted by Leonado da Vinci on the

walls of the rectory. This mural, which depicts the final

meal Jesus held with his twelve disciples, was worked

on between around 1495-1498 and created using

tempura (egg yolk) paint on gesso, pitch and mastic.

Although the viewing of the Last Supper lasted only

fifteen minutes, it was an undeniably superb experience.

After this came a trip to the roof terrace of the Duomo;

standing at the remarkable height of five-hundred and

fifteen feet, we were rewarded with a stunning view of

Milan spreading out before us, throwing the variety of

the city’s architecture and hues into high relief.

Combined with the Gothic crenulations and carvings of

the marble roof terrace, this provided a scene of

inspiration for the Textiles and Art students.

The next day held a journey to Lake Como, around

which the countryside undulated in great forested hills.

The Silk Institute (‘Museo Didattico della Setta’)

situated here delivered a wealth of information regarding

the growth, processing and printing of silk, which has

featured dominantly in Como’s history for hundreds of

years. Furthermore, the afternoon brought a boat trip on

the lake, revealing the tiny, colourful houses

interspersed among the greenery of the slopes, like

beads studding swathes of emerald felt. Needless to say,

many photographs were snapped!

Our fourth and final full day was packed with an

expedition around the Opera House (La Scala) Museum,

which incorporated a combination of musical history,

intricate costumes and art, all presented amidst

sumptuous drapes and marble columns, along with a trip

to the Brera Art Gallery, home to paintings by renowned

artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Grassi.

Lastly, before our plane journey home on 5th October,

we visited the Seraville Designer Outlet on the way to

the airport to conduct a spot of shopping and to receive

our last instalment of pizza, which

had become somewhat of a staple

food source throughout our stay.

Finally, all that was left to do was

bid ‘Ariverdercci, Milan’!

Grazie mille to Mrs Owen, Mrs Yearly and Mrs Higbee!



The Newsletter

La Scala Opera House

“ It was an undeniably

superb experience”

Year 12 Students on the roof terrace of the Duomo



Eco Club By Mrs Mahon

In Eco Club, we strive for an enjoyable approach to developing the understanding of students about the everyday

things that they can do to ensure sustainable living. Some of the fun and creative things we have included in our

weekly sessions include:

Creating animals out of recycled CDs

Using a number of recycled materials, including coloured card and CDs, we

created a number of small ornamental animals that could easily be used

anywhere for decoration.

Calculating our carbon footprints

We all calculated our carbon footprints and made posters on the ways in which

we could improve our carbon footprints in the future.

Flower pressing

We went out along the woodland walk in search of materials that we could

press to produce some tasteful decorations that can then be used for a number

of creative purposes, such as making cards and bookmarks.

Creating a number of posters to promote recycling around the school

Eco Club is designed to ensure that we, as a school, promote environmental

friendliness. We made a number of posters to put up that would raise school

-wide attention as to what may be put into recycling bins, so that we reduce

our waste as a school.

Using recycled paper to produce origami creatures and decorations

Our sessions have had a number of themes over the weeks, and to celebrate

Halloween we taught our members how to make a number of origami

creatures out of recycled materials that they could then use to decorate their

house with to get into the festive spirit.

Year 7 Netball Squad By Mrs Robbins

The Year 7’s have made an impressive start to the season. They regularly attend training and are a motivated and

determined team. At recent matches they have performed well with the ‘A’ team beating Benenden 4-1 and

Maplesden an encouraging 8-1. The ‘B’ team have narrowly missed out on victory with a 10-11 loss to Benenden

but a promising result against our own U13 B team 2-2. With Kent players such as Rachael K and strong

performances from Emma W, Eloise S, Amelia F, Abbey H and Madeline H the squad is sure to go from strength to

strength. Well done to everyone who has represented MGGS.



The Newsletter



Modern Foreign Languages

Focus Day By Abbey G, Year 9 Student

The Modern Foreign Languages focus day took place in

Term One. Each form was given a specific language out

of French, German or Spanish and we then had to create

a 3 day holiday for someone from that country in and

around Maidstone. At the end of the day, the target was

for each form to have created a poster saying what

events our trip would include, and also we had to

describe our trip in our target language. Leading up to

the focus day, we had to collect any materials and

articles about Maidstone and what there was to do in the

county. This would help us plan what the foreign

visitors would do on our trip.

On the day, we came into our classroom and each form

had been given a language teacher to supervise them. In

first period, they taught us key vocabulary that would

help us plan out and write a script for our trip. My form,

9C, was given German as our language. We had only

been learning German for a year so it was definitely a

challenge! Within our forms, we were split up into

groups of 4-6 (we were able to choose to go with our

friends). In my group were my friends Kevina, Anna and

Aisha. Then, once we had been given the instructions for

what we were meant to do, we were able to start.

First, my group decided to give each other roles. I was

chosen as the language expert and checker, Anna was

the researcher and Aisha and Kevina were the designers

of the poster. Next, we decided what activities we were

going to do and when. All of us worked really well

together, and tried very hard to pull off a poster while

saying a long speech in our target language! I wrote the

script for us to say during the presentation with the

assistance of Anna, and Aisha and Kevina worked on the

appearance of our poster. Kevina and Anna also worked

out all the costs for the trip which helped a lot!

During all of this, some of the language prefects were

coming around to help us if we needed it and answered

any queries that we had. When we had finished our

poster and script, we went over the pronunciation very

carefully as German has a precise way of saying things.

For example, one of the trickiest things to remember was

that ‘ei’ is pronounced as ‘I’ and ‘ie’ is pronounced as

‘ee’.

After lunch, every group had to perform their

presentations to the rest of the form which was quite

nerve-wracking as we had no idea what the other groups

had produced! Then, a language teacher who spoke

German judged each presentation and my, Kevina’s,

Aisha’s and Anna’s presentation was declared the

winner out of our form!

Then, every form was led into the gym, and the winners

from each form had to perform their presentation in

front of the rest of Year 9. The language prefects were

going to judge all of the performances and then pick a

winner out of 2 German, 2 French and 2 Spanish

presentations. Along with having to present our work in

our target language, the language prefects would then

ask each group 3 questions in that language.

Once everyone had performed, the language prefects

went outside to deliberate who was the winner. We were

all very excited, and finally the winner was

announced… It was our German presentation! Kevina,

Anna, Aisha and I were all extremely happy as we

received a WHSmith voucher worth £10! Overall, I

would say the day was a big challenge, but it was great

fun at the same time and I hope that any future year 9’s

will enjoy this day too!



The Newsletter



Futsal Competitons By Miss Relph

Team: Maddie H, Claudia T, Blessing V, Charlotte W

and Anna S.

The under 12’s participated in the Shepway/Ashford

Futsal competition which was held at the North School.

The girls had never played futsal before so it was a

brand new experience for them. The teams were split

into two pools. The first match was against Wye which

they drew 1-1. The second match saw a tactical change

of goalkeepers which led to a 5-0 victory over

Swadelands. The next opponents were Folkestone

Academy, the girls had majority of the possession but

unfortunately could not turn that into a goal and drew

the match 0-0. The girls finished the pool in second

place and were then drawn against the North School

who had won their pool. Maddie H intercepted the ball

on the half way line and dribbled it past 3 defenders and

smashed the ball in the back of the net to win the semi-

final. MGGS played against Highworth in the final; it

was an extremely close match with some outstanding

play from all players. Unfortunately the girls lost the

match 1-0. They still may have the opportunity to

progress through to the next round. Well done to all

players.

The under 14’s participated in the Shepway/Ashford

Futsal competition which was held at Three Hills in

Folkestone. All teams were split into two pools.

Throughout the group stage MGGS did not concede any

goals, they played some outstanding futsal as a team.

They won all their matches beating Folkestone Academy

2-0, Towers 3-0, John Wallis 2-0 and Folkestone 2-0.

The girls then went on to the semi-final where they

faced the North School and successfully beat them 1-0

to face Highworth in the final. Due to time constraints

there was a rule change to avoid penalities; if there is a

scored draw the team that scored first won.

Unfortuantely Highworth scored first so the girls knew

they needed to score two goals which was an extremely

difficult task seeing as the matches were only 6minutes

in length. Grace S scored a fantastic goal to finish the

match 1-1 but it was too late. The girls finished the

competition without losing a match but were placed as

runners-up. Well done to all players.

Team: Katie S, Megan G, Brooke J, Daisy K, Dani A

and Beth W.

Sports Leaders By Mrs Robbins

The Level 2 Community Sports Leader and the Level 3 Higher Sports Leader Awards are well and truly underway.

Students will be leading activities with students from Brunswick House in the near future as well as organising inter-

house competitions for students at MGGS. With planned visits to Dane Court Special School in Gillingham and the

completion of First Aid and Dodgeball Courses this coming term is going to be a busy one.



The Newsletter



Cross Country Update By Mrs C Smith

MGGS achieved success at the Maidstone schools district cross-country championships with two medal winners and

the Year 7 team winning their category. Congratulations to all those who took part and ran incredibly well.

The winning Year 7 girls’ team consisted of Ebony B, Madie H, Alice N, Molly N, Anna S, Anna M, Connie L, Zara

E, Blessing V and Amber M. Special mention goes to Ebony, Madie and Alice who all finished in the top ten with

Ebony narrowly missing out on a medal. Seven of our MGGS Year 7 team have been selected to represent

Maidstone in the Kent schools championships.

Our Junior girls team consisted of Fern D, Katie K, Katharine B, Summer R, Lexi G, Hannah R, Rebecca W, Emily

E and Beatrice F. Special mention goes to Katie and Katherine who finished in the top ten and Fern who achieved a

silver medal. Five of our MGGS Junior team have been selected to represent Maidstone in the Kent schools

championships.

Our Intermediate girls consisted of Emily H, Catrina H, Rachael K, Eleanor S and Ella B. Special mention goes to

Catrina, Rachael and Eleanor who finished in the top ten and Emily who achieved a bronze medal. The entire

MGGS Intermediate team have been selected to represent Maidstone in the Kent schools championships.

International Sporting Success By Mrs Robbins and Katie S, Year 11 Student

As a PE department and school we are extremely proud of

Katie S in Year 11. She is an outstanding football goalkeeper

and now has her first England cap. She represented England v

Germany in an under 17’s international match played at St.

Georges Park.

Katie has also been selected to attend the Youth Sports Trust

National Talent Camp over the Christmas break. This is a

fantastic achievement as only 100 athletes nationwide are

selected to attend this prestigious camp. Even more so as Katie

is one of only 20 footballers who are attending. We wish Katie

all the best of luck not only in the National Talent Camp but her future with the England women’s football team.

Katie says “I’m honoured to have represented my country doing something I love and have worked very hard on for

years. During the match, everyone played with such a high quality and standard, so being part of that was really

rewarding for me and gave me a chance to push myself to perform at my best. Though we didn’t win, we played

very well and as it was a dream of mine to play for England it was a great feeling pulling on the number 1 shirt and

achieve a huge goal of mine. The experience has also motivated me to keep working hard to hold on to this

opportunity and have more chances to work with the England team and staff in the future.”



The Newsletter



Thinking School Update: MGGS Spreads its Wings By Mr Harris

We have been very busy in the past few months or so in further developing our thinking

school programme both in school and to the wider community. In addition to the

ongoing use of thinking tools in our lessons such as Thinking Maps we have also held a

Neuroscience event in July with speakers from King’s College, London giving a

fascinating insight into the workings of the human brain. Sixth form students from

several secondary schools around the county attended this event along with some of our

own students and it proved to be a fabulous opportunity to find out more about the rapid

developments that are taking place in neuroscience. In October we were privileged to

have Professor Roger Ainsworth, Master of St Catherine’s College, University of

Oxford speak to some of Year 10 to Year 12 students about University life and do a

mock interview on stage with one of our sixth form students. Beyond our school, we have been working with

teachers and students from several primary schools in Kent in connection with thinking skills.

You may recall that we received our Thinking School accreditation from the University of Exeter in May 2012 and

as this is granted for a period of three years this means that we will be re-applying next year and also for advanced

accreditation. Thinking skills and developing effective dispositions for learning are really key to helping our

students be as fully prepared as they can be both at school and in later life. The web link videos below and over

page give a really good insight on the value placed on thinking skills by universities and educationalists.

What is life like for a teenage prodigy?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15482101

Eight short videos from Oxford University about their interview process.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/interviews

Professor Art Costa talks about the importance of developing ‘Habits of

Mind’ In an ever changing world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu2Aqcyp3qo

(Please note that the school does not accept any responsibility for the content of third party websites).



The Newsletter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15482101

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/interviews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu2Aqcyp3qo



Digigirlz Trip By Tash B, Year 8 Student

On Friday, 28th November myself and some other students visited Microsoft for the DigiGirlz Convention. Feeling

excited for the day ahead, we got off the train and went to the large Microsoft building in London. On arrival we

were given passes making us feel very official, we also got a t-shirt, thermal water bottle, torch, pad and lots of

pens.

We were served breakfast, which was a happy surprise! We ate our croissants, fruit and orange juice and then

headed to the auditorium, where we were joined by the other schools.

We heard the agenda and watched videos of three American women telling us how they attended DigiGirlz when

they were our age and how they now work at Microsoft. We heard about a ‘hackathon’ and saw the winners'

website about climate change. We then had to design an app. We designated Molly to be our teamleader and we

thought of good addictive games such as Flappy Bird! Our initial idea was a plane that the player controls; trying to

avoid clouds, birds and buildings. The app developed to have different scenarios including countryside, city,

Antarctica, desert and seasonal levels.

Thalia came up with the app name, ‘Sky High’ and Lydia suggested that some of the profits went to the RAF. We

made a hyper lapse video of us working together with voiceovers. After lunch we listened to inspirational women in

computing and STEM related fields.

We heard that IT businesses need more female employees and it convinced many of us to go into these fields. We

also heard talks from the STEMettes (very funny and showed us how much free stuff you can get from technology)

and apprentices in Microsoft. We had a video conversation and a Q&A session with the three Americans we saw in

the morning. Finally it was time to see the winners video! It was ours! We won! The school got a Raspberry Pi and a

spy camcorder each.

It was such a fun, eventful and rewarding day and thank you to Miss Aime and our helpers Cheryl and Vanessa.



The Newsletter

Salters Advanced Level Prizes By Mr Reid and Dr Doyle

We are delighted to be able to tell you that Alice R won an award for her performance in the Salters Advanced

Chemistry A level examination and Carolyn R for her performance in the Salters Advanced Physics A level

examination. They both gained the second highest mark and were invited to attend the Salters’ Institute Annual

Awards Ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall to receive a cheque for £200 plus a certificate. This annual event

recognises outstanding achievements in science education by both students and technicians.

Alice is now studying Medicine at Peterhouse College, Cambridge, and her sister Carolyn will be studying Natural

Science at Magdalene College.



Breakfast Club

Starting Tuesday, 6th January 2015

8am to 8.30am daily in the School Canteen

Breakfast Menu

MEAL DEAL

Hot Bacon or Sausage in a Roll with Hot Chocolate £1.50

Hot Bacon or Sausage in a Roll £1.00

Toast and Butter 25p per slice

Toast, Butter and Jam 50p per slice

Cereals £1.30

Yoghurts 90p

Fruit 50p (may vary)



The Newsletter

Independent Catering

Independent Catering is the fresh food caterer at our school offering varied menus using fresh UK meats, fresh

salads and vegetables every day from our local suppliers.

A cashless payment system is operated reducing the problems of money in the school and encouraging healthy

eating.





The Newsletter

Trips By Miss Brown, Trips and Visits Co-ordinator

Here is a selection of some of the trips that have been enjoyed by students over the last two terms.

Trips Out:

29th September Year 12 Bonding Day at the Swattenden Centre

1st-5th October Textiles Visit to Milan

10th-12th October Year 7 Bonding Weekend, PGL – Marchant’s Hill

16th October Author Talk by Morris Gleitzman, acclaimed children’s author

17th October Year 12 Art Visit to the Cork Street and Hayward Galleries

12th November A Level Medway Media Conference

12th November Drama trip to see Antigone at the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

12th November Music visit to see The Lion King in London’s West End

17th November Business Studies trip to the Entrepreneurs Live! Conference, London

28th November Computing Visit to the Microsoft Office, London

5th December French and Spanish Visit to Hever Castle

11th -12th December Year 8 Visit to Aachen’s Christmas Market

Mock Bar Trial By Charlotte F, Year 13 Student

On Saturday, 29th November a group of 9 students in Years 12 and 13 went to Guildford Crown Court to compete in

the regional qualifying rounds of the mock bar trial, a national competition run by the Citizenship Foundation. We

had been preparing for a few weeks prior to this at lunch times, but waiting outside the courts before the first case

we were still quite nervous. There were three rounds and two cases meaning one of our cases we were not only

prosecuting but also defending. This case was about an individual who had allegedly thrown bottles at two police

officers during summer riots and in order to be successful on both sides of the case we had to know the case, and the

legal issues behind it , inside and out. We were extremely pleased when we did, in fact, win the case both defending

and prosecuting.

We all found it an extremely interesting day, and enjoyed being able to talk to real barristers and judges and have

them give feedback on our presentation in the court room. Whilst we won two of our three cases, we did not make it

through to the final round. However we were all really pleased with our performances and took great interest in

being able to participate in different areas of the court room, playing witnesses and clerks as well as being on the

jury an deciding the outcome to other peoples cases.

Doing Mock Bar Trial was extremely informative and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested following a

career in law, or anyone who just has an interest in legal procedure.



Admissions Update By Mrs Hogan, Admissions Manager

Year 7-11 Admissions

Your daughter or your son in the Sixth Form may have siblings, cousins, friends or neighbours wondering how they

can join our school. Please inform anyone who asks that they are entitled to test for a place at our school once a

year for each year group from Year 7 - 11. So, if a student in Year 6 at primary school is unsuccessful in the Kent

Test (11+) they can test in the summer term when they are in Year 7 for a place into Year 8 that September.

Other students wishing to test for a place into Year 8, 9, 10 or 11 are welcome to submit an application at any time

during the academic year.

We always have three static test dates in school every year. Our first was on December 1st and we have two more

planned for 9th March and 20th June 2015. We test at other mutually convenient times throughout the year and this

can be arranged once we have received an application requesting this.

To apply for a place at the school, complete an In Year Casual Application Form (IYCAF) and return this to me in

school.

There is lots more information on the admissions page of the school website.

Sixth Form Admissions

External Applications to the Sixth Form should be made online at www.kentchoices4u.com . Our students in Year

11 completed their application for a place into the sixth form during a recent focus day in school. If you have friends

or relatives wishing to join our Sixth Form, then please inform them that there is no closing date for applications,

but to ensure the best possibility of obtaining their subject choices, we strongly recommend that they return their

application form as early as possible and by Friday 6th February 2015 for the September 2015 intake.

Visits and tours of the school are available on request. For further information or to request a tour of the school

please email [email protected] or visit the admissions pages of the school website at the following link http://

www.mggs.org/about-mggs/admissions#



The Newsletter

School Office Update By Mrs Hogan, Office Manager

As you are aware we do update the information we hold about your daughter or son once a year at each parents’

consultation evening. When you arrive we ask you to check and amend the details on the Data Collection Sheet. As

contact details can change at other times during the year, please let the office know if any of your details require

amendment. This will ensure that we have to most up to date information for your daughter or son in school in case

we are required to contact you through the school day for any reason. You can inform us by telephone, 01622

752103, fax 01622 681947 or email [email protected]

We have quite a lot of lost property in school which has not been claimed. If you know that your daughter or son

may have lost or misplaced an item of clothing, or uniform, an umbrella or a pencil case in school then please do ask

them to check the lost property box for this. The box is located near to the office. Clothing that is named is

returned to the student when found, so please do ensure that you label everything.

N:/Office 0809/Casual Admission 13/Single IYCAF.pdf

http://www.kentchoices4u.com


http://www.mggs.org/about-mggs/admissions

http://www.mggs.org/about-mggs/admissions




Speech Day

We were delighted to welcome back last year’s Year 13

students for Speech day on Monday, 15th December to

celebrate their examination successes and collect prizes

that had been awarded.

Ms Alex Galvin, Head of Curriculum and Achievement at the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust

attended as our guest speaker, with Councillor Roger Thick, The Mayor of Maidstone opened the

proceedings.



The Newsletter

All I want for Christmas ….. is to be an MGGS Pussy Cat!

Many Students have already seen our neighbourhood cat attempting to enter our

school.

If you do see our friendly cat please report to a member of staff.

Last seen at Reception on 11th December at 2.45pm. It could not press the automatic

door panel and so access was denied!

Christmas Charity Events

Christmas Jumper Day - £532.37.

10G Christmas Fair/Charity Events - £1,139.94.

Rag Week - £3,515.87.

Shoe Box Appeal - £169.70.

Year 7 Numbers Day for NSPCC - £891.00.

10F Charity Auction organised by Rosie W - £406.50.

School Carol Service - £345.66.

These are the current totals, the final values will be calculated in the New Year by the Finance Department.




Buckland Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0SF T: 01622 752103 F: 01622 681947 E: central @mggs.org www.mggs.org

Term Dates

Term 2 - 2014

3rd November Start of term 2

19th December End of term 2

Term 3 - 2015

5th January Start of term 3

13th February End of term 3

Term 4 - 2015

23rd February Start of term 4

18th March Development day

(no students in school)

1st April End of term 4

Term 5 - 2015

20th April Start of term 5

22nd May End of term 5

Term 6 - 2015

1st June Start of term 6

23rd July Development day


24th July Development day


End of term 6

The Newsletter

Maidstone Grammar School

for Girls Non sibi sed omnibus

Chemistry High Performance Programme By Dr Doyle

This group meets on Wednesdays to discuss topical issues in Chemistry, competitions

and stretch and challenge work to help develop a super-curricular aspect to our studies

favoured by admissions tutors and for our own personal interest.

Some of the interesting topics we have been discussing can be seen on this site https://

sites.google.com/a/mggs.org/hppchemistry/.

In particular and topical at the moment,

this Chemistry Advent Calendar gives

lots of information about the chemicals

important in making Christmas. Please

have a look and enjoy. http://www.compoundchem.com/2014advent/

If you or any member of your family have an interest in Chemistry

and would be willing to provide materials, articles or present a lecture

here at MGGS, please get in touch with Dr Doyle.



https://sites.google.com/a/mggs.org/hppchemistry/

https://sites.google.com/a/mggs.org/hppchemistry/

http://www.compoundchem.com/2014advent/

Documents

MGGS Christmas Newsletter 2014