TERM 3 February 2015—Issue No 3

A WEEK IS A LONG TIME IN POLITICS…. As the General Election in May ment take hold we are in a very comes closer, education will begin strong position to cope with the to feature more prominently, espe- new demands of harder exams. cially as the recent publication of We have never watered down our national league tables appears to curriculum offer, nor entered stu- show a national decline in out- dents for multiple exams. Howev- comes. Ever since Tony Blair’s er, as exams move to a system statement about ‘education, educa- which is based only on tests at the tion, education…’, although in very end of the course, we will reality it started before that, politi- need to adjust what we do slightly. cians of all shades have been ob- At both GCSE and A level we will sessed with interfering in educa- encourage students to focus on tion. The former HMCI, David one fewer subject in order to get Bell, said recently on a radio inter- better results at the end of the view that if schools were free from course. This will put our young political interference they would people in the best possible posi- and across the Atlantic. Skiers do much better! tion to take advantage of the next from Years 10-13 are going to Performance at GGS, however, stage of their education. Killington in Vermont, 22 Year 12 was absolutely outstanding in Historians from are visiting Berlin 2014. A level results and, in a na- and 40 boys from Years 9 and 10 tional context where exams are are going to Normandy. becoming harder, GCSE results As an accompaniment to our new held their own and improved at the website, launched in the Autumn, very top grades. students and staff have created a The recently published National Remembrance site that traces the Performance Tables former pupils of Gram- mar School who gave their lives in ( www.education.gov.uk) The Great War. This should go illustrate that Gravesend Grammar live within the next few weeks and School is doing extremely well will be linked to the main site. compared with schools nationally and with other grammar schools in February saw our first ever Shake- . This follows a very positive speare Festival which showcased GSW picture of our results painted re- talent at both ends of the school. cently in the Sunday Times Parent Over each of three evenings two Power supplement. Year 7 forms performed their We have always believed that as a “reduced” versions of plays of School we are privileged to work their choice, followed by our sen- with bright children and that they ior school version of Taming of should be challenged by a stretch- the Shrew. ing curriculum. As the reforms The half term holiday also sees a introduced by the current govern- number of school visits in Europe Page 2

STAFF NEWS TRAIN TO BE A TEACHER

CONGRATULATIONS Are you interested in training ing. Hear about training at TO Mr Rapley and his to be a teacher? Gravesend our school from our current wife on the birth of is a part of trainees on 13th February their son and to Mrs the Thames Teaching Alliance, 2015. who have opportunities for Warner and her hus-  Apply to come in during our people like you to train to be band on the birth of school experience a teacher in primary, second- week. See teaching as it is their son—both on the same day over ary and special schools across the Christmas break! in the 21st century at . If you would like We said goodbye to Ms Hunt who is further information, why not: from 16th to 20th March returning to Australia and to Mrs Gar-  Attend the training to teach 2015. ratt who left after 15 years. We wish evening at Northfleet Tech- If you would like to attend you both good luck for the future. nology College on 25th Feb- one of the events above ruary from 5:30pm. We also say a temporary goodbye to please email Sally Ashton on Mrs Sutton as she starts her maternity  Apply to come into Graves- [email protected] leave. We welcome Mrs Maddocks end Grammar School on our stating which event you are interested in attending. who will be covering for her. "train to teach" open morn- HEAD STUDENT REPORT

Now that Christmas is over, offers are arriving for Year 13s and the prospect of leaving school is drawing ever closer...however, more surreal is the fact that this is my penultimate Head Student re- port! I am beginning to feel the rush to work hard that is experienced when one’s time is nearly up. Firstly, however, I must report on the new form : our chosen 12 have settled in well, meeting their new forms and attending evening events. This is in addition to three charity prefects; a new posi- tion which the Head Student Team have created and who will be invaluable in assisting the school in any future charity work. The team and I are pleased with all of their work and are confident that they’ll keep this up throughout the year. We have also been meeting with e-learning staff to discuss the future of technology in the school, which expands on the school app that I mentioned in my Head Student manifesto last Easter - now that seems a long time ago!

Last week’s Shakespeare Festival was highly successful for the Drama and Art departments: I attended on Thursday night, and was impressed by the confidence of the Year 7s who performed ‘King Lear’ and ‘The Tempest’, in addition to the Upper School’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ - a strong showcase for many students I had not seen act before! This term has also held the 6th Form Open Evening, one of the most important events of the year. It was a big success for all involved: a huge number of students, both current and external, visited to look around the School and attend subject talks, and we received very positive feedback about all the 6th formers who were on hand to help. Who knows - maybe some- one spoke to a future Head Boy!

I imagine my final report will be some sort of review of the year, but before then, the team and I still have a few more ideas which we’d like to implement in our final term - I hope these can run smoothly and allow us to leave a legacy.

Robert Tucker Head Student

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 3 eLEARNING AND INNOVATION—UPDATES

Communication Digital Council as a KS3 representative. We will do our best to ensure that you As part of his role, he attended BETT are kept fully informed of events that 2015 along with other members of the the school is running. Where there is Digital Council to gain an insight into the any indication that there has been a technology that is available to support problem, we will contact you via tele- learning and teaching. If your son (or phone to confirm your details. We think daughter) is interested in applying to this is a better approach to adopt, ra- join the Digital Council, then they should ther than assuming the message has complete the the form at this web – been returned in error. With our in- address (http://form.jotformpro.com/ iPads. In addition this reduces the creased reliance on email communica- form/30311851302943) . Depending on logins that students have to remember tion, please keep the school updated the number of applicants, the selection because their email is now accessed with changes to either your email ad- process will involve writing a brief evalu- with the same details as their Google dress or your mobile. ation for a piece of software and an in- Drive. To login to their email, your son terview. The closing date for applica- (or daughter) should use the link in the Finding Out About School Events tions is Monday 23rd February 2015. ‘Student Links’ section of the school’s The website is the best place to check The School is about to move into an website. Their username is their school for events. The calendar, accessed via exciting time and deploy more mobile email address (NOT a gmail account) this link http://gravesendgrammar.eu/ devices. This will see the Digital Council and the password is the one they use to calendar/ , contains the most up to date representatives being called on in their access computers at school. information regarding events. Alterna- role as Digital Leaders within the school. tively, you can subscribe to the school’s Future Developments events calendar to reduce the likelihood Recent Developments The next thing we are looking to devel- of missing an event. The school have migrated its email to op is for student timetables to be auto- Google Services now. This means that matically sent to their personal calen- Digital Council the email is now accessible both on a dars. Congratulations to George Walker 7D computer and also on a wide range of who was successfully appointed to the devices, including smartphones and EMC

BETT 2015—A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE?

lot to get through! Cloud, aimed at KS3 and KS4 students, The students started by looking at a in which students complete online exer- Parents’ Evening System. They were cises and then receive specific reports very astute in realising that the program on their attainement and areas for de- was not good value for money, so we velopment. Some felt the activities moved on to the next thing they had were too simple. Overall it was felt that After a couple of weeks planning, the identified. Live registration is a system this would be a useful addition to the students left school, at 8:30am on that impressed the students. It allows resources that teachers provide to sup- Thursday 22nd Jan 2015, to go on their students to register their presence on port the learning of their students. day’s adventure to BETT. They hopped the site, electronically. The students felt Mr Moaby had asked the students to on the High Speed 1 train at Ebbsfleet this would benefit the school as it will look at what Micro Library Systems has and then took the Dockland Light Rail- give more accurate information of who to offer. This system would give stu- way to London Excel Centre. I think the is on the school site. It would also ena- dents access to 1500 ebooks and links students were surprised by the size of ble us to trial a system that could be with the system that we have just pur- the Excel Centre venue. extended to include cashless catering, chased for the library. Providing a wider We seemed to walk for miles before we library manager system and follow me range of fiction for our students is got to our entrance. We joined the printing. These are all things that the something that we are looking at to queue, but luckily it was fast moving, School is investigating. encourage our students to read. In ad- and so in no time we were amongst the As well as management systems the dition to a wider range of books, the 750+ exhibitors. We had planned our students had also identified a range of system would also allow students to: route around the venue, so that we software that they thought may be reserve books online, write reiews and used the time efficiently. There was a worth purchasing. This included Alfie access Accelerated Reader features,

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 4

that Mrs Hedley has been using to de- for parents accessing information in commented on by the GCSE Pod repre- velop the literacy skills of our students. MCAS. I want to find a more reliable sentative, we have completed a more As many of you know, Fronter is the system that provides information to extensive trial at school. Again the stu- school’s virtual learning environment parents in a user-friendly way and inte- dents thought it would be a useful revi- for KS4 and above. This cloud based grates with our existing systems better. sion resource, and so we plan to make it system allows staff to make resources Just before leaving the exhibition the available as quickly as possible, to help available to students anytime anywhere. students evaluated GCSE Pod. This is a support our year 11 preparing for their We have configured ours around a se- system which provides revision and re- trial exams. lection of subject libraries. With our view resources for a range of subjects I am not exactly sure how far we walked move to Google Services, it makes sense that can be downloaded to mobile de- over the course of the day, but it was to investigate systems which will link vices. The students were impressed by certainly a lot further than usual. I more seamlessly with our Google envi- the system and the fact that it allowed would like to thank the Digital Leaders ronment. One such system is Real anywhere, anytime learning. The short who came with me for their thought Smart Cloud. The students liked a lot of length of the clips meant that it could during the day. I look forward to work- the features that they were shown and be utilised during the journey to or from ing with them to move things forward. could see the system being useful for school. The online version could be students, parents and teachers. As a used by staff to create homework tasks EMC result, I will be investigating this further, with more interaction. As a result of the as we know that there have been issues students positive feedback, which was

Careers News

There have been a variety of activities School for The final event to mention is the Higher and events taking place this term which Boys. There Education Evening for Year 12 and their have had a careers focus. It was good to were a wide meet with parents and pupils at the 6th variety of Form open evening to discuss A-level Higher Ap- options and related career questions. prenticeship Similarly, I look forward to meeting with providers, Year 8 boys and their parents this week , at the options evening. I hope that all training providers, gap year companies Year 8 boys will have utilised Kudos, the and practitioners represented in an Career Guidance software available attempt to cover the many options open through the Fronter Careers room to to students. We were keen for students help them investigate their option sub- who were primarily considering work jects. based destinations after 6th form to parents. We heard from Clare Welsh of learn more about opportunities in the Goldsmiths, University of London who For the first time in recent years, a group field of apprenticeships and training, gave an introduction to university, cours- of year 11 boys took which they could consider alongside in- es, the application process and student up the option to com- formation on Higher Education. finance. A jam-packed evening of infor- plete a Morrisby Pro- mation which will be followed up by a file. This involved It was a lively and interesting morning second event in March offering more in- three hours of pencil with the opportunity to browse the stalls depth seminars on a variety of post 6th and paper tests and a of the representatives in the hall, asking form options. separate question- questions and also to attend workshops naire which are then analysed by the on a variety of apprenticeship areas. Morrisby Organisation who provide a Exhibitors included: Jenny Douse detailed individual report explaining the Deloitte (Finance) Careers profile results and suggesting potential BAE Systems (Engineering) ([email protected] ) career areas, A-level and degree sub- Ford (Engineering, IT & Finance) jects. The initial feedback from students Laing O’Rourke (Construction) and parents has been very positive and FM Conway (Construction, IT & Mar- we will be offering a drop-in for students keting) with any related questions after half Department for Works & Pensions term. Quest International (Business Training) On Thursday 30th January we took nine Ravenbourne (Creative Arts) Year 13 students to the WG6 Career con- University of Surrey vention hosted by Wilmington Grammar University of Kent

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 5 OXBRIDGE BOUND? opinions was saw many average ones, such as my nonetheless own, become finely tuned and wor- challenging. It thy of submission. Hard work also was also very comes into play, yet this appetite for enjoyable to learning is something instilled by the be able to staff, so much of it lies, again, with speak with their unending support. people who Overall, in an education sys- were experts tem which appears to be obsessed in their field with data and league tables (and ap- and, when parently failing according to the there was a trusted media), I am glad that I am crossover in able to study in a school such as The interests, a Grammar which continues to give more relaxed support to their students on a level discussion which cannot be defined purely by The Oxbridge interview practice or- emerged which both parties could statistics. These vital practice inter- ganised by Gravesend Grammar enjoy—it wasn’t all nerves! views are a prime example of this. School, However within the overall The ethos of the staff and school in and MP , provided us context of university applications, providing meaningful opportunities with a considerable boost to confi- other factors are also crucial to the to those who pass through its gates dence and interview skills. The great success of many students. Needless twice a day is one befitting of the array of specialists and lecturers, to say, the great staff at the school, environment within which I am lucky who spared some of their time to in enabling the students to achieve enough to study. Without it, myself help us, was invaluable. The way in high grades, is of paramount im- and others would not be close to which the mock interviews were con- portance—it is inconceivable that where we are today, and thus, I ducted stands as a testament to the any student would have reached would like to thank all of the parties expertise of these interviewers who their current position without the mentioned above once again for provided a pair of ‘soft’ and ‘tough’ continual dedicated support of an their invaluable support. interviews. Albeit no interview itself excellent staff. Further into the pro- is ‘soft’, the style in which the serious cess, form tutors were extremely Sam McPhail discussion was approached was more helpful with references and the 13UH2 relaxed, while the probing and dreaded personal statement. Their testing of the interviewers’ views and delicate handling of the statements

CAREERS CONVENTION

Approximately 11 Yr13 students known companies such as Ford, Overall it was a great experience went to Wilmington Grammar BAE Systems, National Grid and as it opened my eyes to more op- School to attend a Careers Fair many, many more. The time was portunities available to us stu- where we were told about a mainly spent walking around the dents and I would thoroughly rec- range of different opportunities hall talking to these potential em- ommend this convention to any- that are available to us post Sixth ployers and getting information one who isn’t sure about what Form; these included apprentice- about what apprenticeships they they wanted to do when they fin- ships, university and careers. The were offering, also a few compa- ish school. majority of the fair was based up- nies held seminars giving a more Nick Wright, UD3 on apprenticeships, as well as oth- in depth talk about the company, er alternatives to university, and its work and the apprenticeship representing this were well course that they had to offer.

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 6

CAMBRIDGE BOUND?

Every year, the Cambridge University Students’ Union (CUSU) Shadowing Scheme gives hundreds of bright, state school edu- cated Year 12* and potential mature students the unique opportunity to come to Cambridge, stay in one of the Colleges and ‘shadow’ a current undergraduate for three days. By providing participants with the chance to experience first-hand what life as a Cambridge undergraduate is really like, the Shadowing Scheme aims to dispel negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding the University that deter many state school students from applying. The department of Dutch and German at Cambridge University forwarded me the details for this opportunity for our students. Harry O’Neill decided to apply and was accepted. Being accepted was a tremendous achievement on Harry’s part, as this year, the CUSU received an unprecedented number of applications, with over 2000 students from across the country applying to take part. Harry O’ Neill has written an account of his experience in January.

VAL

My Adventures in Cambridge alas when I myself was asked about my sive libraries. The University Library was opinion regarding the political atmos- particularly astounding in that within its I was given a very unique opportunity to phere on the Italian peninsula during the walls lay every single book, newspaper go up to Cambridge University in Janu- 15th century, I confess that I blanched, and everything else which has ever been ary, perhaps the most prestigious univer- stuttered and fell silent. published in the United Kingdom! sity in the world, and shadow an under- After this testing, yet intriguing, affair, That evening, I and my year 12 acquaint- graduate student to see what the lives of we went to our formal-ish dinner at ances took part in a relaxed ‘non-pub students were really like. As I intend on nearby Jesus College. The atmosphere pub quiz’, which unfortunately my team studying History at university after finish- was friendly and the food was interesting came nowhere close to winning. It was a ing my A-Levels next year, I thought this (watermelon and clotted cheese…), very pleasant way to round of the week- would be a sorely missed chance to gain though it all came to a rather abrupt end end, and also for me to finally have some some insight and to know what kind of when a young man two seats from me down-time following a hectic couple of thing to expect from such a course. had the misfortune of vomiting all over days. My weariness really demonstrated Following arrival formalities and the nec- the table. Appetising as this was, we the hard work that is required to suc- essary admin, I met my ‘mentor’, who then went back to college, where I and cessfully study History at Cambridge (my was lucky enough to have the job of the rest of my group of year 12s chatted mentor claims he is reading up to 10 showing me around the city, take me to and asked questions to our friendly, books every week in order to complete meals and also to lend me his bedroom helpful and entertaining mentors. essays!). for the weekend (rent free!). I stayed in The next day at 10:00 I attended my first My experience at Cambridge University Christ’s College, notable for having fa- ever history lecture…alone! I admit this was extremely well spent and valuable, mous alumni such as father of evolution was a slightly nervous experience, but and it has definitely cemented my ambi- Charles Darwin and historian Simon after I saw a very relaxed looking under- tion to do well in my A-Levels and hope- Schama. grad turning up 10 minutes late carrying fully end up studying History there my- From the offset, it was all go – I had very a cup of Starbucks coffee, I knew there self, challenging as that prospect may little time to settle in before I was taken was little to fear. The lecture, given by a be! To year 11s, I thoroughly recommend to my first taste of the unique Cambridge charismatic intellectual regarding the finding out about courses such as these education. My mentor led me to a very links between Imperialism and Liberal- when the time comes later this calendar strange, old building with unevenly ism, was fast paced and intense. I believe year, as they are really helpful in helping placed floors and a daunting atmos- I have managed to retain much of what you decide what you want to do post-18. phere. Upon hearing us knock at the was said, though I did not take notes, door, an eccentric American lady an- unlike the rather frantic looking student Harry O’Neill swered and in we went to my first ever who sat scrawling on his notepad as fast 12UD3 ‘supervision’. Supervisions are unique to as humanly possible beside me. the Oxbridge universities, whereby very Following this, and an impromptu tour short, intense lessons are given to a around the scenic town and its many small number of students. History super- colleges (including Kings, Trinity and St visions are unique in that they are one- Johns), I attended a seminar in my own on-one, which makes for a very high guest college. Though this seminar was pressure situation. Here, the essay my not actually related to History, and was mentor had previously penned regarding instead on Modern and Medieval Lan- the Italian Renaissance in the 1400s was guages, it was still a very valuable insight vigorously pulled apart and questioned, into another of the methods of learning whilst I sat nearby scared to move. All used at Cambridge, alongside lectures, was well whilst I was a spectator, but supervisions and also the vastly impres- Page 7

eSAFETY—DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILD IS DOING ON LINE?

With internet and  Keep up-to-date with your child’s but they are a good start and are not as other online activities development online. Be inquisitive and difficult to install as you might think. Ser- becoming an increas- interested in the new gadgets and sites vice providers are working hard to make ingly large part of that your child is using. It’s important them simple, effective and user friendly. young people’s lives that as your child learns more, so do you. it is important that  Emphasise that not everyone is they and the adults who they say they are. Make sure your that care for them are aware of the risks  Set boundaries in the online world child knows never to meet up with some- and how to ensure online safety. just as you would in the real world. Think about what they might see, what one they only know online. People might Below are the top tips for parents out- they share, who they talk to and how not always be who they say they are. lined by CEOP (The Child Exploitation and long they spend online. It is important to Make sure your child understands that Online Protection centre). For further continue to discuss boundaries so that they should never meet up with anyone information www.thinkyouknow.co.uk they evolve as your child’s use of tech- they only know online without taking a trusted adult with them. Top tips for Parents: nology does.  Know what to do if something goes  Be involved in your child’s online  Know what connects to the internet wrong. Just as in the offline world, you life. For many of today’s young people and how. Nowadays even the TV con- want to help your child when they need there is no line between the online and nects to the internet. Your child will use it. Therefore, it is important to know offline worlds. Young people use the all sorts of devices and gadgets; make when and how to report any problem. internet to socialise and grow and, just sure you’re aware of which ones can as you guide and support them offline, connect to the internet, such as their you should be there for them online too. phone or games console. Also, find out Talk to them about what they’re doing, if how they are accessing the internet – is they know you understand they are it your connection or a neighbour’s Wifi? more likely to approach you if they need This will affect whether your safety support. settings are being applied.

 Watch Thinkuknow films to learn  Consider the use of parental con- more. The Thinkuknow programme has trols on devices that link to the internet, films and advice for children from five all such as the TV, laptops, computers, the way to 16. Your child may have seen games consoles and mobile phones. these at school, but they can also be a Parental controls are not just about lock- good tool for you to find out more about ing and blocking, they are a tool to help what young people do online and some you set appropriate boundaries as your of the potential risks. child grows and develops. They are not the answer to your child’s online safety,

YOUNG WRITERS’ CLUB: RELOADED

Are you an aspiring novelist? A budding poet? Maybe even the next big screenwriter? If this is you, pop along to Young Writers!

Since September the Club has flourished, having more members than ever before from a range of year groups.

In 2015 we'll be writing a range of pieces in a range of media, taking part in local and national competitions with big prizes on offer! We're set to make the Club better than ever. So come on down!

Room 201 on Wednesdays after School.

Mr Woodcock

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 8

A CLOSE SHAVE!

Hi—for those who don’t know me, it on the last day of term, even £1184 with extra funds coming from I’m Eoghan Hunt from Year 11. When though it’s against School policy to donations on the day when many I heard the school was arranging a have such an extreme haircut. We students from the upper school came World Challenge trip to in 2016 also agreed that some of the money I to watch, as Mr Pallant and I shed I was keen to take part, as it has al- raised should be donated to charity. our locks. I would like to thank Mr. ways been somewhere I’ve wanted I talked my idea over with Mr Pallant, Pallant as without his offer I’m sure it to visit BUT how to raise the funds? who suggested I set myself a target would have been harder to reach my figure. He added that if I raised over target. In addition to the sponsor It started as a joke suggested by my £1000 he would shave his head too! money, as my hair was quite long, I mum, “Shave your head like a Bud- was able to sell it for making wigs! dhist monk! That’ll raise a lot to- I decided this would be my challenge wards it.” After some thought and and we set a date for the last week I’ve nearly collected all the sponsor encouragement from friends, I decid- before Christmas. I would like to money and will soon be able to send ed to go for it. After all, it’ll grow thank all those who sponsored me a cheque to Teenage Cancer Trust, back! for their support. Before the day my chosen charity. just over £1000 was pledged, and Mr Wybar agreed to allow me to do Thank you to all who supported me! since then the total has exceeded

Eoghan—during and after Mr Pallant—before and after

GGS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Shakespeare is now 450 years old and so to celebrate we organised a festival to perform some of his plays. Seven 30 minute abridged plays in total were performed throughout the Festival Week. Year 7 performed the majority with the exception of one group comprising both middle and upper school students. It was a busy term in the lead up to the festival so many plays being performed albeit shortened versions. Year 7 worked extremely hard during the preparation period—making props, finding costumes and rehearsing dialogue. In particular the exciting puppets that were almost life size that were designed and built by the boys with the help of the Mr Singh (our Art Technician) created a fantastic theatrical experi- ence. The boys working the puppets had attended a wonderful workshop led by the theatre company ‘Old Saw’. ‘Old Saw’ are a touring company that use innovative puppetry in their performances. We all had a great time working on these productions and I can honestly say that our half term has been well earned! CLD

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 9

YEAR 12 VISIT CERN countries were involved and what all To finish the day we walked to our the measuring instruments were for. accommodation at a nearby hotel, The actual collider was shut down offsite. until May for maintenance, a little Day two and a tram ride into Geneva disappointing. for shopping and lunch near Lake Geneva and the iconic Geneva foun- tain, before a coach back to the air- port. We passed the time waiting for the departure with a quiz on all we had seen the day before.

Part of the old Hadron collider now on display

Part of old Accelerator ring Next stop was a control centre in , followed by a look at the CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) At 5am on 9th January, 20 physics which is, in essence, a huge camera students left GGS for Gatwick Air- that takes pictures of debris from col- port to catch a short flight to Geneva, The prize for winning was not having lisions in the LHC, to help understand Switzerland. On arrival, in chilly Ge- to write the article you are currently neva, we travelled by coach to CERN reading, my team came last, so I hope (European Organisation for Nuclear you’ve enjoyed my report! Research). Just to add, if you are offered the On arrival we went to the CERN mu- chance to do this trip in your time at seum, a large wooden domed build- GGS then go...... it is not to be missed ing. This housed a display of previous if you have an interest in physics. experiments such as parts of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and a CMS (inside) Luke Middleton (US3) working cosmic ray detector. After a delicious veal and chips fundamental questions about the uni- lunch, we went to a lecture theatre for verse. a talk on the history of CERN, which

mances. Set in a rough Yorkshire pub, Othello Theatre Trip Frantic Assembly took the original text and modernised every aspect bar the 20th January 2015 dialogue. This enabled the modern audi- ence to gain a deeper understanding of A2 Theatre Studies the play’s themes and messages by Whilst sitting at table 33 in Nandos, setting the scenes in areas more relevant Hammersmith, the A2 Theatre Studies to today’s society. Part of our course class had no idea of the experience they involves relating this modern interpreta- were about to encounter. In January, tion to how the play would have original- Mrs Davies organised for our Theatre ly been staged. Studies class to witness Frantic Assem- We really enjoyed this trip and we have bly’s grand re-imagining of Shake- some excellent performance material to speare’s “Othello” at the Lyric Theatre, write about in our exam. Hammersmith. Frantic Assembly are a Eagerly awaiting the performance! renowned innovative Theatre company, Toby Silk, George Brooker & Laura Hob- who combine movement and dance with son acting to create breath taking perfor-

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 10 MYCENAE DAY—OR—HANDLE WITH CARE!

15 A2 Classicists visited the British Muse-  The itself is a truly um on Thursday 5th February 2015. marvellous building and I intend to visit again very soon. The day comprised four lectures, each by  I really enjoyed the day … the lectures a leader in their field: Andrew Shapland will really help with my A level. is the Bronze Age Greek curator at the  I felt privileged to be able to handle Museum; Louise Schofield an independ- ent archaeologist; Centa Germain is a some of the objects we are studying curator at the Ashmolean; Professor  It was interesting to hear the speakers Wardle lectures at Birmingham. In addi- presenting different theories about tion, the pottery study room, not open to the Mycenaeans. the public, was made available to our  I enjoyed listening to the counter- students, with the opportunity to handle arguments to points I had previously artefacts from the Bronze Age, that is, only known one side of. 3500 years old! Gallery time involved looking at artefacts from across the Ancient World, which showed the extent and nature of trade networks. Having been addressed by the four speakers, including two of their text- book authors, the group returned to Gravesend in the evening. Our thanks go to Mrs Foster and Mrs Osborne in the Finance Office, for organ- ising all the administration of the day, and to Mrs Purdy for driving us to and from the Museum.

Comments from the 6th formers after- wards included the following: BUSINESS STUDIES As part of our Year 9 Business Studies, we had a lot of Christmas related prod- we have been running our own business- ucts (chocolate sledges, Christmas cards es in class. Groups have set up to sell a and decorations) that we would not be variety of products from small toys and able to sell after Christmas. Cutting pric- games, to gloves, candles and even art. es was a good business decision as we On 13th December, all groups took part in managed to clear most of our Christmas the Young Dragons Winter Trade Fair, stock and ended the day with a reasona- held in the St Georges Centre in Graves- ble profit of about £50. end. We all hoped to make the most of Overall we really enjoyed the experience the Christmas season hype and boost our All groups set up their stands knowing of running a real shop and selling to businesses’ sales. There were also groups that the best stand would draw in more members of the public. We learnt some from other schools at the Trade Fair, customers than the others. We arrived excellent business lessons that we can many of whom were Sixth Formers so it early to grab the stall in front of the door use to make more profit in the future was interesting to see how we compared so that all customers would see what we such as lowering prices to clear stock and to these students. had to sell as they walked in. We think how to approach potential customers in that this was part of the reason that our the street to try and get a sale. group, Plexel, was runner up for the best looking stand and won a cash prize to Navdeep Dhendsa & Leondro Lio 9C – boost our takings for the day. Directors of Plexel Sales were good to start with but as the day progressed we realised that we would have to lower our prices to make sure that we could sell the majority of our stock. This was a crucial decision as

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 11

CHALLENGE OF MANAGEMENT Challenge of Management is definite- During the two days you are assigned outside, which really require a lot of ly one of the most useful things that to a group with either one or two team work. These activities allow you you will take part in during your time leaders. These groups allow you to to bring out your competitive side at 6th Form. These two days during work with some people you know but also have a lot of fun at the same curriculum development week are but also with people who you may time! designed to test your ability and vari- not usually get to work with. The ac- Challenge of Management on the ous skills as a team and as individu- tivities are extremely varied and they whole was a valuable experience and als, within a business type of environ- require you to use a range of skills I know that I will, as well as the ma- ment. Each year there are a dozen throughout your team. In some activ- jority of people will, take forward the volunteers who all come from vari- ities you have to create things to per- skills we have learned from those ous management backgrounds from form a certain task, whilst others you two days and apply it to the real life companies. Each of these people might have to present a product to business situation in the next few have years of knowledge of what the rest of the groups in the hall. The years. The main thing is that you get companies want to see in people ap- best part is that every activity allows out of it what you put into it. plying for their jobs, and during these you to take part as much or as little two days they put you to the test, as you want to. Personally I would Ben Robins they assess you, they give you feed- advise that you get involved as much back and they help you to see where as you can because it makes the two 13UD3 your strong and weak points are. All days much more fun and you get a of which is very helpful because it lot more out of it that way. The sec- allows you to improve your weaker ond day is more of a practical day areas, but also play to your strengths. and it gets you to do some activities

Do you have a business background? YEAR 13!

WE NEED YOU!! TRAVELLING IN YOUR VACATION OR GAP YEAR? We are looking for volunteers from the Private sector to work with our Year 12 stu- dents during Curriculum Development Week YOU MAY APPLY FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT on Wednesday, 8th and Thursday, 9th July FROM THE GGS TRAVEL FUND 2015. (generously supported through a legacy from a Would you be willing to assist and advise benefactor to the School) our students with a number of team based The activity should have a significant (ie not a activities? beach holiday!), as well as physical, content If so please contact which allows students to show resourcefulness, Jo Randhawa at initiative, self-discipline and individual planning. [email protected] A significant proportion of the cost of the activity should be raised by the student. Please see Mr Wybar for details. MATHS CHALLENGE

Ronald and Michelle have two children. The probability that the first child is a girl is 50%. The proba- bility that the second child is a girl is also 50%. Ronald and Michelle tell you that they have a daugh- ter. What is the probability that their other child is also a girl?

Solution on page 15

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 12

DUKE OF EDINBURGH—BRONZE

Term 3 Update – 10 February 2015 football. tic cookers in 337 as well as the Trangia Feedback has camping cookers, learning first aid tech- 28 Year 9 students signed up to take part been thor- niques, learning how to read an Ord- in the Bronze DofE (Duke of Edinburgh’s oughly posi- nance Survey map as well as improving Award) programme at the beginning of tive – the their teamwork and communication skills October, and are well under way to participants during our achieving their Award. are fully en- termly The participants joying their sporting ses- need to complete chosen activities and the supervisors are sions. four sections in the pleased by the progress that they are I am sure Bronze DofE: Volun- making. they are all teering, Physical, One of the highlights as part of the expe- looking for- Skills and Expedition. dition training is our new orienteering ward to the We offer a plethora course. It is designed to allow the partici- summer, of activity ideas for pants to practise their navigation skills in when it is expedition season. I will pro- them to consider for a small environment (in this case, within vide another update in next term’s news- the former three the confines of the school), before they letter, when we will be doing more expe- sections, and we run a weekly training are ready to navigate across the Kentish dition training – in the actual Kentish session in order for the participants to be countryside independently as part of countryside. My sincere thanks to Mr able to complete the Expedition section. their expedition. Although they found Bews, Mr Rees and Mr Newman for their Participants have been taking part in the orienteering course challenging at generosity in giving up their time running activities such as helping in local primary first, they learnt the ropes incredibly various training sessions. schools; volunteering at the local library; quickly and turned it into a somewhat learning new musical instruments and competitive game by the end! KKP coaching younger children with swim- Besides orienteering, the students have ming, rugby and also been cooking using both the domes-

HOCKEY Kent Schools Hockey Tournament Edmund’s School B which was a narrow 1-0 loss and On Monday 9th February Gravesend Gram- a very close game where we mar U13 took part in the Kent Schools Hock- created good chances and had multiple attacks in the ey Tournament for the first time in the opposition’s D. School’s history. The tournament had some Throughout the day every player put in some great of the best hockey schools in the county and performances, Max Charlwood showed great defen- the team knew they were in for a tough test. sive technique in all the games, Ben Folkard and The boys had an early wakeup call with the Kyran Pender played very well with good confidence first opponent being Sutton Valance School on the ball, and Billy Pepper in Goal made some fan- (former tournament winners) who won 11-0. tastic reaction saves. However following the first game the team Despite not getting the results the boys had hoped realised they needed to up their intensity for the boys can be very pleased with their perfor- and concentrate on their basic skills. mances and endeavour. The boys learnt a great deal After the first game, all the games were rela- and was a very good experience to play and compete tively close with GGS maintaining good peri- at such a high standard. ods of possession and territory. The best team performance was against St BPS Page 13

KENT SECONDARY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS – JANUARY 2015

This year was a ground breaking one 20 seconds off his previous best time Having checked with Mrs Langdale for swimming at GGS – we had our for the 100m Freestyle! Whilst who was in charge of the team before first female swimmer ever! Sophie George, Johvan and James will all I took over, she has confirmed that Cooper (UD2) along with nine other move to the Intermediate age group, she can only remember one other GGS students took part in this annual Ben, who has been unable to train swimmer winning at these champi- event which sees swimmers from regularly for a while due to injury, onships. This goes to show what a schools from all over Kent compet- has another year in the Junior sec- great achievement this is on Jacob’s ing. tion. part. Well done!

Sophie swam in the Senior Girls Despite not being happy with his (years 11-13) 100m Freestyle. This swim in the heats, James was 2nd re- race, like many others, had National serve for the Freestyle final and qual- level swimmers taking part and, de- ified 6th for the Breaststroke final. spite not training at all now, Sophie swam very well and put in a great performance.

In the Intermediate Boys (years 9 Jacob and the 100m Butterfly fi- and 10) we had William Cronin (9T) nalists being presented with their in the 100m Freestyle and 100m medals by the President of the Backstroke; George Martin (9F) in Kent Schools ASA the 200m Individual Medley and

100m Butterfly and Tom Runting He then swam 3 seconds faster and (9F) in the 100m Freestyle and came 6th in a time of 1:29.97. I would like to thank all the swim- 200m Individual Medley. Whilst mers for the way they behaved on these three have all represented GGS The final category of this competi- poolside throughout the galas, they before, it was their first time at this tion saw the Senior Boys (years 11, were a credit to the School. I would category. Tom and George came 12 and 13) competing. This is al- also like to thank their parents for 12th and 13th respectively with times ways a fiercely competitive section bringing them and their continued of 2:56.24 and 3:07.58 in the 200m with some very experienced swim- support. IM. In the 100m Backstroke, Wil- mers. We had Eoghan Hunt (11S)

liam swam 4 second personal best, swimming 100m Butterfly and 100m with a time of 1:31.10. With another Breaststroke and Jacob West (UC3) JLW year at this level, we’re looking for- 100m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly. ward to 2016! Being at the lower end of the age group at this level is extremely tough and despite not having trained since this start of the year, Eoghan put in two very solid performances and swam extremely well in both events.

In the 100m Freestyle Jacob quali- fied fastest for the final and went on to win the event in a time of 54.44 secs. In the 100m Butterfly he quali- fied second fastest for the final and Swimming in the Junior event (years then swam a great race to win this 7 and 8) were – James Angell (8C) event too in a time of 59.56 sec, the 100m Breaststroke and 100m Free- only swimmer to go under 1 minute. style; Ben Cooper (7D) 4x50m Indi- vidual Medley and 100m Back- This is Jacob’s final year at GGS and stroke; Johvan Rama (8D) 100m therefore his last time representing Breaststroke and George Saunders the School at this event. During my (8S) 4x50m Individual Medley and time managing the team, I can only 100m Freestyle. Again, excellent remember one other student winning swims all round with George taking an event at these championships.

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015 Page 14

RUGBY Senior Rugby strong and physical side, one which we severely under strength team we per- would learn would only lose 1 game all formed admirably against some ex- February half term brings an end to our year, and ran out second best. We did tremely big 6th form students with a 15 a-side matches. We have had a much however learned some valuable lessons. predominantly year 11 side. Our boys improved season with lots of positives After the Dartford game, the 1st XV went showed the character that rugby teams and strong performances. on a five game unbeaten run with a from Gravesend Grammar School have

In September, Rob Powell, our new draw against GS (5-5) and always demonstrated, a never say die Head Coach was introduced. Rob came two victories against Rochester Maths attitude. from a strong background, being the (19-5 and 22-17), one coming in the We have an overall win percentage of former Head Coach for The London National Cup. These results were some 45%, 1st XV of 50% (up 17%), 2nd XV of Broncos and the Defence Coach for The of the best the school has seen in a 22% (up 5%) and U16 of 80% (up 13%). Cardiff Blues. As always with a new number of years. This a great return from a transitional coach there were changes made and This run of form helped us to the 5th year and shows great promise for the new concepts for our students to under- round of the National Schools Vase com- future of GGS rugby. stand. A simple game plan was intro- petition were we met St Olaves School. Matt Bruce score the most points in the duced and the focus was placed on tech- The game took place on Wednesday 17th senior squad (68 points) and also scored nical skill and becoming more rounded December at home. It was a fantastic the joint most tries (10) alongside Hugh rugby players. game with the result being finely bal- Bryant. Both students are in year 11 and The season began strongly with a con- anced until the final whistle. The final became a fixture in the 1st XV towards vincing win against Colfes School (27-7). score was a loss of 6-13 but our boys the end of the year. Robbie Daniels We then had a mixed run with two of walked off the pitch with their heads played in an astonishing 19 games!!! the next five games being abandoned held high. There were great performanc- We now look forward to our 7’s cam- due to injury. Thankfully neither of es all over the pitch and the boys should paign with the annual U18 Floodlit these injuries proved serious and both be very proud. (Monday 2nd March), Kent U18 boys were up and running almost imme- After Christmas our fixtures jumped in (Wednesday 11th March), Kent U16 diately. At the end of October we class with the likes of St Josephs College, (Wednesday 18th March) and U18 reached the main event for the year, Ipswich (the team to beat Dartford GS), Rosslyn Park, National (Thursday 26th . Unfortunate- Wallington County GS and Campion. March). ly we came up against an extremely Campion was our last game and with a

U13 finished the Saturday fixture season with some big wins over Chis & Sid and Simon Langton U14. The overall win percent- age is 73%, having scored 527 with only 247 against. The top try scorer this year was Feran Abraham with a total of 31 tries in 15 games. The squad is large enough to get two teams out on a Saturday meaning that U13 rugby is developing well. The question is can this success transfer to the 7 aside game? The test will come in March with the Kent 7s and the National 7s tournament to look forward to. SET

Kent and National 7s competitions are as follows:

U13 Kent 7s Thursday 12th March held at Rochester Maths School 10.00am start U14 Kent 7s Tuesday 17th March held at Dartford Grammar School 10.00am start U15 Kent 7s Thursday 5th March held at Gravesend Grammar School 10.00am Start U16 Kent 7s Wednesday 18th March held at 10.00am Start Congratulations to two former U18 Kent 7s Wednesday 11th March held at Gravesend Grammar School 10.00am students, Nick Hill and Zac Lew- start is (GGS 2007—2014), who have U13 Rosslyn Park National Cup 7s 23rd March 10.00am start both been selected for the Kent U18 Rosslyn Park National Cup 7s 26th Match 10.00am start U20s match in Cornwall on the weekend of 14th February. U14 Beths 7s Wednesday 25th February 9.30am start U15 Dartford 7s Date TBC 9.30am start Tuesdays Thursdays If you would like to represent the School in these events you must be training! Training is on the Senior U14 following days: U12 U15 U13

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment February 2015

Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment Caring a in Challenge and Opportunity Newsletter GGS 2015 February

Solution to Maths Challenge: There are four possibilities for two children, with equal probabilities. First Child Second Child 1. Girl Girl 2. Girl Boy 3. Boy Girl 4. Boy Boy

The fourth possibility drop outs, because Ronald and Michelle have a daughter (so either the first or the second child is a girl), Therefore, three possibilities remain, of which in one case the other child is also a girl. As a result, the probability is 1/3 (about 33%).

GGS

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15 Page DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Thursday, 12th February END OF TERM 3 Friday, 13th February Staff Development Day Ski trip to Killington Normandy trip History trip Monday, 23rd February START OF TERM 4 (WEEK 2) Tuesday, 24th February Year 10 Consultation 3:30 pm Tuesday, 3rd March Year 8 Consultation (1) 8C, 8Dand 8H 3:30 pm Tuesday, 10th March Year 8 Consultation (2) 8F, 8S and 8T 3:30 pm Friday, 13th March Rugby Dinner 7:00 pm for 7:30 pm Monday, 16th March Year 9 Consultation 3:30 Thursday, 2rd April LAST DAY OF TERM 4 Barcelona trip (Years 11/12/13) Friday, 3rd April GOOD FRIDAY Saturday, 4th April Ski trip to Pila Yorkshire Dales Walking Trip Monday, 20th April START OF TERM 5 (WEEK 2) Thursday, 23rd April Senior Prize Giving Monday, 4th May BANK HOLIDAY Friday, 22nd May END OF TERM 5

PTA NEWS—250 Club

December Winners January Winners 1st - No 251 - £167.06 - Member since 2003 - second win! 1st - No 59 - £167.75 - Member since 2014 2nd - No 122 - £91.13 - Member since 2006 2nd - No 156 - £91.50 - Member since 2012 3rd - No18 - £45.56 - Member since 2011 3rd - No 158 - £45.75 - Member since 2012 ACADEMIC YEAR 2015—2016

In order to help your planning, please find below dates for the academic year 2015—2016. Holidays during term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please contact the School if you have any questions.

TERMS START DATE FINISH DATE INSET DAYS Tuesday 1st September Term 1 Tuesday 1st September Friday 23rd October New Year 7 induction and 6th form transition Term 2 Monday 2nd November Friday 18th December Term 3 Monday 4th January Friday 12th February Friday 12th February Term 4 Monday 22nd February Thursday 24th March Term 5 Monday 11th April Friday 27th May Monday 18th July Term 6 Monday 6th June Wednesday 20th July Tuesday 19th July Wednesday 20th July