Latest News

Year 12 Geography Field Trip to the Isle of Arran

Thu 15 Mar 2018

On the 24^th February, 15 members of the Year 12 Geography class set out on a trip that would take them 500 miles to the seventh largest island in Scotland – the Isle of Arran. The journey saw them use three trains, a tube line, a ferry and a coach. We arrived at the Lochranza Centre in the North of the island after an 11 hour journey!

Once settled in, the work really began, and for five days the class worked from 9 in the morning to 8 at night, in all types of weather and all types of terrain, from the shelter of Catacol Bay to the -15 degrees blizzard that a group of girls found themselves in whilst surveying Lochranza Spit. It wasn’t all work and the group enjoyed watching both films and TV in the common room and playing table tennis. Despite being stuck on the island for two extra days Mr Williams and the Centre found things for the group to do, including cleaning to earn their keep, completing a CPR first aid course, visiting the Isle of Arran distillery and travelling around the island on the bus.

Two days later we left, albeit wary of train cancellations. We caught the late morning ferry to the mainland. After a further 10 or more hours we arrived back at Maidstone East station, to be greeted by both Miss Worron and Mr Wall. The entire trip was both educational and enjoyable. Now that we have collected fieldwork data we have to write up our reports in class. At the end of the trip the group clubbed together to buy a bottle of the distillery’s 14 year old malt whiskey for Mr Williams in order to say thank you for all his hard work and for putting up with us for a whole week!

Written by Daniel Smith, Year 12 Geography student

It really was a privilege taking such a wonderful group of students to Arran. I hope that it has left vivid memories, both collective and individual. We are currently writing up the fieldwork which contributes 20% to the final exam grade.

Mr A Williams, Geography teacher

Real Rugby Heroes

Wed 14 Mar 2018

Mr Kyle Fiddler, one of our PE teachers, was nominated to win a “Real Rugby Award” this year. The award looks at those who go above and beyond just playing, which Mr Fiddler does most weeks, but inspires others to take part in the great sport that is Rugby.

Next week, Mr Fiddler will be attending the awards ceremony as a winner of the award next week. We’ll make sure to get an update and picture to see how he got on. Until then, please see the letter of congratulations below and, from everyone at St Simon Stock Catholic S, Congratulations Mr Fiddler!

18^th January 2018

Dear Kyle

REAL RUGBY HEROES AWARD 2018

You might not be aware, but you were nominated by to be put forward to this year’s Real Rugby Heroes Award. This award is not looking for the players who score the tries or the coaches who guide the First XV to glory, but those who work tirelessly in the background, largely unheralded, for rugby and the school.

It is my great pleasure to congratulate you on being one of the winners of this award for this season. As an award winner you will receive:

Two tickets for England vs Barbarians on 27^th May at Twickenham Stadium

Two certificates, one for the school and one for yourself.

An exclusive Real Rugby Hero pin badge.

You and a guest are invited for VIP hospitality and a special pitch side presentation of your award at Schools Day on the 14^th March at Twickenham Stadium. The President of the ERFSU will present you with your certificate, badge and award.

A photographer will also be there to capture the moment and provide you with a memento of the day.

Stephanie Giles will be your contact on the day so please RSVP to her by 28^th February. Final information will be sent out by post no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. Stephanie will also be able to advise on claiming any travel or accommodation expenses.

On behalf of the England Rugby Football Schools’ Union and its partners, may I thank you for the immense contribution you are making to schools’ rugby.

Yours Sincerely,

Andrew Wilesmith

Chairman

ERFSU – Development Committee

Spring is Here!

Wed 14 Mar 2018

Be prepared to be dazzled by the work of year 7 & 8! During the last two weeks they have been inspired by the daffodils blooming in and around the school grounds, with the weather gradually warming up.

Their work provides a welcome addition of colour to the corridors of our school. They will also be brightening up the school Mass later in the week.

Photos have been taken by our 6th form photography group for this article.

Mrs Tilby

STEM in the Kitchen

Wed 14 Mar 2018

Over 50 year 8 students took part in a cooking contest that took place in the main hall. Within this contest, there were four chefs: Me (Jake), Noah, Katy and Lilly and we were put into pairs. Not only that, but there was also a red and a green team.

Katy and I were paired together and put onto the green team; whilst Noah and Lilly were put onto the red team. On the green team, we were cooking Mexican Bean Burrito with a tomato and cucumber salsa and on the red team they were cooking Thai Green Curry with Aromatic rice. Each team had exactly fifteen minutes to cook their meals.

After fifteen minutes, both of the meals were cooked and ready to go. They were being judged by the students who were sitting and watching us make the meals. After many of the students had come up to try both of the meals, the scores were in and ready to be counted up. And the winner was the green team. Red team member Noah thoroughly enjoyed finishing off all the left overs from his Thai Green Curry!

The competition was organised by our new catering company Chartwells with Chef James and Chef Dave running the event. Chef James said “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at your very impressive school. The students were so polite and very well mannered. It was a pleasure to host. I hope all the students had fun and enjoyed the session.”

Jake Melville-Brown and Ms Whitehead