THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2002 No. 93

MOBILE PHONES

In July 2000 the Department for Education and Employment notified all schools about the potential dangers of mobile phones and urged all schools to restrict their use by under-16s. This advice, based on the government commissioned Stewart Report concerns the dangers of radiation on growing brains and recommends that the use of mobile phones by under-16s should be restricted to emergencies only.
This is completely in line with the school policy on mobile phones. To re-iterate, whilst we understand that many parents may wish to provide their sons with mobile phones for reasons connected with their safety, we insist that they are switched off during the school day and are not used at school.
This has become an issue on occasions due to the serious misuse of mobile phones by a few pupils, including the making of hoax and malicious calls. This is not only against school rules but may also be illegal. Anyone behaving in such a way cannot expect to be allowed to continue to bring a phone to school.
We would therefore ask for the support of all parents in ensuring that their sons use their phones in line with the Government health advice given above. It should also be noted that all mobile phones should be insured and that they are only brought to school at their owner's risk. This applies to all other expensive equipment.
Please note that we are not able to investigate or search for lost personal electronic equipment such as mobile phones or personal CD players.
Headteacher

INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FAIR SUCCESS - NICK HAYWARD 3rd IN THE WORLD

Following my National Science Fair success in March, I recently represented the United Kingdom at the Intel ISEF - The International Science and Engineering Fair in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a huge opportunity to gain scientific recognition, and meet young scientists from the United States and all over the World.
Only two students from Britain were chosen from the best at our National Science Fair. It's been a huge privilege just to attend - few earn the right to attend the week long experience, funded by Intel and by Kentucky State itself. My holiday expenses have all been funded by the charity of the British Association for advancement of science.
The week was not only enjoyable throughout, but it made a much needed break from A-level revision. In fact, I didn't spend much time at my chemistry presentation. Many events were organised by Intel and I always seemed busy. These included excursions around Kentucky and an invitation with International students to join some of the world's greatest physicians for breakfast at the leading-edge Jewish Hospital nearby.
Huge finalist gatherings were also arranged, allowing students to meet and enjoy music and social events. As the vast majority of finalists were from the USA, being one of only two Brits was a huge bonus as other students seemed very keen to meet me - even just to chat and get photos.
Each finalist is judged eight times and given a cumulative score in their respective science category. The Fair is very category based; all fifteen categories have their own judges and ranking system because the science was so different from one category to the next.
After a gruelling day's judging, I enjoyed another student mixer event. I had no expectations of winning anything at the Fair. I was competing on a global scale, and glad just to be at ISEF. Plenty of the projects were patented, examples include rocket science and potential cures for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, I was shocked when I scored sufficiently high to win third place in Chemistry. The top four places in each category are rewarded; I am very pleased to be bringing a 'Science Olympic' bronze medal home to Britain. I also won $1000 dollars (£700) cash.
Overall, the experience was unforgettable and worthwhile throughout. I would recommend any young scientist to try and get involved in research outside of school. I have achieved so much career recognition and experience, yet above all, I enjoyed it.
Nick Hayward - Head Prefect 2001-2002

YOUNG ENTERPRISE SUCCESS

The Young Enterprise Group, Apex-Enterprises, took part in the Kent County Finals on 9th May. They did extremely well, winning to go through to the South East England Regional Final of the HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards 2002. This event will take place on Wednesday 19th June in Horsham.
Mr M Harrison - Subject Leader for Economics and Business Studies

UK JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE RESULTS

With over 3000 schools taking part and nearly 210,000 entrants the following did very well to achieve certificates.
Year 8:
Gold: Richard Biggs, Luke Clark, Lewis Clewlow, William Harding, Alastair Walker, Benjamin Walker
Silver: Arian Beqiri, Freddie Cameron, Nathan Cotter, Samuel Coughlan, Luke Douglas, Jamie Guy, Craig Higgins, Wesley Levesley, Lance Pitchers, Ryan Porter, Ben Rix, Michael Schlamm, James Sherred
Bronze: Matthew Goodbun
Year 7:
Gold: Dale King, Jamie Reid, Philip Witty
Silver: Anthony Bugden, Luke Edwards, Adrian Falconer, Richard Ferrell, Adam Hall, Michael Hornsey, Toby Kember, Luke Martin, Victor Townsend, Kye Westgarth
Bronze: Simon Garlinge, Alastair Hall, Iain MacDonald, Oliver Schofield
Congratulations to all those who took part, especially Richard Biggs who came top in the school.
Mr D Murray - Subject Leader for Maths

YEAR 12 ACTIVITIES WEEK - 17th-21st June

This is a new development for the Sixth Form this year, enabling us to broaden the experience of our students outside of the conventional classroom. It will also ease them back into academic study for the A2 courses after the long AS examination period. During the week we will run team competitions much as The Great Egg Race and the Upper School Challenge (in the style of University Challenge). There will also be presentations by local magistrates, the Crown Prosecution Service and by a survivor of the Holocaust.
On Wednesday there will be a five-a-side football competition with Afghan refugees and the week will conclude with a lecture by Professor Bill Maguire on 'The End of the World'.
Mr M G Thomas - Head of Upper School

SIXTH FORM INDUCTION WEEK - 24th-27th June

This week will enable current Year 11 students to be fully prepared to start their AS courses in September. They will have two sessions in each of their chosen subjects, some research opportunities and the change to use the Sixth Form facilities and adopt the Sixth Form dress code.
Mr M G Thomas - Head of Upper School

LAW DEPARTMENT - Forthcoming Events

In September 2002 another Magistrates Court Mock Trial Competition will be open to Year 9. Those who wish to do so will be able to enter the National Competition. A team of twelve will be required who will take on the roles of lawyers, court staff, witnesses and, of course, the defendant. A court reporter will also be required. Each team will take part in two trials, defending and prosecuting a specially written case. This will also be part of the Citizenship Programme.
The competition will raise the self-esteem and confidence of the students and therefore is an excellent way in teaching citizenship as it is about opening up the court processes and wider knowledge and understanding amongst young people and will provide students an insight into the criminal justice system. Further details will follow in the Autumn Term.
Running alongside the Magistrates Court Mock Trial Competition for Year 9 is the Bar National Mock Trial Competition 2002-2003 open to Years 12 and 13. This competition will provide a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience of the workings of the legal system. This year regional heats will take place in November and the trials in March 2003. There is no need for students to have studied any law before taking part in the competition. It is an excellent forum to gain confidence in public speaking and in being advocates, while other students take on the role of witnesses, court staff and jury. The Bar National Mock Trial Competition provides all competitors with a real insight into the workings of the criminal justice system. It is a marvellous opportunity to perform and have fun. The competition is not just about students who want to become lawyers, solicitors or barristers, it's about what the law means in society and what it means to be a citizen.
The Citizenship Foundation and the Bar Council will provide students with the opportunity to see how the justice system works. A team of thirteen will be required. Wigs and gowns will be provided!
Those students who would like further information please come and see me, in Room S.1. in the Sixth Form block to obtain further details concerning these two prestigious competitions.
Lastly, a House of Commons/Lords Parliament visit is expected to take place early in September and it will be another opportunity for any interested student to participate an Inns of Court visit namely to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and to meet some members of the Bar.
P.S. If any last year Year 9 student would like to re-apply please come and see me.
Mr V P Crofts - Subject Leader for Law

ART DEPARTMENT
Playscheme 2002 Logo Winners

The School has won the Playscheme 2002 logo competition organised by Dover District Council. DDC thanked the school "for providing a creative & varied selection of designs for Dover District Council Playscheme".
There were three winners:
Robert North (Year 7), Michael Schlamm (Year 8), and Alex Rodgers (Year 9).
There will be a presentation held at the Council Offices on Friday 26th July when photographs will be taken and the pupils will meet with the Playscheme leaders and sponsors.
Mr S Almond - Subject Leader for Art & Design

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The next event to be presented by the school's musicians will be the Summer Concert on Wednesday 10th July at 7.30 pm in the School Hall.
The following pupils have been successful in Graded Music Examinations recently and deserve congratulations:
Philip Witty Grade 1 Drum Kit with Honours
Matthew Burr Grade 1 Drum Kit with High Honours
Joel Wade Grade 4 Drum Kit with Merit
Mr R S Davies - Director of Music

CANTEEN NEWS

Our new Breakfast Club has taken off to a flying start with hot bacon rolls and warm croissants proving a sell out! There is plenty of room for improvement on the menu and we would love to hear your requests and ideas for your own particular favourite.
The Breakfast Club is an excellent way to start the day and the pupils who have been in the canteen this week have not only enjoyed the foot but the company of their pals in an easy relaxed atmosphere before the hectic day in the classroom.
It's interesting to note that a few members of staff have also taken advantage of this facility, so it's not only pupils who don't have time for breakfast before they leave home!
Please give the canteen your support - the more you give, the more we will be able to give you.
Mrs M Pardoe

SCHOOL WEB SITES

As the school web site continues to grow with current information for pupils, parents and teachers alike it continues to pick up more awards. To date the site had amassed no less than 38 awards from around the world; a couple of the comments sent with the awards are shown below:-
"As a single American "Mum" of an 11 year old boy, I couldn't help but wish I had the freedom or the money to send him to such an excellent school as yours. So many problems of his, regarding confidence, performance and self-esteem could have been remedied, if not completely avoided by a curriculum such as yours. It is clear your school has heart and compassion. Please accept my award for excellence on the web".
Sincerely, Brisa (3/June/2002)
"Thank you for applying for my award and giving me the opportunity to visit your site.
My visit with you was very much enjoyed and I spent quite a bit of time there. I was quite impressed. It is outstanding in providing a service for your pupils and staff. Keep up the good work. I wish you much success with your school and its students. Warm Regards, Gerry (10/June/2002)
I have applied for some more awards this week, so we will wait and see whether the site is up to the varied criteria of the different awards available. I think that not only is it good to gain these awards and show them on the school site, but it ensures that the quality of the contents and presentation is on at least a par with other sites around the world. Not all applications for awards have been successful, however the constructive criticism I get from some of the judges has been invaluable for the site's development.
I am still working on the virtual walk around of the school and of course the school archives.
I am slowly working through "The Pharos" magazines that go back to 1908, and although all the nine bound volumes are on line and easily searchable with the on line search engine, a good deal still needs to be proof read and formatted into a more pleasing viewing.
Mr P Skelton - Workshop Technician/Reprographics

CCF

The CCF has had another very busy and successful half term. On 12th May a group of ten cadets attended the Cadet Skill at Arms shooting competition at Hythe Ranges. Our under 16's pair won first place, while the over 16's came third. Also in May we managed a very respectable tenth out of approximately forty teams in a shooting competition at Ash Range. Well done to all involved in both competitions.
On Friday 17th May fourteen lucky cadets from the RAF Section travelled to RAF Wyton to take part in Air Experience Flying. The very long but highly enjoyable day proved to be an excellent success, with the more experienced cadets enjoying the thrills of aerobatics, such as barrel rolls and loops. The younger cadets got to experience just as much with many taking control of the Grob Tutor for the duration of their flights.
Over the half term holiday a group of fourteen cadets attended a very stressful and disciplined NCO Cadre, where they were taught how to be an effective NCO. The very tiring week proved to be highly successful and the following awards were given:
Best overall cadet - Cdt Gisby
Best effort - Cdt Thompson
Most improved - Cdt Hurling
I would also like to send my congratulations on behalf of all the staff and cadets to Pilot Officer V Crofts who successfully gained his commission in the RAFVR(T)
CWO Downer - Contingent Senior Cadet

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
PFA 200 Club

The winners of the May draw were:
1st £25 Mrs A Rodgers (80), 2nd Mrs J Savage £15 (15), 3rd £10 Mrs P Smith (193)
The winners of the June draw were as follows:
Special Prize £100 Mrs E Keen (102
1st £25 Mrs R Kirk (179), 2nd £15 Mr J Sarjeant (190), 3rd £10 Mr J G Smith (13)
Mrs P Brown - 200 Club Secretary

SPORTS NEWS

Congratulations to Luke Meredith who was selected to take part in the Royal Sun Alliance National U15 10-a-side Rugby Festival. He played for 'Kent Rural' with the competition being held in Manchester. Luke's team were unbeaten until the final when they faced their friends 'Kent Metropolitans' who beat them by one try. Luke was voted 'Man of the Tournament'.
The following day the team had the chance to play in the Commonwealth Stadium in Manchester. They played against Merseyside and won 24-7.
Well done Luke.
Congratulations also go to Paul Cairns. Paul has been selected to take part in the Active Sports Talent Camp. This will take place at the South Bank University in London in July. This is a prestigious event and a massive achievement for Paul.

CRICKET

Thursday 16th May: Year 7 Cup Match -v- Norton Knatchbull G.S.
This was our very first match and overall produced a useful performance, although we lost the match by four wickets.
Chris Jay and Leigh Walker proved to be the highest scorers with the bat.
Leigh Walker and Richard Ferrell opened the bowling, with Leigh taking two wickets and later Richard Dadd also took two.
Our basic problem revolved around not scoring enough runs and at times our batsmen were not calling clearly to one another.
Obviously our first match was a learning curve for all the team and we hope to see improvements in all facets of the game - batting, bowling and fielding.
We look forward to our next match which is a friendly at home against Sir Roger Manwood's from Sandwich.
Results: DGSB 60 all out. Norton Knatchbull 77 for 6
Tuesday 21st May: Year 8 School Cricket Team -v- Sir Roger Manwood's
Leaving school with a depleted team did not help our cause although overall this was a reasonable team performance.
Dover went into bat first scoring 6-2 in the 20 overs. Leon Stevenson put together the highest score making 12 runs.
Jack Savage and Remy Martin in particular bowled well, ably supported by James Jolliffe. However, the basic problem lay in not having scored enough runs with the bat. Although we took 7 of their wickets and put them under some pressure we did not manage to turn this into a win.
As a team we need to improve our batting in order to support our bowlers. This was a match which we could have won.
Results: DGSB 62 for 8 wickets. SRM 66 for 7 wickets. School Team lost by 3 wickets.
Thursday 23rd May: Year 7 School Cricket Team -v- Sir Roger Manwood's
This was a friendly match in which we lost the toss and were put into bat. Once again, at times we continued to swing the bat rather wildly. Half the team were caught. Leigh Walker was the highest scorer making 13 runs with the bat. Much more attention needs to be given to choosing appropriate shots for the type of ball bowled. Too many of our players rather threw their wickets away.
Some good bowling and fielding found us in a position to win with Sir Roger Manwood's on 29 for 6 wickets. Leigh Walker took 3 wickets, Zack Foulds took 2 and Robert Paton took 1. Unfortunately SRM's two middle order batsmen then proceeded to consolidate their precarious run situation and went on to win them the match.
To summarise we need to work to improve our batting in order to support our competent bowling and fielding performance. This was a game which we could easily have won.
Results: DGSB 40 runs all out. SRM 41 runs for 6 wickets. School Team lost by 4 wickets
Mr M Grant - Subject Leader for PE

Cricket Fixtures:

June:
Thurs. 13th at 3.45 pm Year 7 -v- Astor (H)
Thurs. 13th at 3.45 pm Year 9 -v- Astor (A)
Tues. 18th at 4.30 pm Year 10 -v- Norton Knatchbull (A)
Tues. 18th at 4.30 pm Year 9 -v- Norton Knatchbull (H)
Thurs. 20th at 4.30 pm Year 7 -v- Norton Knatchbull (H)
Thurs. 20th at 4.30 pm Year 8 -v- Norton Knatchbull (A)
Tues. 25th at 3.40 pm Year 10 -v- SRM (H)
Thurs. 27th at 2.00 pm 1st XI Cricket -v- SRM (A)

TABLE TENNIS

It won't be long now before the school has to submit the teams we wish to play in the Dover and District Table Tennis League. Would all pupils, parents, and staff, please let me have the names of the players who would like to play for the school this year. This will enable me to organise the teams and forward them to the Dover Table Tennis Committee.
As usual, teams need a minimum of three players and the games commence after school from 19.30 to about 22.00. Home games will be played in the school gym whilst away games will be played at various venues, which last year included Eastry, West Langdon, River and the Fire Station, Whitfield. Transport for the teams will need to be organised by the teams themselves.
Although the teams will be playing under the DGSB name the staff of the school cannot be held responsible for supervision of the teams while playing at away matches. However, an adult will always be present at the home events.
Mr P Skelton - Workshop Technician/Reprographics

DOMINO CLUB

As an experiment I am thinking of starting up a Domino Club for any pupil or member of staff of the school. The club will take place between 13.10 and 13.45 (dinner time), venue to be decided with possible workshops for anyone interested.
There are many games that can be played with a set of dominoes including "fives and threes", "Maltese Cross" and "Chicken Foot".
I currently have 5 sets of dominoes - one double 6, three double 9 and one double 15 set - and I will be willing to lend these sets out and initially instruct on the rules and regulations of the various games I know. Space and numbers will be limited.
If this does prove popular I would like the school to be able to purchase more sets of dominoes. I will therefore be asking for an entrance fee of 20p per session until the school has it's own domino sets.
Anyone interested in learning to play please see me during break time, in the reprographics department between 11.10 and 12.00 or request that a note be placed in my pigeon hole in the staff room.
Mr P Skelton - Workshop Technician/Reprographics

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Sports Day: Friday 28th June