THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2002 No. 96

GUEST EVENING - 13th September

Friday 13th September saw our annual Guest Evening pass with a very successful celebration of the work of all those who left Year 13 last June, as well as the most successful GCSE students.

As usual the incoming President of the Old Pharosians was the Guest of Honour - this year we were delighted to welcome Mr Roger Gabriel, a former member of staff at DGSB as well, who spoke interestingly about developments in the Adult Education sector in Dover in which he is a leading figure. As well as all the parents/supporters of the prize certificate winners other guests included the Chairman of Dover District Council, the Mayor of Dover and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Governors, members of the Parents & Friends Association and of the Old Pharosians Association, and former members of staff.

It was particularly rewarding to see so many ex-Year 13 students (57 out of a possible 67 attended), the vast majority going on to interesting and demanding courses at a range of Universities, present in the Hall once again.

As is usual on these occasions there were a number of enjoyable musical items, including solos by Aaron Hobday and Robert MacKay and a speech of welcome by the Headteacher outlining the developments and advances made during the past year.

Mr G M D Falconer - Assistant Headteacher

BIOLOGY PROJECT WEEK 2002

On the 21st July three students from the Girls Grammar School and I attended Biology Project Week, a residential course at the University of Kent at Canterbury, with twelve other students from schools in Kent. When I arrived I was shown my accommodation for the week and also met the other students on the course.

On the first full day I was introduced to my supervisor for the project I was undertaking entitled "What is histology? The answer is skin deep". In total there were eight projects each with two students working with a supervisor. My project involved the study of skin samples from different species and different parts of the human body. First I had to colour the samples using various dyes and on the first day I used a dye which coloured two parts of the skin, the epidermis and dermis, a red and blue colour. In the evening there was a talk followed by a quiz.

On the second day I used two more staining techniques. These were used to bring out certain organelles of the skin namely the collagen and elastic fibres. After this we watched a movie.

The third day involved using a technique of staining with skin using antibodies. In the evening there was a very interesting talk on bioethics, which turned into a discussion. 

On Thursday a trip to Pfizer was arranged. We had a tour of the plant where we looked at the different sciences and techniques that take place. We also had talks on the use of animals in scientific testing. 

The last full day was used to create posters on our projects and to make a presentation using PowerPoint, which we would give to our parents on Saturday morning. We then went for a final meal at the Olive Grove in Canterbury and a few of us went to the cinema. The presentations on Saturday were conducted in the Lecture Theatre at the university. After the presentations there was an award ceremony for the four students who had understood their project the best, presented it well and also got on with the rest of the group well. The prizes were two eight week placements at Pfizer for next summer and two prizes of £700 for the science department of your school and £50 for the student. I was fortunate enough to win the latter prize. The week was very enjoyable and I learnt a lot about different scientific techniques. It also gave me a chance to consider my options for the future.

Cameron Ward - Head Prefect

SIXTH FORM VISIT TO LONDON

On Monday 16th September the annual Sixth Form visit to London took place. The purpose of this visit is to provide students with the chance to find out more about the political life of the country and to experience some of the cultural and intellectual riches of the capital city.

We began with the Houses of Parliament. For about an hour everybody had a chance to learn about the workings of Parliament by watching a video followed by discussion and questions to an MP. On this occasion it was Sir Teddy Taylor who was entertaining and witty as well as offering some clear and at times unpopular views to the group. Many students took the chance to ask questions on subjects as diverse as the legalisation of cannabis, the oath of allegiance and military action against Iraq. Sir Teddy gave his replies in a considered and forthright way, and was also keen to discover the views of his sixth form audience. His views on Europe (he is a noted eurosceptic) led to some interesting exchanges with staff. The visit concluded with an hour long guided tour of the Houses of Parliament during which students were able to see for themselves the extraordinary architecture of the building and the way it is used to conduct the business of government.

In the afternoon the groups split up. The largest party accompanied Mr Crofts to the Inns of Court, where they were able to learn more about the formal training required to become a member of the legal profession and also have tea with a judge, Lord Justice Mummery and a barrister, Mr Anthony Bradley, both old boys of the school. About twenty students visited the Science Museum and enjoyed some new displays of contemporary research. A smaller group went to the Tate Modern gallery, crossing the now unmoving Millennium Bridge to discover some surprises of challenging contemporary art.

Visits such as this are an integral part of the educational programme in the Sixth Form, and are sure to benefit students when they come to work on the General Studies A level in Year 13. I would like to express my thanks to my colleagues who came on the trip, Mr Crofts, Dr Cruttenden and Mrs Owen.
Mr M G Thomas - Head of Sixth Form

YEAR 12 AS GEOGRAPHY FIELDWORK

The Year 12 geographers travelled to Camber Sands in East Sussex on Tuesday 24th September to carry out transects of the sand dunes there. In addition to transects the students took soil samples, photographs and evaluated the landscape. Camber Sands is one of the few remaining stretches of natural sand dunes in the south-east. The day's work represented an opportunity for the students to put to the test geographical theory for this particular ecosystem.

On Wednesday 25th September the same group made the shorter journey to the village of Capel-le-Ferne in order to study the morphology of the village. The students made a comprehensive house survey and performed traffic counts.

The AS Geography group this year comprises 8 boys and 6 girls (from DGSG) and worked well together over the two days. These students will now collate and analyse the data collected to produce an Environmental Investigation for their AS coursework.

Dr French and Mr Ralph organised the fieldwork assisted by minibus drivers Mr Gaskell, Mr Thomas and Dr Jackson.

Mr B Ralph - Geography Department

FREE ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS FOR YEAR 7 PUPILS

The School's Geography Department is spearheading a Government and Ordnance Survey initiative to give every Year 7 pupil a free 1:25000 map of the local area. Dr French is "free maps co-ordinator" and by tomorrow all first year pupils will have been issued with their own copy of the most up-to-date 1:25000 Explorer map of Dover, Folkestone and Hythe (on which the school appears). In addition they have each been given a £1 off voucher towards buying other OS maps in W H Smith high street stores, a letter to their parents explaining the scheme and a very useful leaflet entitled "Map Reading made easy peasy lemon squeezy"!

These maps are the boys' own property and may be taken home. The maps will, however, be needed during Geography lessons in the next few weeks (so boys will have to bring them in to school then) while Year 7 pupils conduct a survey of the School environment and later practice using four and six figure grid references. The maps will come in handy throughout Key Stage 3 for many other topics and subjects.

Dr A J French - Subject Leader for Geography

MUSIC

The School's musicians have already got off to a busy start this term with a full programme of rehearsals as well as providing music at Guest Evening on Friday 13th September (reported on elsewhere in this Newsletter).

The School organ, celebrating its Seventieth birthday this Autumn was featured in the customary recital of organ music given by Mr Davies before the Old Pharosians' Association Annual Dinner on Saturday 21st September and current members of the school had the opportunity to hear the instrument in a short concert given during Assembly the following week.

The last musical event this term will be the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Wednesday 18th December.

Mr R S Davies - Director of Music

SCHOOL LIBRARY

Good news. The Library has just taken delivery of its latest computer which is now being installed and networked. This brings us to the grand total of ten. Thank you to all family and friends who again helped us reach our goal.

Our winter fundraising comes again in the guise of Nestle cereal "Box Tops". Each voucher is worth 10p. During the Spring all vouchers are redeemed and exchanged for a cheque which I have used in the past to boost Lower School fiction. Every little helps! Please start collecting now. Vouchers can either be handed to me directly or at the School Office.

Thank you to all those Year 7 and Year 8 pupils who purchased books last month from the Scholastic Book Club, another leaflet will be circulated before Christmas to help solve those present dilemmas.
All pupils will be receiving new library cards later this term. This does not affect book borrowing for any pupil in the meantime as details are already entered on the Library management system.

Mrs L K George - School Librarian

MATHS SURGERY

This will be held in Room C, every Tuesday as follows:
Years 7 & 8 13.05 - 13.30
Years 9, 10 & 11 13.30 - 14.00
Mr Frost will be providing help / advice / assistance with classwork / homework / coursework.

Bring along your problems. No numbers too big, no fractions too small.

CHRISTIAN UNION

Meetings will be held every Friday lunchtime in Room L7 from 1.25 pm.

For more details please speak to John-Neal Roberts in 13K.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT

A visit by pupils from a German school in Wartenberg will take place on Friday 11th October. These visitors will be in school during the morning when they will gain some idea of how the English school system runs.

Mrs F Lloyd - Subject Leader for Modern Foreign Languages

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

Please note that the next PFA fund raising event will be the very popular Wine and Wisdom evening to be held in the School Hall on 8th November. Again it will be teams of eight at a cost of £3 per head. Details of the evening will be sent home with your son so keep an eye out for that. Please will you let us know that you are coming so that we can allocate enough tables and stationery. Even if you don't have a team of eight still come along as we can allocate you a table.

We will be holding a raffle on the evening and all funds raised will be matched £1 for £1 by Barclays Bank. Your support for this event will be gratefully received. We are asking that everyone bring along a prize for the draw and for those of you not able to attend if you would kindly give a raffle prize to your son to hand in to the School Office over the next few weeks it would be appreciated.

It is important that the evening is successful as all the funds raised are going towards the £5,000 fund which we have already put aside to assist the school in buying a replacement mini bus. The bus is used by the whole school to transport your sons on various school trips such as History visits to Ypres and the Somme and for rugby and football matches. It really is a great night. Everyone who has taken part in the past have all commented on how they have enjoyed it so why not come along.

The purchase of the bus will depend on the school budget and its MOT. I would urge anyone to come forward who may be able to get us a good deal on the price of a minibus. Please give your name in a letter to the School Office marked for the attention of the PFA. I have already received a business card from the father of a boy in Year 7 with such an offer.

Another date for your diary is Wednesday 18th December for the Christmas Carol Concert - more details will follow.

The next PFA meeting will be on 6th November at 7.00 pm. Anyone wishing to come along and serve on the committee will be most welcome. On that evening we will be stuffing envelopes with the Christmas raffle tickets. All help will be appreciated. Depending on the numbers that evening we will use either the Headteacher's Study or the Library.

Mrs J Gambrell - Chairman

CCF

This term the CCF has been unusually busy in preparation for the biennial inspection. On Friday 20th September Group Captain Cross was welcomed to the unit by an RAF Section Guard of Honour, under the command of Sgt. Naomi Cannons. Throughout the day he viewed various activities run by the NCOs in each section and inspected the Contingent on parade. The unit waits for the official report, but we are confident that the day was a huge success. Such a big event takes a lot of preparation and I would like to thank all the officers and cadets at the unit. I would also like to thank the school office staff and finally the catering staff for the magnificent lunch they prepared for Group Captain Cross and the CCF staff.

Further back, over the summer holidays both sections attended annual camps at RAF Shawbury for the RAF Section and Nesscliff for the Army. The week long events were great fun for all involved and below is an account from each section on what actually went on.

Army Section - The accommodation could be described as anything but luxurious! The tin huts accommodated all the Army section males while the females were lucky enough to stay in a proper building! Nevertheless, throughout the week we were able to take part in a variety of activities, from shooting to canoeing. It was a great week for all and we are all looking forward to next year's camp.

RAF Section - This year the RAF section went to RAF Shawbury for their annual camp. The tented camp at the defence helicopter training school was highly enjoyable with activities ranging from shooting to helicopter flying. The week was enjoyed by all.

Finally, congratulations to Flt Lts Sarah and David Masters who annouced the birth of baby James on Wednesday morning.

CWO James Downer

SPORTS NEWS

DOVER 7-A- SIDE CUPS 
Saturday 28th September

The school teams were trying to emulate last years feat of winning four of the five cups on offer but this was going to be a tall order as several of the best players were unable to play.

In glorious weather the Dover teams played Archers Court in the first game. Yr. 7 and Yr. 10 both drew 0 - 0 whilst Yr. 8 and Yr. 11 won 3 - 0. Yr. 9 set their stall out by winning 7 - 0.

The second games were against Castle Community School. Yr. 11 won 1- 0, Yr. 10 won 3 - 0, Yr. 8 won 4 - 1, Yr. 4 - 1. Yr. 7 were unlucky to only draw 1- 1. The scene was set for four of our teams to win their respective Cups by winning their last games against Walmer. 

Following their earlier thrashing by Walmer in the League Yr. 7 played exceptionally well to record a 1 - 1 draw and earn 3rd place overall.

Yr. 8 had a few scares in their game but easily won 7 - 3 to retain their Cup. Yr. 9 played very confidently as a team and took their chances well. They ran out 3 - 0 winners.

Yr. 10 had a hard game against Walmer but eventually won 2 - 1. This is the first time that any Yr. 10 team has won this Cup. Well done!

Yr. 11 could afford to lose 1- 0 and still win their Cup, according to normal football rules. After going down 1- 0 early in the game the team changed tactics to hold out for this result. When the final whistle went with the score still at 1 - 0 we all thought Yr. 11 had also won their Cup. Unfortunately there appears to have been a rule change somewhere in the past and Dover lost the Cup because Walmer scored more goals throughout the Tournament. Normally it is goal difference that decides this. Technically, under normal rules Dover won four Cups again. Well done to all who took part. Medals will be presented shortly.

Some match reports appear below. Please can captains provide me with a match report for inclusion in future editions?

Year 11 Football v Walmer

On Thursday 12th September the Year 11 football team started of their Dover district league campaign away to a reasonably strong Walmer team. After losing the toss Dover were forced to shoot down hill in the 1st half on a very small pitch, which from the start, was obvious it wouldn't suit Dover's style of play.

The game got off to a lively start with both midfields trying to gain some early domination. The first real chance of the game came after about 10 minutes when Chris Horne got behind the full back on the right and played a good cross into the danger area which Steven King attacked with a diving header which went narrowly wide.

As the half went on Dover started to dominate the game more as James Brannan struck a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was well saved by the keeper.

During this time Walmer had their fair share of attacks, which if not thwarted by the defence were ended by keeper Ollie Mayes.

After about 30 minutes Dover took the lead when the ball dropped from a corner and Lewis Callanan was in the right place at the right time to fire in from 12 yards.

Dover then doubled their lead five minutes later when a ball from Luke Cochrane found James Brannan, with the defence steeping up looking to claim offside a through ball was played, Brannan raced through on goal and finished well past the keeper to make it 2-0 to Dover.

Soon after, the half time whistle blew to end a good performance from the visiting side. A quick chat at the interval was followed by the arrival of substitute Firas Nasr for his debut. Dover started the second half as they finished in dominant style but were unable to add to their lead.

With ten minutes gone in the second half a long ball from the keeper led to the ball luckily breaking to a Walmer forward who finished well to make it 2-1.

The change of ends meant Dover were now shooting up the steep hill, but after conceding, Dover responded well with good strikes from Lewis Fitzjohn and Luke Cochrane which nearly added to the visitors lead. Dover's best chance of the second half came after some good play between Luke Cochrane and debutant Nasr led to the latter hitting a sweet strike at goal which was well saved by the Walmer keeper.

The game then turned into a midfield battle with both sides having a share of the ball and the chances, but thanks to the Dover defence Walmer never looked like scoring.

As the game went on Walmer attacked more but Dover nearly scored on the break when Steven King hit a powerful left foot shot from 25 yards, which just went over the bar.

With two minutes left Walmer nearly equalised as the ball broke to a Walmer forward inside the penalty just as he was about to shoot Ben Punton made a great tackle to stop a near certain goal.

The final whistle went a few minutes later and a very satisfying Dover win was complete with the final score being 2-1.

A great team performance ensured this win. Special praise must go to the three man defence of Ben Punton, Sean Golden and Richard Hayward who all played superbly and thwarted many Walmer attacks. There was also a good performance from Stephen O'Brien on the left side of midfield.

Dover will now look to build on this performance in the next league game at home to St. Edmunds.

Year 11 Football v St Edmunds

On Monday 23rd September the Year 11 team travelled to The Danes to play St. Edmunds in the Dover District League. With half the team walking there in the rain we were very disappointed to find out that they only had nine players, as they couldn't organise a team.

After short discussions between Captain Steven King, Mr Collins and St. Edmunds manager it was agreed that we would take the points but play a nine against nine game with rolling subs.

When the game eventually got under way Dover started brightly with some good passing and after ten minutes deservedly took the lead when Chris Home, playing in only his second game, picked up the ball and after progressing 5 yards, struck a great shot from 20 yards which dissected two defenders and ended up in the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

Just after the first set of changes Dover doubled their lead when Chris Horne played a well weighted ball over the top of the defence was latched onto by Steven King who finished from 12 yards with no defenders close to him.

Five minutes later it was 3-0 and Steven King doubled his personal tally after midfielder Luke Cochrane had struck a shot against the angle of the goal. King followed up and headed in unmarked from six yards out.

Dover were now in complete control of the game and it was no surprise when they scored a fourth before half time. The goal came about when Stephen O'Brien played in Horne, and after holding off two defenders, he managed to get his shot away which squeezed in between the keeper and his near post for Horne's 2nd goal.

Half-time soon followed and a whole load more substitutions, the second half was quickly forgetful except from one moment when Firas Nasr laid the ball back to Richard Hayward who struck a volley into the top comer to make it 5-0.

Dover created a few more chances in the second half, which they were unable to take and the game ended in a rather dull manner with Dover happy with their performance and St. Edmunds losing interest, as the game was lost before it even started.

This was a good team performance and the smaller team was helpful as preparation for the seven-a-side tournament. Praise must also go to the defence again who never looked under too much pressure but kept a well-earned clean sheet.

Year 9 Football V Walmer

On Tuesday, September 10th Year 9 played Walmer away. The result was an emphatic 12 - 5 win for Dover.

The first goal came from a superb cross supplied by Nick Shaw and scored by Aaron read. Sammy Brannan added number 2 and before half time Reed and Brannan added another goal each.

At half time the score was 4 - 4 so some tactical changes were made - shoot from outside the box and use the slope to clear the keeper. This was carried with devastating effect 5 times.

Lloyd Stevenson and Tom Kent added number 5 and 6 very quickly. By the end Reed and Brannan added more goals to turn the game into a rout. 

PE Uniform

After 3 weeks most of Years 7 to 10 are now in the correct kit. A small minority of Years 10 and 11 still need to bring the correct clothing and footwear. Many pupils still need to buy shin pads and football boots - they are for players' safety and are legally required if they want to take part in competitive games within the lessons.

Pupils without the correct kit will no longer be able to take a full part in game parts of the lessons unless they are wearing the required boots and shin pads.

PE Clubs

All PE clubs are on the notice boards. Please check to see if one suits you. Next half term sees the start of rugby and cross-country clubs. Make sure you attend these if you want to be selected for the school teams.

School soccer and rugby shirts

If you or your brothers have any football or rugby shirts still at home from previous years please return them - no questions asked. Several school kits are missing odd shirts and thus cannot be used for school matches.

Mr W Howe - Subject Leader for PE

October Football Fixtures

Thurs. 3rd: 4.00 pm Years 8 & 11 -v- Castle Community (A) and Year 10 -v- Castle Community (H)
Sat. 5th: 10.00 am Years 7 & 8 -v- Norton Knatchbull (friendly) (A)
Tues. 8th: 4.00 pm Years 7 & 9 -v- Sandwich (H)
Thurs. 10th: 4.00 pm Years 8 & 11 -v- Sandwich (H) and Year 10 -v- Sandwich (A)
Tues. 15th: 4.00 pm Years 7 & 9 -v- Astor (A)
Thurs. 17th: 4.00 pm Years 8 & 11 -v- Astor (A) and Year 10 -v- Astor (H)
Tues. 22nd: 4.00 pm Years 7 & 9 -v- Archers Court (H)

A summary of the football matches played over the past few weeks is attached.

Below is a summary of the football matches played over the past few weeks.

DOVER DISTRICT LEAGUE

Year 7 Versus WALMER Lost 6 — 2
Year 8 Versus WALMER won 16 — 1
Year 9 Versus WALMER won 12 — 5
Year 11 Versus WALMER won 2 — 1

Year 7 Versus St EDMUNDS won 11 — 1
Year 8 Versus St EDMUNDS won 11 — 4
Year 9 Versus St EDMUNDS won 12 — 0
Year 10 Versus St EDMUNDS won 4 — 0
Year 11 Versus St EDMUNDS won 5 — 0

KENT CUP

Year 8 Versus Dane Court GS won 2 — 1

EAST KENT U 19 PREMIER LEAGUE

1st XI Versus Simon Langton CS lost 2 — 1 K Pettman
1st XI Versus Sir Joseph Williamsons won 3 — 1 K Pettman, I Chan 2
1st XI Versus Tunbridge Wells CS won 6 — 3 K Pettman, P McCarvill, R Guy, A Mann, S Sheppard 2

Statistics

All 13 matches so far

Won 11
Lost 2

Goals

For 87
Against 25

Notes

1. The Year 7 team is now much more organised and their 11 — 1 win last week showed tat they will also be a force to be reckoned with this year.

2. The Year 8 Kent Cup match was a repeat of last year’s Quarter-final. So well done to the Year 8 team on finding their form so early in the season.

3. The Year 9 team has scored 24 goals in 2 matches. Aaron Reed scoring 6 in one match.

4. The Year S team has scored 27 goals in 2 matches

1st XI

5. After losing their 1st U19 League match (in the dying minutes) to Simon Langton, the 1st XI have since recorded 2 fine wins against very strong opposition. Indeed, Tunbridge Wells were 3rd in the League last year and beat Simon Langton last week. The 1st XI are obviously improving together as a team.

6. Kieran Pettman popped up for a last minute goal against T Wells. The significance of this is that he has scored in all 3 games form the centre half position?

7. Special mention to Daniel Ashhy who has played superbly in goal in all matches and Ben Clutton an inspirational Captain

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

ANNUAL PARENTS' EVENING - Wednesday 23rd October at 7.00 pm.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS - Thursday 24th and Friday 25th October (Please do not send your sons to school on these days).

HALF TERM - Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November inclusive.