THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2003 No. 101

TRIBUTE

Ken Ruffell: Former pupils from around the world have been paying tribute to Ken Ruffell who died in Yorkshire on 20th February. He was 89. Ken had been connected with the school for more than 60 years after first being appointed as a junior geography teacher in 1937.
Born in 1914 in the outer suburbs of London, Ken gained a scholarship to Hampton Grammar School where he became deputy head prefect, captain of athletics and played in the school's soccer and cricket teams.
Following the financial crash of 1929 times were hard and they were difficult days for finding a job. The proprietor of a prep school in Hampton told the young Ken he had a form of 11 year old boys who needed occupying for the summer term and cricket was suggested.
It seemed too good to be true as he had always enjoyed cricket. As a result, he decided to become a teacher and applied for a place at University College, London, where he studied geography and economics gaining his Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to get a Certificate in Education.
In the mid 1930s, with unemployment still high, dozens if not hundreds of hopefuls went for each teaching job. Ken was one of 190 who applied for the £20 a month post of geography teacher at what was then Dover County School and he was appointed in 1937 by the former Headteacher, the late J C Booth.
At the outbreak of the Second World War the school was evacuated to Ebbw Vale in Wales and Ken went with them. In the late summer of 1940 he decided to join up in the Forces, serving in the Royal Tank Regiment, mainly as a wireless officer with the rank of Captain. He was demobbed as Captain-Adjutant of the regiment and returned to the Dover Boys' Grammar School in 1946.
He went on to become Head of Geography, a sports master and Head of Sixth Form, retiring as Deputy Head of the school in 1979. His links with the school continued through the old boys' association, the Old Pharosians, of which he was to become President.
He was also called in from time to time to do supply teaching and the last time he taught at the school was on his 80th birthday.
Before the war he had taken part in the Old Pharosians' cricket tour to the Isle of Wight, and he subsequently became editor of the association's newsletter, distributed twice a year to hundreds of former pupils throughout the world, keeping them in contact with the school and their friends. He retired as editor in 1976 but remained on the Old Pharosians' committee until 1997, completing 60 years service to the school.
While still in Dover Ken often attended the last school assembly of each term, and on the last day of the Easter term 1998, he and his wife Barbara were guests of honour when a plaque was placed in the school hall, marking his achievements. The plaque can be seen at the back of the hall.
Ken and Barbara then moved north to Baildon, near Shipley, to be near their daughter Christine and her family.
Ken had been active in the community, too, particularly with the former Dover Players, who used to stage dramatic presentations in the town. One of the highlights of his acting career was playing Hamlet in a production on the ramparts of Dover Castle. While living at Friars Way he was a member of the Parochial Church Council at St Andrew's Church, Buckland and worshipped at St Mary's Church after moving to The Gateway. He served on the Dover committee of Christian Aid of which he was elected Chairman. He was also well known in local sporting circles, especially with Dover Cosmopolitan Cricket Club of which he was chairman and on the committee of East Kent Wednesday Football League.
A thanksgiving service was held at Baildon Methodist Church on Friday 28th February when the Old Pharosians were represented by John Booth (son of former Headteacher J C Booth), Richard Gretton and Ken Lott. Ken's daughter Christine and Richard Gretton gave tributes to Ken at the service.
Many other former pupils have sent their tributes by e-mail and some of these will be published in the next edition of the Old Pharosians' newsletter. It is clear that Ken had a remarkable influence on many of the boys who attended the school and he will be remembered for many years to come.

SCHOOL TRAVEL - CODE OF CONDUCT

If your son travels to school on the bus, after Assembly on Friday (7th March) he will be given a leaflet to bring home explaining KCC's new Code of Conduct for pupils travelling on the school buses.
Dr A S Jackson - Deputy Headteacher

MARITIME CAREERS CONFERENCE

On Tuesday 18th February Dover Grammar School for Boys hosted the Maritime Careers Conference for the first time. The conference was opened by Michael Howard, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and ex Home Secretary.
Many organisations associated with this industry displayed information about the careers that they were able to offer. Over 2000 students attended during the afternoon and evening; not just from Dover schools, but from areas such as Ashford and Margate. Representatives of the organisations reported that more interviews were arranged during the conference than from any other venue in the Britain. Without doubt the conference was a great success which now places DGSB as one of the main recruiting venues for the industry in the country. It is envisaged that next year's conference will be even bigger.
For more details contact Mike Harrison, Business and Enterprise Co-ordinator

BUSINESS STUDIES

Congratulations to the Year 10 'Vortex' Business Studies Team. They entered the National Proshare Portfolio Challenge and competed against hundreds of teams to see who could raise the most money trading on the share markets. Team members James Wash, Dan Kennan, Joe Laycock and Chris Saunders have successfully qualified for the quarterfinals of Challenge and have just submitted a report outlining their trading decisions. In a time of poor share trading generally they managed to 'make' money - well-done and good luck in the next round.
Mrs J Ash - Business Studies

SCIENCE REVISION BOOKS

We still have GCSE and KS3 SAT revision books for sale at £2.50 each. (They are more expensive if you buy them elsewhere).
The KS3 book is relevant from 2003 until 2005.
The GCSE books are relevant from 2003, also until 2005.
You may well be able to sell them on to friends after you have finished with them!
Remember there are three books for GCSE - Biology, Chemistry and Physics - costing £7.50 in all. Year 10 should think about purchasing them too.
Mr S Nugus - Subject Leader for Science

MATHS CORNER

Results: Last month's Maths Corner created a lot of interest and a number of entries. However, all but two were incorrect - those of you who went for the obvious looking solution of 18 minutes should read on. The first correct solution was received from Mr Daniel Knox, a previous Maths Corner winner, who receives £10 and our best wishes.
Last Month's Solution: Janice's father sets out one hour later than usual and would expect to arrive home one hour later than usual, but arrives home only 48 minutes late.
The 12 minutes have been saved by missing out the journey from bench to school and school to bench. Thus, the journey from bench to school must take six minutes by car.
Janice's father usually passes the bench at 3.24 pm on the way to collect her, so on this day he passes it at 4.24 pm, some 54 minutes after Janice has left school. As Janice was walking for 30 minutes and sitting on the bench for the rest, she must have been sitting on the bench for 24 minutes.
MARCH'S PUZZLE: This month we have a piece of prime puzzling for you. This time it's not so much a test of skill, more a race to see who can get the correct solution first! We're offering £5 each to the first three wholly correct solutions received by the end of the month.
Buses: As you are doubtless aware, you can wait half an hour for a bus then three come along all at once.
Yesterday I waited for my bus and then three arrived at once, the first from the red company and the next two from the green company. The numbers on the buses used all the digits from 1 to 9 inclusive and were also all prime numbers. A later phone call established that the red company has 150 consecutively numbered buses from 1 to 150 and the green company 666 buses similarly numbered from 1 to 666.
On the other side of the road three buses also turned up together going in the other direction. This time they were all green buses and again each digit from 1 to 9 inclusive was used. The sum of the digits on all three buses was equal. Astonishingly, the sum of all three bus numbers was also a perfect square containing three digits!
What were the numbers of the one red and five green buses I saw?
Maths Department

MUSIC

Rock Music News: The new Rock Music News noticeboard is now well established in the Music Room and attracting a lot of interest. There is a display of information about school bands, currently features on Forge and Phazed, a Gig Guide and posters for forthcoming events. The noticeboard is being maintained by a number of Sixth Form students but any other pupils who would like to contribute to the display or write an article for this column are very welcome and should see Mr Davies.

Grade Examinations
The following pupil has been successful in a recent Music practical examination and deserves congratulations:
Andrew Fellows - Grade 1 Piano
Spring Concert: On Wednesday 19th March at 7.30 pm we will be presenting our annual Spring Concert in the School Hall.
The programme will include a variety of instrumental music played by the School's musicians ranging from classical to jazz. Music presented by the Big Band, Chamber Quartet, Training Band and other ensembles will be interspersed with solo items featuring a wide range of instruments.
During the interval a choice of wine and cheese or light refreshments will be served, included in the admission charge of £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for students.
The Spring Concert is one of our most popular musical evenings. Please make this event known amongst family, friends and others who may be interested. You are warmly invited to attend and we hope you will be able to join us.
Mr R Davies - Director of Music

DGSB BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The Young Enterprise company, Velocity, are organising a Battle of the Bands gig at DGSB on Friday 21st March. Open to all years, Band application forms can be obtained from Mr Davies. Enter your band if you think you are good enough! Entry for spectators is £2.50 and entry for band members is £1.00 per member.
Doors will open at 7.30 pm and the battle will continue until 11.00 pm. Soft drinks will be available in the Hall. Please read the application form for more details.
Velocity Enterprises

LAW REPORT

The following pupils will be participating in a Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition at Chatham Magistrates' Court on Saturday 8th March commencing at 10.00 am. We wish them success:-
9 Castle
Jacob Ball Clerk
Liam Betts Magistrate
William Gregory Magistrate
Stephen Lockwood Defendant
Lance Pitchers Magistrate
9 Channel
Carl Evans Witness
Calum Forrester Prosecution
Calum Lawrence Clerk
Michael Munro Defence
Joe Wooldridge Witness

The case will be:
R -v- Bobbi Jennings (Theft Charge)
Mr V Crofts - Subject Leader for Law

QIGONG CLASSES

Mr Thompson will be holding classes in the School Gym every Thursday lunchtime from 1.20 until 2.00 pm. These will start on Thursday 13th March and anyone is welcome to come along. No special kit is required - just training shoes.
Qigong (pronounced Chi Gung) is a traditional Chinese form of fitness exercise used to raise energy levels and as a form of relaxation. It is closely related to Tai Chi Martial Art Form.

LOST PROPERTY

Lost property is usually kept in school for half a term and any unclaimed clothing is give to the PFA for their second hand cupboards. Unfortunately, due to lack of space, in the future we will only be able to keep items in the School Office for two weeks before passing it on to the PFA.
Any item of property which is named is always returned immediately to its owner. Could we therefore please ask parents to ensure that all property is clearly marked.

PFA

Don't forget 14th March 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm is Race Night. It's not too late to book your places for the evening or even own your own horse. The deadline is next Tuesday 11th March for your slip and money to be returned to the School Office. It should be a fun evening for all the family so come on and make the evening a runaway success.
As you know the PFA with your support is trying to raise as much money as it can to help the school replace the mini bus. The sum of money put aside for this purpose was £5000 but thanks to your continued support we have now been able to increase this to £7,000. As the mini bus will cost somewhere in the region of £25,000 the more money we can contribute the less the school will have to find. It is all of our sons who benefit so I hope you will continue to support the events we organise.
The date for the trip to Bruges still has to be finalised and so more details will follow when this has been arranged.
A date for your calendar is the 4th April. This will be when another cake sale will be held at the school. Donations of home baked or shop bought cakes will be required on that day so please help to make this a success. Such a stall was held last year and the cakes were snapped up within minutes, leading to disappointment for some. Please can everyone make a donation on that date.
Mrs J Gambrell - Chairman

200 Club

Results of the 200 Club draw for January and February are as follows:-
January Draw: 1st £25 Mrs Powlter (4) 2nd £15 Mr & Mrs MacDonald (65) 3rd £10 Mrs Chattaway (69)
February Draw: 1st £25 Mr & Mrs Hughes (23) 2nd £15 Mrs D Neeve 3rd £10 Mrs Brett
Mrs P Brown - 200 Club Secretary

COMBINED CADET FORCE

Between 22nd and 27th February thirteen Cadets from the CCF volunteered to attend a leadership course run at Shorncliffe Barracks in Folkestone. The course takes 32 Cadets from various CCF units across the south east of England.
The Cadets start the day at 0600 hours and retire at 2300 hours. They undergo assessed activities under physically and mentally demanding conditions. Tasks are completed in practical leadership, physical training, an obstacle course, observation tests, intelligence tests, drill command, discussion exercises, weapon handling, administration issues and lecture/public presentations. The week concludes with a passing out parade and march past for an inspecting officer.
Various awards are presented at the end of the course for those Cadets who have excelled - put in the most effort and those who have improved most considerably. The course is designed to assess the Cadets potential for promotion within the Cadet Unit.
All the Cadets work extremely hard during the week and all feel they gain in confidence and essential skills both in the Cadet and School environment. Credit must go to all the Cadets who attended the course and gave up their half term (and playstations) to subject themselves to such a gruelling week.
Flt Lt D A Masters RAFVR(T)

WEBSITE

A lot more archive material has been added and we are currently looking for old boys to recognise and name boys and staff in the photographs. Eventually the school photographs will include pictures up until 1994 and we are always looking for more.
Details and viewing at: dovergrammar.co.uk
Mr P Skelton

PHOTOCOPIERS

New technology in the school has replaced the old analogue photocopiers with digital ones. These machines will be fully networked in the next few days. There will be three black and white and one full colour machine which will be used either as copiers or as digital printers.
Mr P Skelton - Reprographics

SPORTS NEWS

Year 8 Rugby (Friendly) -v- Dane Court G.S. played at Broadstairs on Wednesday 20th February 2003
DGSB 7 Dane Court 19
This was played in freezing conditions at Broadstairs. With a number of players missing from the team due to illness this was not going to be an easy contest. With a strong running centre combination Dane Court scored fairly early on running through our weak covering defence. Several more Dane Court attacks were prevented by our defence, in particular William Heatley who was the outstanding tackler of the game.
Several good individual attacks were set up, in particular James Franks made several useful breaks into their territory. The team saw a good score in the second half from Oliver Schofield, and several other attacks were snuffed out by the opposition.
Overall this was a worthwhile match which highlighted the areas that all team members need to work on. Primarily all players have to improve their tackling and support for the ball carrier.
We are looking into a return match at home where we hope victory will be ours. This will be arranged for some time after half term.
It was good to see several players turning out for the first time in a school site.
Mr M Grant - P E Department

CONGRATULATIONS

These are due to Sammy Brannan who plays for Dover District U14 Football Team. Several weeks ago they were played against Ashford District and Sammy scored a hat-trick. Well done Sammy.
Congratulations also go to Anthony Bugden who has been selected to play in the regional heats of the British Heart Foundation Junior Team Stableford Golf event. This will take place at the Mid Kent Golf Club on Monday 31st March. The event attracts schools and golf clubs throughout England and Anthony will represent Etchinghill Golf Club, with the aim of reaching the finals at The Belfry in October. We wish Anthony all the best.

TABLE TENNIS

The Ladder League will start again on Tuesday 11th March in the Gym at 1.10 pm.
Only boys in Years 7, 8 and 9 who are suitably dressed - dark shorts (not yellow) and trainers or plimsolls - will be eligible to play.
Mr P Skelton

DATES FOR DIARY

Year 8 Parents Evening - Thursday 13th March
Year 9 Parents Evening - Thursday 20th March

Key Stage 3 Tests - Tuesday 6th/Friday 9th May

Results of the final Cross Country Race at Brockhill

 Final Dover and Folkestone Cross Country League Tables

 Congratulations to Year 7 and Year 8 - League Champions 2003.

 Under 19 Kent Cup Final  -  Update

Unfortunately Dover Athletic have not been able to allow us to play the Final, as agreed, on April 3^rd at Crabble. Due to the very short notice (Monday this week) and problems of staging the game at all other grounds in this area it looks like we have no choice other than to allow St Gregory’s to organise the Final at the Tunbridge Wells ground on

Thursday April 10^th, kick off 7.00pm at Tunbridge Wells

This venue has not been confirmed as yet.  However it looks extremely likely and probably the only way for this Final to take place now.

When the venue is finalised I will organise a coach for any spectators who wish to travel to the Final in this way. Further details will be issued to pupils as and when I receive them. 

Rugby Results from last Term

Year 10                       Versus                        Dane Court GS                    Drew     7 - 7

Year 9                         Versus                        Astor                                       Won            12 - 0  

Year 9                         Versus                        Dane Court GS                    Won            43 - 0

Year 8                         Versus                        Dane Court GS                    Lost       9 - 18

 Rugby Matches               Notice for pupils

Please read the notice boards for your matches and check the arrangements. It is up to you to make sure you are ready for each match.

Facility Update

This week the PE Department is having a new hammer cage, discus circle and shot circle installed on the top field. We will be hosting several high class athletics competitions next term so all good field event athletes from last year need to be ready to start training within the next 2 weeks.

Lenten Appeal Week

Next week the PE department will be running the The Powell Cup  Cross Country during lessons.

Years 10 and 11         your race will be in your only lesson next week

Years 7, 8, 9                    your race will be in your 1^st lesson of the week

All pupils please bring appropriate kit and footwear for the run.  All non-participants will be acting as course marshals, time keepers and recorders.

All pupils will be timed and all pupils’ positions will count towards an overall House total.  Therefore ALL your positions are important – even last place. Do your utmost for your house.

Please bring a tracksuit top and leggings – there could be some waiting around after the races.

Wayne Howe

Subject Leader for Physical Education