Headteacher's Newsletter July 2025

Respect, Excellence, Determination

Positive Pathways

Well done to all our students for the continued hard work and efforts with their house points! The total number of positive house points given out this academic year is a huge 259,954! Another record-breaking year! Well done everyone for an amazing year of Respect, Excellence and Determination. A reward experience will be arranged for early next academic year for those students who exceeded 300 house points at the cut-off point – details to follow in the new year.

The numbers of students who have reached the positive boundaries this year is fantastic. Keep up the great work next year!

Mr Lewis, Assistant Headteacher

Awards evenings, July 2025

On Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July we held the school's annual award evenings in the main hall at the Tunbridge Wells campus. Each department/subject had nominated a student in each year group for each of the school values – Respect, Excellence and Determination. Over 400 awards were celebrated and over 20 trophies and cups presented.

We're incredibly proud of all the students' achievements! Their hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off, and we were thrilled to celebrate their success. Thank you to all the staff, parents/carers, relatives and friends who attended the evenings to offer their support and congratulations. The students looked great and displayed beautiful smiles for the cameras! It was a lovely way to end the TWGSB school year. Click HERE for more photos.

Mr Lewis, Assistant Headteacher

Well-being/PSHE

Summer holidays are great aren't they? Holidays, sunny weather, smiley happy children, whole days to do whatever you want... Not sounding completely familiar? Holidays are certainly a much-needed rest for students but it also can be a time of loneliness, away from their friends and normal routines; as the weeks go on, it can cause some stress and anxiety for students and parents/carers – especially those who are working full time.

The following websites offer support and advice for both students and parents/carers:

• Home - Kooth for young people 
• Home - Qwell for adults
• Managing children over the summer holidays - Family Action for parents and carers
• Students and young adults :: Kent & Medway ICS for students, parents and carers

For those students and parents awaiting exam results this can be an extremely uncertain time. These links for parents offer guidance how to support their child on results days: GCSEs and A Levels.

We hope that all our families have a safe and happy break.

Beyond Equality

In June students in Years 9 and 10 at both campuses took part in a workshop with the group Beyond Equality. The workshops are student centred so that rather than telling students what to think and feel, the leaders make space to hear from them and for them to hear from one another. The facilitators guide them through the processes of socialisation and the potential impact of gender roles so that they can form their own ideas about who they want to be.

Students were extremely engaged in the workshops and feedback from them was on the whole positive. We hope to welcome back Beyond Equality next academic year to continue the valuable work that the group has started.

Mrs Rose, Assistant Headteacher

TWGSB Updates

School fundraising

As we come to the end of the School Fund year, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated to TWGSB. Your contributions have enabled us to embark upon more, much-needed science department refurbishments as well as run clubs, societies and events that would otherwise not have been feasible.

Looking ahead, our Development department will be spearheading an exciting new fundraising campaign for the school, commencing next year. More will be shared from September onwards, but as previously, we want to express our gratitude as always for the support of our parents. It is your generosity that helps our school improve continually.

If you would like to donate, you can find the details HERE.

Wishing you a wonderful summer, 

The Finance Office

Before and after pictures show the exciting ongoing refurbishment of some of the science labs at the Tunbridge Wells campus.

Year 7 Transition Day

Our recent Year 7 Transition Day was a great success! It saw 320 Year 6 students spend the day with us as their first formal introduction to TWGSB. Students had the chance to meet their new form groups, take part in fun icebreaker activities, and get a taste of secondary school life through exciting PE sessions and classroom transitions. The day was filled with energy, new friendships and plenty of smiles – the highlight for many being the delicious lasagne served at lunchtime! We look forward to seeing all the students again in September!

Mrs Shooman-Taylor, Head of Year 7 TW

Just one of the ten new forms of current Year 6s on Transition Day, who will join us in September as Year 7s.

Sixth Form

Head Students for 2025/26

After some stiff competition and fantastic presentations, we have chosen our head students for 2025/26. It was a challenge to select three students from the five shortlisted as they were all so strong. Congratulations to Ollie, Olivia and Will, pictured below. They are looking forward to the year ahead and working closely with the team of senior prefects and staff to help the TWGSB community and their chosen charities.

Mr Smith, Assistant Headteacher KS5

International Women in Engineering

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day on 23rd June four of our Year 12 female students were invited to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at Gatwick.

The CAA workshop, specially designed to spark inspiration and show that aviation is an achievable career for women, was held on behalf of the Department for Transport’s 'Reach for the Sky' programme. The CAA is the UK's aviation regulator, responsible for ensuring safety, security and consumer protection in the skies. It supports innovation and offers a range of exciting career opportunities from pilots to engineers and everything in between. 

The first session was delivered by an inspiring female engineer who had worked on commercial and military planes, and who spoke about her career and progression. A session from the Head of Customer Experience outlined the jobs, careers and pathways into the CAA. The final session was provided by volunteers from different roles in the industry who gave up their time to talk to the students. Our students were all inspired and excited to have had the opportunity to attend the day, as their comments illustrate: 

'I loved getting to talk to so many people about their background and getting lots of inspiration for my future.'

'I got a chance to gain more information about the roles in aviation.'

'The volunteer talks were really inspiring and informative.'

Year 12 sports afternoon

Held on Wednesday 9th July, the Year 12 Sports afternoon was a fantastic display of energy, teamwork and friendly competition. Students had the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of exciting sports, including the fast-paced and strategic game of pickleball, the dynamic and cooperative korfball, the ever-popular table tennis, and the high-flying action of ultimate frisbee. Each activity brought out the best in our students, from quick reflexes and sharp coordination to strong communication and sportsmanship. It was a brilliant way to unwind, stay active and celebrate the spirit of community. Well done to everyone who took part!

KS5 Team

Year 13 prom

The Year 13 prom took place on the evening of Wednesday 2nd July. A wet beginning to the week did not bode well but on the day itself, the sun managed to shine on the end of the school careers of the class of 2025. The evening started with welcome drinks on the lawn of Salomons Estate with many members of staff joining the students to congratulate the year group on the end of their exams and to look forward to the future. The students filled the dance floor until midnight and enjoyed themselves immensely. The Sixth Form team look forward to seeing them again when they collect their A Level results and wish them all the best for the future.

There are many more prom photos from the evening available on the TWGSB Alumni website. Current Year 13 students who wish to see them can sign up here: ‘Join Us’.

Mr Hammond, Head of Year 13

ARE Week 2025

Last week saw the return  of our exciting All Round Excellence (ARE) Week, a three-day celebration of learning beyond the classroom, filled with adventure, teamwork, creativity and essential life skills. While Year 10 students were on work experience or residential trips to Berlin and Paris, students across Years 7, 8, 9 and 12 took part in a wide variety of activities designed to inspire, engage and build confidence.

Year 7 students embraced the outdoors with a one-day bushcraft adventure and learned to work as a team in a woodland setting (see below). Back in school, they explored their entrepreneurial side with an Enterprise Project working in teams to develop business ideas, branding and marketing strategies for mocktails. Year 7 and Year 8 both took part in an inspiring Future Skills Day, designed to develop important life and career skills. Sessions included: 

• CPR training, where students learned how to respond in a medical emergency 
• A Race Across the World budgeting challenge, where teams planned a travel route across Europe on a tight budget 
• A science-themed escape room, solving clues through problem-solving and teamwork 
• A 'Make a Difference' workshop, where students created ideas for charity events – including 'Sponge a Teacher', fun runs, bake sales and even a Harry Potter-themed musical
• A public-speaking session, building confidence in delivering persuasive and impactful presentations.

In addition, Year 8  enjoyed a thrilling trip to Bewl Water (see below), where they took on a giant inflatable water obstacle course, cheered on by staff, some of whom bravely joined them on the course! Their inter-house sports day featured exciting competitions in handball, ultimate frisbee and football, with students showing fantastic house spirit and determination. 

Year 9 also had their sports day, filled with the same house pride and competitive spirit. While many students were off-site completing their Duke of Edinburgh expedition, showing great resilience and teamwork during their outdoor adventure; others took part in an overwater climbing activity at Aqua Chimp Kent (see below). In addition, those not doing Duke of Edinburgh took part in a marketing and design challenge (see below) with a music festival theme – creating branding, stage line-ups, merchandise and promotional materials to present to a panel. 

ARE Week is always a fantastic opportunity for students to develop real-world skills, strengthen friendships, and try something new. We are incredibly proud of the energy, creativity and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved. The following links take you to galleries showcasing the various activities that took place: Years 7-9 and Year 12.

Mrs Monahan, Assistant Headteacher

Year 7 bushcraft adventure

Year 7 enjoyed an action-packed bushcraft day with The Bushcraft Company at Penshurst Place, learning key survival skills in the great outdoors. They mastered fire lighting, shelter building, camouflage, and even enjoyed delicious s'mores. The students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, resilience and plenty of charcoal fun! A big thank you to the staff who helped make this a memorable adventure for all!

Mrs Shooman-Taylor, Trip Leader

Year 8 keep cool at Bewl!

Our Year 8 students had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fantastic trip to Bewl Water, and both days were nothing short of a triumph. With the sun shining and spirits high, the Year 8s made the most of the stunning weather and exciting activities on offer. From bouncing, sliding and diving around the inflatable aqua park to honing their skills and teamwork in laser tag, everyone embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and energy. Their behaviour throughout was impeccable, and they were a real credit to the school – something that was noted and praised by both the Bewl Water staff and our own accompanying teachers.

It was clear that the students had a brilliant time, forming lasting memories and strengthening friendships along the way. We’re proud of how they represented the school and are looking forward to more adventures like this in the future! 

Mr Smith, Trip Leader

Year 9 make a splash at Aqua Chimp!

Last week, our Year 9 students took on the thrilling floating obstacle course at Aqua Chimp Kent, Yalding. From wobbly bridges and swinging ropes to plenty of dramatic (and often hilarious) splashes, the day was packed with laughter, teamwork and determination. With no harnesses, students had to rely on their balance, bravery and a good sense of humour as they navigated the course. It was fantastic to see them cheering each other on, stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the challenge with enthusiasm. 

A huge well done to everyone who took part – and thank you to the staff who supported the trip and joined in the fun!

Mr Woods, Trip Leader

Year 9 DT day

On the Friday of  ARE Week the Year 9 students in school participated in a full day with the Design Technology, Art and Media departments. They were tasked with producing a creative outcome for a design brief: to generate a unique visual identity for a new music festival. The students learnt new graphic design skills such as designing a promotional poster, photo editing on Photoshop, screen printing tote bags and tee shirts and logo design. The students then showcased their work in a final exhibition.

There follows a summary from Freddie B:

First of all, we designed the logo for our festival in art, which was rather fun because it used graphic and multi-media artwork. For my group, we made Iris Music Festival.

Next, we used Canva to make the flyers for our festivals. It was really useful as you can use premade templates to speed up your work. Mr Stephens was very helpful when I asked for help and was a great teacher overall.

In Period 3, we worked on textiles. The best activity of the day, we made tote bags and t-shirts for our festivals. It was a great use of paint sponges, heat presses and fabrics, mine being the Iris one with the triangle logo. Mr Willmott was very skilled with helping us and Mr Griffin was always active helping students. Mr Couchman, from the Sevenoaks campus, came over to apply his textiles skills to our lesson.

Lastly, we printed out and designed main posters for our festivals, using Photopea among other tools. It was a fun exercise of our creative skills and Miss Hannah had some great advice for the posters.

Tools/services used during the day: Looka, Canva, Art supplies, Photopea.

Overall, an AMAZING Design Day!!!

Miss Bramham, Head of Design Technology

Year 12 in ARE Week

For the Monday to Wednesday of ARE Week, Year 12 students arranged their own work experience in a variety of sectors including medicine, engineering, law, business and many more. The KS5 team spoke to many of the employers and received fantastic feedback regarding the students' performance during their placements.

Employability Fair: On Thursday morning in the Sixth Form Study Centre  we hosted 20 local employers who conducted a mini careers fair and mock interviews. In addition, the EBP (Education Business Partnership) team conducted team-building exercises and an assessment centre. Our students shone during the mock interviews and all were given positive feedback from the employers.

During Thursday afternoon we welcomed a representative from the charity Oddballs who spoke to the students about testicular cancer and the charity's efforts to raise awareness and funds. Year 12 were also involved in a CPR workshop, which provided invaluable training on performing CPR and using a defibrillator.

Students also started their UCAS applications and worked on perfecting their personal statements.

Hidden Leaders: The Hidden Leaders day on Friday was very well received by our Sixth Form students and involved cryptic catapults, argumentag wrestling and 'speculate to accumulate'.  These sessions were based around critical thinking, developing arguments and team building. The students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions – the 'speculate to accumulate' was the favourite with some friendly competitiveness shining through. 

KS5 Team 

Co-curricular

Award-winning gardening

Our Gardening Club has been busy over the last few weeks and the greenhouse is blooming with life! The mystery chilli plants are growing tall, and we are getting very close to harvesting (and taste testing of course). Our cucamelons, lentils and cucumbers are also making great progress, and we’ve been learning about how different plants grow and what they need to thrive.

We are very excited to share that our Gardening Club has now achieved the RHS School Gardening Award Level 2! This award recognises our growing knowledge of how to care for plants and how to use gardening to help our school community. As part of the award, we’ve received a £50 garden centre voucher, which we’re excited to use to expand what we grow next year.

Last week, we also held our end-of-year plant sale. Thank you to everyone who supported us! The money raised will help us keep the club running next year, giving even more students the chance to get growing. It’s been a fantastic term in the garden, and we can’t wait to see what will grow next year!

Miss O'Brien, Ms Flach and Mrs Chick, Science

Eco Club food miles

At a recent Eco Club, students were treated to something a little different – homemade tarts! One of our enthusiastic members set himself the challenge of baking using only ingredients sourced from within the UK. This creative task was designed to highlight the concept of food miles – the distance that food travels from where it is produced to our plates.

The session was both educational and delicious. After learning about the environmental impact of importing food from overseas, students took part in a lively debate about the benefits and challenges of eating locally. We finished the session by sampling the British-sourced tarts – a sweet reward that brought the topic to life in the most engaging way.

Eco Club continues to provide a platform for students to think critically about sustainability, and to explore practical ways we can all make a difference – one tart at a time!

Ms Piper, Geography

Bikeability

Well done to the ten Year 7 students from the Sevenoaks campus who recently attended the Bikeability Level 3 course. The free course was part of a KCC initiative to promote safer cycling in and around Sevenoaks. During the course, the students gained invaluable road cycling experience and learnt vital skills on how to cycle safely in high traffic situations. The students really enjoyed the course, and the instructors were extremely impressed with how the students conducted themselves. If there is demand for extra courses, we will endeavour to secure more dates in the future.

Mrs Fedrick, Educational Visits Coordinator

Sevenoaks Drama Club showcase

On perhaps the hottest day of the year the regulars of the Drama Club at the Sevenoaks campus showcased their talents to parents, family and friends. Performing two musical numbers and a variety of extracts, everything from Shakespeare to Star Wars, the students from Years 7 to 9 took to the stage. The audience was notably impressed, as was I, with their commitment and professionalism.

Well done guys and thank you to everyone who came to support them. A big thank you to our tech team who came in during several lunch times to programme and plan the lighting. An extra special thank you to Elliott who choreographed one of the dance numbers, organised rehearsals and generally kept everyone motivated.

Mrs Rose, Assistant Headteacher

DofE Bronze Award: a journey of growth and adventure 

This summer term saw over 200 Year 9 TWGSB students embark on their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expeditions, marking a significant milestone in their personal development journeys. The programme began with a comprehensive training day at the Sevenoaks campus in early June, where participants honed essential expedition skills. From mastering navigation and campcraft to learning how to pack efficiently, cook outdoors and administer basic first aid, students embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and teamwork. 

The following weekend, students put their new skills to the test during a two-day, one-night practice expedition. With routes starting or ending at Adamswell campsite near Langton – or involving remote drop-offs and pick-ups – participants experienced the realities of expedition life. Camping overnight at Adamswell, they gained valuable insights into how to keep their area tidy and group dynamics. The practice expedition proved to be a vital stepping stone, equipping students with confidence and practical knowledge ahead of their assessed expedition. 

The assessed expedition, which took place during ARE Week, was a resounding success. The students completed the expedition section of their Bronze Award, demonstrating resilience, cooperation and determination. Fortunately, the weather was kind throughout all stages of the programme – although a few students may have caught a bit more sun than expected! The positive conditions helped create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved. 

A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated staff members who supported the expeditions. Their guidance, encouragement and behind-the-scenes efforts ensured the smooth running of each event. Without their commitment, these enriching and co-curricular experiences simply wouldn’t be possible. 

As the summer holidays begin, participants are reminded to complete the final steps of their Bronze Award by getting their activity sections signed off and uploading their assessor reports. Those who complete all sections will be invited to the celebration evening in the autumn term – a fitting recognition of their hard work and achievements. Congratulations to all who took part! 

Mr Hamilton, Assistant Headteacher

Library

Carnegie Shadowing

This year the Carnegie shortlist was described as showcasing books about 'marginalised male perspectives with hope and empathy'. Some are challenging reads but are authentic literary reflections of the age we live in. 

When it comes to hope and empathy, I have to say that the way our students reacted to the way the stories played out was nothing short of inspiring. It filled us with optimism for the future. I told the Carnegie participants that judging by their verbal reactions and written reviews of the books, the world feels like it is in safe hands. This is in contrast to the many reports of toxic masculinity we hear about on all media platforms.

The winner of the Carnegie Medal for outstanding writing was Margaret McDonald for her book Glasgow Boys. Nate Lessore won the Shadowers’ Choice prize for his book King of Nothing. The local vote from TWGGS, TWGSB and Skinners’ was for Play by Luke Palmer.

On to the balloon debate day…..

After ten weekly meetings of biscuits and book discussion we joined TWGGS and Skinners’ for our annual balloon debate, the premise of which is... if the eight shortlisted books were in a balloon plummeting to earth and all books but one had to be thrown out to stop the descent, which book should be kept in the balloon and win the Carnegie Medal?

As usual, TWGSB had a large team to take to Skinners’ who hosted the event this year. The students performed a three-minute group presentation, their challenge being to convince the judges that their book should stay in the balloon. The winning team included for TWGSB: Patric P, Louis S, Mauri S, Kian S, Alex H and Matthew P.

We were delighted but not surprised that TWGSB won the alternative book cover competition. Tom C-T’s book cover was amazing and a worthy winner!

TWGSB also scooped the best book review – won by Dennis V for his review of Little Bang.

Alex B in Year 9 won the TWGSB Carnegie Cup this year for outstanding all-round participation.

The icing on the cake of this year’s event came from our new Head Student, Will, who told us that taking part in Carnegie Shadowing when he was younger furnished him with valuable experience of public speaking. This stood him in good stead when he had to present to our Senior Leadership team recently for the position of Head Student.

Carnegie Shadowing is the flagship activity of the TWGSB library and our students never fail to impress us!

'Shelf talker' competition

The library recently held a staff and student book review competition. This year the challenge was to write an inviting review of a book that could fit on a 'shelf talker'. Like those in a well-known book shop, the review should entice the browser to pick up the book and then borrow it.
Our student panel of judges were Nathan (12B), Aniruddha (10G), Adam (10J), Marco (9H), Max (8J) and Rithvik (7C). 
The winners – some of whom are pictured below holding their 'shelf talkers' (which will have pride of place on our shelves) are listed below. Many thanks to all who entered and helped raise awareness of the importance of reading.

Summer reading

Lastly, please find a link to a light summer reading activity for students. We will be awarding house points in September for participants.

Mrs Musselwhite Steel, Library Manager

Art

Year 7 Famous Artworks Recreation

Once again, this year we had a phenomenal response to our Year 7 Famous Artworks Photography Recreation competition. The brief is for students to find an artwork and recreate the image as a photograph. We are always so impressed with the students' creativity and the variety of responses that are submitted, often using many props, models and even pets! We found the selection of winners a real challenge this year due to the extremely high quality of entries and the winning students listed below should be congratulated for the work they made.

The task winners were awarded 7 House Points each, the class winners 5 House Points each and special mentions earned 3 House Points each.

Mrs Spink has put together a fantastic gallery that showcases not only the winners, but also pieces by other students that we felt deserved a special mention – we hope you enjoy the video below!

Ms Kublik, Head of Art

Design Technology

While everyone is beginning to wind down for the summer break we've been as busy as ever in the Design Technology department. DT staff have been working hard planning for an exciting new curriculum for the next academic year that will continue to challenge and inspire our students. While we look forward to the year ahead, it's been amazing to celebrate the achievements from this year. We've had a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talented work of our students at TWGSB to prospective Year 7s at our Open Mornings. It's been a fantastic year for our subject and I look forward to seeing what the next year will bring.

Miss Bramham, Head of Design Technology

Food and Nutrition

Year 7 have been creating homemade nuggets, and Year 9 making banana bread. Year 10s have worked on their 'Fish Heroes' practical cooks (see below), and also had a demonstration from Chef Leather on how to cook a Beef Wellington (pictured here). Meanwhile the Year 11 students all successfully completed their AQA GCSE exams on 17th June.

What is 'Fish Heroes'?

The Fishmongers’ Company and the Food Teacher’s Centre combined to offer school students all over Britian free fillets of hake to develop their own fish dishes in food lessons. A huge thank you to St John’s Fish Bar in Tunbridge Wells for helping us with storage. 

Year 10 students have been completing their NEA (non-examined assessment) practice for ‘Fish Heroes’. And, thanks to the PTA's support, the Tunbridge Wells herb garden is in full bloom and has provided the Year 10s with herbs for their 'Fish Heroes' AP3 practical cook.

Cameron Jones makes another visit to TWGSB

Ex-student Cameron Jones, award-winning chef at The Waterside Inn at Bray-on-Thames where he works for the renowned Roux family, was kind enough to make two visits to TWGSB recently, to meet the Year 10 Food and Nutrition students at both campuses. Cameron inspired staff and students alike, sharing stories from the industry, speaking about its many opportunities and giving the Year 10 students a cookery demonstration. 

In Cameron's own words: 'It was a great pleasure to return to my alma mater, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and speak to the boys about my experiences – both during my time at school and since leaving – as well as the exciting opportunities within the hospitality industry.

'The school has undergone a phenomenal transformation in recent years. It now boasts not only an exceptional teaching team, but also impressive new facilities, including the outstanding Sevenoaks campus. It’s always a privilege to return, and I look forward to visiting again soon and watching the school’s exciting future continue to unfold.'

The students were delighted to meet Cameron and learned much from him, as their comments show:

'I learned from this experience that organisation is key to cooking a good meal. This is a skill I need to develop as he had the same space as me to cook normally however he was much cleaner and organised resulting in calmness and efficiency.' Oli Al-R

'Cameron gave me an insight on the industry to see if I would like to pursue cooking. He also said his biggest tip would be to never over add to your food as you cannot take away this would mean over adding would often end in having to restart so always add slowly.' Josh M

'I learnt that he was very organised and that in professional restaurants they waste a lot of food so they can get exactly what they want. Also, he taught me to use cornflour to thicken a sauce and that you should cook chicken to 67 degrees because it will cook more while resting.' Daniyal H

'A chef’s school demonstration on cooking chicken and green beans improved my Food Tech GCSE knowledge and taught me valuable presentation and cooking skills, especially in preparing and plating green beans.' Will H  

'Cameron Jones was great at showing us how to cook, bringing skill and confidence to the kitchen while giving us a clear glimpse into what the food industry is really like.' George H

'Cameron coming in to school gave me a great insight into the hospitality industry and what it’s like working in a restaurant and the opportunities you will receive.' Ruben B

'I learnt that you could add more things to your sauces to make it thicker and he also said you can always add things to a sauce but never take things away so if you are not sure how much to add you can always add more if it isn't up to your standard. Some of these things could be like cornflour which I have already used at home and he also gave me an insight into the industry.' Archie B

'I learned that you could drizzle olive oil over green beans/vegetables to make it look more presentable as it makes the food looks shinier, enticing the consumer and allowing the food to look superior to the beginning product that you would have initially served to the customer.' Ben D

Mr Leather, Head of Food and Nutrition

Geography

Year 12 Juniper Hall

During the first week of June, Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th, we took the year 12 Geography students to the Field Study Council centre at Juniper Hall in the depths of the North Downs near Box Hill.

Once settled in, the students started the afternoon by assessing the impact of people on the carbon cycle and assessing the ability of plants to absorb it. We went to a yew and hazel woodland and learnt how to measure how much carbon different types and ages of trees can absorb. In the evening the students were introduced to the ‘route to enquiry’, which covers all aspects of carrying out the coursework component.

The next day we travelled to the coast at Newhaven to undertake an enquiry into the impact of coastal management. The students measured aspects of the beach and processes of erosion, transportation and deposition. They carried out a beach profile and measured the pebble size and roundness. Newhaven is quite a natural beach so in the afternoon we travelled to Seaford to investigate the impact of management. We assessed the effectiveness of the beach defences and completed a questionnaire with the locals to find out their opinion. We followed this up in the evening, presenting the data graphically and statistically analysing the findings.

On Thursday we spent the day in Dorking investigating how different areas display features of affluence. We visited two areas and carried out environmental quality surveys. In the evening, we wrote up the findings to draw conclusions.

Thursday being the last evening we enjoyed a campfire roasting marshmallows and playing games. The students kindly presented our tutor Alice with a card and gift to thank her for all her hard work and input.

The last morning was spent in class reviewing the route to enquiry and its application to the coursework as well as looking at digital methods of presenting maps and doing statistical tests.

The week was a great success. The students were a delight to be with and upheld the school values of Respect, Excellence and Determination. They all agreed that they had gained a great deal from the trip for their curriculum work and the coursework, ready to complete their own enquiries in the summer.

Mr Ash, Head of Geography and Geology

Year 10 coastal field trips

In the week of 16th May we took our eight GCSE classes to Bexhill-on-Sea to study management of the coast as part of our coasts course in GSCE Geography.

We travelled down by double decker bus to the far eastern end of Bexhill sea front. The plan was to look at the effect of the hard engineering of Bexhill sea front on the coast to the east. We considered how the groynes at Bexhill were starving the beach to the east as longshore drift moves beach material away. This has resulted in hard engineering solutions being employed along the entire coast from Bexhill to Hastings to protect the railway, housing and retail park from erosion and flooding.

In order to establish the impact of this the students carried out beach profile and pebble size measurements at three locations on the coast from Bexhill to Glyne Gap. They mapped the land use behind the coast and assessed the effectiveness of beach management methods used. They also completed a field sketch and observed the nature of the waves and evidence that long shore drift was acting on the coast.

On returning to school the students have written up their results, drawing out their beach profiles and reflecting on the effectiveness of their methods. This will be applied to Paper 3, which is a skills paper testing their understanding of field work methods. The students were a credit to the school and are now fully prepared for GCSE Paper 3 and have a good example of the problems of managing the coast for the coast unit in Paper 1.

Mr Ash, Head of Geography and Geology

Year 7 weather investigators rise to the challenge!

As part of their geography topic on weather and climate, Year 7 students were set a hands-on challenge: to design and make a weather instrument at home. From barometers to rain gauges and wind vanes to thermometers, students chose one method of measuring the weather and brought their ideas to life using recycled and household materials.

Once completed, each student used their instrument to record weather data daily for one week. They then presented their findings using a range of methods – from neatly drawn tables to colourful Excel graphs and even wind roses. This gave students the opportunity to practise recording data accurately and to reflect on how weather is measured and reported in the real world.

It was fantastic to see such a range of creative designs and thoughtful data presentations. The activity sparked curiosity and discussion about how weather differs across local areas, and gave students a deeper understanding of the practical side of geography.

Ms Piper, Geography

A brilliant display of homemade weather instruments, with an example of a student’s data presentation.

Geology

At the beginning of July, the year 10 Geology students travelled down to the Sussex coast to study the rocks and fossils found there. The aim was to build up a picture of the development of the rocks as they were formed during the Cretaceous period. On the first day we visited Cliff End on Pett Beach near Winchelsea. This is a sandstone cliff formed on land in a tropical river environment. The students learnt how to make detailed observations of the rocks and structures. They discovered that there was much more to be seen than was at first thought. They saw evidence of a yearly monsoon climate in the alternating bands of small pebbles (wet season) and finer clays and sands (dry season). They also saw evidence of plant material as the rivers migrated, and the area became grown over. There was also the river bed’s themselves preserved in the rock structure. We then spent some time looking for fossil evidence. They discovered ripple beds formed at the edge of shallow water along with shellfish and the teeth of the fish that ate them. There were also small teeth found of other animals as well as more plant remains.

The following day we visited Cow Gap near Eastbourne. This was formed later in the Cretaceous on top of the Ashdown Sandstones when the area had been inundated by a tropical sea. The students saw evidence in the upper Greensand and lower chalk of many sea creatures, such as sea sponges, belemnites, many shellfish such as oysters and some fragments of ammonites.

During the two days they also learnt how to take dip and strike measurements to record the angle of the beds and to make accurate notes and field sketches.

Thanks must go to Miss Burdett and Mrs Thomson who accompanied the trip and made it possible.

Mr Ash, Head of Geography and Geology

History

Year 10 trip to Germany

In July, 41 history students and four very brave teachers took the wonderful opportunity to travel to Germany for a trip retracing the steps of the Nazi rise to power and the division of Germany in the Cold War. We were lucky to be joined by the lovely Anglia tour guides (helpfully both named Andy). Both were extremely knowledgeable about the subject and brilliant at getting the subject across.  

On the 14th July we arrived in Munich to comfortable weather albeit the occasional shower which continued throughout the trip. While there we walked the path of the Beer Hall Putsch around Munich charting the dawn of the NSDAP. On our night in Munich, we ate at a traditional Bavarian beer hall (Hofbrauhaus)! From there we spent the end of the week in Berlin after a long coach journey.  

In Berlin we visited the harrowing memorials to victims of the Holocaust and the Second World War and attended informative museums such as the Topography of Terror museum, which showed in excruciating detail the barbarity of the Nazi regime. We also visited the dome on top of the Reichstag and the Soviet memorial to the war. Most of all we had a chilling visit to the brutal Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which helped students have a much more personal view on the atrocities the Nazi regime committed. Lastly on the Friday we went to a reconstruction of the Berlin Wall and a real former Stasi prison.  

All in all, the trip was an educational and grounding experience as well as providing some fun and memorable moments along the way which built on our relationships with fellow students and teachers. The trip thoroughly improved our learning through giving us a more in-depth understanding of the course material to see in more detail than just the numbers and figures can ever have. A massive thank you goes out to everyone involved with the trip, the students, the Anglia tour guides and the History department and Miss Bott who made the whole trip possible.

Magnus B, Year 10 student

MFL

Year 10s and 12s visit Madrid

Between the 23rd and 27th May, Ms Blenkin, Mr Tagliaferro, Mrs Rose, Mr Roberts and Mr Stevens went to Madrid accompanied by Year 10 and Year 12 Spanish students. This experience aimed to enhance the students' language skills and cultural understanding by exposing them directly to the life and history of Spain’s capital city. Over the course of five days, the group visited iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, all while practising their Spanish through real-world conversations and activities.

The trip also included interactive language lessons, guided tours around Madrid and the Real Madrid stadium and a cooking lesson where they made paella and the iconic ‘tarta de Santiago’. Students were also given opportunities to engage with local residents during free time, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Spanish customs, traditions and everyday life.

This trip not only strengthened the students’ linguistic abilities but also fostered a sense of independence, teamwork and a lasting enthusiasm for learning about different cultures.

Mr Tagliaferro, MFL

Year 10 MFL trip to Paris

During ARE Week, Year 10 MFL students had multiple opportunities to practise their French in shops, cafés and restaurants and it was rewarding for staff to hear them speaking French. On Tuesday, we had a guided tour of the Marché d'Aligre, a lively and authentic outdoor Parisian market housed in the city’s authentic-feeling 12th arrondissement, located near the Bastille. This was followed by a visit to the Stade de France. We ate in a restaurant near Place de la Concorde and the students had an opportunity to wander down the Champs Élysées. The evening was spent cruising on the river Seine.

We spent Wednesday morning at the Chateau de Versailles, and the afternoon visiting the Sacré-Coeur, wandering the streets of Montmartre and eating dinner in a lovely restaurant in the area. The evening was spent admiring the views of Paris from the Tour Montparnasse.

On Thursday we enjoyed the rides and atmosphere of Parc Astérix. Before leaving Paris on Friday, we went to the Galeries Lafayette (Haussmann) and admired its dome, which has become one of the most iconic architectural monuments in Paris. We browsed the luxury brands, shopped for souvenirs, bought a bite to eat and, and from the roof-top terrace, enjoyed breathtaking views of the capital, from the Eiffel Tower to the Montmartre district and the beauty of the city's rooftops. The students were a credit to the school, and we enjoyed our time with them.

Mrs Gray, MFL Trip Leader

PE

Cricket

U14: The U14 cricket team lost to Rainham school in the U14 Tony Church Plate. A number of extras cost the team on the day.

U13: The U13s have had a fantastic term of cricket wins. They started off by beating Sevenoaks School by 45 runs, which was their second victory against this team this year. In a fantastic match, they then beat Chislehurst and Sidcup by 17 runs. In a game where we were 14-5, we managed to get a respectable total, which was then brilliantly defended with disciplined bowling.

In the semi final the team beat Sir Joseph Williams by 40 runs, which then set up a final against St Olaves, setting up a repeat fixture from last year. Looking for revenge after losing narrowly last year, TWGSB batted first and set a fast run rate and were 62-2 after just 7 overs. They finished with an impressive total of 157. Unfortunately we ended up losing the final with St Olaves batting off the final runs with just 2 deliveries to spare. Although it was disappointing to lose another very close final, it has been an incredible season for the U13 team, who will look to go one further and win the U13 Thunder Trophy next year.

Well done to all players who have represented the cricket teams this year!

Mr Boddy, PE

Year 7 inter-form football

This competition has been played during Terms 5 and 6 at both campuses. One hundred and sixty students have taken part: ten forms, 14 players in each squad with two student managers per team. The main purpose of this competition is to have as many students playing football as possible. It has been very enjoyable and also competitive.

7G won on penalties against 7F in the final at the Tunbridge Wells campus; 7I won on penalties against 7H in the final at the Sevenoaks campus. The grand final involving these two winning teams, i.e. 7G v 7I was played on Monday 21st July (see results below).

Well done to all 160 Year 7 students who have taken part in this year's competition.

Mr Menzies, PE

Summer inter-house sport: ARE Week highlights

Our summer term wrapped up in fantastic fashion with a full programme of inter-house sport during All Round Excellence (ARE) Week, giving students the chance to finish the year with energy, teamwork and competition.

Year 9, Wednesday 16th July

Year 9 students enjoyed a packed schedule of inter-house events, taking part in handball, touch rugby, ultimate frisbee, table tennis, pickleball, cricket and softball. Across all events, students represented their houses with enthusiasm and maturity, showing strong teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Year 8, Friday 18th July

Year 8 took part in the same selection of sports as Year 9, followed by an inter-form football round robin tournament to end the day. The atmosphere was lively, and students showed excellent determination and respect across all matches.

Year 8 inter-form football round robin result: overall winners 8C

Year 7, Monday 21st July

Year 7 brought ARE Week to a close with a full morning of inter-house sport, taking on the same variety of activities as the other year groups. This was followed by the finals of their inter-form football competition, which has been running throughout the summer term.

• Third place play-off: 7D vs 7E... 7E won 4-1
• Grand final: 7G (Tunbridge Wells) vs 7I (Sevenoaks)... 7G won 2-1

Year 7 inter-form football final results: grand final winners 7G

Well done to all houses for their efforts this term. We look forward to more healthy competition in the next academic year!

Mr Woods, Head of PE

Religion and Philosophy

Year 10 RE Day – the human quest for meaning

'Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards' Soren Kierkegaard

An RE Day for Year 10 students took place at both campuses at the beginning of July during which the students explored existential and spiritual questions. The day provided the Year 10s with the opportunity to hear spiritual and philosophical ideas from a Christian and a Humanist perspective and understand their responses to ‘the human quest for meaning’.

Through this interaction the Year 10 students were able to explore insight into other beliefs and have the opportunity to reflect on their own, so they themselves not only understand their lives backwards but have a chance to reflect on its meaning as they live it forward. 

Student comments on the day include:

‘I learnt what humanism is and how it helps people. I also learnt a lot about how Christians can find God and how He can help them.’

‘RE Day gave me a broader, more empathetic view of faith and spirituality, and the importance of tolerance in a diverse world.’

‘The balance between intellectual learning and emotional understanding was a highlight for me.’

‘The Humanist session was informative, and the Christianity session was interactive and interesting.’

Mrs Hawkes, Head of Religion and Philosophy

Show stage

On Wednesday 16th July, the Year 6 children from St. John’s Primary School performed their musical extravaganza: ‘Olivia!’ on the stage at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys. The show was a romp through Victorian London where many literary characters came together to tell a story of friendship, family and just a touch of criminality. Along the way, our heroine, Oliva, met Eliza Doolittle and George Bernard Shaw, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson and, of course, Fagin and The Artful Dodger.

The children loved the opportunity to perform on a real stage and the occasion, the venue and the fabulous audience all came together to create a memorable night for all involved and one that the children will most definitely remember. Even during our rehearsals the day before just being on a stage made all the difference to the actors who upped their already fabulous game.

I know all the staff, parents and children were so grateful for this experience and it was fabulous for our children, who will soon be leaving for their own secondary schools, to have  a chance to be in this environment and to thrive.

This is the second year that we have performed at the Boys’ Grammar and both shows have been a triumph. We hope that this is a community link that we can continue to foster.

St John's Primary School

Marketing, Development & Alumni Relations

We love hearing from ex-students so please do let us know of any news we can share here.

As we bid farewell to our Year 13 students, we would like to invite them to join our TWGSB ‘alumni’ (past students) via this link: 

Home | TWGSB Connect

This is an an opportunity to keep in touch with each other as well as to hear news from TWGSB from time to time.

Fabers newsletter

To our alumni and interested parents and supporters, we trust you will have received our new FABERS alumni newsletter last week containing stories of interest, memories and up-to-date news and industry views. We believe a newsletter like this has real power to connect and inspire our community so a special word of thanks to all our contributors.

If you didn’t receive your copy and wish to, please make sure you ‘Join Us’ .

And as the year ends, an appeal for more stories please:

The TWGSB Development Department just loves receiving NEW news, views and pictures (see TWGSB Connect News) as we look to connect the past, present and future of this great school.

Thank you in advance, for any items you generously choose to share with us via one of these email addresses below. We are so grateful always! Thank you. Happy Summer holidays to all.

Mrs I Roberts, Development Manager

iroberts@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk

connect@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk