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  • National School Sports Week 2024 ~ Part 1

    Published 18/06/24

    Monday 17th June to Friday 21st June sees the nation's schools celebrating National School Sport Week 2024. Each year the Youth Sport Trust dedicates one week to promoting PE in schools and co-curricular activities. This year's theme, powered by Sports Direct's Monster Kickabout, brings a special one-off Euro 2024 event that emphasises football as a means to engage young people in PE, sport and play. At BGS, we have been celebrating the week with lots of competitive events within lessons. We encourage you all to get out and get active as much as you can!

    #NSSW got off to a flying start with some football tournaments for the boys. With lots going on during the week, let’s hope the weather stays nice.

    Click here to view the National Schools Sports Week 2024 Photo Gallery.

    Euro 2024 ~ What you need to know

    14th June ~ 14th July 2024

    The UEFA EURO 2024 final tournament is just around the corner and is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. This year it will take place in Germany, spanning over 10 stadiums. It first started in the 1960s in France, but it only included 4 countries and the first winner was The Soviet Union.

    The group stage runs until 26 June, with the knockout stage beginning on 29 June.

    The countries taking part are:

    Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
    Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
    Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
    Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
    Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
    Group F: Türkiye, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia

    England's 26-man squad are:

    Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

    Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

    Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

    Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

    The final will take place on the 14th July 2024, but only one team can win.

    Riley Boyle, Year 12

    Football Events

    With the 2024 Euros underway, this year we have included a football tournament for all students in their PE lessons, giving all students a chance to play competitively.

    Bexley Grammar has had a lot of success in football competitions this year, with the First XI winning the Kent Premier League. Our Year 8 Squad reached the final in the North Kent Cup (just pipped by Wilmington Grammar) and our Year 9s were crowned champions in the Kent Cup.

    We are super proud of all of our students, and we would like to thank and congratulate all students who have represented BGS in all sports. A big congratulation to the students below, who have been selected by teachers and coaches to get a special mention following a fantastic football season.

    National School Sports Week Award Winners

    We are thrilled to present the below awards to students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and enthusiasm by actively participating in numerous sports clubs. Your commitment, sportsmanship, and passion for physical activity have set a shining example for your peers. Your involvement not only enhances your own skills and well-being but also contributes significantly to the vibrant sporting community at our school. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement, and thank you for inspiring others with your dedication to sports.

    Summer Events

    Cricket T20 World Cup

    4th June ~ 30th June 2024

    The Cricket World Cup 2024:
    England’s Fixtures and Key Dates

    As the cricketing world gears up for the 2024 Cricket World Cup, excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. This prestigious tournament, set to take place throughout the West Indies and areas of the United States, promises thrilling matches and intense competition amongst the world's best cricketing teams. The tournament begins on June 4th and will culminate on June 29th at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

    England enters the competition with a strong squad, carrying the nation’s hopes with them.

    The England squad is composed of:

    Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley and Mark Wood.

    The groups for the tournament are as follows:

    Group A: Canada, India, Ireland, Pakistan, USA
    Group B: Australia, England, Namibia, Oman, Scotland
    Group C: Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Uganda, West Indies
    Group D: Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Netherlands

    The top two sides from each group then progress to the Super 8s stage of the event, with the bottom three teams from each group eliminated.

    The remaining eight teams are then split into another two groups during the Super 8s phase, with sides playing three matches against their group rivals to determine the semi-finalists.

    The semi-finals will be played out between the top two teams from each Super 8s group, with the winners then progressing to the one-off final with all to play for in Barbados on 29th June.

    Jacob Jeffrey, Year 12

    Tour de France

    29th June ~ 21st July 2024

    The Tour de France is one of the world's most prestigious and gruelling cycling races, held annually since 1903. It is held in France with occasional segments in neighbouring countries. Originating as a promotion by the French newspaper L'Auto, the race spans 21 stages over 23 days, covering around 3,500 kilometres and featuring a mix of terrain. Cyclists compete for various jerseys, including the yellow jersey for the overall leader, the green jersey for the best sprinter, the polka dot jersey for the top climber, and the white jersey for the best young rider.

    The teams consist of eight riders facing challenging terrain, from the Alps to the Pyrenees, with the race traditionally concluding on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event attracts millions of spectators, with last year there being 42.5 million viewers in just France alone. Famous winners of the event include Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. However, the race has seen many doping scandals, the most famous being Lance Armstrong being stripped of his medals after being found cheating. Despite this, the Tour de France remains the most famous cycling event in the world, with a very large number of viewers each year.

    This year's race starts on the 29th June at 11:00am. The event starts in Florence and then ends three weeks later on 21st July in Nice, with daily coverage taking place on various TV Channels. We can see 8 different British Cyclists taking part in the Tour de France this year, all in various teams.

    Hopefully we see one of them win!

    Jed Baulch, Year 12

    Wimbledon

    1st July ~ 14th July 2024

    As summer is just getting started, the world’s eyes turn to London once again for the oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon. This year promises to be a great showcase of athletics, tradition and emerging talents!

    Wimbledon stands out from other tennis tournaments due to its history and commitment to tradition. Players wear white and compete on beautiful grass courts where spectators enjoy the games with their prosecco, strawberries and cream!

    Reigning men’s singles champion Novak Djokovic aims for another Grand Slam victory against formidable opponents like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. Last year, we experienced a historic and thrilling match where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in a gruelling five-set battle, resulting in Alcaraz’s first Wimbledon title. Will he be back to claim his second this year, will Djokovic get his 8th Wimbledon Crown, or will we be pleasantly surprised by a new talent?

    In women’s singles, Iga Świątek seeks to prove her versatility on grass, with Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff ready to challenge her. This summer will also see young talents such as Jannik Sinner and Emma Raducanu, who are poised to make a significant impact, bringing fresh excitement to the tournament.

    Wimbledon symbolises the pinnacle of tennis, sportsmanship, and global unity, attracting a diverse audience. From the Royal Box to Henman Hill, the tournament unites fans from around the world in celebrating tennis excellence. With excitement building, Wimbledon 2024 promises unforgettable moments, from epic battles to heart-warming triumphs. The tournament exemplifies the elegance, competitive spirit, and rich heritage that make it the crown jewel of the tennis calendar.

    Sophie Pooley, Year 12

    Paris Olympics 2024

    26th July ~ 11th August 2024

    The countdown to the Paris Olympics 2024 has started and is set to be a spectacular event, with high hopes placed on this year’s competition, especially the women’s 100m, as the top female athletes of the year once again go head-to-head for this worldwide showdown. However, the United Kingdom has created a formidable and exceptional team of athletes with the potential to leave marks in this year’s competition. One to look out for is GB's very own 100 and 200 sprinter, Dina-Asher Smith.

    Dina Asher-Smith, who is already a household name in the UK, is expected to be one of the standout stars of the Paris Games. As the reigning World Champion in the 200 metres and European Champion in both the 100 and 200 metres, Asher-Smith has consistently demonstrated her amazing ability on the track. Her exceptional speed and determination definitely makes her a favourite for multiple medals in Paris, and she will be a key figure in Britain's athletics team. Going up against the likes of Sha'Carri RICHARDSON, Shericka JACKSON, Shelly-Ann FRASER-PRYCE to name a few, Dina ASHER-SMITH is most definitely a fan favourite.

    Another athlete to look out for is 16-year-old skateboarder, Sky Brown. Already a skateboarding prodigy, having won bronze in the women's park skateboarding event at Tokyo 2020, making her one of the youngest Olympic medallists in history. At just 13, her exceptional talent and fearless approach to the sport were on full display. Despite a serious injury a year before the Games, Brown made a swift recovery, showcasing her resilience and determination. Her innovative tricks and fearless style have gained international acclaim, setting her apart in the competitive skateboarding world. She definitely aims to inspire young athletes to work hard at doing what they love.

    The Paris 2024 Olympics not only provides a platform for these incredible athletes but also represents a return to the roots of the modern Olympic movement. With the inclusion of new sports like breakdancing and the introduction of mixed-gender events, the Games continue to evolve. As the countdown to Paris continues, British athletes are training hard, fuelled by the hopes and dreams of a nation.

    Beth Abegunde-Williams, Year 12

    Paris Paralympics

    Wednesday 28th Aug ~ Sunday 8th Sept 2024

    Shooting Para Sport at Paris 2024

    As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games begins, anticipation is mounting for one of the most thrilling events on the schedule: Shooting Para sport. Set to take place between 30th August and 5th September at the prestigious Chateauroux Shooting Centre in central France, this competition promises to be the ultimate test of accuracy and control.

    In shooting para sport, athletes are renowned for their steady hand, unwavering concentration, and emotional control. Techniques such as focused and controlled breathing play a pivotal role in reducing heart rate and enhancing stability for optimal performance. Competitors engage in rifle and pistol events across various distances, each aiming to land shots closest to the centre of a 10-ring target.

    With up to 160 athletes from around the globe expected to participate, the stage is set for a showcase of talent and technique. Amongst the standout names in the sport's history is Sweden's Jonas Jacobsson, widely regarded as the most decorated shooter of all time. His remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the dedication and skill required to excel in this demanding discipline.

    Not to be overshadowed, Australia's Elizabeth Kosmala has left an indelible mark as the most successful female athlete in shooting para sport. Her nine gold medals and three silvers, earned between 1976 and 1988, are a testament to her enduring legacy in the sport.

    However, it's China that has been a dominant force in recent Games, clinching the top spot on the medals table for the third consecutive time at Tokyo 2020. With four gold medals out of the 13 up for grabs, China's shooters showcased their prowess on the international stage once again.

    The Chateauroux Shooting Centre, a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in 2018, stands as one of Europe's largest shooting venues. Equipped with multiple shooting ranges, it provides the perfect setting to host all 13 Paralympic events. Beyond Paris 2024, the centre will continue to serve as a venue for international competitions, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the global Para sport community.

    As the Games draw nearer, excitement builds for what promises to be a thrilling display of athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship in the Shooting Para sport competitions. With history in the making and medals up for grabs, the world eagerly awaits the action to unfold at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.

    Mateja Smailys-Bartkus, Year 12

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  • BGS Hosts Language Debate

    Published 17/06/24

    On Wednesday, the MFL department at BGS hosted a language debate with the prompt, ‘AI is a dangerous new tool in education’. The debate was hugely successful with 4 schools attending, and 19 teams competing in 6 different languages; German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. Over the past few weeks, we have had a number of sessions rehearsing our arguments, both for and against, practising debating techniques and preparing to go head-to-head with Beths, Dartford and Trinity.

    We met with the other schools and began our debates by flipping a coin, determining who was ‘for’ and who was ‘against’. The atmosphere was very supportive, with audience members of friends and teachers, yet tense as the debates sometimes got incredibly heated.

    Speaking for all those at BGS who participated, the experience was incredibly helpful to real world experiences, talking about current issues with native speakers and others who are in the same boat as us, learning languages. I found my Spanish improved immensely, just through the few weeks I spent preparing it, and it has given me a new drive to improve to a new level of its native speakers.

    The event ran smoothly, and everyone was so supportive of each other, with students from different schools and languages talking and getting to know each other. I am super proud of our school for hosting the event and hope for years to come students participate in language events like this, not only to help with confidence for learners but also to deepen connections with other schools and other speakers.

    Ella Curl, Year 12

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  • Spanish Exchange ~ May 2024

    Published 12/06/24

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  • Hamburg Exchange ~ May 2024

    Published 12/06/24

    On May 29th, a group of German learning students headed out to Hamburg to spend just under a week practising our German with our exchange partners and exploring the beautiful city of Hamburg.

    Our first day started off with a relaxing boat ride along the river Elbe, from where we could see many landmarks of Hamburg and its wonderfully green banks. We then resided on a sandy bank where we ate lunch. Afterwards, we wandered to St. Michael’s church, a staple of Hamburg, where we climbed up a copious number of stairs in order to see a wonderful view of Hamburg from above. We were then able to spend the afternoon with our exchange partners going around Hamburg.

    The second day started with school, in which we were able to see the learning environments of our exchange partners and how they differed from our school environment. We were first greeted by their Headteacher, followed by 3 double periods of lessons, including any from English (where they are studying Romeo and Juliet), PE, Drama, Chemistry and/or Art. Afterwards, we had lunch with our partners and then promptly gathered outside Schoko Versum, a chocolate factory, where we received a tour on how chocolate was made, starting in the rainforest, ending up seeing the different machines used in the process and trying how chocolate tasted at each stage.

    Our third day was spent in Lübeck, an old city slightly north of Hamburg. We went on a tour of the city including Museum Holstentor, the gate that was the main entrance to the city, built in 1464 and is still standing (though leans slightly due to the lack of foundation under the connecting wall between the two towers), the narrow streets built when the population of Lübeck was very high and housing was needed, but there was a lack of space, seeing a bus that drove on both land and in the water, and other buildings like St. Peter's church, all built with red bricks as Lübeck does not have natural stone to build with. We then got a few hours to go round in our own groups and see more of Lübeck, like the marzipan museum and shop, as Marzipan originated from Lübeck and became very popular for its use as table decoration due to its ability to be coloured and moulded into different shapes.

    On Sunday we had the whole day to go round Hamburg with our exchange partners to see more sights. For example, going to Elbphilharmonie, a concert hall in Hamburg, and also another great opportunity to see Hamburg from above, Planten un Blomen, which is a beautiful flower park and a wonderful water show, or viewing parts of the Ironman, a massive triathlon event which happened to land on the same Sunday we were in Hamburg.

    We are all so grateful to Dr Symons for being able to rearrange this trip for us after last year’s mishap with the flight being cancelled and this only being established once we had arrived at the airport. It was a wonderful experience from which many of us plan to revisit our exchange partners in Hamburg. In addition, many thanks to Frau Knebler for hosting us and helping organise the trip. And finally, thank you to Mr Adams for accompanying us.

    Charlie Furlong, Year 10

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  • Sardinia 2024 ~ Part 1

    Published 12/06/24

    In the May half-term, nineteen Year 12 students of Italian and Social and Cultural Anthropology enjoyed a wonderful trip to Sardinia, experiencing Sardinian nature, culture, history, traditions and food - accompanied by Ms Martucci and Ms Contini.

    We started off by visiting the rescue centre for marine life in the Nora lagoon, west of Cagliari, where we were given the opportunity to learn a great deal about various species of marine creatures, such as sea cucumbers, starfish and various cetaceans. The highlight of this session was seeing real life sea turtles that had been rescued and were being cared for by the staff at the rescue centre - although this was also a reminder of how humans are negatively impacting these wonderful creatures, for example through plastic waste.

    We then enjoyed a lovely, sunny afternoon on the beach, and swam in gorgeous turquoise waters!

    The next day, we explored the city of Cagliari: our guide, an expert archaeologist, took us to see the underground Roman remains of streets and houses that were found accidentally under a church in 1999! We then went for a walking tour in Cagliari, learning all about the city’s origins and especially focussing on the fortification of the city in mediaeval times.

    After a stop for lunch, we headed to the beach once again, to have a little swim at Poetto beach, with the backdrop of the Sella Del Diavolo (the Devil’s Saddle) - a very impressive rock formation.

    The following day, we took a long bus ride to the heart of Sardinia, to learn all about the carnival traditions of Mamoiada, focussing specifically on the Mamuthones masks. We learnt about the important functions of these masks parading the streets in winter, on the day of Saint Anthony, to cast away evil spirits that would threaten the harvest, and also to ward off death and sorrow and look forward to spring. We visited the workshop of a mask maker, who explained in detail how masks are made and the importance of Mamuthones for the identity of the people of Mamoiada today.

    In the afternoon, we moved to the nearby town of Orgosolo, famous for its mural paintings that express important messages of peace and social justice and refer to important historical events, such as the 1968 uprising by the local people against the construction of a NATO military base that would have taken away their lands (precious for pastures) and also international events such as the war in Iraq or Tien An Men square.

    The next day we headed north towards Alghero, stopping by two very important prehistoric sites - the Necropolis of Bonorva and the impressive Nuraghe of Santu Antine. In both sites, we appreciated some buildings and burials dating back to 6000 years ago, and we reflected on how prehistoric humans had similar needs and belief systems to ours, such as customs relating to the afterlife, hierarchical structures, the need to belong etc. We then spent the afternoon in Alghero relaxing on the beach, at yet another stunning location.

    We spent our last day exploring Alghero, learning about its history, from its founding by a noble family from Genoa to its conquest by the Catalans, and the importance of coral for the local economy. The highlight of this day was the visit to the spectacular Nettuno caves, and the boat ride there, again surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery.

    It was a wonderful experience for both staff and students, and even though we came back extremely tired, we all feel incredibly enriched by this experience.

    Students' comments:

    As an anthropology student, I found this trip to not only be educational but also extremely fun and entertaining. Over the week, I got closer to my peers and my teachers, and I picked up several new Italian words; one would think I am bilingual. Overall, I really enjoyed the sun and warm temperatures. Furthermore, I was in awe of the beaches, they were so clear (thankfully there were no jellyfish)! I would love to visit Sardinia again in the future. It was an amazing experience 10/10.
    Harleen         

    The trip was such a good experience; not only did we learn lots which could be applied to anthropology, but it was also planned out very well so that we got lots of free time to enjoy ourselves with our friends and on the beaches. Sardinia was a great trip, and I'd recommend it to anyone who gets the opportunity to go.
    Albert

    It is so difficult to choose what the most enjoyable aspect of the trip was, as the whole trip was an amazing experience. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we had three days when we went to the beach, and it was gorgeous. I also really loved learning about the history of Sardinia and going to the centre for marine biology in Nora. Overall, it was a great trip where I got to know my classmates better and ate lots of delicious ice cream.  
    Amélie

    This trip was genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. I have made life-long memories and I have strengthened my friendships and independence. Sardinia is an amazing place and Miss Contini planned the best tour and showcased all the best parts of her homeland, and we all fell in love with it. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back and relive the memories over again, and I would recommend it to anyone, not only for the beautiful beaches, but for the history and unique culture.
    Ella

    Please click on the link here to view the Sardinia 2024 Photo Gallery.

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  • Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 ~ A Resounding Success! (Monday 13th - Friday 17th May)

    Published 11/06/24

    Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by Miss Gowdie (Psychology teacher) and the dedicated psychology prefects, was a vibrant and impactful event this year. Kicking off with a bake sale on Monday, May 13th, the generosity of our students was overwhelming. The sheer amount of treats donated allowed us to host a second bake sale on Tuesday, May 14th, during both break and lunch times. To further raise awareness, Thursday, May 16th, was designated as "Wear Green Day." Students showed their support by donning green attire or accessories and contributing donations to YoungMinds and Place2Be charities. The week culminated in a dynamic "Move Day" on Friday, May 17th, where both students and teachers participated in an array of activities including races, juggling, hula-hooping, and kick-up competitions. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, creating a lively atmosphere that resonated throughout the school.

    Here are statements from our dedicated psychology prefects, Princela and Farida, reflecting on the week's activities and their impact on our school community.

    To promote Mental Health Awareness Week, I, along with some of the other Senior Prefects, helped give an assembly to the Year 7s, during which we discussed the importance of mental health awareness, the signs to look out for in yourself and others, as well as coping strategies. This assembly was very successful! Some of the events of the week included a Bake Sale, Wear A Green Item Day and Move For Mental Health, which included lunchtime activities on the Friday. The Bake Sale managed to raise a total of £109.50! All of which will be donated to mental health charities ‘Young Minds’ and ‘Place2Be’!

    Princela

    For the ‘Wear a Green Item Day’, students were encouraged to bring in a green item to raise awareness for the two chosen charities, ‘Young Minds’ and ‘Place2Be’.

    Move for Mental Health (lunchtime activities), was a very eventful and successful lunch where not just students of all year groups, but teachers too engaged in multiple activities at lunch to get them moving! We had a variety of juggling, hula-hooping, keepy-uppy competitions and a race! Some winners of each competition even got special medals as a reward for their accomplishments. Overall, it was a fantastic way to keep everyone engaged and moving!

    Farida

     

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  • PE News ~ June 2024

    Published 11/06/24
    Year 9 Rounders Tournament

    It was a 2nd place finish for the Year 9 rounders team at the Bexley tournament at Townley. The team displayed exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and teamwork throughout the competition, with solid batting performances and strategic game play. A special mention goes to our standout performers:
    Devine for her outstanding efforts in both batting     and outfield, along with Lisa for her calm and composed bowling.     A nail-biting final game! 

    Go team!
     
    Mrs Kemp, PE Department
    Year 8 & 10 Rounders Teams v Trinity

    Double success for our rounders teams against Trinity. High scoring games in all innings across both age groups. Our Year 8s produced rapid bowling, with outstanding deep field catches from Victoria, earning her the player of the match along with Nifemi for her consistent batting.

    A well battled game for the Year 10s girls. Another friendly and competitive again. Well done to everyone, and the rain held off!

    Mrs Kemp and Mrs Mallin

    Year 7 Cricket Team v Bullers Wood

    What a close game the Year 7 team were involved in last week! We got Bullers Wood (B) all out for 66 without them completing their full 20 overs. With 1 ball left of the game, we needed 2 runs to win.

    We managed to get 1 run and the scores were level!  As we bowled their team out and took more wickets, we progressed into the next round of the cup. It was great to see how pleased all the team were.

    A special congratulation goes to those boys making their BGS debut.

    Well done all!

    Mr Mackle, PE Department

    Year 10 Cricket Squad V Gravesend Grammar

    The Year 10 cricket squad put in a spirited performance against a very strong Gravesend Grammar School side last week.  We batted first but struggled to build any partnerships of note.  As a result, we were all out for 66 runs.  Although we did well to take a few early wickets, ultimately Gravesend won the match and therefore went through to the next round of the competition.

    We look forward to our next fixture against Beths!

    Mr Mackle

    Year 8 Cricket v Hurstmere

    Well done to the Year 8 cricket team, who eased to an 8 wicket win against Hurstmere on Monday. A blistering opening bowling spell from Atharva (4 wickets) and Ethan (2) left Hurstmere reeling at 9 for 6.  The boys knocked off the runs to win in less than 10 overs.

    Mr Lines, Head of PE

    Power Day 4 ~ Well Done Year 7!

    On Power Day 4, Year 7 took part in a PE fundraising event, with a competition to see which student and which form could be sponsored the most.  The students did a brilliant job, and raised nearly £2500! 

    7LC were crowned the highest fundraising form, and 5 students were given certificates for raising the most sponsorship: Ben McCarthy 7TMR, Caitlin Mackintosh 7TMR, Daniel Blair-Hicks 7SDA, Adi Chana 7LC and Charlotte Luxford 7LC.  Kasey Bokhoree-Cejzner 7LC also took the trophy for being our fundraising champion after he raised an incredible £210

    The funds will be used to contribute to our new tennis court fencing, and will also go towards the cost of a new scoreboard in the sports hall.  Thank you to everyone who sponsored a student, and to the pupils themselves for their hard work.

    Mr Lines, Head of PE

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  • MFL Trip to Oxford University

    Published 05/06/24

    In May, the MFL Department ran their very first MFL trip to Oxford University with a selection of our Year 10 and Year 12 linguists. The focus of the trip was to give our most enthusiastic linguists a glimpse of the opportunities that studying languages at university could open, especially when combined with another subject in joint degrees. On the day, students had the chance to attend some very informative sessions led by Nicola Brown, School Liaison Officer at the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, and Sarah Large, Outreach Program Coordinator at Mansfield College. After a taster lecture in literature, our group met two BGS alumni, Lucas and Harry, for a private tour of Hertford College.

    Our students were not only inspired by the academic sessions but also by the personal stories and experiences shared by the student ambassadors and our BGS alumni. The opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic campus of Oxford University was an unforgettable experience that has sparked a newfound motivation and curiosity in our linguists. Witnessing their excitement and engagement throughout the day was incredibly rewarding.

    Ms Giglione and Dr Symons
    MFL Department

    On the 17th May, I, along with 24 other Year 10 language leaders and Year 12s, visited Mansfield College (Oxford University). When we arrived at the college, after a brief walk through the beautiful grounds, we were offered biscuits and refreshments, which we enjoyed outside under the shade of parasols in the warm sun. Afterwards, we attended a lecture where we learnt about the process of applying to university and the various opportunities and jobs that having a language degree offered, which included careers in law, advertising and education. Shortly after, there was a Q&A with three Oxford students, which I found immensely interesting and learnt that studying languages involves a lot of culture as well as literature, which made me more eager to continue to learn languages in the future.

    After the lectures, we were taken around the college for a tour, where we saw the beautiful library as well as the impressive artwork of some Oxford students which were decorated around the corridors, some of which were celebrating the anniversary of when women were first admitted into the university. We then attended a seminar, where we analysed an 18th Century text, which gave us a fascinating insight into the literature segment of studying languages at university, which was shortly followed by a tour of Hertford College led by two BGS alumni; Harry and Lucas.

    The trip was an excellent opportunity for me to understand the experience and enjoyment which comes with studying languages at university, as well as providing a general overview of the application process of university - I definitely recommend this to anyone who is given the opportunity to go on this trip!

    Hana Ostrowski, Year 10

    It was incredibly interesting to have an early look at how Modern Foreign Languages are studied at Oxford University and what daily life for students is like throughout its different colleges. A highlight for me was the academic taster session, where we were split into different groups and given a text translated from French. From there, we then had to find and use specific details from it in order to gather inferences about its origin, context and story. Listening to different interpretations from different groups shows us how diverse our individual understanding of linguistics can be.

    Berad Musov, Year 10

    The trip to Oxford University was an amazing experience. Visiting Mansfield College was extremely inspirational. We got to learn about the courses they offered, student life and even had a taster lesson. We then visited Hertford college. There we also saw the dorms, dining hall and its chapel. It was altogether a great experience. Thank you to Dr Symons and Miss Giglione for taking the time to put this trip together.

    Caitlyn Osei-Tutu

    Please click on the link here to view the MFL Trip to Oxford University. 

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  • Latest News ~ May 2024

    Published 23/05/24

    Year 8 Football

    Well done to the Year 8 football team who finished the season as Runners-Up in the North Kent Cup.  They played the final last Wednesday against a very strong Wilmington Grammar School side that had not conceded a goal throughout their season.  A great level of quality football from both teams was on show, but Wilmington ended up as Champions by winning 3-2 in an entertaining and exciting match.

    Congratulations to them as North Kent Champions and well done to the Year 8 squad for a real battling performance. Heads can most definitely be held high, even though the result didn't go our way. 

    Thank you to all who came to support them! Maybe next year will be our year... enjoy the summer break.

    Mr Mackle & Mr Skinner, PE Department

    Well Done Year 10 Sports Leaders!

    Well done to our fantastic Year 10 sports leaders who led a brilliant mini-tennis tournament for 6 local primary schools on Wednesday afternoon. Our leaders were a credit to themselves and the school.

    Thank you!

    Mr Lines, Head of PE

    Cricket News

    Year 7 Cricket

    Well done to the Year 7 cricket team after a hard fought battle against Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School. Unfortunately, BGS came out second best this time despite scoring a very credible 284. The team spirit was fantastic, and the team were an absolute pleasure to work with in their first away fixture of the season. Yet more BGS pupils making their debut!

    Year 8 Cricket

    Well done to the Year 8 cricket team, who secured a comfortable 8-wicket win over Charles Darwin on Monday afternoon in the Kent Trophy.

    The boys can look forward to the next round after half-term.

    Year 10 Cricket

    A close opening game for our Year 10 cricket team. We scored 107 off 20 overs.  Wilmington reached the total with an over to go. A lovely evening and an enjoyable game that had lots of twists and turns.

    Ultimately, some excellent fielding from Wilmington beat us. The focus turns to our next fixture in a few days!

    Mr Mackle, PE Department

    Badminton – Congratulations James!

    Many congratulations to James Ng (Year 8) who, along with his Kent U15 teammates, secured a national badminton title at the finals of the Shires League at Loughborough University.  Qualifying by winning all of their matches during the season, James and his team beat Hertfordshire in round 1 of the finals, Warwickshire in the semi-final and Essex in the final.  Winning a national competition is a huge achievement - well done James!

    Mr Lines, Head of PE

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  • Young Enterprise 10X Challenge

    Published 22/05/24

    Year 10 Business Studies students are currently engaged in the 10X Challenge. Each team of around 5 students are pledged £10 for four weeks to get their business idea off the ground. The challenge allows students to put theory into practice, develop their entrepreneurial skills and give them some experience of what it is like to run a business. Students have set up businesses selling goods ranging from bouncy balls to home-made bracelets and services from car washing to garden maintenance (see pictures). We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing all about their experiences after half-term!

    Mrs Harris, Head of Business & Economics

    Before and after:

     

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  • A Magical Evening with Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest'

    Published 22/05/24

    Our school auditorium was filled with excitement and enchantment as our talented students from Year 7 to Year 9 took to the stage to perform William Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest'. 

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  • BGS Cheerleading Club's Debut Performance!

    Published 09/05/24

    BGS Cheerleading Club entered the Future Cheer Schools Out Competition on Sunday 5th May in Milton Keynes.

    They placed 6th overall in their division, which is an amazing result for their debut performance against many well-established teams.

    Well done!

    Miss Mani 

     

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