King's School Rochester Weekly News
9th January 2026
Paper Towel Scientists to the Rescue!
This week, our classroom turned into a science lab as the children in 2MD took on a very important mission: finding the most absorbent paper towel!
The investigation began with a real-life problem - water spillage on the kitchen table. Disaster! Which paper towel would save the day before the water soaked into the wood and dripped onto the floor? With so many different brands and bold packaging claims, it was time for our young scientists to step in.
The children explored a variety of paper towels. They then worked together to form hypotheses, such as:
'More expensive paper towels are more absorbent.'
'Thicker paper towels soak up more water.'
Next came the planning! The children discussed different ways to test absorbency and chose their own investigation methods, including dangly strips and count the drops. Groups were formed based on the method they selected, and teamwork was key as they set up their experiments.
Before testing, the children carefully examined the materials and made predictions about which would perform best. During the investigations, they measured, observed, drew, photographed, and compared results. Some groups counted drops or watched how quickly water travelled through strips of paper. Accuracy was encouraged, but the focus was on spotting patterns and thinking scientifically.
To finish, each group shared their method and discoveries with the class and reflected on their original hypotheses. Did the results surprise them? Did their thinking change?
We ended the session by reminding the children that this is exactly how real scientists work—asking questions, making predictions, testing ideas, and learning from the results. The final challenge sparked lots of thoughtful discussion:
How would life be different if absorbent materials didn’t exist?
What the children learned:
- To create hypotheses and make predictions
- To investigate absorbency using different methods
- To work collaboratively and communicate their findings
- To think and work like real scientists
A big well done to our brilliant investigators—science is messy, exciting and lots of fun!
Community Choir
Audiences enjoyed a varied programme of festive favourites performed by Cobham Choir in December and a number of our school community were involved! Ruth Smith (OR) is a dedicated member of the choir and Laura West (OR) has been an associate artist for a number of years, performing classics like ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’ and ‘The Holy City’ as well as contributing solos to ‘O Holy Night’. She was joined on stage by Romy J (L5) and Elizabeth Knowles (OR) to perform the solos in Franz Biebl’s ‘Ave Maria’ to warm acclaim. Emma H (R) contributed percussion accompaniment and jingle bells to a number of items, and Matthew H (L5) controlled much of what happened behind the scenes. After taking up directorship of the choir in September, Miss Roux was very glad to bring so many members of the King’s musical community together in this concert. The choir’s next concert will take place on the 28 March and will celebrate folksongs from across the world.
Computing Challenge Celebrations
In November, every pupil taking a Computing subject in the Senior School was entered into a national competition: The UK Bebras Challenge. This prestigious event saw 526,915 pupils compete across the UK, contributing to a massive international field of over 3 million participants from more than 80 countries.
From King’s, 63 pupils ranging from the Removes to the Upper Sixth took part, showcasing their problem-solving and logical thinking skills. All participants will receive a certificate to recognise their efforts, with several pupils achieving a Merit, Distinction, Best in School, or Gold Award.
Summary of Certificates Awarded:
- 30 Participation
- 16 Merit (Top 50% of their year group within the school)
- 14 Distinction (Top 25% of their year group within the school)
- 3 Best in School (Top of their respective year group)
- 5 Gold Awards (Top 10% in the entire country)
Well done to everyone who took part!