WELCOME
I wonder sometimes if Mother Nature purposely coincided the bounty of wine harvest time with the start of the academic year or if it is just a happy twist of fate .
Either way , here in Kent we are blessed with the best-of-the-best in both categories ; some of England ’ s most outstanding education providers boasting everything from centuries old buildings to the best of modern technology – with top results and progression thrown in for good measure , and a plethora of country ’ s best vineyards , winemakers and award-winning tipples too .
In honour of both , it is a delight to be showcasing our second education special feature of the year ; with stories of trailblazing women to a focus on individual growth and development , two areas that resonate with my own focus on empowerment and steps to success , alongside a wealth of features that highlight the burgeoning success of our of viticultural accomplishments – cheers to that !
In an attempt to learn something new ourselves , and as the perfect tie-in to our 13th birthday celebrations , the iK team joined in the learning fun with our very own DJ training experience . ( Poor !) Jon from the Kent DJ Academy had to herd the iK cats and attempt to get them to align their tempos , fade in their beats and showcase something that didn ’ t sound like the mixing decks had failed ! In and amongst a day of laughter , terrible song choices and even worse ideas for DJ names ; ( DJ NikNak will be forever remembered - it ’ s a ‘ Crisp ’ surname thing not because she ’ s nice and spicy … although that depends on who you ask …!) we not only developed a newfound appreciation for the DJ pros , but also inspired the team to push their boundaries , try something new and even perform some mixes in an evening party ! It is testament to the training and the fearless approach of the team that some participants are now inspired to keep up the practice ! You can find out more about our day on p46 .
While not typically seen as educational , our DJ training proved once again that learning is not just about pen-in-hand , chalkface monotony , and in celebration of Kent ’ s unique opportunities to ‘ try something new ’ we have coined our very own festival of learning to demonstrate a host of experiences , training and short courses to inspire , empower and fulfil you too ! Find out more from p43 . As well as all you need to know about Kent ’ s and our acrossthe-border best schools starting on p153 .
Talking of across the border , this issue we will also whizz you on a tour through the wonders of The Weald ( p60 ), past some glorious oast houses ( p55 ) and across the border , with a host of places to explore just a few miles away starting on p48 .
Learning achieved , borders re-crossed and backto-school in full swing – with some handy pointers on back to school immunity ( p145 ), stationery ( p151 ), school run style ( p148 ) and even some grown-up lunch box inspo ( p96 ) – it surely must be time for wine ?
SWITCHING SPINNING DEADLINE PLATES FOR A SPIN ON THE DECKS !
Join us on our tour across Kentish vineyards as we go from grape – on the vineyard trail ( p68 ) and on tour with Wine Tours of Kent ( p74 ) – to glass , as we showcase some of Kent ’ s best wine lists on p83 – you ’ re welcome !
I hope you enjoy your own summer / autumn sandwich filling month as much as I aim to !
It ’ s time to get learning Kent !
www . insidekentmagazine . co . uk
@ insideKENT
Publisher Adam Ready Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ready Features Editor & Administration Manager Karlene Gannon Editor Polly Humphris Features Writer Ashleigh Britten Features Writer Olivia Riccini Features Writer Charlie Bond Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Sales Manager Jen Crisp Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Senior Account Manager Alex Perseval Intern Mia Chapman Intern Finn Cornish Intern Leah Foster Contributors Alan Seal , Andrew Cussins , Dan Stevens , David Riccini , Jacksons Fencing , Katie Hodson , Matt Sworder , Tom Campbell , UK Therapy Rooms Cover : © Kent College
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd , Coachworks , Dover Place , Ashford , Kent TN23 1HU www . sidewaysmedia . co . uk For general enquiries , please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk or 01233 226519
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