Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

This week we said au revoir to our departing U6 students as they began their study leave. They have been a wonderful year group, full of excellent role models, not just focused on personal achievement, but also convicted to use their talents and skills wisely and well, for the good of others as well as themselves. A-level exams, results day and a graduation ceremony and ball all beckon before we finally wave them off into independent adulthood, but we wish them well over the coming weeks in particular and thank them for all they have given to GSAL.

Of course, we are in the midst of the exam season for all senior school year groups now, with GCSEs in full flow as well. So it’s timely that yet another report has just been published, referring to the benefits of sport for pupils even in times of pressured revision. At the end of national mental health awareness week, we should remember that this release is important for our children, to enjoy their sport and compete in matches, to get out into green spaces in the summer sun, to remember to keep life in balance and not just to allow revision to dominate; rather, revision is more effective for healthy breaks.

So, it is my hope is that our children can keep these stressful weeks in balance, learn to take control of their time and not to neglect the things they love, especially enjoying fresh air and exercise. It will not only help now, it’s a lesson for life, too.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

ADT exhibition

Thursday 23 May 17:30 to 19:30 in the theatre foyer

We invite all parents to view the exhibition of art and design work created by our GCSE and A-level students. All welcome, no ticket required.

PFA Summer Fête

Sunday 30 June, 12:00 to 15:00, Alwoodley Gates

Please save the date for an afternoon of food, fun and games in and around the marquee beside our cricket pitch, where the big bash cricket tournament will be in full swing for added entertainment. Free admission.

If you are able to help out on the day the PFA would love to hear from you! Please email pfa@gsal.org.uk

Charity update

Last Friday the charity collection raised £220 for Foundation Leeds. Today’s collection was in aid of Muscular Dystrophy and next Friday we will be collecting on behalf of Candlelighters. Thank you to everyone for your continued support for the weekly charity collections.

Year 7 notices

Y7 activities day

Monday 1 July, various locations

Y7 activities day is a day out of the classroom for pupils to enjoy an excursion or activity of their choice. Please read the attached letter from Miss M Stead, deputy head of Y7, for details of the options available and return the reply slip to your child’s form tutor by Thursday 23 May.

Year 9 notices

Additional PSHCE lessons for Y9

Tuesday 21 May

We are focusing in academic lessons on preparation for the upcoming end of year exams, to try and ensure that the students are exposed to a variety of methods of learning/revising and help them to access the techniques that best suit them and the subject they are studying.

We are also mindful that if the students are to leave Y9 better equipped to face the challenges that life will present, lessons in study skills and encouraging academic progress alone will not be enough.

This period leading up to exams, which can be a time of heightened anxiety even for our calmest students, presents an opportunity to consider situations that cause us stress and explore ways to face those challenges.

Therefore next Tuesday each form group will be taken off timetable for one period for an extended PSHCE lesson. In the lesson we will discuss issues of stress and anxiety, and look at the support available and coping strategies that will enable us to navigate these challenging times.

We hope that our students benefit from the information shared and as a consequence feel better able to recognise stress in themselves and others. Most importantly, we want them to be able to seek the right help and support when faced with life’s inevitable challenges.

Kind regards
Carol Heatley
Head of Y9

Year 10 notices

Y10 geography field trip

Friday 14 June, Hornsea

GCSE geography students must undertake two fieldwork investigations. This first study will focus on the impact of coastal management along the East Yorkshire coast, specifically the town of Hornsea.

This field trip is compulsory and you will find full details in the attached letter from Miss C Willey, deputy head of geography. Please provide your permission via the sQuid listing no later than Friday 7 June.

Y10 subject consultation evening

Thursday 27 June from 17:00 to 20:30

Parents are invited to meet with their son/daughter’s subject teachers to discuss academic progress. Further details and booking information to follow.

Year 12 notices

Y12 subject consultation evening

Wednesday 19 June from 17:00 to 20:00

Parents are invited to meet with their son/daughter’s subject teachers to discuss academic progress. Further details and booking information to follow.

Year 13 notices

Y13 prize-giving ceremony

Saturday 29 June at 18:00, Alwoodley Gates

Mrs Woodroofe, the governors, senior leadership team and the sixth form pastoral team warmly invite you to attend the Year 13 prize-giving ceremony.

The prize-giving ceremony will be followed by a complimentary drinks and canapés reception, giving you the chance to chat informally with your son or daughter’s form tutor and other members of the teaching staff. The reception will conclude at 19:45, after which time the dinner and ball for students and staff will commence. We do hope you can join us for this important and exciting event. Dress code is smart.

RSVP via Eventbrite by Saturday 1 June.