Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

A short yet frenetic half term has come to an end with, as ever, much to celebrate.

Our Year 2 pupils showcased their musical talents in the Rose Court extra-curricular music concert this morning, featuring recorders, ukuleles, hand chimes and the choir; what a wonderful variety on display! On the same theme, the Junior School House Music competition was an absolute delight this week, with a new format that saw the pupils preparing all morning and performing all afternoon, a great day of creativity – plus the exciting, new category of garage band electronic composition! As you know, at the beginning of term the Junior School held its Silent Auction for pupils’ art work in aid of Leeds Children’s Hospital, and this week we learned that the total raised was an impressive £2,637, a tremendous achievement. Sincere thanks to all parents who supported the children in this endeavour. Finally, yesterday, we were proud to welcome Councillor Eileen Taylor, the new Lord Mayor of Leeds, who performed her first official engagement here at GSAL when she presented the prizes at the Leeds Inter-School Youth Football Cup 2019, a competition that included 10 primary school teams from across the city.

Turning to our oldest students, last night’s Art, Design and Technology exhibition was both inspirational and enjoyable; if you get an opportunity to pop in and see the incredible displays, you will not regret it – although, like me, you might feel suitably humbled by the skills on show.

But now for a week’s break…first of all, we wish the Year 6 French trip a wonderful time, absorbing language and culture in equal measure. And to all of our families, I hope you can enjoy some precious time with family and friends before we’re back to school on 3 June for the final, exhilarating leg of this academic year!

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

2kit – nearly new uniform shop

Saturday 1 June 10:00 to 12:00 in the theatre foyer

The PFA will be holding a sale of nearly new uniform for junior and senior school, offering a good reduction on the cost of buying new. All proceeds to support PFA projects for the school.

Summer Concert

Thursday 20 June at 16:30 in the GSAL refectory/courtyard

All welcome to attend this concert, no tickets required. The following ensembles will be performing: Senior Strings, Concert Band, Soundwaves, Y10 Jazz Ensemble, Y8/9 Chamber Choir, Girls Vocalize, Folk Ensemble, Jazz Street Band, Intermediate Clarinets, Guitar Group.

House Dance Competition

Monday 24 June at 16:00

House Dance will soon be upon us, involving students in Y7 to Y10. This year’s theme is based around props and Y10 students lead and choreograph the routines.

Each house needs to choreograph a four minute routine to their chosen music, and has chosen a prop to frame their dance around – no easy feat for our Y10 leaders!

Students will be performing their routines in the assembly hall from 16:00 to 17:30, with judging being held in time for the late buses. Although there will not be space in the hall due to the popularity of this event with students, we invite family and friends to watch all of the dances from the theatre foyer where the entire show will be live-streamed onto the big screen. Should you wish to join us, please simply meet a student helper in senior school reception from 16:00 and they will escort you to the theatre foyer ready for the first dance at 16:15.

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 sign up online or email pfa@gsal.org.uk

Charity update

Last Friday the charity collection raised £280 for Muscular Dystrophy UK. Today’s collection was in aid of Candlelighters. The next Friday collection will be on 14 June on behalf of PICU at LGI (paediatric care). Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.

Year 7 notices

Y7 Yorkshire Water STEM trip

Wednesday 19 June, Headingley Water Treatment Works

We are delighted to offer 30 places for our Y7 girls to take part in a STEM week activity, which celebrates National Women in Engineering Day. The trip will include a guided tour of the water treatment works and an opportunity to learn from engineers about their chosen career paths and ask questions about the facility.

Full details can be found in the attached letter from Mr J Bagshaw, head of DT. Places on this trip are strictly limited and will be first come first served. The sQuid listing will go live at 18:00 today and permissions must be received no later than Friday 7 June.

Year 9 notices

Walking weekend

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September, Yorkshire Dales and Malham

All current Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who would like to take part in a walking weekend in the Yorkshire Dales in September 2019 should confirm their interest via sQuid. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar. The deadline for applications is extended to Wednesday 5 June.

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.

Walking weekend

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September, Yorkshire Dales and Malham

All current Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who would like to take part in a walking weekend in the Yorkshire Dales in September 2019 should confirm their interest via sQuid. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar. The deadline for applications is extended to Wednesday 5 June.

Year 11 notices

Walking weekend

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September, Yorkshire Dales and Malham

All current Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who would like to take part in a walking weekend in the Yorkshire Dales in September 2019 should confirm their interest via sQuid. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar. The deadline for applications is extended to Wednesday 5 June.

Year 12 notices

Message from head of year

Please see the attached message from Mr S Corcoran, head of Y12.

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.

Meeting for potential Oxbridge applicants

Friday 21 June at 13:00, history department

Y12 students interested in applying to Oxford or Cambridge are invited to attend this meeting. By then students will have received their end of year exam results and their predicted grades for UCAS, as well as having had the opportunity to discuss Oxbridge potential with subject specialists at parents’ evening.

We strongly encourage students to attend open days at Oxford or Cambridge if they want to find out more about studying at either and how well suited they might be. The open day dates are:
Oxford – 3 or 4 July
Cambridge – 4 or 5 July

Those students then wishing to pursue applications to Oxford or Cambridge will need to complete the Oxbridge Applicants 2019-2020 Form. Mr Yates will email all Y12 students a link to the form. Oxbridge applicants need to complete and submit this form by no later than 16:00 on Tuesday 9 July.

Walking weekend

Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September, Yorkshire Dales and Malham

All current Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who would like to take part in a walking weekend in the Yorkshire Dales in September 2019 should confirm their interest via sQuid. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar. The deadline for applications is extended to Wednesday 5 June.

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.