Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

We have been back at school less than two weeks yet it has been incredible to see the impressive and energetic array of activity and talent on display at every turn. Junior School led the way last week with a beautiful art gallery of every child’s work, forming a silent auction in aid of Leeds Cares, the fundraising arm of Leeds teaching hospitals; places that help GSAL families all the time and places that are staffed with many GSAL families, too!

In terms of trips and visits, year 5 stepped back into Victorian times this week and, at Rose Court, some pupils visited Harlow Carr gardens whilst year 2 prepared for the transition to year 3 with a harmonisation day in Junior School. And next week sees the start of the information roll out in readiness for the Rose Court move to Alwoodley Gates in September 2020.

Action-packed? Well, last weekend, the Queen’s Scouts went to Windsor to receive their awards, the highest honour in scouting. GSAL’s 20 winners made up by far the largest cohort of recipients, representing 5% of the national total. As if that wasn’t enough, we are also preparing to celebrate 36 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award winners, another record-busting number, many of whom will be heading to Buckingham Palace next week.. Our year 12s won the best company title at the Leeds LEAP awards this week, the summer sports season has begun with some exciting new 2020 cricket fixtures and year 7 have been challenging themselves on their outdoor learning course. Exhausted? Maybe. But the balance provided by these sorts of activities also enables children to perform well academically and, above all, supports their wellbeing.

Of course that is most important, too, given that the exam season is underway. The final lessons and revision clinics are taking place for those students about to embark on their public examinations, with the art exams and language orals already underway, so I want to wish everyone in year 11 and year 13 every success. After such diligence and dedication, I hope they all achieve the success and recognition they deserve.

So, wherever you look in school, it’s been an exciting and busy start to the new term! But perhaps the last word should go to the musicians after last night’s wonderful Spring Concert. Amidst the accomplished performances, the underlying atmosphere was one of sheer enjoyment, demonstrating all that music learning provides beyond the instrument itself. Watching the fun as much as the talent was a joy for those of us in the audience, with a huge cohort of 38 musicians moving on to university this autumn, performing together for the last time on the GSAL stage. We owe them and their teachers a heartfelt thank you; for their commitment, for their skill and for the pleasure they have brought us over so many years.

What next?! Amidst all the revision, just a long weekend and lots of cycling to watch – enjoy!

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

Please support GSAL’s green agenda

As highlighted by Mrs Woodroofe in last week’s bulletin, we are committed to improving our green credentials at GSAL and there is much you can do as parents to support us.

In March Public Health England published its Review of interventions to improve outdoor air quality and public health, which recommended stopping vehicles idling, particularly near schools and hospitals. The BBC Reality Check team investigated the impact of idling cars and buses, and referenced a study showing that when drivers were asked to turn off their engines outside a London primary school, levels of black carbon (a pollutant linked to lung and heart disease) dropped by 36%. Another study shows that for emissions of nitrogen oxide from newer diesel cars it is worth switching off the engine if you expect to be stationary for three seconds.

Please turn off your car engine while waiting in the school car park or on Buckingham Road for Rose Court. This is a simple step we can all take to protect the health and wellbeing of our own children and all pupils at GSAL and local schools.

GSAL fun run

Saturday 4 May, 08:45 registration

Tomorrow’s GSAL fun run is open to all GSAL families and friends. Please register at the pavilion by 08:45 for a 09:00 start. There will be an option of running a 2km course (one lap) or 4km. All abilities and ages welcome. Children under 11 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available in the staff car park.

2kit – nearly new uniform shop

Saturday 11 May 10:00 to 12:00 in the theatre foyer

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

Charity update

Last Friday the charity collection raised £220 for Winston’s Wish. Today’s collection was in aid of Otley & The Dales Riding for the Disabled. The next collection on Friday 10 May will be on behalf of Foundation Leeds.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support for the weekly charity collections.

Year 8 notices

Y8 subject teacher consultation evening

Boys: Wednesday 8 May 17:00-20:00

Please see the attached letter from Mrs R Purcell, head of Y8, for further details. The online booking system for appointments with teachers remains open until 16:00 on Monday 6 May.

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 by Friday 24 May. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar.

Year 10 notices

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

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 by Friday 24 May. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar.

Year 11 notices

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

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 by Friday 24 May. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar.

Year 12 notices

Morrish music scholarship for girls

Girls in Y10 and above who play an instrument to approximately Grade 6 minimum standard are invited to apply for this scholarship which assists with payment for music lessons and costs associated with music exams. Download further information and the application form. The deadline is Friday 10 May.

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 by Friday 24 May. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leader Dr F Motashar.

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.