Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

The end of an academic year is a moment of reflection and celebration, as evidenced in the recent assemblies and prize giving ceremonies across the school. As we look back on the past year, so much has been tried, so much has been achieved, by individuals and teams and ensembles, across a range of ages and disciplines. In fact, as parents, it’s worth looking back on our children at the start of this academic year, to reflect how much they have grown and developed into the people they are today, how much they have learnt and experienced over the past 10 months.

For three of our teachers who are retiring this year, the reflection and celebration is vast. Mr Lilley, Mr Lunn and Mr Willcocks have accumulated 84 years of service to GSAL (and LGS before it) between them. A remarkable achievement, professional lives hallmarked by a commitment and care to young people at their core, teachers who have made a real difference to the lives of others and to the school as a whole. We are deeply grateful to all of them, and it’s testament to each one that they have no intention of ‘stopping working’, but rather to use their skills and experience to help others in the next phase of their lives. That’s great role modelling, that’s the spirit of GSAL – other people matter, always, and we give what we can every day of our lives.

So I thank our retiring staff, and all others who are leaving, for all that they have done for this school. And to our parents; thank you for the trust you place in us to guide and support the most precious people in your lives. I hope you all have a lovely holiday, enjoying moments that will become special memories, and until we meet again, take care.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

Please note that to access the downloads in this bulletin you will need to be logged into the school intranet GSAL World. Should you have any difficulty logging in please visit the GSAL World home page and follow the instructions under Password Reset Request.

Whole school notices

Charity update

Last Friday the charity collection raised £80 for Vision Romania, and today’s collection is on behalf of PAFRAS.

In 2018-19 the school community raised in the region of £40,000, thanks in no small part to the weekly charity collections. Collections will resume in September, and we are immensely grateful for your ongoing support.

Monkhouse and 2Kit – summer holiday uniform sales

Monkhouse will be selling GSAL uniform and sports kit on the following dates from 11:00-17:00 in the Year 7 common room.

Thursday 11 July
Friday 12 July
Friday 2 August
Friday 30 August
Saturday 31 August

Stock will be available for students to try for size. Please enter school via main reception.

The PFA will be running their nearly new uniform shop 2Kit on the same dates as the Monkhouse pop up shops (except 2 August) from 10:00 till 12:00 in the theatre foyer.

GSAL Environmental Sustainability Group

At whole school assembly today, the Principal informed students about GSAL’s new Environmental Sustainability Group. Please read the attached statement for further information, and we will invite pupils to get involved next term.

Senior School Musical 2020 – We Will Rock You!

March 2020

We are pleased to announce that next year’s senior school musical will be We Will Rock You and we are on the lookout for singers, actors, dancers and backstage crew. Auditions will take place in Week 2 in September. Find further details on GSAL World including the songs that should be prepared for students who are wishing to audition for a role with solo singing (lead roles). For those wishing to join the ensemble, there will be a group chorus audition for which there will be no need to prepare.

Year 7 notices

Message from head of Y7

Please see the attached letter from Mr S Gibbin, head of Y7.

Year 10 notices

Message from head of Y10

Please see the attached letter from Mr J Veitch, head of Y10.

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal

Sunday 13 to Wednesday 30 October 2020

Following the success of our previous trekking trip to Everest Base Camp, we are planning a trek to Annapurna Base Camp in October 2020. The trip is open to all students currently in Y10. Full details can be found in the attached letter from the trip leaders, Miss M Stead and Mrs Z Patrick. If you would like to register your serious interest in this trip please email cgs@gsal.org.uk.

Year 11 notices

GCSE results and arrangements for the new term

The attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form, contains important information for you and your child concerning GCSE results and arrangements for joining Sixth Form in September. Please take time to read the Student Handbook 2019-20 Sixth Form as this will help you and your child prepare for the new academic year.

Please read carefully the section in the letter concerning consent for publicity around exam results. Students who wish to opt out of publicity should notify school no later than 17:00 on Tuesday 20 August.

Transition from GCSE to A-level

We have produced a guide for Y11 students to help them make the significant transition from the level of study required at GCSE to that required at A-level. While the guide is primarily aimed at students joining GSAL Sixth Form from other schools, we are sure that our own Y11s will also find it useful (although there is no requirement for students to complete the tasks and activities included).

You can read Bridging the Gap Between GCSE and A-level on the sixth form pages of GSAL World.

Year 12 notices

Arrangements for the new term

May we remind you that you will find important information about returning to school in September in the attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form.

Sixth form dress code

As your son or daughter prepares to enter Y13, we remind you that he/she must fulfil our expectations regarding the sixth form dress code. Please review the requirements by reading the information in the Student Handbook 2019-20 Sixth Form and ensure that current items of clothing or any new purchases over the summer holidays are appropriate and adhere to the dress code.

Year 13 notices

Photos of Y13 prize giving and graduation ball

To view and order photographs from Saturday night’s prize giving and ball visit the photographer’s online gallery, using the password prom123.

Year 13 post exam information

Please read the attached letter from Mr P Rushworth, director of sixth form, with important information for you and your child concerning A-level results and related matters.

Please read carefully the section concerning consent for publicity around exam results, and note that students who wish to opt out of publicity should notify school no later than 17:00 on Tuesday 13 August.