Monday 1 February 2016 GSAL has hosted the launch of John Davies’ new book A High Ideal: Leeds Grammar School and the Great War. The book looks at how one northern school was affected by World War One and traces the story from the beginning of the School Officer Training Corps through to the preparations for and outbreak of war to the formation of the Old Leodiensian Association. A separate section in the book outlines the contribution of Leeds Girls’ High School to the war effort. The launch, took place in the school library, and was attended by alumni, past and present staff, governors, friends and family who heard John talk about his book and the lives of some of the Old Leos featured. GSAL history teacher Sam Yates also talked about the importance of remembrance and described how current students are studying the lives of the Old Leos who served in WW1 to bring their learning to life in lessons and during the battlefields trip to northern France. John taught history at LGS from 1976 until 1992 before becoming headmaster at Junior School. In 2006 he moved to Moorlands School as headmaster and returned to GSAL in 2013, following his retirement as honorary school archivist. The book, which was published in December, is 235 pages and enhanced by more than 100 photographs. It is available from school at a price of £20 for paperback and £30 for a hardback. To order please email alumni@gsal.org.uk or call 0113 229 1552. Alumni
