Issuu

Edition 2

SEMPER FIDELIS GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS IN MOROCCO Camels, couscous and camping

CORONAVIRUS EDITION

CONTEN

NTS

4. PIPES, DRUMS AND PARADES 8. AROUND THE HOUSES 18. TRIPS AND EXCHANGES 24. COMBINED CADET FORCES 28. CO-CURRICULAR 36. CHARITY AND DEVELOPMENT 40. CREATIVE ARTS 44. SIXTH FORM 50. CAREERS 54. SPORTS 62. INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION 66. GORDONIANS 68. STAFF NEWS 70. ACHIEVEMENTS 78. CORONAVIRUS

PIPES, DRUMS AND PARADES HARVEST FESTIVAL F

or our youngest students, the Harvest Festival Parade marked the first time of publicly marching. The group, split into Houses, marched for family and friends at the end of the Parade, which was led by Head Girl Abi White. Applauded by all, they then enjoyed the traditional celebratory photocall in front of the Camel Statue on the Front Field. This year, Harvest Festival goods, donated by Gordon’s families, were collected for the Woking Food Bank, who make up parcels for those who struggle to make ends meet.

Hats off! Year 7 students celebrate their first march under the watchful eye of General Gordon, by throwing their Glengarry caps and Tam O’ Shanters into the air – a Gordon’s tradition.

Harvest Festival Parade – The Houses lined up outside the library during the Harvest Festival Parade.

REMEMBRANCE M

embers of the community joined students, parents and staff for the Parade and Service of Remembrance, taken by the School Chaplain the Reverend Sarah Norbron. Dressed in their Blues uniform and accompanied by the Pipes and Drums, the student body marched and remembered the sacrifices of so many, including the 155 former students killed in action during the First World War. Four poppy wreaths were laid on behalf of The Gordon Foundation, Governors, staff and students of the school; its Parents’ Association, for the Commonwealth and one in memory of Darryl Gardiner, a Gordonian killed in 2008 in Afghanistan. Staff, students and their families – many of whom are currently serving their country in the Armed Forces - observed the two minute silence, preceded by The Last Post played by Andrew Milne. The citation was read by Richard Whittington, Chair of Gordon’s School Governors. Later on Sunday, the Pipes and Drums played at the Chobham Remembrance Parade.

MENIN GATE H

umbled and honoured, student members of the Pipes and Drums took part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. After a Parade from the Town Hall in Ypres through the town, the group of 28 pipers and drummers gathered close to the iconic Memorial to the Missing. There, Pipe Major Owen Carter played the lament before the whole band joined for Amazing Grace. A wreath was laid at the foot of the Memorial to the Missing by Drum Major Lottie Henden. The Last Post has been sounded at the Gate every evening at 8.00pm since 1928. The Gordon’s Pipes and Drums contributed to the 31,669th service at the Memorial dedicated to the 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in Belgium and have no known grave.

WHITEHALL B

ringing Whitehall to a standstill, some 250 students together with the Pipes and Drums, marched to the General Gordon statue on the banks of the Thames. As the national memorial to General Gordon of Khartoum, Gordon’s is the only school in the country permitted to march along the central London venue – and commemorating General Gordon’s life has been an integral part of the School’s history. Dressed in their ceremonial Blues uniform, after marching along Whitehall and past the

Cenotaph, students arrived at the statue of General Gordon at the Victoria Embankment Gardens. There they took part in a Memorial Service led by the School Chaplain the Reverend Sarah Norbron, to commemorate the death of the Christian, soldier, hero and philanthropist, General Charles George Gordon. Bugler Andrew Milne sounded the Last Post and wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue by the new Head Boy Jack Bodell, representatives of the Gordon family and Gordonians. Pipe Major Owen Carter played the Lament and Andrew Milne sounded the Reveille. Head Girl

Emily Jones gave the reading. The Whitehall Parade, was followed by the annual General Gordon Memorial Service in Guildford Cathedral the next day attended by the whole school, staff and parents. The service was led by the Reverend Canon Dr Paul Smith, Canon Liturgist and Canon Paul Thompson, former Senior Chaplain, Epsom College, delivered the annual Gordon Sermon.

AROUND THE HOUSES AUGUSTA W

e were all very excited to come back to the newly transformed common room and dorms after the works which were completed in the summer holidays, we have also been lucky enough to get a new projector and a new TV. We have had many exciting days out for example Bluewater which was one of the biggest trips of the year. Nearly every Augusta girl went and enjoyed the Christmas decorations and the huge selection of shops and food. In addition to this we had some active trips such as the trampoline park and Hampton Court ice skating. We’ve also had lots of fun in-house, for example the ever popular ‘Girls’ Night In’ where we all put on face masks, do our nails and devour endless snacks while watching a film. A plus side to this is that all the proceeds go to our House charity! In Inter-House competitions, we had particular success in hockey, music, orienteering and cake decorating. Amelie Prior, Year 8

BALMORAL I

t’s been a great first term here in Balmoral House with these incredibly kind, gracious young men! We also welcomed quite a few new boys starting in various years this September, and they have settled fantastically, with the ‘old boys’ helping them to ‘find their feet’. We’ve had shopping trips, stock car racing, laser quest, gravity force, a ‘trashion show’, an Inter-House final win for rugby and reached the final for debating! The boys spend their down time playing pool or table tennis, playing guitar, a few even sing around the house (which we love!) and they adore a movie marathon on cold, wet, windy

days with a milkshake and treats! Mr Heathcote takes the boys over to the astro and to the gym for multi-ball in the week and at weekends to help them burn off some energy! Our first Christmas party was a huge hit, with some of the boys getting on the karaoke, and the hungry ones competing in the doughnuts on a string game! The Sixth Form dance off choreography with our boys was something to behold…no win this time, but my goodness, they proved they can dance! We also look forward to seeing our very own Jack Bodell in his journey as Head Boy! Danielle Heathcote (House Parent)

BUCKINGHAM A

fter a long summer break the boys came back to the huge surprise of the House’s new layout with brand-new pool and table tennis tables which have already had extensive use during the Intra-House competitions. The first House trip of the school year saw the Year 7s camouflaged and rifling through the woods paintballing in Chobham, which was a great success! The Autumn Term was full of Inter-House events from the physical sports rugby, swimming, cross country and rowing to the more mentally challenging debating. The boys performed well in these events, winning some individual year group plaques and gaining the

all-important points which contribute towards the Headmaster’s Cup. The term ended with the Christmas dinner discos, introducing the boys to the all-time party classics. Friday night, the last night witnessed the most exciting event… the Sixth Form dance off. The boys danced to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift retaining the winning title for ‘best dance’ for the second year running! The Christmas holiday flew by and our first Inter-House event was orienteering in which Buckingham came second. Joseph Barr, Year 13

CHINA F

un, games and chills in China House for their traditional annual party to celebrate Halloween. A doughnut on a string eating contest, digging for bugs in a vat of oozing spaghetti, and wrapping a friend in toilet paper (like a mummy) and a haunted maze were just a few of the antics. China House was decorated with hanging cobwebs to create a spooky atmosphere, sending chills down your spine as you walked in. Eerie music filled your ears to add to the horrifying scene and as we arrived we were faced with an array of frightful monsters who turned out to be the staff in their costumes. We all dressed up in a variety of terrifying outfits such as witches, zombies and skeletons. The best costume prize went to the Year 8 girls who were all dressed up as different coloured Skittles sweets. The most exhilarating part of the evening was the haunted treasure hunt to find spooky creatures which were hidden around the house. A prize was awarded to the team who managed to find the most pictures with the highest value points. We finished the evening with a delicious feast including hamburgers and curly fries. And finally, we headed home into the dark night to try and sleep, despite the nightmares of the terrors we had seen that night. Thank you to China House and the Year 12 girls for organising a great night. Charlotte and Heather, Year 7

GRAVESEND T

he Autumn Term started with the arrival of Mr Knight as the new Head of Gravesend House. Highlights include a second place in the Inter-House Music Competition with our group performance of ‘Billie Jean’ and our solo performance by Jason Cave. Our boys also competed well in the other Inter-House competitions, in particular the rugby, rowing and orienteering events. Year 7 and 8 boys delighted in their trip to Pirate Adventure Golf at Hoebridge Golf Club. The boys also enjoyed the ‘Garyoke’ Christmas Party in the last week of term, which involved plenty of singing and eating and a quiz of the year. The House has been raising money for the charity Papyrus. We made and sold ‘Hot Chocolate Reindeer’ at the Christmas Fair and held a raffle at the Christmas Drinks and Nibbles Evening. In total we raised over £230. Money from the weekly tuck shop sales will also be added to support this important charity, which works to deal with mental health issues in young people and to prevent teenage suicide.

KENSINGTON K

ensington House continues to enjoy participation in a wide variety of activities while still achieving excellent effort grades in their academic studies. This year we enjoyed many events including Inter-House Competitions, House parties and a Year 7 and a Year 12 tea with parents; the Year 7 tea took place on the first day our Year 7 girls marched in a parade.

VICTORIA T

he 2019/2020 academic year has started incredibly well for Victoria House with us currently at the top of the Inter-House Sports table (though China are in hot pursuit) as well as placings in Inter-House Music and Debating and the Sixth Form Dance Off.

Although it feels like it was a long time ago, students enjoyed a Christmas Party with different games, our infamous annual awards and lots of food! We also raised £300 for charity at the GSPA Christmas Fayre and hope to more than double this over the remainder of the academic year. 13

KHARTOUM T

he proof is in the pizza in Khartoum House! While the tradition of celebratory pizzas for Inter-House wins has long been established, the Papa John’s delivery van seems to be making an unprecedented number of visits to the House! Khartoum notched up first place successes in cross country; rowing; swimming and the orienteering and currently stands first in the Inter-House Leader Board! Much enjoyment too (although no wins!) in the Sixth Form Dance Off; Music and Baking competitions. Our new Year 7s and 12s settled in with ease and quickly became part of the fabric of the House. They have all been brilliant. Downtime favourite pastimes are undoubtedly the pool and tennis tables and Mario Karts.

SANDRINGHAM T

he boys were introduced to new House Parents, Tom and Nathalie Webb at the start of the Autumn Term, and a whole new pastoral team and it’s safe to say they’ve embraced all the changes with maturity and positivity. Whilst we might not have been the most successful in the Inter-House events what we’ve lacked in points we’ve made up for in equal measures of enthusiasm, optimism and the reality that “we could win, we won’t, but it’s the taking part that counts!”. Highlights have been our monthly cinema club, our House Christmas party with a lot of beige food; impromptu karaoke which then turned the Common Room in to a nightclub with some tremendous dancing; our mince pie making evening where the boys made over 100 delicious mince pies for our Parents’ Festive Fizz night and Saturday nights in with pizza and movies.

WINDSOR M

ovie nights, shopping trips and Inter-House success, liberally sprinkled with the Windsor House ethos of care and compassion. Much to celebrate already. While there have been individual successes in kayaking, golf and pipes together with the appointment of a digital champion, as a team the girls have retained the Inter-House rowing trophy; stormed to victory in InterHouse debating and won the music with their arrangement of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. Their diverse talents have even extended to baking with a first place in Inter-House baking!

WOOLWICH T

om Gordon, a direct descendant of General Charles Gordon, officially opened Gordon School’s fifth residential boarding house in the presence of Trustees, Governors, parents, staff and students. Mr Gordon, the great-great-great nephew of General Gordon and a Trustee of The Gordon Foundation cut a ribbon at Woolwich House, the school’s latest Residential Boarding House. It marks a return of the ‘Woolwich’ name to Gordon’s after an absence of 27 years.

In declaring the house ‘open’ Mr Gordon made reference to the fact that across the school there are examples of people and places in Gordon’s life and Woolwich, his birthplace, was one General Gordon associated with “…a place of family and of happiness”. He continued that General Gordon “….would not only have approved, he would have been very proud” of the new addition. The light, contemporary building offers a term time bespoke ‘home’ to 32 Residential Boarders beginning their journey at Gordon’s in Year 7.

NEW BEGINNINGS AND FORGING FRIENDSHIPS T

he Autumn Term in Woolwich House has naturally been about new beginnings; beginning boarding, beginning secondary school and beginning to flourish as a group. Throughout the term, students have been throwing themselves into the Intra-House competitions, challenging each other in competitions like ultimate dodgeball, pumpkin carving and spijkerpoepen. From piñatas at Halloween and learning the ropes to their first parade in their Blues and decorating the walls of Woolwich. The students have begun to realise just how much they can fit into a day. The have also begun to forge friendships that will last throughout their time at Gordon’s and beyond. 17

TRIPS AND EXCHANGES ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY KEW GARDENS

Florence Bradford

The Autumnal colours of Kew Gardens were the backdrop for our Year 10 GCSE Art and Photography students, who explored the world-famous botanical gardens and the world’s largest Victorian greenhouse. Students were given tasks related to their specialisms, focusing on gathering images related to visual elements that are core to every successful artwork and photograph. Photography students particularly enjoyed the greenhouses with their unique architecture, but had to battle with the humidity steaming up their lenses! They challenged themselves to spot the most unique compositions of objects which looked like the letters of the alphabet, alongside capturing colours, textures, shapes and areas of light and shadow. The images they took have since formed advertisement posters for Kew Gardens in their current coursework projects. The Art students were on the lookout for textures and surfaces in a range of locations across the gardens, including across the lake, which has then informed their coursework projects to date. They have since really experimented with colour and materials, abstracting their findings in unique ways back in the classroom. It was a really enjoyable day out had by all, and a place we would love to re-visit next year. 18

Kailen Sangha

Kailen Sangha Daisy Richardson

Daisy Richardson 19

GERMAN EXCHANGE F or the sixth time, Gordon’s School students spent a week in December at our Exchange School Lise-Meitner-Gymnasium. It was a chance for 17 students and two staff to renew friendships and have more amazing experiences in Germany. This was a record number of students for us to take and I hope they really enjoyed the trip!

After flying from Heathrow to Stuttgart, we were collected at the airport by parents who took us in convoy back to school for a brief reception. There were lots of smiles and laughter again before students went home with their families for the night. We then had two days in school where staff and students from Gordon’s were able to attend lessons across a range of subjects. There was also a welcoming party when the Head Teacher said some lovely warm words about our continuing exchange. Over the weekend, the students and staff were expertly looked after, with a trip to Karlsruhe SC football stadium to see the mighty KSC in action. 20

Sadly, they lost 5-1 but the atmosphere was amazing and another new experience for me! Monday saw our now traditional trip to Heidelberg and another fascinating tour of the castle and of course some time to sample the Christmas markets! It’s amazing that every tour has been slightly different and the students and I find out new things each year. Sadly our trip was over again all too soon and we had to get up bright and early on Tuesday morning to negotiate public transport to get us back to Stuttgart and home. I would like to extend a massive thank you to all the staff and students at LMG who welcomed us so warmly but particularly to Sarina Balzer and Kerstin Florin who organised everything so well for us. Finally I would like to thank Mr Kostadinov for being such an able assistant and such pleasant company on the trip. Mr Depoix

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING I

n this, the school’s largest ski and snowboarding trip ever, 99 students made the 20 hour coach journey to the Austrian slopes in December. With plenty of snow and fantastic visibility, the students all took to the slopes, the advanced groups showing their skills, while the beginners focused on new techniques to help them get down the mountain. All the students were a great credit to themselves and fantastic ambassadors for the school. During the day they completed five hours of skiing or snowboarding, and in the evening they enjoyed numerous activities from the Christmas market in Salzburg to bowling and swimming. Thank you to all the students and staff who made this trip so successful.

ICH BIN EIN BERLINER F

rom historical sites to street art, A Level History students immersed themselves in the rich history of the German capital during their visit. Their tour also included Potsdam Palace and German History Museum as well as the Cold War bunkers; the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Topography of Terror. Germany 1871 to 1990 accounts for 30 per cent of the History A Level course, covering Germany under the Kaiser(s); WW1 and Nazi Germany together with the fall of the Berlin Wall and re-unification.

CAMELS, A COUSCOUS AND CAMPING

n academic enrichment trip to Morocco for GCSE and A Level Geography students provided life-long experiences as they learned first hand about living in harsh mountain and desert conditions. From making couscous and bricks in a traditional Berber village to camel trekking across the Zagora Desert for a night under canvas, the geographers fully immersed themselves in the culture and diversity of the country. Starting off in the bustling, colourful city of Marrakech they explored the souks, seeing the snake charmers, Argan oil products and all the bright colourful scarves/bags and handmade crafts. The group then took in the Atlas Mountains, seeing how geology had created all the folds and shifts in the layers over time, with a great deal of talk on the erosion and challenges of the land. The Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a World Heritage Site, and a host of other villages and towns were also explored and it was interesting to see how the challenges of water were being dealt with along the way. The six day residential trip covered human and physical geography and looked at all aspects of life from the problems of the land, to what it can give the local people. An amazing trip and wonderful links made for future visits.

COMBINED CA ARMY CADETS VISIT GIBRALTAR BARRACKS A

n Army Field Day at Gibraltar Barracks in Minley, saw our Year 10 cadets undergo command tasks and training on the Central Tactical System. They also tried their hands at raft building and trying to keep their vessels afloat across Hawley Lake! In November the group camouflaged their faces for a night stalking operation in the woods with the task of crawling unnoticed passed some strategically placed Sixth Formers determined to prevent them from reaching the lantern. Cold, wet, pitch dark and muddy – perfect conditions!

Their smiles say it all! Our CCF Cadets completed a static line parachute jump of 3,500 feet after a weekend’s training with the Army Parachute Association at Netheravon, Wiltshire.

ADET FORCES PARACHUTE TRAINING P

arachute training; flying in a C17 transport aircraft; training in the most up to date airfield defence equipment; technical instruction on the new Atlas aircraft and simulator training were just a few of the activities undertaken by our CCF Cadets during their summer camp to RAF Brize Norton. The group experienced life in the RAF first hand at the Oxfordshire base – even learning how to iron their uniforms! 25

CANSKI SF2 CANADA I

signed up to this course after having seen a poster up in the house. I wasn’t sure what exactly it included but when I saw the words “skiing” and “Canada” together, I realised that it was an opportunity not to be missed. Only ten people from any UK CCF units got on the course and if it wasn’t for Gordon’s CCF, I would not have gone on a week’s trip to Banff and come away with a military qualification in off piste ski touring and avalanche safety training. At the age of 16, this was a truly incredible experience that I won’t forget. On our first day skiing, we drove to Lake Louise and started skiing on piste. We were given specific techniques for our positioning and balance to start using so that when we were going backcountry skiing, we would be prepared. Some of the techniques really helped me improve my skiing both on and off piste. Each night, we had to cook for ourselves in the hostel which was a really good life experience and was good for the team development. Sunshine Village was the second resort we visited which had some of the most incredible scenery. On this day, we were working on our upper body techniques. We began our ski touring experience fairly steadily in a small ski resort closer to Calgary. First we learnt how to apply skins onto the skis which allowed the skis to grip as you walked uphill and was much harder than expected. We then unclipped our heels and began to walk up hill. This was strangely difficult as my balance was entirely uneven and actually felt extremely odd, having skied forever with my entire foot attached. For a couple of hours the whole team worked on our technique and after many tumbles, we had managed to walk up our first climb. Although it was tough, it was very rewarding with the breath-taking views from the top. This was followed by some avalanche exercises where we had to track and find transceivers which had been buried in the snow. In such deep snow this was very tiring but of key importance in case of an avalanche. On the Wednesday, we drove even further into Banff National Park, to get deeper into the backcountry. We began with a three hour hike which was tough especially in such pristine untouched deep snow but the sense of achievement at the top was like no other. I had never seen such incredible scenery and skiing down a gulley of powder was incredible. Our final day was far more challenging. The climb up was shorter but steeper and wasn’t helped by the very cold, strong winds. This pushed the whole team to their limits especially after such a tough week. However, the descent was particularly funny as we had to go through an area of dense trees which ended up with many of the group straddling trees. After realising this, it meant that we had to choose a far more carefully chosen route and to be far more aware of the surroundings. I started the week as a novice to ski touring, but this course challenged me physically and emotionally and by the end of it I was confident with alpine ski touring and able to lead a small group if needed. Every memory I have of the trip is amazing, and I am so grateful that this opportunity was offered to me. If anyone was hesitating on going on a CCF trip, I would suggest throwing yourself into the experience as it truly pays off. Elliot de Vere Green

CO-CURR THE EAGLE HAS LANDED E

ddie the Eagle Edwards, the first competitor to represent Great Britain in the Olympic Ski Jumping for fifty years, landed as the Guest of Honour in the Boarding Schools’ Association Public Speaking Festival, hosted by Gordon’s. Mr Edwards, who rose to international fame when he took part in the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988, spoke of his determination to reach the Olympic Games. In spite of fierce opposition from the governing bodies of the Olympic Games and British skiing, he defied all odds to compete. “There is nothing I like better than proving people wrong”, he told the audience at Gordon’s. “I never ever thought of giving up.” After his talk, it was the turn of the students with Gordon’s competing against students from Cranleigh; Reddam House and LVS. Topics ranged from ‘Is Temporary Insanity an Excuse for Murder’ to ‘The Benefits of Introversion – Let’s Celebrate the Difference’ and the event saw some 30 students giving individual prepared speeches and team presentations. Amirah Deji won the Seniors Individual Prepared Speech Award.

RICULAR SUMMER ARTS EVENING 2020 Tuesday 30th June From 5pm on the Front Field 29

GENERAL SIR PETER WALL W

ho better to teach us about leadership than the retired Chief of the British Army, General Sir Peter Wall? Our student leadership team of junior and senior prefects together with the Head Boy, Girl and their Deputies enjoyed an inspirational talk by him. The previous evening, Sir Peter who is Chairman of The Gordon Foundation, addressed a large audience of students, parents, guests and staff for his talk ‘Global Future Where Does Britain Now Sit?’.

ZOMBICIDE Z

ombies arrived at Gordon’s with student ‘survivors’ of a zombie apocalypse completing their mission objectives to win the game Zombicide. Alongside the Zombicide enthusiasts are chess players, Monopoly fans and a host of board game fanatics that have chosen the new cocurricular activity this term.

DISTRICT DEBATING O

ur team of top talkers, Euan Ayles, Hector Earnshaw and Alex Semenov, made the District Competitions in the Rotary Club’s ‘Youth Speaks’ competition. The articulate threesome of Sixth Formers debated both sides for ‘This house would limit each person to one return flight per year’ at the local heats against St John the Baptist School. Two of them also won prizes for their roles as opposer and chair. 31

THE G-ELECTION: ENLIGHTENING THE GORDON’S COMMUNITY A

n ambitious election campaign for the decision about which party would be ideal to confront the public’s beliefs and thoughts was held on the 12th December and concluded with the Conservatives winning. However, the Gordon’s G-Election told another story... Gordon’s School saw four of Surrey Heath’s parliamentary candidates quizzed and tested on their policies and manifestos by students from Years 7 to 13 and engaging staff. Each party was represented by a student who campaigned to the school encouraging and hoping to win the G-Election when the staff and students voted. As part of the campaigning process, Gordon’s invited Sharon Galliford, Green Party; Brahma Mohanty, Labour; Alasdair Pinkerton, Liberal Democrats and the sitting Conservative MP Michael Gove. All guests had a complimentary lunch with the student candidates and then went on for a challenging and heated debate with the staff and students about the arising issues. These included a range of topics from anti-Semitism; education; the NHS; climate change and the increased use of foodbanks. David Roe from UKIP was also invited. The Green Party attracted a range of students including the school’s Eco Society. Sharon commented on her pathway into politics, the joining of the Green Party and her determination to improve the climate and reduce global emissions. The school’s Eco Society aims to reduce the plastic used within the school and the way it’s disposed of in the school. For Labour’s candidate Brahma Mohanty, it was his first hustings and he came under scrutiny about Labour’s anti-Semitism guidelines, the use of Trident and the belief that independent schools should be abolished. He said he was ‘’passionate’’ about the NHS and that it was the ‘’best gift given to the UK’’. The Liberal Democrat’s candidate, Alasdair Pinkerton had only joined the party in August, and he was world-weary about what politics

had become and what was being displayed on our televisions. He had many concerns for the local community and felt the Surrey Heath’s citizens had been “forgotten about’’. Alasdair’s biggest concern was the over-development of the area and that infrastructure was not progressing at the same rate as housing. He described himself as ‘a local voice protecting the local area’. MP Michael Gove was questioned about education and how he planned to improve it. He faced rigorous interrogation on topics ranging from mental health; immigration; Surestart centres and foodbanks. One student asked if Brexit would impact studying abroad and the former Education Secretary was adamant it would not change anything. His was the biggest campaign turnout combining about 100 students and staff from all ages and backgrounds wanting answers to his party’s intentions. The G-Election at Gordon’s saw 621 votes verified and counted. The turnout for the event was 57.5% which was made up from staff and student votes. The next morning at 8am the winner was announced and the party that won the school votes with 264 votes was… the Liberal Democrats! By Joseph Barr

Individual vote count Liberal democrats: 264 Conservatives: 182 Labour: 76 Green: 69 UKIP: 30 33

MUN AT ROYAL RUSSELL F

our days of intense and high quality debating at the 39th Annual Royal Russell Model United Nations Conference saw 15 Gordon’s students making many good speeches (and friends from around the world!) for and against resolutions. Head Boy Oliver Henderson was part of the MUN’s International Court of Justice while Grace Keyes and Teah Jasani chaired committees.

GORDON’S MUN A

ccomplished and passionate debating marked the second MUN (Model United Nations Conference at Gordon’s, which attracted almost 100 students from seven schools including one from Germany. Professional to the last, delegates debated issues such as the use of chemical agents for riot control; the question of government accountability and transparency and sustainable fisheries over the two day event. Opening the Conference, Mr Moss remarked that as the day was the first of Brexit, there could not be a more appropriate time for Gordon’s to be hosting such a conference. He added that the year too is significant as it’s the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. At the formal dinner on the Saturday evening Sir Andrew Parmley, former Lord Mayor of London, gave the keynote speech.

CHAR DEVE GORDON’S GASTRONOMIC DINNER H

er creative, inspired cuisine with a twist of sport led to some £13,000 being raised for equipping the new Sports Hub and all-weather pitch. Gordon’s parent Aneke Spacie hatched the fundraising plan and gave all a night to remember with bubbles and canapés in the Rec followed by fine wines and an exceptional four course dinner in the transformed Dining Hall. Diners were also treated to guest speaker former Middlesex County Wicketkeeper David Nash.

RITY AND ELOPMENT INSIGHT TALK: JONATHAN AITKEN F

rom politician to prisoner to prison chaplain, the Reverend Jonathan Aitken provided amusing and captivating stories about his life’s journey as part of his Insight Talk. Speaking of an affinity with General Gordon due to his values and faith, the Reverend Aitken also revealed further links in that his maternal grandfather was a former Governor General of Sudan and that he had been asked to hand out prizes at Gordon’s! He is pictured with our school chaplain, the Reverend Sarah Norbron. 37

GORDON’S DASH O

ver 50 people braved the mud on Surrey Heath for the Gordon’s Dash. Parents, students, staff and many of the local community made the cross country run, either notching up five or ten kilometres. Gordon’s Dash, an annual cross-country fundraising event is a popular and much enjoyed fixture in the calendar. Cross-country running is one of the most hotly-contested Inter-House competitions at Gordon’s and students also compete against other schools in the sport.

CAROLS FOR CHARITY O

ur beautiful Victorian chapel, erected in 1894 by private subscription at the insistence of Queen Victoria in memory of her grandson HRH The Duke of Clarence and Avondale was the setting for our Carol Services. Held on two evenings for parents, there was also a special afternoon service for residents of nearby care homes as well as Gordonian members of staff. Money collected from the sales of tickets was donated to Camberley Youth for Christ; Challengers – Helping Children with Disabilities and the Camberley All Night Café.

LIFTING THE LIGHTHOUSE B

ringing some Christmas cheer, along with their repertoire of carols, Sixth Formers from Windsor House visited the Lighthouse in Woking. The hub, in the centre of Woking, hosts a range of creative projects to support, encourage and empower those on the margins. As well as running a foodbank, the project provides free clothing, a job club; buggy repair service and a number of courses.

Playing the Devil’s right hand woman, Mephistopheles, is Freya Keppel-Compton

CREATIVE AR DOCTOR FAUSTUS T

he dark, intense world of Doctor Faustus played to capacity audiences and attracted rave reviews.

‘…Excellent collaboration of the arts’; ‘Fantastic’ and ‘Amazing show, such talent’ where just some of the comments made of the play, which as well as featuring an all-student cast, included a production team almost entirely made up of students. Drama is an integral part of life at Gordon’s. It is studied as part of the curriculum by all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and as an optional GCSE and A Level subject. Some 60 auditions were held in July with Ben Cody, the lead as Doctor Faustus, flying in from Oman to take part. Rehearsals began in earnest from September with students and staff giving up weekends and evenings. Written by Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus is an Elizabethan tragedy about a German scholar who turns to magic and sells his soul to the devil after believing he has learnt everything he can from conventional academics. Director Robbie Olden, who studied Doctor Faustus at A Level as a student at Gordon’s commented: “It was always going to be challenging for myself as well as the students due to its ambitious and eccentric content. But, as always, the cast have more than matched my ambition and have thrown themselves into the rehearsal process to make this show as good as it possibly can be”.

RTS

Amelie Harris playing one of the seven deadly sins, tries to seduce Dr Faustus 41

Charlie Chapman

Lewis Robinson

Jack Blamire

Gemma Lees

POP TO PORTRAIT Art continues to thrive across the school with Year 13 students pursuing independent projects. Year 8 have been looking at pop art through a range of different media and exploring the cultural impact of consumerism. 43

SIXTH FORM

DANCE OFF A

crobatics and performances from the police, superheroes and cowboys – it could only be the Sixth Form Dance Off! Their energetic and powerful steps were enjoyed by all. However, Kensington and Buckingham Houses proved to be the unbeatable dancing combination.

TEAM BUILDING AFTERNOON A

team building afternoon ensured that new arrivals in the Sixth Form soon got to know those who have studied at Gordon’s since Year 7. All had a go in the command task area where the object was to climb through a hole in the spider’s web without disturbing the spider! The spider’s web was just one of a number of conundrums presented to the group, who later enjoyed a relaxing BBQ.

BAKE OFF F

or their three snowmen standing in front of Christmas trees, Windsor House iced their way to victory in the Sixth Form Christmas Cake Decorating Competition. The Inter-House challenge saw Augusta in second place and Kensington in third place. Other noteworthy cakes included the snowmen affected by climate control; Mrs Radford depicted in icing on a Dance-Off cake and Excitable Edgar!

HEAD GIRL: EMILY JONES W

hat are you hoping to bring to your new role?

Representing the school at events and acting as an ambassador and role model through my conduct on a daily basis. What are you most looking forward to as Head Girl? I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with and helping younger students with the CCF. Marching is very important at Gordon’s so I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to lead the parades. Lastly, working closely with Jack, Livvy and Euan so that we can represent the students at school meetings. Do you have any interests outside school? I have been playing hockey since I was nine years old and now play at Gordon’s representing the 1st XI. I have also always had a passion for dancing since a young age and I have successfully completed many exams in different dance styles. What will you look back on as your favourite memory so far in your time at Gordon’s? In Year 10, I went to Dartmoor National Park during the Easter holidays to complete my Bronze DofE and then returned in May for the Ten Tors challenge as part of the first all-girl team from the school. As it was one of my favourite trips, I was happy to go back last year to help the younger years with their expedition. Where / what are you hoping to do when you leave the school?

Head Boy Jack Bodell together with Head Girl Emily Jones at the Whitehall Parade - They officially take over at Guildford the next day. 48

I want to go to university (not sure where yet) when I leave Gordon’s and study Pharmacology to eventually work on research projects running drug trials.

HEAD BOY: JACK BODELL W

hy did you apply for the role?

I applied for the role as I wanted to have a platform on which to give back to school for the array of opportunities and aid it’s given me across my five years of being at school as well as wanting to be a more integral part of the process in the school’s continual progress and desire to improve each year. What are you hoping to bring to the role? I am hoping to bring to the role a newly reinforced way of appraising all students from lower school to upper school, academically and athletically and to celebrate events and awards that deserve a highlighted recognition. Specifically focussing on celebrations amongst students. What are you most looking forward to about the coming year? I am most looking forward to Whitehall Parade, as previously I have been a regular marcher,

then a right hand marker, then the Captain of Guard 4 but next time I will be leading the actual parade. Something that I have wanted to do since I was in Year 7. When did you arrive at Gordon’s and what are your favourite moments to date? I have been at Gordon’s since I was in Year 7 and lived on school site a few years before hand. A few of my favourite moments have been representing the School’s rugby 1st XV, Year 7 Camp, Prom and the day we finished our GCSEs. What do you like most about Gordon’s and would you recommend the school to others? What I like most about Gordon’s is the great variety of opportunities and emphasis on the extra-curricular activities that not many other schools are capable of offering but also the encouragement by students and staff to get involved in these activities. I would definitely recommend the school to others.

The Junior Prefect team 49

CAREERS WHAT’S UP DOC? A

medical careers day allowed students in Years 10-13 to experience first hand the basic skills and concepts taught to healthcare undergraduates. Activities included: how to use a stethoscope and identifying various cardiac sounds on a live volunteer; an introduction to the four “main signs” that are routinely monitored by all healthcare professionals; Exploring the ‘doctor-patient relationship’; how to approach different medical scenarios; the functions of bones in the human skeletal system and the four ethical principles important in medicine. The students were also able to talk to qualified medical students and ask them questions about the process of applying to medical school and their experiences of working in the healthcare profession.

SPEED NETWORKING Y

ear 10s took part in a speed networking event with educational charity Satro. They were given just two minutes to put their problem solving skills to the test by questioning the visiting business volunteers from STEM industries to find out their career. Afterwards, each volunteer gave the year group a talk on their industry and offered students the opportunity to question them further. The initiative is designed to empower, educate and enthuse our students on possible career choices.

CV WRITING WORKSHOP ‘S

ell yourself as an apple in 30 words’ was the task facing Year 12 students at a CV writing workshop! The informative afternoon also included writing cover letters and focused on research; aligning with the needs of the role; organisational culture; engaging potential employers and standing out from the other applicants.

THE SKILLS SHOW, BIRMINGHAM A

taste of every conceivable career, from motor manufacturing to marketing and music was under one roof for our Year 10 students, who visited the Skills Show in Birmingham with our Careers team. The group was given the opportunity to try their hands at the latest technologies. Packed with talks the event offered expert careers advice and a chance to meet employers from a host of industries in construction; health; hospitality; digital and engineering.

POCKET PEPPER APPEALS TO DRAGONS A

s part of the GCSE Business course, Year 10 students have been learning about entrepreneurs and enterprise. Split into teams, the groups created a business plan to present to dragons (members of the local business community and real life entrepreneurs) who, in the style of the popular Dragons’ Den TV programme, asked questions and grilled the students on their plans. Business ideas ranged from party bags to collapsible eco-friendly makeup brushes. The winning idea deemed ‘most likely to succeed’ was from ‘Pocket Pepper’, who successfully pitched the concept of a miniature spray to protect young people when they are out and about. 53

SPORT 54

TS EQUESTRIAN: NATIONAL PLATE CHAMPIONSHIPS O

ur largest ever entry attended the NSEA National Plate Championships in Keysoe, Bedfordshire in November. To qualify for this event is an achievement in itself and our riders competed in Arena Eventing, Jumping with Style, Dressage and Show Jumping Classes both as teams and individuals. The riders, Sophie Moody, Molly Barnard, Amy Taplin and Gigi Gough, brought home 12 rosettes between them. The Captain of the School’s Equestrian Team, Sophie Moody, said that it was a privilege to represent Gordon’s at the competition but to bring home so many rosettes was a true testament to how far the team have come in the last few years. It was a fantastic weekend and we all have memories from it that we will treasure. This follows another Gordon’s rider, Alyssa Tutt, placing fifth at the NSEA National Championships in October at Addington Manor in Dressage. The school team continues to go from strength to strength and their next aim is to place at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. 55

NATIONAL JUNIOR INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS T op ten places for the indoor rowing team who took part in the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships at the Olympic Park, for James Gibson; Lottie Henden; Lily Gray and Emma Litjens and the relay team of Sophie Bodell; Cara Falconer; Frankie Bruzas and Tierney Kerr. James Gibson enjoyed the added bonus of rowing against Graham Spittle, World Indoor Rowing Champion and grandfather of Mimi Hewetson, who was invited to present the medals and trophies.

WEYBRIDGE SILVER SCULLS T

he sun shone at Weybridge Silver Sculls for Gordon’s Boat Club with wins in two events! This was the first ever river head race (time trial style) for many students which took place over the three kilometre course on the Weybridge stretch of the non-tidal Thames. Like the sunshine, the stream was in full force following heavy downpours which made conditions very tough with our athletes rowing into the stream rather than with it. Conditions worsened throughout the day with the final division being called off. All Gordon’s crews shouldered the conditions well and performed superbly with some expert steering, particularly from James Gibson in his two doubles (with Rory Kitney and James Clarke) and Riva Hempsall as cox in the quad. James Clarke and James Gibson went on to win the J14 2x event! Mimi Hewetson and Frankie Bruzas put in a storming performance in the WJ14 2x, being chased by our own doubles of Cara Falconer and Sophie Bodell (2nd overall) and Poppy Johnson and Riva Hempsall (4th), to win the event. This was despite the dramatic clashes with a number of their competitors as they overtook and battled for the racing line. Two of our doubles of Falconer/Bodell and Hewetson/ Bruzas doubled up to race the quad coxed by Riva Hempsall in great style. Tierney Kerr rowed up a year with new partner Maddy Gillespie and came 11th in the WJ15 2x.

Summary of results: James Clarke / James Gibson - J14 2x - 1st Mimi Hewetson / Frankie Bruzas - WJ14 2x - 1st Sophie Bodell / Cara Falconer - WJ14 2x - 2nd James Gibson / Rory Kitney - J14 2x - 2nd Riva Hempsall / Poppy Johnson - WJ14 2x - 4th Kathryn Gooch - WJ18 2x - 4th R Hempsall / E Hewetson / S Bodell / C Falconer / F Bruzas - WJ14 4x+ - 5th Maddy Gillespie / Tierney Kerr - WJ15 2x - 11th Emma Litjens - WJ15 1x - 12th Grace Carr - WJ16 1x - 17th

Emma Litjens, ever the scholar athlete, was blooded in the single scull before heading off to an MUN conference. Emma finished a fantastic 12th of 21 WJ15 Singles, an amazing feat in such tricky conditions. Grace Carr and Kathryn Gooch raced the WJ16 and WJ18 singles respectively and rowed well to come 17th and 4th in their events. A huge thank you to the parents’ support team for all their efforts not least gazebo erecting, brownie baking, trailer driving, rigging and de-rigging and rigging again... and shouts of encouragement from the bank. 57

HOCKEY: 1ST TEAM SUCCESS L

ifting the Lord Wandsworth College Tournament Shield after an average of six goals per game, our Hockey 1st Team. The girls scored an amazing 42 goals in the tournament of 13 minute one way matches against tough opposition including Reed’s; Pangbourne; Bedales and Lord Wandsworth, conceding only three goals. The girls then went on to beat KCS Wimbledon at their Invitational 11-a-side tournament. The sensational squad of 13 won every game without conceding a goal, with Hannah finishing as top scorer.

TAKING SURREY BY STORM T

he opportunity to see their heroes in action up close on the netball court proved irresistible for some of our Year 9 netballers. The group were ball girls for the Surrey Storm Netball friendly match against Wasps at their home ground in Surrey Sports Park for the sell-out game. “The girls loved the experience” enthused Gordon’s Head of Netball and Surrey Storm player Nicole Humphrys.

RUGBY 7S TOUR: PORTUGAL I n this, their first time competing in Europe’s most exciting sevens tournament, Gordon’s U14s; U16s and U18s travelled to Lisbon for the two day Lisbon Junior 7s.

In the beautiful setting of the Agronmia Rugby Club – Portugal’s oldest rugby club – the 31 boys put in excellent performances against tough opposition, finishing off sixth overall in their categories with the U16s bringing home silverware as eventual Plate Winners. The Lisbon Junior 7s is evolving into Europe’s best sevens rugby tournament for youth clubs and schools with participating teams coming

from different countries across the globe with more than 800 boys aged 12 - 18 competing annually. Head of Rugby, Chris Davies, commented “I see tours of this kind as the ideal opportunity to assist with our preparation for the sevens season. To play different opposition in a foreign country presents these boys with many challenges which of course is great for their learning and improvement of their 7s game. I see this tour as part of our future calendar as an ideal way to prepare us both tactically, mentally and physically for the 7s season ahead”. 59

1ST XV RUGBY AT THE STOOP O

ne term; eight sports and 411 fixtures for our PE Department. But for our First XV Rugby Team, their match in the Sovereign’s Cup against Royal Alexandra and Albert was their last as a team. With a tour of South Africa; win at The Stoop; two of his players turning out for the county and two in squads for their country, coach Chris Davies invited parents, who have supported throughout, to join in a final team talk. Speaking of his squad, Mr Davies commented: “I see these boys as an extended part of my own family. I want them to turn out to be the best versions of themselves and achieve their aspirations. When we play, we judge performance on the effort, not the result.”

Silverware for Gordon’s golfers – (left to right) Sophie Mardani; Sarah Mardani; Sid Beadle; Evie Kircher and Alex Phelps.

CUP FOR DESERT SPRINGS TEAM A

fter their incredible win at last year’s VII Millfield and Desert Springs European Schools Team Championships in Spain, Gordon’s golfers were keen to prove that it wasn’t just a one off. Only one member of last year’s trip could make the annual tournament at the Spanish golf resort, as South of England Golf were having a training camp in Spain at the same time. However, the Gordon’s team still managed to clinch a third place in the competition. When the final scores came in, Gordon’s missed out on reclaiming their title by just seven points. 1st: Whitgift 248 points 2nd: Loretto 244 points 3rd: Gordon’s 241 points The Individual Gross event was very competitive and Gordon’s finished with two girls in the top three. Sarah Mardani carded a 75, four over par round playing off handicap 2 and finished second in the girls’ event. Evie Kircher’s round of 77, six over par recorded a 3rd place for her battling performance on the last day.

CROSS COUNTRY A

rete Cross Country was held at home this year, albeit with a change in course due to the building work for the new sports hall and 3G pitch. A well competed event, in which Woking were victorious with a 5-3 win. Gordon’s School secured victories at U15 level for both girls and boys, as well the U14 girls securing a win. In the Inter-House Cross Country Victoria took the overall title for the event by half a point after winning the senior competition and coming second in the Year 7/8 competition. China and Kensington battled it out for second and third places, with China eventually taking the silver medal. Augusta and Windsor came fourth and fifth respectively. The boys’ Inter-House Cross Country was a close competition with Khartoum taking top spot, finishing with a total of 18 points and Buckingham coming a close second with 17 points. Sandringham third Gravesend fourth and Balmoral fifth, all separated by a point each.

ALL-WEATHER ROWING T

his year saw the Houses linked up to racing software to allow them to visualise the race on the screen in the Gym. The boys’ competition saw Khartoum House finish either 1st or 2nd in every year group to be crowned rowing champions. The girls’ competition was a lot closer, with Windsor House winning the Year 9/10 competition to beat Victoria House to the title by just one point.

SWIMMING T

he Inter-House Swimming is always a very competitive event. This year saw Khartoum House dominate the boys’ competition by winning both the Year 11 and the Sixth Form competitions and finishing second in the Year 7 and Year 8 competition. This crowned them overall swimming champions for the boys. The girls’ competition saw China House complete a clean sweep of wins to top the table and be girls’ swimming champions 2019.

INT HO COM

TEROUSE MPETITION

INTER-HOUSE MUSIC O

nce again, the Inter-House Music competition was a hotly contested event with rehearsals taking over the Music Department for weeks before the final performances. Each House submitted one solo and one ensemble performance. The musical choices of the Houses for the ensembles were, as always, eclectic, and ranged from Coldplay to Adele, Michael Jackson to Rick Astley. The judging panel of Mr Wadey (Gordon’s), Mr Edney (Director of Music, Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate) and Mr Goodwin (Director of Performance, Woking High) were really impressed with the quality of musical talent on show. Special mention should go to the soloists for each House (some of whom were only in Year 7) who carried a huge responsibility in representing their House. In the end it was Windsor House who clinched the cup, winning over the judges with their inclusive performance which showed off the talents of their various instrumentalists. The musical arrangement of the song – Rolling in the Deep by Adele - had been done by the students. This is only the second time a girls’ House has won the competition and the celebrations went on long into the evening! Second place went to Balmoral who performed Coldplay’s Yellow and third place to Gravesend House with Billie Jean by Michael Jackson.

READY, STEADY, COOK! T

en ingredients, one hour and a courgette as the main attraction in their sweet or savoury dish. That was the task facing students in the Inter-House Rustle Up. Head of Catering Paul Hopkins judged an array of souffles and sauces together with home-made gnocchi; pitta bread and pastry. But Victoria House seized the culinary trophy with their courgette and spiced chickpea sauce accompanied by garlic bread. They were followed by Kensington and Augusta. Their trophy was presented to them by Mr Moss.

GORDONIANS

DAVID HUTCHINGS P resented with the Sword of Honour and Gardiner Memorial Award in June, as the best senior cadet in Gordon’s CCF, Gordonian David Hutchings was also invited on a tandem parachute jump with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In October he took to the skies above Wiltshire at the Netheravon Airfield for the jump.

JAKE BALL AND STEVEN BROWN S

tressful weekend for two Gordonians in October, both playing in the international arena. While Jake Ball was squaring up to Faf de Klerk in the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, his team reaching a cruel end to the journey, another, Steven Brown played the round of his life in the Portugal Golf Masters. Jake arrived at Gordon’s as a rugby player but switched to cricket for a couple of years, playing for Surrey County and Wokingham Cricket Club. Steven was a scratch golfer during his schooldays but also played for Gordon’s First XI football team. All eyes now on Paralympian swimmer Hannah Russell! 67

STAFF NEWS T

he start of 2020 has meant a change to the MFL department. Spanish teachers Mr Medina and Mrs Smyth left us. We are now joined by Ms Petrou and Ms Tapia Martinez who will be with us until the end of the Summer Term. We also said goodbye to the Head of French Miss Cottam. The science department have now been joined by Mr Gallagher as a part-time science teacher and Mrs Chase has also joined us part time. We wish Biology teacher Mrs King well as she goes on maternity leave. In Learning Support, we welcome Ms Sheppard who joins the team. We congratulate Ms Hutchings who has become Associate Assistant Head of Pastoral as well as heading our PSHE programme. In support staff news, Mr Sutton is our new Minibus coordinator. Mr Sutton will be in charge of making sure our new fleet of mini buses are organised for the multiple trips and sports fixtures that Gordon’s takes part in. We also welcome Mrs Stark who has joined us at Reception. The Gordonian community have also gained a new Gordonian Officer in January after Mrs West left us in November. Mrs Parkin will be looking after our Gordonians at a number of events this year. We also have two new Gordonian staff members. Mr Wheeler is the Pipes and Drums new Snare Drum Instructor, who had many years practising drumming whilst he was at Gordon’s. Gordonian Ms Basnett is the DT Department’s new technology technician.

Winning Team – Tasting success at the Salon Culinaire the catering team of (front left to right) Enzo Castiglione; Stuart Turner and Jamie Regent together with Head of Catering Paul Hopkins.

EDUCATING PALATES School dinners now rank as haute cuisine after three Gordon’s chefs were awarded at the International Salon Culinaire - the UK’s largest and most prestigious chef competition programme. As the only school entrants in the international competition in front of a live audience at the ExCel Centre in London, the team served up to some of the country’s top chefs a taste of their culinary skills that students already enjoy. Stuart Turner was awarded a bronze medal in the Master Chefs Great Britain Challenge, in which he had just 30 minutes to prepare, cook and present two portions of a seafood dish using sustainable seafood. James Regent also won a bronze medal for transforming a trimmed rack of lamb into two main course lamb dishes within 45 minutes.

Enzo Castiglione was rewarded with a merit for producing two portions of perfect fresh pasta with a sauce in the allotted half-hour. The men, together with the rest of their team serve up nearly 2,000 meals every weekday to hungry students and staff (that’s as well as providing for match teas; ad hoc barbeques; black tie dinners; formal lunches and weekend food for Residential Boarders!). Now the catering is recognised, Paul Hopkins, Head of Catering said: “I am really proud of what they have done. They have never had this opportunity before and for them to compete at such a high level and walk away with the achievements they have, is incredible”.

DIGITAL CHAMP O

n-Line Safety Prefect Oyinkan Adu so impressed judges at Childnet with her knowledge, maturity and social activism that they asked her to join the Digital Champion team!

ACHIEVE 70

GOT THE POWER? F

aiyaz Moolji (left) celebrates after setting a new all time record at U18 and U23 after coming first in the U18 Under 53kg competition at the National Powerlifting Championships in Newcastle. The Sixth Former only started powerlifting six months previously when using the gym at Gordon’s.

EMENTS INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT A

spiring leaders from Gordon’s and Woking High School were awarded with certificates having successfully completed Institute of Leadership and Management Levels. The awards went to 36 students and staff in the two schools. 71

RUGBY FINALS C

up finalists in the Seaford College 7s Tournament, Gordon’s U18 VII suffered an agonising loss to Epsom College 5-0. However, Corum Nott was picked Player of the Tournament. Their scores in the Group Stages: New Hall School 33-12; Hurstpierpoint College 19-14; Felsted School 19-12 and Bishop Wordsworth’s School 19-17.

TOP SHOT A

fter qualifying as the highest scoring runner up in the individual competition during the regional heats of the British Shooting Schools Pistol Championships, James West went on to achieve fifth place overall in the junior section of the British Shooting Schools Pistol Championships with a score of 158.3.

YES CHEF! Through to the Regional Finals of the Rotary Young Chef competition! Oscar Money’s mouth-watering menu of pan-fried sea bass on a cauliflower puree; cannon of lamb on risotto with a madeira jus and a lemon posset with raspberry coulis and vanilla tuile proved the ultimate recipe for success.

OXBRIDGE OFFERS W

hile the majority of our Sixth Formers have received offers from Russell Group universities, these four – Andrew Milne; Faiyaz Moolji; Divya Balashanker and Benji Holland have Oxbridge offers. Three of them are Cambridge-bound, to read Maths; Economics and Land Economy and one is hoping for Oxford to read Physics. 73

INDIVIDUAL SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 2019-20 Badminton: Dominic Nabasa Gold medals in the Men’s England U17 singles and doubles Surrey U18 County Squad. Cricket: Felix Rose Selected for the U13 Surrey Cricket Club winter programme at The Oval. Cricket: Joe Hill Selected for the U12 Surrey Cricket Performance Programme. Cross Country: Marcus Hibbins County Champion after coming first in the Surrey Schools Cross Country. Football: Reef Peries Men’s Sri Lankan National Football Team. Football: Harvey Hewson Woking U16. Football: Ollie Barrow Woking U16. Golf: Sarah Mardani Selected for England 2019 squad and English Schools U18. Selected by England Golf to study for the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence). Golf: Estelle Ingram Selected for English Schools U18. Golf Scholarship to Ottawa University Arizona. Golf: Alex Jakins Selected for South England U18 training and selected by England Golf to study for the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence). Golf: Charlie Roper Berkshire U18 Captain. Golf: Alex Phelps South U16 selection and Surrey U16. Golf: Evie Kircher South U16 selection. Girls Club U18 Captain at Windlesham. Golf: Jack Kircher Home Nations Final in Portugal, Windlesham Boys. 74

Equestrian: Amy Taplin Fourth in the NSEA National Plate Show Jumping Championships (85cms). Second in the 80-85cm and 90-95cm NSEA Arena Eventing Competition, qualifying for the National Hickstead Championships. Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Plate Championships. Equestrian: Gigi Gough Fourth in the NSEA National Plate Show Jumping Championships (85cms). Fifth in the NSEA National Plate Dressage Championships. Equestrian: Sophie Moody Fourth in the NSEA National Plate Show Jumping Championships (85cms). Fifth in the NSEA National Plate Dressage Championships. Second in the NSEA 80-85cm Show Jumping at Felbridge. Second in the 80-85cm and 90-95cm NSEA Arena Eventing Competition, qualifying for the National Hickstead Championships. Fifth individually in the NSEA 80-85cm Show Jumping at Felbridge. Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Plate Championships. Equestrian: Molly Barnard Fourth in the NSEA National Plate Show Jumping Championships (85cms). Fifth in the NSEA National Plate Dressage Championships. Second in the 80-85cm and 90-95cm NSEA Arena Eventing Competition, qualifying for the National Hickstead Championships. Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Plate Championships. Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Championships. Equestrian: Emilia Hewetson Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Plate Championships. Equestrian: Alyssa Tutt Fifth at the NSEA National Dressage Championships. Qualified for the Under 21 British Dressage Championships two years in a row. Equestrian: Grace Taylor Second in the 80-85cm and 90-95cm NSEA Arena Eventing Competition, qualifying for the National Hickstead Championships. Second in the NSEA 80-85cm Show Jumping at Felbridge Qualified for the NSEA 2020 National Plate Championships.

INDIVIDUAL SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 2019-20 (CONT.) Hockey: Hannah Bodoano Invited to the England Hockey Diploma in Sporting Excellence. Hockey: Ella Litjens Representing Surrey Hockey Team U17s. Hockey: Maisy Ellis Invited to the England Performance Centre. Hockey: Maddie Richardson Selected by England Hockey to study for the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Judo: Henry Sturm Gold Medal in the under 46K class at the GB British National Judo Championships. Synchronised Ice Skating: Heidi Smith Competed in National and International contests, winning three silver medals and a bronze. Powerlifting: Faiyaz Moolji First in the U18 British Powerlifting Competition, breaking records for U18 and U23. Rugby: Natalie Gregory Natalie Gregory selected for Surrey U13s. Rugby: Sophie Gregory Sophie Gregory selected by RFU for the U15s National Girls Cup. Rugby: Corum Nott Wales U18 Training Squad/Wales Exiles and Surrey U18s. Rugby: Nathan White U18 Berkshire Squad. Rugby: Jack Bodell Scotland Exiles and Surrey U18s. Rugby: Robbie Thomson U15 Scottish Exiles.

Rugby: Gideon Jansen Surrey U18s. Rugby: Chris Johnson Surrey U18s. Sailing: Kaitlyn Wyatt RYA National Topper Squad for 2019/2020 Gold in the Girls’ Topper Class at the RYA London and South East Regional Championships. Netball: Pippa Dixon Mavericks Under 17 Competition Squad; Premier League 1 debut with Weston Park Blades. Awarded the U17 NPL Inspirational Player Award by Saracens Mavericks for the 2019/20 season. Netball: Joanne Hay Selected to train and represent Surrey Storm. Netball: Amy McArther Surrey Storm U17. Swimming: Lily Osman Silver Medal for 100m Breaststroke and Bronze for 200m Breaststroke at the Black Swan Opening Swimming Meet in Staines. Representing Gordon’s at the North West Surrey District Gala. Swimming: Archie Kidwell Silver Medal for 100m Breaststroke and Bronze Medal for 200m Breaststroke. Representing Gordon’s at the North West Surrey District Gala. Shooting: James West Achieved Senior Class C in Air Rifle 10m and Class B in the Sporter discipline from the National Small Bore Rifle Association. Fifth in the National Finals of the British Shooting Schools Championships. Skiing: Rafaella Ingram Selected to join the British Precise Alpine Ski Race Team.

Rugby: Sam Moreau U14 Harlequins DPP. Rugby: Matt Cowlishaw Hampshire U18s. 75

TEAM SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 2019-20 National Level Equestrian Alyssa Tutt: U21 British Dressage National Finalist and Fifth at NSEA National Championships.

U18 VII: Cup finalists in the Seaford College 7s Tournament. Karting Sam Light; Alex Perry and Bobby Caldwell: Regional Finalists in the British Karting Championship.

Molly Barnard, Amy Taplin, Sophie Moody and Gigi Gough: Fourth in the NSEA National Plate Show Jumping Championships.

County Level

Molly Barnard, Sophie Moody, Gigi Gough: Fifth in the NSEA National Plate Dressage Championships.

Third in the Desert Springs European Schools Championship.

Molly Barnard, Sophie Moody, Amy Taplin and Grace Taylor: Qualified for the NSEA Arena Eventing National Championships (May 2020). Molly Barnard, Sophie Moody, Amy Taplin, Grace Taylor, Gigi Gough, Emilia Hewetson: Qualified for the NSEA National Plate Championships (November 2020). Molly Barnard qualified for the NSEA National Championships (October 2020). Football First Team: Second in the Thames Valley League and last eight in the County Cup U18. Hockey U16: District Hockey Champions First Team: Quarter Finalists in the National Cup Competition. First Team: Winners at Lord Wandsworth Tournament and winners of the KCS Wimbledon Invitational 11-a-side Tournament. Netball U16 Netball Team: Defended their title of District Champions and were unbeaten to win the District Trophy for the fifth consecutive year. Year 7 A and B Netball Teams: Through to the County Finals. 76

Rugby

Golf

In the ISGA National Schools Cup Tournament, Sarah Mardani came second in the girls’ event and third in the overall standings for individual performance. Charlie Roper finished in joint seventh place with the Gordon’s Team of Sarah Mardani, Charlie Roper and George Hudson coming second overall in the team competition. Winner of the National ISGA Schools staff competition was Mr Balmer. Semi-finalists in the HMC Foursomes.   Rowing Girls’ J14 Double Sculls team of Emilia Hewetson and Francesca Bruzas winners in the Weybridge Silver Sculls competition. Boys’ J14 Double Sculls team of James Clarke and James Gibson winners in the Weybridge Silver Sculls competition. Top ten places for James Gibson; Lottie Henden; Lily Gray; Emma Litjens and the relay team of Sophie Bodell; Cara Falconer; Frankie Bruzas and Tierney Kerr for their top ten places.

District Level Cricket

U13 District Indoor Champions. Netball U12A and B County Finals.

Artur Nunes (now at University) Distinction for his Grade 8 organ exam. Max Harris (now at University) and Lottie Henden: Merits in their Grade 6 saxophone exams. Amelie Wyatt: Merit for her Grade 7 flute exam. Ella Richardson Grade 5 clarinet exam. Maddie Torrington Musical Theatre Diploma.

CO-CURRICULAR TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS 2019-2020 Debating Euan Ayles, Hector Earnshaw and Alex Semenov through to the District competition of the Rotary Club’s Youth Speaks Competition. English Speaking Union Isla Bethune, Jason Cave and Millie Kermeen were runners up in the ESU Public Speaking Competition at Priorsfield School in January. Jason Cave was awarded Best Questioner of the night. MUN Best Delegation awarded to the USA at NORMAC (Norwich School Model Arctic Council): Teah Jasani, Louise Enser, Grace Keyes, Dina Khan and Phoebe Norman. Outstanding Delegate awarded to Freddie Wright at Gordon’s MUN. Pipes and Drums: Placed 18th overall in the Novice Juvenile B Section at the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships.

INDIVIDUAL CO-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS 2019-20 ABRSM Music Practical (July 2019) Andrew Milne Distinction for his Grade 8 trumpet.

Lily Larsimont awarded a certificate from the Royal Society of British Artists: ‘Artwork has been selected for consideration at the National Students Exhibition’. Gordonian Award for outstanding contribution to, and future potential in, arts and sport – Ryan Knight (Arts) and Harvey Hewson (Sport). Junior Choir and Semper Fidelis Singers won both their classes in the Godalming Music and Performing Arts Festival with Semper Fidelis winning the Haydn Cup for the third year running. Oliver West in the local finals of the Future Chef’s Cook up a Storm in the Classroom. Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Emily Garner, Harry Bolland, Abigail White, Jess Lee-Clarke, Caitlin Davidson, Grace Keyes. Teah Jasani representing the Liberal Democrats won the most number of votes in the Gordon’s General Election. Dami Elulade Distinction for Grade 8 Speaking in Public exam. Nate Watson Distinction for Grade 8 Speaking in Public exam. Darcy Watson achieved 100 per cent in Grade 8 Reading for Performance. Emily Menezes selection for the National Youth Orchestra. Abigail Hunter-Blanco selected as a finalist in a University of Oxford creative competition with her sonnet Solus Vesuvius.

CORONAVIRUS

S the daily death toll from COVID-19 rose and the Government announced that schools would close early for the Easter holidays, students and staff joined a national effort helping those in the community and further afield.

Every aspect of school life moved online and as well as academic lessons, students continued to take part in House meetings; PE challenges and even cookery via Zoom. Assemblies, parent presentations and guest speakers also took place over the internet. However while recreating a virtual school, students and staff also put their skills to good use during the pandemic performing vital work for the community and further afield, making PPE; donating food; transporting blood products and working with undertakers to collect the deceased. Some 2,000 NHS staff and key workers sported protective visors from Gordon’s after DT Teacher Tom Webb and his team of staff begun making them on the school’s 3-D printer. Student Magnus Jackson continued the work, producing ear savers from home. Edwin Sutton the school’s Internal Fleet Manager got back on his bike. The former traffic policeman delivered blood products and COVID-19 specimens across the country on his ‘blood bike’. Sixth Former Toby Johnson joined frontline workers collecting recently deceased from hospital morgues and homes across Surrey and Hampshire and taking them to undertakers. Staff in the Catering Department lent their support, donating food to the Hope Hub in Camberley for the homeless and disposable gloves to the community. Two of our Medical Centre nurses – Emma Light and Julie Unsworth volunteered for nursing duties at Frimley Park Hospital. And elderly Gordonians were touched to receive calls from the Gordonian Officer Sue Parkin House Parent Ben Heathcote begun the first in a series of Lockdown Live music events at the school, which were heard in nearby West End and across the world via live-stream video.

Adding their voices to the Gordon’s chorus of talented staff were Gravesend Head of House Jamie Sinclair and Khartoum Head of House Chris Davies. Meanwhile the Hockey Team raised over £1,200 for the NHS by setting themselves a running challenge! Elysee Spacie started her production line of cakes and biscuits for her local hospital, St Peter’s in Woking. The teenager baked 30 cakes for staff every week and designed colourful images and motivational messages to decorate ambulances. She also wrote to HM The Queen about her lockdown experience and received a letter back!

Thursday night claps in West End for the NHS and keyworkers were very much a Gordon’s affair as many students picked up their bagpipes to salute those on the frontline. The Prince family with four children – all of whom play or played the bagpipes – picked up their instruments to the delight of near neighbours. The term literally zoomed by. Head Teacher Andrew Moss described the academic year as “…more difficult than any of us has ever encountered”, after paying tribute to parents and staff, he said of the students: “Teenagers often receive poor press nationally for their lack of resolve and thoughtless actions; a bright spot in this difficult term has been how well Gordon’s students have risen to the challenge and many will have become better people as a result of this national crisis”. 79

CORONAVIRUS

House Parent Ben Heathcote begun the first in a series of Lockdown Live music events at the school, which were heard in nearby West End and across the world via live-stream video.

PLAY VIDEO

As well as recreating a virtual school, students and staff also put their skills to good use during the pandemic performing vital work for the community and further afield, making PPE; donating food; transporting blood products and working with undertakers to collect the deceased.

The Year 13 Leavers’ Dinner and the Annual Parade, Inspection and Prize Giving were also moved online. Those leaving the Sixth Form settled down in their homes for an evening’s entertainment including comedy acts from Live at the Apollo. Former Head Boy Oliver Henderson dressed in his Blues, marked the 134th Annual Parade and Prize Giving by piping under the Arches on the Parade Square with prize winners receiving their awards through the post.

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In a series of webinars and recorded interviews, students and their parents were able to enjoy breakfast with double Olympian rower George Nash MBE; Singer/Songwriter Frank Turner and Gordonian Major Stephanie A ManningDegobertiere on her work during the pandemic.

PLAY VIDEO As well as academic lessons, students continued to take part in House meetings; PE challenges and even cookery via Zoom.

PLAY VIDEO 81

CORONAVIRUS

GORDON’S SCHOOL BAGSHOT ROAD, WEST END, WOKING, SURREY GU24 9PT Tel: 01276 858084 | Fax: 01276 855335 WWW.GORDONS.SCHOOL