Semper Fidelis - Edition 3

Edition 3 - April 2021

SEMPER FIDELIS MEMORIAL DAY: Snow Brings Out Winter Blues

CORONAVIRUS EDITION

CONTEN

NTS

4. PIPES, DRUMS AND PARADES 10. AROUND THE HOUSES 28. CCF AND DOFE 30. CO-CURRICULAR 40. CHARITY AND DEVELOPMENT 44. CREATIVE ARTS 56. SIXTH FORM 64. CAREERS 68. SPORTS 82. INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION 86. STAFF NEWS 90. CORONAVIRUS 92. ACHIEVEMENTS

PIPES, DRUMS

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AND PARADES HARVEST FESTIVAL

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hile the School Parade and Chapel Service for Harvest Festival were cancelled, the event was marked by students giving thanks in the Chapel and the Boys’ Choir recording the famous harvest hymn, ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’. Contributions of food were taken in by the Houses and sent to the Woking Foodbank along with £800 from online donations.

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HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH 1921 – 2021

Drum Major Rose Roberts lowers the Union flag as the Last Post is played.

Flags at Gordon’s were flown at half mast during the period of national mourning.

As the Royal family gathered at Windsor, just a few miles away from Gordon’s for the funeral of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday 17th April, two students took part in a special service outside the Chapel, to honour this remarkable man, husband of the school’s Patron HM The Queen.

During the week of national mourning, flags at the school were flown at half mast for His Royal Highness.

Dressed in their ceremonial Blues uniform, Drum Major Rose Roberts lowered the Union flag as the Last Post sounded.

This was followed by a Lament, played by Pipe Major Owen Carter, in tribute to the longest-serving consort of a reigning British monarch.

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the school on a number of occasions, and told students in 1955 when he presented a new Colour to the school that he “frequently” drove passed the site, saying: “…I have often seen boys in uniform outside.

I am delighted to say that they have always been smartly dressed, and, as far as I could see, well behaved”.

Thirty years later, Her Majesty the Queen, along with the Duke of Edinburgh were guests at the school Speech Day in the Centenary year of Gordon Boys’ School in 1985. The two Royals, together with HRH the Queen Mother were among those to generously donate to the school’s Centenary Appeal in 1985 which raised over its target of £300,000 to modernise the school’s buildings.

His Royal Highness Prince Philip wrote in his foreword to the book ‘The Gordon Heritage’: ‘There could be no better memorial to this remarkable man [General Gordon] than a school for the underprivileged, which has since evolved into a modern boarding school….’.

Gordon’s Head Andrew Moss said: “A lasting legacy to His Royal Highness is the vast numbers of students here and across the world, who learn new skills and carry out voluntary work through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme. It is fitting that record numbers have joined the scheme this year at Gordon’s with 128 enrolled for Bronze and 80 for Silver.”

Please see back cover for further picture.

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Pipe Major Owen Carter pipes a Lament.

His Royal Highness Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh presenting the Higginson Medal to Gordon’s student Joseph Mackenzie during the school’s Annual Inspection in July 1955.

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THE SPIRIT OF GORDON F

our students came up with their own piece of music for the Pipes and Drums over Lockdown. Isla Bethune; James Gibson; Lucy Massie and Alice Kermeen put their creative hats on and each composed a six bar melody to accompany a two bar ending for a 6/8 march, which will be learnt by other pipers. Posts over social media asked for suggestions for a title and ‘The Spirit of Gordon’ was chosen, evoking the man as much as the school.

Pipes and Drums photographed with HRH Prince Edward in February 2020 at the Passing Out Parade at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

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ZORB FOOTBALL, MANHUNT AND ESCAPE ROOM: ACTIVE AUGUSTA! T

he Autumn Term saw the boarding community united once again, albeit with restrictions in place.

Although we were unable to go off-site for weekend activities we still managed to offer a full programme of entertainment to suit all ages. The highlights for the girls were definitely the halloween party; zorb footballing; glow stick manhunt; task master; the escape room and our end of year Christmas party held in the new Sports Hub Cafe.

For the halloween party the Rec was transformed into a haunted disco, complete with a brew bar, petrifying photo booth and a blood curdling buffet! The girls made a great effort with their costumes - we had everything from a policewoman to a T-Rex! They danced the night away to tunes picked out by Sandringham’s resident DJ and were all exhausted by the time lights out came along.

Hopefully this will become an annual event!

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At the end of November the new sports hall was transformed into a zorb football arena!

Dressed in their zorb gear, the girls played a ferocious game of football. With their arms trapped in the zorbs, everyone’s balance was off, meaning a slight push from another player would send them flying! At the end of the session it seemed like the girls were having more fun playing human-dodgems than football. It was an exhausting hour but also definitely an activity we’d all like to do again!

We were really proud of the girls’ efforts in our weekend Task Master challenges. They managed to win on both occasions and were rewarded with pizza!

We finished the year with our annual Christmas party in the newly-opened sports hall! With prizes for the best dressed, all the girls got dressed up and spent the evening eating, playing games and dancing.

AROUND TH

Unfortunately the Spring Term was rather a different one, with very few boarders in, due to Lockdown restrictions. On a positive, we had exclusive use of the new Sports Hub and certainly made the most of using it for evening and weekend activities to entertain those on site.

We continued to host weekly Team’s calls with each year group to check how they were coping with the live-streamed lessons and to hear their lockdown stories. We certainly had fun experimenting with the different backgrounds and developing our ICT skills!

HE HOUSES

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GARDEN PARTY, CHRISTMAS PARTY AND FLASH GORDON JOINS BALMORAL

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e started this new academic year by celebrating what the boys had achieved throughout lockdown 1! After such a disrupted end to the Summer Term, we held our End of Year Awards in the Balmoral garden. With pizza and cake we took the opportunity to give all the boys a huge pat on the back for getting through the rollercoaster of lockdown! It was a great moment for all, smiles and laughter all round…. Something we definitely all needed!

The boys who stayed for the September Exeat rolled up their sleeves, with Mrs Brewer and Mr Mellor, and they painted the common room, giving it a fantastic new fresh look! Now, with new curtains and pictures up, the room looks so much more inviting, and huge thanks must go to the GSPA for the £500 they gifted to the House. After much thought, we purchased a brand new, super-sized TV for the boys.

We held our Christmas party (albeit not in our usual style) and even though we were small in numbers due to Covid concerns, we made sure the boarders who were still in our boarding bubble had lots of food, fun and laughter. The boys dressed up for their Christmas school dinners and we played some much needed fun games all together!

With our newest boarder ‘Flash’ settling well into Balmoral, we can’t wait for everyone to get to know him better! The puppy eyes are an absolute killer that he gives!!!

When we had to go back into lockdown, we were really impressed with how the boys coped with online learning. Our weekly ‘Good Comments’ competition shows how consistent the boys are. It’s great to get together on the House calls online, and we enjoy listening to how we are all getting on with lockdown life…. no matter where the boys are in the world, we love hearing from them and those catch ups have been vital to keep up the comradery in Balmoral House.

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BUCKINGHAM HOUSE: COVID-CAKE BOOSTS SIXTH FORM CREATIVITY

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t was wonderful to welcome the boys back into the House in March once again and connect in person rather than via screens after a strange end to a strange year.

Autumn Term and each year group enjoyed dressing up for traditional Christmas meals in the Rec followed by a suitably festive film in the gym!

Throughout the January lockdown, the boys have been inspirational in the way in which they have kept themselves busy; maintained their fitness levels and worked hard at their online lessons.

Our Sixth Formers showed their creative flair in the Inter-House cake decorating competition.

Their unappetising green COVID cake featured a face mask, loo roll and snowman (protected with a face mask) and while it didn’t make the final three, it was certainly the most topical!

Special mention of two students, Sixth Formers George and Joseph who combined their studies with voluntary work. George, a self-proclaimed ‘non-runner’ ran 100 kilometres in one month to raise money for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). Joseph continued his voluntary work at St Peter’s Hospital and became one of the youngest recipients of the COVID vaccine.

In spite of restrictions we were able to take part in some activities as a House during the

In the Inter-House Cross Country, Buckingham dominated the back field and won the event.

In the Rugby, Years 7 and 10 won their groups giving the House second place overall in the competition and in Rowing Buckingham came third.

Our new Year 7s are a particularly sporty group of boys and we look forward to seeing them in future Inter-House competitions.

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HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS FUN IN CHINA HOUSE I

t was wonderful to finally be able to welcome all the girls back to China House in September and to be part of their excitement as they met up with old friends, that was something I will never forget.

Despite the restrictions that were in place, we still managed to have fun and had plenty of opportunity to enjoy ourselves. Our famous Halloween and Christmas parties were slightly different in that we had to spread them over several nights to accommodate all the year groups, but the girls still managed to have a great time! They enjoyed pizza, games and a spooky film at the Halloween party and in the case of the Christmas parties, we managed to pull together and get Secret Santa sorted for everyone without getting the gifts in to the wrong Santa sack!

The highlight for me was the amazing amount of money that was raised in our Christmas raffle. For the last five years the House charity has been Fight for Sight, which supports one of our own China girls. With the opportunities to raise money severely impaired this year, I was concerned that we wouldn’t be able to contribute funds to their fantastic charity.

However, due to the generosity of students, parents and staff we raised a staggering £712.75, which is now on its way to Fight for Sight.

The China girls have astounded me too. I have watched them adapt to this crazy world we are currently living in and I am so proud of them all.

Their resilience and ability to laugh and smile makes me think that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that despite everything, we will be ok.

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GRAVESEND HOUSE A

n unpredictable year so far, with restricted opportunities for all the students of Gravesend House; however, there has still been much to celebrate!

We started the academic year, welcoming students, old and new, together with our new House Tutor Mr Wallace. We were also pleased to see Day Boarders join us from Balmoral and Sandringham Houses after the half-term holiday. Drill practice was limited in the latter part of the Autumn Term, however that didn’t stop our new boys finding their marching feet and learning the basics.

Gravesend House students made an excellent start to this year’s Inter-House Sports Competition. Our joint second position in the Cross-Country was followed up with an excellent joint first place in the Rowing event. Stand out performances across both events included individual wins in the Cross Country for Sam Bodano (Y12) and Thomas Allen (Y9) and wins for the Year 11/Sixth Form team in the Cross Country and the Year 9 team in the Rowing.

In October, the Inter-House Music Competition also took place. Well done to Harry Gordon (solo performance on the bagpipes) and our group consisting of Michael Bradbury, Jayden Evetts, Marley Naylor, Elliot de Vere Green, Jason Cave and Bayan Muhsen with their superb performance of ‘Zombie’.

Our fourth place overall was well-deserved, particularly as we were placed as the top boys’ House. There was also great news for Jason as he was awarded the Gordonian Award for Music, which is an excellent achievement. Congratulations to our Year 12 students who were appointed Senior Prefects; Harry Marshall (Development Office) and Will Hughes (Pastoral). We also celebrated Mr Knight’s 50th birthday in October, with cakes, doughnuts and a special performance of ‘Happy Birthday’ on the bagpipes (Mack Prince) and violin (Jason Cave).

The Spring Term has seen us unfortunately return to lockdown and remote online learning; however, it has been very impressive to see how our boys have adapted to working from home again. We look forward to happier times ahead!

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KENSINGTON HOUSE T

he beginning of a new academic year is always exciting but September 2020 was even more so than usual; after a long lockdown the girls were delighted to see each other back in school again. We were pleased to welcome everyone into the House with the addition of a wonderful group of new students in Year 7 as well as Molly and Naomi in Year 12, who were quick to settle in and make good friends in the House and school.

The adjustments made in the House ensured a safe and smooth return to school, with the girls enjoying individual year group common room areas to enjoy their breaks with friends. In Year 9 we welcomed the Day Boarders from Windsor who made an excellent contribution to their temporary home with us.

Year 9 welcomed the girls from Windsor into the House

The girls threw themselves into academic work and InterHouse Competitions, as well as social occasions in the House including pizza and film nights and the Christmas House Parties, this year enjoyed by all in their year groups.

Socialising in Year groups ensured the girls were supported and able to enjoy the bonds of friendship that they have formed in the House.

Over the course of the Autumn Term, in line with social distancing, the back of Kensington opened into a garden area which was adopted as a Sixth Form zone where the older girls were able to socialise in good weather. We are grateful to the GPSA who have given us additional funds for new garden furniture so that we can enjoy this outdoor area long after pandemic concerns have passed.

Year 13 students in the Kensington House back garden

After a wonderful Autumn term we returned to lockdown after Christmas but this has not hindered the girls’ efforts in academic work or competitions which have continued successfully online. This has included: Kahoot, PE challenges as well as Inter-House Debating and Art, this year based on the theme of Isolation.

The Spring Term took us back to online learning at home.

Regardless of this the efforts, good humour and enthusiasm of the girls continue to shine in our online House meetings which include challenges set by the girls and a chance to chat to each other and share any concerns. After a strange and challenging year we look forward to returning to the House and the rhythm of school life whenever possible.

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Inter-House Art entry: The Lonely Boat by Naomi Chaffe Year 12

Year 8 get ready for their Christmas party.

Some of our new Year 7 girls

Kensington House InterHouse Competitions

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KHARTOUM HOUSE: PINATAS AND POOL W

e were delighted to welcome the boys back after such a long absence and hear them chattering and playing pool once again in the common rooms.

They had obviously been keeping up their fitness over the Summer holidays and produced some great performances in Inter-House sport competitions, earning a creditable second place in the Cross Country and first place on the podium in the Rowing. As usual every year group gave their best and enjoyed the competitive challenges.

We also regained the Commandant’s Cup for Best All Round House, a trophy that has be absent from the hall cabinet since 2014! In recent months, it has become apparent that only do the Khartoum boys give their all as a group but also as individuals.

Sixth Former Ethan Leech raised a staggering £752 for the Samaritans charity and male suicide prevention by doing press ups. An extraordinary challenge for a cause he feels so strongly about.

Another Sixth Former, Hector Earnshaw showed true community spirit when he played the Last Post once again at the Windlesham British Legion Remembrance Service.

Our new Year 7s were ably introduced to the skill of marching by the older years and I am sure that once they are able to take part in their first Parade, they will do so with aplomb. They certainly showed strength when they started off the House Halloween celebrations with skull and pumpkin pinatas in the Parade Square!

While we have been enjoying getting together over Zoom, we all relished being back in the House together under normal conditions.

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SANDRINGHAM T

he start to the 2020/2021 year began well with the boys finally returning to Sandringham House and a newly-designed garden complete with fire pit. The Indian Summer couldn’t have been more timely as we all gathered as a House once more enjoying night after night around the fire toasting marshmallows and listening to what the boys call ‘music’. As the leaves turned in colour we celebrated the end of the first half of term with an ‘epic’ Halloween party with our resident DJ, DJ Belloz spinning the decks!

Little did we know that less than two weeks into the second half of term the House would be thrown into isolation with a suspected COVID case from Mr and Mrs Webb’s five year old son Hector. Who knew a five year old could cause such drama? Forty eight hours later and a negative test returned the House to the wild again relishing their freedom! Less than two weeks on and Mrs Wyatt brought the House down with a positive case (we’ll never let her forget that one!) and we headed in to two weeks’ solid isolation.

Whilst many boys returned home to isolate we were left with ten boys, affectionately named ‘The Lockdown Legends’! Students and staff quickly adapted to a world of online learning, doing their washing and enjoying one another’s company for 14 days solid, memories that will live with us professionally and personally forever.

We survived on a diet of endless snacks and food from the catering team, takeaways courtesy of the other House Parents, Zoom quizzes hosted by our grad, Mr Wareham and even celebrated Mr Webb’s birthday with a Chinese!

Whether they were learning online from home or in House, the boys all took it in their stride with smiles and tales to tell. This academic school year so far hasn’t been the smoothest with the dreaded ‘rona hanging over our heads but despite being apart we are always together.

A pleasure and a privilege taking care of every single boy in Sandringham House, they continue to reach for the stars, get involved and embrace the awkwardness in everything they do and we look forward to the next chapter of the House.

Keeping up with the times, the Sandringham Christmas tree was very much a COVID affair with tests, masks, gloves, images of Zoom, Chris Whitty and Joe Wicks and of course, Boris Johnson!

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VICTORIA HOUSE: QUIZZES, PIZZA AND S’MORE V

ictoria House welcomed Mrs Jones as the new Head of House in September and it was lovely to have all the girls back after a long break of home learning and summer holidays.

We also welcomed back Mrs Gibson and Miss Vasco as House Tutors and gained Mrs Suarez as our Deputy Head of House. With some changes, due to COVID, the common rooms and study rooms were soon filled with laughs and Netflix!

We now have 31 students in our Sixth Form, which meant that some building work was needed to add an extra two new study rooms.

We also welcomed six new Year 10 girls from Augusta, who settled in really well to their temporary home and we hope they enjoyed being part of Victoria House as much as we liked having them here.

Victoria has had a great deal of success in the Inter-House competitions, especially in Cross Country, Rowing and the amazing Christmas Cake Decorating. We had our first Intra-House event which was Foosball for KS3 and KS4. As our KS5 did so well with cakes they had their own cupcake decorating competition in House just before the Christmas holidays.

Even with busy school days, we managed to fit in a lot of fun during the Autumn Term to celebrate being in school and our wonderful girls. We had movie nights with quizzes and pizza, we marked Bonfire night with Mrs Jones’ homemade S’mores and our Halloween and Christmas parties brought a lot of laughter and joy to the House.

Unfortunately the start of the Spring Term has saw the return of home learning, bringing further challenges. But once again the girls demonstrated their resilience and diligence.

Our weekly House meetings and lockdown 3.0 competitions bring us a welcome distraction from school work.

We loved welcoming the girls back in March with the House filled with their energy once more.

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WINDSOR HOUSE D

espite the difficulties caused by the pandemic, the girls of Windsor House have shown great resilience and determination keeping a smile on their faces and continuing to work hard representing the House admirably.

In Inter-House Cross Country, we managed an impressive third place overall whilst our KS4 and KS5 teams came second overall in InterHouse Debating. Our musicians once again did us proud by achieving second place in this year’s Inter-House Music competition, superbly led by Head of House Lottie Henden.

In House, we have continued to enjoy many wonderful Windsor family evenings, with outdoor cinema and barbecue nights being a particular hit at the beginning of the Autumn Term. In addition, we have delighted to the dulcet tones of our many wonderful singers with impromptu Karaoke nights as well as games’ evenings. Our Christmas party was a particular hit giving us all the chance to spend some quality time together during what has, so far, been a difficult year.

As a boarding community, the activities have been many and varied, from zorb football; escape room challenges; the Halloween party and our live festive task-master final. Residential boarders have embraced everything on offer and enjoyed time spent together.

Overall, we have been so impressed with how the girls of Windsor House have adapted to and risen to the challenges that this year has brought and cannot praise their positivity and strength of character highly enough. We also miss our exceptional group of Day Boarders.

We continue our improvements to Windsor House to ensure it remains a welcoming and relaxing space for our Residential and Day Boarders. The arrival of a new lobby sofa and plans to develop the common spaces are the start of an exciting future ahead!

Well done to everyone for such a positive year so far!

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WOOLWICH F

rom the start of the Autumn Term, boarding activities were on the school site, due to COVID restrictions. This was a great way for our Year 7 Residential Boarders to get to know the school and each other. To kick-start the Autumn term in Woolwich, we decided to decorate our own mugs, so that we could use them throughout the year. We then sent them away to be fired in a kiln – making the mugs our own unique brand of bright and colourful!

For Halloween, we turned our boarding house into a haunted Halloween mansion. Each Woolwich student had the chance to decorate part of the house. This set up was then perfect for Halloween activities such as apple bobbing, face painting and preparing for the Halloween boarders’ party, which was much enjoyed by all!

If you book them, they will come! A competitive, fun activity, the Woolwich students had to work together in teams to escape. This activity was located in the school gym – right on our doorstep but gave the illusion that students were in a completely different environment

once inside. An escape in more ways than one and a first for most of our Year 7s!

The ‘Trashion Show’ was a favourite activity this year in Woolwich. Our boarders were divided into teams and given the task of creating an outfit with style and flare made from actual trash (bin bags, plastic and recycled items!). We then had a final competition where a student from each team elegantly walked down the catwalk in their newly-created outfits for all to see! Lots of fun and creative thought went into this.

Christmas came to Woolwich and we spent hours decorating our own baubles for the tree, decorations and lights around the House! Our Christmas party was most eagerly anticipated.

This involved a talent show (including both students and staff) followed by a whole House exchange of Secret Santa gifts! A brilliant evening of newly-discovered talents, music, dancing, puppet shows and thoughtful presents.

January’s formal Memorial Service: Some of our Woolwich boarders returned to school over lockdown and had the chance to dress in their ceremonial Blues for the first time! It was heartwarming to finally see them in their Blues and taking part in the Memorial Service to General Gordon and wreath-laying. Once the formal part of the wreath-laying was over, students and staff made the most of the deep snow and enjoyed an impromptu snowball fight!

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Striding out, deep in the Surrey Hills for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice in September and Final in October, some 88 students in Years 10 and 11 tackled Abinger Roughs and Penfold Lakes.

After nursing their blisters and sore limbs overnight, the group returned to complete the expedition. The two day trek forms just one part of the award, which also includes a minimum of three months of volunteering; physical and skills.

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CCF AND DOFE E

nsuring that even CCF was maintained during lockdown (albeit from home!), Mr Fox set a number of fun, imaginative challenges that proved popular with all, starting with building a shelter.

Some elaborate creations were emailed through, the winning design proving to be a cardboard palace with rooms!

Observation had everyone guessing as to the whereabouts of Freddie Fox in various locations across the school. But who would have guessed where these well camouflaged students were hiding? One as part of a chair and another blending into a vase and sunflower.

For the disguise challenge, in which Mr Fox adopted that of a vicar, even Dexter an eight year old Rhodesian Ridgeback had a go!

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SCIENCE CLUB W

hile the rest of the world coped with a pandemic, the Science Club had their own set of problems. Left stranded on an island for the entire term, the group of students in Years 7, 8 and 9 had to work out how to keep cool; purify their water and produce paper and ink for SOS messages!

Producing a range of water-wheel turbine devices solved their problem of cooling down.

Then they found that lemon was the best form of citrus fruit to use for their message in a bottle. Their water-purifyer was made by burning coconut shell to produce charcoal and adding in layers of sand, gravel and cotton.

Then their thoughts turned to sustaining themselves and they learned the art of fish dissection – including what parts of fish they can eat and what not.

Their work earned them all a Crest Award certificate from the British Science Association.

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RICULAR VIRTUAL OPEN EVENTS V

irtual presentations replaced all the open events for both Main School and Sixth Form.

Prospective parents and students were able to take virtual tours of Houses and hear from members of the Senior Leadership Team from the comfort of their armchairs. Giving a student view into life at Gordon’s, Our Head Boy and Girl, Jack Bodell and Emily Jones recorded their own.

As well as reminiscing about marching in Year 7; Ten Tors and the enjoyable aspects of Sixth Form life, the two spoke about the ‘supportive, caring teachers who really know your strengths and weaknesses’ and the ‘vast sense of community and friendly competition’. Jack Bodell also asserted in the film: “Once you have joined Gordon’s it will always be a part of who you are and you will always have a network of people you can turn to”.

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ew student leaders - Head Girl Charlotte Hamilton and Head Boy Scott Ross (centre) together with their Deputies (far right) Tadiwanashe Nyatsanza and Laurence Lisita-Robinson. The four Sixth Formers were appointed after submitting a CV and attending a formal interview. Pictured with them is Louis

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Phipps, Sergeant Major and Colour Sergeant Grace Fulk (far left). This year ceremonial roles have been separated from whole-school responsibilities so Louis and Grace will lead parades while their peers will be responsible for general school matters. Congratulations and best of luck to all of them.

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“This year has really taught me to stay optimistic and to persevere through the tough times” Describe yourself: I am a very enthusiastic and determined person. I love to play rugby and other sports such as football as they are a great way to interact with friends and meet new people with common interests. My favourite lessons are DT practicals as they are are the most interesting.

Why did you apply for the role?

I applied for this role as I want to give back to the school after the many years the school has given to me and the benefit of opportunities and experiences I have had at Gordon’s such as the army cadets, a rugby trip to South Africa and ski trips. It is a privilege to be in a position to represent and promote Gordon’s to other potential students and visiting guests.

What are you hoping to bring to the role?

I am hoping to highlight and promote new policies to help to increase the well-being of students in the school and enable students to maximise their opportunities and potential whilst at the school. I think it is also important to look at incorporating social and relaxation time into students’ schedules as the school day is a busy and long one and it is important to have time away from formal lessons.

What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?

I am looking forward for life to become less restrictive following the vaccination programme for COVID-19 and being able to go out and enjoy myself with friends.

When did you arrive at Gordon’s and are there any particular favourite memories?

I joined the school in Year 7 and have enjoyed all five years I have been here. A memory that stands out is when we heard we would not have to sit our GCSEs and we realised we had a day of no work before an extra-long summer holiday.

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What do you most like about Gordon’s and would you recommend the school?

I most like the high level of opportunity to try new things plus the focused education and how hard the teachers push us to achieve the best results that we can and really prepare us for life. I would recommend Gordon’s School very highly to anyone interested in joining.

What are you hoping to do after Gordon’s?

I am hoping to go to an American University on a sports scholarship and study some form of engineering.

Do you have any interests outside school?

I am very involved in Chobham Rugby Club as I have been playing for them since I was six and I support the Ulster Rugby team. I like going to the gym and going out with my friends, playing rugby and football with them, or just relaxing.

What is the motto you live by?

Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire Gaelic for “The bad deed returns on the baddeed doer.”

Looking back on this historic year of the pandemic, what will you remember about it?

What lessons have you learned from it?

This year has really taught me to stay optimistic and to persevere through the tough times in life knowing that it will always get better and life changes in ways no-one could predict. I will remember playing on my PS4 with my friends and just relaxing in the heat of summer.

Head Boy Scott Ross

“I joined the School in 2020 as an external student and I was immediately struck by the warm and inclusive atmosphere”

What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?

I am looking forward to coming out of lockdown, getting back into sport and seeing my friends in person.

Describe yourself – what you enjoy; favourite lessons/food etc.

When did you arrive at Gordon’s and are there any particular favourite memories?

If there is something fun and competitive happening, you can count me in! From sport to getting lost on DofE hikes, I’ll always look for the funny side to boost morale and keep the team going. I am a keen tennis and badminton player and have been fortunate enough to represent both club and school, a recent success being winning through to the regionals in badminton. Combining my A-Level subjects of French, English and Psychology, I enjoy literature, debating and public speaking.

Music tours have taken me to France, Austria, Italy, Germany and Switzerland, and highlights included playing a solo feature in the Château of Versailles and in an open-air concert in Venice.

I joined the school in 2020 as an external student and I was immediately struck by the warm and inclusive atmosphere. I have made many friends and have quickly immersed myself in Gordon’s life.

Why did you apply for the role?

What are you hoping to do after Gordon’s?

I applied for the role of Head Girl because, although I have not been here very long, I know I can contribute to the school in a meaningful way. Throughout my school life, I have made every effort to complement my academic studies with sporting, musical and cultural endeavours which have given me such valuable experiences. In return, I think I can help others see the value in getting involved and taking an active part in the wider Gordon’s community. I feel I have been able to build relationships with teachers and students across all year groups which makes me easily approachable and hopefully well-suited to the role!

I would love to study French or English at university and spend a year in France to immerse myself in the language and culture.

What are you hoping to bring to the role?

I would love to start up a competitive tennis team during my time at Gordon’s. Tennis has always been a huge part of my life and I feel it could be very successful here where sport is a highly-valued part of the curriculum. I represented my previous school and was given the first full colours for tennis. One of the highlights was going to Wimbledon where I watched 15-year-old Cori Gauff beat Venus Williams.

What do you most like about Gordon’s and would you recommend the school?

I love the sense of togetherness and community. The House system gives everyone a strong sense of identity and students genuinely want to participate in activities and support each other. I was also drawn to the strong sporting and extra-curricular ethos balanced with excellent academic standards.

Do you have any interests outside school?

I play tennis and badminton and I have represented my clubs and school in both. I am also Grade 8 saxophone and Grade 6 violin.

What is the motto you live by?

Carpe diem. I enjoy taking advantage of opportunities when they come along and am always willing to try something new, whether it is paragliding in Chamonix or tackling a debate in the Model Arctic Council delegate training.

Looking back on this historic year of the pandemic, what will you remember about it?

What lessons have you learned from it?

Having missed out on so many opportunities in the last year I am certain that I will never take things for granted whether that be holidays or just seeing more than six of my friends at one time!

Head Girl Charlotte Hamilton 35

Year 7 Team Bonding: Learning the ropes our new Year 7s spent a team-bonding day at High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre in September. High ropes, climbing, abseiling and challenges in the Surrey Hills were all part of their packed programme, which also included a BBQ.

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MINDFULNESS GARDEN W

hile many students may choose to throw a rugby ball or play football or table tennis during their breaktimes, for those wanting a quiet chat, there’s always the ‘Mindfulness Garden’. Thanks to a donation from the Gordon’s School Parents’ Association, the peaceful area, close to the Medical Centre and Chapel was cleared and planted for the start of the new school year. Soon after opening it proved a popular destination, providing a haven of tranquillity.

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CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE H

e became an inspiration to millions and a national hero for his fundraising for the NHS. When Captain Sir Tom Moore died aged 100 years old, Year 7 student Aadya Goswami penned this tribute to him:

He may have been frail but his honour was stro ng, His body was stooped bu t he kept walking on.

He earned his medals th rough bravery and servic e, He earned our respect by battling through this.

When the pandemic star ted, He wanted to act.

His charity plan went fr om His aim was 1,000 laps to

make pounds.

But 32 million! By walk in Though even heroes don’ t

dream to a fact.

g his grounds! live forever,

We can maintain his leg acy and endeavour.

So what can we do to be more like Moore?

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SCAVENGER HUNT A

nother Art/PE Cross Curricular link saw students in Year 7 taking part in a ‘Scavenger Hunt’ where as well as running, walking or cycling, they had to collect ten different natural items. These items were then made into a collage. The winners were Morgan Wery (first); Will Wynne (second) and Anureet Aulakh (third).

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CHARITY AND DEVELOPMENT

M

ufti Day at Gordon’s was held in aid of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. Students could abandon their school uniform and wear their own clothes into school – as long as some of them were red!

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The event in March raised over £1,000 for the charity which helps tackle issues such as homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health stigma.

Care packages containing chocolate bars, tea, coffee and hot chocolate sachets winged their way to our Gordonians who left school in the Summer and were experiencing their first term at university during the pandemic. Packages were also sent to Gordonians aged over 80, who may have been feeling isolated.

GORDONIAN AWARDS 2020 T

his year’s Gordonian Awards were made to Tamara Hibbins (Sport) and Jason Cave (Music). The two were selected from a strong field of candidates and as well as receiving up to £1,000 over three years to support their development in their chosen discipline, have had their names added to the Honours Board in the Dining Hall.

Tamara represents school and county in a number of sports including running, hockey, netball and cross country running. She will use the award to fund sports equipment such as spiked shoes for running.

Following in the footsteps of his older brother Benjamin, a recipient of the Music Award in 2016, Jason plays the Violin to Grade 7 and has been part of the Strings group and the Concert Band at Gordon’s since Year 7. A self-taught pianist, the award would fund piano lessons with a teacher!

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GOLDSMITHS’ AWARD Through to Finals of the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Award for Community Engagement, six students will now present to a team of judges at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on 23rd November.

Gordon’s was one of 15 regional finalists in the award and will compete against seven other schools from all over the country. Our team of six – Abi Hunter-Blanco; Brayden Kerr; Noah Schollick; Ann Robinson; Uyime Ntia and Owen Carter – presented over Zoom for their place in the finals and included items on the inter-generational music making; MAD (Make a Difference) Day; the voluntary work of the Pipes and Drums and what individual staff and students are doing in their spare time to give back.

The judges, including Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE described the school’s community engagement programme as “inspirational” and “remarkable”.

Our Sixth Formers are expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours’ volunteering within the local community although some have recorded 200 plus hours.

Students spoke about the huge numbers of people in the school who want to engage in giving back and being involved.

They also spoke of plans for the future, including the Big Sleep Out and Colour Run becoming part of the school’s annual programme; the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme programme being expanded to include Year 9s completing three months of volunteering and a dedicated member of staff overseeing the Gordon’s Give Back Programme.

The Goldsmiths’ Awards for Community Engagement were introduced in 2019 by Mrs Cobham-Lowe OBE, who noticed that while schools focussed on academic records and exam grades, it was also important to recognise what is shaping and educating children in the wider sense.

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CREATIVE A

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ARTS

I

n a glorious celebration of the range of musical talent at Gordon’s an informal concert in the Rec heard instrumental pieces and singers live-streamed to parents across the world.

From Franck to Les Miserables and an own composition, the event offered a global platform for less experienced, younger students in Year 7 alongside seasoned performers in the Sixth Form including Emily Menezes, recently selected for the English Schools’ Orchestra.

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DRAMA T

he September return began with rehearsals of the Studio Productions of ‘Tender’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, as well as three packed days of auditions for the whole-school musical, ‘Big Fish’.

We quickly adjusted to the ‘new normal’, utilising our time efficiently as the shows began to take shape. ‘Tender’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ consisted of around 25 students in a variety of roles. Both shows had a student Assistant

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Director and were designed by an all-student production team supporting actors from KS4 and KS5. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks before the performances, COVID-19 guidelines changed once again and the live performances had to be cancelled. However, this did not stop the productions entirely, and attention was turned to possible new formats. With the help of our technician, Mr Holmes, we began to film large elements of the productions and we hope to release each performance as video productions later in the year.

Over 60 students from KS3-5 auditioned for ‘Big Fish’ and the talented cast was quickly

put together by Mr Olden and the production team to hit the ground running in rehearsals.

However, a change of guidelines impacted again and the production in its original format had to be cancelled. For the remainder of the Autumn Term, students continued to be creative in their year groups and rehearsed for a variety of Musical Theatre performances in the hope that these could be presented in a ‘Musicals Through The Years’ Film Showcase later on in the academic year.

Students were introduced to Stand Up Comedy back in September as they took part in a couple of workshops with veteran stand-up comic and

Balmoral House Parent Mr Heathcote. As well as this, 12 students have entered the National Theatre’s Playwriting competition in which the winning play is selected to be performed and directed by a professional production team at the National Theatre, London.

With Theatres closed, the Drama Department have hosted four ‘Live Theatre’ evenings at school to support our GCSE and A Level students in their curriculum studies and to give the opportunity for students to access professional performances. These were: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’, ‘War Horse’ and ‘Yerma’.

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KICK OUT RACISM In a joint PE/ Art Department competition, Year 8 were tasked with designing artwork for a Kick Racism Out Competition.

The results were striking! Winners were: first place Holly Mear (opposite); second India Gleed (top) and third Karma Ghale (bottom).

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On the way to school

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LOCKDOWN T

he brief was to take one photograph on Monday 25th January to represent their day during Lockdown. The Art Department’s activity, aimed at students, staff, parents and members of the local community, showed how the community was connected through photography during this snowy, bright day in lockdown and how those involved were spending their time in isolation.

Who needs a husky?

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I

selected this photo as I think it depicts the messy nature of being at home and how it can all easily build up. The pencil case and stapler link to working from home with the lamp pole representing the late hours spent behind a screen finishing work.

C

ovid impact has been huge, enormous, overwhelming… I became a care worker as the Graphic Design freelance work dried up.

Monday the 25th I’m up at 6.15am, dark, cold, snow on the ground, my family are all still asleep while I do my lateral flow test as part of my routine. Thankfully it’s negative so I can go to work. It’s hard, it’s exhausting, I come home in pieces some days after the 12 hour shifts but… I have a job, it’s a rewarding thing to do and the bills are being paid. The people I care for are very vulnerable and really need my help, the teams I work with are lovely people. It’s emotionally and physically draining but when you make somebody smile or laugh, when you manage to get them to smile through the tears, it helps them and it helps me.

T

his photograph represents some of the activities that I have either learnt or enjoyed during lockdown, each included today. Regular games of WordFeud with my sisters provide a way of knowing that each of us is okay, as well as competitive fun; my neighbour encouraged me to start knitting again, for young children very less fortunate than myself; running shoes because I completed, to my surprise, the 0 to 5km challenge last summer and have continued regular, if shorter runs, including one this evening. Even the tablecloth has significance as it comes from Canterbury Cathedral’s shop and during lockdown I regularly listen to the Dean of Canterbury’s wise and interesting reflections from his garden.

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“This is my lockdown view from the dining room table where I do my lessons. On Monday 25th January it was calm, quiet, cold and there were blue skies after the snow.”

“I’ve been teaching my lessons from school since the start of term and this morning I decided to go for a walk. I took some photos of the sun rising over the snow. The snow has certainly made this lockdown a bit less dull, and I’m so grateful for that.”

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“Everyday we go for a walk on Brentmoor Heath.”

“The only thing keeping me sane is my dog walk.”

“Initially it was very hard work having a puppy and there were times we wondered if we’d done the right thing, but of course we had. Jasper is Will’s constant companion in the day, spending a large part of the time on his bed whilst Will does his online lessons.

Jasper is now part of the family.”

“My usual lockdown day consists of cricket practice with my father. Since the garden was filled with snow, we made the living room our pitch and had fun playing the game I love - cricket!”

“Sitting in a very empty waiting room for my first ever flu jab.”

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

“During lockdown I have walked up and down our drive, walking just over a mile each time.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LOCKDOWN:

“Frozen lake at Lightwater Country Park.”

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“Flash! Exhausted by the lockdown snow on-site!”

“A Gordonian playing in the snow.”

“A hint of Spring in the garden. Finding joy and reasons to smile.”

“This is our Cindy, she makes us all feel better if we are a bit down.”

“A photo from my dog walking this morning.”

“I had lots of fun in the snow which was a nice change and distraction from the usual routine.”

A COMMUNITY CONNECTED THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS

“Notching up kilometres for the Gordon’s KM Challenge. Blue skies and snow - the perfect combination as we strode across Surrey Heath on our lunch break.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LOCKDOWN:

“I work in another local school. My day today is Covid testing. Truly a moment in time!”

“A jigsaw puzzle for Christmas from one of our sons - recently completed. The photo was from our last family holiday skiing in France in happier times.”

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SIXTH FORM 56

S

etting himself the target of 190 press ups a day for the month of November, Sixth Former Ethan Leech completed the challenge – and raised nearly £800 for the Samaritans and male suicide prevention. His Head of House Chris Davies and members of the First XV lent their support, joining him in his last few press ups at the end of November.

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MAKING HISTORY IN YOUTH POLITICS R

epresenting youth across the county and making history, A Level student Jacob Wrenn is the first Surrey Young Mayor.

Jacob, a Sixth Former at Gordon’s School, has been involved in youth politics for over five years, first through the Surrey Heath Youth Council and then moving on to the Surrey Youth Cabinet.

He said: “I am immensely proud to have been elected the first ever Young Mayor of Surrey. This is an extremely prestigious role that serves as a representative of youth voice and champions young people’s role in democracy.”

Jacob was elected on the strength of his manifesto from which he outlined four key points: • To provide a Young Mayor’s support fund for community projects.

• Establishing youth councils across the county to enable every young person to have a voice.

• Initiating a Young Mayor’s Award for youth-led projects.

• Lending his support to youth in Surrey through the Surrey Youth Cabinet and MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) initiatives.

He will also be working closely with the High Sheriff Youth Awards, which gives grants to projects for young people with the aim of making Surrey safer.

In addition to now tackling the designs and formal processes for his projects, Jacob wants to ensure a more democratic system for the election of the next Surrey Young Mayor by taking candidates into schools and giving more young people a chance to meet the candidates and vote for them.

“I am trying to get back to basics” Jacob explained, “…trying to push forward the voices of young people.”

As well as developing skills while helping others, Jacob says: “I am trying to do something that does not just impact on myself but is something lots of people can benefit from”.

Now studying for his A Levels, Jacob hopes to go on to university and follow a career in IT. As for combining a career with that of a local politician, Jacob said: “It’s certainly something I would consider in the future…”.

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TEAM BUILDING, BONDING (AND A BBQ!) O

ur Sixth Form this year attracted the most number of existing students staying on after GCSEs to complete their senior school education with Gordon’s. We also welcomed 70 new students into Year 12 to take their A Levels. The group of nearly 200 got to know each other during their Induction Day. Along with tours and talks, the group also enjoyed some team building exercises on the Back Field involving some hilarious tasks and a BBQ on the Front Field.

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SLEEP FOR BETTER EXAM RESULTS! W

ant to get the best exam results?

According to Sixth Former Charles Aldridge, sleeping is the way forward!

Charles had his EPQ research on sleeping and effective learning, published by the Medic Mentor, a national magazine dedicated to applying healthcare students. The Cambridge hopeful, who discovered a passion for medicine after breaking his collar bone last year, says: “I was stunned by how important sleep hygiene is in memory”. As well as memory and the transfer of information from short to long term Charles also found that sleep has a direct impact on understanding; focus and motivation. His in depth article looks at how memories are formed, the five sleep cycles and how memory consolidation varies over the night through the cycles. And the secret to a good night’s sleep according to his research is reducing exposure to artificial light one to two hours before bedtime and sleeping in a cool environment (around 18 degrees). “Sleep is the solution to many issues related to learning, so investing your time into building healthy sleep habits is a simple way to fuel success in your future career.”

DON’T MIND IF I DO

F

our miles every four hours for 48 hours was the challenge Charles Aldridge undertook to raise money for MIND mental health charity. The Sixth Former, and a friend did just that, raising over £1,000 in sponsorship. Running through night and day in freezing conditions, the four mile runs took between 35 and 59 minutes.

“The challenge was tough” said Charles, “but I managed to get through with resilience and a lot of ice”. As to whether he will ever want to run again, he replied “it’s just a question of when my legs recover!”

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EMILY MENEZES

S

he has entertained fellow students and staff by her oboe playing in Inter-House Music competitions. Now Sixth Form oboist Emily Menezes, who plays with the Surrey County Youth Wind Orchestra has been selected to play for the English Schools’ Orchestra. The orchestra comprises young musicians who are of Grade 8 and above and only one or two oboists in the country are selected to play for this national

youth orchestra. Emily, who has been playing the instrument for eight years and achieved distinction in Grade 8 a few years ago said she was very much looking to working with such talented people. She added: “Although I don’t intend to study music at university, I definitely want to continue playing in orchestras as that it where I am happiest - making amazing music with kind and like-minded people.”

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CAREERS

ENGINEERING TO A TEA! S

tudents in Years 11 and 12 interested in an engineering career were invited to tea with Mr Eaden, the Head of Maths, who studied and worked as an engineer before embarking on teaching. Mr Eaden spoke about his journey into the profession and contribution to both the Hindhead tunnel and Blackfriars Bridge and Station refurbishment. Engineering scholarships; routes into the industry and expected salary and benefits were also discussed over the delicious afternoon tea.

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INSIGHT TALK: GORDON MURRAY “I think if you conduct your life properly and you really focus on what you want to do, things fall into place which is not luck – that’s fate” Professor Gordon Murray.

One of the motor industry’s most elite performers, Professor Gordon Murray launched our Spring Term of Careers Insight Talks.

Professor Murray, interviewed by Head of DT, Mrs Nash took us through his fascinating journey to becoming one of the world’s foremost vehicle engineers and designers, working with the likes of Brabham and McLaren.

Other talks included Gordonian Tori Andrews in conversation with Mrs Colloff about her apprenticeship with one of the world’s top accountancy firms, EY and Camilla Collins a Lifestyle Coach talking about self-image and self-confidence with Ms Moore.

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Camilla Collins Self-Image, Self-Confidence and Lifestyle Coach

Professor Gordon Murray CBE Vehicle Engineer and Designer

CAREERS INSIGHT TALKS

CAREERS INSIGHT TALKS

CAREERS INSIGHT TALKS

To view their talks, please click on their pictures or visit the Careers page of the school website here.

Gordonian, Tori Andrews Apprentice at Ernst Young

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CYCLING A

s the world has had to adapt to the ongoing pandemic, so too has cycling. Whilst we were able to continue the popular Saturday offroad sessions and some road sessions at the beginning of the academic year, our focus this year has been in developing our exciting Zwift racing offer. Zwift is an online training world that allows clubs and groups of riders to train together wherever they are, via the use of a ‘smart’ turbo trainer.

From October, the cycling team have been using this to train and develop fitness with the ultimate goal to compete against other schools in online races. The current situation has given us a great opportunity to test the functionality and we have already had interest from a number of other schools keen to work together to make online racing a reality. There is great potential for online cycling in schools and we are keen to continue our work creating links and developing our offer to students as Zwift develops.

Recently we have put Zwift to good use, enabling the school team to meet up in the virtual world for Time Trials and group rides with a racing element to be added over the next few months. As lockdown restrictions ease, we hope to be able to supplement our online training provision with more road riding with the hope that we can create a cycling community and introduce the potential for group rides with families. It is certainly an exciting time for cycling as we learn to adapt to new ideas and provide innovative opportunities for our students.

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SPORTS Gordon’s School cycling team ‘riding’ through France on Zwift.

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FOOTBALL FOCUS A

stop/start season but as many matches as possible were played, in line with COVID regulations. The First XI, Second XI and the Under 16A team enjoyed great success in their games against some high performance footballing schools, including Hampton, Ardingly and Wellington.

The season had high hopes for getting back to the football field as soon as possible after lockdown as the training and commitment from all the year groups has been diligent and determined throughout the School year.

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Fifty players in Years 7, 8 and 9 were given the opportunity to use the TopTekkers App to continue their skills and development at home, which has proved very successful. Every week three different challenges for the players to practise their skills against the clock, were uploaded and then they were able to enter their results to their own specific year groups.

Particular thanks to all the coaches for their enthusiasm and willingness to record their sessions during lockdown. These video sessions have allowed all our players from Under 18 to Under 12 level to continue practising their skills at home in preparation for hopefully playing games again soon. The future for football is highly encouraging.

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GOLFING MATTERS

A

phenomenal year for Gordon’s golfers has seen them scoop the Independent Schools Cup; HMC Team Champions and second place in the HMC Singles.

A clear five shot win brought them the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) Schools Cup with a team score of 115. Charlie Roper shot a 57 winning the overall gross competition at Sunningdale Heath. Alex Phelps came second, scoring an impressive 58 and

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winning the girls’ competition. While Sarah Mardani shot a 60 to finish in joint sixth place overall and third in the girls’ competition. The team also finished runners-up in the handicap nett competition. Just three days earlier, the junior golf team finished in third place in the ISGA Junior Schools Cup in the gross competition with a score of 189. They won the team nett with an impressive score of 137 taking into account the players’ handicaps. And the teams’ coaches Mr Mathews and Mr Balmer also scooped both the teachers’ awards at the senior and junior events!

With the ISGA National Finals cancelled due to lockdown, the team of Sarah Mardani, Charlie Roper and Alex Jakins proved a winning combination in the ISGA Virtual National Finals.

In the HMC National Singles tournament at The Berkshire GC in October, Gordon’s finished second in both the boys’ and girls’ events with Charlie Roper scoring an impressive -1 and Evie Kircher carding a 3 over round of 75.

Charlie missed out by one shot to Reed’s and tied in second. Evie beat many lower handicap golfers in the field and shot 3 under her

handicap to finish second just two shots off the winning score.

Alex Phelps finished in seventh place on the girls individual leader board. This meant that Gordon’s Girls’ joint team score was 157 which won the Girls’ team event one point ahead of Rossall.

The girls were crowned HMC Team Champions for 2020. The Girls’ team and the individual runners up will receive prizes for their achievements.

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RUGBY: AUTUMN TERM

A

n exciting partnership between Harlequins Rugby Football Club and Gordon’s was announced in October, providing a pathway for promising rugby players into professional rugby. The two organisations are now working together, providing a first class education and training in an environment similar to that of a professional club. Former Fiji National Men’s 7 Skills Coach and Analyst Chris Davies, Head of Rugby at Gordon’s is heading up the new initiative. He commented: “This presents an exciting period for rugby in the region – one that will not only identify talented players but nurture them and provide an outstanding opportunity to progress in the game.

Gordon’s is delighted to be working alongside such a prestigious club as Harlequins”.

Jim Evans, Academy Coach at Harlequins said: “We are delighted to have formed a link with Gordon’s School. The connection will further increase the development opportunities afforded to talented rugby players within our programme. This is an exciting opportunity for those lucky enough to be involved”.

Harlequins-Gordon Launch - Launching the new partnership between Gordon’s and Harlequins Rugby Football Club are (far left and far right): Jim Evans Harlequins Academy Coach and Chris Davies Head of Gordon’s Rugby together with the first of the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) students (left to right) Thomas Golder; Tosin Teriba; Theo Martin; Caleb Ashworth and Ben Elsey.

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TALENT ID DAY

R

ugby titans Chris Ashton and Jordan Turner-Hall joined some 70 talented rugby players at Gordon’s for the first DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Assessment Day. The students, from all over the south of England, were here to show their skills for a place on next year’s Harlequins/ Gordon’s DiSE programme. In a talk to the young hopefuls, Mr Ashton, who has played 44 games for England, said his rugby career had followed a pathway similar to those the students were hoping to embark on and that he had known what he wanted to do from a young age and had stayed motivated. When friends were allocated places after trials, “...that was my motivation to get ahead of them”.

Two former Gordon’s 1st XV players gained rugby scholarships to prestigious universities - Corum Nott at Cardiff Met and Max McCarthy at Brunel University. We wish them the very best in their rugby careers.

Two rugby titans, Chris Ashton and Jordan Turner-Hall rounded off the DiSE assessment day with a talk and question and answer session. Some 70 talented players from across the south of England spent two hours showing their skills for a place on next year’s Harlequins/Gordon’s DiSE programme.

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EQUESTRIAN

T

he Nexgen Young Event Horse and Pony’s purpose was to find the future eventing champions.

This year Gigi Gough entered Tinker in the six year old young event pony class at Coombelands show ground, which she won, qualifying her for the final in September.

The finals took place at Hickstead show ground, with lots of talented riders and ponies. Gigi and Tinker performed exceptionally to win, making them the six year old Young Event Pony Champions of 2020.

The class itself consisted of a simple dressage test at the beginning, straight into eight show jumps then continuing into nine cross country fences. The ponies were judged on confirmation (how true they are to type), paces, fluency and their potential as an eventer.

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WEEKLY ROW-TIME KEEPS ROWERS ON TRACK FOR RACING

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inter months are usually land-based for rowers so there was no let-up in their training during lockdown!

As fitness and ergo suites were limited for them at school, students were offered ergos to take home, meaning their six day a week training could continue!

While they missed the weights, body weight, dumbbell and theraband circuits helped to maintain strength levels and impressive improvements were made in their endurance, due to their ergos.

Weekly training started every Sunday evening with the new programme emailed along with coaching notes and a video explaining the nature and format of the week’s work and occasionally links to videos highlighting examples of the technical and tactical nature of the sport.

The rowers in turn, sent in their weekly ergo scores so personal best times could be logged and heart rate monitoring to establish training intensities and wellbeing.

Training continued in the ergo suite after the school returned so the rowers were ready to get back on the river and reap the rewards of their impressive commitment to the training programme and race in school colours once more.

Borrowed ergos from school meant that our rowers were able to continue their training through lockdown in their own homes.

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VIRTUAL SPORTING COMPETITIONS ATTRACT STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAFF

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ver 200 students and staff took on the Gordon’s School KM Challenge, seeing how many kilometres they could cover between Monday 18th January 2021 and Wednesday 10th February 2021. Through rain, wind, snow and some sunshine the students and staff managed to cover over 19000km either running, walking, rowing or cycling! Top of the leaderboards were Adeline Murrell (achieving 135.13 kilometres by rowing); Lauren Kaye (notched up 445.51 kilometres by walking); Joshua Deakin, who cycled 1,473 kilometres and Ludlow Hewson 213.01 running.

In a similar competition, Gordon’s took on the Royal Alexandra and Albert School and for a week, staff and students of the two schools recorded how far they were able to run, walk, row or cycle within 20 minutes. In the end, it was a close finish with Gordon’s claiming the Participation Cup by four more students or staff and the Kilometre Cup, after covering 218.73km more than RA&A. Parents and Gordonians joined the last virtual challenge in which they took on the Houses in the PE Department’s Virtual Inter-House Competition. In the end, 345 took part, covering 1,454.17 kilometres. The parents took gold in both the Participation Cup (80 taking part) and the distance they travelled in 20 minutes (375.53 kms). Victoria House came second with the number of participants (39) with Khartoum coming second in the Kilometre Cup (204.93km).

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Picked for the Roses National Academy, Pippa Dixon (right) and Jayda Pechova. Pippa currently plays for the Saracens Mavericks U21 team and Jayda for the U19 Squad of London Pulse Academy.

Performing together as a team may have been hampered due to Lockdown but our hockey players have enjoyed tremendous individual successes:

HOCKEY

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Hannah Bodoano – Selected for the England Hockey DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Programme Maddie Richardson - Selected for the England Hockey DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Programme Ella Jackson - Wales Regional Development Squad Sam Bodoano - Selected for the England Hockey DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Programme Cara Falconer – U15 Surrey County Hockey Tierney Kerr – U15 Surrey County Hockey Indiana Leech - U13 Surrey County Hockey

NETBALL

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etball this year was looking to have an exciting start. For the first time we were going to host a pre-season tournament for our seniors, welcoming top schools on the netball circuit including: Brighton College, Latymer Upper, Wellington College, Reigate Grammar, and King Edwards to name a few. Unfortunately due to the on-going pandemic the tournament couldn’t commence this year, albeit we look forward to hosting come September 2021.

We also had the appointment of new exciting netball coach Leah Middleton. Miss Middleton is an elite player in the Netball Superleague (Surrey Storm), where her wealth of knowledge and experience of the game will no doubt benefit our girls and netball programme.

Despite not much netball being played this year, drills and skills have been bought to our netballers at home, through sessions on google classroom and our newly formed Instagram and twitter pages. Follow @gordonsnetball to see some of the action.

Finally we have also had many individual successes that must be mentioned:

INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS FOR 2020/21:

Pippa Dixon – Long squad member of the Roses National Academy Jayda Pechova – Long squad member of the Roses National Academy Jayda Pechova - London Pulse Academy U19 Squad Amy McArthur – Surrey Storm U19/ U21 Long Squad Joanna Hay - Saracens Mavericks U19 Squad

Playing netball for U15 Surrey County, Frankie Bruzas.

Pippa Dixon - Saracens Mavericks U21 Squad Frankie Bruzas - U15 Surrey County Indiana Leech - U13 Surrey County 81

INTER-HOUSE INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

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he first of the Inter-House competitions, boys’ cross country and Khartoum and Buckingham dominated the Back Field. Overall first place was Buckingham with Gravesend and Khartoum in joint second place. In the girls’ competition, China regained their crown closely followed by Victoria in second place and Windsor in third spot. The hotly contested competition – the first for many months for the girls – saw every year group compete from Year 7 to Sixth Formers. As well as spirited performances, there was much friendly rivalry and great enjoyment.

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COMPETITION

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INTER-HOUSE ROWING

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iving their all in the Boys’ Inter-House Rowing. Khartoum retained their top place on the podium from last year, coming first equal with Gravesend. Buckingham came third. Great performances from all those taking part, loudly encouraged by supporters watching from outside.

Congratulations all.

Closely fought to the end, the Girls’ Inter-House Rowing saw China making a splash on the podium with Victoria in second place and Windsor third. Social distancing made the event an explosion of noise as supporters, looking through windows, encouraged from outside. The boys compete on Thursday in the Inter-House challenge with Khartoum House defending their first place title from last year.

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INTERHOUSE DEBATING

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n the end, there was just one point in it as Augusta House clinched the InterHouse Debating title in the final against Windsor House.

Eloquent debating from both teams with Windsor for the argument ‘Social media – is political policy influenced by it?’ and Augusta against. Their forceful, impassioned debates drew on Brexit; the American elections of 2016 and 2020; Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership election and Marcus Rashford’s campaign for free school meals. Gordon’s Head of Debating Ruth Wadham described the quality of the debates as “phenomenal”, adding that the arguments had been ‘logical and astute’ as well as ‘captivating and compelling’.

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Netball Coaches Nicole Humphrys (left) and Leah Middleton combine their teaching of the game with playing for Surrey Storm. Two of our students are now members of the Roses National Academy Long Squad this season.

STAFF NEWS I

ncluded in the line-up of academic and sporting staff at Gordon’s, there is also an impressive cohort of coaches - all experts in their fields. They include for Hockey, former Pakistan Olympian Muhammad Irfan and former GB player David Mathews; Head of Rugby Chris Davies, a former Fiji 7s skills and analyst coach; Head of Football Gareth Hall, a former Wales International and exChelsea footballer; Rowing coach Alan Inns, a three times Olympian cox and netball coaches Nicole Humphrys and Leah Middleton from Surrey Storm.

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Former Pakistan Olympian Muhammad Irfan (right) and former GB player David Mathews head up the Hockey coaching at Gordon’s. The First XI Hockey Team have just enjoyed one of their most successful seasons ever, lifting the Lord Wandsworth College Tournament Shield, scoring 42 goals and only conceding three. The girls then went on to beat KCS Wimbledon at their invitational 11-a-side tournament.

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STAFF GO BACK TO SCHOOL

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amiliar faces among our teaching and sports coaching staff. Now 11 former students (Gordonians) have returned to Gordon’s as members of staff, some of whom, have only been away for university!

Charlotte Winckley (2010 Windsor) is now Deputy Head of her old Boarding House, as well as teaching Maths.

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Amy Dunne (2013 Windsor) is a Biology teacher, but also teaches chemistry and physics.

Chloe Dunne (2017 China) is a Hockey coach and is pictured with her sister Amy Dunne (2013) who is also a teacher at the school.

Betty Dempster (2017 Augusta) is the Graduate Pastoral Tutor for Windsor House.

Simon Carr (2017 Khartoum) coaches and umpires Hockey as well as helping the Rugby Team with strength and conditioning and Sports Massage.

Ellie Moore (2015 China) is a Sports Coach in Hockey and in the future Netball.

Maddie (Madeleine) Basnett (2016 Augusta) joined the Design and Technology (DT) Department as a Technician.

Mike Wheeler (2005 Khartoum) started teaching here as a peripatetic music tutor about eight or nine years ago for a couple of days a week. He is now a fully-fledged member of staff teaching the Highland Snare Drum.

Harriet Turk (nee McGuire) (2008 Augusta) joined the Development team and is responsible for Database Management and supporting the wider team including Gordonian activities.

Victoria Howard-Andrews (2016 Augusta) is undertaking her School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) here in Drama following a year as a graduate assistant in Windsor.

Robbie Olden (2011 Sandringham) Robbie is Director of Drama.

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T

he return to school in September was a cause for celebration as many had been away from school for almost six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CORONAVIRUS

New students were welcomed into the Sixth Form and Year 7 and while there was an explosion of risk assessments, day to day life was kept to as near normal as possible.

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The pandemic meant parents staying in their cars during pick up and drop off and live-streamed lessons continuing for residential boarders whose return was delayed or those in a House lockdown waiting for COVID results.

New dining hubs sprung up – one in the Rec and a separate staff one in a marquee next to the Chapel to accommodate and distance diners. In the glorious September sun, Sixth Formers were encouraged to ‘grab and go’ from a converted horse box serving packed lunches.

While Friday afternoon drills continued in Form ‘bubbles’, Parades were put on hold. All visitors were discouraged from coming to the school, meaning that prospective parents and students, wishing to view the school at the customary open events, were doing so from the comfort of their armchairs at home, through a PC! Day to day life was kept as close to normality as possible while staying in line with COVID restrictions. This meant a new way of congratulating each other; live-streaming and webinars taking the place of parent presentations and the addition of masks and hand sanitisers.

The Remembrance Parade and Service was also cancelled. Instead, Pipe Major Owen Carter joined the Reverend Sarah Norbron; Senior Pipe Major Iona Scotson and the Head Teacher Andrew Moss in a simple service around the Gordon Camel Statue, which was live-streamed.

A month-long total lockdown from the beginning of November until the start of December meant that the face masks were compulsory for all moving inside the school.

Period 7 activities were halted for the month and sport against other schools ended. The Carol Service was recorded and in addition, a daily musical Advent calendar featured soloists, choirs and musicians across the school. Residents in the nearby Gracewell Care Home were also able to enjoy some festive carols from Gordon’s through the Inter-Generational Music Charity.

A further Lockdown meant that school reopened only to the children of keyworkers in January.

The annual Whitehall Parade and Memorial Service at Guildford Cathedral were cancelled for the first time in living memory. However, Residential Boarders and staff living onsite braved the snow for a Memorial Service for General Gordon in the school Chapel followed by a wreath laying at the foot of the Camel Statue on the Front Field.

The gym became home to the medi centre and a team of volunteers for COVID testing of the 30 Day Boarders and 29 Residential Boarders and staff. This was extended to all students and staff twice a week once school returned in March when around 3,000 tests were carried out for staff and students within the first ten days of the school reopening!

Mr and Mrs King setting up the equipment for an online PE class from the gym.

Forming their own beacon of remembrance at Gordon’s, the girls of Windsor House on Tuesday 23rd March, the anniversary of the first nationwide lockdown, for those who died during the pandemic.

The Rec is turned into a temporary dining room during the pandemic and a marquee placed in front of it to shelter hungry students waiting to go inside!

A new addition to the school uniform – masks. Compulsory while walking around inside the school.

The only way to travel safely – Zorbing!

Residential Boarders enjoy an afternoon’s activity in the Sports Hall.

Elbow bumping becomes the new form of greeting and used instead of a congratulatory handshake.

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INDIVIDUAL SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 2020-21 Cricket Joe Hill

Selected for the Surrey County U13s trials

Football Harvey Hewson

Woking Academy Under 18s.

Ben Kitchen

Woking Academy Under 16s.

Golf Charlie Roper

Runner-up in HMC National Singles Tournament.

Sarah Mardani

Winner of the Windlesham Golf Club season.

Jack Kircher

Winner of the Windlesham Golf Club Net competition.

Alex Phelps

Selected for the South England Region Team for Golf.

Equestrian

Gigi Gough

Winner at Hickstead in the Nexgen Eventing Championships.

Gigi Gough

Young Event Pony Champion of 2020.

Molly Barnard

Qualified for the 2021 national finals in show jumping and eventing.

Hockey Ella Jackson

Invited to the Hockey Wales Regional Development Squad.

Ella Jackson

Selected in the Wales U18 Squad.

Sam Bodoano

Selected for England Hockey DiSE Programme.

Anna Court

Selected for England Hockey DiSE Programme.

Indiana Leech

Selected to play for the Surrey U13 Hockey Team.

Netball Pippa Dixon

Awarded the Saracens Mavericks 2019/20 NPL Inspirational Player Award.

Pippa Dixon

Invited to the Roses National Academy Selection Day.

Jayda Pechova

Invited to the Roses National Academy Selection Day.

Francesca Bruzas

Selected for the Surrey U15 Surrey County Netball.

Pippa Dixon

Selected up for the U21 Saracens Mavericks U21 Squad.

Jo Hay

Selected for the U21 Saracens Mavericks Squad.

India Leech

Selected for U13 Surrey County Netball.

Amy McArthur

Selected for the U19/U21 Surrey Storm Long Squad.

Rowing Lottie Henden

Selected by British Rowing to attend the World Class Start group.

James Gibson

Bronze in the British Rowing Virtual Championships (Year 9 Boys’ Event).

Emma Litjens

Selected for GB rowing camp and made GB Junior selection.

Shooting James West

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Qualified for the National Finals of the British Schools Pistol Championships and through to the South East Regional Round in the Individual Championships.

TEAM SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 2020-21 Senior Golf Team wins ISGA Schools Cup Girls’ Golf Team made HMC Team Champions for 2020 Equestrian Team finished fifth nationally at Hickstead in the Eventers Challenge National Championships.

CO-CURRICULAR ACHIEVEMENTS 2020-21 Gordon’s School

Regional Finalists in the Goldsmiths’ Awards for Community Engagement

Rotary District Winner of the Young Writer Competition (Prose)

Isabelle Depoix

Woking Rotary Young Writer Competition

Gemma Jones (1st place 11-13 age group for Prose) Kate Higgins (2nd place 11-13 age group for Prose) Oluwateniola Oluwasona (3rd place 11-13 age group for Prose) Emilia Wilkins (1st place 11-13 age group for Poem) Indiana Leech (2nd place 11-13 age group for Poem) Isabelle Depoix (1st place 14-17 age group for Prose) Sam Chapman (2nd place 14-17 age group for Prose) Lucy Hall (3rd place 14-17 age group for Prose) Zoe Legge (1st place 14-17 age group Poem) Elizabeth Bailey (2nd place 14-17 age group Poem)

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HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh speaking to Gordon’s student Gary Drudge-Coates after the 11 year old had presented the school’s Patron, Her Majesty the Queen, with a posy of flowers. Gary Drudge-Coates was the youngest student at the school at the time of the visit in 1985.

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