Semper Fidelis - Winter 2023

Edition 8

SEMPER FIDELIS The Pipes and Drums bring the musical heartbeat of Gordon’s to the Lord Mayor’s Show.

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PIPES, DRUMS AND PARADES

10. AROUND THE HOUSES 32. CCF AND DOFE 38. CO-CURRICULAR 40. CHARITY 46. CREATIVE ARTS 52. ACADEMIC 56. NEWS FROM THE PEWS 58. EVENTS 64. SPORTS 82. INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION 84. SIXTH FORM 88. GORDONIANS 90. STAFF 94. ACHIEVEMENTS

PIPES, DRUMS AND PARADES 4

ANNUAL PARADE The 138th Annual Parade and Prize Giving ended the academic year on a high, with a whole-school Parade on the Front Field. The Guest of Honour and Inspecting Officer was the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Vice President of The Gordon Foundation, Michael More-Molyneux. Mr MoreMolyneux told assembled parents, students and staff: “I have now been visiting Gordon’s for over 20 years and I still go away feeling better than when I arrive. There is an energy, enthusiasm, interest and excitement about the school”.

The Parade, led by the school Sergeant Major Sophie Bodell, marched on behind the Pipes and Drums, playing Piobaireachd of Donald Dubh.

To commemorate the King’s Coronation, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Vice President of The Gordon Foundation, Michael MoreMolyneux together with the Head Boy and Head Girl, Sam Moreau and Libby Lomas, planted a Red Oak tree in the Chapel garden. The new tree was planted close to the one commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, the previous year.

Mr More-Molyneaux also presented prizes including House cups. Two new cups, the Steve Monk Cups, in memory of Steve Monk, a former Director of Sport at Gordon’s for 20 years were presented by his granddaughter, Gordonian Carys Monk to the winning girls’ and boys’ Houses - Victoria and Buckingham.

The Scottish traditional song of farewell ‘Parting Glass’, dedicated to the retiring School Bursar Susan Meikle, brought the proceedings to a wonderful finale.

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SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

An old tradition revived, the Daltrey Drum competition took place in the Band Room with all drummers closely battling to earn the Daltrey Drum title. Judging the annual competition was snare drummer and a World Solo Drumming Champion Rachel Thom from the National Piping Centre, who awarded it to Charlie, who is pictured with the Daltrey Drum itself and the Daltrey Drum shield.

School trumpeter Ben Hallett plays the Last Post.

PATRON’S PARADE Glorious June sunshine for the annual Patron’s Parade with Guest of Honour, Colonel Jody Davies MBE, Colonel of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Parade, led by Sophie Bodell, featured all the Main School students. Among the announcements were for Cara, on her selection for Scotland Hockey’s U19s for the Four Nations tournament in Belgium and Zuko Robb, selected to tour South Africa with the England U18 Rugby squad. Golfer Millie was congratulated for becoming Lady’s Champion of the JCB Tour Championships and overall champion of the Order of Merit for the 2022-23 season and the Golf Team for being crowned British Schools and Colleges National ISGA Team Nett Champions with Fraser the individual Champion. Medals in rowing for the two James’s were presented to them for their second place at the national Junior Sculling Regatta. A highlight of the Parade was Drummers’ Beating.

The King’s Coronation made the Patron’s Parade even more of an occasion. At the time of going to press, the school has yet to hear whether King Charles III will become the next Sovereign Patron in an unbroken line since Queen Victoria.

In his prayers during the Patron’s Parade, the School Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright said: “We thank you today for our long line of Sovereign Patrons. For Queen Victoria who asked for the school to be established in 1885, and for Queen Elizabeth II whose whole life was a wonderful example of faith and service. We ask, Lord, that King Charles III will become our new Patron, and pray your blessing upon both him and Queen Camilla”.

The Remembrance Service was conducted by the School Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright.

The annual Patron’s Parade held in glorious June sunshine, with Guest of Honour, Colonel Jody Davies MBE, Colonel of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

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Heads bowed during the two minutes silence for the fallen.

School Colour Sergeant Jack Goate lays a wreath on behalf of students and staff during the Remembrance Service.

Members of the community joined students, parents and staff from Gordon’s for the Parade and Service of Remembrance on Sunday 12th September, around the Parade Square at the school, taken by the School Chaplain the Reverend Graham Wright.

Dressed in their Blues uniform and accompanied by the Pipes and Drums – a unique feature of Gordon’s that has been part of the school since its inception over a century ago – the student body marched and remembered the sacrifices of so many, including the 155 former students killed in action during the First World War; 31 in the Second World War and Gordonians Darryl Gardiner and Michael Gilyeat and affiliated staff member Steve Curley, all killed in Afghanistan.

Poppy wreaths were laid by Gordon Foundation Trustee Richard Whittington, on behalf of the Foundation Trustees and Governors of the School; Gordonian Lizzy Mosdell for the Gordonians and Colour Sergeant Jack Goate for students and staff.

Staff, students and their families – many of whom are currently serving their country in the Forces - observed the two minute silence, preceded by The Last Post played by School trumpeter Ben Hallett. The Exhortation was read by Brigadier Jonathan Mullin MBE, a Trustee of the Foundation and Governor of the School. Piper Jess Fowler piped the Lament.

In his address during the Remembrance Sunday Chapel Parade, the Reverend Wright said: “We have much to be thankful for in November 2023. Life may not be perfect but we all know it could be so, so much worse. The way of life we enjoy is, in no small measure, the result of the sacrifices of young people, who saw the bigger picture and were willing to put others before themselves”.

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PIPES AND DRUMS Gordon’s Pipes and Drums brought the musical heartbeat of the School to the City of London in November for the noisiest, largest, and most colourful event in the calendar.

Regiment of a Gordonian, who himself had been Pipe Major when at the School.

Keeping our strong connections to the military, we were invited back by the Aldershot Garrison The 50-strong band of Pipers and Drummers, Commander to be a part of the Aldershot Garrison led by Drum Major Lucy Carter, joined over 7,000 Beating Retreat. We had the honour of playing people, 250 horses, and over 50 decorated floats alongside The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. th for the major spectacle that dates back to the 13 Pipe Major, Harry Gordon, led the solo of Highland century – The Lord Mayor’s Show.

Cathedral, accompanied by The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and then the rest of the Band th Central to the event was the 695 Lord Mayor of joined in; a fitting way to bring the evening to a the City of London, Michael Mainelli riding in the close. To conclude the evening, we marched off golden State Coach, which has been used in every to Scotland the Brave, The Band of the Brigade of Lord Mayor’s Show since 1757.

Gurkhas accompanying us. For Armed Forces Day, we performed at Antsey Park in Alton. Keeping The Gordon’s students, dressed in their ceremonial in the theme of the military community, we had Blues uniforms, walked the three mile route and the chance to perform in the Historical Dockyard back – the longest parade they have ever taken in Portsmouth for the SERFCA Gold Awards; the part in - along with floats, community groups, Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour musicians and military bands. They were cheered in recognition of supporting the Armed Forces on by an estimated 250,000 people lining the Community.

City’s streets and millions watching the live BBC One coverage and online streaming.

On the day of 9/11 we were kindly invited to RAF Lakenheath to 494 Fighter Squadron, the Black Another highlight of the academic year was the Panthers, for a day with their unit and some invitation for the Pipes and Drums to play for the students of the various units of the CCF also National League Play Off Finale match between accompanied us. Students were given a Security Chesterfield and Notts County at Wembley Forces Dog presentation; allowed to ‘go behind the Stadium. We had the honour of performing beside scenes’, witnessing what goes on before a fighter the pitch before the match and were gifted tickets jet takes off; see fighter jets take off; allowed to to watch the game afterwards. It was a great get up close and personal with the fighter jets team outing and another event to add to the and see the various missiles and weapon systems memory bank! that the American United Air Forces use. The exhilaration of the morning then turned to the It was a pleasure to return to Belgravia for the more poignant note of why we were there and Caledonian Club Summer Ball on the eve of the the Pipes and Drums were truly honoured and Coronation. The Club piper, Roddy Livingstone, humbled to play the National Anthem of Great accompanied us as we marched up and down Britain and America as part of their 9/11 Memorial Halkin Street. Roddy, also a solo piping judge, Service which brought together personnel from has often adjudicated some of our students in Lakenheath, Mildenhall and Feltwell. We also competitions in the past so this was a lovely returned to Brookwood Military Cemetery for connection. A week later saw the return of two Memorial Day this year, too. students to London to perform for a military dinner night in the Houses of Parliament for the Solo pipers have continued to represent the 8

School at local events in addition to the Pipes and Drums engaging with the local community at various events. Students have continued to do their piping and drumming qualifications; we have had our first ever students sit their Level 6 piping exams and Level 4 snare drumming exams so our congratulations to them!

Annual Parade saw the return of Gordonians to play with the Band for the Big Blaw! It was wonderful to see Gordonians from the 60s right through to recent leavers return; this is always one of the highlights of the day. As the Finale piece of the Parade, Concert Band: Under the Arches Band; and the Pipes and Drums played ‘The Parting Glass’, a tune which the Creative Arts Department dedicated to the Bursar, Susan Meikle, upon her retirement from Gordon’s School.

The Parting Glass is a traditional, celtic melody played at the end of a gathering before people part ways and it was felt this was a fitting tribute to Mrs Meikle. Mrs Meikle has always been an avid supporter of the Pipes and Drums and as one of her parting gifts, she learnt to play the chanter, passing her SCQF Level 2 in Bagpipe Performance and Theory, in turn receiving sponsorship from supporters in order to encourage her to practice and pass. This is a legacy she will leave to the Band, having raised enough money for five sets of new bagpipes.

To kick-start the Summer holidays, the Pipes and Drums had great fun playing around Paris on the Music Department tour. Later on in the holidays, the Pipes and Drums attended the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in August for the second time and were invited back to be part of the Piping Live! festival. The competition was tough, with double the amount of entries than the year before. Unfortunately, we didn’t qualify, however it was still a great experience, lots of fun was had and experience gained from it!

Senior Pipe Major Iona Scotson

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AROUND THE HOUSES

AUGUSTA HOUSE: NINJA WARRIORS, BEATING THE WALL AND EMOTIONAL GOODBYES

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The Summer Term was once again as busy as ever with lots of functions and activities on offer. Highlights included Ninja Warrior in Guildford – we had sole use of the facility and the girls certainly enjoyed trying to tackle the numerous obstacles, some of which, I must say, were near on impossible!

They particularly enjoyed trying to ‘beat the wall’, and I am pleased to say that all of the girls eventually managed this! For those that wanted less of a challenge, the inflatable area provided the opportunity to let off some steam, without the demands of too many obstacles!

Another highlight was the Thorpe Park trip which rounded off our Summer Term activities. All had a great time on the thrill-seeking rides and many were seen queuing for ‘Tidal Wave’ in an attempt to cool off in the 30 degree heat!

Our Year 11 and 13 students were treated to a post-exam meal at The Inn, West End, where the girls reminisced over their time at Gordon’s, which was followed by emotional goodbyes.

The Year 11 Prom was once again a great evening. Not only did the girls look stunning in their dresses, but the remainder of the House enjoyed the opportunity to watch them arrive in their various array of vehicles, and having photos on the red carpet before heading to the marquee.

A large group of the Augusta girls entertained the crowds for the annual

Summer Arts Evening, and it was wonderful to see so much talent on display!

We were sad to say farewell to our wonderful Year 13 girls, who were an absolute delight to look after over the years. They achieved highly in the end of year exams and have gone on to study at their choice of universities – we are very proud of all that they have achieved.

Enjoying an al fresco meal in the Augusta garden.

The front garden transformed with new Astroturf thanks to a generous donation from the GSPA.

Thanks to a generous donation from the GSPA we were able to purchase new Astroturf for the front garden, which has transformed the entrance.

Hopefully as the nights draw in, we will be able to light the fire pit and enjoy some ‘smores!

During the Summer the shower rooms and kitchen had an overhaul. The new kitchen and dining room have been very popular, and the girls are enjoying being able to cook at weekends. In addition to this, new toilets and showers have been put in the main house and Sixth Form extension.

We have had a busy activities programme for this term and have already enjoyed paint balling/laser tag, and a shopping/cinema trip to Reading, and the annual Halloween Party.

Towards the end of term, we enjoyed ice skating and flashlight tag to name but a few, with lots more to look forward to this academic year.

David and Angela Mathews Augusta Houseparents

Pizza in the garden on a Sunday afternoon.

Their A Levels behind them, the Year 13s enjoying a chance to dress up for the Leavers’ Dinner.

Headmaster Andrew Moss presents the girls with their medal haul at Inter-House Athletics.

The new kitchen, providing a comfortable, contemporary space in which to make snacks.

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BALMORAL HOUSE: SOCIALS, SUCCESS AND GIVING BACK

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering for Year 9 boys, who are regular visitors to the Holy Trinity Church graveyard nearby to tidy up the area.

Learning basic cooking skills in their new kitchen, the Year 8 Balmoral boys.

Balmoral enjoyed a good end to the 2022/23 academic year with some great individual successes during the Inter-House Athletics competition, and results in the cricket tournament with some competitive play. Other activities included the ‘giving back’ by visiting the local churchyard armed with gardening equipment to assist with the tidying up the graveyard. They very much enjoyed being out spending time in the community.

The senior students all worked hard and gained some good grades in the Summer, and it was great to see their faces on results day and prior to them starting the next journey of their life, and I hope they are all able to stay in touch.

The Summer saw a huge overhaul of the House with the introduction of a new kitchen to the common room. This has proved very popular for all the boys and has certainly improved their cooking skills, (however, they still need to continue to develop their washing up skills!).

The Autumn Term has started well with success in the Inter-House Cross Country. As a House we have started our cycle of social events where the Year 12 and 13’s have visited the local Indian restaurant, with outings planned for the junior students.

We all look forward to more success for the remainder of the 2023-24 academic year.

Paul King Balmoral Houseparent 12

A rite of passage for Balmoral boys, signing the Year 13 wall.

Tug of War ready!

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BUCKINGHAM HOUSE: COMPETITIVE WHATEVER THE OCCASION… A huge effort was made by the House for the Longmoor Cup in early May. Noah’s organisation of the boot polishing carousel in the Y7-10 Common Room was a truly amazing sight. Faces gleamed in the mirror finish of the boys’ boots and whilst we didn’t win the competition, our parade shoes were certainly noticed!

Mr Sinclair and the Y7-9 boys enjoyed a colourful afternoon running around the Front Field on the occasion of the Coronation Colour Run, which raised money for the Camelthorn Foundation.

The downpour of rain part way though the afternoon didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm and Mr Sinclair and the Reverend Wright were definitely the most colourful members of staff on the Field that afternoon!

We made the most of the early Summer weather and had a fun evening House Trip with the Sixth Form boys at Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park. It was such a success that we repeated the trip as a joint trip with Victoria House in June with Years 7-10 (plus some German exchange students) all enjoying fun on the inflatable obstacle course in the lake.

Sports day events in June attracted huge crowds of Buckingham boys – both as participants and spectators. Records were broken in Track and Field events; hundreds of ice pops were consumed and medals abounded. We have some talented athletes, including Adam C and Caleb who were awarded ‘Athlete of the Year’ medals for Years 9 and 7 respectively. Well done, everyone.

Patron’s Parade and Fun Day is always a highlight in the school calendar. After the formality of Parade, the boys were quick to change into more relaxed clothes before they enjoyed the excitement of inflatables, stalls of traditional village fair games, a delicious BBQ, and the everpopular ‘soak-the-teacher’, which, once again, Mr Sinclair volunteered for….., and once again our boys ensured he was the most soaked member of staff – all done with affection, we are sure!

Inter-House Cricket is a firm favourite with Buckingham boys and we were thrilled when the Sixth Form team once again won the shield for Buckingham.

We were also delighted to be awarded the Bunbury Cup - for the first time ever. This is for the House with the highest number of Commendations. A great achievement for all the boys in Buckingham!

We welcomed 14 new Year 7 boys to Buckingham at the start of the Autumn Term. Paired up with Y8 boys acting as Buddies, the new students have settled in well and begun to get to grips with the busy and fun-filled days at Gordon’s. They are looking forward to the Years 7-8 House trip to Woking’s Laser Quest, where they will battle for supremacy….. did we mention that we’re a competitive House?

Jamie Sinclair Head of Buckingham House

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CHINA HOUSE: AWARDS, HONOURS AND NEW FACES The last six months have seen our China girls, once again, excel at everything they put their minds to!

The Summer Term was full of activities including House events, ice cream parlours, family challenges and, of course, Inter-House competitions and it was amazing to see how all our girls had grown over the year. At the Annual Prize Giving, we were awarded the Creative Arts Cup, which is now proudly displayed in House. Our now Y12, Lucy was successful in her application in becoming Drum Major and we are so proud that she will be leading the Pipes and Drums this year.

We were sad to say goodbye to our Y13s and one of our Y11s but we sent them off in style and their Prom and leavers’ meals were a fitting way to do this. Our Y11s also enjoyed a meal at Pizza Express with Mrs Justice, Miss Dunne and me, and our Y13s enjoyed a glass of fizz and food at the White Hart with Mrs Justice, Miss Neale and me.

September brought us 15 excited Y7s and already they are proving that they are going to be fantastic China girls. They are embracing the challenges of senior school and throwing themselves into activities and making friends.

We also welcomed four new House staff to China. Miss Lee, Mrs Collier, Miss Loversidge and Miss Basnett. I am delighted that Miss Neale stayed with us and is now our Deputy Head of House.

The Inter-House competitions kicked off with Cross Country, and Y9 winning their group for the third year in a row. Congratulations to Y8 Azra, Y9 Grace and Y10 Phoebe, who all won their races.

The girls came third overall. Our Sixth Form also took part and came in third. Inter-House chess was next up with Y8 Tara and Y13 Lily-Ann winning their games and Y7 Mya and Y9 Grace, drawing theirs. China finished in second place overall.

In a bid to win the Inter-House Music trophy for the second year in a row, Audrey played her harp in the solo round. She wowed the crowd and judge and came in second place. The group competition came a week later and, with 21 girls involved, they sang and played a medley of 80`s tunes and came in joint fifth place. A huge thank you to Year 13 Emily for leading on this.

Our House families had a re-jig and with new students and new family names, they have started to get to know each other and win points for rewards. Our Y13s are really embracing the `big sister` role this year and the girls have already taken part in Connect 4 and Mario Kart tournaments and the lower years had the chance to make their locker the scariest.

Our Y7s took part in the traditional hat throwing ceremony at the Harvest Parade and we were so proud of them all as they marched past the rest of the school for the first time, finally joining the whole House to march in the Remembrance Parade.

We are looking forward to so many competitions before Christmas and hoping there will be even more successes to report.

Heidi Doe Head of China House 16

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GRAVESEND HOUSE The last six months have been a busy time for the boys in Gravesend House. In the Summer Term, one of the highlights was the dominating performance from the Sixth Form team of Cory, Hari, Chris, Will, Coen, Anton, Harry, Dylan and Teddy in the Inter-House Athletics.

There were also great achievements from Tom, Harry and Ethan in the main school Sports Day. Another exciting event was the Colour Run which took place in May. This was very popular amongst the younger students in Gravesend, despite the rain.

The Summer Term saw us say goodbye to our Year 11 and Year 13 students. The Prom and Leavers’ Dinner were both enjoyable evenings and gave the students an opportunity to celebrate their time at Gordon’s School.

We also had a memorable evening in House with our Year 13 students at our traditional Curry Night, where staff and students reminisced over a takeaway meal and a drink. The Summer Term was rounded off in style with a very successful House trip to the Water Park at Thorpe Lakes.

In September, we not only welcomed our new Year 7 and 12 students to the House, but also two new House Tutors; Mr Gullick and Mr Mellor. The Inter-House competitions kicked off with an excellent performance from Cory, Hari, Dylan, Anton, Coen and Jake in the Inter-House Cross-Country event, winning the Sixth Form trophy. Gravesend also performed well in the Inter-House Chess Competition, however having won the trophy for the last two years, the boys had to settle for second place this year.

Finally, Gravesend House produced another fantastic performance in the Inter-House Music event. Gravesend were narrowly beaten into second place by Kensington House. The boys’ performance of ‘The Scientist’ blended with ‘Come Together’ was a real crowd-pleaser. Well done to Dylan, James, Jake, Bayan, Ben, Harry, Leo and Joe. Gary Knight Head of Gravesend House

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KENSINGTON HOUSE: KEEPING HOLD OF TUG OF WAR AND WINNING RUNS IN CROSS COUNTRY As always the Summer Term was packed with activities and achievements including House parties (great karaoke!) and, on one very hot day, ice-skating in Guildford! The long Summer days led to Inter-House Competitions in the sun, including the Inter-House Athletics Competition in June where we were delighted when the girls held onto the Tug of War Cup for the second year.

The Prom was a great chance for us all to see the older girls arrive and celebrate their big milestone with them. On a warm evening it was also lovely to celebrate with Year 11 girls and their parents together in the garden after five years in the House.

As expected our Year 11 and 13 girls excelled in the public examinations and we were pleased to welcome all but one of our Year 11 girls back into the House in September for their Sixth Form experience. We are proud that, although missed in the House, our Year 13 girls are all now enjoying university or apprenticeship life, with Nottingham and Exeter Universities proving the most popular places this year! Their subjects are as diverse as they are including: Chemical Engineering, Economics with Industrial Experience and Computer Science including an International Year.

The Autumn Term brought us wonderful new girls in Years 7 and 12 into the House who have all settled very well into school. After a sad farewell to Miss Sollars, Ms Lee and Miss Underwood in the Summer Term we were delighted to welcome Mrs Lutterloch, Miss Croci and Mrs Kellham to our staff team in September.

Cross Country was the first Inter-House Competition of the year and it shone a light on emerging talent, especially the Years 7 and 8 Teams who won their Year groups with everyone performing very well to come second overall. Upholding House honour in Inter-House Music were: Alice Kermeen, Hannah Alon, Elizabeth Bailey, Jemima Robinson, Ava Murray, Annabel Mansfield, Matilda Spink and Tiana Viljoen who won the Cup for Inter-House Groups! Pizza evenings and the House party to mark the end of the first half-term offered fun evenings in the House and the Year 7 girls did us proud marching for the first time in the Harvest Parade.

We look forward to the challenges and fun that the run up to Christmas always brings in this Autumn Term alongside hard work and academic aspirations, including a trip out, House stall at the Christmas Fayre and visit from Santa at our House party.

Kate Connery Head of Kensington House

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did not have long to wait for our first trophy KHARTOUM HOUSE: We of the new academic year. A big congratulations “There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”– Malcolm X There is no limit to what Khartoum boys can achieve except the limits they place on their own thinking. The House spirit that Khartoum House boys possess, enables them to prove themselves in all spheres of school life, time and time again.

to all our runners in Inter-House Cross Country.

I challenged the boys to give it their all and aim high and none of the boys let the House down.

We retained the overall trophy, won Year 8, Year 9 and Year 11, finishing second in Years 7 and 10. The boys were delighted to get this year’s pizza bill up and running!!. A special mention to Max Kirtley in Year 7, Stanley Clark in Year 9 and Marcus Hibbins in Year 11 for their exceptional performances.

Khartoum boys always embrace everything that is thrown at them and grasp those opportunities that come their way. All have risen to the challenge, culminating in the Headmaster’s Cup, rightfully coming home to its favourite resting place after dropping only three points across the whole year in all Inter-House sporting activities. An amazing effort from the boys and we are proud of every one of them.

Inter-House music, split into two categories, with a Year 7 piano maestro representing the House in the solo event. Damon Heng was the youngest performer by three-year groups and dazzled with his hands. The judge was amazed at his ability and said that Damon will no doubt win the solo round in his time here at Gordon’s (we are already working on next years solo piece!). Well done, Damon.

The House group was a true reflection of how the arts can develop and build character. Group Music was an absolute blast and dare I say Khartoum were robbed! Big shout out to all the band members, especially Will Moss in Y13…. is there nothing this young man cannot do? It is always such a joy to see boys from all year groups pull together and put on such a good performance. It highlighted how our older years can have such a positive impact on our younger Sports day came and went with Khartoum retaining our overall dominance and winning the years. They mentored and encouraged them to take part and excel in an event that Khartoum trophy once more. The boys put on a show for would normally shy away from. the parents singing the adopted House tune of ‘Free from Desire’, once again they showed how We look forward to Debating, Rowing, Shooting Khartoum House spirit is second to none! I had better not forget the tug of war as well; we won and Rugby competitions to name but a few. I love being a part of this house and the passion every single round, and the boys were simply immense bringing the trophy home and putting and energy from the boys is amazing. To the fun times ahead! a big smile on everyone’s faces.

The Summer in Khartoum is the best place to be. The House is a hive of activity as InterHouse events steam around and our now Year 12s and old 13s sat their GCSE and A Levels respectively. All the boys did well and it’s so nice to see Year 11s return for Sixth Form. Prom was a sight to behold with the boys looking as dapper as ever!

Our new Year 7s started the term with a day at High Ashurst pushing themselves to the limits with climbing walls, high ropes and team building exercises. It seemed that many of Year 7s are fearless and attempted leaps of faith.

More importantly however, were the friendship bonds that started to blossom.

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Jonathan Griffiths Head of Khartoum House

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SANDRINGHAM HOUSE The final stretch of the academic year was full of all the joys that the Summer Term brings.

We enjoyed sports day as we merged with some of Woolwich to compete with Balmoral. We also enjoyed the GSPA fun day, various trips out as well as Annual which was attended by many parents and past students alike.

We have enjoyed Friday night rounders, Inter-House rugby, a Ninja Warrior exclusive take over, a Year 9 pre-Duke of Edinburgh night out in Camberley, as well as the launch of our official House merchandise!

End of year dinners saw us bid farewell to our Year 11 and Year 13 leavers and wish them well on their next adventures before a well deserved summer break and the madness of the Autumn Term.

Tom and Nathalie Webb Sandringham Houseparents

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VICTORIA HOUSE: WINNERS’ PIZZA DELIVERIES KEEP ON COMING! What an incredibly successful year we’ve had in Sports, Creative Arts, Academic and Drill competitions. During the Annual Parade, our House Captain Mimi was presented with the Longmoor Cup for marching, the girls’ House Trophy for best average effort grade across all year groups, the Y7-Y11 Headmaster’s Sports Cup, the Sixth Form Steve Monk Sports Cup and the Rees-Graham Memorial trophy. We also finished third out of all ten Houses for the Arts Cup. The girls’ success has kept us busy and cost us a fortune in winners’ pizza, but it’s been worth it as we’ve had so much fun. A huge thank you to our 88 Victoria girls who got involved in Inter-House events, for their brilliant enthusiasm.

We did have a great Summer Term to end what has been a great year. We have had some real highlights in Victoria, and it has been amazing to see the girls grow as a group and individuals, we are all so proud of them.

In June, we made the most of the glorious Summer weather and headed to Thorpe Lake Aqua park with our Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. The girls and House staff had a brilliant time challenging themselves on the obstacle course. It is always really special for us as House staff to see the girls socialise so beautifully outside school. Following their last GCSE exam, our Year 11s went out for afternoon tea and mocktails whilst our Year 13 students enjoyed a meal out and a glass of bubbly at Cinnamon Palace to celebrate the end of their A-Levels. It was a very emotional moment to see the girls looking gorgeous for their Prom and Leavers’ Ball; for some, it was a final farewell before their next adventure.

In House, our families structure is now well established and the girls have had a great time earning points for their families by taking part in our Mario Kart, Connect 4, Just Dance and Air Hockey tournaments.

This academic year, we have welcomed to the House 36 lovely girls who have settled in very well and are already getting involved in some of our House activities.

We kicked off this year’s social calendar in House with our annual Sixth Form Quiz and our Movie and Pizza nights and we have lots more in the pipeline for another memorable academic year.

Marie Jones Head of Victoria House

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WINDSOR HOUSE: NEW BEGINNINGS AND DODGY DANCE MOVES Well, the photos were the evidence on our social media pages, that our Y11’s and 13’s had an absolute blast at their end of year prom/ meal, and the students looked absolutely stunning in their outfits!

The new academic year started for us in the Summer, as the Heathcote family moved into Windsor, having been in Balmoral for four years.

We spent the Summer getting the garden patios jet-washed, purchasing new garden furniture for the Sixth Form and main house, whilst also moving into our own new home. The big refurb started on the new lounge/kitchen area in the main house, and the new showers and toilets in the Sixth Form lodge and main house.

We have enjoyed purchasing new pictures, inspirational quotes, artwork, lamps and lots of lovely home furnishings to bring the House a homely feel, and my goodness, the reaction of the girls on their return to the house said it all! The students have embraced their new surroundings with such grace and enthusiasm and the kitchen and its new island, has already been home to baking cakes and biscuits at the weekends, evening meals, air dry clay modelling and the new lounge space which was created has been well and truly used for our Just Dance nights on the newly purchased Switch and, of course, not forgetting our infamous Karaoke nights! The island is also the perfect place to sit and do prep and our outside seating has been a lovely addition for our marshmallow and fire pit nights! We have introduced our ‘family tree’ nights, where students from Y7-13 enjoy time together, getting to know each other in their ‘House families’, and our first event was ice cream and treats, which was also welcomed with open arms!!

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Inter-House Cross Country started the yearly competitions, huge thanks to all those that took part…it’s not a favourite in the House, but we are grateful for those that stepped up to the starting line! We also had some success at Inter-House Chess for Sixth Form/Year 11! The highlight for the Boarding Houses socials so far has to be the Halloween Silent Disco….possibly the funniest night, seeing so many students hitting the dance floor, in silence, yet singing along to various tunes, but busting some incredible moves….no dad dancing allowed by the Houseparents obviously! We had a perfectly timed ‘Feeling Good Week’ on the run up to half term, where we concentrated our thoughts to ‘Wellbeing and Mental Health’, educating ourselves about the importance of chemicals in the brain/body, and what we can do to help ourselves in stressful times. The spa night with face masks was by far the most popular moment in House! Lastly Inter-House Music came around just before the half term break, and huge congratulations to Weiyee Zhou Y13, who stunned the judge and the audience with her performance at the piano, our group piece also included Weiyee on the piano, alongside our other musicians, with Bess Y9 taking the lead vocals. We didn’t place this year, but we were incredibly proud of all those that stood up on the stage to take part, coming together as a House, so early into our time with the girls, so huge thanks to them for finding the confidence to get up and sing in front of their peers….there is work to do for next year’s Inter-House Music, so exciting times ahead!

Ben and Danielle Heathcote Windsor Houseparents

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WOOLWICH HOUSE: A wise person once said that “the definition of insanity was to do the same thing over again in the same way and expect different results”.

That person did not work in Woolwich House.

We provide consistency, year in, year out for students who are new to boarding and, if truth be told, do the same thing over again in what seems like some messed up version of Groundhog Day. Nonetheless the results are always different and not entirely undelightful.

In June we said farewell to our cohort who had earned collectively just shy of 2000 commendations, ate approximately 20 kgs of houmous and managed to be the cleanest, neatest and tidiest group to date and mostly aced their Year 7 honours programme, learning the history of General Gordon, braving the nerves in the speak out competition and becoming a part of the community marching at parade. The group raised over £500 for charity through sponsored silence (I know, genius play on our part) and finished off the year with a huge haul of medals at sports day. Job done.

Then we did nothing for nine weeks. There was, in truth, a malaise.

And, back to the starting blocks, we welcome the newbies in with open arms and set about preparing them for a life at Gordon’s. We have introverts, extroverts, sports stars, team leaders, those that can play a tune and perfectionists who wish to be the best at all things they do, right now. Their energy is unbounded and our only job now is to advise them of another thing that some wise person once said: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new”. It’s that simple really.

We relish the new year group and are intrigued as to what the finished product will be in June.

We will keep you posted.

Sam and Daisy Cooper Woolwich Houseparents 30

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The Spring Term started with the CCF Biennial Inspection which this year was carried out by Commander Anthony Pimm of The Royal Navy. The day began with a formal inspection and parade in blues uniform by all Year 10 Cadets followed by a series of training stands from each Section demonstrating skills from the CCF training syllabus.

ROYAL NAVY SECTION Last term the Navy Cadets attended a variety of training sessions, both in and out of school. They had classroom sessions on Naval Ethos, Core Values, knots and Ranks and Rates, in addition to sessions on Field Gun display, navigation and other leadership tasks.

CCF AND DOFE

The Section had two fantastic Field Days, one to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to learn about the history of the senior service where cadets spent time on HMS Victory and viewing the Mary Rose exhibition. They also went on a harbour tour of Portsmouth, giving them the opportunity to see active Royal Navy warships in Portsmouth.

The second Field Day was at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth for training on Firefighting and the Damage Repair Instructional Unit (DRIU). Cadets learnt how to fight fire on board ship using a combination of techniques and technology. The DRIU is designed to simulate a ship taking on water, where cadets must work hard to plug these holes both above and below the waterline. This gave all cadets a small insight into the training that active Royal Navy recruits do regularly to ensure the safety of all on board ship.

ARMY SECTION In June the Army Section visited The Royal Engineers for a field training day at Hawley. The day started with a series of stands practicing command and leadership tasks, field craft and survival. In the afternoon Cadets build rafts and raced them on the lake.

In July The Army Section had a very successful CCF Camp at Crowborough training Camp in Sussex.

The programme included, field craft, adventure training, live firing ranges and a competition day.

The Autumn Term started with a further visit to the Royal Engineers for the new intake of Year 10 Cadets who had a fantastic training day at Hawley Lake.

RAF The Spring Term started with the RAF section acquiring two additional flight simulators allowing more Cadets to practice the effects of aircraft controls. June was spent preparing for RAF summer camp which was held at RAF Halton.

The camp was exceptional with all the Cadets gaining qualification in Cyber management and weapon handling. The Cadets also worked with RAF helicopters and trained on high and low ropes courses, which prompted excellent team work and self reliance. In July the section was invited to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. In September the section accompanied the Pipes and Drums to RAF Lakenheath where we were hosted by 494 Fighter Squadron of the US Air Force. The day included visits to the Base Control Centre and the Base Control Tower and a static display of aircraft, weapons and vehicles used by the squadron. The highlight of the day was the Pipes and Drums performing the American National Anthem at the 9/11 Memorial Service.

LORD-LIEUTENANT’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD Lieutenant Jane Powell has been awarded the Lord-Lieutenants Award for Meritorious Service.

Jane has served as an officer with the Gordon’s School CCF for over 25 years. Jane started her work at the school in 1994 when she assisted with the Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards training at Dartmoor. In 2000 Jane was commissioned into the RAF Section as a Flight Lieutenant where she served until 2007 when she transferred to the Army Section. During her time with the Army Section Jane has attended CCF P7 parades each week, field training days, Ten Tors training camps at Dartmoor and CCF Army summer camps over many years. Congratulations to Jane on her fantastic achievement and for her loyal service and dedication to Gordon’s School CCF. See page 36 for full story.

Major John Balmer Contingent Commander

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An action-packed week at Crowborough Army Training Camp in July for the school’s Army Cadets.

The Gordon’s teams won the mountain biking and shotgun challenges and were third in the Military Knowledge. As well as enjoying a huge range of activities and learning new skills, the cadets had a great time!

As school broke up for the Summer holidays, it was off to the Welsh Black Mountains for these Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants, taking part in their practice expedition. The groups organised and planned the expedition, which requires eight hours of

A chance to demonstrate the skills learned through being in the school’s tri-service Combined Cadet Force (CCF) for students in Year 10 at their Biennial Inspection. Commander Anthony Pimm from the Royal Navy carried out the inspection, which started off with a Parade before he toured the school watching the Cadets in action. The Royal Naval Cadets showed him how they assemble (and take apart!) a field gun. Army Cadets showcased shooting in the school’s indoor range and cooking in the field and the RAF demonstrated the school’s flight simulators. Also on the day’s itinerary were command tasks and patrolling skills/field craft.

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activity each day and must be unaccompanied and self-sufficient. With just enough time to let their blisters heal the group was back in Snowdonia, where they battled rain, wind and mountainous terrain to pass the expedition part of the award.

Behind the scenes at the CCF Army Field Day with the Royal Engineers at Hawley Lake. Year 10 cadets working together as a team and throwing themselves into command tasks as well as the water! A fantastic experience for all.

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When her son came home from Gordon’s and said Major Robinson [the Commanding Officer of the school CCF (Combined Cadet Force)] needed help with the CCF, Jane Powell immediately put her name forward. That was over 20 years ago!

Now Mrs Powell, who is in the Army section of the cadets, has been presented with a Meritorious Service Award by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux in recognition of her contribution to the CCF.

Two days of trekking in the Surrey Hills for students in Year 9. The group of 113 students, on their DofE Bronze Final expedition also camped out overnight. In order to complete this part of the award, the students had to plan and train for the expedition, which must be completed unaccompanied.

The mother of three sons, two of whom were students at Gordon’s, Mrs Powell has volunteered with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and RAF Section at Gordon’s, joining the Army Section in 2007 and accompanying children since 1994 in the Ten Tors Challenge.

She had neither a military background nor experience of the CCF before volunteering at Gordon’s, and says: “I enjoy it, it has become part of my life”.

Jane Powell receives her Meritorious Service Award from His Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Surrey, Michael MoreMolyneux.

Navy Cadets on a on their Field Day to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in October, while Army Cadets were closer to home at Hawley. As part of their Field Day, the Navy Cadets also enjoyed a tour of the harbour.

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Every student in Year 10 joins the CCF at Gordon’s, which offers a tri-service of Army, Navy and Air Force.

Mrs Powell commented that the most rewarding part of her work is seeing how much the students progress during the year and how they ‘come out of themselves’ when taking part. She added: “Winning awards at Army camp is always a highlight and the friendships made over the years. The CCF section has great staff who work hard for the cadets”.

Speaking of the Award, Mrs Powell said: “It was an honour to be recognised for doing what I am doing and very nice”.

Cadets from the RAF section of the Gordon’s CCF joined members of the Pipes and Drums Band to visit RAF Lakenheath, where they were hosted by 494 Fighter Squadron of the US Air Force.

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The number of co-curricular activities has now reached over 128 with students able to choose an activity - whatever their interests. As well as an extensive range of traditional team games and competitive and recreational activities, students may form their own societies, which are student rather than staff-led. Co-curricular activities are seen as vital for students, not only for their health and mental wellbeing but to attain skills, knowledge and qualities that will sustain them through life. Cocurricular activities take place before school, during lunch, Period 7, after school and on Saturday mornings. These images are a snapshot of what takes place over the school week.

CO-CURRICULAR

Aiming high during P7 basketball in the Sports Hall.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS Some outstanding performances by awarded Best Delegate with students attending Model United a further six students earning Nations Conferences.

Highly Commended and three Commended.

At the Royal Hospital School’s two day conference recently, 24 At Reigate there were a range students took part in one of five of topics discussed throughout committees including security, the day, resulting in four human rights and UNOOSA (the UN students winning awards. Highly Office of Outer Space Affairs).

Commended delegates were Jack Goate, Hamish DonaldsonCommittees debated topics such Sinclair and Elizabeth Bailey, and as vigilante justice and whether Harry Gordon took home the space should be militarised. Jack Distinguished delegate award Goate and Harry Gordon were representing Poland.

The editors of the student newspaper ‘The Quarterley Gazette’ hold an editorial meeting during P7.

Djembe drumming, one of the P7 activities open to all students.

Volleyball has developed into a very popular co-curricular activity.

Girls’ cricket on the Front Field.

Inside the Band Room is a hive of activity during P7 as students wishing to join the school’s iconic Pipes and Drums Band practise on chanters (the part of the bagpipe that produces a tune).

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RUNNING FOR ANGUS When Angus, a student in Sandringham House, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the Summer, he started chemotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden in Sutton. In a bid to support Angus and raise money for the Royal Marsden Charity, Angus’ Army of staff and students was formed.

CHARITY

Eleven staff and students took part in the Oxford Half Marathon, along with Angus’ parents, raising almost £16,000 for the cancer charity.

A new challenge was set, that of running 100 miles in one day on Saturday 11th November. Fourteen students and teachers ran the South Downs in just under ten hours – one group setting off from Winchester and the other from Eastbourne. They achieved this, raising £1,675!

COMMON GROUND COLLECTIVE Eight runners setting off from Eastbourne to meet in the middle of the South Downs with the runners from Winchester.

Running the South Downs from Winchester.

They did it! Not only did they complete the 100 mile challenge but they surpassed their fundraising target of £1,500 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity!

Every Saturday morning our Gordon’s students have the opportunity to give back and share their enjoyment of art with others, through the Common Ground Collective. These students are rapidly becoming core to what the charity offers and through their work showing leadership, patience and kindness.

The last half term they have been learning the skill of ‘lino printing’ and were able to share this with Frimhurst Enterprises, a local charity. Students facilitated a workshop for young adults with learning difficulties, running a demonstration and working 1:1 with the team from Frimhurst. Together they were able to create lino print Christmas cards, which will be sold on the Common Ground website to raise funds for the charity.

Entertaining residents at the Greenview Hall Care Home a music student plays the piano and sings.

Showing their support for Angus’ Army, Residential Boarders produced a wealth of highly-decorated posters with inspirational messages for the runners.

The Oxford Half Marathon team, who raised almost £16,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

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HARVEST FESTIVAL DONATIONS Harvest Festival donations of food and sanitary items were distributed to the Woking Foodbank and Bisley and West End Food Bank. Former Gordon’s parent Simon Moore of the Bisley and West End Food Bank is pictured with the Charity Prefects and the Reverend Graham Wright together with the items he was able to take to needy families in the area.

WONKY HEART CHALLENGE Two self-confessed “overweight, unfit, old and inexperienced cyclists” set off from Gordon’s in August for a 580 mile heart-shaped cycle route over 19 days.

Paul and Karen Smith were waved off by family and friends outside the chapel after a countdown from actor Brian Blessed OBE and the Mayor of Surrey Heath Cllr Pat Tedder.

The two undertook the ‘Wonky Heart Challenge’ to mark the tenth anniversary of their son Harry’s suicide at the age of 17. Harry, a student at Gordon’s, took his own life while holidaying with his parents in France, after receiving a disappointing set of AS Level results.

Mr and Mrs Smith said: “Not a day goes by when we don’t think about him, however time has now helped to make us strong enough to do something positive in his memory.

“We want to raise awareness about young people’s mental health, as well as money for both Suicide and Co and Papyrus to help all those in need of support”.

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They chose to set off on their cycle ride across England and Wales, in a journey that resembles a wonky heart, in the week that A Level results were received by students.

Even before setting off, the couple had exceed their target of £17, 400 and set a new one for £25,000. The amount now stands at over £63,000! Their aim was also to increase awareness about mental health in the young and encourage those receiving their A Level and GCSE results to talk about their feelings and emotions.

Among those waving off Paul and Karen Smith were parents of former students from Gordon’s and staff, including those who had taught him. Gordon’s commemorated Harry’s life by dedicating a bench in the Chapel Garden to him and plaques in the rose garden and outside his former House. Current students have requested that funds be raised for Papyrus and this year it is one of three charities to benefit from charitable giving at the school.

Headmaster Andrew Moss said: “Harry is very much remembered by the Gordon’s community and we were delighted to be able to wave off his parents as they embark on this incredible challenge to both fundraise for these important charities as well as raise awareness.”

Shhhhhh! Woolwich are Fundraising. Usually buzzing around the school in a flurry of activity, the youngest boarders were unusually quiet! Woolwich House students pledged a vow of silence for the day to raise money for Papyrus the national charity for the prevention of young suicide. Each of those taking part wore a badge to indicate their participation and was able to communicate only using a pen and paper. However, the rules were relaxed during lesson times when they could speak. The initiative raised over £400 for the charity through their Justgiving link.

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Gordon’s House sleeping accommodation for boarders, now up and running thanks to fundraising from the Gordon’s School community.

Thank you Gordon’s School, from the children of Ngamo School.

CAMELTHORNE FOUNDATION Gordon’s House, a purpose-built girls’ boarding house at the Ngamo School, Zimbabwe is now up and running.

The single-storey dwelling is the result of a three year initiative launched in January 2022 between Gordon’s School and the Camelthorn Foundation, a UK-based charity which supports global community and conservation projects.

Ngamo School educates around 147 students from 13 years old to 16 years old from a 50k radius. With no public transport, the children must walk at least seven to ten kilometres every day to school with some children living as far away as 20 kilometres. Their journey to school is arduous, and involves walking through thick Kalahari sand with the risk of encountering lion or elephant on the way. So those living further afield - nine girls and six boys - are weekly boarding at school.

Gordon’s House sleeping arrangements now.

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Sleeping arrangements before the building of Gordon’s House.

Before the building of Gordon’s House, boarders were sleeping on the floor of a teacher’s accommodation. Now the girls have their own boarding house, it is hoped that it

will encourage them to continue with their education. Fifteen girls will be sharing the boarding house from the start of the academic year in January.

The initiative ties in with the School’s ethos of being a symbol of what can be achieved by a community united in making an outstanding contribution for the good of global society.

So far almost £11,000 of the £15,000 for the project has been raised by the Gordon’s community through a series of fundraising events, including the Coronation Colour Run and 24 hour Garyoake. The remainder will be raised over this academic year. Ngamo School teacher Mr Chename sent a video to students at Gordon’s thanking them for the money raised so far, saying: “This is an invaluable investment in the education of our children. The children will be able to concentrate on the core business of learning and the teachers on the core business of teaching. In a nutshell, we want to thank you so very much for this investment.”

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The last academic year was celebrated through our annual GCSE and A Level Art and Photography exhibitions, where we proudly displayed all the hard work of our Year 11 and Year 13 students. We absolutely love these evenings as we get to see the final result of two years of hard work.

Summer Arts was another huge success with a wide range of art work from all year groups up for sale. The individuality and creativity amongst our students impresses us every year!

Our Good to Great Art group worked on a special project with the library, creating paper collage illustrations of their favourite books. These designs have been printed and framed on a larger scale and now hang proudly above the bookshelves.

CREATIVE ARTS

Artwork from Gordon’s was hanging in two galleries this Summer; the Lightbox in Woking and The Royal Academy in London. I’m sure many of you saw the excellent submission from Ruby Parsons of ‘Night Scroller’ and we are pleased that she has gone on to pursue Art History at the University of York.

The art that was hanging in the Lightbox this Summer was a collaboration between students from Years 8-10. The brief was to create a response to the work of Kristina Chan’s ‘Banksia Seeds’. The work that was created by our students consisted of nature-based lino prints all collaged and stitched together to create the vibrant image of seed pods against a fiery background. This represented the nature of Banksia Seeds, which thrive in the forest fires in Australia.

Year 11 Art and Photography students were privileged to join the French students on a trip to Paris in September. The trip was an excellent opportunity to take extensive photographs, create drawings, and be inspired by the culture and art in the French capital. The Musee D’Orsay was a highlight alongside the Atelier des lumieres, an interactive and immersive Art Exhibition experience. The views across Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower and L’Arc de Triomphe were also incredible!

Sticking with languages, many students entered an external international competition, Poésíært, to create a piece of art work in response to either a French, German or Spanish Poem. The German poem, ‘Glück für den Kürbis’ describes a Cheerful Pumpkin. The Spanish poem ‘La Mariposa’ is all about a green and gold butterfly. And finally, the French poem ‘La Nuit’ prompted students to create night time scenes. These are just a few of our favourite entries!

There are many new exciting opportunities within Co-Curricular Art this year, including the introduction of Textiles, Art Pathways, Big Art and working with The Common Ground Collective Charity. There are many new skills the students are developing through our continuous development of our provision, and we are so excited to see how they continue to progress and grow this year.

Elizabeth Pankhurst Head of Art and Photography

The GCSE Art and Photography Exhibition returns to Gordon’s in a glorious celebration of the artistic talents of the students. It marked the first year since the start of the pandemic that the exam component of the GCSE had been delivered and the ten hour exam completed. The title set was ‘Lock’.

Also among the exhibited work were coursework components. The themes for the art students were ‘Surfaces’ and ‘Out of Place’. Photography students studied ‘Altered Nature’ and ‘Abstraction’.

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Rutvi Lakkoju

Katherine Ray-HIll

Lucy Cox

Sienna Hurles

Kiranmayi Bellore

Morgan Wery

Maeve Lam

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Freya Bradford

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DRAMA As we began to wind down after one of our busiest years to date, we finished the academic year with our Year 7 production and Summer Arts Evening. The Year 7 production was a new addition to the Co-curricular Drama programme in 2022 and gave the new students at Gordon’s an opportunity to work together and showcase their skills as performers for the first time. With the success of their unique take on the ‘Grimm Tales’ the previous year, we decided to take a different approach to the Year 7 production for 2023.

The concept was based upon the idea of ‘Time’ and ‘Memory’. We devised a questionnaire for the students involved and essentially used their responses to form our script for the production. With a mixture of memories, poems and jokes, we put together a physical ensemble piece which explored the memories and contributions of our very own students.

Summer Arts is always a special way to end the school year and always feels like a true celebration of the Creative Arts. With our Scholarship programme in full swing, it was the perfect opportunity to showcase the talents of our top performers. Working closely with our Dance Coach Miss Banks, the seven Drama and Dance Scholars performed ‘No Way’ from the hit musical ‘Six’ which showcased their talents as singers, actors and dancers. It was a real privilege to work with students from across the key stages in our other two ensemble numbers of ‘You will be found’ from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘The Flight of the Blue Fly’ from ‘Amelie’ which were very well received by the audience.

With the new school year starting again in September, we have hit the ground running in rehearsals for our upcoming production of ‘Sweet Charity’ which takes place in January 2024. Auditions will soon be taking place for our KS3 production of ‘Oliver!’ and the students are excited about the thought of raising some money through our next ’24 Hour Musical’!

Robbie Olden Director of Drama

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A LEVELS

ACADEMIC

A Level students recorded an outstanding set of results, with over 31% achieving A*-A grades, well above the national average quoted as 25.4% for academies. BTEC students both at Diploma and National Diploma level, also excelled with 75% achieving a Merit + and 31% securing Distinction or above.

In this, the last set of public exams to be affected by the COVID pandemic, students notched up:

Delighted students at Gordon’s share the news of their results with each other. Pictured (centre) Shantilly Robertson.

A double helping of Shakespeare on the Southbank as GCSE English and Drama students visited the Globe for a performance of Macbeth, and A Level English Literature students attended a day there devoted to their exam text on Othello and were guided by an RSC actor to gain a greater understanding of the psychology of the characters through a drama workshop, lecture and tour.

31% of entries graded A* - A 65% of entries graded A* - B 86% of entries graded A* - C Headmaster Andrew Moss said: “These are the last of four public examinations directly affected by the Covid pandemic.

Congratulations to our students and staff for their hard work and commitment in achieving a set of superb results given the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

A hug for mum as Gabriel Pretty celebrates his A Level results.

Off to university for Jasmine Young!

What better way to learn about life cycles than watching chicks hatch and actually holding them, and studying butterflies and their emergence from pupae? Students in Year 8, extending their knowledge of adaptation, were also able to study birds of prey close up.

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MASSOLIT VIDEO ESSAY

Ruby Parsons and her piece, which was selected for the Royal Academy’s Summer Collection.

The chance watching of a documentary on Mormonism led to the winning of a national competition for Sixth Form student Zoe Legge.

No stranger to London art galleries (although usually it’s Tate Britain for its collection of Turner paintings) but in a first for Gordon’s, A Level Art student Ruby Parsons visited the Royal Academy to view her own piece hanging in their Summer Collection! For her portrait, of her sister lying in bed scrolling through TikTok videos, was selected to feature in this iconic annual celebration of art and artists, co-ordinated by British painter David Remfry RA.

Zoe has long-maintained an interest in religion and social anthropology, developing a fascination for the Mormon Church after watching ‘Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey’. And when she heard about the Massolit video essay competition, in association with Brasenose College, Oxford, she decided to enter, using Mormonism as her subject.

Over 200 students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from across the UK took part in the competition to produce a video lecture of around eight to 12 minutes on any academic topic. Zoe’s video was picked as the winner by the judges and she travelled to Oxford University in September to be presented with £200 in vouchers as well as having her video essay professionally filmed, edited and featured on massolit.io as a teaching resource.

Last year Zoe was in the top 100 entrants from across the world for Foyle’s Young Poets of the Year Award and won first place in the Rotary Young Writer competition. A passionate champion of, and participant in, the creative arts, she played one of the leading roles in the school’s production of Made in Dagenham and is keen to audition for the next whole school musical as well as provide her expertise in the up-coming lower school productions.

“It’s really cool”, enthused Ruby adding: “As soon as I found out I was calling all my family and my nan was saying ‘my granddaughter is famous!’ – not quite nan.”

The piece formed part of her A Level personal study project looking at teenage girls. “My project explores the experiences of teen girls specifically. I was thinking about how they have been represented in art historically, including often being over-sexualised. My sister is my muse for a lot of my paintings, which I am very grateful for.”

Currently studying for four A Levels, she hopes for a career in investigative journalism and said of Mormonism: “It is really important to spread knowledge about the Mormon Church.

“It’s so easy to get misinformation these days. TicToc spreads a lot of false information and we need to start looking at the facts”.

RUBY AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY

Ends

Polished performances from academic scholars at Gordon’s who presented to parents and staff about their chosen subjects.

“I went into her room and she was lying in bed, on TikTok, and she had this pink LED sign above it and I asked if I could take a picture of her. Then I just stood on the end of her bed, holding the camera above my head hoping that I was taking a cool shot. It’s her way of shutting off, just lying in bed passively scrolling. It could be for hours. They talk about addiction but not why we are addicted in the first place. It’s ritualistic, a form of escapism.”

Ruby’s picture was exhibited for a month at the Royal Academy and she and her family travelled up for the private viewing. She said: “I’d never been to the Royal Academy before.

It’s weird that the first time I went was to see a piece of my own.”

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NEWS FROM THE PEWS

A prayer space in the Chapel, offered interactive, creative and reflective prayer through origami, written expression, a bubble tube, mirror, pipe cleaners and much more. The space also provided the opportunity for staff and students to post prayers to their families across the world and to the people of Ukraine. The space was a joint initiative between Gordon’s Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright and Camberley Youth for Christ.

Harvest Festival donations of food and sanitary items were collected and arranged in the Chapel by the Charity Prefects for distributing to the Woking Foodbank and Bisley and West End Food Bank.

A stunning display in the Chapel as part of the lead up to Remembrance Sunday. The four panelled artwork depicting the First World War, was created by the ‘Big Art’ group, a co-curricular club with 25 students from Years 8-11 working collaboratively.

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FUN DAY

EVENTS

As the mercury rose for the GSPA (Gordon’s School Parents’ Association) Fun Day, so did the queue for the ice cream van! The Dunk Tank was also a popular place to be as staff lined up to be dunked in cold water for the school charity Papyrus Prevention for Young Suicide. Elsewhere there were inflatable slides, sumo wrestling, face painting and other fun activities.

Day of the Dragons as China storm to victory with their intricate dragon carving in the pumpkin carving competition. Second place were Balmoral with their Day of the Dead and third, Augusta with their pregnant pumpkin.

Honoured to be invited to the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Founder’s Day Parade, Year 8 students, dressed in their ceremonial Blues uniforms. Each year representatives from Gordon’s are invited to attend this special event, which remembers King Charles II who issued a Royal Warrant for the foundation of the hospital and commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to design it on the 66 acre site. This year His Majesty the King of the Belgians and his wife Queen Mathilde attended the Parade.

A rite of passage for the Year 11 students – shirt signing. With the bulk of their GCSEs over, it was down to the Front Field with pens for a permanent reminder of their peers and teachers on their pristine white uniform shirts.

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YEAR 11 PROM A tandem, wheelbarrow, vintage and high performance cars, motorbikes, a Post Office van and every other conceivable form of transport arrived at Gordon’s for the annual Year 11 Prom.

Once more the red carpet was rolled out to welcome the Year 11s, who having completed their GCSEs, were ready to dress up for their Prom and Leavers’ Dinner.

And they didn’t disappoint the waiting crowd of younger students, staff and parents who lined the Parade Square to welcome them. Arriving

in a spectacular array of transport, this year’s cohort brought glitz and glamour with them as they made their spectacular entrances into the school. A fleet of motorbikes, a car driven by a banana and a ‘king’ wedged into a wheelbarrow.

Their formal dinner, held in a marquee in the grounds of the school, is an annual event for all the Year 11 students to enjoy a meal with their peers, teachers and Houseparents in the school’s beautiful surroundings.

For some it signified the end of their journey at Gordon’s, for others, the end of their time in the Lower School and start of that in the Sixth Form.

Bumpy ride for a royal arrival as Lewis Brimfield makes an entrance pushed by Dave Cherry, Pastoral Mentor at Gordon’s.

Making an entrance in a Pilgrim Speedster – Netra Chawla and Mia Brinkman.

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Delighted that their GCSE exams are now over and they can enjoy their post-exams events at Gordon’s – (left to right) Talei Camasoko, Sambridee Gurung and Simran Pun.

A golden banana driving Will Bowe and Angus Lawrence in an open topped convertible.

All smiles - Caitlin and Martha Everett.

On a bicycle made for two! A tandem arrival for Will Masterson and Noah Hopkins.

Special delivery – Stan Belcher and Cal Iyer step on to the red carpet from a Royal Mail van.

Stunning evening for the Prom Dinner.

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SUMMER ARTS EVENING

CORONATION COLOUR RUN

What a night! Summer Arts was the ultimate in diverse entertainment – from the lone piper on the roof of the school to the rapper, tap dancers, the school’s choirs and orchestra and newly formed Parent Band, the evening offered something for everyone! A spectacular display of the talents of not just students at Gordon’s but staff and parents.

Coronation fever hit Gordon’s School with bunting hung on all sides of the Parade Square, Union Flags greeting visitors at the Front Gate and the Dining Hall festooned in patriotic messages and flags.

The Coronation Colour Run added further red, white and blue to the school as students ran around the Front Field in white T-shirts being pelted with red and blue paint, with just one aim – to get as much colour on their T-shirts as possible.

Hurrah for King Charles III! Runners in the Coronation Colour Run on the Front Field.

What made the event totally British was a rainstorm in the middle of the glorious sunny day! But that failed to deter the hardy runners who carried on regardless!

Earlier in the day, students and staff were treated to a Coronation lunch with traditional British fayre, complete with Elgar as they entered the Dining Hall. Fish and chips, pickled onions or for those opting for salads, the Coronation quiche, pork pies, savoury eggs and Coronation chicken. Puddings were equally classic with Victoria sponges, strawberries and apple crumble.

The Charity Prefects, who along with the school Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright (far left) helped pelt students with paint during the Coronation Colour Run.

No mistaking the red, white and blue of the Coronation Colour Run as the runners celebrate the Coronation with a mass of flag waving.

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History was made on the Front Field in May when Gordon’s fielded an U18 Girls XI team for the first time. The girls took on Reeds School for the 20 over hard ball game, beating their opponents by nine wickets.

CRICKET TEAMS NET CUPS AND TITLES The highlight of the season has seen the growth of the First XI Boys’ and Girls’ teams who have played on regular Wednesday afternoons, and started netting in the Spring Term. With a strong core of players joining the school in Year 12, both teams have had considerable success against some very good opposition and will enable us to compete against even higher quality teams next year.

This combined with the success of the current Under 14 boys’ team who won the County State Schools Cup as Under 13s meant they also have a bespoke fixture list.

SPORTS

Girls’ cricket continues to grow and where we started in Games lessons five years ago, now we are regularly seeing A to D teams competing on Saturdays against strong, local independent schools. For two hours every week, every girl in Years 7, 8 and 9 plays cricket and that is followed by a game on a Saturday. As a result lots of girls have joined local clubs, in particular Valley End CC, and we have become Indoor Cricket Champions of Surrey once again at Under 13 and 15.

Few people can claim to have played cricket on the hallowed turf of Lord’s cricket ground once, let alone twice! Yet two cricketers from Gordon’s and Valley End Cricket Club, Izzy Moors and Abi Shaw-Hales managed the feat this Summer. Both were involved in their second Lord’s final, this time winning, when they turned out for the rapidly advancing Guildford Hub in the prestigious MCC National Hub T20 Competition.

Two Gordon’s sportsmen on Bedser Scholarships as U14s cricketer Hridaan Kohli, joins Tom Norman. The leg spinning all-rounder, who turns out for Valley End Cricket Club; Twenty20 Community Cricket Academy; Gordon’s for the U14s and the First XI Team (as well as training at the MCC Hub!) is one of six cricketers aged between eight and 16 years old from Woking schools who have been identified as having the potential to become performance cricketers.

The boys have not been outdone, winning lots of games on Saturdays, with the Under 13s and 15s teams still in the County Cup at time of writing. It has been great for the first time to have B teams for boys at Under 12 and 13, and this will only grow.

Paul King Head of Cricket WIN %

Boys P18 W11 D0

L7 61%

Girls P30 W17 D1 L12 56% 65

GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE In May, our KS4 students competed in the District Athletics Competition. Our athletes did fantastically well, with success in both male and female competitions. The girls made a good start to the competition with Mair Price winning bronze in the 1500m. Two further bronze medals from Keira-Nell Misteli (800m) and Adeline Murrell (Discus) kept Gordon’s in the running of the competition. Nerys Tullet (Javelin) and Amelie Lomas (Hurdles) kept the momentum for Gordon’s, winning silver in their respective events, before Nerys (300m) and Angelica Anyaegbunam (Shot) won gold medals and secured our spot in the top three. A bronze in the relays captured a great team performance for the day, allowing the girls to finish second overall.

The boys also got off to a great start in their events with Marcus Hibbins performing excellently on track, winning gold in the 1500m event. Nick Oakley (High Jump), Angus Lawrence (Shot) and Thomas Allen (Long Jump) all competed well, and were awarded silver medals within their events. But the success didn’t stop there, Gordon’s dominated the field events by winning gold in the high jump and discus as well. Into the final races, Rojhe Rowe took gold in the 200m event before helping the team and himself to another gold in the relay. The boys stormed to a first place finish, winning the whole competition.

The KS3 competition took place on a sunny Friday at Woking Sports Box against over ten schools.

Gordon’s junior athletes competed really well but unfortunately fell short of the medal list. A great experience for our junior athletes in what we hope will bring further success in years to come.

Ian Jones Head of Athletics

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME TO GORDON’S Football has had another productive start to the season which, for the Seniors, now runs throughout the Winter and Spring Terms, with competitive fixtures for the Ist and 2nd XIs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. With a strong influx of players last year this has allowed us to enter into the Surrey Schools League. The senior football sides now play more competitive fixtures than friendlies.

Our 1st XI ran out 1-0 winners against Hampton and Richmond Academy in our Friday Lights game and our captain was selected to attend England schools trials Our senior girls are in the quarter finals of the county cup.

This January we have almost doubled the amount of football players training and playing over P6 and P7, this has helped us enter all our teams into county cups and ESFA cups. This season we kick- started girls’ football across all year groups by entering again county cups and ESFA cups. We now have three girls’ training sessions.

After Christmas the junior fixtures start on Saturdays, so we will be increasing football training through the week to help develop all age groups into our new way of playing across all age groups.

A silver medal for Teddy Gannon, competing in the U20 age group of the English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) Track and Field Championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium.

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I would like to thank all the football staff, parents and students for their contribution to football, and hopefully this progression will carry on from Year 7 to the senior girls’ and boys’ sides.

Matt Nash Head of Football 67

EQUESTRIAN The equestrian team continues to train half termly and compete at National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions throughout Surrey and the surrounding counties.

Keeley and her horse HK High Expectations (stable name Ellie) have competed at various competitions recently and qualified for the NSEA National Championships at Addington, Buckinghamshire in October. Although no placings they should be very proud of their achievements and riding alongside the best riders and horses from England, Scotland and Wales at their first stay away show.

Photograph of Keeley and Ellie taking 4th place at NSEA Coombelands show jumping with kind permission of LRG Photography.

Wendy Wilman Head of Equestrian

POPULARITY OF CHESS GROWING ACROSS THE BOARD Interest in competitive chess is now growing amongst students. Regular Saturday morning tournaments are held each month in the Band Room and training, in partnership with Camberley Chess Club, is held at the same venue on the first Tuesday of every month. The tournaments and training are open to juniors in the Surrey Border area and attract more than 20 participants each, with interest often outstripping capacity. Free membership to Camberley Chess club is available to all Gordon’s students.

Students took part in a nationwide schools tournament at Eton College in October Gordon’s will host the first round of the National Schools Chess Tournament in November 2023. Two additional matches versus local schools will be held at Gordon’s in November 2023 and other matches will be arranged during the remaining months of the academic year.

There has been a steady improvement in playing ability and results over the last year, with an expectation that this progress will be maintained over the coming months. All future tournaments will be graded by the English Chess Federation, so giving a direct measurement of ability.

Students of any chess playing ability should contact the Lead for Chess, Mr Lloyd at JLloyd@ gordons.school for further information.

Jon Lloyd Lead for Chess 68

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GOLF AT GORDON’S Recording an unprecedented third win in a row in the National HMC, having recorded individual wins at The Berkshire, Hollinwell and JCB, Millie Cottrell was crowned overall Champion of the Order of merit for the 2022/2023 season.

At the ISGA National Finals at Slaley Hall GC the Gordon’s A team of Joseph Gould, Joshua Gates and Dylan Mumford took on the very difficult wet, windy and overcast conditions at Slaley Hall in the ISGA National Finals. The fourth time the team has qualified for the event in four years having won the event in 2020 and 2021.

Joshua Gates finished with an impressive gold medal for the top ten golfers at the event after shooting 79 and 75 over the two days.

He finished joint tenth competing with many international golfers from the UK and all over Europe.

Dylan Mumford and Joseph Gould finished with bronze medals.

In the ISGA British Schools and Colleges National Final at Forest Pines GC, Gordon’s U15 team took on the top U18 schools and colleges in the British Schools and Colleges National Finals. The second time the team has qualified for this event after competing in Derby last year as an U14 team.

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Gordon’s B team of Barnaby Gough, Dylan Bannister and Oliver Perera finished 13th in the team event.

In the individual nett tournament, Fraser Brammall was crowned Champion with a 69 and 70 over the two days finishing with an incredible score of 140, 3 shots clear of the next competitor.

In the ISGA National HG Trophy Gordon’s won three National titles.

Millie Cottrell won the individual Scratch competition with a two under 69 beating the entire field of boys and girls in the tournament on the King’s course by three shots.

Dylan Mumford shot an incredible five over score of handicap 13 to finish 16th. This playing as an U14 player in an U18 tournament.

Dylan Mumford won the individual Nett competition scoring an impressive 65 playing off 13 and scoring a 5 over round 77.

Gordon’s B team of Dylan Mumford, Zach Mathews and Fraser Brammall (Gordon’s three U14 golfers) won the Nett U18 Team competition with Dylan’s 65 and Zach’s 70 scoring an outstanding 135, six shots ahead of the nearest team.

A fabulous achievement with all of the top schools from all over England competing.

The U15 golfers and seniors that took part in the National Schools U18 Golf Championships season also enjoyed a phenomenal season.

Gordon’s were crowned British Schools and Colleges National ISGA Team nett Champions at Forest Pines GC. The team finished with 443 shots, eight shots clear of Reed’s School.

Gordon’s Team won the stableford events at Hollinwell, Royal Cinque Ports, Berkhamsted, Blackwell and Piltdown Golf Clubs.

Gordon’s A team of Dylan Mumford, Harry James, Zach Mathews and Fraser Brammall all shot in the 70s over the two days in the nett tournament finishing ahead of a whole field of golfing schools and colleges from all over Britain.

Joshua Gates won the individual scratch competition at Piltdown scoring +2 (70).

Millie Cottrell won the individual scratch competition at Berkhamsted scoring -1 (72).

Zach Mathews won the stableford tournaments

at Hollinwell, Blackwell and Piltdown with 45, 42 and 42 points. He also finished runner up in the scratch competition at Blackwell GC shooting a 78.

Harry James won the individual stableford event at Berkhamsted with 48 points scoring an incredible 7 over par round off handicap 13.

Barnaby Gough finished 1st at Royal Cinque Ports with 40 points and won the stableford competition. He finished 2nd at Berkhamsted with 38 points.

Dylan Mumford finished 2nd in the stableford event at Hollinwell and an impressive 3rd in the scratch competition finishing 9 over par off handicap 16. He also finished 3rd in the scratch competition at Blackwell shooting a 79.

In the National Schools Golf Final at Worplesdon Golf Club, Gordon’s School started the event with ten qualifiers in the 30-strong field.

Gordon’s Team won the National Schools Golf Final Stableford Competition with 104 points with Bedes school in second place with 100 points.

Fraser Brammall won the Individual stableford event with 38 points.

Joseph Gould finished second in the individual scratch competition scoring +5 joint second with two other golfers.

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RUGBY THE LAST DANCE Their ‘Last Dance’ at The Stoop ended in celebrations as our Year 13 rugby boys stormed to a 5210 victory against Emanuel School. Some of the team, playing their last game together on the hallowed Harlequins turf, have turned out for Gordon’s for the past seven years. Others joined in the Sixth Form on the Harlequins/Gordon’s Partnership Programme. All have bled green. Staff and students from Gordon’s turned out to support them in their last game, which proved thrilling to the end.

ACE GAMES FOR RUGBY ACROSS THE YEAR GROUPS It has been a fantastic first half of term of the rugby season. The ACE team remain unbeaten in the RFU ACE League, winning four and drawing one game. The highlight, undoubtedly, a thrilling 26-19 win against Hartpury College who had not been beaten for five years! The competition continued after half term, culminating in a finals day in December.

For the first time this year we have also had a Development Team, who have mirrored the ACE fixtures, they too have enjoyed a successful start to the season. Lastly, at the senior end of the school, the 1st XV have made a positive start to the Daily Mail Trophy campaign with victories over Reading Blue Coat School and King Edward’s Southampton.

Our junior years have also enjoyed an excellent start to the rugby season. We have had some very competitive block fixtures with Portsmouth Grammar School, King Edward’s Southampton, Skinners and Dunottar. The U14s won a tight

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Still bleeding green – Gordonian Tom Golder (right), now with the Harlequins Academy, lending his support to the school for the Last Dance game against Emanuel School, which Gordon’s won with a convincing 52-10. He is pictured with the ACE Captain Luke Whistlecroft.

contest with Reigate Grammar School in the School Sports Magazine U14 Cup, they continue their journey against Trinity. A special mention to our Year 7 (U12) teams who have played some amazing rugby and recorded some fantastic results in their first outings in the famous green shirt. We were also delighted to get a girls’ rugby fixture in before half term, something we will build on going forward!

On an individual level, we were delighted to see Theo Currie and Guy Rogers continue their journey with Harlequins this Summer as they were awarded university contracts. And this half term, we are incredibly proud to see Ben Webb, Ollie Streeter and Zuko Robb all selected to join the England U18 camp.

A huge thank you to all the players, parents and coaches this term for all their support for the rugby at Gordon’s!

Sam Richards, Head of Rugby

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SHOOTING

TENNIS

“Gordon’s Marksmen master the fundamental principles of rifle musketry enabling them to competently and expertly operate any rifle.”

Tennis continues to grow at Gordon’s and is now played all year round thanks to partnerships with West End, Bagshot and Woking Tennis Clubs. We now have two scholars in the Sixth Form, along with a growing squad of players who are looking forward to some competitive fixtures after half term.

This year we plan to enter the LTA Youth Schools Year 11-13 Winter Competition for the first time, which will see us take on the likes of Amesbury School, Epsom College and Sutton High School. The Spring and Summer terms will provide even more opportunities for fixtures, and we are confident the teams will represent the school with great credit.

Rifle marksmanship is developing within the school as a Period 7 activity choice.

There are currently 20 places each term for students to try the sport firing small calibre (.22RF rounds) and learn the basic skills over the course of a term. This will expand to 24 in the new year.

In addition, each Tuesday CCF session 12 students in Year 10 try it out, with over 50 firing for the first time by this Autumn half term.

The shooting team consists of 12 students who dedicate at least a year to training two P7 sessions a week. As well as learning on the school range they train at Bisley both at Gallery ranges (up to 50 yards) using larger calibre bullets (.38s and .357mag), they learn sitting and standing shooting, enjoying firing an underlever (‘cowboy style’ rifle designed in the late 19th Century).

Last year they also practiced at 100 and 300 yards, with both iron-sighted and telescopic rifles of both historic and ultra-modern types firing .303in, 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition.

Two of the now graduated Year 13s have gone on to join a shooting club in their own rights, persuading a respective parent each to also take up the activity!

Mark Eaden, Head of Tennis

A big step forward for tennis at Gordon’s as our U18 Girls 1st team pushed Cranleigh School all the way before narrowly missing out on a place in the regional stage semi finals of the Aberdare Cup, a national competition. The final result was 4-2 to Cranleigh with three of the six rubbers being decided on championship tie breaks, meaning it really could have gone either way. Particular credit must go to Elena Pitts, who picked up two wins, including a doubles victory alongside Genna Vine where the pair saved five match points.

Against other schools, team members have competed in a selection of .22RF friendly matches comporting and acquitting themselves well.

These continue this year, with the first friendly fixture against St John’s Leatherhead, with good fun had by all.

Nationally the team has now competed in the Cadet ‘Country life’ Competition twice in recent years, rising to 14th place last year.

Although, the school does not have the facilities for air rifle and pistol, several students have also competed with distinction in their own rights at both regional and national level with these devices.

There are plans afoot for rifle shooting to become a Wednesday P7 activity for up to eight students for an option for the Summer Term, to expand further the learning opportunities.

Shotgun shooting was enjoyed by Cadets at last Summer’s camp and this may be offered next year as a learning coached activity….

Watch this space.

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Dr N Driver Head of Shooting

ROWING Back to Dorney Lake, for the largest junior rowing race in the calendar – the National Schools Regatta. Stand out performances from Mimi Hewetson and the two Jameses, Gibson and Clarke competing against some of the top clubs and crews in the country. Mimi, battling a strong cross wind in the Women’s Championship singles managed a creditable fifth place. James and James, competing in the Open Championship Double Sculls came third in their B final producing the best performance in the school’s rowing history!

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NETBALL WORLD SCHOOL GAMES – 22ND - 24TH JUNE 2023 Our U13, U15 and First team squads travelled to Loughborough University to compete in the World Schools Netball Cup. After two full days of tough competition, we were thrilled with their performances. Our First team made the cup final, just losing out to national finalists Trinity School, after beating them in the group stages previously. Our U15s beat Clifton College in the plate final, and our U13s beat Dubai College in a thrilling cup final crowning them World School Games champions.

Congratulations to Alice Griffiths for winning the most valuable player award in the U13 age category.

SOUTH AFRICA NETBALL TOUR – 29TH JULY – 8TH AUGUST 2023 This Summer saw 19 students travel to South Africa. Memories and experiences to last a lifetime, the girls witnessed the England Roses make history at The Netball World Cup, met the African penguins on Boulders Beach, and went up South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain. In and amongst three netball fixtures against Cape Town schools, the tour also included a safari at Aquilla Game Reserve, The Peninsular Tour, stops at Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope, and a boat trip to Seal Island.

An overnight stay at the Goedgedacht Trust provided an eye-opening opportunity where our students learnt about the life of disadvantaged rural communities of the Western Cape; they herb and fruit tasted on the farm, made the nursery infants their snack (peanut butter and jelly sandwich), and danced and played with the children.

NETBALL SO FAR, THIS ACADEMIC YEAR National Cup matches are well underway this term. The First team are through to the third round of the Independent Schools Cup, after beating previous national finalists Putney High School in a thrilling 36-30 victory at home; they also progress onto round two of the Sisters N Sport (SNS) cup. Qualifying for county finals, after winning every game at the preliminary county tournament, the First teams’ pre-season preparations are paying off. They won the Summer League at the Wavell School, which Gordon’s entered for the first time, and came runners up at the U18 preseason tournament. Congratulations to Wellington College for winning the final 9-7.

The 2nd senior team progress onto round three of the SNS shield. The U14As also progress to round three of the SNS cup. And special mention to our U13As who have shown great improvements from last season, winning 2/2 and progressing onto the third round of the SNS shield competition.

Nicole Humphrys Head of Netball

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INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS A hat-trick for Victoria and Khartoum Houses with both coming top in the Inter-House Athletics today for the third year running.

Kensington lifted the tug-of war trophy for the second year running, winning for the girls with Khartoum for the boys. And making up for their loss in the parent/staff relay race, the parents put up a formidable team (both in numbers and strength!) to win comfortably in the tug-of-war against staff.

Many school records smashed in what has been a wonderful show of friendly competition. These included: Rojhe Rowe - 100 and 200 metres Nathanial Teeton - 300 metres Marcus Hibbins - 1500 metres Max Eastman - High Jump Teddy Gannon – Discus Khartoum House – 4 X 400 metre relay

CYCLING It was an exeat May bank holiday weekend and we were off on our MTBs, ten Gordon’s boys, myself, Marie Jones and Jamie Sinclair.

We criss-crossed the Studland Peninsula from our base at the Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, climbing Agglestone Rock, Harry’s Rocks, jumping in Wareham Forest, ferrying across Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, ice cream in Swanage, and zip lining from the pier in Bournemouth to the beach.

Next year we are off to the Brecon Beacons to hit the trails at Cwmcarn Bike Park, Bike Park Wales, scramble behind waterfalls in the Ystradfellte, and bomb down the Taff Trail to Talybont Reservoir.

In the meantime we frequent the velodrome at Reading for track training, we have reclaimed our school woodland trail and built a small jump to practice on, for the bigger scary ones in Swinley Forest, and of course we have our Zwift studio with seven turbo stations, and not forgetting our new bike trailer to get the bikes around on trips and tours.

More students are rocking up on their MTBs or riding the school MTBs in P7s and we have a talented cohort on the now extended Saturday mornings, and the weather doesn’t even put them off.

We will be using this as a platform to make the next exciting jump and invite other schools to ride and race with us.

David Butler, Head of Cycling

Nerys Tullett – 300 metres Mair Price – 800 metres Kiki Webb – 1500 metres Luci Griffiths-Jones – High Jump Nerys Tullett – Long Jump Adeline Murrell – Discus Esme Evans – Javelin Seinileba Vuevueika – Shot Putt Lucy Mocetuba – Shot Putt

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SAILING: Now selected for the British Youth Sailing Team to represent Great Britain at the World Championships next Summer, Kaitlyn Wyatt, spent last Summer travelling across Europe since breaking up from school, to compete in international sailing competitions.

The Gordon’s Sixth Form student headed to Poland to take part in the ILCA6 Youth European Championships, in the Women’s Olympic Class dinghy. This was only her third regatta at this level, finishing fourth amongst the GB team.

SWIMMING: Silver for Alex Platt in the English Swimming Championships in the 50 metre freestyle event and an 11th place in the 100 metre freestyle in the U13 age group.

She and her brother Ben, were also selected to race in the Surrey County relays and Alex for Swim England National County Team Championships.

WAKEBOARDING: With first places in the U14 Boat and Cable Wakeboarding National finals and fourth place in the WWA Cable Wakeboarding World Championships, Gordon’s Marley O’Toole now ranks top in the national rankings of the sport and eighth in the world! In Sicily, at the European Boat Wakeboard Camps in November, he finished fourth for Team GB. 80

Two weeks later, she was flying to Greece for the ILCA4 Youth World Championships with little wind, wild fires, and a smaller sail! There, Kaitlyn finished third amongst the GB female competitors.

Kaitlyn, who has only been sailing for five years, returned to the UK and Hayling Island for the ILCA National Championships, back in the ILCA6 the Olympic dinghy, she was up against all age groups in mixed gender racing over six days, finishing fifth female overall and second U19.

KARTING: His karting has taken him all over Europe but it was Silverstone where Kanishk Rao met his racing hero, Lewis Hamilton!

The 12 year old, who has gained podium places in the Italian National Championship and IAME European Championships, was privileged to have been chosen as one of the Grid Kids in the British F1 Grand Prix.

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INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION

The most hotly contested of all the Inter-House competitions – the Drill Competition with girls’ Houses competing for the Longmoor Cup and the boys’ for the Talbot Cup. The competition involves weeks of polishing shoes, pressing Blues and practising marching at every opportunity.

Each House is judged on turnout and drill, this year by Royal Engineers Sergeant Michael Jasper and Sapper Bibek Magar, who awarded the cups to Victoria and Sandringham Houses.

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SIXTH FORM

Putting heart and soul into their Olympic challenges, Year 12 students also had the best of fun as they tackled a multitude of popular party games as part of their end of term celebrations.

Three legged, wheelbarrow, egg and spoon and hockey with a potato (to name but a few!) had them all involved in competitive fun.

His harrowing life in an Arizona jail, where he was serving a sentence for drug trafficking, was described to Year 12 students by Shaun Attwood. Mr Attwood told of the cockroaches and deadly spiders that visited his cell at night and the food containing mouldy bread and dead rats that was served up to the prisoners there, who also lived under the constant threat of gang-related violence. Now an author, blogger and YouTuber, Mr Attwood also visits schools to discuss the negative consequences of drugs and crime.

Flamenco dancing, yoga and meditation, West African drumming and a host of other activities undertaken by Year 12 as part of their Culture and Arts Day. Among the visiting presenters was Zainab Alema, who left her job as a neo-natal nurse to join Richmond Rugby Club as the UK’s first black Muslim female rugby player who wears the hijab and plays the sport. Zainab spoke about her faith and sport.

The dice was loaded from the start in the Sixth Form students v staff netball match! Four teams – the Head Girl’s side; Ms Humphrys’s female staff; Head Boy’s side and Mr Jones’s male staff. But among those turning out for the Head Girl’s side were students who play for England, Scotland, Surrey Storm and Saracens Mavericks NPL Squads! Needless to say, the Head Girl’s side romped to victory with nine points, second was Ms Humphrys’s team with six points and third Mr Jones’s staff team with one point (on goal difference) to the Head Boy’s side with one point. Great fun had by all!

The effect of his gambling addiction on not only his football career, but mental health, finances and family, were described by Scott Davies to Year 12 students. Mr Davies, who is now manager of Slough Town, estimates losing over £200,000 whilst gambling, an addiction he overcame in 2015. He warned students of how quickly a gambling habit can spiral out of control and said: “Don’t think you can deal with the problem yourself”, urging them to speak out if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.

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A glorious evening in which to celebrate the end of an era as our Year 13 students, who had just completed their A Levels, enjoyed an opportunity to dress up and spend time with each other and the staff who have supported them on their journey through the Sixth Form. The Front Field a blaze of colour as all enjoyed drinks with their parents before making their way to the marquee for their Leavers’ Dinner.

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GORDONIANS

Always delighted to welcome back Gordonians to our Parades. Nick Prior, former Pipe Major, returned to the Patron’s Parade along with others who left 20 years ago after finishing their GCSEs. The former Gravesend student, whose brother Harry and niece Rebecca were also students here, travelled in his modified Formula Ford ZZR 1400 to watch the Parade and to catch up with staff and his peers.

Gordonians studying at Gordon’s under the Harlequins/Gordon’s Partnership Programme have enjoyed extraordinary success in rugby, with five picked to join England Training Squads this year and many awarded professional contracts with Harlequins But Gordon’s has long enjoyed the successes of Gordonians in the sport.

This year there were three Gordonians all from Balmoral House, playing in the prestigious Army v Navy game in May at Twickenham!

Brothers Michael and Cameron McDonald achieved a first - by becoming the first pair of brothers from Army Rugby in the modern era to represent an international team at the same time. On their opposing (and winning!) side, for the Navy was Henry Hughes.

Ellie Boatman, who left Gordon’s in 2015 and returned this year to speak to sport scholars, progressed from club rugby at Camberley to Harlequins and selection for England in the rugby 7s. She is now training for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Buckingham Palace for 19 Gordonians, who were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The group, who completed the challenge while studying at Gordon’s, achieved all five components of the award – volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential. Two of them, Alice and Emily are pictured here, having received their award from ex-England Lioness Jill Scott. The two left Gordon’s in 2021 and are in their second year of university. Thirty current Sixth Form students are now on their journey towards their Gold Award.

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MR REEVE Deputy Head (Academic) of Gordon’s for the past six years, Andrew Reeve moved on to Alton School in Hampshire as their Headmaster in September this year, overseeing this small, co-educational, independent school with children from six months to 18 years old.

With over 30 years of experience in education in both the independent and state sectors, Mr Reeve, whose teaching specialism is in economics and business studies, has also managed to find time to achieve an MA in Educational Leadership and is currently in his final year of a research-based MSc in Education.

During his time at the helm of academics, he has kept Gordon’s in the top five per cent for academic achievement of all the schools in England and Wales and fully endorsed the school by sending his daughter here!

STAFF

He said: “We are an incredibly high-achieving school and it’s not just luck but real attention to detail, teamwork and generally hard work and wanting to do the right thing. We are a school of high standards but we also set ourselves high standards in all areas”.

Describing his senior team colleagues as “really supportive”, and the Houseparents as leading their Houses “so superbly”, Mr Reeve said: “Also, it’s been really nice on the academic side to work with a really committed staff who display so much goodwill and want to do their best for their children. The children are incredibly fortunate to come here”. He continued: “I love the fact that the school is active and academic. It is those aspects of holistic education where the children are working hard in the classrooms, having fun in their learning but trying out new things whether learning to play the trumpet or taking part in a school play whether that is being actively involved in representing the school with the Pipes or Drums or on the football or rugby pitch. Those things define the child and provide them with experiences at school”.

Highlights of his tenure include the “outstanding” Pipes and Drums on Parade Days and accepting the TES Boarding School of the Year Award in 2022 on behalf of the school. Lockdown stands out for the way in which the school responded so quickly to moving and improving the quality of online education and the pastoral side.

Describing the catering team as providing ‘the best workplace food of anywhere’ he has worked, Mr Reeve said: “I have been so well supported by such smiley, friendly staff from the ground staff, who cannot do enough for you and all the other support staff who were there to make my life easier”.

MR DAVIS

In 2019 the arrival of Chris Davies from Fiji, where he was Skills and Analyst coach for the Fijian 7s rugby team, heralded the start of one of the most successful periods in Gordon’s sporting history as the school joined forces with Harlequins to become the Harlequins Academy School.

Since then, not only have students arriving on the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) programme gone on to Harlequins with contracts, but a number have played for their country.

Those on the DiSE programme or selected for the Harlequins/Gordon’s Partnership Programme study at Gordon’s while also training as professional rugby players.

Just five students, affectionately known as ‘the Big Five’ embarked on the DiSE programme four years ago. Of those, two left with Harlequins’ contracts and both those players have been selected to play for their country. Since then, players have gone on to university rugby and for esteemed clubs such as Scarlets, and the numbers receiving call ups for their country during their period in Gordon’s Sixth Form has risen exponentially to seven.

Chris Davies recalls: “When I arrived we weren’t playing great fixtures. Now the fixture list has been improved, the boys are challenged against some high calibre schools and the school has gained a reputation in rugby circles.

Gordon’s is now firmly on the map for rugby”.

Hundreds of rugby players – passionate about the game and willing to work hard and train hard - now apply for a place on the coveted DiSE programme or the Harlequins/ Gordon’s Partnership Programme. For Mr Davies, his role has also been about encouraging these students to maintain a balance between their academics and sport.

“The majority of the boys understand that it is all well and good wanting something but you have to live it as well.

They have to sacrifice a lot, getting up early in the morning to do what they want to do, it is fantastic, admirable, but they also have to balance their studies. That will set them up for life and for being successful. It is a big part of the programme to instil those values. Rugby is secondary to it all, it’s just being a good person.”

All who have passed through his programme, he describes as “good people who have become good players” and he paid tribute to the role of the students’ previous schools, supportive families and local rugby clubs such as Chobham and Camberley as being “…an important part of the pyramid of rugby development”. At Gordon’s, Mr Davies highlighted support from staff and in particular those in the laundry, catering and maintenance departments as being “a big part of the boys lives”.

Mr Davies leaves Gordon’s to be Coach to the Poland Men’s 7s team to prepare them for entry into the European Trophy and Olympic qualifiers.

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RETIRING ON A HIGH NOTE She fell into her 40 year bursarial career by accident and her quickly-built reputation ensured that throughout her career she rarely had to look for a job but was instead approached by prospective employers. Susan Meikle, Bursar of Gordon’s School, is a oneoff, a trail-blazer, described by colleagues as determined, no-nonsense, conscientious, scrupulous, principled and persuasive, but also kind, generous, supportive and selfless.

She broke the mould when she joined the profession in 1987 as a twenty something female, at a time when just two per cent of bursars were women (now it’s 50 per cent), was on the Executive Committee of the ISBA (Independent Schools’ Bursars Association), going on to become Vice Chairman.

The daughter of a Bishop, Mrs Meikle spent ten months volunteering in Botswana with Project Trust before going on to University of Kent to read Social Anthropology and Sociology.

Her journey on the Senior Leadership Team of some of the country’s leading public schools took her to St. George’s, Edinburgh, Epsom College, King’s Canterbury and Wellington College.

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Having worked in a variety of independent, single-sex; co-ed; day and boarding schools, Gordon’s presented a whole new challenge as a state boarding school, albeit with the support of The Gordon Foundation. Without the historic endowment of many of the independent schools nor the substantial alumni base to be able to financially support the school, the onus was on her to work with the school and wider community to identify opportunities for fundraising. So her role has involved applying to appropriate trusts and foundations for specific grants to provide bursaries to continue the Gordon legacy of providing for necessitous children and enabling hundreds of students to benefit from a Gordon’s education.

She helped steer the school through the COVID pandemic as part of the Senior Leadership Team, but also joined support staff in running the lateral flow testing for colleagues and students. While remembering this as a testing, difficult time, the friendships and camaraderie born out of the situation is what will remain with her.

It was after a brief stint at The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity that Mrs Meikle began to look for her last job as a school bursar, which led to Gordon’s, referred to as ‘that rather strange/odd school’ by a former colleague.

Another stand-out memory is being part of a Gordon’s visit to Khartoum to further links with the Khartoum International Community School (KICS). The party of students and staff also included Tom Gordon, the three times great nephew of General Gordon. During the visit, believed to have been the first by a European school to the African capital, Mr Gordon shook the hand of a direct descendant of the Mahdi!

Whether it was because she finished her presentation to her interviewers at Gordon’s with the British Army bagpipe song ‘A Gordon for Me’ or her vast experience as a Bursar that secured her employment, Mrs Meikle was appointed as the first female Bursar of the school, a post she has held for 11 years until her retirement this month.

As well as applying to trusts and foundations for school funding, Mrs Meikle has taken direct action to raise money for the school, rolling back her sleeves to embark on fundraising activities that have included two tandem jumps out of an aeroplane, sponsored karaoke and having paint sprayed over her as part of a colour run! More recently, she has mastered

the chanter (the part of the bagpipe used to create a melody) and passed her Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board Level 2 exam, which she has described as her toughest challenge to date. Parents, staff and the school community sponsored her in this final test, so she could leave a lasting legacy to the school in the form of bagpipes for the school’s iconic Pipes and Drums Band. Not only did Mrs Meikle pass her exam but the sponsorship money has allowed the school to buy five new sets of bagpipes for the students.

A Trustee of the grant-making trust – NFL, Treasurer of the Educational Trust Forum and Governor of King Edward’s School, Witley, Mrs Meikle will continue in these roles and her involvement in education.

Of her time at Gordon’s, Mrs Meikle said: “We are a non-selective state school but with independent school pastoral care, cocurricular opportunities and expectations. I do get a buzz from helping young people and from making sure that a school’s resources are used to best effect. It’s been the right place to be – it’s what I like”.

She also cherishes the school’s reputation within Surrey and its standing, its links with Sudan and its heritage – “There can’t be many other Bursars that can say they have been to Khartoum and learned Arabic” she laughed.

As to what she will do at the start of the new academic year, when she finally hands over the reigns, she quickly retorts: “Go on holiday!”.

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ACHIEVEMENTS

ART R Parsons - A Level artwork selected for the Royal Academy of Art’s Summer Collection 2023 D Bailey - Winner of the Prince’s Teaching Institute National Christmas Card Competition 2022 ATHLETICS M Eastman - Selected for British Athletics Youth Talent Programme 2022-24 for ranking in the top 20 for high jump R Rowe - Discus Winner - English Schools Competition, 2022 F Rose - Discus Winner - English Schools Competition, 2022 F Allen-Dale - Discus Winner - English Schools Competition, 2022 BADMINTON A Shobin - Selected for U16 Surrey County Team, 2022 COMBINED CADET FORCE L Nunes - Appointed one of His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, 2022 L Nunes - Awarded the ACPS (Air Cadets Pilot Scholarship) by the RAF, 2022 COOKERY M Brock - Winner of the Regional Final of the Future Chef competition, 2022 CREATIVE WRITING Z Legge - Winner of the Massolit Video Essay Competition in association with Brasenose College, Oxford, 2023 Z Legge - Highly Commended and in the top 100 finalists for the international Foyle Young Poets of the Year award, 2022 G Jones - First place in the 11-13 age group for Prose in the Rotary Young Writer Competition, 2022 E Wilkins - First place in the 11-13 age group for a Poem in the Rotary Young Writer Competition, 2022 I Depoix - First place in the 14-17 age group for Prose in the Rotary Young Writer Competition, 2022 Z Legge - First place in the 14-17 age group for a Poem in the Rotary Young Writer Competition, 2022 CRICKET L Thabrew - Selected for Surrey County Cricket’s U18s Girls County Cricket Programme 2023 A Shaw-Hales - Captained the Guildford Hub, the winning side, in the MCC National Hub T20 Competition at Lord’s 2023 I Moors - Played for the Guildford Hub, the winning side, in the MCC National Hub T20 Competition at Lord’s 2023 H Kohli - Awarded Surrey Cricket’s Bedser Scholarship, 2023 T Norman - Awarded Surrey Cricket’s Bedser Scholarship, 2022 F Rose - Selected for the U13 Surrey Cricket Club Winter programme, 2022 J Hill - Selected for the U14 Surrey Cricket Performance programme, 2022 CROSS COUNTRY K Webb - Ranking of 41 in the UK (Under 20 Women) following Inter-Counties Cross Country Championship 2023 K Webb - Surrey Schools Cross Country Champion Senior Girls 2023 M Hibbins - Selected for Surrey in the Inter-Counties event, 2022 K Webb - Gold Medallist in the Senior 1500 at the English School Cross Country Championships, 2022 DANCING B Walden - Selected to represent England in the Dance World Cup 2023 DISCUS E Gannon - Second place in the U20 English Schools’ Athletic Association Track and Field Championships 2023 E Gannon - First place in the U20 discus competition in the South East Athletics Association track and field competition 2023 E Gannon - First place at an international athletics meeting in Vaxjo, Sweden in 2023, representing England DRAMA M Campbell - Offered a place at Leeds Conservatoire to study as an Actor Musician, 2022 R Knight - Offered a place at Leeds Conservatoire to study Musical Theatre, 2022 G Fowler - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2022 P Schollick - Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Junior Conservatoire, 2022. The Junior Conservatoire offers her classes in

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Acting/Musical Theatre, Singing, Ballet and Jazz. Once in the Junior Conservatoire you have a place until you finish at 18.

EQUESTRIAN M Barnard - NSEA Southern Eventing Champion, 2022 M Barnard - NSEA Championships Finalist, 2022 FOOTBALL S Whitehead - Invited to trial for U18 England Schoolboys Football 2023 First XI - English Schools Football Association (ESFA) finalists, 2022 H Hewson - Offered a place at University of Alabama USA to continue his football career, 2022 H Hewson - Member of Woking U18 Academy, 2022 M Ferdinando - Reading FC U14, 2022 FREESTYLE KAYAKING S Edwards - Selected for GB in the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships 2023 GOLF M Cottrell - Winner of the HMC National Strokeplay Girls’ Individual 2023 Gordon’s Golf Team - Runners up in the National Schools Golf Finals in the Team Gross and Stableford events, 2022 M Cottrell - Finished in sixth place and highest placed home competitor in the Wales Women’s Open Championship and awarded a World Amateur Golf Ranking, 2022 M Cottrell - National HMC Strokeplay Champion 2022 at The Berkshire GC D Mumford - joint first place in Schools Golf Stableford at Berkhamsted GC, 2022 Z Mathews - joint first place in Schools Golf Stableford at Berkhamstead GC, 2022 C Jean - Qualified for the World Junior Golf Championship, 2022 C Jean - Finished in seventh place in the European Golf Championship U14, 2022 C Jean - Qualified for the World Junior Golf Championship, 2022 M Cottrell - Selected for Wales to play in the Wales v Ireland Challenge Match, March 2022 E Kircher - Girls U18 Captain at Windlesham, 2022 E Kircher - Surrey U18 and South of England, 2022 J Kircher - Home Nations Final in Portugal, 2022 GYMNASTICS O Gill - Selected for the Great Britain team for the 2022 European Championships in Luxembourg HOCKEY S Mathur - Selected for the Surrey U15 Hockey 2023 B Pio - Selected for England Hockey Talent Academy 2022-3 and 2023-4 B Pio - Selected for England Hockey DiSE Programme 2023 C Falconer - Selected for Scotland in the U18 European Championship 2023 S Mathur - Selected for Surrey U14 Hockey Squad, 2022 N Schollick - Selected for Surrey U17 Hockey, 2022 L Griffiths-Jones - Selected for South Wales Hockey Performance Centre C Falconer - Selected for the England DiSE Programme T Kerr - Selected for the England DiSE Programme M Cottrell - Selected for the Scottish National Emerging Girls’ Hockey Squad, 2022 C Falconer - Captained Scotland in the series against England in July 2022 C Falconer - Selected for the Scottish National Girls’ Hockey Squad, 2022 J Beard - Selected for Hampshire County Hockey Squad C Morgan - Selected for Hampshire County Hockey U17 2022 and 2023 ICE HOCKEY T Flannery - Silver Medal at the U12 National Ice Hockey Finals as part of the Basingstoke team, 2022 KARTING K Rao - Ranked 9th in the country for Karting following the British Kart Championships in 2022 KAYAKING S Edwards - Selected for the GB Freestyle Kayaking Team MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) H Gordon - Distinguished Delegate - Reigate Grammar MUN Conference 2023 J Goate - Highly Commended at Reigate Grammar MUN Conference 2023

H Donaldson-Sinclair - Highly Commended at Reigate Grammar MUN Conference 2023 E Bailey - Highly Commended at Reigate Grammar MUN Conference 2023 H Donaldson-Sinclair- Highly Commended at Royal Grammar School MUN Conference, 2022.

H Gordon - Highly Distinguished at the Reigate Grammar School MUN Conference, 2022 E Watson, O Knight and A Torrington - Highly commended at Reigate MUN Conference, 2022.

H Donaldson-Sinclair - Best Delegate of his committee at the Reigate Grammar School MUN Conference, 2022

P Dixon - Selected as Reserve for England U21 Squad for Europe Netball, 2022 J Pechova - Squad member of the England Roses National Academy, 2021-22 P Dixon - Squad member of the England Roses National Academy - 2020-21 and 2021-22

MUSIC Semper Fidelis Choir - Winner of the Ford North Cup for U19 Schools and College Choirs, Woking Music Festival 2023 E and L Flynn - Winners of the Instrumental Duo Category, Woking Music Festival 2023 K Brazendale and J Murphy - First place in the U19 Vocal Duet category, Woking Music Festival 2023 A Lee - First place in the Senior String category, Woking Music Festival 2023 A Lee - Winner of the Readings Cup, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - First place in the Pop category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - First place in the Folk category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - First place in the Vocal Solo category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - First place in the Composition category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - Winner of the Hilliger Memorial Cup (U19 Solo), Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - Winner of the Ryde Cup (Musical - U19 years), Woking Music Festival 2023 K Brazendale - First place in the Christmas Carol category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - First place (Pop/Jazz U19) Woking Music Festival, 2022 E Hallett - Winner of the Hilliger Memorial Cup (U19 Solo) Woking Music Festival, 2022 A Kermeen - First place (Folk Song U19) Woking Music Festival, 2022 A Kermeen - Winner of the Ryde Cup at Woking Music Festival, 2022 A Kermeen - Winner of the Newman Cup at Woking Music Festival, 2022

ROWING J Clarke - Winner of the single scull in the Ball Cup at Dorney’s Olympic Lake 2023 I Spink and M Hewetson - Winners of the J16 double sculls at the Ethan Regatta, 2022

MUSICAL THEATRE K Brazendale - First place in the Music Theatre U16 category, Woking Music Festival 2023 E Hallett - Winner of Pop/Jazz title and U19 Solo Cup at the Woking Music Festival, 2022 A Kermeen - Winner of the Newman Cup at the Woking Musical Festival, 2022 A Kermeen - Winner of the Ryde Cup (U19 for a musical after 1970), 2022 A Kermeen - Winner of the Newman Cup in Musical Theatre (U19), 2022 NETBALL C Lille - Selected for Scotland Netball U19 Squad 2023 C Lille - Selected for Surrey Storm U21 Squad 2023 A Griffiths - Awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the U13 Category in the World Schools Netball Cup 2023 J Robson - Selected for U13 Berkshire County Netball 2023 J Butler - Selected for U13 Berkshire County Netball 2023 A Griffiths - Selected for U13 Berkshire County Netball 2023 E Hill - Saracens Mavericks NPL and England Netball Roses Academy, 2022 S Bodell - Scotland U17 Squad, 2022 L Lomas - Surrey Storm U17 NPL Squad, 2022 A Lomas - Selected for U15 Berkshire County Netball Team, 2022 T Dlamini - Surrey Storm U19 Aspire, 2022 E Price - London Pulse U17, 2022 J Pechova - Captain for England U17 England Invitational side in the Europe Netball U17 Championships, 2022 P Dixon - Selected for England U17 England Invitational side in the Europe Netball U17 Championships, 2022 S Bodell - Selected for Surrey Storm U17s North Surrey Academy, 2022 L Lomas - Selected for Surrey Storm U17s North Surrey Academy, 2022 J Pechova - Selected for England U21 Squad for Europe Netball, 2022

PUBLIC SERVICE R Roberts - Awarded a Girdlers’ Medallion, 2022 PUBLIC SPEAKING C Falconer, C Franklin and N Schollick - National Semi-Finalists of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition.

RUGBY D Roden - Selected for the Welsh Exiles 2023 B Webb - Selected for England U18 Training Squad 2023 O Streeter - Selected for England U18 Training Squad 2023 Z Robb - Selected for England U18 Training Squad 2023 C Newing - Selection for Surrey U16 Rugby Team 2023 Z Robb - Selection for England U18 Tour to South Africa - 2023 Z Robb - Selected for the England U17s Development Training Camp, 2023 E Addai - Selected for the England U17s Development Training Camp, 2023 T Currie - Selected for the England U18 Development Camp South, 2022 C Ashworth - Selected for England U18s in Six Nations against France, 2022 T Golder - Selected for Wales U18s Training Squad, 2022 T Teriba - Selected for England U18s Training Squad, 2022 SAILING K Wyatt - Selected for the ILCA6 British Youth Sailing Performance Squad 2023-4 K Wyatt - Selected to represent Great Britain in the ILCA 4 Youth World Championships in Portugal, 2022 K Wyatt - Qualified for European and World Champions, 2022 SHOOTING H Chedd, Z Chedd and J West - Gold Medallists in the British Shooting Schools Competition, 2022 J West - Gold Medal in the Intermediate Section of the British Shooting Schools Competition, 2022 Z Chedd - Winner of the Junior 10m Air Rifle Category South East Region, 2022 J West - Winner of the Intermediate 10m Air Rifle Category South East Region, 2022 SWIMMING A Platt - Won silver in the 50 metre freestyle in the Swim England National Summer Meet 2023 A Platt - Broke Woking Swimming Club’s ten year club record in the U12 50m Freestyle in 2022 with a time of 28.69.

J Thompson - Gold medal in the 100m breastroke in the Surrey Schools Individual Swimming Championships, 2022 B Platt - Silver Medal for the 50m Freestyle at the National Arena League, 2022 A Platt - Silver Medal in the 50m Freestyle at the National Arena League, 2022 TAE KWON-DO J Mostert - Silver medal winner in the Boys’ Light Weight Division in the TAGB Welsh International Open Tae Kwon-Do Championships 2022 WAKEBOARDING M O’Toole - Winner of both the U14 Boat and Cable Wakeboarding National Finals, 2023 M O’Toole - selected for both the GB Boat and Cable Wakeboarding GB teams for 2023 for the World and European Championships 2023 M O’Toole - National Wakeboarding Champion. Selected for World Championships in Thailand, coming seventh in the Open Men’s Wakeskate, 2022 WRITING O Knight - Senior winner of the local heats of the Rotary Young Writer Competition 2023 J Sherpa - Intermediate winner of the local heats of the Rotary Young Writer Competition 2023

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A Coronation Colour Run to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation.

GORDON’S SCHOOL

BAGSHOT ROAD, WEST END, SURREY GU24 9PT Tel: 01276 858084 WWW.GORDONS.SCHOOL