Semper Fidelis Edition 9

SEMPER FIDELIS

Red, white and blue as Gordon’s celebrates its new Patron, His Majesty King Charles with the Patron’s Parade followed by a patriotic colour run.

page picture by Cristina Ferdinando

King Charles is School’s New Patron

HMKing Charles has accepted the Patronage of Gordon’s School, continuing the tradition of the reigning Sovereign’s Patronage since Queen Victoria became its first Patron in 1885.

The school was chosen after an analysis of over 1,000 patronages held by the late Queen Elizabeth II and came as Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla marked the first anniversary of their Coronation.

Gordon’s School began as Gordon’s Boys’ Home and was built by public subscription after Queen Victoria demanded a fitting tribute to General Gordon following his death in 1885 in Khartoum. The home for ‘necessitous’ boys was, and today as the school remains, the National Memorial to the philanthropic war hero.

The boys’ home evolved into a school for boys before admitting girls in 1990. It is now one of this country’s most successful schools and was recently awarded a seventh ‘Outstanding’ OFSTED inspection. It attracts students from all over the world and excels in academic, sport and creative arts achievements.

The late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh attended the school’s centenary celebrations in 1985 and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit and together with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, generously donated to the Centenary Appeal Fund, which raised over £300,000 to modernise school buildings.

While HM King Charles has not visited Gordon’s, his brother the Duke of Edinburgh last came to the school in January 2023 to open the new Sports Hub.

Gordon’s Headmaster Andrew Moss said: “We are honoured and delighted that His Majesty King Charles has accepted the Patronage of Gordon’s and is continuing this historical tradition. We look forward to welcoming our new Sovereign Patron to the school in the future”.

His Majesty the King is the new Patron of Gordon’s School.

Pictured is his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who visited with the late Duke of Edinburgh in 1985 for the school’s centenary celebrations.

A new chapter in Gordon’s history as the board outside the school is amended to read Patron HM The King.

The Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to Gordon’s in 2023 to officially open the new Sports Hub.

Pipes, Drums and

Parades

Memorial Weekend at the end of January saw students in Years 9 and 11 bringing Whitehall to a standstill as they marched behind the Pipes and Drums to the statue of General Gordon in the Victoria Embankment Gardens.

Wreaths were laid at the statue on behalf of the Gordon family by Tom Gordon; for the Gordonians by Josh Buckland and for Governors, Trustees, Staff and Students by Colour Sergeant Ioan Wilson.

Bugler Ben Hallett from the school sounded the Last Post and the Reveille, and The Lament was played by the Pipe Major Harry Gordon.

The following day, on Sunday 28th January, on what would have been General Gordon’s 191st birthday, the whole school attended the Gordon Memorial Service in Guildford Cathedral.

The Bishop of Guildford, The Right Reverend Andrew Watson preached the Gordon Sermon, based on Matthew 3:13-17, Philippians 1:12-21 in which he asked ‘Who do you think you are?’. The sermon included references to the TV show with the same title and he referenced General Gordon saying:

“General Gordon was more a man of action than a literary man, but there was one sentence in particular that he underlined again and again in his battered old Bible – a sentence from today’s first reading: ‘For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain’. A purpose in living. A hope in dying. The secret of General Gordon’s bravery, along with the bravery of millions around the planet today, was simply this: that the man on a camel followed the man on a cross.”

Pipe Major Harry Gordon again played The Lament and the School Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright led the congregation in the School Prayer:

O God our Heavenly Father, we thank you for General Gordon, for his courage and devotion to the sick, the needy and to children. We thank you for this School, dedicated to his memory. Bless the Gordon Foundation, the Governors, the Staff, the past and present students and grant that all of us, like your servant General Gordon, may always be loyal soldiers of the King of kings, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pipes and Drums

Whitehall Parade will always be one of the biggest highlights of the Band's calendar and this year was no exception. It was great to see so many Gordonians that had been in the Band come back to support. We were fortunate enough to have The Times newspaper come in to school to photograph the Band ahead of the Parade, which went in their online edition of the paper on the Saturday morning of the Parade itself. Pipe Major Harry Gordon remembered General Gordon admirably, with a great rendition of The Flowers of the Forest both at the foot of the Statue of General Gordon and at Guildford Cathedral for the Memorial Service.

The month of Remembrance was certainly honoured by the Pipes and Drums. Now an annual occurrence, we kick-started events off at Brookwood Last Post at the RAF Memorial in Brookwood Military Cemetery where we were joined by many local dignitaries and local Scout groups. It was then back to Cannon Street Station to join other pipers and drummers to play to commuters for London Poppy Day in order to raise funds for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Day. Then on Remembrance Sunday itself, we had several pipers representing the School in different communities to mark Remembrance

Sunday: Rory Green played for Aldershot Garrison's Remembrance Sunday; Harry Wynne played at St John's in Woking; Lily Ann Prince and Georgina Fowler played for Tadpole Garden Village Remembrance Parade; Beiyee Zhou played at Sherfield on Loddon; and Logan Green played for the Lighting the Graves at Aldershot Military Cemetery. Last but not least, we upheld the Remembrance Parade we have done for over 100 years: Chobham Remembrance Parade. We then returned to Cove School on the Monday after Remembrance Sunday to join them in their Remembrance morning.

In amongst all that, as if it weren't busy enough, we had the absolute honour of taking part in the Lord Mayor's Show in London on 11th November 2023 which was televised live on BBC, it first being broadcast in 1937 making it the longest running television broadcast worldwide. The only time the Band have had the privilege of doing this before was back in 2008, so it was great to be able to return once more, especially as the New Lord Mayor, Michael Mainelli, is reported to be a big fan of bagpipes. This was not your typical school parade; three miles one way and three miles back, students did marvellously having never had to do a parade so demanding. The sun shone bright for us and, despite the demands, students shone and it will certainly be a Band highlight for years to come.

On 26th January, we were invited to be a part of opening proceedings at Sandown Racecourse for their Grand Military Cup Race Day. We were joined by Sandhurst Military Band as well as the Choir and Pacestickers of the Chelsea Pensioners. In attendance was the next Chief of General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO, who came to personally thank the Band for their performance. This started a busy weekend for the Pipes and Drums which also saw individual pipers attend many Burns Night events locally, with ten of our pipers out representing the School at various locations.

Some members of the Pipes and Drums returned to Kilmarnock on 10th March 2024 to take part in the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships at the William McIlvanney Campus. There were 24 in our grade, Novice Juvenile B; the biggest entry that we’d ever competed in. Whilst we weren’t successful, the Band’s performances at these contests continue to go from strength to strength, this performance being the best yet at a competition. We were also fortunate enough to be able to perform in the Freestyle contest at this competition for the first time. There were a few technical issues at the start of the performance, but in true Gordon’s fashion, students persevered and just cracked on, showing true resilience and musicianship. It was another memorable, team bonding weekend.

In December the Pipes and Drums played a few carols at Pirbright Village Primary School’s Winter Fair and the GSPA Christmas Fair. Keeping our link with the American Battle Monuments Commission at Brookwood Cemetery, Rory Green attended on 16th December to play the Lament at a ceremony they had whereby wreaths were laid against all the headstones.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, we gave ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent a go and sent in a video entry. Drums, bagpipes, UV lights, neon sticks and appendages, flashing lights – you name it we put it into our version of Blinding Lights by The Weekend. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be; however a big shout out to all the students for what we think was a fabulous performance and their diligence in getting it all together.

Finally, we returned to the prestigious event in every school’s rugby calendar for Rosslyn Park National School 7s. We opened the event, playing players on to the pitch for the very first game. After that we marched around the event in between the various pitches; however our brogues had seen better days by the end of it. Next year we will look to invest in tartan wellies!

Iona Scotson (Mrs) Senior Pipe Major at Gordon’s School

Around the Houses: Augusta House - From Skating at The Palace to Reindeer Hoopla on the Parade Square

Thelead up to Christmas was busy with the GSPA Christmas Fair, ice skating at Hampton Court, year group Christmas lunches, secret Santa, the Sixth Form Dance Off, Carol Services and the boarders’ Christmas lunch and party.

In collaboration with Windsor House, we ran a reindeer hoopla for the Christmas Fair, which was well attended, and the money raised went towards supporting our wonderful GSPA with all the great work that they do. On the same weekend approximately 150 students departed for Hampton Court to enjoy an afternoon of ice skating. The students had a wonderful afternoon skating in the surroundings of the picturesque palace and warmed up with a hot chocolate afterwards.

For the second year in a row, we came out on top, winning the annual gingerbread house decorating competition – congratulations must go to Tabitha Daubney for all her efforts and fantastic decorating skills. The Sixth Form girls also did us proud when they collaborated with Khartoum and were placed second in the dance off competition, with all students showing excellent commitment to rehearsals!

Full boarders gathered for carols in the chapel just before the end of term, followed by a wonderful Christmas meal and quiz in the dining hall. We send a huge thanks to the catering department who put on a great spread. At the end of the meal Mr Cooper did the golden ticket draw and I am delighted to announce that Jess Wynne-Hughes won the £100 Virgin Experience voucher for always being courteous and enthusiastic. She is an excellent role model, and this was well-deserved.

In the evening, we hosted our Augusta Christmas party which was organised by our senior Heads of House and prefects. The girls really enjoyed all the party games on offer, for which they competed against each other in their family groups; I am pleased to say that Orchids came out on top to win a tub of heroes for their family to share.

The Spring Term also had lots to offer with trips to Coral Reef, Jump In, various sporting events, mini golf, shopping trips, and Thorpe Park to name a few. Highlights included the Coral Reef trip and Jump In, which were great ways to let off some steam and have fun with friends.

At the time of writing this we are looking forward to hosting our first casino night for students in Years 11-13 and many are looking forward to the trip to Thorpe Park.

Our students have had many accomplishments so far this year; on the stage in the production of ‘Sweet Charity’, on a sporting front, academically and with leadership responsibilities. We are very proud of all they have achieved and look forward to their continued success.

Angela Mathews Augusta Houseparent

Around the Houses: Balmoral HousePulling Together

Nobetter illustration of Balmoral House pulling together than through the Sunrise to Sunset Challenge, which saw every student and member of staff take to the ergo in the common room to row for charity. A sterling effort, which raised over £600 for the school’s charities, The Camelthorn Foundation; Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY); Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The last year has also shown great development and progress in Balmoral House. The students have a sense of belonging and an environment where they feel safe and valued and this was evident in the Point in Time Surveys.

Newly-capped England U18 Six Nations player Elliot Williams does his stint in the Balmoral House ‘Sunrise to Sunset’ row for charity.

There are two values I ask of every student and every member of staff:

1. To show good manners all the time to staff and to peers

2. To try your best in everything you do

With these two values being introduced throughout the year, I firmly believe they have contributed to the success of the House in terms of sporting and Inter-House success, but also to the behaviour and the approach to Balmoral life shown by the boys. This then carries through to their academic studies, and has also been highlighted with their effort and behaviour reports.

As a staff we like to lead from the front and this approach means ensuring we are also going above and beyond to create a friendly and safe environment. The Balmoral House staff continue to be fantastic and all the boys respect and appreciate their hard work.

Balmoral has won Inter-House competitions, where all of the boys have demonstrated a will to win and also the ability to work as a team to encourage and support each other. It is always pleasing that every boy has represented the House in something.

House Trips so far this year have been:

Year 8 - Camberley Bowling and Laser Tag

Year 9 and 10 – TeamSport Go-Karting

Year 11 – Meal out at Tangs, Bracknell

Year 12 and 13 – Curry nights at Lightwater

Combined House trips have included Thorpe Park, Thorpe Lake, Kickx, paintballing, Kingston and Westfield Shopping and Coral Reef.

Paul King

Balmoral Houseparent

raised for school charities

Over £600

by the Balmoral boys in their Sunrise to Sunset rowing challenge!

Around the Houses: Buckingham HouseWink Murder, Dance

Off and Easter Eggs!

Aswe turn our calendars back to December, we were eagerly awaiting the year group Christmas parties. This year, Buckingham boys hunted for ducks hidden around the House (some of which were hidden in the tortoise vivarium, and others were still being found in forgotten nooks and crannies in January!). Some groups tested their general knowledge in our annual Christmas Quiz and others played party games – using chopsticks to move tiny sweets from one bowl to another, and finding out who can lick their elbow were highlights, not to mention Wink Murder!

Meanwhile, the Sixth Form boys competed in the Sixth Form Dance Off competition. Once more, Buckingham benefited from the choreography talents of Kensington House girls and wowed the judges with their dancing talents. Noah and Harry L were stand-out participants, whose enthusiasm went a long way to impressing the judges!

On our return to school in January Years 9-11 enjoyed the House trip to Ninja Warrior in Guildford. We tested our core strength by climbing, balancing and swinging across the obstacles and inflatables, and a few intrepid explorers braved the Warped Wall. We used up all our energy and thoroughly enjoyed the pizza, nachos and other snacks at the end of our session.

Inter-House Hockey was held at the end of January and is always a hotly contested event. For some boys, this is their first introduction to hockey, and for others it’s an opportunity to show off their considerable skills. Whatever their skill level, Buckingham boys are always competitive and keen to get stuck in. Well done, all!

Memorial Weekend is a busy time and the build-up with additional parade practices is intense. For Noah and Alex, the Whitehall Parade was the culmination of their 12 month stint as House Captain and House Sergeant, and they led the Year 9 and Year 11 boys with huge pride and composure. The Pipes and Drums Band excelled, and we are very proud of all the Buckingham boys who give their time and energy to such an impressive group of musicians.

Adam and Divaker, joined by Aaryan as Drill Sergeant, took over from Noah and Alex and formed our new Drill Team from February’s Parade. We are grateful to them for their service to the House and wish them well in their new roles.

Our Year 7-8 Debating team were in action for Inter-House Debating and whilst their arguments were impressive, and they had spent considerable time practising their speeches, they didn’t make it through to the finals this time. Nevertheless, the boys enjoyed their treat of pizza for having participated in this nervewracking event.

Noah, Elliot W, Owen, Luke, Ollie B-G, Henry R-H, Alex N, Lucas and James W on Tech, representing Buckingham for Inter-House Drama, worked hard to create an original piece on the theme, “Who am I?”. Rehearsals were squeezed into every possible spare moment and the team were placed third in the competition, which was an excellent result.

Dom and Joseph R did great things on behalf of Buckingham for Key Stage 4-5 Inter-House Cooking, and we recommend you keep away from our professional snipers, James W and Oscar, as they won the KS4 Inter-House Shooting by a large margin!

As we broke up for Easter after a very busy Spring Term, we were rewarded with chocolate Easter Eggs, which we all appreciated. Thank you to our House Team for looking after us so well!

Jamie Sinclair Head of Buckingham House

Around the Houses: China House - House Trips, Competitions

and a Win for Pending

Pigs

W hat a busy few months we have had here in China! In the lead up to Christmas, there were parties, quizzes, cake decorating, Sixth Form Dance Off and delicious Christmas meals served by our fantastic catering team for all year groups. Our new Junior Prefects were announced and congratulations to Jess, Lizzie, Isabelle, and Phoebe who were presented with their ties in the last assembly of the year.

In January, the girls taking part in the Memorial Weekend, were professional to the end, looking their smartest and marching perfectly. After the service at Guildford Cathedral, Cara stepped down as House Captain and Esme took over the role. She is joined by Charlotte as House Sergeant and Maya as Drill Sergeant. I think we have a strong leadership there, to possibly take us to a Longmoor win later in the year.

The girls, once again, fully embraced the Inter-House competitions. In Art they were tasked with recreating a movie poster of their choice. The girls chose the film Birds of Prey and with Year 13 Ella leading the group, and Year 13 Georgia playing the part of Harley Quinn, they came in third place. Drama came next with 20 girls, led by Year 13s Georgie, producing a piece from the musical School of Rock. Their singing and dancing were outstanding and their dedication to rehearsals was admirable. In a very tough competition, the girls placed fourth. Football produced some amazing teamwork and goals. Year 8 Azra and Year 10 Izzy won players of the tournament medals and we finished in second place overall. Our older girls put their culinary skills to the test and Year 13 Eden and Year 12 Nerys took up the challenge in the Rustle Up competition. The girls had a basic larder of ingredients and knew they would be given a mystery one on the day, which was coconut milk. They produced some lovely pineapple and coconut cupcakes and made pasta from scratch with a coconut and vegetable sauce. Their fantastic effort was rewarded with third place. In the Key Stage 4 Inter-House shooting Year 10 Jess and Year 11 Abi, took to the range and, for the first time, came in first place.

The House families continue to bond, and the girls have taken part in the charity coin trial, basketball, Mario kart, Tetris Tower, paper airplanes and pancakes to name a few. Congratulations to the Pending Pigs for being the winning family this term. The campaign to represent the House as our Student Governor, was well fought, with five girls looking for voters, Charlotte (Year 11), Jess M, Jess F and Phoebe (Year 10) and Grace (Year 9). On voting day, we used a classroom as a polling station and all the girls were issued with a ballot paper. The results were very close, and Charlotte will now be our Student Governor.

February saw the start of the House trips, and Year 7, Year 10, Year 11 and the Sixth Form, all going to Jump In. Year 8s went to The Spectrum and showed off some awesome bowling skills and Year 9 braved the Escape Rooms, with all girls successfully getting free.

Heidi Doe, Head of China House

Around the Houses: Gravesend House - House Trips, Competitions and New Leaders

2023 drew to a close with our final House trip for Year 9. The boys took on the Challenge of the Ninja Warrior Assault Course in Guildford. This was an enjoyable evening, and we were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves.

The new year saw the Year 10 to 13 students go the Teamsport go-karting track in Farnborough. Congratulations to our race winners Joshua, Harry and Jake.

The weather for the Memorial weekend in January was lovely and made the parade along Whitehall all the more special. It was the last time that Karan and Jake led the House, and they did a great job. The new positions of responsibility have been decided this term and Nick and Sam take over the reins of leading the House at marching. Bayan has become our new Student Governor, voted in by the boys in the House. We have also welcomed our new Junior Prefects, Fraser, Dylan, Monty and Leo in Year 10.

There has been a busy schedule of Inter-House Competitions during the Spring Term. Highlights include the Art event which was to recreate a famous movie poster. Our ‘Usual Suspects’ poster was awarded second place overall. Thank you to Kishoar, Felix, Dan, Daniel and Jack for getting involved. Our Year 7 team were winners in the Inter-House Hockey Competition. James and Charles did a great job producing a tasty curry dish in the ‘Rustle Up’ Cooking Competition. Our team of budding actors also produced a thought-provoking performance in the Inter-House Drama evening, that centered around our main character who was suffering with dementia.

Pool and table tennis have continued to be very popular activities in the House. We have completed intra-House competitions in both this term and Ethan has come out the winner of both events, so a massive congratulations to him. We have also had the pool table re-clothed in Gravesend Royal Blue; this has resulted in an increase in the overall standard of play amongst the boys.

Finally, Gravesend was awarded second place in the World Book Day story-writing competition. The House has received £25 worth of book tokens to spend on books for the House.

Gary Knight Head of Gravesend

House

Around the Houses: Pulling the Strings in Kensington

The

end of the Autumn Term culminated with activities and celebrations of Christmas, which for Kensington House included running a Christmas pull-a-string-stall at the Gordon’s Christmas Fayre, House parties and Christmas dinners. We were also able to enjoy a wonderful skating evening at Hampton Court Palace which really set us up in the Christmas spirit.

As is usual in the new year, after the Gordon Memorial weekend in January, our Year 13 girls stood down after an excellent year as House prefects. Year 12 students took over their duties with aplomb with Immie Spink and Eva Kelly leading us in their first parade as House Captain and Sergeant and Jemima Robinson and Izzy Lees taking over as joint Heads of House.

Thanks to all the Kensington girls’ continued great efforts and team work we have enjoyed Spring Term success across InterHouse competitions notably Debating, Orienteering and Drama. We were also delighted that so many Kensington girls were in the cast of the school production ‘Sweet Charity’ at the end of January. Charity herself was played by Alice Kermeen with other stars of stage including: Ciara Meaney, Ava Murray, Ella Richardson, Naima Ben-Gashir, Kate Brazendale, Ellie Fleming, Sienna Phipps, Imogen Heng, Isla Simpson, Maya Sinclair and Poppy Williams.

Every second Friday in break time the girls met in their Kensington Family Groups. The families are led by our Year 12 girls who have done a great job with their groups and this term led their families in a series of competitions including: Mario Kart, a scavenger hunt, Kahoot quiz and musical chairs. There was even a ‘hunt -the -heart’ competition in the week before Valentine’s Day and hunt the Easter egg competition before the end of term! These were created by our Year 12 girls who were then able to relax together on a rather frightening horror escape room evening to celebrate!

We look forward to enjoying even more fun and success in the Summer Term.

Kate Connery Head of Kensington House

Around the Houses: Khartoum House -

Inter-House Wins and House Charity Gains

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Khartoum is very much a dysfunctional family that WORKS!!

True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance. We hope that all the boys in Khartoum find who they truly are and how they can impact and change not just those around them but the wider world. Khartoum is built on resilience and being the House that likes to triumph over adversity.

Year 10 sat their first set of mocks in the Rec ready for GCSEs. We had Inter-House drama, Maths, Orienteering and Art, and the carnage of Inter-House Hockey.

As always the boys stood up to be counted, our Year 10s had a session on positive mental attitude and were told to believe that they could actually beat the other Houses at whatever they put their minds to, whilst still a work in progress we finished level on points with Buckingham and Sandringham and the boys did not lose a game, only missing out on goal difference. Its amazing what a little belief will do. Year 7 excelled, Year 8 just missed out, Year 9 dominated and Year 11 put on a show for the ages. The boys never shirk responsibilities and put their heart and soul into everything they do.

Year 11 and 9 joined the Whitehall Parade in January and marched as if it was Longmoor. The boys looked amazing on the crisp winter’s morning.

Khartoum won Inter-House Drama, yet again proving that the House is not all about sport. The drama cup has been renamed the Ned Hewson cup for his brilliantly put together comedy piece, on who am I and phobias. The man the legend got a crack team of students together and truly delivered on what is notoriously one of the harder competitions to win. WELL DONE ALL involved.

The boys continued to raise money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) our House charity and have raised over £400 so far this year with the sale of our Khartoum beanies. Next up baseball caps that bleed burgundy!

The hardest part of the term has been losing our beloved Mrs Mosdell for a term and half. I know that both parents and the boys were shocked when I had to announce that Mrs would be taking an extended leave of absence whilst she devoted time to her health. For the spring and summer terms I will be flying solo.

I hope the boys can stand it and we dedicate everything we achieve to our beloved Mrs. Get well soon, hurry back because we all miss you.

As we embark on exam season we wish our Year 11s and 13s all the best. Year 13 are as ready as they ever will be and I shall embrace our last term together, I have nothing but respect for the way they conduct themselves and the determination to succeed.

Good luck boys.

Jonathan Griffiths Head of Khartoum House

Around the Houses: Exciting Adventures and Bridesmaids in Sandringham

As we wrap up another eventful term, it's time to reflect on the fantastic moments that have filled our days and look ahead to the exciting adventures awaiting us!

Our Christmas parties brought joy and laughter to every corner of Sandringham, marking the end of the year with warmth and cheer. It was a time to celebrate friendship, good food, and the spirit of the season. Although victory eluded us in the Sixth Form DanceOff, our incredibly talented dancers showcased their skills and passion, leaving everyone mesmerised by their performances. Win or lose, we're immensely proud of their dedication and artistry!

Year 9s and 11s continued our proud tradition as they marched through the historic streets of London in Whitehall for Memorial Weekend. It's a poignant reminder of our commitment to honour and remember General Gordon.

During Children's Mental Health Week, we prioritised the well-being of our boys with various activities, including a rejuvenating pamper session with meditation. They learned that it's essential to nurture both body and mind, and we're glad to provide spaces for relaxation and self-care.

Our Inter-House art competition saw boys unleashing their creativity with budget dressmaking, culminating in a hilarious remake of the film ‘Bridesmaids’. From designing to posing, their enthusiasm and innovation were truly inspiring!

Together, Sandringham House continue to make memories, nurture talents, and embrace every opportunity that comes their way!

Nathalie Webb, Sandringham Houseparent

Around the Houses: Victoria House

Celebrations, Competitions and Pancakes

Asalways, the end of the Autumn Term was filled with celebrations. To mark the end of their first term at Gordon’s, our Year 7 got to know their Year 8 buddies a little better with an evening of bowling at Guildford Spectrum. We also hosted House parties and festive coffee mornings for each year group which saw the girls play seasonal games, test their knowledge in a Christmas quiz and show off their skills with yule log decorating.

Following a well-deserved Christmas break, the girls returned to a fun-packed and exciting Spring Term! Inter-House competitions, mock exams and House trips have certainly kept us busy. We also had lots of fun outside school with our Year 7-11s visiting Jump In trampoline park whilst our Sixth Form girls found clues and solved puzzles to complete their escape room missions.

In House, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a pancake bar, Easter with a chocolate eggs quiz and highlighted Mental Health Week with a series of daily activities. With our intra-House families well established, the girls have continued to earn points each week for their family with their volunteering hours, Inter-House participation, classroom commendations and participation in one of our many family challenges.

Some of our Year 11 and Year 12 girls have taken on new roles of responsibilities in House this term and they are doing a great job supporting the House staff whilst gaining hours towards their voluntary service. With each Parade, we see our Year 7 and Year 8 girls grow in confidence with their marching skills and we are super proud of our new House Captains Isla and Keira-Nell and our Drill Sergeants Angelica A and Skye, helping to make sure the girls look amazing on Parade days. Our new Junior Prefects Isabelle, Katie, Ella and Rachel and our Senior House Prefects Sophie, Natalie, Luci, Maddie B and Angelica W have also started their new roles and the whole House was thrilled when it was announced that the new School Deputy Head Girl for 2024 is our lovely Isabel.

The girls never cease to impress and make us proud with their commitment, enthusiasm and diligence. They have continued with their sporting and creative arts successes, finishing in first place in the Inter-House Cross-Country, Art, KS3 Story Writing and Football and in second place in Rowing, Debating and Sixth Form Shooting competitions.

Marie Jones, Head of Victoria House

Around the Houses:

Coral Reef and Churros in Windsor

What a great first Christmas we had in Windsor, celebrating with all the girls. We enjoyed decorating the House all together for the first time too! A popular trip off-site was ice skating at Hampton Court at the beginning of December, and huge thanks to all parents and students who gave generously to the GSPA Christmas Fair, who in return have gifted us with an air hockey table and a Switch for the Sixth Form Lodge. Our Christmas stall, shared with Augusta, was all about throwing the hoops onto the reindeer antlers, which caused great hilarity, and then this continued into our year group Christmas parties here in House, playing fun Christmas games, including the Jacob’s Cracker eating challenge and ‘best dressed present’ or ‘best Christmas wrapping paper

dress’ prior to their own year group Christmas dinner which they all devoured! The Sixth Form Dance Off topped it all, with a win for Windsor and Khartoum, getting everyone in the spirit of Christmas, and not forgetting another win for the Windsor girls with the Sixth Form Christmas Cake Design competition….the judges were so impressed with their design!

Just before we broke up for the Christmas holidays, we enjoyed a whole House karaoke session in the lounge, with a final sing a long with Mr Heathcote on the mic before our last roll call of the year in the main House (with a bit of pizza on the side at our own House Christmas party!).

January got us back in the swing of things getting ready for Whitehall, with some training still going on in the background for some of our new students and Year 7s in Woolwich. Huge thanks to our senior students who took them under their wings and helped them, showing

them the right foot… literally!

Memorial Weekend came around quickly, and the sun shone beautifully for us as we watched the girls march down Whitehall…really such a privilege to accompany them, and they looked fantastic!

The rules of netball have been a learning experience for the Heathcote’s watching from the sidelines. We’ve spent four years on the touchline of the rugby and football matches, so it was great to get out there at the start of the year and support our girls in netball, and wow we’ve got some fantastic girls who shoot around those courts!!! It was with great pride that we watched Charlotte and Tamara playing in the England Netball Schools Finals in March. They are an inspiration.

Just to ensure we are all keeping active at the start of the year, the boarders enjoyed a trip to the local swimming pool and slides at Coral Reef, and for those who chose not to

swim….. we made churros in our new kitchen here in House (and believe us…..they are not the easiest thing to make, but they were quite delicious)! We also welcomed our Year 7s from Woolwich to join every so often to enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows so we get to know each other and they are ready to join the senior House in September.

On the return from February Half Term break, we were thrilled to find out that our Ofsted Boarding Inspection result was a resounding ‘Outstanding’ in all areas! Our first inspection as Houseparents, after four years of waiting for it, and we were so grateful to all the girls in House, and to the parents for the wonderful support we were shown at this time. We are now ready for the sun to start shining, as we’ve recently enjoyed another night around the fire pit at the weekend….bring on those summer evenings and all important boarding house memories!

Danielle Heathcote, Head of Windsor House

Around the Houses: Cooking, Sharing and Bonding - Woolwich House

It's widely accepted that a turning point in our evolution was introducing our kill to the lick of a flame. Depending on who you speak to (google or google), 170k-780k years ago we gave ourselves more time to think, create or even post on Instagram because we weren't curled up in the fetal position trying to digest an uncooked rhino.

2024 and we need to find more things to do to fill our time (more of that later) but the essential, communal act of cooking and eating together establishes a bond like no other.

So, this term in Woolwich we have been cooking up a storm in our Cultural Cooking Exchange. Students have been introducing all sorts to the lick of a flame and creating gastronomic treats from their culture for housemates to sample: chatpati, pani puri, cupcakes, mango lassi, red bean mochi, butter chicken and a gooey butter cake.

And with all that other free time available at Gordon's, our students have been excelling in the school sports teams, perfecting their marching and getting involved in all the InterHouse competitions on offer, such as drama, orienteering, debating, football and hockey. Our students have, on a weekly basis, made the school's team of the week, and are sweeping up commendations like coins in Mariokart.

The students are also still in competition for the, admittedly distracting,  Woolwich World Cup. Art, guessing-baby-photosfrom-their-peer-group competition and polystyrene figurine challenge (I know, classic) have all been on offer, and fiercely competed for, in House. The teams are all within touching distance of one another. It's fever pitch.

As if that weren't enough, during weekend downtime the Woolwich faithful have contributed to the Spring Concert in Woking, knocked up a bug hotel in DT club and learned how to DJ.

It's amazing what us humans can fit in now that we have worked out how to slow roast a leg of lamb. Go evolution!

Sam and Daisy Cooper, Woolwich Houseparents

CCF and Duke of Edinburgh’s

Members of the Army CCF preparing for their annual camp, with a shooting day at Pirbright Ranges. The Cadets fired the L98 A2 5.56mm Rifle.

Spring sunshine in the Surrey Hills for both their practise and final expeditions as the whole Year 9 cohort take part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. As well as volunteering and learning a new skill, Bronze Award students are required to complete a two day, one night expedition involving a trek of some 15 miles.

Naval Cadets enjoyed an action-packed Field Day with HMS Collingwood in Portsmouth. First up some team building with a spider’s web –every member of the team having to edge their

way through the sections without touching the rope! Extra activities for those caught with hands in pockets in the form of press ups!

RAF Cadets took over the controls in the air when they went flying in RAF Tutor training aircraft at RAF Benson. As well as being trained on flying the RAF aircraft, they learned how to use a parachute and evacuate the aircraft before a stint on the controls with one attempting aerobatics!

Snow on Dartmoor in March as Storm Nelson joined students on their Ten Tors training. The students camped and hiked in the national park, along with thousands of other teenagers, in preparation for May’s challenge, involving a 35

mile hike across the rough terrain of Dartmoor. Earlier preparation included early morning training three times a week at school to build up fitness levels.

Co-Curricular

Congratulations Jess, on completion of her 50 th Parkrun in January 2024. Also hitting her 50 th , in March was Mair. Parkrun is just one of over 128 co-curricular activities open to students every week. Also popular, especially during the winter evenings is board games.

The student-led Eco Society has relaunched and will work closely with the school’s estate and catering teams. The first initiative of the ‘Go Green to Bleedgreen’ team is to cut food waste and share the financial savings made with Houses.

International Master Andrew Martin came to Gordon’s in December to offer training and advice to students in Year 6 and above. Mr Martin earned his first grandmaster norm in the British Championship of 1997 and set a world record in 2004 for simultaneous chess, facing 321 chess players at the same time and losing just one match! The event attracted students from all over the local area including those from Gordon’s.

Charity

Ahost of golden daffodils for Mothering Sunday. The daffodils were sold to students as gifts for their mothers, by Sandringham House to raise money for Angus’ Army. Thanks to the generosity of the Goldsworth Park Flowerstall, who donated the flowers, all proceeds went to the charity, which not only supports Angus who is undergoing treatment at the Royal Marsden in Sutton, but the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Pictured delivering the blooms is Kim from the Goldsworth Park flowerstall.

Angus’ Army

The fundraising efforts of students and staff in Angus’ Army featured on Greatest Hits Radio news in December. Angus’ Army, formed to support Sandringham student Angus, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Summer 2023, quickly raised almost £20,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This was achieved through running in the Oxford Half Marathon and 100 miles of the South Downs.

Will Bowe, Rojhe Rowe and school Chaplain the Reverend Graham Wright were interviewed about their fundraising by radio journalist and Gordonian Alex Duke of Greatest Hits Radio. Rojhe, who took part in the South Downs run said: "at Gordon's here we're all one big family,

especially as boarders where we constantly live with each other, we go through our highs and lows with each other.

"That sense to be able to stand up and say 'hey, my friend is going through a rough time, I need to really support him' I think that's a good value."

Will described the South Downs run as incredibly difficult.

"ItwasprobablythemosthillyterrainI'veever beeninbefore.Therewasnotasinglesegment offlatground,itwasconstantlyuphill,downhillatonepointtherewasacoupleofpeoplerunning throughsomerivers".

Sandringham House student Frankie Lewis received a certificate from Headmaster Andrew Moss on behalf of Angus’ Army, from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in recognition of the staggering £18,050 Angus’ Army raised through completing the Oxford Half Marathon and a 100 mile run of the South Downs.

Decorating the school Christmas tree, which formed part of the Christmas Tree Festival in aid of Woking and Sam Beare Hospice at the nearby Holy Trinity Church in West End, the school’s youngest boarders in Woolwich House. The students made their own decorations for the Gordon’s tree and then enjoyed looking at others that had sprung up all over the church!

This year, the school embarked on a three year fundraising project for the charity Kids for Kids. While Gordon’s has supported this charity for many years, students will now concentrate even more of the school’s fundraising efforts into the charity, which represents the forgotten children of Darfur, Sudan. The charity adopts communities in their area, loaning them goats and providing donkeys, chickens and handpumps and has helped 110 villages.

In the Spring Term, Davina Patel, Deputy CEO of Kids for Kids, met our charity prefects to discuss the work her charity does and to thank the school for the £558.46 raised for Kids for Kids by the Christmas Jumper mufti day. She is pictured here with the charity prefects and the school Chaplain, the Reverend Graham Wright.

Over 100 miles rowed for charity by Balmoral House! Their Sunrise to Sunset Challenge saw every student and member of staff in the House take to the ergo in the common room from 6am to 8.10pm, which raised over £600 for the school’s charities – The Camelthorn Foundation; CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young); Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Creative Arts

Their illustrations of poetry have led to two students winning their year groups in an international competition. Kimmi Bellore’s pumpkins, painted in response to Frohliches Kurbisgesicht and Morgan Wery’s butterflies illustrating La Mariposa, came first in the Year 8 and Year 10 UK categories of the Poesiae competition!

So much that could go wrong in trying to put on a musical in 24 hours! In the end, the Drama Department triumphed, raising £600 for Brain Tumour Research and again proving how a thoroughly professional team can achieve anything! Just one mishap – Emily Hallett, playing a seagull, as well as a turtle, managed to badly sprain her ankle mid-way. But determined that the show must go on, she found a couple of crutches previously used as props, and limped on for the rest of the performance.

Sharing their love of the creative arts at the Common Ground Saturday Club, Gordon’s students with young adults from a local charity Frimhurst Enterprises. Our students facilitated a lino printing workshop by running a demonstration and working one to one with the team from Frimhurst, showing incredible leadership skills and kindness. Together they created lino print Christmas cards which were on sale at the Christmas Fair with all proceeds to Frimhurst Enterprises.

Sweet Charity

The ever-hopeful romantic Charity burst onto the stage at Gordon’s in January for the sequinned, glitzy and glamorous Sweet Charity.

Playing to capacity audiences, the musical packed a powerful punch with hits like Big SpenderandIfmyFriendsCouldSeeme

Now, accompanied by a live orchestra, with students demonstrating that age is no barrier to professionalism whether they were singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or acting. The production team was also made up of students!

Work on the production began in June 2023, building to a crescendo in January with rehearsals taking place at every opportunity, including weekends.

The instantly likeable Charity, played by Alice Kermeen, provided an ideal platform on which to demonstrate her singing, acting and dancing abilities. It also proved a test in her stamina as almost every minute of the two hour performance she was on stage!

With the mantra ‘Without love, life has no purpose’, the story follows Charity’s quest for love, which sees her losing money to Charlie (played by Elliot Watson) and hiding in the cupboard of the famous film star Vittorio Vidal (Owen Knight), before meeting the man of her dreams, Oscar (Killian Smith), a claustrophobic tax accountant, when they are stuck in a lift together.

Humorous, with toe-tapping songs and glorious dance routines, the musical was a feast for the ears and eyes from the first note played. Standout moments included the hippy Ed Reed as the distinctly dodgy Daddy Brubeck from the Rhythm of Life Church, the cameo role by the Director of Music Adam Stanworth and the camaraderie of the taxi dancers in the Fandango Ballroom.

Music

The musical highlight, in December, was, as ever, the Carol Service. This year, we performed the service four times to a combined congregation of around 700. A record number of students were involved as the services featured all three school choirs, along with a small group of instrumentalists. Once again, we were delighted to premiere two completely original Christmas Carols (both composed by girls in Year 9) alongside all the usual Christmas favourites. December also saw our annual creative careers day with the songwriting workshops being a particular highlight for many students.

In January, the focus shifted to the school production of Sweet Charity which ran for three

highly successful nights. We were also pleased to see many competition successes with our trio of music scholars reaching the semi-finals of the national Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival. Violinist, Alyshea Lee made the final of the Woking Music Festival and Emily Hallett won the Most Promising Young Singer Award. To top it all, the Semper Fidelis Singers were awarded the trophy for Best Choral Performance of the whole festival.

Our program of music workshops continued, with experts coming in to the school to coach students in string playing, chamber music, DJing, piano playing and beatboxing!

Our GGSE Performers’ Concert, Informal Concert and ‘Songs from the Shows’ all provided valuable performance opportunities for students in many different musical disciplines and the culmination of the term’s activities was, of course, the Spring Concert. Featuring over 100 individual students this concert, performed to an audience of nearly 300 is a celebration of all the many musical ensembles that rehearse each week throughout the year.

The Spring Concert at Christ Church in Woking featured the school's three jazz bands, three choirs, orchestra, two string groups and the senior trio (National Chamber Music finalists). Adam Stanworth, Director of Music

An open competition for students to create a piece of artwork based on the theme of Winter produced some stunning results.

First place was Emily Hunter’s haunting snowy, sunlit forest, in second place was Genevieve Giraud’s owl.

Academic

For his poem on the war in Gaza, Franklyn French-Flynn has won the Woking Rotary Club’s Young Writer’s Competition on the theme of ‘Rebuilding’. The 12 year old will now go forward to the District final. Talking about his poem, Franklyn said: “I thought about the rebuilding they will have to do after the war because there is a lot of damage being done to peoples’ lives”.

Though he “loves sport”, Franklyn also enjoys English and wants any future career to feature writing. Last year, in the same competition, Gordon’s students took first, second and third places. This year the Young Writer’s Competition also features three Gordon’s students in the top three with Daniella Tinegate taking second equal place and Alice Odam and Tara Udassi third equal.

First, second and third places for Gordon’s students in the Woking Rotary Club’s Young Writer’s Competition on the theme of ‘Rebuilding’. The students were presented with certificates of achievement by the Mayor of Woking, Cllr M IIyas Raja (far right).

pictured, from Woking District

is President David

and Dorothy Flower. Franklyn French-Flynn, winner of the heat with his poem on the war in Gaza, will now go forward to the District Final.

Also

Rotary Club

Clayfield

Rebuilding

In a city’s heart, echoes wail, Tariq, a boy, in war’s dark tail. Not like others, his mind took flight, Seeking hope in the desolate night.

Crumbling streets, shadows fall, Tariq saw a chance, an alluring call. With books and sketches, not with strife, He dreamt of a different, hopeful life.

Backpack filled with dreams untold, Through the ruins, brave and bold. He sought out friends, hearts in sync, Children longing for a chance to think.

In the ruins of classrooms, once alive, Tariq and his friends began to strive. Blackboard canvas, a future designed, A playground of hope, in chaos entwined.

Scavenged wood and tattered cloth, Transformed into desks, a symbol of growth. Their laughter echoed, resilient sound, As flowers bloomed on reclaimed ground.

Tariq, a leader with a heart so true, Guided them through skies once so blue. Their city, scarred, yet standing tall, A testament to dreams that never fall.

Intelligent and wise, merely twelve years old, Tariq’s tale, a poem to be told. In war’s aftermath, he found the key. To rebuild not just a city, but humanity.

Forher essay entitled ‘Which aspects of physical geography have the strongest effect on the economic growth and output of a country’?, Year 9 student Maisie Ho has been awarded highly commended in the national Aristotelian Essay Competition run by the Perse School, Cambridge. Maisie, an academic scholar, wrote about economic growth and the physical aspects of the environment and geography that helps economic growth such as hydrology and minerals, referring to Botswana and its diamonds; Sierra Leone’s minerals and Norway’s natural gas. She entered the competition because she thought it would be fun, and to help her write essays in the future. Admitting to being surprised at doing so well in the competition, Maisie said “I was proud because it took me ages to write it. I had to go through it, plan and add references.”

The largest contingent of female mathematicians at Gordon’s ever to take part in Oxford University’s ItAllAddsUp conference in January. Fourteen Year 12 students, all studying A Level Maths, enjoyed a day of workshops and problem solving sessions at the Mathematical Institute. The annual event aims to inspire young women to continue with Maths education.

A masterclass in thriller writing from children’s author Stephen Davies as part of World Book Week. Mr Davies shared his tips for penning the ultimate horror tales with students in Key Stage 3, including the gothic writing competition winners and runners-up in Year 9.

What do you get if you mix GCSE Mandarin students with Food Prep and Nutrition students? A lesson in making dumplings! Dumpling Munch came into school to show the GCSE students how to make the chicken and sweetcorn filled parcels. The results were not just professional but delicious and enriching for both their subjects and tastebuds.

Engaging and enthralling, teenage fiction writer Seth Burkett proved the ultimate inspiration for students when he visited as part of National Storytelling Week. Mr Burkett was a professional footballer in Brazil before becoming a ghost writer for sports stars and

then a writer of teenage fiction. Now the author of 14 books, he spoke to Years 7-9 about living and working abroad as a footballer, his novels and love of reading and writing. He also provided plenty of advice to students for their own writing and storytelling.

News from the Pews

In a Gordon’s first, four students competed in the Cranmer Awards, reading passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer in the regional heat for the Diocese of Guildford, at Charterhouse. The Gordon’s students pictured, achieved a second in the Seniors and third place in the Juniors for the public speaking competition, which aims to keep the Book of Common Prayer alive.

Outgoing Charity Prefects meet the new cohort to work together on the collection of donated presents for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Gift Appeal.

The ‘big questions’ discussed during a lunchtime get together with the studentled Bible study group and Clare Williams from the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Ms Williams also talked to the whole of Year 11 and took part in the Chaplain’s Alpha Youth Group.

Joining together after prayer in the Chapel and for their iftar (fast breaking evening meal) in Buckingham House during Ramadan.

Events

Christmas started early at Gordon’s, November to be precise, with decorations rapidly appearing in Houses, the Chapel and Dining Hall.

As well as the GSPA Fair, there were Christmas Dinners for every year group, parties, Christmas cake decorating, outings and Carol Services.

Students in Woolwich House decorated a Christmas tree as part of the Christmas Tree Festival in nearby Bisley and West End Church.

On the last day of term, all students and staff dressed in mufti for the Christmas Jumper Day, with all proceeds going to the whole school charity Kids for Kids.

Electrifying scenes in the Rec as all Year 7s enjoyed an interactive STEM roadshow staged by BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The workshop focussed on the theme of electricity and involved many brave volunteers – including the two who hitched themselves up to electrodes!

A regional finalist in the Springboard FutureChef competition, Matilda Spink, wowed the judges with her butternut squash and ricotta tortellini served with a rocket pesto and parmesan crumb!

Aplace in the heart of the school for HM King Charles III, whose official portrait joined his parents and General Charles Gordon in the Stibbon Room. The photograph of his Majesty, provided by the UK Government, was taken in the Autumn by Hugo Burnand who also took The King and Queen’s Coronation photographs.

Outstanding in every category!

The OFSTED Boarding Report found:

*Students are exemplary, and they are a credit to this boarding school.

*Students thrive and make excellent progress because of the genuine and nurturing relationships they have with boarding staff.

*Staff encourage students to develop new talents and skills and to participate in invigorating opportunities.

*The boarding accommodation is of a very high standard and provides a homely feel

The OFSTED team also quoted one student as saying: ‘It is like home from home.’

This latest OFSTED report marks at least the seventh time in a row that the schoolwinner of the Times Educational Supplement (Tes) Boarding School of the Year Award in 2022 - has been judged to be outstanding.

Headmaster Andrew Moss commented: “We are delighted to have achieved ‘outstanding’ once again. This is testament to the hard work of staff and students and the support of the whole school community.”

Gordon's School has been awarded Gold status in the United Against Bullying Programme for its work to reduce bullying and improve wellbeing for students. Just 11 per cent of schools completing the programme were awarded Gold status.

Gordon’s has been recognised by the National Centre for Computing Education with an IBelong Certificate for the school’s commitment to encouraging gender inclusion in computer science. As part of the school’s interventions for improving gender balance in computing, a Girls’ Code Club has been introduced and the

curriculum now features an AI unit with female role models and information on careers in AI. Female students have reacted positively, reporting that they enjoyed the course on AI, feel confident about the topic and its application and found it interesting. Pictured is the Girls’ Code Club in action.

The inspirational rapper, broadcaster and author Isaac Borquaye, known as ‘Guvna B’ returned to Gordon’s to speak to Years 8-11 about his life, faith, and coping with difficulties. The three times MOBO Awards Winner, who began rapping when in his school playground in Year 8, rapped about

the death of his father and answered a wide range of questions from his enthusiastic audience. He told them: “You have all got something to give to the world. If you are going through difficulties, find people and faith and have a positive perspective and you will get through it”.

A nail biting finish in the group finals for Gordon’s U18 side against Bromsgrove in the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s tournament saw Gordon’s score a try and drop goal in the final few minutes to give them a place in the semi finals of the tournament – the largest school rugby tournament in the world. Final score 19-12 to Gordon’s. Congratulations boys!

Some thrilling rugby played by our U16 side, at the Rosslyn Park Sevens Schools Festival, captured by Cristina Ferdinando. This strong side was mostly made up of U15 boys playing up a year!

Trips and Visits

The First World War Battlefields for students in Year 9, who visited the Thiepval Memorial to missing British and South African servicemen who died in the Battles of the Somme, and Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery as well as museums at Passchendaele and Ypres Salient.

Such is the growing popularity of skiing, that two school ski trips were arranged over the academic year. In December Years 11 to 13 hit the slopes in Obertauern, Austria, then in the Easter holidays it was the turn of the younger years. The group of students, from Years 7-10 headed to Bardonecchia, Italy where they enjoyed five hours ski tuition a day in the beautiful Susa Valley, as well as plenty of apres ski fun.

Sports Football

Starting with our first team, this has been an excellent season. Winners of the Surrey Sixth Form League and quarter finalists in the national elite super cup, as well as semi finals of the county cup. The group has put in some amazing and memorable performances. Our 2nd team, also known as our development squad, is top of their league.

Our junior set up has had a new football curriculum put in place and an internal Football League to help further develop all young talent. It has been a tricky season due to weather but I hope all the players have enjoyed training and playing games for the school.

We've also had great success with our girls’ football teams with an increased level of games and training and our under thirteens making it to the third round of the national cup.

Matt Nash Head of Football

Rowing

The weather has badly affected the rowing, flooding in December and then the Spring!

The first race, at the start of February was the Hampton Head. Gordon’s entered four crews - a senior double, senior quad and junior boys and girls –gaining promising results in a field of well over 600 boats.

In March at the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships, the school recorded some great results. James Gibson gained the school’s first medal in this national competition, a bronze in the Sixth Form boys 2000 metres.

Gordon’s rowers entered around 20 different events at these championships, recording a handful of top ten finishes as well as being placed in the top 20 and 50.

From now on, the teams are concentrating on training for the Summer regattas.

James Gibson, Senior Rower

Tennis Tennis

continues to grow at Gordon’s and we now have training and fixtures for our senior teams all year round, as well as a full Period 7 programme lined up for the younger students in the Summer Term. We are pleased to have established a partnership with Bagshot Tennis Club, enabling our senior players to receive coaching at the club once a week and to have the modern, floodlit artificial clay courts being used to host home fixtures. In competitive action, both our boys’ and girls’ senior teams competed in the LTA Youth Schools Winter National Championships for the first time. The boys lost a tough game away to Epsom College, while the girls beat St Catherine’s before receiving a walkover against Sutton High School to reach the regional knockout stages. Here they battled well against Dunottar School before losing a rain-shortened match 3-1. We look forward to potential rematches with all of our opponents in the future! Mark Eaden

Netball

Well done to all six of our senior teams for playing every Wednesday this term. It’s been fantastic to see so many Sixth Form students playing netball matches.

Special mention to our 1st and 2nd teams who have formed the Elite Performance Programme this year, and for having fantastic seasons:

The 1st team (below) made history for reaching England Netball’s National Schools Finals for the first time. Photo shown is the day the team won regional finals, qualifying as number one from London and South East. The top 18 schools battled it out, where Gordon’s finished an outstanding sixth in the country.

In December our 2nd Team (pictured right) played Royal Alexandra and Albert 1st team to retain the Duchess of Gloucester Cup.

The 2nd team also competed in Seaford 7’s netball tournament. This fantastic event was live streamed and served to put the team in good stead for the U19B county tournament later that month, where they came third.

National Competitions

Congratulations to our A teams for getting so far in this years’ national competitions.

U13A National Shield Quarter Finalists.

U14A National Cup – round 4.

U15A National Bowl Finalists

U16A National Plate Semi – finalists.

1st Team National Schools Finals, Independent Schools Cup – Round 4.

District Tournaments

Congratulations to U12A, U13A, U15A for being crowned district champions. Also, a special mention to our U14Bs who entered the A competition finishing 2nd place winning 4/6 matches.

Surrey Storm Partnership

In January, Year 9, and February, Year 10 and 11 had masterclasses lead by Mikki Austin.

In addition, 30 Year 7 and 8 students had a masterclass at Surrey Sports Park lead by Proscovia Peace, followed by watching Surrey Storm play London Pulse in the Super League.

Proscovia Peace gave a further masterclass to our Seniors in March.

On 14th March the U15A team went to the finals day in Loughborough, where they beat Hulme Grammar 19-8 in the semi-final, but lost to The Abbey school in the final. A fantastic achievement to finish second out of thirty-two schools.

Invitational Tournaments

Our U16 Invitational took place in February with our A team making the cup final – just losing out in extra time to Reigate Grammar by one goal.

The U13 Invitational followed in March , again with our A team making the cup final, after winning all their group games. The B team made the plate semi-final.

It has been fantastic to have 26 netball teams at Gordon’s this year. A huge well done to everyone who has competed and represented the school.

Nicole Humphrys Head of Netball

Hockey

The 1st XI girls ended up winning the spring league. They won all of their games in the league. This means for the whole season, they played 42, won 30, drew 6 and lost 6. Scoring 125 goals! Tierney Kerr finished top goalscorer with 27 goals.

The senior hockey programme now covers the first two terms of the academic year. The 1st XI girls are enjoying their first experience in a spring league. During a recent game, the 1st XI passed 100 goals scored this season. A fantastic achievement and a clear indicator of how hard they have worked since the beginning of pre-season back in August. With four games left, the race for the golden stick is well and truly on. Tierney K currently leads the way with 24 goals, Cara F close behind on 21 and Bella P creeping up behind them with 19. This spring league has also allowed opportunities for younger students to get a taste of 1st team hockey. Phoebe S (Year 9) and Charlotte K (Year 10) have now made their 1st XI debut and are doing extremely well.

Faye R will be taking the role of Hockey Captain next year. She will be supported by vice-captain Isla K as well as the rest of her teammates.

Outside school, our hockey players are continuing to perform for club and country. Cara and Tierney are enjoying a successful season with Guildford Ladies 1s in the National League. Cara remains in the Scotland set up and has been selected for the Canada and Easter 4 Nations series. Numerous others are enjoying another competitive season of ladies’ hockey!

Matthew Boote, Head of Hockey

Golf

Played 15 Won 13 Lost 2 Win % 86.7%

Atthe first event of the year, the ISGA Southern Open at The Players Club, Gordon’s School welcomed new golfers Ben Lovell, Lewy Lawrence and Max MacDonald to the school U18 team. Ben Lovell finished sixth in this event scoring a 73, one over par round. Gordon’s A and B Teams finished fifth and sixth in the team scratch competitions which was a superb effort for a first outing for the team.

The team then played in a three day event, the ISGA Alexander Quin Invitational where all the top golf schools in the country compete. The team finished fifth in the team scratch competition out of the top 15 schools in England. Captain Josh Gates shot 73.76 and 77 rounds to finish in tenth place in the individual event.

The start of the new HMC SWIFTS Foursomes leagues has seen Gordon’s School win all four of their league matches 3-0 against Pangbourne College, LVS Ascot, Cranleigh and Reading Blue Coat. The HMC Foursomes U18 team go on to play either Wellington or Eton College in the Regional Final in April. Fingers crossed they will qualify for yet another HMC Foursomes National Finals which takes place at Royal Ashdown Forest GC in late June.

Gordon’s School came up against a very strong RGS Guildford 1st III in the Regional ISGA Singles Final. Joshua Gates (hcp 1) lost to RGS (+4) 3 and 2. Ben Lovell (hcp 2) lost to RGS (0) 1 down on the 18th hole. Max MacDonald (hcp 6) won to RGS (6) 6 and 5. A wonderful effort by the team against a stronger RGS team who go onto the finals for the first time. The first time the side haven’t qualified for six years for the finals.

At the National Schools Golf Tournament at Frilford Heath Golf Club, the team came away with a hat-trick. Ben won the scratch event with a 70 (+1) round; Ioan Griffiths the stableford scoring 43 points off handicap 23 (with all his peers in the top ten) and the Team won the stableford event with an average of 35 points.

In the ISGA British Schools and Colleges Regional Finals Gordon’s were drawn against Sherfield College. A very strong Gordon’s School XII have all qualified for the National Finals at Belton Woods GC. The side won all three scratch and team events, wonderfully hosted at Worplesdon GC.

David Mathews, Head of Golf

Rugby

The ACE Team of players on the Harlequins/Gordon's Partnership Programme finished their most successful season ever with a 27-20 win against Beechen Cliff School, to secure third place in the RFU's national ACE League, the pinnacle of schoolboy rugby. The boys have enjoyed a phenomenal run which has seen them top the ACE South Group and topple the unbeaten Hartpury College. Four of the team members have also received call ups for the England U18 Squad and one for the Wales U18 Squad.

Route to the Final - Gordon’s 33 - 14 Exeter College, Beechen Cliff School 20 - 22 Gordon’s, Gordon’s 26 - 19 Hartpury College, SGS College 14 - 42 Gordon’s, Gordon’s 43 - 43 Truro and Penwith College, The Bishop Wand Church of England School 24 - 33 Gordon’s, The Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre 24 - 55 Gordon’s, Gordon’s 21 - 31 Truro and Penwith College, Gordon’s 28-20 City of Oxford College

Sevens Heavens for Gordon’s

Gordon’s U18s played some outstanding rugby on home turf to win the 2024 Gordon’s U18 Floodlit 7s after beating Brighton College 29-0 in the final. The evening, a highlight in the school’s sporting calendar for both participants and supporters, saw Bishop Wordsworth win the Plate.

Shooting (Live Fire and Marksmanship)

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

This has been a good year so far for rifle marksmanship. The expansion to 24 places a week of students to try the sport firing small calibre (.22RF rounds) (under the cadet regulations) and learn the basic skills has gone ahead successfully.

After thorough extensive training 25 students were able to take part in a very wet range day on the army ranges, firing the cadet general purpose rifle at 25 yards with 20 students progressing to successfully fire at 100 yards, a tribute to the hard work of all involved. Top shot on the day was Nikolai with Ed second and Jess third.

Another day is planned for June and with further annual camp training raises the possibility that the school should have a competitive team for the national cadet small arms competition in the Autumn….

The team have been practicing in school, on the gallery ranges at Bisley as well as 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.

Against other schools, team members have competed in 4.22RF friendly matches comporting and acquitting themselves well The tally is three clear wins and one loss (by a single point).

Nationally the team has again competed in the Cadet ‘Country Life’ Competition with the results expected to be known by the end of April. The Spring Action (another national competition) looms and school hope to enter two students for the first time this year. Entry into the Phoenix and Imperial competitions are also potential (recent time) firsts for the school this year.

The school’s fire arm certification has been submitted for renewal and variation. Exciting additional opportunities are potentially then available if the requested changes are approved. This process is currently taking about eight months and we thus hope to have this approved soon. Watch this space….

Dr N Driver, Head of Shooting

Careers

As well as providing careers advice on an individual basis to students and helping with work experience, the Careers Department has organised a packed programme of events. From Year 7 to 13, students are fully informed about their options after they leave Gordon’s - without stepping out of the school!

During National Careers Week, students received some fascinating insights into careers, from Gordonian Ellen McCarthy, an assistant producer at Sky Sports News; Nuria Gomez Martin, Project Co-ordinator at Formula E Motorsports and renowned Iranian journalist and author Sanaz Eghtesadinia.

A Careers Speed Dating Event challenged students in Year 10 to guess the job of the person in front of them in just four minutes! Thanks to the terrific volunteer line up of parents, friends and local businesses there were representatives from banking, law, pharmaceutical and marketing industries to a professional cricketer!

TwoGordonians, both working for Evelyn Partners, both studying to be Associate Chartered Accountants but arriving there on different pathways. Abigail Jones and Inaara Oliver came back to school today as part of National Apprenticeship Week to talk to students about their journeys to the UKs seventh largest accountancy firm. Inaara obtained a first class degree in Accounting and Finance at Royal Holloway. Abi, who left Gordon’s with three A*s in Maths, Business Studies and Psychology, embarked on a Level 7 apprenticeship with Evelyn Partners. The two, who sit next to each other in the firm’s Guildford office, discovered by chance that they were both Gordonians! Today as well as providing students with an insight into their jobs and pathways into them, they reconnected with their former teachers Mark Eaden, Head of Maths and James Hamilton, Head of Business Studies and Economics.

Thank you to Gordonians sisters, Natasha and Daisy Greenhead, who returned to school today for the first time since leaving in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The two started off in Windsor House before moving to the newly-opened China House! Natasha, Deputy Head of Legal at global real estate and estate agency Knight Frank, spoke to students about her journey into law and her career, as part of National Careers Week. They are pictured with Careers Lead Augusta Kennedy and Lettings and Events Manager Tom Mundy.

Inter-House Competition

Bringing film posters to life in InterHouse Art, students recreated their favourite motion picture advertising, with great results! The entries were judged by illustrator Sean O’Brien, who placed Victoria House with their depiction of ‘Tangled’ as the winners, Gravesend in second place for their ‘Usual Suspects’ and China in third place for ‘Birds of Prey’.

With

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of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, Kensington House won the Inter-House Music (Groups)

year, with fantastic performances from all the Houses, who have been practising for the event

the start of term. In the solo Inter-House Music, Windsor took the crown.

Sixth Form

Future medics and dentists in Year 13 took part in practise multiple mini interviews in which they moved between stations at five minute intervals, answering questions on topics such as ethics, their personal statement, the GMC, NHS and about themselves. They were shadowed by Year 12 students who are also hoping to study medicine or dentistry.

New to the school lunchtime menu, ‘Gabriel’s paprika and herb chicken’, which has proved an absolute hit with staff and students. What wasn’t known as we all devoured the delicious chicken blended with herbs, garlic, chilli and paprika, was that it was the recipe of Sixth Form DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Harlequins rugby student Gabriel Kadir. Gabriel entered the dish for the Inter-House cooking challenge, along with coconut rice and so impressed the judges in the catering department that they asked him for the recipe! His chicken meal for one was increased to 800 pieces and declared by all in the dining hall as a winner, winner chicken dinner!

No contest for Windsor House, whose cake depicting Santa and Rudolph sleeping in bed, was the judge’s favourite at the annual Sixth Form cake decorating competition. In second place was Kensington with their Santa, and China’s immaculate present made third place. Incredible ideas and creativity on show all round as well as liberal doses of ingenuity.

Sassy, energetic and imaginative, the Sixth Form Dance Off was the product of close collaboration between paired girls’ and boys’ houses, culminating in a terrific explosion of dance and music. Windsor and Khartoum, dressed in black, were the judges’ favourite romping to victory with their high-octane routine.

Presenting the new Senior Student Leadership Team for 2024/25. All six students were required to write a letter of application and submit their CVs before being interviewed by a panel of three – Headmaster Andrew Moss, Deputy Head (Pastoral) Helen Carruthers and Chair of Gordon’s School Governors Jane Valner. Pictured are (left to right): Nerys Tullett (Colour Sergeant); Isabel Miles (Deputy Head Girl); Adaora Ambrose (Head Girl); Ned Hewson (Head Boy); Fraser Bates (Deputy Head Boy) and Thomas Allen (School Sergeant Major). The six took up their new roles in January.

Head Girl Adaora Ambrose

Iam an enthusiastic, friendly person who puts a lot of effort into what I do and loves meeting new people. I do see myself as competitive as I always strive to win, whatever the competition. My A Level choices are English Literature, History, and Psychology, which I think will aid in my wish to be a lawyer in the future. Camels or horses?

I would have to go for camels! I think they are much more interesting creatures because they are unique. From their humps to them being able to store water when in the desert. The adaptation to their environment is commendable and they are cute!

Early morning training or late-night prep?

No question my choice would be late night prep. I may be an early bird however the atmosphere of a dimly lit room with study music on to work hard and avoiding procrastinating is incomparable. I quite enjoy studying as it provides a sense of relief knowing you’ve accomplished your tasks. Rom com or action movie?

Action movie. Although this may be an unpopular opinion, I am not the biggest fan of rom com films, however action movies that include romance are the jewel in the crown. I enjoy watching films that use their music soundtrack to enhance the cinematography of the scene and suspense making it even more exciting to the point where I could rewatch them a thousand times!

Pizza or hamburger?

My decision would have to be pizza. This is because there is so much variety you can get with a pizza (with my favourite always being American Hot), along with being able to share with others, making pizza a great choice for food for celebrations and parties.

Ed Sheeran or Post Malone?

I choose Post Malone. Although I respect Ed Sheeran’s career and how he’s managed to perform many different genres of music with so many different artists being a staple musician for many people, I prefer Post Malone’s music. It’s more like what I usually enjoy, due to his background music, with catchy beats that always make my head bop and I immerse myself in his lyrical flow and melodies.

What are you hoping to bring to the role?

I applied for this role because I wished to be able to bring students together and help them be the top students that they are. To make my family proud by being a leader and being able to do something that makes a difference to Gordon’s. I am hoping to implement all the suggestions of my fellow peers to improve the overall academic and social aspects of their school life and I hope to be a trusted advocate for all of them. Also, I wish to implement new ideas to help younger students create unforgettable memories as well as planning their future career paths.

What do I like most about Gordon’s?

I enjoy how seriously Gordon’s takes each student. No student gets left behind, always being provided with the support that they need, whether it be socially or academically, getting the best out of each student. For example, how it goes from mental support from the independent listener and House social events, that bring everyone together, to clinics near exam season or tutoring. There is always an option and opportunity and I really respect that.

What stand out memories do you have?

I know it may be recent but receiving the position of Head Girl is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Achieving a position so grand and receiving the support and love that I did because of it made me feel like the hard work paid off and instilled more confidence in myself. It is something that I will be forever grateful. Furthermore, the prom is also another memory from Gordon’s that is so special as it allowed me to be with all my friends to celebrate the accomplishments of our exams and have fun!

What plans do I have for my future?

I have always had my heart set on being a solicitor in law. It takes everything that I enjoy into the job including writing, analysing, researching, never having the same, predictable day, and speaking to new people. The pure variety that law provides shows that I am not restricted or limited and hopefully I will make this aspiration into a success. I am still unsure, however, whether I want to go to university or an apprenticeship, but I know that when I have made that choice it will be the right one. Interests I have outside of school?

I do enjoy music, whether it be listening to music or playing different instruments, like the piano or saxophone. I always love to have creative freedom to be able to do my own thing in what I play. Additionally, I am a netball player that has been playing since Year 7, and I love playing against different competitive teams with different styles of play, with a team full of friends!

Head Boy Ned Hewson

I am a diligent and easy-going person who strives to be the best at everything I do. I show a love for sport, specifically rugby and basketball but also the subjects I am currently taking at A Level (Drama, PE, Economics and AS Maths). I am the youngest of three brothers and growing up in that environment has made me an extremely competitive individual who does not enjoy losing but can accept that in order to win, you need to have experienced losing in the first place. Camels or Horses?

Camels – I find the adaptations of a Camel fascinating and shows how important it is for animals to adapt to their environment. This also reflects how important it is for people to adapt and change their behaviour depending on your surroundings and the people around you.

Early Morning Training or Late Night Prep?

Early morning training – One thing about me is I am not one who likes getting up in the morning however I find it quite rewarding once I am up and have been productive at an early time. For my training before the Ten Tors competition, I had to partake in three early morning trainings a week and it taught me the importance of self-discipline and going above and beyond.

Rom-com or Action Movie?

Action Movie – Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good rom-com but something about an action movie keeps me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I am also interested in film and cinematography and the way action movies execute such an interesting way of film making at such a high intensity impresses me every time.

Pizza or Hamburger?

Hamburger – This is probably the hardest choice! I love both a good pizza and a good burger. However the reason I choose a burger over a pizza is because of the amount of cheese that tastes good with a burger is limitless, whereas with pizza, you're pretty much limited to mozzarella and Parmesan.

Ed Sheeran or Post Malone?

Ed Sheeran – I just prefer Ed Sheeran’s genre of music as he infuses elements of different styles of music to make his songs. Along with that, his lyrical talent is beyond me and extremely impressive in my opinion.

What am I hoping to bring to the role?

The reason I applied for this role is to be a good role model for both younger students at Gordon’s as well as my peers. I hope to bring the school together and be a voice for all students to help make their experience here at Gordon’s better and more memorable. I hope to bring a positive outlook and changes to school life that benefit both staff and students.

What do I like most about Gordon’s?

What I love about Gordon’s is the sheer amount of opportunities it provides for all students with a variety of interests and passions. I have had not only the chance to explore my sport but also my interest in the creative arts and enjoyment in drama. Another huge opportunity Gordon’s offers is the CCF and the chance to complete Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE – all of which offer amazing experiences that I definitely recommend.

What stand-out memories do I have?

The amount of memories I have made at Gordon’s are countless and I treasure every and each one of them. One of my biggest achievements and memories at Gordon’s is breaking the Ten Tors record after months of early morning training. Not only was the expedition and competition an amazing experience but the early morning trainings leading up to it were just as valuable. If nothing else, it definitely taught me the value of sleep and how important it is to me. I realised that in no sense am I a morning person but I felt a huge sense of achievement after each early morning training session.

What plans do I have for my future and interests I have outside of school?

In terms of my future, quite simply and honestly, I have very little idea on what I intend to do but what matters to me is doing something I enjoy and take an interest in. Throughout my time at Gordon’s, outside of school, I have been a part of both rugby and basketball clubs. I am also interested in film studies and love watching the beautiful artwork of cinematography.

Gordonian Awards

Gordonian Awards are open to every Year 11 student to support a discipline in either Creative Arts or Sport. They are worth £1,000 over the three years and are awarded following an application and interview.

The awards, supported by donations from the Gordonian community, allow recipients to excel and further their talent with their discipline.

Staff

The end of an era as Sarah Byne, the school’s Commercial and Development Manager and Paul Hopkins, Head of Catering Services, leave to take over The Horsell Kitchen in Horsell. Sarah, affectionately known as one of the ‘Charlie’s Angels’, worked for the school for 11 years setting up and running events, the Sports Hub and Business Breakfasts, to name but a few! Paul, who has a background in Michelin

In November 2023 Year 11 students Ben and Maya won the Creative Arts and Sport award respectively.

Ben is the School’s trumpeter, sounding the bugle to start and end Parades. He is a member of all music ensembles and drama productions, helping younger students in their technique during the rehearsals. Ben has represented his House in various Inter-House competitions and is an excellent role model for younger students.

Maya represents the School in the cricket, netball and rugby teams; and helped create the first girls’ rugby team at Gordon’s. She is passionate about rugby in particular and the positive impacts it has on mental health and values it brings. She volunteers her time to help coach younger students at school and has participated in nearly every Inter-House competition.

Students in Year 11 wishing to apply for the Gordonian Awards should visit the Gordonian section of the School website for further information.

starred restaurants, headed up the catering team for five years, responsible for serving up almost 2,000 weekday meals every week. Both were presented with gifts at a staff meeting. Former Bursar Susan Meikle and Jennifer Taylor, Finance and Operations Director gave farewell speeches. Wishing them both every success with their new venture.

Smashing the TCS London Marathon, Gordon’s Director of Sport Jamie Harrison and Woolwich Houseparent Daisy Cooper. The two of them raised hundreds of pounds for their charities and both signed up to take part next year! Mr Harrison last ran it in 2016, this time he donned his running shoes in memory of his mother, who died from bowel cancer in 2019. He completed his run for Bowel Cancer UK in just over four hours. Mrs Cooper, running for Barnardo’s children’s charity completed it in 5.25 hours.

The Team Behind the Team

After the most successful Rosslyn Park 7s campaign in Gordon’s School history, as a coaching and playing group they wanted to recognise The Team Behind The Team. Whether it be organising training sessions, ordering transport, preparing food, cleaning the kit there are a huge amount of people involved behind the scenes of a successful team that rarely get recognised. They were delighted to be able to bring together the group to recognise their efforts in this photo.

Staff pictured (L-R): Mr Sam Richards (Head of Rugby), Mr James Brooks (Head of Rugby 7s), Mr Carl Bezuidenhout (Coach), Ms Maxine Parr (Laundry), Ms Lorraine Pullen (Head of Catering), Mr Edwin Sutton (Transport Co-Ordinator), Ms Steph Dennison (Assistant to the Head of Catering), Mr Anish Sachania (Lead Athletic Performance Coach), Ms Jasmine Warner (Co-Curricular Co-Ordinator), Mr Jamie Harrison (Head of Sport) – Not pictured – Mr Ian Jones (Assistant Head of Sport/Head of Boys’ Games), Mr David Pringle (Head Groundsman), Mr Alex Hughes (Coach).

Achievements

ACADEMIC

J Binu Jacob - Scholarship to the Medical School of Malta (Medicine), 2024

ART

T Osinibi - A Level artwork accepted on to the Academy of Arts Young Artists Exhibition, 2024

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

C Newing - Longlisted in top 100 nationally for the New Views National Theatre playwriting programme, 2024

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

A Webster - Selected for the U16 Surrey Cricket Invitational Programme 2023 and 2024

R Doyle - Selected for Surrey County 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 InterCounties 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 international athletics meeting in Vaxjo, representing England, 2024

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

A Kermeen - Offered a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on the Actor’s Workshop Foundation Course, 2024

G Fowler - Offered a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on the Actor’s Workshop Foundation Course, 2024

K Smith - Offered a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on the Actor’s Workshop Foundation Course, 2024

K Smith - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

S Early - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

C Pun - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

E Harrison - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

A Adebiyi - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

A Murray - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2024

A Kermeen - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2023

N Mensah - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2023

V Arinze-Agwu - Selected for the National Youth Theatre, 2023

E Stone - Offered a place at RADA Drama School, 2023

N Mensah - Offered a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, 2023 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 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

F Fenton - Awarded a Scholarship to Pratt College, Kansas USA, 2024

H Mayhew - Awarded a Scholarship to Northwest College, Wyoming, USA, 2024

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

Gordon’s Golf Team - Winners of the ISGA British Schools and Colleges National Nett Competition, 2024

Gordon’s Golf Team - Winners of the ISGA British Schools and Colleges National Nett Competition, 2023

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 - Sixth place 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

C Morgan - Selected for Hampshire County Hockey U17 2022 and 2023

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 (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Programme

T Kerr - Selected for the England DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) 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

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 MUSIC

A Lee - National Finalist in the Pro Corda Competition, 2024

M Scannell - National Finalist in the Pro Corda Competition, 2024

W Zhou - National Finalist in the Pro Corda Competition, 2024

E Hallett - Offered a place at the ACM Music College and Academy for a Vocals Degree, 2024

E Hallett - Awarded ‘Most Promising Young Singer’, for the second year running by the Woking Music Festival 2024

Semper Fidelis Choir - Awarded the Grace Wright Rose Bowl for the best choral performance of the Woking Music Festival 2024

J Robinson - Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the Grade 8 Piano Category, Woking Music Festival, 2023

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 MUSICAL THEATRE

L Prince - Offered a place at the Performers Musical Theatre School to study Musical Theatre (BA Hons), 2024

F Kurzberg - Offered a place at the LIPA Musical Theatre School to study Actor/Musician Course (BA Hons), 2024

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

S Chapman - Selected for London Pulse U19, 2024

E Price - Selected for Surrey Storm Development Pathway U19, 2024

J Robson - Selected for Surrey Storm U15 Training Partner, 2024

J Butler - Selected for Berkshire U15 County Academy, 2024

A Griffiths - Selected for Berkshire U15 County Academy, 2024

M Rollason - Selected for Berkshire County Academy, 2024

C Lill - Selected for Scotland Netball U19 Squad, 2023

C Lill - 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

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

PUBLIC SERVICE

R Roberts - Awarded a Girdlers’ Medallion, 2022

PUBLIC SPEAKING

S Phipps and P Schollick - Regional Finalists in the English Speaking Union (ESU) Shakespeare Competition, 2024

C Falconer, C Franklin and N Schollick - National Semi-Finalists of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition.

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

RUGBY

O Streeter - Represented England in the U18 Six Nations, 2024

E Williams - Represented England in the U18 Six Nations, 2024

T Golder - Represented Wales in the U20 Six Nations, 2024

T Currie - Represented Scotland in the U20 Six Nations, 2024

L Pedreschi - Awarded a Scholarship to Queen’s University of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, 2024

D Roden - Selected for the Welsh Exiles, 2023

B Webb - Selected for England U18 Training Squad, 2023

Z Robb - Selection for England U18 Tour to South Africa, 2023

E Addai - Selected for the England U17s Development Training Camp, 2023

C Newing - Selection for Surrey U16 Rugby Team, 2023

C Ashworth - Selected for England U18s in Six Nations against France, 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

L Mallek - National Schools Champion (Senior Category) 6yrds rifle shooting, 2024

H Chedd, Z Chedd and J West - Gold Medallists in the British Shooting Schools Competition, 2022

J West - Gold Medial 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

A stand-out moment from Sweet Charity - the distinctly

and his devoted followers.

GORDON’S SCHOOL

BAGSHOT ROAD, WEST END, SURREY GU24 9PT

Tel: 01276 858084

WWW.GORDONS.SCHOOL

dodgy Daddy Brubeck from the Rhythm of Life Church