Spring 2019 No. 59 Newsletter Out and about… for the latest on school trips ...turn to pages 4, 5 and 6 @TheGSAL Megan Hodge Y12, George Foster Y13, Lucas Hutchinson Y13 and Oliver Turton Y11 were among the top 12 students nationally who sat GCSE astronomy in summer 2018, and have received an RAS certificate each in recognition of academic achievement. The RAS also invited the students to enter a scientific poster competition, with the opportunity to win generous book token prizes and present their poster at an RAS open meeting in London. GCSE astronomy is offered at GSAL as an additional course, which students study in extra lessons at lunchtime and in their own time. The course was introduced by Mr Derek Fry almost 30 years ago at Leeds Grammar School, and he continued to teach it until his death in April. Dr Michelle D’Vali taught astronomy with Mr Fry and said: “I am immensely proud of George, Megan, Lucas and Oliver and I know that Mr Fry would have been too. To be in the top 12 performing astronomy students in the country is an exceptional achievement and a real testament to their dedication over the last two years.” Four number 10s were created at Rose Court, Junior School, Senior School and the sixth form as lasting reminders of the birthday year. The idea for the jigsaw numbers, which stand 1m tall, was the result of a school venture involving the design and technology department working alongside all three sections of the school. The pieces of the jigsaw were created by D&T students from Y12, using a computer numerical control (CNC) router, which is a computer-controlled cutting machine, as part of their course work. Students from Y9 and 10 were then tasked with gluing each signed piece onto the number 10s. Jigsaws bring pieces of 10th birthday year together The number 10 jigsaws As GSAL’s 10th birthday year came to a close, every pupil and member of staff was invited to leave a highly distinctive mark on the school - from the youngest to the oldest, they signed a piece of jigsaw to create the number 10. (L-R): Megan Hodge, George Foster, Lucas Hutchinson and Oliver Turton The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has recognised four GSAL students for their outstanding performance in GCSE astronomy. Student astronomers are national stars at GCSE
Transcript
Spring 2019 No. 59
Newsletter
Out and about…for the latest on
school trips...turn to pages 4, 5 and 6
@TheGSAL
Megan Hodge Y12, George Foster Y13, Lucas Hutchinson Y13 and Oliver Turton Y11 were among the top 12 students nationally who sat GCSE astronomy in summer 2018, and have received an RAS certificate each in recognition of academic achievement.
The RAS also invited the students to enter a scientific poster competition, with the opportunity to win generous book
token prizes and present their poster at an RAS open meeting in London.
GCSE astronomy is offered at GSAL as an additional course, which students study in extra lessons at lunchtime and in their own time. The course was introduced by Mr Derek Fry almost 30 years ago at Leeds Grammar School, and he continued to teach it until his death in April.
Dr Michelle D’Vali taught astronomy with Mr Fry and said: “I am immensely proud of George, Megan, Lucas and Oliver and I know that Mr Fry would have been too. To be in the top 12 performing astronomy students in the country is an exceptional achievement and a real testament to their dedication over the last two years.”
Four number 10s were created at Rose Court, Junior School, Senior School and the sixth form as lasting reminders of the birthday year.
The idea for the jigsaw numbers, which stand 1m tall, was the result of a school venture involving the design and technology department working alongside all three sections of the school.
The pieces of the jigsaw were created by D&T students from Y12, using a computer numerical control (CNC) router, which is a computer-controlled cutting machine, as part of their course work. Students from Y9 and 10 were then tasked with gluing each signed piece onto the number 10s.
Jigsaws bring pieces of 10th birthday year together The number 10 jigsaws
As GSAL’s 10th birthday year came to a close, every pupil and member of staff was invited to leave a highly distinctive mark on the school - from the youngest to the oldest, they signed a piece of jigsaw to create the number 10.
(L-R): Megan Hodge, George Foster, Lucas Hutchinson and Oliver Turton
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) has recognised four GSAL students for their outstanding performance in GCSE astronomy.
Student astronomers are national stars at GCSE
2
First up was the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls, for pupils in Y11 and above. This is not for the faint-hearted and only 1,400 nationwide tackle the paper. Jenni Greenfield Y13 gained an impressive 40, well above the 27 mark threshold for distinction, to qualify automatically for the national Olympiad round.
Next was the Senior Mathematical Challenge, taken by 76 GSAL students in Y10 and above. As well as stimulating students’ mathematical problem solving the challenge is a stepping stone to the follow on rounds for the highest achievers. An impressive 11 GSAL
Sixth form students who progressed to the senior kangaroo following the senior maths challenge are
back (L-R): Saurav Prakeerth, Eamon Boyle-Smith, Arun Tekchandani, Aryan Kotwal, Lewis Akroyd, Luke Waddington and George Foster; front (L-R): Niharika Manu, Tony Shen and Jenni Greenfield
(not pictured Ethan MacDonald)
Keen mathematicians at GSAL just can’t get enough of their favourite subject, opting to test their knowledge in challenges set by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT).
Amazing mathematicians rise to the UKMT challenge
candidates made the grade for the Kangaroo round.
The UKMT also run team challenges and GSAL fielded a team at the regional final of the Senior Team Maths Challenge for Y11 and above. The GSAL team dropped only 20 marks out of a possible 160 in a tight contest to finish third out of 23 schools. Congratulations to Ted Borland Y12, Zac Tobias Y12, George Foster Y13 and Jenni Greenfield Y13.
Two Y9 mathematicians, Oluwaseyitan Olusoga and Katya Rawat, earned a significant accolade with an invitation to the prestigious Royal
The poppies have been individually handcrafted in clay and metal by the school’s pupils as a lasting tribute to their predecessors whose lives were tragically cut short by the war.
The project marked the centenary of the signing of the Armistice and in due course the poppies will be distributed around the school as
permanent memorials.Principal Sue Woodroofe said: “Each
poppy has the name of an individual boy engraved on it and represents a real life, a set of hopes, dreams and ambitions that never reached fulfilment. The project has been a marvellous way for school in 2018 to mark the sacrifice of our boys leading up to 1918.”
Students fully embraced the commemorative project, creating the poppy heads in their art lessons and the stems and poppy centres in design technology. WRA industrial Coatings donated their services to coat the stems for durability.
Y10 students assemble the poppies (L-R) Naufal Farooq, Oliver Watson, Rohan Rathod and James O’Malley
Student artwork commemorates former pupils lost in warA field of poppies has been planted in the school grounds to commemorate the 130 old boys who lost their lives in the First World War.
Institution Mathematics Masterclass at the University of Leeds. This six-week course covers topics outside the normal school curriculum to stretch pupils who show exceptional flair and commitment in maths.
GSAL life Spring 2019
2
3
Nine Lessons and Carols is a splendid start to the Christmas season for pupils, staff and alumni alike, with many former students and parents joining the choir. Rose Court and Junior School nativities, shows and concerts all added to the festivities and the senior school production of A Christmas Carol was very impressive. The preceding weeks also saw us celebrate Diwali and Chanukah in style, with special community events and much joy, in addition to the GSAL Shabbat on 15 December.
Looking beyond ourselves, though, we also encourage our pupils to look outwards, to think how they can make a difference to the lives of others: privilege brings with it responsibility. The new Prefects’ Charity Week brought this to the fore, too. So I am particularly proud that this edition records a notable level of fundraising and charitable activity: from Children in Need to support for a summer holiday camp for local, underprivileged children, culminating in the annual Santa Dash and Y7 Christmas bazaar, which raised money for Cancer Research UK in memory of alumnus, Gareth Dunn. Community matters, people matter, from every part of life, past and present. Last term was an opportunity to remember that afresh and I hope you will enjoy reading all about it.
Sue WoodroofePrincipal
The pupils raised £612 for Cancer Research UK, in memory of inspirational alumnus Gareth Dunn, who raised over £100k for the charity following his own terminal diagnosis.
There was the usual range of weird and wacky stalls, with the messiest banished outside to the Y7 playground. Thank you to the Y7 tutors and the estates team for helping set up and clear up, and a huge well done to Y7 for raising such an impressive amount of money.
The Arts 19 Festival of Creativity will feature drama workshops, recitals, concerts and competitions for pupils to enjoy and take part in during the week, as well as a number of major events which are open to parents and friends. Look out for:
Jazz Club – Friday 1 March at 7pm in the Theatre FoyerThis much-anticipated highlight in the school calendar features talented student singers performing with a professional band. Enjoy a range of music from Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall, Nat King Cole to Michael Bublé. Profits from the event will be donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. £7 / £5
Choral and Concerto Concert – Wednesday 6 March at 7pm at Leeds MinsterGSAL will launch its first ever concerto concert as part of Arts 19, featuring soloists Charlotte Murdoch, Florence Pawley and Emma Johnson playing a range of classical pieces. £6 / £4
GSAL Gumbo! – Saturday 9 March at 7pm in Theatre FoyerJazz groups and GSAL Big Band will showcase music from Louisiana in some raucous rhythmic revelry. The evening will feature some of the school’s jazz instrumental teachers, themselves notable names on the regional and national jazz scene. Guests can enjoy drinks and sample some New Orleans cuisine. Bring your dancing shoes! £7 / £5
This edition of GSAL Life is a wonderful celebration of the variety of student talent evident in school every day, from a multicultural and seasonal perspective, covering all ages. It’s always a fantastic time of year to be a Headteacher!
Message from the Principal
(L-R): Freddie Moore, Joseph Maxwell, Gabrielle Rich, Leo Khan, Drew Storey and Tatiana Nicholas
Y7 bazaar is a festive hitThe Y7 bazaar is a well-established Christmas tradition at GSAL and the year group rose to the occasion as ever.
Celebration of GSAL creativity at Arts 19
GSAL’s biennial celebration of creative talent will take place from Friday 1 March to Saturday 9 March this year.
No. 59 GSAL life
3
4
A group of 11 sixth form students swept the board to bring home a record number of awards from the Model United Nations (MUN) conference in Hamburg.
GSAL completely dominated during both committee debate and General Assembly to win seven awards out of the nine committees present. Emily Sambidge, representing Russia on the Security Council, won most distinguished delegate, an impressive achievement, as this is the most prestigious council which attracts the top students from each participating school.
A special mention also goes to Amir Khan, Pietra Sorze and Sam Kunin, all newcomers, who each won most outstanding delegate – the highest ranking award of the conference.
Hundreds of delegates from countries all across Europe, including Italy, Germany and Denmark, attend the annual event.
History and politics teacher Cathryn Haigh accompanied the delegation along with head of politics
Andrew Stodolny. Miss Haigh said: “We were
impressed with the way that the GSAL delegates represented their countries to drive forward the debate in every committee and commission, but particularly with the way that they dominated the General Assembly and Security Council, showing quick thinking, thorough research and an exceptional grasp of how to work a room.”
GSAL students won the following awards:Most Distinguished Delegate:Emily Sambidge - Russia - Security Council
Most Outstanding Delegate Shazia Sarela - Russia - 1st Committee Sam Kunin - Russia - 2nd CommitteePietra Sorze - Russia - 3rd CommitteeDavid Bush - Russia - 4th CommitteeRohan Karthik - Mali - Special Commission for AfricaAmir Khan - Russia - ECOSOC
Lauren McGaun Y13 reports on a successful Model United Nations of Hamburg conference:
Awards for GSAL’s Model United Nations delegates
The successful MUN delegates and their teachers
During their stay the group attended the official opening ceremony of the new library at Mtunthama Primary School which was funded by the Zikomo Trust, a charity set up by Barry and which is actively supported by GSAL.
They also visited St Andrew's Children's Home, Mtunthama, to present carers and children with blankets and baby clothes knitted by members of the Inner Wheel of West Yorkshire and Women’s Institute of Roundhay, and Chilanga School for the Blind, where they donated specialist books, games, balls and an Apple laptop.
The second part of the tour was spent at Cape Maclear and included a day at the Mango Tree Nursery, which was founded by GSAL parent Lesley Dawson. GSAL staff taught lessons with the children and ran a training session for the teachers.
Malawi coordinator Barry Brindley and seven GSAL colleagues have visited schools and community projects in the country to see the results of fundraising, donations and practical help during the biennial student tours.
GSAL staff tour Malawi projects
GSAL teachers Carolyn Etchells and Tina O’Dwyer with triplets at St Andrew’s Children’s Home
Barry Brindley cuts the ribbon on the new library at Mtunthama Primary School
GSAL life Spring 2019
4
5
Art and architecture in Barcelona
Students enjoy the Keith Haring street art on a visit to Barcelona
After an early flight there was time on the first day to enjoy an introduction to the city during a walking tour of the old town.
During the four-day trip the art itinerary included visits to the Joan Miro Foundation and the Picasso Museum and the design itinerary included Barcelona Museum of Design.
Time spent together included visits to Gaudi’s masterpieces Casa Mila le Pedrera and Sagrada Familia, the Olympic stadium and museum, the Magic Fountain sound and light show, and enjoying the culture and cuisine of this lively city.
Art and design technology students in Y10 to 13 were inspired by the art, design and architecture of Barcelona during a visit to the city.
This year the children spent an exciting – and unseasonably warm – week embarking on different activities from rock pooling to orienteering and from team building to hiking.
Everyone returned exhausted from the week and with many fond memories of their time away.
Erin Kaye and friends make an interesting discovery at Flamborough
The annual trip to Cranedale is always a big step in the life of Y6 pupils. For many, it is their first residential and gives them an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and take on new experiences.
Y6 experience life at Cranedale
No. 59 GSAL life
5
Following a few hours in Koblenz, including visiting Deutsches Eck, the spot where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge, the group was due to cruise the Rhine. However as the water level was at an unprecedented low, the trip was cancelled, as was a cable car trip at Rüdesheim due to high winds.
Undeterred pupils and staff enjoyed
walking through the vineyards and also visited Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of automated musical instruments. They then travelled back to Boppard, where they were based, to undertake a ‘town trail’ and try out their German in the shops and cafés.
Day three featured a trip to the Phantasialand theme park and on the fourth day they visited Cochem castle overlooking the picturesque Moselle valley. The group explored the town (including taking a chairlift to a ridge offering a spectacular view over the town), before letting off steam at the nearby wave pool.
Bad weather failed to dampen the spirits of 40 Y9 pupils and four staff as they explored the beautiful Rhineland area of Germany.
Y9 pupils take in Rhineland sights
Exploring scenic Cochem
Despite the first day’s plans being changed due to high winds, the students were still able to take in many of the city’s sights including the old town and a visit to the cinema.
The sun finally broke through on the third day for the group’s boat trip in the Parque Natural Albufera. Then it was back to the city for a tour of the Mestalla
Stadium, home of Valencia Football Club, including areas normally unseen by the public, such as the press room and player changing room.
On their last day they went to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a wonderful area of Valencia built in 1996, to visit the sea life centre, a science museum and admire the stunning architecture.
Y9 students at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Around 40 Y9 pupils spent a fascinating four days visiting the beautiful city of Valencia.
Fun and culture visit to Valencia
Pupils in Y3 were lucky to have a fine, dry day for their trip to Nell Bank outdoor education centre at Ilkley. The children spent the day outside using the stunning backdrop of Ilkley Moor to help aid their creative writing and
maths skills. After learning about the legend of Giant Rombald, who is said to have created the split in the Cow and Calf rock formation while fleeing an enemy, pupils were challenged to calculate how tall some of his relations might be. They did this by measuring the footprint left behind, with a bit of help from Leonardo Da Vinci’s
maths principles. Other activities saw pupils
using the setting to aid descriptive writing and also create a ‘live’ outside broadcast retelling the story of the tree known locally as The Giant’s Fingers.
To complete the trip there was also time for some fun on the adventure playground.
Archie Rawson at Nell Bank
Myths and adventures on trip to Nell Bank
GSAL life Spring 2019
6
The children certainly got their creative juices flowing to produce works of art which had been inspired by Rothko, Kandinsky and Van Gogh. They had great fun producing their display and organising a viewing for family and friends.
Rose Court’s youngest pupils showed off their artistic talents when they hosted their very first Nursery Art Exhibition and Coffee Morning.
Nursery pupils host first art exhibition
Amelia Curle
(L-R): Mrs Black, nursery leader and class teacher, with Yusuf Ajina, Sofia Pasquini, Rayaan Al-Sajir,
and Mikaeel Khan
Set under an impressive, realistic, homely scene, GSAL’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, directed by Roz Bendelow, was a comforting and entertaining seasonal watch.
The dim, chillingly lit set, by Jake Howarth, alongside the bitter, cool air of Scrooge’s smoky room added to the realism of the production.
The star of the show, villain turned Christmas hero, Ebenezer Scrooge was portrayed by Leela Gaunt as an evil, terrifying, and yet, decrepit master.
In a story, narrated by Avital Baskind, Jessica Graham and Sam Pearce, Scrooge encountered all the wrongs of his bah humbug ways
through the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, played by Julia Coyle and Lucy-Anne Daniels.
The disturbing appearance of Nicky Davies, shackled in chains, as the ghost of Scrooge’s former business partner Jacob Marley, arguably captivated the audience’s attention the most.
The show finished in collective harmony with all cast members playing a significant part in bringing some much-needed joy to the story - Scrooge’s transformation could be seen as particularly comical and the added sense of joy at the end was helped by Tiny Tim’s (Toby Holton) remarkable bravery and beautiful singing.
A Christmas Carol is a seasonal treat
Lauren McGaun, Y13, reviews the Senior School production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Lucy-Anne Daniels (left) and Leela Gaunt
No. 59 GSAL life
7
Seasonal celebrationsat GSAL
8
At the Chanukah celebrations are (L-R): Neal Parker, Sue Woodroofe, Bunie Chazan, Rabbi Mendy Chazan, Bella Jackson, Bobby Share,
Josh Borlant, Ben Goldberg and Rabbi Eli Pink A well-deserved round of applause for the team behind the Diwali Show
Chanukah was celebrated at GSAL with a lighting ceremony for the hanukiah in the theatre foyer.
Principal Sue Woodroofe joined student head of faith Bella Jackson to welcome the guests before the first four candles were lit by head of Senior School Neal Parker, the student heads of faith Bobby Share and Ben Goldberg, and head boy Josh Borlant. The guests then enjoyed doughnuts and latkes, courtesy of the Street Lane Bakery, the MAZ Centre, Chabad Lubavitch and GSAL.
The celebrations continued with a latke making session on Thursday lunchtime, thanks to Rabbi Mendy Chazan.
Lighting ceremony welcomes in Chanukah
This year’s Diwali Show raised £729 for SEWA UK, a charity which offers relief and rehabilitation in India and Nepal following disasters and runs projects supporting people with disabilities.
The event was a fantastic effort by the student faith leaders for the Sikh and Hindu faiths and their sixth form helpers. The entertainment included singing and dancing, traditional and Bollywood style, from both GSAL and guest performers and the delicious food was donated by Cofresh and Regal Food.
Students raise much-needed funds at Diwali Show
GSAL life Spring 2019
8
Seasonal celebrationsat GSAL
9
Two casts, one story…reception pupils at their Christmas performances
Christmas choristers are (L-R): Roda Koker, Jessica Baxter, Adam Dyson and Zack Khan
Harris Shafi as Santa
Pupils in Y4, 5 and 6 took to the stage to perform Christmas Around the World, showcasing festive celebrations and traditions in Mexico, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and New Zealand.
The seasonal celebration was led by Mrs Parkin and Y5 and included congregation carols plus the Junior School musicians.
The honour of sharing the traditional Christmas story with fellow pupils and their families traditionally falls to the Reception year group at Rose Court.
And this year the children delighted their audiences with their storytelling and beautiful singing when each of the Reception classes performed. They were accompanied by Mrs Chris Turner on the piano.
Pupils in Y3 showed how hard work certainly pays off when they wowed their audience with a superb performance of The Stars Come Out for Christmas.
This year’s show was jam-packed full of songs, dances and cracking jokes to put everyone in the Christmas spirit and remind them who the true star is.
Highlights included a dancing turkey and Christmas pudding, along with a guest appearance by Santa!
Seasonal celebration from around the world
Reception pupils tell the story of Christmas
Y3 pupils wow the audience with a star performance
No. 59 GSAL life
9
The school’s first ever Prefects’ Week fundraiser, five days of fun activities led by sixth form students, raised over £900 for local charity SVP Leeds & District Children’s Camp.
The camp, part of the St Vincent de Paul Society, provides a holiday for children from inner city areas. For the last 30 years the holiday has been a week’s camp in the Yorkshire Dales, run by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Last summer Y13 students Beth Jordan and Holly Tunstall volunteered as junior team leaders and were keen to support the charity, which needs to raise around £16,000 each year.
Beth said: “We were delighted that our fellow students backed our proposal to support the camp. We hope the money we’ve raised will sponsor about 10 children for next year’s camp.”
To raise money, sixth form students set up their own ‘raise and give’ week. In return for donations, students enjoyed sponge the teacher, karaoke, a treasure hunt, a dance show and a football v hockey match, and subjected their teachers to a Paxman-style grilling at GSAL’s own University Challenge.
The children applied their recent learning in geography to fulfil all activities which included a short orienteering course, map reading, the creation of a compass, using coordinates, an obstacle course and matching ordinance survey symbols.
They also displayed many examples of ‘lifelong learning’ such as resilience, working as a team, making links and having a go.
Well done Y1!
(L-R) Beth Jordan and Holly Tunstall
West Yorkshire children who wouldn’t normally enjoy a summer holiday can get away from it all this year thanks to the fundraising efforts of students.
Youngsters set for summer fun thanks to student charity week
Pupils put new orienteering skills to good use
Y1 pupils at Rose Court successfully completed eight fun challenges during an orienteering day.
Ella Sandhu decides which way to go
Teamwork for Thomas Strang and Mustafa Salih
GSAL life Spring 2019
10
Each pupil had the opportunity to hold and stroke Finn, the barn owl, when Richard Cooper from Silverband Falconry visited the school to talk about different birds of prey.
The children also completed a number of activities such as making multi-media owl pictures and paintings, labelling an owl and listening to stories about owls.
Along with her fellow pupils in Y1 and their families, Lottie took part in lots of space themed activities, including building a rocket and testing it to see how well it flew, during the fun-filled evening.
The event was organised with the
help of Senior School physics and astronomy teacher Dr Michelle D’Vali who took the children on a tour of the solar system as well as making a comet while they excitedly looked on. The children were also able to look at the earth’s moon through a telescope.
Reception pupils at Rose Court have been learning all about ‘enchanted woods’. And what better way to bring the topic to life than by having the chance to meet a real barn owl.
Finn the barn owl is a hoot at Rose Court
Rose Court pupil Lottie Gray proudly shows off her handiwork during a visit to Stargazing 2018 at Senior School.
Y1 pupils discover the wonders of the universe
Reception pupil Sophie Craven meets Finn, the barn owl
The young musicians and singers performed live for two hours during the morning and kept the crowds entertained.
Parents and stall holders were treated to festive music from the choir, the ocarina groups, hand chimes group and ukuleles. Well done to all the children.
Y2 pupils pulled out all the stops to keep the music going at the PFA Christmas Fair.
Music all the way at Christmas Fair
Y1 pupil Lottie Gray
Pupils from Y2 perform at the PFA Christmas Fair
No. 59 GSAL life
11
The hero of this summer’s series-winning fourth test match against India spoke about his life in and beyond cricket when he visited GSAL as part of the Ilkley Literature Festival.
Moeen was named man of the match on his return to the England test side in August after an absence of seven months, when his nine wickets at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl helped England to an unassailable series lead. Since then he has been pivotal in England’s test series in Sri Lanka, where the team secured their first overseas series win since 2016.
The great all-rounder’s visit to GSAL coincided with the release of his autobiography Moeen, co-written with award-winning sports journalist Mihir Bose.
He talked of his remarkable story from street cricket in the tough Sparkhill
neighbourhood of Birmingham to his international debut at the relatively late age of 27. Moeen’s autobiography also covers his life outside cricket and his experiences as a devout Muslim in today’s Britain.
The children were able to put their skills into practice and, by the end of the training, they were chanting the Green Cross Code and produced posters to inform others about how to cross the road safely.
Moeen Ali at GSAL for the Ilkley Literature Festival
Man of the match Moeen Ali at GSAL
The planetarium has landed for Y5
Pedestrian training is a key element of the curriculum for Y4 pupils who have taken part in two sessions with trainers from Leeds City Council.
Stop, look and listen…
The children followed the steps of astronauts who have landed on the moon. They also travelled through the rings of Saturn to the depths of the seas on one of Jupiter’s 11 moons.
To top that, there was a chance to watch the night skies, identify constellations and hear stories about them. The pupils emerged from the planetarium as budding astronomers and astronauts, fired up to learn more about the mysteries of space.
Pupils in Y5 were whisked away at the speed of light to explore the solar system when a mobile planetarium landed at Junior School.
Violet Jones and George Milner emerge from the planetarium
GSAL life Spring 2019
12
A highlight of the fundraising day was Junior School’s challenge to stick a teacher to a wall. Two teachers in spotty Pudsey-themed boiler suits bravely stepped up - Mr Shepherd, head of Y6, and Mr Coleman, Y5 teacher - while pupils gathered in anticipation, money in hand, eager to see the results.
Would pupils successfully stick the teachers to the wall? If the stools they were standing on were moved, would they
stay attached to the wall? The answer to both questions was a resounding yes!
Junior School pupils also held a Great Pudsey Bake Off with delicious results, selling their cakes to pupils and staff. Both events raised an outstanding £1,383.
Senior School pupils had a non-uniform day and managed to collect a whopping £1,730 for the chance to come to school in their own choice of clothes.
Brother and sister entrepreneurs Ben and Debbie Wosskow took to the platform to address students and their parents at Leeds Town Hall on the subject of teamwork, grit and resilience.
After school both went to New College Oxford where Debbie (OG92) studied philosophy and theology
and Ben (OL96), modern languages. Following university Debbie became a management consultant before leaving at 25 to set up her first business.
Almost 20 years later she has built and sold three businesses and is now running her fourth, Allbright, a clubs and networking business for
women. She was awarded an OBE in 2016 and is currently the Evening Standard’s Entrepreneur of the Year.
One of those businesses was Love Home Swap, where she convinced Ben give up his plans to do an MBA and join her. He had been working in the marketing department of the Financial Times and was
ready for a change of direction.The company was set up in
2011 with Ben as commercial director and sold last year for $53m. Ben remains with Love Home Swap as managing director.
The pair also shared tips for success with their audience, including their 3 Gs – graft, grace and grit.
One of us is stuck…Mr Coleman and Hari Schuth
GSAL raises record amount for Children in Need Pupils in Junior and Senior School pulled out all the stops for Children in Need this year…raising an amazing £3,113.
This year, for the first time, an ‘old boy’ and ‘old girl’ shared the stage at Speech Day in celebration of 10 years since GSAL became co-educational.
Ben and Debbie share their experiences at Speech Day
Speech Day speakers Debbie and Ben Wosskow
No. 59 GSAL life
13
A new learning resource for students of astronomy is now freely available on the GSAL website. Unusually for an online resource, it does not show off the latest digital wizardry. Rather it preserves the beautifully handwritten worksheets and practice papers of much-loved teacher Derek Fry, who taught physics and astronomy at LGS and GSAL for almost 30 years.
Mr Fry, who died in April aged 77, was renowned for his way with words
and attention to detail. During his long teaching career he resisted the march of online technology, and put hours of work into building up an extensive archive of handwritten documents on physics and astronomy.
This archive has now been digitised as ‘Mr Fry’s Collection’ to widen access to students of astronomy throughout the country – even worldwide. The initial upload focuses on astronomy papers, in recognition of Derek’s contribution to the subject. He introduced the GCSE course at LGS, became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and,
in 2017, was honoured by the RAS with their Service to Astronomy Award.
Mr Fry loved to go off timetable from time to time, with a Just for Fun - or JF2 - session on whatever topic took his fancy that day, much to the delight of his students. The JF2 format was chosen for the launch of Mr Fry’s Collection, with alumni, staff, students and friends invited to give a presentation on any subject of their choosing.
Visit Mr Fry’s Collection on the GSAL website https://www.gsal.org.uk/gsal-archive/mr-frys-astronomy-archives/
Sheffield-based sculptor Jason Turpin-Thomson spent a week and a half in the art department in Senior School, working with Y2, Y6 and senior pupils. Jason introduced the younger pupils to basic clay techniques and modelling and worked with Y10 pupils on wood carving.
Between student workshops Jason found time to create a special commission for GSAL. Into a panel made from oak planks, he carved a relief of images representing young people’s journeys through school until they take flight for whatever the future holds.
Astronomy archive will help future generations of students
A snapshot of the worksheets to be found in Mr Fry’s CollectionDerek Fry
Students aim high with artist-in-residence Pupils from all sections of school have been learning new art techniques with GSAL’s artist-in-residence.
Y6 pupils with Jason Turpin-Thomson Y2 pupils Tharun Chittal and Serene Giller
GSAL life Spring 2019
14
SPORT
The Y10 pupil became Durham University and the Arts Council’s official reviewer and writer in residence for the Durham Book Festival following a selection process of emerging writers.
She is the youngest writer - and the first under 18-year-old - to be chosen for the coveted role which included, reviewing, interviewing, presenting and performing official introduction duties for the authors at the festival.
Julia attended events with a number of well-known writers, including poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, and Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman. She also interviewed celebrated author Sarah Waters, whose recent Gothic horror
film, The Little Stranger, was released in the autumn.
Julia said: “I felt extremely lucky to interview such famous authors and playwrights. It was fascinating to speak to Sarah Waters about how she adapts her books for television and Hollywood films and I learnt an awful lot, not just about writing, but also interviewing people too.”
Last year Julia became the youngest person to win the Matthew Hale Award, part of the Northern Writers Awards 2017, which aims to inspire and nurture future authors, playwrights and film script writers.
Creative writer Julia Coyle is making a name for herself in the literary world.
Julia comes face to face with authors at book festival
Julia is pictured with author Sarah Waters
The girls have not lost a game and, after placing second in the West Yorkshire round behind Wakefield GHSJS on goal difference, they marched onto the NE round at Barnard Castle where they won four games and drew one.
A trade mark of this particular group
is their ability to score goals, and lots of them, with a number of the team contributing to this tally.
All eyes are now on the squad for the North Final which will be held on 19 March 2019.
The U11 girls’ hockey team is having a tremendous run in the national In2hockey competition.
Junior School girls in northern In2Hockey final
Back (L-R): Lauren Nichols, Emilia Wright, Elena Hassan, Ellis Baxter, Sophie Wilson and
Amy Turner; front (L-R): Phoebe Owen, Harriet Mayrick, Lexie Cunnington and Violet Jones
First up was the annual HMC Cross Country event at Barlborough Hall where pupils from Y4, 5 and 6 faced tough competition and a long and punishing course, compounded by torrential rain. However, spirits remained high and special mention goes to Jessica Baxter and Abigail Kingston, who placed 1st and 3rd in the Y5 race, helping the Y5 girls to overall victory with the Y5 boys achieving second place.
A few weeks later GSAL continued its involvement in the LSAA Cross Country League, a competitive league which takes place over several races throughout the season. GSAL teams were on good form at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley where, with only an U9 and U11 race available, the Y5 pupils competed against Y6 runners.
In the U9 races, both Evie Marlow and Oliver Yates finished in 2nd place in the girls and boys races respectively,
with their teammates finishing well for some great aggregate scoring. In the U11 race an amazing display by both teams gave the U11 boys four top 20 finishers and U11 girls, three top 10 finishers. Hopes are high that GSAL remains in contention for team prizes at the end of the season.
Finally the cross country team took part in the Leeds Schools’ ENE qualifying round at Cardinal Heenan School. All GSAL teams from Y3, 4, 5 and 6 for both boys and girls, placed either 1st or 2nd, ensuring qualification to the next round.
Among many highlights was the success of both the Y5 teams, with Jessica Baxter winning her Y5 race and Dexter Rosenberg helping the Y5 boys to a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finish. The Y3 runners also did exceptionally well - many had never competed before and put in some great performances.
There were only two bowling places up for grabs when Mei attended trials in Corby recently. Around 80 girls were put through their paces in fitness exercises and matchplay for just 15 places in the U16 squad. For Mei, a specialist bowler, the pressure was really on, so she was elated to get the nod.
The Y11 student has loved playing rounders since getting started in Y8, and can now spend even more time on her favourite game.
The girls met for their first training session before Christmas in Corby, and will be training regularly from February, ready for a busy summer of matches in 2019.
Mei said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to play for England and the team has already bonded really well. It’s great that we’ve all got to know each other as you achieve more working together.”
Cross country runners in Junior School have notched up a series of great wins in three major competitions.
Cross country successes for Junior School runners
Mei’s bowled over by England Rounders call up
Mei Whattam has caught the eye of the England rounders selectors and clinched a coveted place as a bowler.
Y5 HMC Cross Country champions are (L-R): Violet Jones, Lexie Cunnington, Abigail Kingston, Jessica Baxter and Scarlett Thurston Hydes Mei Whattam
