And they’re off! Y7’s congregating on the Parade Square before heading to Dorking for their three-day Camp. This year the theme is ‘Working Together’, a packed programme designed to allow them to acquire the skills for successful teamwork. On their return, they will go straight into Make a Difference Day when they will be volunteering for local charities. Today also sees Y10 on their CCF camps; Y9 in Ypres; Y8 to Futurescope and older years on work experience.
There will be an opportunity to buy Gordon’s first ever CD tonight at the Summer Arts Evening. Recorded on the album are performances from the Concert Band, Pipes and Drums, Semper Fidelis Singers, String Group, Choir and Show Choir. Copies are £10 each with discounts for multiples and available to buy in the marquee. Pre-ordered copies will also be ready for collection in the marquee. Funds raised by this initiative will go towards further equipment and opportunities for music students.
World-famous organist Thomas Heywood gave a masterclass in the Gordon’s chapel this afternoon. Students from Gordon’s were joined by a number of other schools to learn from the Australian who is one of the most sought-after concert organists. Mr Heywood gives around 80 solo recitals each year as part of the 'Victorian State Organ Concerts' - an annual concert series which he founded with his wife Simone.https://vimeo.com/278318250
Howzat! Congratulations to the First XI Cricket Team on winning the District Super Sixes. The final game, played at Wokingham CC, was against Reddam House School. Gordon’s scored 167 for 6 (Elliott Sleep notching up 61) while Reddam House were all out for 88.
Getting to know you! Moving up Day at Gordon’s School and we are welcoming current Year 6 Students who will join us in September. On the agenda for the day are drama workshops, sports activities, team building exercises and of course a tour of the school! We look forward to welcoming them back in the new school year.
Olympic Gold medallist rower George Nash MBE was Guest Speaker at last night’s annual Sports Dinner. The Team of the Year is the First XI Football team, who narrowly lost to Millfield School in the semi-finals of the English Schools’ U18 Football Association Trophy match. Sportsman of the year is Ifiok Essien and Sportswoman Maisy Ellis.
Enchanting workers yesterday lunchtime at the St Mary-at-Hill church in the heart of the City were members of Gordon’s chamber choir Semper Fidelis. The choir sang for half an hour in the beautiful church, designed by Christopher Wren. The concert was the swansong of Charles MacDougall Visiting Choral Director. To hear them please click here.
Poetry please: The inaugural Arete Poetry by Heart competition, hosted by Gordon’s, commemorated the centenary of World War I. Students from Gordon’s, Woking High School and Hoe Valley School had to learn and recite poems by heart, showing the panel of judges that they inwardly understood and enjoyed them. Woking High won the competition, Gordon’s being awarded a commendation. At the start of the year, Gordon’s teacher Simon Depoix won the national ‘Poetry by Heart’ competition with Gordon’s student Darcy Watson awarded Highly Commended. Such was the standard and enthusiasm for the Arete competition that talks are already underway about next year’s poems! Click here to see some of the poetry enthusiasts in action.
The Girls’ Golf Team at Gordon’s School have been crowned champions of Surrey in the Surrey Schools Championship at Bletchingley GC. The girls will now compete in the National Finals at Woodhall Spa next July.
With a host of playing successes, Gordon's rugby now includes a student referee programme. Fifteen of Y10’s would-be referees are currently taking part in a two day programme run by the London Society of Rugby Football Union Referees. They will start refereeing school games in the new academic year.
Two dates for the diary: Summer Arts Evening this Thursday (5th July between 5.30pm and 8.00pm): Please come and join us for a picnic on the Front Field to enjoy performances from the Holy Trinity School Choir and Gordon's Singers as well as a host of other music, drama and art.
On Saturday (7th July) in Woking Park, the Pipes and Drums will be playing at the Party in the Park. This free family-friendly festival attracts thousands of partygoers every year and is one of the most hotly anticipated events in Surrey. This year, the Borough marks the centenaries of the end of World War One and the victory won by women in achieving the right to vote for the first time, in a family friendly extravaganza.
The stage is set for Gordon’s Annual Parade and Prize Giving today, which in a break from tradition, will be held on the Front Field under the gaze of General Charles Gordon’s statue. The Guest of Honour is the High Sheriff of Surrey Mr Jim Glover and Gordon’s will also be welcoming friends from Sudan and the Khartoum International Community School (KICS) Mr Osama Latif; Mrs Samia Omar; Dr Ronnie Shaul; Mr Fadil Banayoti and Mr Michael Tibbs.
