Kensington’s penguins and presents stole the show in the Sixth Form Cake Off competition today, winning first prize and chocolates galore for the creators. This hard-fought competition, a test of ingenuity and creativity saw Victoria House’s penguins in second place and China’s Christmas tree in third. Congratulations all!

An opportunity to showcase music at Gordon’s to visitors from the PTI (formerly Prince’s Teaching Institute). Carolyn Roberts and Rod MacKinnon from the PTI were here on Friday as Head of Academic Music, Rachel Brazendale (pictured above with the school's jazz band, Honk) is one of three teachers nationwide to have been nominated for the Institute’s Bernice McCabe Award. This annual award, promotes and celebrates excellence in subject leadership and recognises departments that put quality subject teaching at the heart of the classroom. As well as speaking to students, the PTI were treated to a rehearsal session with Honk.

Over the past three years, Mrs Brazendale has been responsible for introducing a range of instruments and events into the music department. She has collaborated with the Careers Department to stage events for students at Gordon’s and others in the area, to make them aware of  careers in the creative arts; launched academic enrichment competitions; introduced a ‘Dine and Discuss’ Society to discuss topical musical issues and a subsidised orchestral instrument scheme for students.

In October, Gordon’s learned that the PTI had awarded the school all eight of the possible PTI Subject Leadership Marks which recognise outstanding teaching in Art, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music and Science.

Fifteen bags of new toys and gifts made their way from Gordon’s to the Salvation Army in Addlestone. The donations from staff and students, taken by the School Chaplain the Reverend Graham Wright on Wednesday, will help the Salvation Army towards their target of providing Christmas presents for 500 children from needy families. Community Mission Facilitator Ali Scott in thanking the Gordon’s community said: “We are most grateful for all that your community has given to enable our work to continue, particularly at this time when there is so much financial pressure on all”. Thank you to all those who contributed to this appeal.

Mary Poppins triumphed on the stage last night, as the Lower School performed the first of two sell-out evenings. The family favourite showcased their incredible talent and provided all round entertainment that was much enjoyed by an appreciative audience. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Tonight’s performance is eagerly awaited!

Tonight sees the last of our three Christmas Carol Services in the Chapel, featuring the many musical talents of the choirs and bands. The Service, a mixture of traditional favourites and new carols also includes 'A Christmas Camel' by Elysee, winner of the Music Department's Christmas Carol competition.

Not one but two student chefs have made it through to the Regional Finals of the Springboard's Future Chef Competition! Henri and Roisie wowed industry judges today at the local finals, held at the Hammersmith and Fulham Catering College, with an open lasagne topped with parmesan crisps and pesto oil and a battered mackerel with chips, minted peas and tartar sauce. Both dishes had to be cooked within an hour and cost a maximum of £5. The two will cook again in the regional finals next year.