Two days of trekking through the Surrey Hills awaits these students, who are embarking on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Final Expedition. Eighty eight of them made their way to Newland's Corner this morning to begin their journey, which will involve carrying all their camping equipment and food provisions, emergency rations and two litres of water. Best of luck to all of them.
Claiming their second national title this week, the senior golf team of Charlie Roper; Sarah Mardani and Alex Jakins who were confirmed winners of the ISGA Virtual National Finals. The team also clinched the ISGA Schools Cup. Charlie Roper (+1) -3 68; Sarah Mardani (2) +3 75; Alexandra Jakins (5) +2 74
Congratulations to Victoria; Khartoum; Windsor; Kensington and Gravesend Houses, presented with Inter-House cups and trophies at drill practice by the Head Andrew Moss. Based on scores up to the end of the Spring Term, the awards were made to: Banbury Cup (most academic stamps) Victoria; Headmaster’s Cup (Girls’ Inter-House sport) Victoria; Headmaster’s Cup (Boys’ Inter-House sport) Khartoum; Rees-Graham Memorial Trophy (winning House for major sports) retained by China; Arts Cup Windsor; House Trophy (best effort grade average girls’ Houses) Kensington; House Trophy (best effort grade average boys’ Houses) Gravesend and for drill – the Longmoor Cup (girls) and Talbot Cup (boys) were retained by China and Buckingham.
Tonight’s virtual insight talk into careers will feature Sarah Dean, a further education and early career skills coach. The talk is applicable to all students, whether considering going to university, starting work or studying for an apprenticeship. It is also ideal for those who are currently making up their minds about what to do after Gordon’s! Back to the Future looks at all the options available, how to decide the best way forward and top tips on how to stand out from the pack when applying for a job; university place or apprenticeship. It is available tonight from 5pm (click here).
Harvest Festival items already appearing in the Chapel for donation to the Woking Foodbank. Monetary donations can be made via the school’s GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/4ybp4f-harvest-festival-campaign/donations?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1). Perishable items for the foodbank should be brought into Houses between 9th and 16th October.
A team score of 157 made our girls' golfing team HMC Team Champions for 2020. The girls’ and boys’ teams – all of whom play off single figure handicaps – were taking part in the HMC National Singles tournament at the Berkshire Golf Club. Both finished second with Charlie scoring an impressive -1 and Evie carding a 3 over a round of 75. A seventh place on the girls’ individual leader board meant that the Girls’ joint team score was 157 which won them the team event. While the ISGA National Finals has been cancelled next week, the golf team will take part in the virtual finals at Foxhills.
An exciting partnership for Gordon's, announced this morning, as we link with Harlequins Rugby Football Club to provide a pathway for promising rugby players into professional rugby. The two organisations will work together providing a first class education and training. Former Fiji National Men’s 7 Skills Coach and Analyst Chris Davies, Head of Rugby at Gordon’s is heading up the new initiative. He commented: “This presents an exciting period for rugby in the region – one that will not only identify talented players but nurture them and provide an outstanding opportunity to progress in the game. Gordon’s is delighted to be working alongside such a prestigious club as Harlequins”.
Jim Evans, Academy Coach at Harlequins said: “We are delighted to have formed a link with Gordon’s School. The connection will further increase the development opportunities afforded to talented rugby players within our programme. This is an exciting opportunity for those lucky enough to be involved”.
For more information, please click here.
In a glorious celebration of the range of musical talent at Gordon's, last night's informal concert in the Rec heard instrumental pieces and singers. From Franck to Les Miserables and an own composition, the event was live-streamed to parents across the world. Less experienced younger students in Year 7 performed alongside Sixth Formers including Emily, recently selected for the English Schools' Orchestra.
Stranded on a desert island, among the many challenges our Science Club students face is how to keep cool. The club, made up of students in Years 7, 8 and 9 came up with a range of water-wheel turbine devices guaranteed to lower the temperature in readiness for their next challenge in a week’s time - making invisible ink with natural ingredients for their messages in a bottle!
Striding out, deep in the Surrey Hills this weekend, students in Years 10 and 11 on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme practice. The group tackled Abinger Roughs and Penfold Lakes on Saturday and Sunday, travelling between 15 and 20 miles.
In this, the first of this year's Inter-House events, Buckingham House won the boys' cross country competition followed by second equal Gravesend and Khartoum and China clinched the top spot for the girls' with Victoria House in second place. Congratulations all on spirited performances showing true sportsmanship.
Winners, by a clear five shots, of the ISGA 2020 Schools Cup, Gordon's golfers also scooped third place in the Junior Cup's gross competition with both coaches - David Mathews and John Balmer - bagging the top spot in the staff competition. In the senior competition at Sunningdale Heath, Charlie Roper shot a 57 winning the overall gross competition. Alex Phelps came second scoring an impressive 58 and winning the girls' competition. Sarah Mardani shot a 60 to finish in joint 6th place overall and 3rd in the girls' competition. Gordon’s finished with a team score of 115 adding together the two top scores. They also managed to finish runners up in the handicap nett competition. In the Junior Competition at Drayton Park, Gordon’s finished in third place in the team gross competition with a score of 189, winning the team nett with an impressive score of 137 taking into account the players' handicaps and the best two scores. Dylan Bannister won the boys' individual nett with a cracking 89 playing off handicap 24. This left him finishing in ninth amongst many lower handicap golfers and giving him a course score of 65, seven shots under par for his handicap. Felix Houlberg and Dylan Mumford also played well for the team with Felix shooting a nett 72 finishing in tenth place.
