Two reasons for our PE Department to celebrate today. Not only is the roof now on the Sports Hub but they have also retained the School Games Mark Platinum Award. Only three per cent of schools in England hold the award, which recognises a school’s commitment to the development of competition within the school and into the community. Director of Sport, Jamie Harrison said the award reflected the “…commitment,  effort and enthusiasm shown by staff day in and day out, which allows Gordon’s School students to take full advantage of all the wonderful sporting opportunities offered to them.” Gordon’s currently offers dozens of different sporting and adventurous pursuits and has a proud heritage for producing sportsmen and women at county; national and international levels. Students compete in a range of competitions and events in many sporting disciplines including equestrian; rowing and karting. The new sports hub will enable students to take part in even more competitive events and extend the range on offer.

We salute Gordon's Sixth Former Toby Johnson, who has joined frontline workers during this pandemic. The former Deputy Head Boy travels across Surrey and Hampshire collecting the recently deceased from hospital morgues or homes and takes them to the undertakers. While he admits his work is "challenging" at times, he says "....it has been a very interesting experience and I am happy to be doing something very much in touch with the front line of this pandemic".

Keen to put his skills to good use and help the NHS and key workers, Sixth Form student Magnus Jackson is now producing ear savers. Having watched tutorials on Instagram and YouTube he is able to make them at home on his 3D printer at the rate of five every three hours. The flexible plastic with small hooks can secure a protective mask on the back of the head, making them much more comfortable for the wearer than hooking elastic on their ears. The aim is to produce 100, which can be sent out along with the protective visors being produced by the school’s DT Department.

Welcome back to all our students - whether in school or at home. In his online address to all students this morning, Head Teacher Andrew Moss urged, 'stay positive; look for silver linings and be disciplined'. Above all, Mr Moss said: "We need to make sure we are doing all we can to look after ourselves and those around us". 

Friday Reflection from our school Chaplain, the Reverend Sarah Norbron:

We are now four weeks into lockdown, and I don’t expect that I am the only one who has had a rollercoaster of emotions. If you were to name some of those emotions, since many of us have stayed in our homes, what would they be? If I am completely honest, mine have been a complete jumble. Sadness and relief, guilt and gratitude, fear and joy, frustration and love, helplessness and being OK with being obedient in staying at home. Your emotions no doubt, will be some of these, but you will have had different experiences too, especially if you are one of our precious key workers.

After Jesus died, his friends were confused and doubtful. They were filled with terror and fear. They were well and truly locked down and in fear for their lives. But after Jesus’ resurrection that first Easter day, he made an appearance to his friends, his disciples. He was not going to let a locked door stand in His way. No problem for Jesus. The disciples’ emotions turned to amazement and excitement. And most of all there was reassurance that he would always be with them no matter what.

Corrie Ten Boom knew all about being locked up. Her fascinating story about hiding Dutch Jews in her home during WW2, is recounted in her book called ‘The Hiding Place.’ She was later captured, but, despite her suffering, she never lost hope while she was in a concentration camp. Corrie was able to focus on Jesus, safe in the knowledge that He never leaves her, and we can find our strength in Jesus too in these difficult times.

May God bless you and give you His peace.

To hear the Reverend Norbron's prayer, please see below.