Their disciplined training and hard work paid off for members of the Gordon's Boat Club competing in the 2021 National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships. In this their first competition since before lockdown, 19 rowers took to the ergos, competing virtually against schools and rowing clubs across the country. Stand-out performances included a seventh placing for one Year 9 girl, in a field of 200; fourth for another in the girls' senior section and fifth place in the Year 10 boys' competition from a field of 230! The NJIRC is a precursor to the forthcoming National Schools' Regatta being held over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Dorney. Best of luck to the Gordon's rowers taking their places here on water for the first time in almost two years.

A frog on a lily pad won cake decorators in China House (pictured above) in Years 7-9, first prize in this year's Inter-House Baking competition. Houses had just one hour in which to transform a humble Victoria sandwich cake. Judge Paul Hopkins, the school's Catering Manager said they were the best he had ever seen in his years of judging! In second place were Kensington House with their intricate flower design, complete with hand-crafted roses and third place Windsor and their NHS themed cake, complete with rainbow. Congratulations all on some truly imaginative and creative designs.

The chance to play for her country has moved a step closer as netballer Pippa Dixon learned she had been selected for England Netball’s Roses Academy. Sixth Former Pippa, who plays goal attack and goal shooter and is First Team Captain, has been a member of Saracens Mavericks for the past few years and joined the Roses’ Long Squad in December. Since attending a camp with the Academy, she learned she had been selected for the Roses Academy Squad. Taught at Gordon’s by Surrey Storm’s Nicole Humphrys and Leah Middleton, who play in the Vitality Netball Superleague, Pippa had plenty of preparation for her trials including skill sessions, strength and conditioning, technique and tactical work. Miss Humphrys said of her: “Pippa’s work ethic is second to none. I’ve seen first-hand how hard she works in her S&C and skill sessions. I’m just elated for Pippa as she thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”

Dynamic, well-researched, funny, highly-engaging and all about....jelly beans! Adam Cohen (pictured centre with other finalists) was the speaker behind the winning entry in the Year 7 Speak Out competition. All Year 7s took part, delivering speeches to their tutor groups, with the best two from each group going through to the finals to be judged by the Head Teacher Mr Moss and Miss Fearn from the English Department. All eight finalists impressed the judges with their oracy skills, performing convincing, confident and eloquent speeches.