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”.
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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.
While the Front Field at lunchtime is a great space for football or rugby, the new Mindfulness Garden outside the Medical Centre is a haven of peace and tranquility and ideal for a catch up with friends. Thank you Gordon's School Parents' Association for contributing to this lovely spot.
Historic rivalries have been swept aside as two hockey giants from opposing countries unite this term to teach at Gordon’s. Former Pakistan Olympian Muhammad Irfan joins former GB player David Mathews on the Hockey coaching staff. Mr Irfan, a prolific goal scorer and renowned defender brings a wealth of experience both as a junior and senior national team player. He is looking forward to introducing ‘Asian skills’ to his new cohort. A veteran of the 2012 London Olympics, Mr Irfan also played for Pakistan in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Hockey has been a passion of his since childhood. “I have given a very long service to my country, playing top level for many years”, he said, adding: “The time has come to help future generations”. Mr Irfan joins an impressive line-up of sports staff at Gordon’s – all experts in their fields – including former Wales International and ex-Chelsea player Gareth Hall; Former Fiji 7s Skills and Analyst Coach Chris Davies and Surrey Storm netballers Nicole Humphrys (left) and Leah Middleton (right).
Welcoming all our students back to school today. This Back to School video explains exactly how Gordon’s will operate this term to keep everyone safe. In addition, there is information on on-line learning should students be quarantined or in isolation. The underlying message given by Mr Pavis in the video is: “Whatever the circumstances we will ensure teaching and learning is delivered to the highest possible standards”.
Wonderful to welcome our new Year 7s on their Gordon's journey. And in just a short time, they are already getting to know Gordon’s and each other! Tours, talks and meeting staff. Included in their induction day is a history of the Chapel by our school Chaplain the Reverend Sarah Norbron; music demonstrations; science, maths, IT and biometrics. Difficult choices to be made to as to which of the 50 plus co-curricular activities to join. For those joining the Sixth Form for their A Levels, there has been team building and a bbq.
