Be Inspired Congratulations and celebrations Newsletter ...turn to pages 10 and 11 Autumn 2017 No. 55 GSAL invests in student experience with new facilities Students returning to GSAL after the summer found a fresh new look and upgraded facilities in the sixth form centre, the refectory, theatre foyer and assembly hall.

The sixth form centre has been transformed with new furniture and a vibrant green and grey colour scheme, Students enjoy the new sixth form centre café while the café area has been remodelled to streamline service at busy times. In the sixth form IT room, study facilities where there is a new coffee and juice bar, to GSAL’s capacity to host events. Profits are improved with individual study and a new sound system in the area will from external lettings are donated to the booths and upgraded computer facilities. improve events and performances held school’s bursary fund. The main refectory enjoyed a facelift, there. The redecorated assembly hall Steve Kingston, GSAL’s director with the serving area redesigned, the also has new seating and lighting. of finance and operations, said: “With whole room redecorated and new Combined with a well-equipped and GSAL’s 10th birthday approaching we flooring laid. Catering facilities have versatile conference suite created earlier wanted to ensure that our pupils enjoy been expanded into the theatre foyer, this year, the latest refurbishments add the best facilities possible.”

Schools’ Physicist of the Year awards for GSAL duo

Y13 students Theo Tobias and Tamanna syllabus and they show initiative in Two keen GSAL Dasanjh have been recognised with the exploring new ideas.” physicists have received prestigious award of Schools’ Physicist of Recipients of the award become a boost to their chances of the Year, an honour conferred by science alumni of The Ogden Trust, a status which education charity The Ogden Trust. allows students the opportunity to apply winning a place to study GSAL’s head of physics Tom Rogerson for support through their studies such as their favourite subject said: “I nominated Theo and Tamanna for scholarships, internships and mentoring. their outstanding enthusiasm for and The regional award ceremony, for at a top university. dedication to physics. Their deep interest students from and surrounding in the subject extends well beyond the areas, was held at the .

@TheGSAL GSAL life Autumn 2017 OBE for GSAL governor

Edward Ziff, who has served as a governor since 1998, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mr Ziff received the award for his services Mr Ziff, who said he was thrilled to Business School and recently retired to the economy and community. receive the OBE, is chairman and chief as president of the Leeds Jewish Welfare He was appointed to the governing body executive of Town Centre Securities plc. Board and the Leeds Jewish Blind Society. of Leeds in 1998 and He is chairman of the Leeds Teaching All three of Mr Ziff’s sons attended currently serves on GSAL’s business and Hospitals Charitable Foundation and LGS and GSAL. management and external relations was previously a member of the committees. He is also a foundation trustee. Advisory Board of Leeds University

Y2 show was the ‘bee’s knees’

Rose Court was buzzing during the last week of term, as the children in Y2 gave performances of The Bee Musical to enthusiastic audiences of parents, teachers, children and friends from Headingley Hall.

The show was their farewell to Rose Court before moving to Junior School where they are now in Y3. The children worked hard to learn their lines, the songs, the dances and perfect their acting skills. Mrs Christine Turner said: “It has been great fun and the teachers are very proud of what each class has achieved….the Pupils perform their farewell show at Rose Court. They are back (left to right): Lily Peecock, Arayma Sunil and Angela Zhang; front (left to right): Aryama Sunil, Paola Valdastri, children have truly been the ‘bee’s knees’!” Natasha Kumaraswamy, Sebastian Hassan and Diseye Sisoki

2 No. 55 GSAL life Message Hair today: from the Jenya’s new cut Principal helps other children It’s a pleasure to introduce this latest edition of GSAL Life following another excellent set of results in Rose Court Reception pupil public examinations and some super individual and Jenya Gupta cherished her long collective achievements from hair, but when it was time to our students throughout the summer: I know you will have her first haircut she knew be delighted to read about their successes. exactly what she wanted to do with her lovely tresses. At (I)GCSE, 70 per cent of all grades were at A*/A/7+ and, in a year when A -levels became fiendishly difficult, our A*/A rate held strong at 50 per cent. Jenya, who visited the hairdresser In total Jenya donated four bunches And of course behind these headlines for the first time during the holidays, of 13 inches of hair and, alongside were some outstanding stories of agreed to donate her hair to the Little this kind act, she also raised £380 students who overcame great odds to Princess Trust charity to be made into for Martin House thanks to generous secure excellent results and go on to wigs for children who have lost their family and friends. the UK’s top universities. hair through cancer treatment and The summer also saw one of our other illnesses. sixth formers involved in the Passchendaele commemoration events as a member of the National Citizens’ Service, while a Y6 pupil is in the running to be the next Leeds Children’s Mayor on a manifesto of creating greater awareness of different cultures and religions. When you add that to the Malawi trip that supported schools and orphanages there, this summer, our pupils have shown excellent commitment all round, to individuals and communities far and wide, in the knowledge that everyone can make a difference and that life is not just about exam results. Bravo to our wonderful students – they make me a very proud Principal every day!

Sue Woodroofe Before and after… Jenya with her long hair and her new style! Principal

3 GSAL life Autumn 2017 Emily commemorates Passchendaele and pays personal tribute to Old Leodiensian

A* student Toby Hillery is in the top 50 in England for computing A-level Emily Ball Y13 had the honour of representing her country at this year’s commemoration service in Belgium to mark the centenary of Toby has Passchendaele: the third battle of Ypres. programme

And while there she took time out to group of young people representing for success visit the grave of Herbert Cheetham, an the nation’s youth at The Menin Gate, old boy of Leeds Grammar School, after Cloth Hall and Tyne Cot cemetery. with national researching him in the school archives. She said: “It goes without saying that Herbert, from Roundhay, was just 20 it was very upsetting – the most computing when he died at Passchendaele while poignant part was when the 54,000 trying to save the life of a comrade on poppies, one for each soldier without accolade the battlefield and was awarded a a grave, fell from the top of the Menin medal for his heroism. Gate. It has been an amazing, patriotic At the graveside of the cricket-loving experience that will stay with me for Herbert, Emily found an LGS cricket a lifetime.” As well as achieving a cap from the 1914-15 1st XI which a Emily credits GSAL teacher Steve string of top grades at group of GSAL students had left there Dunn and school archivist John Davies A-level, Toby Hillery while on a recent battlefields tour. for inspiring her and helping her She was selected to take part in prepare for the trip. has earned national the commemoration ceremony by the She said: “I feel incredibly honoured recognition for his National Citizen Service as part of a to have taken part.” outstanding performance in one of his subjects.

Toby, who scooped four A* grades in computing, maths, further maths and physics, subsequently learned that his performance in computing had placed him in the AQA exam board’s top 50 candidates in England. Now going on to study general engineering at Durham University, Toby said: “What makes programming so powerful is its versatility: it can be applied to any scenario, and therefore any job. Since I am studying engineering, it will definitely be prevalent throughout the course.”

Herbert Cheetham’s grave Emily Ball. with school cricket cap.

4 No. 55 GSAL life GSAL’s young National award engineers are pumped for school bus with success driver who is An innovative idea for a pump designed to produce fresh water top of his class from flood water has won recognition for a Coach driver Peter Oakley is the smiling team of GSAL students. face of GSAL for pupils who board his Six Y13 students put their project, the school bus bright and early each day. Cascade Centrifugal Pump, on show at the Big Bang Fair Yorkshire and Humber, winning two of the fair’s sought-after awards – Best Project: Product Design and Young Engineer of the Year. Many of the student projects displayed at regional Big Bang fairs are entered for the CREST Gold Award, a scheme from the British Science Association that recognises achievement in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) project work. Team members were Hannah Talbot, Aiman Zaidi, Desiree Caspers-Frankel, Cynthia Ekengwu, Cara Fogarty and Hannah Wakefield, who have been working on the project since January as an extracurricular activity. They now have the opportunity to develop their design further and GSAL principal Sue Woodroofe presents the UK Coach award to Peter Oakley, with the GSAL Transport team represent the region at the national Big Bang Fair next March. Two other GSAL projects won Now his dedication to the job has been I only ever hear wonderful reports from awards at the regional Big Bang Fair highly commended by the UK Coach parents about the care and attention – the iNav App won Best Project: Awards, their first ever accolade in the you give to their children. This award Computing and the Distilling Buoy newly introduced category of Top UK is truly well deserved.” water purification system won Most Education Services Driver. Shirley Jeffs of GSAL Transport, Sustainable Project (eco-friendly). Such is Peter’s dedication to the role who nominated Peter for the award, The iNav App team were Tamanna that he had to decline the invitation to said: “Peter is a dependable and Dasanjh, Hannah Kim, Isobel Austin the UK Coach Awards ceremony in committed member of the team, both and Kitty Farren; and the Distilling Buoy Manchester – because he was booked at the wheel and behind the scenes. team were Georgie Harrison, Joanna for a driving job. Instead, GSAL “His extensive knowledge and Harries, Ciara Law and Will Thornton. principal Sue Woodroofe stepped in to approachable manner make him an All team members won the CREST present his award at a meeting of the excellent mentor when new drivers gold award for their contributions. GSAL Transport team in school. join the team, and we feel this award She said: “As a driver you are confirms the star qualities we see someone parents and pupils trust and in him.”

5 GSAL life Autumn 2017 Gold DofE students take on tough expedition

Twenty-seven intrepid Gold Duke of Pictured are (L-R): Amelia Moran, Edinburgh Award students completed Isabelle Scott and Sebastian Harrison an iconic and challenging route through Junior School the Lake District during the summer. pupils learn The four teams experienced brilliant with GSAL means that you learn to visibility, patchy sunshine, a little bit be totally self-sufficient in some of about the of British rain and the first indications the UK’s most hostile environments. of the seasons changing as they Everything you need over the course outdoors navigated a circular route from of four days is carried on your back, Ambleside passing through Langdale, including a shovel to dig a latrine. Two and survival Thirlmere, Patterdale and Scandale. wild camps are incorporated into the Over the course of four days the route which makes the experience students climbed a total height gain even tougher. Water collection of 3,575m (the equivalent of going up happens at 500m, from a stream that Snowdon three times) and also walked runs into a mountain lake next to Junior School pupils a distance of 76km (similar distance where tents have been pitched, in years 4 to 6 have to a route from Leeds to Manchester.) factoring in the unpredictable weather Ellie Hosking, from GSAL’s experienced in remote locations. been learning all about outdoor learning team, explained what “With this added challenge comes the outdoors with makes the gold expedition stand out personal growth, self-awareness and as such a huge accomplishment. an appreciation for everyday amenities Pennine Bushcraft. She said: “A four-day expedition such as toilets, sofas, duvets and kettles!”

The youngsters took part in a variety of skills, including shelter building, foraging and, when weather permitted, fire lighting. As well as developing a passion for the natural environment, they also developed skills of self- reliance, resourcefulness, leadership and critical thinking. Elena Hassan in Y4 really enjoyed her day and was fascinated by some of the facts she had learned. She said: “You can survive without food for up to three weeks before your body shuts down, although you can only survive without water for three days. Shelter is the most important particularly in harsh weather when you can only survive for three hours without it!”

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award students in the Lake District

6 No. 55 GSAL life Marshall House pupils are top again

Pupils in Marshall House were treated to a day of fun as a reward for their outstandingly positive behaviour... for the second year running. Eliza Butters plays Robin Hood

All Junior School pupils can earn points Y6 end on a high for their positive behaviour both inside and outside the classroom, particularly when they go above and beyond what might be expected. They submit their with Hoodwinked cards when they are full and a team of dedicated Y6 students counts them up every Thursday ready for the big announcement in Friday’s celebration assembly. As a farewell to Junior School last term, The proud Marshall House winners were rewarded with a special afternoon the Y6 pupils put together a show – with out of Junior School to enjoy a fun swim in the school pool followed by a magic every pupil involved in the production. show and all topped off with an ice lolly in the sunshine. Marshall also won the house general Their performance of Hoodwinked, Just as much hard work went knowledge quiz. a warm, witty adaptation of the Robin on behind the scenes as onstage, with Mr Gardner was the quiz master for Hood story, gave everyone a chance pupils writing invitations, designing the annual battle of the brains, taking the to shine and there was a wonderful and making tickets and programmes, teams through their paces with a range display of talent on show, from acting organising props and choreographing of challenging rounds including current to dancing, playing in the orchestra dances. affairs, music, famous landmarks, and and singing. Well done everyone. the Olympic Games to name a few. Well done, Marshall! Who will win next year?

7 GSAL life Autumn 2017 Students take Malawi to their hearts

This year saw another group of GSAL students continue the school’s longstanding commitment to supporting projects in Malawi. Here, Y13 students Adam Phillips and Nick Summersgill write about the 23-day trip.

Gabriella Aston helps with alphabet learning James Kemp cuddles a baby

For the 44 students on the tour, Malawi surprise bush breakfast in the middle located outside Limbe, where we had a was without doubt a humbling, life of the safari, eating amongst the giraffes tour of the school and were invited to changing and unforgettable experience; and elephants! It was then on to Lake their end of year assembly, consisting of a once in a lifetime opportunity. Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa, a variety of African singing and dancing. Our first week consisted of visits to an area renowned for its beauty and That evening, a presentation took the schools, orphanages and hospitals incredible sunsets. During our time place to distribute £10,000 of the money we support in Kasungu district and the at the lake we visited the Mango Tree we have raised to the many worthy opening of the Stuart Calder library. At nursery and Open Arms, a children’s projects we had visited. Chimbowe and Vikwa primary schools charity where toddlers thrive in a safe The trip was full of exciting and we painted four classrooms over two and enjoyable environment. emotional experiences which, without days, adding a bright and educational After our visit to the Malama Feeding the organisation of Mr Brindley, Miss setting for the students. It can definitely Centre at Thyolo, we had the daunting Fitzsimons and the other staff, would be said that the visit to Chilanga School uphill challenge of climbing the 9,000 ft not have been possible. We will never for the Blind was a humbling experience, Mount Mulanje, from where we could forget the kindness and generosity of particularly the performance of their see a panoramic view of Malawi and its the Malawian people and it also made hugely talented school choir. surrounding countries. us appreciate just how lucky we are. We then travelled to Zambia to South Towards the end of our trip we visited Luangwa National Park, for incredible The Jacaranda School for Orphans, the sights of the African wilderness and a only free secondary school in Malawi,

8 No. 55 GSAL life

Scouts go camping in Dolgellau

This year’s scout summer camp was in Dolgellau, Wales, when more than 100 scouts and explorers gathered for 10 days. Mountain biking challenge in Dolgellau

Experiences ranged from building rafts mixed with rain, wind and showers, Viking chess and the annual mountain and sailing them in the river to kayaking, however nothing stopped the annual bike challenge. The highlight of the mountain biking, walking and climbing patrol competition to build the best activities on camp is the highly mount Snowdon in thick fog! shower using camp materials which contested ‘patrol meal’ where the scouts The Y7 and Y8 scouts had to was then willingly experienced by the prepare their own menu and entertain independently navigate to a new patrol leaders. one of the leaders to win the coveted campsite with all of their equipment, MAD day (multiple activities day) award of best meal. set up camp, cook and then repeat it all saw a wide variety of exciting activities the next day. The weather was typically from hugely competitive tug of war to

GSAL explorers head to the Alps for summer expedition

Hot on the heels of scout camp in Wales, 27 explorer scouts and six leaders spent an action packed three weeks in the Alps this summer. Explorer scouts at Passo Pordoi in the Italian Dolomites

Switzerland was the first destination; Mönchsjoch Hütte. museum - home of the famous “Ätzi” – staying at the Kandersteg International In the Dolomites, Northern Italy, the “Ice Man”. Scout Centre and camping with scouts with valley temperatures of over 37°C, The final leg of the tour was in Neustift from around the world. During their it was a relief to walk at 3,000m over near Innsbruck in the Austrian Tyrol stay, they climbed the 2,970m Schilthorn the arid limestone massif of Piz Boe, where they experienced white water (set for the 1970 James Bond movie On although two trusty GSAL minibuses rafting, canyoning, glacier walking, Her Majesty’s Secret Service) and took did much of the hard work in taking electronic bicycles, sightseeing in Salzburg the train up through the Eiger to the them to the starting point at over 2,000m. and three days mountain hutting. Jungfraujoch , walking across the upper In the Dolomites the scouts took a section of the impressive Aletsch day out to Bolzano and Bozen for a city Glacier to the remote 3,629m tour and visit to the archaeological

9 GSAL life Autumn 2017 Congratulations

Pictured are four of the five students who achieved four A*s each at A-level. (L-R): Fahd Omar, Aditya Tambe, Toby Hillery and (front) Katie-Lou White (not in photo Dhaval Sethi)

Picture of success: three of the five students who clocked up the highest grades are (L-R): Helen Taylor, Shazia Sarela and Julia Fierek (not in photo James Jackson and Ruth Tay)

Sam Berson, who is making a name for himself as an electronic All smiles: back (L-R): Tom White, Rafa Brandao-Lee, music producer, will study music at Liverpool University Will Kirkup, Laura Memmot; and front: Samyuktha Ganesh

10 No. 55 GSAL life

A-level students celebrate their results with (front) high-flyer Tilly Woodward who will study at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance

GCSE students celebrate a fantastic set of results

11 GSAL life Autumn 2017

Pupils nail their DIY skills

Last year’s Reception children were the first to try out their DIY skills in a new outdoor woodwork area at Rose Court.

After learning about the importance of safety, the pupils practised hammering nails, sawing with a junior hacksaw and using a hand drill. Some also designed and made simple items. Millie Tyson-Hynd, now in Y1, gets to grips with DIY

Summer adventures with the CCF…

With highlights such as flying and The CCF is always busy with one adventure gliding for the RAF cadets, shooting or another and this summer was particularly and a 24-hour overnight exercise for the Army as well as adventure training for so as 25 cadets enjoyed exciting summer all, GSAL students were challenged camps with the RAF and Army. and grew in confidence. …and a special 3-2-1 Charlie Connew, James Johnston and Andrew Tate Y11 had a fantastic 10-day camp to Cyprus enjoying activities such as sailing, wake-boarding, canoeing, abseiling and climbing as well as visiting the busy RAF base at Akrotiri. Two senior cadets, Jenson Small and Shown Biswas, were successful in their leadership courses at RAF Cranwell where they had the opportunity to ‘pass out’ on the prestigious College Hall Officers’ Mess Parade Square with parents and dignitaries looking on. Special congratulations go to new Colour Sergeant and Senior Cadet, Libbie Griffiths, who has been invited to be the first CCF Lord Lieutenant’s cadet. This will involve attending and assisting the Lord Lieutenant at many prestigious events this (L-R): Libbie Griffiths (Lord Lieutenant’s cadet) and Alec Hatchard, both Y13, at army camp year alongside cadet representatives from the other services.

12 No. 55 GSAL life

Fun in the sun for Rose Court pupils

We do like to be beside the seaside… and Y2 pupils enjoyed a glorious day on the beach at the end of last term!

The sun shone for their visit to Scarborough, where they visited Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary, ate fish and chips on the seafront and had a sandcastle building competition. Lily Peecock (left) and Ellie Agnew make sandcastles in Scarborough

Pupils meet friends for life at Headingley Hall

The friendship that has grown up over the years between pupils at Rose Court and the residents of Headingley Hall has always been special.

So when the Y2 choir performed at the Hall’s open day last term, the children were delighted to meet Dorothy and Mary whose own lasting friendship began on their first day as pupils at Leeds Girls’ High School many years ago. The choir sang beautifully to a large and appreciative audience before spending time renewing old acquaintances and meeting new friends. Will O’Brien (centre) meets Dorothy and Mary

13 GSAL life Autumn 2017

Julia wins award for emerging young writers

Budding author Julia Coyle has notched up another writing award in a national competition sponsored by the Arts Council and Channel 4. Julia receives her award from one of the judges, Spike Hale

The 13-year-old is the youngest person to various literary events as their She was chosen by Sir Alan Ayckbourn win the Matthew Hale Award, part of the ambassador. to have her play produced and performed Northern Writers’ Awards 2017, which At the awards ceremony the judges by his production company alongside aims to inspire and nurture future authors, said that Julia’s writing clearly stood out, work by other playwrights, including playwrights and film script writers. stating: “She is obviously incredibly John Godber, and has also just signed In addition to the £500 prize, the talented and her writing is ambitious and a publishing contract in America awards package includes mentoring sophisticated – especially for her age”. following the performance of one with professional authors and The Y9 pupil was recently runner-up of her short plays in New York. opportunities to develop her writing in the Yorkshire Post’s creative writing skills, including producing monthly competition and was described by vlog book reviews. Julia will also attend author Gervase Phinn as ‘outstanding’.

Aadi appeals to younger voters Young people across the city have been casting their vote to choose the next Leeds Children’s Mayor, and GSAL pupils got behind their very own candidate.

Aadi Attari Y6 stood for office on a Aadi said: “Children and adults would manifesto of creating greater awareness get to experience different countries of different cultures and religions. Over without leaving Leeds. This would help 100 children from 49 Leeds schools to create awareness, and hopefully submitted manifestos, and Aadi was one tolerance, of different cultures and faiths of just 12 candidates selected to stand. as well as respecting the views of others.” Central to his manifesto is a proposal With voting restricted to those aged to hold fun family events in schools and 18 and under, the Leeds Children’s communities, at which different cultures Mayor election engages children in are represented through food, dress and the democratic process and promotes activities. Any money raised would be understanding of rights and Aadi Attari donated to charity. responsibilities.

14 No. 55 GSAL life Students are on the write lines in national competitions

Two Y13 students are celebrating success in national creative and academic writing competitions.

In the Newnham Essay prize competition, Sanjana Gunasekaran won second prize in the history competition. Newnham College, Cambridge, runs the annual competition across a range of subject areas, to encourage female sixth form students to explore university level themes and develop their independent research and writing skills. Sanjana selected “Inequality has been the dominant trend in modern history. Discuss” for her 3,000-word essay. She said: “It’s a broad topic and very different to any A-level question I would get.” Sanjana received her prize at Newnham College, from the principal Dame Carol Black. Sanjana Gunasekaran is pictured with Newnham College principal Dame Carol Black

Meanwhile fellow student Ilana Pearce well and get across the emotions without impressed the judges in two separate cliché.” writing competitions and in two She was invited to the special awards different languages. ceremony at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, She was runner-up in the Wicked London, which was attended by head Young Writer Awards in the 15 to judge Cressida Cowell and cast members 17-year-old category for her poem Why from Wicked along with 120 finalists Don’t You Just Stop? on the theme of from across the country. mental illness and combatting stigma. A few weeks earlier Ilana achieved This national awards scheme was set success in another writing competition up by the hit musical Wicked, and run in – this time working in French. In the conjunction with the National Literacy University of Oxford’s French Film Trust, to recognise excellence in writing Competition 2017, she was commended and creativity in five to 25-year-olds. in the Years 12 to 13 category for her Ilana said: “My aim was to step into script which reimagined the ending someone else’s shoes and try to make it to the film Microbe et Gasoil. real, not forced. It was difficult to word it Ilana Pearce

15 GSAL life Autumn 2017 SPORT

Young footballers make the most of tour to North America

During the summer, 35 players and four staff travelled to North America for the football tour, taking in Toronto and Boston and ending in the bright lights of New York.

The tour kicked off with a bang in Toronto with a visit to the Harvard, the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial, Central Park Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play baseball in a and Times Square were memorable in many different ways. magnificent stadium, and the rest of the tour didn’t disappoint. The tour came to a close in another baseball stadium in New The U18 and U16 teams played five games each and adapted York, to watch New York City take on Toronto in an MLS their playing styles to suit the different climate and the soccer game. opposition. The U18s were victorious in three games, losing Martin Knowles, head of football, said: “I would like to two, whilst the U16s won two, drew two and lost one game. thank all the tourists for their company and hard work whilst The highlight of the football was an opportunity to play Bayern away as they were great ambassadors for our school throughout Munich’s North American Academy side in Boston, which was a the trip. I would also like to thank their parents for all the help tough test in searing heat against the state champions. fundraising for the tour and hope they enjoyed their two weeks The squad also had an opportunity to take in the sights and of peace in July!” sounds of Toronto, Boston and New York. Excursions up the CN Tower, Empire State Building and to Niagara Falls,

16 No. 55 GSAL life Katy’s national debut for Wales hockey

Katy Gannon impressed the selectors at Hockey Wales to earn a place in the national U18 training squad.

The Y13 student, who honed her hockey skills as a member of the first teams at school and with Leeds Adel Hockey Club, stepped up her training with monthly sessions in the Hockey Wales 360° Hockey Centres last year. After just a few months Katy earned selection for the U18 National Age Group (NAG) training squad and has made her match debut in a friendly against England. Katy qualifies for Wales through her mother’s side of the family – her maternal grandparents were born and brought up in Caernarfon. The NAG programme involves alternate weekends training and a week-long training camp in the summer. Katy said: “I wasn’t expecting much from my first match but it was a great experience to play a strong national side. I hope to continue playing for Wales in the future and see what happens; Katy Gannon, Wales U18 hockey player sport has always been part of my life.”

Trampoline success for Joey Promising young trampolinist Joey Rosenberg bounced his way to 6th place in the national trampolining finals at the start of the summer holidays.

The Y6 pupil achieved his incredible result after training as a trampolinist for the past year. He now trains 22 hours a week Joey competes at the national trampolining finals with the Trampoline and Tumbling Club, and is aiming to reach the British Championships.

17

GSAL life Autumn 2017

A tense moment during sports day between Niall Chaudhary (left) and Zain Haroon Junior School pupils in record-breaking sports day

The Y6 high jump record which was previously set in 2011 The end of the summer by Harry Bailey was broken by Jaimal Bhullar and the Y3 long jump record, which had stood since 2009, was beaten term saw Junior School by Freddie Hopkins. Other new school records were made in high jump by Charlie Beaumont Y5, long jump by Aaron Ratnalingam Y4, pupils break a number of 80m by Eni Rotimi Y5, 200m by Morgan Downes Y3, 400m by Oliver Thompson Y5 and 600m by Jessica Baxter Y3. longstanding records at Every pupil took part in a varied programme of sporting activities and the overall winners were Marshall House. their annual sports day. (NB: Year groups mentioned are for the last academic year.)

18

No. 55 GSAL life Pre-season rugby and netball tour for Y6 pupils Mixed results did not detract from Junior School’s enjoyment of the pre-season rugby and netball tour to the north-west.

After a morning at Knowsley Safari Park, The King’s School, Macclesfield, played host to the Y6 group for the rest of the first day. The following day, the boys headed for Stockport RUFC and the girls to Stanbury Park Primary School for a test of character as they played their matches in a typical Manchester downpour! Despite losses all round, the teams’ spirits remained high as the pupils returned to Leeds to sunshine and home comforts. Back (L-R): Freya Smith, Isabelle Scott and Charlotte Williams; front (L-R): Mia Wood, Jessica Courtney-Ashton and Mimi Adamson at Knowsley Safari Park

Gymnasts bring home a bronze

Y10 students Jasmine Keith and Charlotte Rode were flying high in Norway this summer.

The girls were part of the Leeds Gymnastics Club Display Team, representing Great Britain at the World Gym For Life Competition 2017. They were among participants from 23 countries and competed in front of King Harald of Norway at the Osloford Convention Centre where they were awarded a bronze medal.

Charlotte (left) and Jasmine in Norway

19 GSAL life Summer 2017

Netballers are (L-R): Molly Harris, Jessie Ducker, Ailsa Gorman, Georgia Pexton and Lexy Shipley GSAL netballers perform in national competitions

GSAL netball players have been warming up for the new season in a series of high level competitions.

The talented young players took part in England Netball Four GSAL players represented Yorkshire, reaching the National Performance League (NPL) matches during the finals of their respective tournaments but finishing as runners summer holidays. up to Manchester Thunder in both age groups. Louise Marsden NPL is the pathway for developing future elite players for (GSAL 2017) captained the U19 Yorkshire NPL team, playing the netball superleague and national teams. Three age groups alongside Lexy Shipley Y13, while Ailsa Gorman Y11 and Molly took part in four days of competition involving players from Harris Y12 played for the U17 Yorkshire team. across the country. Jessie Ducker and Georgia Pexton, both Y12, played in the U21 Loughborough Lightning team which beat Hertfordshire Mavericks in the final to become national champions.

GSAL Life is edited and written by Alison Knight, [email protected] and Rachel Cockburn, [email protected], students and staff.