GSAL students around the world Newsletter ...turn to pages 8 and 9 Spring 2020 No. 62 Parent Power names The at top of the class

GSAL has been named The Sunday Times North Independent Secondary School of the Year. GSAL Senior School pupils

The newspaper’s Parent Power Schools examination results this year were across all walks of school life, not just in Guide identifies the highest achieving excellent with more than half of all A-level the examination halls. 2,000 schools in the UK, based on recent results returning A* or A grades. Sue Woodroofe, GSAL Principal, said: examination results. From these schools, “High levels of success at GCSE, where “This is outstanding recognition, on a the guide selects regional schools of the 70 per cent of all results were A*/A or national stage, of all that our pupils and year in the state and independent sectors. graded 9-7, is a tribute to the strength of staff do to make GSAL so special. Parent Power editor Alastair McCall the school’s diamond model of teaching. “This is wonderful news - just when I said: “Eleven years on from the coming Boys and girls are taught separately from think I could not be more proud of this together at of the former Leeds 11 to 16 within an otherwise co- school, I find that I am!” Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High educational school environment.” School, The is a He went on to say that facilities were thriving, dynamic place of learning. Its excellent and achievement was recognised

This year the children have helped Zikomo means raise enough money to complete the building of one classroom and build a new one for a school in Malawi! They also thank you filled backpacks with everyday essentials so that pupils in Malawi could go to school with everything they need, which Rose Court children were presented sixth form students handed out during with a beautiful painting as a thank the Malawi tour last summer. you for their fundraising for the Andrea Evans, head of Rose Court, Zikomo Trust, by Barry Brindley, said: “It is lovely for the youngest children at school to see that they too can make a GSAL’s Malawi coordinator. Viyan Y2, Hannah Y2, Celia Y1 and Rory Y2 with the difference to the lives of others.” Malawi painting now on display at Rose Court

@TheGSAL GSAL life Spring 2020 GSAL celebrates ‘excellent’ inspection rating

The Grammar School at Leeds is celebrating after receiving the highest possible rating of ‘excellent’, following an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

The rigorous full inspection covered compliance and educational quality, and assessed every aspect of the school from nursery to sixth form. In their report, the inspectors highlighted the quality of the pupils’ attainment and their personal development. As well as the key finding that ‘the quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent’, the report also praised pupils’ personal development. It commended the pupils for their ‘exceptional personal development…promoted by a school environment and culture that is Sixth form students consistently inclusive, cohesive and supportive’. Principal Sue Woodroofe, said: “I am “These are all things that we strive for The report also stated: “Pupils show so pleased that pupils’ exceptional as educators and parents, and the report an outstanding willingness to fulfil their personal development, behaviour and is a wonderful endorsement of our pupils responsibilities and contribute positively positive attitude, as well as their and staff, and the support and to the lives of others both within the academic and co-curricular attainment, commitment of our parents.” school community, and in wider society.” were evident to the inspectors.

Y7’s lucrative lunchtime

Congratulations to Y7 pupils who, in the space of just one lunch break, raised £466 for charity.

Their Christmas bazaar pulled in the punters with a fantastic choice of whacky games, naughty and nice treats, and the chance to sponge a teacher. Y6 pupils joined in enthusiastically, no doubt gathering ideas for their turn next year! The money will be shared between GSAL’s Malawi project and Carlton Lodge, where Y7 pupils stay for their outdoor discovery course. Naughty but nice – (L-R): Lola Manson, Zayna Tariq and Ailsa Charters

2 No. 62 GSAL life Radio Message amateur is on the right from the wavelength Principal with scholarship What a term - Autumn 2019 has Jake Howarth has received a to rank as one of prestigious Arkwright the best in my 30+ Engineering Scholarship which supports young people from year career! across the UK who show From flying colours on the ISI potential as future leaders in Educational Quality Inspection to Teddy and Evie working out where they are engineering. flying high when we were awarded independent secondary school of the north for 2020 by The Sunday Times, Y1 beat the The sixth form student is studying physics, we ended the term with an even bigger chemistry, maths and further maths at GSAL buzz than usual. Of course, it’s weather and go A-level, and, with his hobbies as a radio easy for schools to define themselves amateur and drama technician, he is and explain the criteria they use to orienteering constantly working on his technical skills. award themselves excellent status. As part of the Arkwright Award he But recognition for all that happens in receives financial help to enhance his this school from well-respected and A-level studies and fund activities to accredited external bodies means so Pupils in Y1 had the chance enrich his understanding and experience much more. of engineering. He will be sponsored by the But we shouldn’t be surprised. If to put their knowledge of Radio Communications Foundation and he you consider the examination results cartography and has also been matched with a mentor. our pupils achieve, they are among the compasses into practice on highest in the country. And then you consider what we always say at GSAL an orienteering day… and – it’s not just about academic results showed how well they (lovely though they are), the best could read maps and follow education is one that values and nurtures every pupil, that knows every a course. child well and offers them personal pastoral care and an array of quality co-curricular opportunities so that During the morning they took part in a everyone can stretch themselves, take variety of activities including an obstacle risks and find their place to shine. course, using coordinates, map reading, This magazine can only give you a and learning about symbols. glimpse into life at GSAL last term And despite the autumn downpours, but, just as I am every day by our they managed to get outside in the talented pupils, I hope you will be afternoon for a punching relay, using an inspired at every page! electronic punching system which has been devised to make orienteering more Sue Woodroofe exciting. They also enjoyed beating the Jake receives his certificate from Trevor Gill, Principal teachers’ times on the Maze O, a game telecommunications consultant and trustee of which allows you to design mazes. the Smallpeice Trust and the Radio Communications Foundation

3 GSAL life Spring 2020 The future is digital for A-level history of art Prospective students of art history can now study the subject from anywhere in the world following the launch of a new online course at GSAL, one of the project’s academic partners.

The innovative course, which leads to the At the launch, Griselda Pollock, Pearson History of Art A-level, arises professor of social and critical histories of from a partnership between the art at the , delivered a Association for Art History and the lecture entitled “Atwood, dystopian National Extension College, working literature, women and the visual image” to with universities, schools and teachers. students from schools in the Leeds area. News of the online course has been Further information about the course, welcomed by artists and academics, as how to enrol and starting dates can be well as museum and gallery professionals found on the National Extension College across the country, and follows a hard- website at: won campaign in 2016 to keep history of www.nec.ac.uk/a-level-history-of-art/ Professor Pollock launches the art history art on the A-level curriculum. A-level course at GSAL

Celebration of autumn at Rose Court

Reception pupils at Rose Court celebrated autumn with a special day of visits and activities.

First up was a visit from Prickly Hedgehog Rescue Centre in Leeds, introducing the children to some rescued hedgehogs and showing how to care for them. Silverband Falconry also dropped by with some birds of prey and the children had the chance to hold a baby owl and watch a flying falconry display on the school field. The day continued with an autumn walk to find conkers and other natural objects, before making hedgehog pictures, decorating pumpkins and joining in a ‘sing a long’ with the nursery children. Getting to know you… Nikhil meets a baby owl

4 No. 62 GSAL life

What Katie did Heavenly next – from talking night for torque to climate stargazing campaigner pupils

Katie White at Speech Day

When car-mad Katie White left Leeds Girls’ High School in 1999, Freddie and Rohan have been stargazing in the leavers’ book recorded her their solar system masks aspiration to drive a cool car. Y1 pupils and staff from She does… and it’s electric. Rose Court had a night to remember when they visited Senior School for Katie, who was the guest speaker at this That serious job turned out to be year’s Speech Day at Leeds Town Hall, is a campaigning with Friends of the Earth, their annual stargazing climate campaigner who was awarded an taking on MPs and climate sceptics. The event. OBE in 2013 for services to climate change hard work paid off when the Climate engagement. This year she joined WWF Change Act 2008 passed through (Worldwide Fund for Nature) as executive Parliament. In the subsequent decade With the help of Senior School pupils and director for campaigns and advocacy. Katie has built an impressive career as an teachers Dr D’Vali and Mr Dee from the So how did she go, in her words, “from independent campaigns advisor. physics department, the children learned car girl to climate girl?” Despite highlighting the climate crisis about the solar system. She told her audience that it was in her address, Katie concluded with three They made solar system hats and almost accidental. An internship in reasons to be cheerful. In the UK last year masks plus rockets which they launched Washington DC opened her eyes to the she said that a third of all electricity came into space. They also created fruity solar issue of global climate change and she from renewables; new ways are being planets and moving astronauts, plus returned home fired up and determined to found to take carbon out of the decorated planetary biscuits, explored work in that area for a year or so before atmosphere; and 10 per cent of all new cars and made constellations. getting a ‘serious’ job. in the UK are now electric or hybrid. A heavenly night was had by all!

5 GSAL life Spring 2020

Junior School Quokka Clothing’s pupils ‘do their quick win at Christmas thing’ to raise trade fair record amount

‘Do your thing!’ was the theme for this year’s Children in Need… and pupils in Junior School did just that to raise an incredible £6,100!

From fun runs to sing-a-thons, everyone had the opportunity to showcase their skills whilst raising money to help the lives of disadvantaged children throughout the UK. The school was a hive of activity as runners braved the weather to complete the cross country course, whilst others sweated it out in the sports hall. Musical pupils took part in a singing marathon; dancers showed off their moves in the drama studio; and mathematicians completed a live mathletics session. Thank you to everyone for supporting the fundraising. Quokka Clothing (L-R): Evie Ramsbottom, Hannah Lloyd, Fiona Hawkings, Ella Potts and Hannah Knowles

Enterprising students had a profitable day at the LEAP Christmas trade fair, coming away with prizes as well as healthy takings.

Y12 students at GSAL have teamed up to student enterprise programme, setting up form 14 companies this year. Clothing their own companies and gaining and accessories company Quokka valuable experience of running a Clothing won the top award at the business. The trade fairs hosted by the Christmas fair, which was held in the Merrion Centre are a key selling Merrion Centre, Leeds, while Kuler.Co opportunity and awards are given to the took third place, for their stall selling companies with the best stalls. environmentally friendly products such Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor as reusable water bottles. Eileen Taylor presented the prizes. Students from schools across Leeds and Bradford take part in the LEAP

Reuben Hill takes part in mathletics

6 No. 62 GSAL life Pupils see life under a microscope with Marty From the moment Marty Jopson uttered the words “Would you like to see something gross and disgusting?” he had his audience of primary school pupils hooked.

Science presenter and writer Marty, who is the resident scientist on the BBC’s One Show and a founder of the Otley Science Festival, was visiting GSAL with his science show Invisible Worlds. His audience of Y6 pupils from GSAL and Y5 from Manor Wood Primary School loved the show’s “gross and disgusting” opener - a head louse, magnified under a microscope and projected onto a big screen so that they could clearly identify it as an insect and see how it clings onto human hair. Marty followed up with live specimens of a spider and a woodlouse, and showed the children magnifications of pond life, including hydra and algae, and human cells (harvested from himself and a brave audience member) found in blood and inside the mouth. GSAL pupils Evelyn Whitehead and Sam Wright with Marty Jopson This year GSAL became a sponsor of Otley Science Festival, providing transport for local school children to attend events and supporting the week’s grand finale, the Otley Science Fair.

‘Hosanna Rock’ leaves the audience shouting for myrrh!

All of the hard work and rehearsing certainly paid off for Y3 pupils who wowed their audience with a superb performance of ‘Hosanna Rock!’

Packed full of uplifting songs, dances, and incredible acting (not to mention a few suspect jokes), this year’s show was a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and certainly put everyone in the festive spirit. But wait … there’s myrrh! Many children really impressed their teachers by being brave and taking risks and the end result Evie Cooke as Mary in ‘Hosanna Rocks’ was a triumph.

7 GSAL life Spring 2020 GSAL students around the world

STEM trip to Singapore A trip to Singapore was inspirational for students of STEM subjects in Y10, Y11 and Y12. As well as taking in the spectacular city sights students took part in educational activities at Tanglin School and Dulwich College, visited the National Design Centre and took a factory tour at Technetics.

Students at Singapore Gardens by the Bay

Politics in Washington and NYC

Students studying A-level politics enjoyed the opportunity to visit seats of power stateside in the annual trip across the pond. In Washington places of interest included the White House and the Supreme Court, while in New York, the Statue of Liberty was a must- see. The students learn about the inner workings of the United Nations during a tour of UN HQ. The politics trip visits the White House

8 No. 62 GSAL life

GSAL students headed overseas at October half term for a range of trips which saw them visit Europe, America and the Far East.

Classicists see Greece

Classicists from Y9 to sixth form travelled back in time to visit ancient sites and museums relating to classical Greece and the Roman Empire. They spent time in Athens including a visit to the Acropolis and the Theatre of Dionysus, and travelled to Delphi, Epidaurus and Corinth.

Students visit Boppard on the Rhineland trip

Rhineland visit for Y9

The Y9 trip to the Rhineland is a highlight for pupils studying German. Their itinerary included a cruise on the Rhine, a chocolate museum, Cochem Castle and Cologne, as well as thrills and spills at the Phantasialand theme park. German language skills were put to the test, especially when making sure they got their ice cream order right at the Eiscaf. Classics students at the Lion Gate, Mycenae

9 GSAL life Spring 2020 GSAL students discover the great outdoors

Last term more than 350 students spent time in nature on residential trips with the Outdoor Learning department. Y12 students are (L-R): Jacob Harris, Riya Maslekar, Charlotte Liebster and Theo Charters

In September all of Y7 embarked on their expedition in the Yorkshire Dales. Each showed great perseverance and resilience first outdoor learning course to Carlton team successfully climbed Pen-y-Gent as they tackled adventure activities such Lodge in North Yorkshire. For three days and Ingleborough, as well as building on as abseiling down a 35m rock face at and two nights each form group worked the camp craft and navigation skills they Trow Gill or squeezing between the rock together on activities such as raft learned for the Silver award. formations to observe the underground building, archery, climbing, orienteering, The second half of the term was even waterfall in Yordas cave. kayaking and bush craft. Well done to busier, with eight Y12 form groups in the The remaining Y12 form groups will 7CGS for winning the form competition. Yorkshire Dales on the leadership course. visit in March. At October half term, Gold DofE Each group was responsible for planning students completed their practice what activities they did and when. Teams

Students enjoy sum success in maths challenges Some GSAL students can’t seem to get enough maths! Holly Altman Y13

Many opt to take part in challenges set solved in a 2.5 hour exam, the MOG is not Senior Kangaroo. by the UK Mathematics Trust in addition to be taken lightly. Holly achieved In the Kangaroo, only 25 per cent of the to their school work, and their efforts have distinction, an accolade reserved for the candidates nationwide are awarded a been rewarded with excellent results. very top performers across the country. merit certificate and three GSAL students Holly Altman Y13 has been entering She also came top in the Individual made the grade. Congratulations to Y13 the maths challenges since Junior School, Senior Maths Challenge, taken by 117 students Aryan Kotwal and Ted Borland, progressing this term to the demanding students in Y10 and above. Twelve of those and Luke Rawsthorne Y11. Mathematical Olympiad for Girls (MOG). candidates achieved a gold certificate and With five advanced maths problems to be an invitation to the follow-on round, the

10 No. 62 GSAL life

The story drew the audience into the darkest corners of Wonderland, where the Will follows eponymous Alice finds herself, grief stricken by her brother’s death and on a quest to find the ‘heart’. the yellow Reviewer Lucy Church Y12 says: “Having watched a scary chef, a postman that didn’t brick road… want to deliver his own post, an endless tea party, a croquet match and several executions by the Queen of Hearts, I was beginning to The cast of Alice wonder how this story, packed with hidden meaningful messages, could come to a close. A poignant scene that sees Alice realise the Curiouser and ‘heart’ she had been searching for was not in fact a place, but her own. curiouser… “The revelation that Wonderland was all in her mind was a resonating one – it explored the idea that the human mind can be a scary but also comforting place, with the Alice by Laura Wade was a characters from Wonderland joining Alice spectacular production one last time on the stage as she goes back to performed by students in Y10 reality.” to Y13 and directed by Mr Read Lucy’s full review at www.gsal.org. uk/news and see the photo album on Scott Reynolds. Facebook.

Big-hearted bookworms support Readathon Will in one of his costumes for the Wizard of Oz

Y5 pupil Will O’Brien has been appearing in the Wizard of Oz, this year’s big Christmas production at Leeds Playhouse.

Mrs Pratt’s Y8 set were the top fundraisers in the Readathon Will loved the opportunity to be part of the spectacular show with its Readathon has been an annual fixture for Y8 pupils for much-loved characters and iconic almost a decade and it’s been a blockbuster this year. songs. He took to the stage during a number of evening and matinee performances every week of the During the two weeks of October half Pratt’s girls’ English class alone! show’s run throughout December term, Y8 pupils devoured as many books The money raised will help Read for and January. as they could and collected sponsorship Good’s projects such as providing books for the charity Read for Good. They and storyteller visits to children in raised a grand total of almost £500 with a hospital, and helping schools to stock stellar contribution of £303 from Mrs their own libraries.

11 GSAL life Spring 2020

Y6 brave wind and rain at Cranedale

Eva Samwell at the National Science and Media Museum Behind the scenes at National Science and Media Museum

As part of their ‘light and shadow’ topic in A group of Y6 pupils at Flamborough Head. They are back (L-R): Eisa Khan, Alexander Wilson, Adam Dyson, Roda Koker, Zack Khan, George Milner and Lulu science, Y3 pupils took a trip to the National Beaumont; front (L-R): Oscar Scott, Jessica Baxter, Diva Bansal and Jessica Joy Science and Media Museum in Bradford. The children delved into the history of television and During two wet weeks in November, Y6 photography before experiencing a jaw-dropping IMAX children attended their annual residential at projection of Apollo 11. To finish the day they took part in an engaging and immersive series of live experiments where they the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire. made light travel, watched balloons explode and found Egyptian treasure using reflections. For many of the children this is the longest period they have ever been away from home so the five days is a real milestone in their personal development. The children spend the time developing their team building skills, understanding the physical geography of the area and learning to read maps. Everyone returned home exhausted, but with many Y4 lead the way at fond memories of their time away. harvest festival

(L-R) Nikki and Karen are pictured with three A-level music students, Holly Altman, Karen Rodriguez Boidi and Lucy-Anne Daniels

Rhea Bhakta performs during harvest festival … and that’s jazz Y4 pupils had the privilege of leading harvest What a treat for GSAL’s jazz loving students and staff festival at Junior School. when saxophonist Karen Sharp and pianist Nikki Iles gave an exclusive lunch time performance at the school. The children performed poetry, projecting their voices with enthusiasm, and there was much fun and laughter as they The pair played tunes from the greats including Cole Porter, danced and sang to their favourite harvest songs. Duke Ellington and Oscar Pettiford. They also took questions Pupils from Y5 and 6 also took part, delighting their from students, talked about their musical influences and gave audience with a song which they sang expertly in parts. sound advice about improving improvisation (listen to records As ever, the tables were piled high with donations of food and play along) and the best practice routines (little and often, which were delivered to St. George’s Crypt in Leeds. perhaps do it with a friend!).

12 No. 62 GSAL life

Y5 experience life in Victorian workhouse

Reception pupils Zachary, Isabel as Whoops-a- Daisy Angel, Lucille, Ralph and Paige Whoops-a- Daisy Angel saves the day Rose Court families and friends were introduced to a delightful new character in this season’s nativity, performed by Reception pupils.

The lovable but rather chaotic Whoops- (L-R): Swara Bane, Sebastian Hassan and Lokesh Chakrabarti polish brass a-Daisy Angel never gets picked for the important jobs the other angels do, like dusting, and she can’t even count the The rigours and deprivation High expectations were demanded from snowflakes properly. the Matron of the house as the pupils spent However, one day, her luck changes of life in a Victorian time in a school room, as well as making when she is chosen to show Mary and workhouse were brought to sure that their chores were completed. Joseph the way to Bethlehem and keep life for Y5 pupils when they They wrote on slate in the classroom, watch over the stable on the very first (ensuring they didn’t have to wear the Christmas Day. spent the day at Ripon dunce’s hat!) and worked as servants in The heart warming production was an Workhouse Museum. training by cleaning brass, making beds, excellent way to get Christmas started. polishing shoes, rag rugging and gardening.

Rose Court pupils celebrate at Christmas Fair The occasion was bittersweet as Rose Court pupils and staff held their very last Christmas Fair in Headingley. This time next year they will be in their the hustle and bustle of Christmas stalls new home at Alwoodley Gates where they and activities. The Rose Court children will continue to celebrate the festive also sang and played carols on their season in style. However, for one final ocarinas to a happy and smiling audience Arnay (left) and Toby play carols on their ocarinas time, the Headingley school was full of of parents and friends.

13

GSAL life Spring 2020 SPORT

Congratulations to the 1st XV rugby team on winning the NatWest Plate GSAL through to quarter-final 27-15 against Stowe rugby semi-finals School to make it to the semis. The scorers were Demi Oshin, Cameron Briggs, Sam Davenport and Sonny Wade, who also kicked a penalty and two conversions. The semi-finals are in March when GSAL takes on Bloxham School for a place in the final at Twickenham.

The first XV after the quarter-final Sonny Wade scores a try

U11 hockey team takes silver

Junior School’s U11 hockey team played some outstanding hockey, scoring lots of goals, to earn them a place in the final of the HMC hockey tournament.

The team finished runners-up to a tough Pocklington side but were pleased with their play throughout the day, beating Bradford Grammar, Hymers and St Olaves, and drawing The hockey team are back (L-R): Violet Jones, Alexa Cunnington, Sophie Lyons, Isobel Newman, Emily Whittle and Evie Cronin; front (L-R): Amelie Mather, against RGS Newcastle. Abigail Kingston, Lulu Beaumont and Isla Mather

14

No. 62 GSAL life

U14 team in with a shot Dexter for national final place Rosenberg wins Yorkshire Triathlon Series

The U14 girls’ hockey team

Y9 girls have made a great start to their campaign in the Investec Girls’ U14 Schools Championship run by England Hockey.

Having topped their group in the regional in the Independent Schools Hockey Cup round, they need one more win to reach the following a stunning 5-0 win against Prior’s national finals at the Olympic Park after a Field School. Victory in their quarter-final win and a loss through sudden death would secure them a place at the national shuffles in their subsequent matches. They finals day where the last four standing play will play Perse School away in January. a tournament for the title. The U13 girls are making good progress Dexter receives his trophy from Mark Summerson, regional chair of British Triathlon

Gymnast Dexter Rosenberg is Oscar brings celebrating after winning home the gold the Yorkshire Triathlon Race Series. Y6 pupil Oscar Warren has won gold at the British Men’s Gymnastic final. The Y6 pupil competed in nine As well as winning the individual events - triathlons, duathlons and gold medal, Oscar, who was aquathons - across the Yorkshire region representing Yorkshire, also helped to take the title in his age group. his team to win the silver medal. Dexter worked really hard He is a member of Leeds throughout the series… and especially Gymnastics Club and is part of the during the Ripon Triathlon which England Gymnastics squad, training started with an open water swim in the more than 23 hours a week. lake on a freezing day. Congratulations on a superb achievement Oscar!

15 GSAL life Autumn 2019

England Rugby head coach puts Leeds juniors through their paces

Eddie Jones chats to junior players on the 3G pitch at GSAL

Within a month of taking England to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan, head coach Eddie Jones was putting 60 Leeds youngsters through their paces at GSAL.

Eddie visited the school to give a talk for and old boy of Leeds Grammar School, Ilkley Literature Festival about his before an audience of 450 as part of Ilkley autobiography Eddie Jones: My Life and Literature Festival. Ian was the ideal Rugby. While here, he also showed his choice of interviewer – during his time as support for the next generation of rugby chief executive of the RFU he had players from GSAL Junior School and recruited Eddie as England head coach. local rugby clubs West Park, Their discussion ranged from Eddie’s Leodiensians and Roundhegians, on the childhood in Sydney, when being good at new floodlit 3G pitch. sport became a way to fit in, his teaching After the training session, he cut the career which peaked at acting principal ribbon to officially open the pitch which of the International Grammar School in is used extensively by community football Sydney, the highs and lows of playing and and rugby clubs as well as the school. coaching rugby, the support of his family, Following a Q&A session with the and his reflections on the Rugby World youngsters, Eddie was in conversation Cup in Japan. about his autobiography with Ian Ritchie,

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