Senior School Weekly Bulletin

Principal’s message

This half term has seemed more special than most because we have learned to value the ordinary more than usual amidst these disrupted COVID times. It has been wonderful to see house and co-curricular activities, drama rehearsals and sports’ fixtures, busy-ness in every part of school life again, with all of the associated joy and laughter that this brings. The outdoor learning provision has been fantastic, creating wonderful opportunities for growth through challenge and fun. And our Black History Month events over the past two weeks have brought us interest, pleasure and learning in equal measure.

The party atmosphere has been heightened over the past few days, too. From the dance workshops in both primary and senior schools to yesterday’s Oxjam concert in the courtyard, with our oldest pupils performing and our youngest pupils dancing and singing along, it was one of those spine-tingling moments when I realise how fortunate I am to spend every day of my working life in school, with the loveliest and most positive young people.

Of course an exciting school programme means exhausted but happy pupils – and staff! So now the half term beckons, and once this weekend’s DofE expedition is complete, a time of rest and relaxation beckons: I wish you all a safe and happy half term, full of all the people and things you love most.

Sue Woodroofe
Principal

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Whole school notices

Music news

Mr Robert Tebb was a loyal and generous supporter of the GSAL music department and of many students, whom he provided for and watched grow into fine musicians. Several of our scholars will be playing at his memorial service. Our Tebb Scholars have been supported in their musical studies, others have won competitions, such as the Tebb Piano or Instrumental and Singing Competition classes, where the prizes were provided by him and, over the years hundreds of pupils have performed or rehearsed in the Tebb Room.

Parents are welcome to attend the memorial service which will take place on Thursday 21 October at 2.30pm at Lidgett Park Methodist Church, Lidgett Place, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 1HG. Attendees are asked to wear a mask for the service.

COVID

Lateral flow device (LFD) testing

Pupils should continue to test themselves twice a week at home. Test results don’t have to be reported to school, please just report your results to the NHS. If your child receives a positive LFD test they should book a PCR test and self-isolate whilst waiting for the results and also email seniorabsence@gsal.org.uk.

If your child is not part of the school’s testing programme but you want them to be tested at home, you can order free kits online.

COVID vaccinations

The Leeds School Immunisation Service will be returning to school in late November to vaccinate pupils, aged 12-15.  We will pass on details of the vaccination programme and how to give or refuse consent once we have further details from the Leeds School Immunisation Service.

Diwali

Our Hindu community will be celebrating Diwali on Thursday 4 November. Please visit GSAL World after the half-term break for details on how to enter our rangoli competition.

2Kit pop-up shop

Sat 6 November 10am-1pm

The PFA will be holding a pop-up shop selling used uniform. Donations of clean uniform in good condition can be left in the 2Kit bins in the visitors’ car park.

Winter Concert

Thursday 25 November 5.30-6.30pm or 7.30-8.30pm

We will be presenting an hour of our large ensembles, with two chances to join the audience. The ensembles involved include, Y7-Y13 Strings, GSAL Big Band, Cambiata Singers, GSAL Singers, Senior Chamber Choir, SoundWaves (Y7-Y9 woodwind, brass and rhythm section), Y10-Y13 Flute Choir, Y10-Y13 Clarinet Choir. Booking details to follow.

Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 12 December

We are planning to stage a version of our traditional service on the evening of Sunday 12 December involving students in all vocal groups. Rehearsals for this service will take place during the day on Saturday 11 December.

Poppy Appeal

After half term pupils can support The Royal British Legion by buying a poppy from one of the prefects at break time or lunchtime, or from the student support office.

Sport update

Please see the attached update from Mr O’Brien, Director of Sport.

Year 7 notices

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mr Gibbin, Head of Y7.

Year 8 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Thursday 18 November 11am

Please see attached letter for further information.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mr Rushworth, Head of Y8.

Year 9 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Thursday 18 November 9am

Please see attached letter for further information.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mrs Purcell, Head of Y9.

Year 10 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Monday 15 November 9am

Please see attached letter for further information.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mrs Collins, Head of Y10.

Year 11 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Friday 19 November 9am

Please see attached letter for further information.

Sixth Form Open Evening

NEW DATE – Wednesday 24 November 5pm – 8pm

This event will now take place in person at GSAL at the later date of Wed 24 November.  If you have already booked for the event on the previous date you do not need to do anything. If you haven’t booked yet please register here.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mr Veitch, Head of Y11.

Year 12 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Friday 19 November 11am

Please see attached letter for further information.

Parking

An update on Sixth Form parking from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form can be found here.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form and Miss Stead, Head of Y12.

Year 13 notices

Speech Day and Prize Givings

Friday 19 November 2pm

Please see attached letter for further information.

UCAS

As you are aware, November tracking is the last point at which UCAS aspirational grades can be changed for the students who have not yet applied through UCAS, although for most students UCAS aspirational grades will stay the same. There can be a reduction in department predictions but not UCAS grades. Any changes are overseen by the Head of Department in consultation with subject teachers. The tracking will take account of the range of work done over this half term and the outcomes of any assessments which departments have set.

Mock exams

There is not an exam period in November. Mock examinations take place in March.

Parking

An update on Sixth Form parking from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form can be found here.

Head of Year’s message

Please see the attached message from Mr Harding, Director of Sixth Form and Mrs Pratt, Head of Y13.