On a very sunny Monday 7 September we welcomed nearly all 928 students (a few were delayed getting back from overseas) back to Gordon’s for the first day of our Autumn term which included 314 students in the Sixth Form and our biggest ever intake into Year 12. After such a long break and a very different virtual school since March, it was lovely to see the School busy and bursting with school life again. The curriculum, music and most sport have all resumed and Friday 11 September saw the first drill practice commence with our new Year 7’s starting to learn the basics to continue the Gordon’s tradition.
We have seen 80% of our Year 11 students move into Year 12 and now have 268 residential boarders, spread across 5 residential boarding houses, including 'Woolwich House’ which opened for Year 7 residential boarders last year.
We are proud to share that we have 8 Gordonians as staff members now. This week we have been sharing more details about these wonderful Gordonians via our social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – don't forget to connect and follow us too. It’s a great way to keep in touch.
We are committed to ensuring a safe return for students (and staff) so they can all benefit from the Gordon’s experience; academic, pastoral and co-curricular. All teachers have been provided with tablet IT devices and continuing relevant training so they are equipped to provide the highest standard possible of home learning for those who have been delayed returning, in case of a second spike or a local lock-down. Another first for schools this year, including Gordon’s, is to host Virtual School Tours which will commence in the coming weeks, to showcase what Gordon’s has to offer. I will be sure to share these presentations on the Gordonian website so you can see what has changed since you were at Gordon’s.

We are all looking forward to a great school year and cannot wait until it is safe to welcome you all back to The School for a Parade and or a reunion.

Here is a short update on what we are busy with at this time. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or your own news and updates to share. Contact via email at gordonians@gordons.school 

Your Support
We are fast approaching the completion of the new Sports Hub which is a great achievement in the current climate. We are hoping to begin using the facilities after the October half term break. We will then plan for the official opening ceremony to take place in 2021 at a time when we are all able to safely gather together. We will let you know when we have more information. Here is a picture of the new all-weather pitch looking very nice in the September sunshine. Click here to find out how you can still support the funding of Sports Hub equipment.



Dedicate a Tree Campaign - We are required to have over 40 new trees planted as part of the planning agreement for the new Sports Hub. Funding a tree, or more, will provide a wonderful opportunity to either remember a loved-one or mark the end of a student’s career at Gordon’s. We will display the names of all the dedicatees on a beautiful board in the grounds of the Sports hub. Click here for more information and the option to dedicate a tree.

Gordonian Sports

Old Gordonians Cricket team - The Annual Charity Cricket Match took place on August Bank Holiday 31/8/2020. The Old Gordonians were victorious for the second year! For the full match report click here


Gordonian Running Club - We are planning to offer Gordonian runners the opportunity to meet in person on a Saturday morning and run together from the new Sports Hub. With the wonderful addition of a Cafe it means Gordonian runners (along with all our Sports Hub spectators) can enjoy a coffee or drink post together run. More details to follow.
 


Gordonians FC (Gordon's Camels) Sunday League Team - We are eagerly awaiting the start of the Surrey and Hants border league which kicks off with the first game away at Bisley Recreation Ground against the 'Bisley All Stars' on Sunday 4th October 2020 at 10.30am. All home games will be played at Gordon's new Sports Hub once it is ready in November. The boys have been busy practicing on the back field to prepare (see pic). With a local sponsor in place - Thank you to BOZ's Fruit & Veg in Woking - they are ready to go! Good Luck team.

*NEW*
Gordonian Golf - Coming Soon - Gordonians v Staff and Current Pupils Charity Match 2021 - More information to follow. If you are interested to play in this match please let us know via email sparkin@gordons.school 

Gordonian Netball  - We are planning to gather Gordonian Netball players together for a fun match against the schools team/staff in 2021. If you are interested to play please let us know by emailing sparkin@gordons.school 

Limited Edition Gordonian Keyring
Just what you've always wanted! A reminder of your Gordon's school days to keep by your side.
We have created a beautiful Gordonian key ring that we have gifted to all our Year 13 Leavers this year who are just embarking on their new adventures as Gordonians. We thought you may like to own a keyring of your own. Click here to find out more and make your purchase.


Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service Nov 8th
Finally and sadly the September parade has been cancelled. The parade on 18th October has also been cancelled. We intend however for the Remembrance Parade to go ahead on 8th November without, unfortunately, any parent or family presence. We are planning instead to video-stream this live to all parents to ensure that we are able to keep the School’s ceremonial traditions very much alive. We will be sure to share the video with you too so that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.


Our next update will be the Winter Edition of The Gordonian Newsletter

Have a lovely Autumn & stay safe,

Sue Parkin
Alumni Officer