Press Releases

Due to the wide ranging activities that are undertaken by our pupils and the numerous successes achieved in different fields, the school is often featured in local news and gets coverage in regional and national publications. Please see our most recent press releases below:

3.3.10

Charity fundraising Willy Wonka Extravaganza at Gateways School, Harewood

On Friday 26th February, Gateways School held a charity fundraising event on the theme of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The event, billed as Willy Wonka’s Family Extravaganza, was attended by 120 people and raised over £900 for the school’s ongoing Community Outreach project. The funds will be split equally between the charities supported by the school – Hope and Homes for Children and the Theo Trust – and the school’s own minibus appeal.

The event was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation by Year 9 pupils who were involved in a series of workshops led by Heather Shuttleworth who runs her own interior design and themed events business. Four teams of ten competed against each other to come up with ideas for a themed family event including plans for catering, entertainment, music, decor, lighting and publicity. In December the teams pitched their ideas to a panel of judges and the winners, with their Willy Wonka theme, went on to organise the Extravaganza.

The evening was hosted by Year 9 pupils Phoebe Sweaby and Holly Tattershall as Willy Wonka and Violet Beauregard. Highlights included a three course meal with extremely chocolatey desserts, a chocolate quiz, a variety of ‘sideshow’ entertainments such as Willy Wonka’s tasting room, a decorate a bun stall and a pin the golden ticket on Willy Wonka game, as well as more formal entertainment presented by singers and dancers.

Jane Foster, Community Outreach representative at Gateways and co-ordinator of the workshops, said: “The evening was a huge success – everyone who came really enjoyed themselves and a significant amount of money of raised. The girls can be justly proud of their achievement.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “The Extravaganza was a wonderful family event that was clearly thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. The whole project provided a tremendous opportunity for the girls to learn about the importance of planning and teamwork.”

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3.3.10

Gateways School pupils shine at the inaugural Harrogate Festival of Song for Young Voices

Over the weekend of Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February, a number of Gateways pupils took part in the inaugural Harrogate Festival of Song for Young Voices.

The event involved twelve participating schools from Harrogate and the surrounding area and took place at Ashville College, Harrogate. The adjudicator was world-famous soprano Lynne Dawson, probably best known for her moving performance at Princess Diana’s funeral of Libera Me from Verdi’s Requiem.

Four Gateways pupils won first prizes. Elin Gilbert and Eleanor Shearing won in the duet category for Year 6 and under with their rendition of Oh Dear, What Can the Matter Be? Emma Kennedy came first in the Year 10 solo from a light opera or musical with a moving performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Anna Tilsley sang two pieces The Silver Swan and The Shepherd’s Song for which she won first prize in the solo category for Year 12 and 13. Anna was also lucky enough to receive some tuition from Lynne Dawson in a masterclass on Sunday.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at Gateways, said: “It was wonderful to see so many Gateways girls taking part in this inaugural event and very pleasing that they did so well. It was a great musical experience for the girls to perform in front of an appreciative audience and to benefit from the guidance of a world-class performer.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “We are very proud of the girls’ achievements at the Harrogate Festival of Song for Young Voices. Taking part was an extremely valuable experience for them and to get such recognition validates all their hard work and many hours of practise.”

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3.3.10

North Yorkshire County Youth Dance Company visit Gateways School, Harewood

On Wednesday 24th February, North Yorkshire County Youth Dance Company (NYCYDC) visited Gateways School in Harewood to give a demonstration to pupils of their skills and to lead a workshop.

The group visiting consisted of pupils aged between 15 and 18 recruited from schools throughout Yorkshire who have been training for months to create a dance production. The session took place in the school’s Performing Arts Centre and began with the group’s choreographer putting the dancers through their paces with various warm-up exercises which included some impressive leaps and complex routines.

The company then performed three pieces – each constrasting in pace, energy and content, with themes such as ‘freedom’ and ‘mask’ – and this was followed by a workshop in which pupils were invited to take part. The session lasted 40 minutes and concluded with an energetic ‘dance off’ between two groups. After the workshop there was a question and answer session during which the dancers spoke about dance, their experiences and more specifically about working on the pieces performed.

Charlotte Fox, P.E. teacher said: “It was fantastic for the girls to see such high quality dance and also to get the opportunity to have a go themselves. It was an extremely inspirational experience for the girls.” Nick Box, Director of Sport at Gateways, said: “This is the third year that the company has visited and they always present movitivating and inspiring pieces as well as involving our girls in challenging workshops.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “We were delighted to have the North Yorkshire Dance Company with us. It was a wonderful experience for our girls who thoroughly enjoyed the performance and taking part in the workshop. It was both challenging and creative and enabled them to see what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.”

24.2.10

Rugby League Book author Phil Holmes, nephew of celebrated Rugby League player John Holmes, visits Gateways School in Harewood

On Wednesday 24th February, Gateways School in Harewood was pleased to welcome new author Phil Holmes who spoke to Prep School girls about his book Reluctant Hero – the John Holmes Story.

Phil Holmes is the nephew of John Holmes, the celebrated Leeds Rugby League player who played for the team for 23 years and who, sadly, died last year at the age of only 58. This is Phil’s first book; he is a P.E. teacher and himself played for Great Britain under-19s and also for Batley for seven years before injury meant a change of direction.

He is very proud of his uncle who was held in high regard on the field and who, off the pitch, was a very private and extremely modest person. Phil was speaking to the girls on the occasion of the launch at the school of a year-long project to create a book of their creative writing with the hope that it will be published.

He offered advice on how to go about structuring a book and how important planning is especially for first-time authors such as himself. He outlined the research that he undertook before beginning to write the book – talking to relatives, friends and colleagues of John Holmes and how to choose pictures to illustrate a book. He brought photographs to show to the girls and scrapbooks that had been compiled by a cousin charting John Holmes’ playing career.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Phil Holmes’ visit was extremely valuable for the girls and gave them a very helpful insight into the actual process of writing and publishing a book. The advice he offered will assist them to make the best of the opportunity they now have with our exciting book project.”

24.2.10

Rising singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle visits Gateways School

On Tuesday 23rd February, rising singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle, whose first EP was released last November featuring the tracks Rollerblades, Moneybox, Police car and Go Home, visited Gateways School in Harewood.

Currently on a nationwide tour promoting her new single Skinny Genes, to be released next month, Eliza Doolittle spent part of the afternoon at Gateways School. She performed some of her songs with a small band of musicians on double bass, acoustic guitar, ukulele and an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument known as a cajon. The audience was invited to sing along which they did with enthusiasm. Eliza then took questions and spoke to the girls about her music – described by one band member as a mixture of Country and Western and barbershop – and what inspires her to write songs.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at Gateways School, said: “Eliza has a really individual musical style and a good voice, and her songs reflect her own experiences as a young woman which the girls could relate to. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience – particularly the audience participation – and found Eliza an inspiring person. The girls really appreciated listening to live music and we discussed afterwards the value of live performance in terms of atmosphere and engagement with the performers.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Headmistress of Gateways School, said: “Eliza Doolittle is clearly a very talented young woman with a bright future and her visit was an inspiration to our girls. Eliza is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment.”

24.2.10

Book Week at Gateways School, Harewood, February 22nd-26th, 2010

Gateways School in Harewood has been celebrating the joys and rewards of reading this week through a host of fun literary activities taking place throughout its annual Book Week.

The whole school has been involved – from the youngest pupils in the Prep School to the Sixth Form in High School. The week kicked off on Monday with an assembly presented by Year 8 pupils who shared with the school their favourite books – reading extracts and explaining why the book was so special for them.

Throughout the week, pupils have been invited to write on The Writing Wall in the school library – putting up their name and their favourite book. There was a quiz at registration time on Wednesday in which pupils had to match the book character to an object they were associated with and each girl was asked to bring in an object representing a character from their favourite book. On Thursday a Books and Breakfast event invited pupils and parents to meet at the Library at 8am for tea and toast and to share their favourite books with each other.

Marlene Sharrock, Gateways School Librarian, said: “The aim of the Book Week is to encourage awareness of the value of books and of reading as an enjoyable leisure activity.”

The Book Week also marks the launch of a year-long project that will see the school compiling a book of all the girls’ creative work – featuring creative writing and illustrations. Every girl in the school will be involved in some way – and the project will enable them to learn about all aspects of creating a book. The hope is that at the end of the year, the book will be published.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “Book Week has been a great success and everyone – staff, students and parents – has been very enthusiastic about it. It has been a marvellous opportunity for all of us to share with each other the books we love and to celebrate both the educational value and the enriching pleasure of reading.”

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16.2.10

Gateways School launches Green Gateways Business Club

A green business initiative has been launched by Gateways School in Harewood, the first high school in Leeds to be awarded Green Flag Status.

Next month, Gateways is launching its Green Gateways Business Club with a series of conferences highlighting the importance of an environmental and corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus in a business context. Fifth and sixth form students from Gateways, as well from a number of schools in the Leeds and Harrogate area, have been invited to attend. Their contribution will enable delegates to gain an understanding of the CSR demands of the next generation workforce.

Sponsored by npower and supported by Northern Foods and other sponsors, the events, comprising an initial series of four breakfast events between March and June, will examine a variety of science and business topics including financial, legal, legislative and technological issues. They will also present delegates with the opportunity to engage with an audience from a range of businesses in both the private and public sector.

The purpose of this new initiative is to increase co-operation between business and education and to raise awareness of climate change. For the students, particularly those studying business, environmental studies and sciences, attendance will provide an opportunity for them to hear firsthand from Yorkshire business leaders and the Regional Development Agency about what they are doing to improve environmental standards for the next generation.

The first event on March 11 will focus on Money and the Law when speakers Paula Widdowson from Northern Foods and Nigel Larkman from Yorkshire Bank will offer advice on green incentives and how to make your business greener. On April 29, speaker Julian Walker-Palin of Asda will discuss Supply Chains. On May 27 speakers Cal Bailey of NG Bailey and Ben Wielgus of KPMG will discuss the risks and opportunities of going green and finally on June 24 Joanne Pollard of CO2 Sense Yorkshire and Dave Lewis of npower will look at the technology, including carbon capture initiatives, and return on investment of going green.

Gateways School Headmistress, Yvonne Wilkinson, said: “Schools and businesses can work together to ensure a low-carbon economy for the future. The Green Gateways Business Club helps business understand that young people demand higher environmental and ethical standards from them than ever before.”

If you would like your school to be involved please contact Alison Cooper, Director of External Relations, Gateways School, telephone 0113 2886345 or e-mail alison.cooper@gatewayschool.co.uk.

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10.2.10

Gateways School’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a big hit with audiences

On the evenings of Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th February, Gateways School in Harewood presented its Prep school production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to an appreciative audience of family, friends, staff and pupils.

The cast of 60 was made up of 7 to 11 year olds who acted, sang and danced their way through the heart-warming and uplifting story of young Charlie and his adventures at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. On the afternoon of Monday 8th February the cast had given a special matinee performance in the school’s Performing Arts Centre for an invited audience of local residents and pupils from Harewood Primary School.

The director of the production, Prep school teacher Fidelma Feeney, was delighted with the girls’ efforts and said: “It was a wonderful performance by all the girls and a tremendous ensemble effort. Every single girl had a significant part to play in the success of the production and they showed great commitment, energy and enthusiasm throughout the rehearsal period. They have worked very hard and really enjoyed themselves.” The production was a huge success with audiences at each performance with many commenting that they were particularly impressed by the girls’ singing.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our pupils to get involved in a wide range of activities in addition to their academic work. Being part of a production such as this is extremely valuable – as well as having a lot of fun, the girls learn a great deal about teamwork.”

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5.2.10

Gateways School delighted with Interim Inspection Report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate

Gateways School at Harewood ‘through a challenging academic programme aims to encourage pupils to become confident, reflective learners’ where the ‘emphasis is placed on treating each pupil as an individual’ and whose pupils ‘achieve success in many extra-curricular activities’. In the Early Years Foundation Stage ‘overall pupils’ needs are met outstandingly well’ and ‘personal development is outstanding’. These are just some of the judgements from the report of the two-day Interim Inspection carried out at the school by the Independent Schools Inspectorate last December and published this week by Gateways School.

Gateways School was selected as part of a pilot scheme for the new inspection framework for Independent Schools because, in its last inspection in 2006, the School met all regulatory requirements. This interim report, which stands alongside the school’s excellent 2006 Inspection Report, confirms that Gateways continues to be a successful school.

While the focus of the inspection was on the compliance with regulatory requirements, the inspectors observed lessons, conducted interviews with pupils and examined samples of their work. They held discussions with senior members of staff and the chair of governors as well as observing some of the extra-curricular activities that took place at the school during the inspection period. They also attended registration periods and assemblies.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “We are delighted with the interim report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and very proud that Gateways is such a successful school. Overall, the inspection was extremely positive and we will use the report to further enhance the good educational practice and high academic standards that are already in place in the school. I must congratulate Gateways’ staff and pupils for all that they continue to achieve”.

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27.1.10

Gateways School Amnesty Group holds debate on the death penalty

On Wednesday 27th January, Gateways School Amnesty International Group held their first debate of 2010. The group, which is part of the Harrogate and Knaresborough branch of Amnesty International, invited a group of sixth form and Year 11 pupils to debate the death penalty. The team which proposed the motion consisted of Alice Spencer, Manasa Ramesh and Laura Marks, while Sherri Cramer, Kate Woodward and Noor Albazie formed the opposition team. The debate was chaired by Amy McNamara.

The motion proposed was: “This house believes that terrorists found guilty of killing or causing others to kill must suffer the death penalty.” Manasa Ramesh opened for the proposition arguing that those who kill others in a terrorist act should be punished by death and suggesting that the money spent on keeping a criminal in prison could be better spent – on keeping a child from suffering, for example. Sherri Cramer, for the opposition, countered that the death penalty was the ultimate denial of human rights, adding that criminals should be punished but not necessarily by death. She described the death penalty as ‘a simplistic reaction to complex human issues.’ Once the teams had put their sides of the argument, questions were invited from the floor which opened up the discussion further.

The debate was attended by a large audience of staff and students from all year groups and was observed by two members of Bardsey Debating and Literary Society – chairman Andrew Hamilton and secretary Alan Pease. After the debate both spoke in praise of the well-thought out and presented arguments of both sides of the debate, as well as the quality of the questions from the floor. Andrew Hamilton said: “A really good debate influences people’s thinking and changes their attitudes and that has been demonstrated here today by the number of people who abstained in the pre-debate vote and then voted in the post-debate vote.” The motion was defeated.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Debating is an enjoyable and regular feature of life at Gateways School, mostly organised by our active Amnesty Group. The debates tackle thought-provoking and challenging issues and help our students to develop valuable skills such as speaking in public and presenting a coherent argument confidently. Those skills will be useful to them for whichever path they choose to follow in the future.”

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27.01.10

Ex-Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich brings drum and percussion workshop to Gateways School, Harewood

On Thursday 21st January, former Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich presented a drum and percussion workshop at Gateways School, Harewood. Jeff, who was a member of the world-famous rock band for 16 years, spoke to Gateways pupils from years 4 to 7 as well as pupils from Harewood Primary School, Brackenfield School in Harrogate and Moorfield School in Ilkley.

The workshop, which took place in Gateways School’s Performing Arts Centre, lasted an hour and half and was divided into two sections. In the first part Jeff spoke to the audience about the history and origins of the drum, illustrating it with practical demonstrations . He began with a log, the very first drum, then moved on to African drums, through to military drums and right up to the sophisticated modern snare drum, with audience members being invited to try out the various instruments presented.

In the second part of his workshop, Jeff demonstrated his drum kit – detailing how each component worked and then allowing audience members the opportunity to try it out.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music and Gateways School, said: “Jeff was a very engaging and inspiring speaker. He made the history of the drum very exciting and he was extremely approachable – taking questions from the floor as he went along, involving everybody in the audience. The finale of the workshop was a mass percussion performance with every single person in the audience playing a percussion instrument. It was fantastic; everyone was buzzing at the end and we have had great feedback from the other schools who attended. Jeff said he had a wonderful time and would be very happy to come back.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and a great opportunity for our students to work with pupils from other schools on such an exciting educational project. Jeff spoke very engagingly on the value and pleasure of playing music.”

20.01.10

Gateways School musicians and singers perform at Etz Chaim Synagogue Leisure Centre in Leeds

On the afternoon of Tuesday January 19th, a group of Gateways students gave a concert at the Etz Chaim Synagogue Leisure Centre in Leeds.

The girls, who were invited by Rachel Goodwin, chairman of the Etz Chaim Synagogue Leisure Club, performed a variety of musical pieces to an appreciative audience of around a hundred people. The whole school was represented with ages ranging from 8-year-old Hattie Hields, who played the piano, up to several Lower Sixth Form girls.

The group consisted of a combination of pianists, woodwind players, string players and singers who performed either in small ensembles or as soloists. The repertoire included jazz, classical and popular music – all of which were very well received – and after the concert some of the younger girls performed some impromptu dance routines from the forthcoming Prep School production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at Gateways School, said: “The audience were very warm and supportive; they really enjoyed the concert and would like us to go back with the choirs in the summer term. The girls really loved it and they all performed really well and very professionally. They were a great credit to the school. It’s a wonderful experience for them to play in front of an audience – especially such an enthusiastic one – and we are looking forward to our next visit.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Our musicians and singers perform regularly out in the community and are always very well received by appreciative audiences. It is extremely valuable to them to know how much pleasure their music making brings and that all their hard work and practise is well worth the effort.”

20.01.10

Stepping out with the Northern Ballet Theatre Dance Workshop at Gateways School, Harewood

On Monday January 18th, girls in Years 5 and 6 at Gateways School had the wonderful opportunity of trying out their dancing skills when the Northern Ballet Theatre Academy came to run a ballet workshop.

The workshop, which took place in the school’s Performing Arts Centre, was led by a Northern Ballet Theatre dance instructor, accompanied by a company pianist, and exercises included a warm-up and creative tasks that allowed the girls to have fun while experiencing the thrill of energetic and imaginative ballet movement.

P.E. teacher Jane Suggitt, who set up the workshop with the Northern Ballet Theatre, said: “I organised the workshop because I thought it would be something different for the girls to experience. Some of them had tried ballet when they were younger but hadn’t necessarily continued with it, so this was an opportunity for them to revisit it. All the girls who took part showed real talent, poise and elegance. They learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. The instructor said that some of the girls were particularly good and showed a lot of promise.”

Many of the girls who took part will be attending another workshop next week, when the instructor will return to put them through their dancing paces once again – and parents will be invited to come along and watch their daughters.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “At Gateways we encourange our students to get involved in a range of activities in addition to their academic work and offer as many opportunities as possible for them to do so. The Northern Ballet Theatre workshop was both challenging and creative and proved to be an extremely valueable experience for all those who took part.”

20.01.10

Gateways School Environment club launch new recycling initiative

The Environment Club at Gateways School – the first high school in Leeds to be awarded Green Flag status – has launched a new recycling initiative alongside their energy-saving schemes, paper recycling and grow-your-own vegetable garden.

The club set a challenge to the rest of the school to collect plastic tops from milk cartons which are recycled by a specialist company; the plastic is then used to make children’s outdoor play equipment and gardening equipment. Each house in the school is now collecting the bottle tops in competition with each other. The competition will run for approximately another month.

In an example of sustainability at work, Gateways school nursery is planning to buy some outdoor play equipment made from recycled plastic. Dr Sara Newton, science teacher and Environment Club organiser said: “It is great that the whole school is getting behind this initiative and the fact that we will be purchasing equipment made from recycled plastic means that the girls can see true sustainability in action.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “We are extremely proud of our status as a Green Flag school and take that responsibility very seriously. The Environment Club is doing a fantastic job of making us all aware of green issues and it’s wonderful to see everyone working together on this project which is of great value to the environment.”

Gateways School Headmistress celebrates her first 100 days, Barack Obama style, at the school

On Monday December 14th Gateways School Headmistress Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson hosted an event celebrating, Barack Obama-style, her first 100 days at the school.

Mrs Wilkinson took up her post in September and met parents and staff at an evening gathering in the school’s Performing Arts Centre. In her presentation, which used the song ‘Reasons to be Cheerful’ as its central theme, Mrs Wilkinson spoke of the warm welcome that she has felt from pupils and staff throughout her first term and of her optimism about the school’s future.

The school underwent an inspection at the end of the November and the positive results of that confirmed, she said, that Gateways is “an outstanding school that is now on the path to becoming a great school”. She congratulated pupils on the school’s excellent academic success in this summer’s A level and GCSE examination results which the school continues to improve on year on year.

She went on to point out, however, that aside from academic rigour a good school is one that also presents its pupils with a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment activities which “develop a zest for life, awe and wonder, adventure and fun”.

In conclusion, Mrs Wilkinson echoed the sentiments expressed by Barack Obama in the speech he made after his first 100 days in office that there are many reasons to be cheerful and there is a bright future ahead but that there is always work to be done. She said: “I am honoured to be able to work with you in the next 100 days, in the 100 days after that and all the 100 days to follow to make sure that Gateways School can be all that it can be.”

Staff and parents were then invited to stay for refreshments during which time Mrs Wilkinson answered any questions arising from her presentation.

9.12.09

Christmas productions at Gateways School, Harewood

On Wednesday December 9th pupils at Gateways School performed their Christmas productions in the school’s Performing Arts Centre.

In the morning Pre-prep children presented a musical retelling of the Christmas story which included a wonderful opening number – with movement – entitled Wiggly Nativity. The three to five year olds brought a great deal of energy and genuine enjoyment to the story, riding bumpy camels to Bethlehem to meet the Baby Jesus and singing along as a succession of animals journeyed to the stable. The Three Kings presented their gifts to the accompaniment of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and as the Holy Family settled at the crib, all the children gave a lovely performance of Away in a Manger. The production was rounded off by a rousing version of Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

In the afternoon, Prep school children aged five to seven presented their production of A Christmas Recipe, a charming festive treat celebrating the spirit of Christmas which involved collecting the ingredients to make a perfect Christmas. These included presents, a sprinkling of snow, shepherds, angels, robins, stars wise men – and not forgetting a donkey.

Both performances were attended by large and appreciative audiences of proud parents, family members and friends.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “It was a lovely way to start our Christmas celebrations. It was wonderful to see the children performing and every single child had an important part to play in the success of the production. A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes preparing the shows on the part of children and staff and the results were quite spectacular.”

9.12.09

Christmas performances by the choirs of Gateways School, Harewood

Gateways School choirs have been busy presenting festive entertainment at a variety of venues around Yorkshire in the past week.

On Friday 3rd December, the senior choir sang carols at St Gemma’s Hospice in Moortown, Leeds, raising money for the charity as part of their Christmas Market.

On Sunday 5th December, the senior and junior choirs entertained an appreciative group of local pensioners at Harewood village hall and on Monday 6th December the choirs sang a selection of traditional carols and other songs to the Ladies Luncheon Club at Rudding Park.

Mrs Liz Donovan, chairman of the Ladies Luncheon club whose members come from all over Yorkshire and who meet once a month at Rudding Park, said: “The performance by the choir was absolutely superb. It was a lovely start to Christmas and the ladies were incredibly impressed. They all said it was the best Christmas entertainment they had ever had – and the club has been going for twenty years!”

On Tuesday afternoon a small group of girls sang in the courtyard at Harewood House for the Friends of Harewood and in the evening the school held its annual candlelit carol service in Leeds Parish church for staff, family and friends.

Future performances include a candlelit carol service at All Saints Parish church in Ilkley on Friday 11th December, a carol service at Fountains Abbey on Sunday 13th December and a special performance at Harewood House as part of the stately home’s Christmas celebrations on Wednesday 16th with Viscount Lascelles in attendance.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at Gateways School, said: “It is a great opportunity for the girls to go out into the community and perform in different venues and to experience first hand the pleasure that their music making gives.”

2.12.09

Performance poet Paul Cookson visits Gateways School, Harewood

On Tuesday 1st December, Gateways School was delighted to receive a visit from performance poet Paul Cookson who spent the day entertaining pupils and staff with his comic poetry.

Marlene Sharrock, Librarian at Gateways who co-ordinated the visit, said: “Paul spent most of the school day with us, talking to all age groups from reception children right up pupils in Year 9. They all responded really well to him. There was a tremendous amount of laughter and fun. He was a very relaxed and engaging performer. There was a lot of audience participation during his performance and then he took questions afterwards.”

A former teacher, Paul published his first selection of poems in 1980 and has since written fifteen collections of poetry for adults and children. Writing and performing his own work, he is a favourite on the literary festival circuit and also devotes much of his time to visiting schools and libraries. In his sessions at Gateways School, the emphasis was on his humorous poems, but he also performed some of his more serious work and gave the girls advice on both writing poetry and performing it, all of which is useful preparation for the school’s forthcoming poetry competition.

Marae Burns-Tillson, Head of English, said: “Paul really inspired the girls in their own writing. He gave them lots of advice on how to write poems, but also how to perform them. And for his grand finale he produced a sparkly, electric ukulele to accompany one his poems. He was absolutely brilliant. All the girls and the staff loved his visit – and he really enjoyed himself, too. He said he would like to come back and visit again. It was a really great way to launch our poetry competition which will take place on December 15th in the Performing Arts Centre.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “We were delighted to welcome Paul into our school. He was very inspiring and the girls are all involved in follow-up work now which will feed in to the poetry competition. We are all looking forward to the performances on December 15th.”

2.12.09

Gateways School Amnesty Group holds the second in a series of debates

On December 2nd, Gateways School’s Amnesty International group held their second debate of the winter term.

The group, which is part of the Harrogate and Knaresborough branch of Amnesty International, invited two teams of Year 8 and Yr 11 pupils to take part in the debate. The team which proposed the motion consisted of Esther Wood, Tuneet Bahi and Kelly Stocker, while Victoria Linsay, Melissa Brill and Charlotte Benstock formed the opposition team. The debate was chaired by Manassa Ramesh.

The motion proposed was: “This house believes that religious activities have no place in school.” Kelly Stocker spoke first for the proposition explaining that aside from RE lessons on the curriculum, religious activities should not be part of school life as religion is not fact-based but rather a question of belief and opinion. Separating pupils into faith groups for religious worship in school, she argued, was potentially divisive.

Melissa Brill for the opposition countered that religious activities in school helped to foster tolerance and understanding, helping people to approach religious faiths other than their own with an open mind. Once the teams had put forward their sides of the argument, there were some probing questions from the floor which opened up the debate further. Last month’s debate, held on Remembrance Day, proposed the motion: “This house believes that the best way to commemorate Remembrance Day is to abolish the Arms Trade.”

Both debates were attended by a large audience of staff and students from all year groups and was observed by two members of Bardsey Debating and Literary Society – chairman Andrew Hamilton and secretary Alan Pease. Mr Pease, said: “We believe that debate is an essential educational exercise to develop confidence and an ability to think and speak lucidly on one’s feet. The girls we have seen and heard at Gateways are certainly on that road and deserve every encouragement. We have seen here a quality of debate that other schools will envy.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Debating is a regular feature of life at Gateways School and we consider it to be a valuable skill for the girls to develop. Learning how to speak in public and present an argument confidently will be useful to them for whichever path they choose to follow in life.”

25.11.09

The Apprentice at Gateways School, Harewood

On the evening of Thursday 19th November, Gateways School held an Apprentice-style fundraising event, as part of National Enterprise Week, in order to raise money for the charities supported by the school.

Two teams of five Sixth Form girls were given the challenge of creating – in just two days – a themed event for 80 guests providing themed food and drinks and five minutes’ entertainment. The teams – who named themselves Carpe Diem and Dreamgirls – were given a budget to work within and were expected to decide on a clear theme then decorate part of the school’s Performing Arts Centre accordingly.

The first part of the challenge was for each team to increase their number from five up to 15 inviting other year groups in the school to take part. Together they then worked on creating the special event for guests – made up of friends, family, pupils and staff – who were paying £8 each to attend.

Carpe Diem created a ‘woodland fairy in summer’ theme, decorating the tables and surrounding area with plants, candles and fairylights, using greens and yellows as their main unifying colours. They provided summer-themed food with fresh fruit, dips and crudités, sandwiches, a chocolate fountain and elderflower water. Their entertainment included a fairy dance piece and a solo rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. The theme chosen by Dreamgirls was ‘American diner’ and their decorations reflected that in their choice of bright candy floss pinks, silver and blue as the dominant colours. The food included club sandwiches, cookies, donuts, salsa and chips and milkshakes. Entertainment was provided in the form of a lively duet performance of a rock song.

A panel of three judges – entrepreneur and founder of i-to-i ethical holiday company Deirdre Bounds, Martin Wolstencroft, MD of Arc Inspirations and Gateways Headmistress Yvonne Wilkinson – then assessed the teams, asking probing questions about their planning, preparations and decision-making. The winning team by a narrow margin was Dreamgirls.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “It was a hugely entertaining evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The girls involved demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial and organisational skills and the event was a wonderful way to raise money for the charities we are supporting through our ongoing Community Outreach project.”

25.11.09

Gateways School’s production of Oliver! wows audiences

Gateways School’s production of the popular musical Oliver!, based on the classic Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, has been a huge success with audiences this week.

On Monday 23rd November, the cast presented a special matinee performance in the school’s Performing Arts Centre to children of Harewood Primary School and members of the local community – residents of Kirkby Overblow and Harewood.

All who attended thoroughly enjoyed the experience and responded enthusiastically to the familiar songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and Oom-pah-pah. Further performances took place on the evenings of Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November.

The hard-working cast of 60 performers and 10 musicians across all age ranges in the senior school have been rehearsing three times a week for the past 10 weeks to prepare for the production.

Quentin Sands, Head of Theatre at Gateways, said: “The girls have put in a tremendous amount of effort and shown great commitment throughout the rehearsal period and now it is paying off. We have had excellent feedback from audiences who seem to have really enjoyed the show. It has been a collaboration between the drama, music and art departments – the quality of the production is a result of that teamwork.”
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18.11.09

Gateways School choir performs at Bradford Cathedral and St Giles Church Pontefract

Last week Gateways School choirs performed at St Giles Church in Pontefract and at Bradford Cathedral.

On Friday 13th November, the junior and senior choirs, involving around thirty girls, gave a performance at St Giles church in Pontefract as part of the church’s lunchtime recital season. The choir presented a varied programme of classical and modern pieces, performances from soloists, an original composition by sixth former Ruth Fitton and a selection of songs from Oliver! including the favourite Ooom Pah Pah to which the audience enthusiastically sang along.

On the evening of Saturday 14th November, the senior choir performed the oratorio Elijah by Mendelssohn in Bradford Cathedral alongside the Bradford Chorale, conducted by Paul Dewhurst, and the Ripon-based Mowbray Orchestra. The cathedral was full and the audience extremely appreciative.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music, said: “The concerts were a great success and a wonderful experience for the girls to perform in front of sizeable audiences in such impressive venues. Both performances were by invitation which is very pleasing because it is a measure of the choir’s growing reputation.”

18.11.09

Forward Ladies MD Etta Cohen guest speaker at Gateways School’s Enterprise Week

As part of National Enterprise week, Gateways School invited Etta Cohen, Managing Director of Forward Ladies, to speak to students on Wednesday 18th November.

Forward Ladies is a networking and support organisation for women in business in the Yorkshire and Humber district set up by Ms Cohen in 2000. Starting with a small group of five professional women meeting regularly to share ideas, Forward Ladies is now a hugely successful organisation with over 4,000 members and around 200 events every year. There are plans to expand Forward Ladies further into the North East, the Midlands and eventually throughout the UK and beyond.

Ms Cohen gave an inspirational speech emphasising the value of positive thinking, of not being afraid of taking calculated risks and of treating every life event – even failure – as an opportunity. She told Gateways pupils: “You are the future. There are still challenges facing women in business but with the right attitude anything is possible. Where you start off in life is not necessarily where you end up. Change is good but it depends on how you embrace that change.”

Earlier in the week, Gateways pupils had engaged in a variety of business and enterprise orientated activity. The theme of Enterprise Week was global enterprise and on Monday groups of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils learnt about responsible business practices when Alex Varnals, MD of Diving Leisure in Leeds, spoke to them about the effects of global warming on coral reefs and how divers can help to prevent damage to corals. In the afternoon teams of pupils were given the task of setting up their own diving centre – coming up with a marketing strategy and creating their own TV adverts. They then pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. Meanwhile Year 10 pupils were discussing ways of ‘Putting where you live on the map’. Ideas included a Yorkshire Art Show and a teacup-shaped building in the Yorkshire Dales comprising a museum, children’s play area and tea room.

Shealagh Derrig, Head of Enterprise at Gateways, said: “It’s been an interesting and challenging week for the girls. Through trying things out for themselves they have all learned some valuable lessons about business and the way it works. Ms Cohen was an excellent speaker and her message to young women was very inspiring.”

11.11.09

Gateways School, Harewood opens its gates every Friday

Gateways School is going to be opening its doors to visitors every Friday morning – an initiative introduced by the school’s new headmistress Yvonne Wilkinson.

On Friday mornings between 8.45am and 12noon members of the community, existing parents and prospective parents are invited to come along to the school and see it in action.

Visitors will be encouraged to attend the morning assembly at 8.45am. They will be greeted at the school by pupils who will escort them to the Performing Arts Centre where assembly will take place.

Afterwards there will be the opportunity to take a tour of the school while lessons are going on. Anyone is welcome to come along – visitors can call the school and book in advance or just turn up on the day.

Part of the school’s drive to strengthen its links with the wider community, Open Gates on Friday is one of a number of ways in which Gateways reaches out to the local community – through its fundraising and charity events, musical performances as well as through its Sixth Form enrichment programme.

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Our links with our community are very important to us. This is a way for local residents – as well as current and future parents – to get to know Gateways better. We are friendly and welcoming, and proud of what goes on in our school. We want to share that with as many people as possible – Open Gates will allow us to show people what a unique school Gateways is and exactly why we feel that sense of pride.”

11.11.09

Remembrance Day Amnesty International Debate at Gateways School, Harewood

On November 11th, Gateways School marked Remembrance Day with a Sixth Form debate on the arms trade organised by the school’s Amnesty International Group.

The group, which is part of the Harrogate and Knaresborough branch of Amnesty International, invited two teams of sixth formers to take part in the debate. The team which proposed the motion consisted of Sarah Woon, Amy McNamara and Becky Wilson, while Tessa Plews, Manassa Ramesh and Laura Kinnear formed the opposition team. The debate was chaired by Anna Tilsley.

The motion proposed was: “This house believes that the best way to commemorate Remembrance Day is to abolish the Arms Trade.” The first speaker for the proposition was Sarah Woon who spoke eloquently about the effects of war and why it is important to uphold our human rights. The counter argument by Tessa Plews raised the issue of the negative economic effects of a cessation of the arms trade. The discussion was furthered by the remaining team members on both sides and then questions were taken from the floor.

The debate was attended by a large audience of staff and students from all year groups and was observed by two members of Bardsey Debating Society – Andrew Hamilton and Alan Pease, who acted as judges and gave feedback after the debate. Both were very impressed by the standard of the arguments presented as well as the questions posed from the floor. Andrew Hamilton said: “All those involved should be congratulated.” Alan Pease said: “I have watched debates in Parliament and I think you did a lot better job here!”

Sue Finan, Head of Upper School, said: “It was a very valuable experience for all the girls involved. To stand up and speak in front of a large audience is an extremely useful skill to develop. All the girls involved came across very well and presented their arguments confidently.”

4.11.09

Author Lucy Christopher visits Gateways School, Harewood

On Monday 2nd November Gateways School was delighted to welcome author Lucy Christopher, described by children’s writer Melvin Burgess as ‘an exciting new voice for teens’, who spoke to girls in years 10 and 11.

Marlene Sharrock, Librarian at Gateways who co-ordinated the visit, said: “Lucy is a new young author who has just published her first novel for young adults, Stolen. She did a reading from Stolen and then used that as a basis for a discussion on creative writing and what makes a good beginning to a story. She emphasised to the girls that writing is a craft and that you can learn techniques to improve your own writing.”

Lucy, who is also a part-time lecturer in creative writing at Bath Spa University, set some short writing exercises for the girls using a pair of shoes as a starting point. She then signed copies of Stolen, led an informal discussion with the girls and spoke a little about her second novel which she has just completed and which will be published next year.

Head of English, Marae Burns-Tillson: “It was very useful for the girls as they have to produce a piece of original writing for their GCSE coursework so it was great for them to meet a working writer. Listening to what she had to say enabled them to appreciate that writing is hard work; she told them that it took her two and half years to write her first novel and that sometimes she had to force herself to write even if she didn’t feel like it. The girls really enjoyed Lucy’s visit – she was very engaging and encouraging and she gave them lots of ideas to feed in to their own work.”

Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “Meeting Lucy was an extremely valuable, inspirational experience for the girls. Through the workshop sessions and the discussion, the girls learned about the importance of reading as a way of improving their own writing and the fact that writing, as in any area in which one may wish to succeed, requires commitment and hard work.”

4.11.09

Gateways School Sixth Former wins regional heat of The Great History Debate

On Tuesday 3rd November, Gateways School in Harewood hosted the Leeds and West Yorkshire regional heat of the national Great History Debate 2009/10.

The Great Debate is a debating competition run by the History Association every two years aimed at students aged 16 to 19 all throughout the UK. Participants have to write and present a speech, lasting about five minutes, about a local historical figure of their choice explaining why they consider them to be significant. The judges may ask questions after the presentation and the speeches are then assessed on the way in which the argument was constructed and put across and whether it was convincing.

Sarah Woon, a Sixth Former at Gateways School, won the regional heat with her speech about Lady Elizabeth Hastings, an 18th century philanthropist who lived near Castleford in West Yorkshire. “I found her really inspiring,” said Sarah. “She promoted relieving the poor through education. That’s what was different about her. She realised that the best way to help the poor was to give them the means to help themselves. She was really ahead of her time.” Sarah, who lives in Collingham, first heard about Lady Elizabeth through the local primary school which she founded. “I did some research on the internet and then I went to Leeds Library and looked at some books there, written in the early 20th century.”

The four judges, who included respected historian Ian Dawson, were very impressed by Sarah’s presentation and awarded her first place which means that she is now through to the national finals which will be held at Clare College, Cambridge next March. Sarah said: “It’s been a great experience. As someone who used to be quite shy, it’s been very helpful in building up my confidence and, although I still get nervous, I find I am actually really enjoying it!”

Sue Finan, History teacher and Head of Upper School, said: “We are very proud of Sarah. All schools in the Yorkshire region were invited to send contestants and the standard of the arguments presented by the participants was very high. It is a tremendous achievement and we are looking forward to the finals in March.”

21.10.09

Speed-dating-style Careers Roadshow at Gateways School

On the evening of Thursday 15th October, Gateways School held their second Careers Roadshow giving Year 11 and Sixth Form students the opportunity to broaden their thinking about their prospective careers.

A variety of professions were represented – including architecture, accountancy, engineering, medical science, teaching and the media – offering plenty of scope for girls to research possible future careers. Run along the lines of a ‘speed dating’ event, the session enabled students to move swiftly between professionals, spending 5 minutes with each, asking any relevant questions to build up a picture of the particular area they were representing.

The girls benefitted enormously from the huge amount of knowledge and experience that was available to them, gaining exposure to a number of different career options they may not otherwise have considered. Linda Casper, Business Studies Teacher, and Head of Careers at Gateways, said: “The event opened the girls’ eyes to professions they may not necessarily have considered before and they learnt the routes that those professionals had taken for their chosen career. The professionals all said that they had really enjoyed meeting the girls and how impressed they were by their enthusiasm and the interesting and probing questions they asked.”

In true speed-dating style, at the end of the session, the girls were asked to choose the profession which interested them most and the one which proved to be most popular was crime scene investigator.

Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “The Careers Roadshow was a tremendous success and an invaluable experience for the girls involved. They will have taken away a lot of useful information which will enable them to make informed decisions about their future careers.”
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21.10.09

Gateways School Enterprise Group Launch Kandles with Kisses product range for LEAP (Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme)

On Tuesday 13th October, one of the four Year 11 LEAP (Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme) groups at Gateways School held a very successful launch event at Fennel restaurant in Wetherby for its product range – Kandles with Kisses.

LEAP is a registered charity and the programme, which is open to all Leeds schools, encourages students to set up their own companies for an academic year, learning business skills, teamwork and problem solving.

A crowd of parents, friends and supporters attended the launch at Fennel and had the opportunity to sample the locally sourced quality scented candles and lip balms while enjoying a drink and canapés. The products proved to be very popular, with nearly £900 worth of sales taken on the night.

Ella Briton, Managing Director of Kandles with Kisses, said: “We are selling candles made from soya wax and lip balms made from bees wax. We have really interesting scents and flavours such as lime, mandarin and basil. All the products are natural and sourced locally. The bees wax is from Yorkshire bees, the candles are from Collingham and the lip balms are produced in the Yorkshire Dales.”

Beth Ashworth, Marketing Director of Kandles with Kisses, said: “We sold a lot of products on the night and we got really good feedback from those who attended. The event was a great success and it was also really good preparation for other similar events that we will be involved in during the rest of the LEAP programme.”

Shealagh Derrig, Head of Enterprise at Gateways, said: “The launch was a hugely successful and innovative start to the LEAP year and we got excellent feedback from those who attended. They all thought it was an extremely impressive and professional event.”

21.10.09

Gateways School Environment Club launch vegetable garden and grow your own scheme

At Gateways School, Harewood, the members of the Environment Club have had a very busy few months.

Much of the work carried out by the members of the Environment Club recently has been outside in the school grounds where they have set up a vegetable garden and grow your own scheme. They have planted potatoes, carrots and onions – all of which are then cooked by catering staff in the school kitchen and served up to the staff and students in the dining room. In consultation with the school chef, the girls are currently planning a herb garden where they will grow basil, oregano and parsley, which will all also be used in the school kitchen. In addition, they have bought several new bird feeders – especially important during the winter months – which they are putting up around the school grounds.

Dr Sara Newton, Science Teacher and Environment Club organiser, said: “We have been working hard on our vegetable garden and also looking at different energy saving initiatives. We are planning a Big Switch Off on November 12 when we will switch off all the lights and computers in the school for the afternoon. Then we will look at the figures and work out how much energy we have saved.”

Gateways School is committed to developing awareness of green issues and was the first High School in Leeds to be awarded green flag environmental status with Eco-Schools.

14.10.09

Britain’s top female lifestyle coach speaks to Sixth Formers at Gateways School

On Wednesday 14th October, professional lifestyle coach Jules Wyman visited Gateways School, Harewood to give a presentation to Sixth Formers as part of the school’s Sixth Form Enrichment Programme.

Jules has trained with one of the world’s top peak performance consultants and was recently named as the first runner up and highest placed woman in Britain’s Next Top Coach competition.

Jules’ presentation to the girls focussed on ‘Creating Great Connections for the Future’ and how to achieve one’s dreams through communication, socialising and networking. She offered many simple and effective tips on how to make connections with people and the importance of maintaining those connections in order to move forward in whichever arena you choose to succeed. Jules emphasised that programming success into your thinking instead of failure and knowing what you would like to achieve are key to realising your full potential.

Jules enjoyed interacting with the students at Gateways and said: “The girls were all very engaged and motivated to get involved. I think they will have gained a lot from the experience. The presentation was one I normally give to businesses, not to schools, and the girls responded to it extremely well.”

The workshop was a preparatory session for a Networking Event to be held at the school in November when Sixth Form girls will have the opportunity to put into practice the skills they learnt at the seminar and promote themselves to invited guests from the academic and business worlds.

Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “The presentation will, I’m sure, prove invaluable to the Sixth Formers as they prepare to move forward to the next stage of their lives. Our Enrichment Programme is designed to give Sixth Formers the opportunity to extend their skills and increase their confidence to enable them to succeed in whichever career they choose to pursue.”
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14.10.09

Gateways School musicians perform at Kirkby Overblow church, near Harrogate

On Wednesday 7th October, a group of musicians and singers from Gateways School performed at All Saints church in the village of Kirkby Overblow near Harrogate as part of a fundraising coffee morning.

Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, the coffee mornings are intended to bring the communities of Kirkby Overblow, Huby, Weeton and Sicklinghall together and have been taking place for over a year. Gateways School pupils were invited to provide some musical entertainment for those attending. The event raised £313 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Caroline Henderson, coffee morning co-ordinator at All Saints church, said: “We were delighted to have the girls here and we had some very favourable comments from people who attended. It was lovely to see such musical talent; we were all very impressed, so much so that we have invited them back to perform for us every month.”

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at Gateways School, said: “We took eight girls and a range of instruments including cello, flute, oboe and piano and they performed a mixture of classical and more modern songs and instrumental pieces. It was a great experience for the girls to perform in front of an audience – who were very appreciative – in such a lovely venue and with such fabulous acoustics. The concert it is now going to become a monthly event which will give different girls the opportunity to perform each time. It is also a wonderful way of strengthening Gateways’ links with the community.”
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7.10.09

Classical singers Blake perform at Gateways School, Harewood

Gateways School were delighted to host a short concert and workshop by up-and-coming musical stars Blake, described by the Sunday Telegraph as ‘the classical Fab Four’.

The group, who were formed through the social networking site Facebook, is made up of tenors Ollie Banes and Humphrey Berney , baritone Jules Knight and bass-baritone Stephen Bowman. Stylistically, Blake are a classical crossover group with a varied repertoire which ranges from Rachmaninov to Morricone and Bryan Adams. Their latest CD includes tracks such as Abide with Me, Nessun Dorma, Ave Maria and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The group talked to an audience of Gateways students about the music industry, how they formed the group and the importance of working hard. They then sang some songs from their new album, finishing with Charles Aznavour’s She, and then took questions from the audience. They also hosted an impromptu X Factor session inviting anyone to come up and sing. Sixth former Holly Britton was brave enough to come forward and sang a version of Valerie by the Zutons.

Blake’s visit to Gateways coincided with the school’s ‘Get Caught Reading Day’ and they were happy to pose for photographs reading books with Gateways headmistress Yvonne Wilkinson. The group has a literary connection in that Ollie Banes’ great-grandfather was William Blake who they said they respected enormously for setting some of the great poems to music.

Paul Dutton, Director of Music at Gateways, said: “It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved. It’s a great opportunity for the girls to see exceptional musicians performing and to hear them talking about the music industry. Blake were amusing, informative and very professional; they sang beautifully and their enthusiasm for their music came across to the girls.”

It is intended that Blake will return to Gateways to perform a full-length concert sometime next year and the school is planning to invite other musicians to talk to the girls including All Angels whose repertoire covers classical, choral, opera and pop, former Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich and the all-girls string quartet Bond.

Gateways School Sixth Form Scholars

Five girls at Gateways School have been awarded Sixth Form scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to the students who achieve the best results at GCSE in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Manasa Ramesh, Amanda Brill, Francesca Jackson-Spence, Sarah Woon and Rebecca Wilson all attained outstanding results at GCSE and have now begun their time in Gateways Sixth Form. Apart from their academic work, the girls are involved in enrichment activities in which they also excel including music, sport, drama, environmental projects, Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme, the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award and involvement in the school’s community outreach programme.

Manasa is now studying Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Economics and Religious Studies at AS Level. She is enjoying sixth form life so far and particularly likes the opportunity for more individual study. She is also joint student leader, with Amy McNamara, of the school’s Amnesty International Group. “We are currently organising a series of fundraising events,” says Manasa. “But I think raising awareness is just as important as fundraising, so we are also in the process of organising two big debates on arms control and on the Palestine-Israel issue. Being involved in the Amnesty group is a great way of widening my knowledge of what’s going on in the world and of getting to know people in school.”

Amanda plays the flute and is a member of Leeds Youth Orchestra, having recently been successful in auditions. “I’m really pleased to be in the orchestra,” she says. “It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time and I was encouraged by my music teacher at Gateways to enter the auditions. I am really enjoying it so far. We have some performances coming up which I’m looking forward to and we are going on tour to Spain.”

All five girls are expected to achieve impressive results at AS and A2 Level and will regularly meet with their academic tutors to discuss their progress toward this goal. All the sixth form at Gateways take part in the academic monitoring scheme introduced by the school in 2007 which has contributed to the school’s exceptional value added data for AS and A Level provided by Durham University’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring ALIS project. The project predicts how a student should perform at AS and A Level based on their average GCSE score using data from most schools in the UK. Gateways’ students AS and A2 results for the academic year 2008/2009 showed “significant added value” with results in a wide range of subjects exceeding predictions by between half and one full grade.

30.09.09

Gateways School, Harewood, presents a cheque for £3,100 to the Theo Trust

On Friday 25th September, Gateways School presented a cheque for £3,100 to Richard Theobold, founder of the Theo Trust a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of Russian orphans through education and holidays.

The money was raised by ten pupils from Gateways School who in July took part in a six-day 265-mile sponsored cycle ride around Cumbria. The group was joined by two Russian girls and a boy from Orphanage No 9 in St Petersburg, one of the orphanages supported by the Theo Trust. The Russian visitors spent a month at Gateways, taking part in lessons and staying with host families – an experience they thoroughly enjoyed. Mr Theobold said that once the girls returned home “they could talk of little else.”

The presentation was hosted by Quentin Sands, organiser of they cycle tour and Director of Theatre at Gateways. To celebrate the girls’ achievement, he presented a slide show, set to music, of photographs taken on the ride. There are already plans to do a similar cycle ride next summer to raise money for the Theo Trust, this time cycling from coast to coast – a distance of around 200 miles – over five days.

Quentin Sands said: “It was a magnificent effort on the part of the girls to raise more than £3,000. The Theo Trust has now established a firm link with the school which we hope to develop over the forthcoming years. Next year’s coast to coast ride will again accommodate two Russian orphans who will spend a month as part of Gateways’ school community.”

The Theo Trust is just one of a number of charities for young people in difficult circumstances that the school is supporting through its ongoing Community Outreach project.

23.09.09

Gateways School Sixth Form pupils share their experiences of a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau – Lessons learnt from The Holocaust

In April, two Sixth Form girls at Gateways School, Harewood took part in a visit to the former Nazi extermination camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Laura Marks, from Knaresborough, and Christina Brennan, from Leeds, were part of a group of 230 Sixth Form pupils from the Yorkshire and Humber area who went to visit the notorious concentration camp in Poland as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz project organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The Trust aims to raise awareness of the Holocaust and to pass on the message that it must never happen again.

As part of their commitment to passing on that message, Laura and Christina shared their experiences with the rest of the school this week through an assembly that they researched, wrote and presented themselves. Prior to their visit, the girls attended a seminar in Leeds to meet and talk to Holocaust survivors and afterwards they attended a feedback session to discuss their experiences how they might share them with others.

In the assembly, which was very powerful and moving, Laura outlined some of the lessons that can be learnt from the Holocaust: “After my visit to Auschwitz, I felt disillusioned with humanity. However, although human beings are capable of terrible things but we are also capable of doing good. Cruelty and prejudice still exist in the world and it is our responsibility to end that.” She reinforced that message by quoting the poignant words of one Holocaust survivor who said: “What hurts most is not the cruelty of the oppressors but the silence of the bystanders. When good people don’t stand up and speak out, they are effectively saying it’s acceptable.”

Christina said: “Something that happened half a century ago is still relevant today. It’s not just a part of history, it’s a part of humanity. It’s hard to grasp the scale of the Holocaust but if we had a minute’s silence for every person who died, we would be silent for four years. By working together we can begin to hope for a world without injustice and hatred.”

Gateways School Headmistress Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson, said: “Laura and Christina gave a very impressive, moving and thought-provoking assembly that had a profound impact on all those present. At Gateways School we encourage our pupils to get involved in valuable and enriching educational projects such as this.”

16.09.09

Gateways School Annual Team-building Sleepover

Last Friday, girls in Year 8 at Gateways School, Harewood enjoyed a team-building sleepover at the school as part of their introduction to Middle School.

The 41 girls worked together in small groups creating scarecrow figures of members of staff! They were given the raw materials to work with and the girls brought along clothes and accessories for the scarecrows to personalise them. Nine affectionate caricatures of members of staff were created in scarecrow form.

Their efforts were rewarded by a pizza supper which was followed by competitive brain gym games. After their intellectual work-out, the group took part in an energetic aerobics session in the sports hall before setting out on a midnight walk through the Harewood Estate. They spent some time observing the night sky though were too late to view the space shuttle on its orbit of the Earth.

Suzy Dixon, Head of Middle School said: “The girls all had a great time – and so did the staff! It’s intended as an introduction to Middle School, helping the girls to get to know each other and the staff. It’s a really valuable experience for all concerned and says much about the excellent pupil/ teacher relationship at Gateways.”

Sue Finan, Head of Upper School, said: “It is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to learn about each other and about working as a team as they progress into the next stage of their senior school education. It is now an established annual event in the school calendar.”

16.09.09

Gateways School choirs go on Yorkshire tour

The choirs of Gateways School, Harewood, who won several awards at Harrogate Music Festival earlier this year, including the Fred Wood Shield and the Alice Smith Jubilee Trophy, are going out into the community to perform at various venues around Yorkshire during November and December.

In early November all the choirs will perform at Kirkby Overblow church and later in the month members of the senior choir will take part in a performance of Elijah at Bradford Cathedral.

December will be a very busy month for the choirs who will be performing at two venues in Leeds – there is a proposed trip to St Gemma’s Hospice and the choir will present a candlelight carol service at Leeds Parish Church. The choirs will also be giving concerts at Rudding Park, Harrogate, All Saints Church in Ilkley and at Harewood Village Hall for the village pensioners’ lunch.

Head of Music at Gateways, Paul Dutton, said: “We have a very exciting series of concerts coming up over the next few weeks. Making music together is great fun, but to be able to share the fruits of your endeavour with the local community is such a wonderful experience. The choirs are already practising hard and are looking forward to the performances. It is great opportunity for the girls to go out into the community and perform in different venues and to experience first hand the pleasure that their music making gives to those who may not get the chance to listen to live music regularly.”

27.08.09

Gateways more than double national GCSE average for A* and A grades

At Gateways 50% of the grades in this year's year GCSE results were awarded at A* and A, more than double the national average. Amanda Brill, Caroline Innes, Francesca Jackson-Spence, Amy McNamara, Margot Nickels and Sarah Woon all achieved top grades in all subjects. We look forward to the start of their sixth form experience at Gateways in September.

20.08.09

Gateways School exam success (A2 Level)

The grounds of Gateways rang with exultant voices this morning as sixth formers received their A2 results. Thirty percent of the students received straight A grades with fifty percent of all results being at the top grade and seventy five percent at grades A and B. All the girls are going on to the universities of their choice and their excitement about their future plans was evident.

The girls’ examination successes and their educational experience at Gateways will be celebrated this evening when the Upper Sixth and their parents attend the annual Graduation Dinner, the last for Headmistress, Mrs Davidson who leaves the school to join her husband on St Helena.

Mrs Davidson said ‘ I am so delighted with these top academic results, the culmination of the girls successful educational journey at Gateways. It is particularly delightful for me to celebrate this year’s achievement as a number of these girls started at Gateways with me in 1997’.

For more information about the outstanding grades achieved, please click here.

24.07.09

Gateways Girls Conquer Cumbria

Ten pupils from Gateways School in Harewood have just returned from a punishing 265 mile bicycle trip around the Cumbrian fells. The girls were raising money for the Theo Trust a charity that supports Orphanage No 9 in St Petersburg and two girls and a boy from the orphanage joined the girls on the cycle ride. Quentin Sands, the tour organiser, commented, “This was a magnificent achievement for the cycle team and an incredible experience; a cycle tour like this brings out the very best in the girls and they needed all the resolve they could muster to cope with long days in the saddle, dramatic weather and some hilly cycling. The young Russians had a hugely rewarding time and given the brief time they had to prepare for the ride, performed magnificently.” The team can still be sponsored by visiting the website, www.sponsor-me.org/gateways.

03.07.09

Gateways School in Harewood, near Leeds says farewell to headmistress Denise Davidson

This week Gateways School is saying farewell to headmistress Mrs Denise Davidson who is heading off to begin a new adventure on the island of St Helena. Mrs Davidson has been with the school for twelve years and has been a truly inspiring headmistress.

In addition to maintaining the school’s notable academic success and considerable reputation for providing the best possible education and pastoral care for its pupils, Mrs Davidson has been committed to promoting excellence in all areas. Gateways girls are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities including sport, music, environmental issues, business and the arts, as well learning how to become useful members of the wider community through the school’s proactive Community Outreach programme.

On Wednesday July 1, Mrs Davidson presented the school with a human sun dial and at the same time buried a time capsule alongside it containing objects to create a representative picture of life at Gateways School in 2009. Objects placed in the capsule included school ties, a photograph of the school, menus, a Prep School hat, a merit badge, the school song, science goggles, a timetable, newspaper clippings and a school newsletter. Mrs Davidson described the capsule as “a splendid comment on what has been achieved at our school this year.”

The sun dial is located in front of the school’s Performing Arts Centre and is made up of 38 blocks of stone – a central date scale made up of ten blocks, an outer ring of 12 number blocks for GMT reading and an inner ring of 16 number blocks for BST reading. Mrs Davidson cut a red ribbon to officially open the sun dial, watched by all Gateways pupils from the Prep School Lower Reception class to High School sixth form girls. She said: “I have great pleasure in handing over this sun dial to all of you to enjoy over the years to come.”

Staff and pupils joined together on the last day of term to pay warm tribute to Mrs Davidson and her outstanding contribution to the Gateways community over her twelve years at the school.

03.07.09

Russian orphans join Gateways School girls for 200-mile charity cycle ride around Cumbria

On Sunday 5th July, a group of pupils from Gateways School in Harewood are setting off on six-day 258-mile cycle ride around Cumbria to raise money for The Theo Trust, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of Russian orphans through education and holidays. The Theo Trust is just one of a number of charities for young people in difficult circumstances that the school is supporting through its ongoing Community Outreach project.

The group of ten girls and four members of staff will be joined by Russian orphans Katia Skorohodova, 15, and Yana Nelubina, 14, who are both from Orphanage Number 9 in St Petersburg. The cycle ride will begin and end at Sedbergh and the team will be cycling 258 miles, averaging around 40 miles per day, over a period of six days. The group will return on Friday 10th July.

Katia and Yana have been hosted by the school for a month and as part of their stay they have been attending lessons, helping out in the classroom with younger girls in the Prep school and going on training sessions for the cycle ride. Both girls have thoroughly enjoyed their stay in England and have particularly enjoyed cycling around the Yorkshire countryside. Katia said: “It is strange riding on the opposite side of the road but it has been great seeing all the wildlife. I hope that we might see some red squirrels when we are in Cumbria.”

Yana said: “Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming here. We have really enjoyed staying with the families, trying English food and working with the younger girls in the school. I love the modern facilities at the school and its rural setting.”

The cyclists are very grateful to their two sponsors, Cyclesense from Tadcaster and Richard Crawford of the Bike Shop (Leeds) Ltd. David Stanforth of Cyclesense presented the cyclists this week with cycling gloves and shorts and a selection of high energy drinks. He also gave them some technical advice on maintaining their bikes during the ride and wished them every success with their impressive endeavour.

26.06.09

Gateways School pupils are honoured at the Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire’s Garden Party

A group of ten Gateways girls, accompanied by Gateways School headmistress Denise Davidson and teachers Sue Finan and Suzy Dixon, attended the Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire’s Garden Party at Bowcliffe Hall on Sunday 21st June. The event was hosted by Lord Lieutenant Dr Ingrid Roscoe to celebrate Young West Yorkshire Achievers and to recognise the achievements of young people in all spheres including academic, musical, sport and the arts.

The ten Gateways pupils nominated were Sarah Woon, Alice Spencer, Decima Govett, Olivia Jay, Anna Ghature, Charlotte James, Marie Gilligan, Olivia Lewis, Sophie Lane and Lauren Cruise who have all demonstrated a commitment to their school through their participation in a variety of areas. Sarah Woon was nominated for her achievements in music and tennis as well as her academic success. Alice Spencer who sings and plays the piano, oboe, guitar, recorder and electric bass to a very high standard was nominated for her musical accomplishments. The other Gateways girls were nominated for taking part in a 200-mile charity cycle ride around Yorkshire last summer which raised £5,000 for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group near Harrogate.

The guest speaker at the event, which was attended by around 600 people, was Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd who gave the opening speech saying that she was looking forward to interviewing some of the nominees on her studio sofa in the future.

Sarah Woon said: “There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere at the Garden Party; there was a singer and a band playing and it was a beautiful setting. The invitation made us feel very special and it was a lovely day for all of us.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our girls to excel in all areas of life. We are extremely proud of what the girls have achieved and it was a real privilege for us all to be among so many talented and committed young people.”

19.06.09

Gateways School Sixth Former creates a CD of her own compositions

Gateways School Sixth form pupil Ruth Fitton has created a CD of eleven of her own compositions in response to demand for her music after audiences heard her perform at the school’s summer concert.

Ruth, who also designed the cover of her CD, wrote her first composition at the tender age of three when she set to music a rhyme about a waterfall that her father had written for her. She sings and plays piano, violin, acoustic guitar and the clavinova – an electric piano that has over 200 different sounds that can be used for composition.

Ruth said: “I started off a few years ago by writing songs and then I moved onto composing pieces for the piano. Earlier this year I got a clavinova which means that I can now create quite complex orchestrations.”

Ruth has also recently completed her first musical commission, a Christmas Carol for Kirby Overblow church entitled This is He, for which she wrote words and music. She is planning to study music at university and would ultimately like to become a film composer. “When I go and see a film with friends, I’m the only one who says afterwards, ‘wasn’t the music fantastic?’ Nobody else usually notices!”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “Ruth is an extremely talented musician and composer who is very conscientious about her music. We are very proud of her achievements and wish her the best of luck with her future plans.”

19.06.09

Gateways School sixth former wins prize in national Psychology essay writing competition

Gateways School Sixth form pupil Emma Thornton has won second prize in a national Psychology essay writing competition. The competition, run by Heythorp College, part of the University of London, was open to all those studying at AS and A2 level and required entrants to write a 1,500 word essay with the title “How can Psychology help us understand why some people grow up to be good and others criminals?”

Emma, who has just finished her A level examinations, and her fellow Psychology students, entered the competition in March and heard of the results this week. It is the first time that the school has entered the competition and Emma will be travelling down to London in December to Heythorp College where she will receive her £500 prize. Emma said: “I was really shocked but I am delighted to have won the prize. It was a really useful experience to write the essay because it helped with our exam revision but also taught us how to structure a long essay. It was interesting to research the topic and to discuss it in class.”

Elizabeth Hayward, Psychology teacher at Gateways school, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Emma and it is a great reward for all the hard work she has put in throughout the year.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our girls to stretch themselves academically and intellectually. We are all extremely proud of Emma’s achievement.”

Emma is planning to study Business Management at university with Psychology as one of her options.

19.06.09

Russian visitors arrive at Gateways School, Harewood to experience school life and take part in a 258-mile charity cycle ride

Gateways School in Harewood welcomed two Russian visitors this week. Katia Skorohodova, 15, and Yana Nelubina, 14, who are both from Orphanage Number 9 in St Petersburg, will be staying for four weeks and are being hosted by the families of girls at the school. The orphanage where Katia and Yana live is supported by the Theo Trust, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of Russian orphans through education and holidays.

The Theo Trust is just one of a number of charities for young people in difficult circumstances that Gateways School is supporting through its ongoing Community Outreach project. Katia and Yana will be taken on various visits by the host families and will be attending lessons at the school, helping out in the classroom with some of the younger pupils and improving their English. They will also be training for and taking part in a six-day charity cycle ride to raise money for the Theo Trust.

The cycle ride will take place from Sunday 5th to Friday 10th July, and will involve ten girls and four members of staff, plus the two Russian visitors. The cyclists will cover a distance of 258 miles around Cumbria, averaging around 40 miles per day, with the ride beginning and ending at Sedbergh. Last year a group of Gateways girls took part in a similar event, a 200-mile cycle ride around Yorkshire, which raised £5,000 for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group near Harrogate.

Quentin Sands, the cycle tour organiser and Director of Theatre at the school, said: “We hope that Katia and Yana have a fantastic visit and we give them a warm welcome.” Jan Johnson, Maths teacher and the school’s Community Outreach Organiser, said: “We are looking into the possibility of a more permanent link with the orphanage whereby we would send fifth form and sixth form girls to help out at the summer camp they run every year in a rural area near St Petersburg.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our girls to participate in and support projects that reach out to and benefit the wider community. We are delighted to be hosting Katia and Yana and hope they enjoy their stay.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the cycle ride or make a donation to the Theo Trust should contact the school on 0113 288 6345.

12.06.09

Gateways School Year 10 girls enjoy their Sixth Form experience and a visit from the New Headmistress

Year 10 girls at Gateways School in Harewood were given the opportunity to experience life as a sixth former today when they took part in the school’s fifth annual Sixth Form Experience. They were treated to A-level style lessons in a variety of subjects, some of which they had not experienced before such as Media Studies and Economics; enjoyed their break times in the Sixth Form area; and instead of wearing school uniform, they adopted the Sixth form dress code.

In addition, the girls were given the chance to meet the school’s new Headmistress, Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson, who was visiting prior to taking up her post in September. Mrs Wilkinson addressed the group of fifth form girls and told them that a good piece of advice she had heard was to ‘make good choices’. She said that was the essence of the whole day they had just experienced and that it would help them to make important decisions about their future.

The day was a huge success and the girls all enjoyed themselves immensely. One of the girls, Emma Davies, said: “It’s given us an insight into the structure of a Sixth former’s day and what kind of different subjects you can study. Also you do have more freedom.” Another girl, Charlotte Southcombe added: “As a Sixth former you have a different relationship with the teachers; it’s more relaxed and because the classes are so small you get more one to one attention.” Both girls agreed that the day had been very valuable and that they were looking forward to going into the Sixth Form.

Martin Davison, Head of Sixth form said: “It is a great opportunity for the girls to find out what being in the Sixth form is all about. They learn about the different learning and study techniques that they will need to adopt as a Sixth former and at the end of the day, you can see a new maturity in them. They have all coped very well and seem to have found it interesting and exciting.”

5.06.09

Gateways girls success at the Leeds Schools Athletics Association event

In the first athletics meet of the season at South Leeds Stadium on Thursday 4th June, pupils from Gateways School, Harewood performed extremely well.

Sixteen girls from Year 7 and 10 competed against seven other schools with a view to gaining points to go through to the next stage on 23rd June and the finals on 2nd July.

The Gateways team made an excellent start in their bid to reach the finals with Year 10 girls Anna Atkinson and Hannah Cheshire both coming second in their events. Anna was runner up in both the 300m and the triple jump, while Hannah came a very close second in the javelin competition.

Liz Bottomley, P.E. teacher at Gateways School, said: “I am extremely proud of the girls’ achievements at the event and it was a tremendous experience for them to compete in such a big arena. There was a great atmosphere in the stadium with all the schools supporting each other.”

Denise Davidson, Headmistress of Gateways School, said: “At Gateways school we encourage our pupils to excel in all areas and we have a long tradition of participating in the Leeds Schools Athletics Association events. All the girls involved did very well and we wish them the best of luck in the next heat.”
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5.06.09

It’s a Knockout charity event at Gateways School, Harewood

To mark the end of the exam period, Gateways School pupils and staff took part in an It’s A Knockout charity event that combined fun with fund-raising.

Teams took part in a variety of water-based activities including water slides and defending their castle with water balloons. Each participant paid a £2 entrance fee for a water pistol and all the money raised will go to the Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group near Harrogate. A similar event last year raised £150 for the charity.

Jan Johnson, Mathematics teacher and Gateways School’s Community Outreach organiser, said: “It’s the second year that we have run the It’s a Knockout event and it has been so successful that we intend to stage it as an annual event. It’s a highlight of the year that both staff and pupils look forward to. It was fantastic to see girls of all ages – and their teachers – having so much fun while at the same time raising funds for charity.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress said: “At Gateways School we encourage our pupils to get involved in projects that reach out to the wider community. This event was a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the exams, and all the hard work that has involved, in a way that is both enjoyable and of benefit to such a worthwhile cause.”

22.05.09

Gateways Sixth Form girls win eight prizes at the LEAP Awards

Two teams of Fifth form girls from Gateways School, Harewood, did exceptionally well at the LEAP (Leeds Enterprise Advisory Programme) award on Thursday 21st May, winning six first prizes and two second prizes between them. LEAP is a registered charity and the programme, which is open to all Leeds schools, encourages students to set up their own companies for an academic year, learning business skills, teamwork and problem solving.

At Gateways School two companies were set up: 4Cast created high quality umbrellas whose USP was that they were fully automatic in opening and closing, while B.R.I.T produced good quality women’s T-shirts made in England. Both teams of girls had to take part in two marketing competitions – one at the Merrion Centre in Leeds and one at a Valentine’s Fair, write a company report with financial breakdowns and deliver business presentations. In addition, the teams set up stalls to sell their products at craft fairs and other venues during the year.

The Gateways girls’ hard work paid off at the finals with 4Cast winning first prizes for Best Presentation at the Finals, Best Presentation in March and Best Trade Stand at the Leeds Merrion Centre. B.R.I.T won Best Marketing at Trade Fairs, Best Website and Best Administered Company. 4Cast came second in the Best Marketing at Trade Fairs category and B.R.I.T won second prize for their Trade Stand at the Merrion Centre. Both teams were in the top five companies overall.

Shealagh Derrig, Head of Enterprise at Gateways, who oversaw the teams’ work and was mentioned as one of four teachers for her outstanding contribution, said: “I am extremely proud of what the girls have achieved for both themselves and the school. They have worked very hard and shown great commitment throughout.”

Laura Kinnear, Company secretary of 4Cast said: “It was a great experience and it taught me how to be disciplined and organised, and work with other people for the best possible outcome.” Sara Costello of B.R.I.T said: “I learnt how to problem solve and work as part of a team. I also learnt how important communication is.”

22.05.09

Gateways School Art Show

Gateways School, Harewood, held an art exhibition on Wednesday 20th May featuring the work of GCSE, AS and A2 pupils. The show was attended by parents, teachers, governors, friends and family and was very successful.

The work showcases the talents of the Gateways’ School art students and their skills in a variety of techniques and media including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and textiles. The exhibition will remain on display at the school until October 2009.

Chris Keeton, Head of Art, said: “The work on display has been described as ‘exciting’, ‘eye-catching’ and ‘impressive’ by fellow pupils, teachers and visitors to the school. The show was a huge success and everyone who came made extremely encouraging comments about the quality and range of the work. The girls put in a huge amount of time and effort and the art show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the results of all their hard work. This is an annual event and already more pupils are coming forward offering to take part next time, so it will be an even bigger show next year.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “The high quality and wide range of work on display was extremely impressive. We are very proud of the girls’ achievements and delighted that there has been such a positive reaction to their work.”

15.05.09

Children’s Workforce Development Council and Early Years Moderation Team visit Gateways School, near Harewood

On Wednesday 13th May, a team from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) came to observe Early Years working practices at Gateways School’s Gatehouse Nursery and Littlegates Pre-Prep which cater for children between the ages of 2 and 6.

The aim of the CWDC, in partnership with the Government, is to ensure that by the year 2015 every Early Years setting will have an Early Years Professional on their staff. Carol Bartle, Head of Pre-Prep at Gateways, is one of only 30 Early Years Professionals in Leeds. In order to achieve EYP status, she went through a rigorous assessment programme over a period of six months during which time she had to present written work and attain 39 standards.

These standards include effective practice, relationships with children, communicating and working in partnership with families and carers, team work and collaboration and personal professional development. Standards were assessed through observation and interviews with colleagues and parents and carers. The CWDC team of seven were interested to see how a member of staff with Early Years Professional Status had made an impact on children’s learning, development and achievement.

Carol Bartle said: “The team were very pleased with what they observed and said that it had raised their awareness of what was possible in an independent school setting. It is a very exciting time in Early Years teaching, Gateways have been very supportive of my involvement in the programme and forward-thinking in their approach. It is wonderful to be at the forefront of change.”

Earlier in the week, the Early Years Foundation Stage Moderation Team also visited the school to assess the work going on in Gateways Pre-prep. They were clearly very impressed with what they saw, reporting that: “The children were interested, motivated and involved in their learning, which is a result of the quality learning environment provided by the team.”

15.05.09

Two girls from Gateways School, Harewood, lead out Leeds United at Elland Road

On Thursday 14th May, two girls from Gateways School in Harewood, Amelia Hattersley and Emma Woolford, both aged 10, lead out Leeds United football team in their match at Elland Road against Millwall in the second leg of the playoffs for a place in the final at Wembley and promotion to the First Division.

The girls ran up the tunnel with the team and out onto the pitch in front of a crowd of 36,000 home supporters and 860 visiting Millwall fans. “It was really exciting but a bit nerve-wracking,” said Amelia. Emma added: “While we were in the changing rooms, we got the autographs of all the players.”

Both girls were interviewed on the pitch and then had their photographs taken with their favourite players – Amelia with striker and leading goal-scorer Jermaine Beckford and Emma with midfielder Jonny Howson.

Both girls are keen Leeds United supporters; they go to watch matches regularly and love to play football with their friends whenever they can. Although Leeds did not win the match, Emma and Amelia remain loyal fans and say they will keep on supporting their team “through thick and thin.”

Nick Box, Head of P.E, said: “Football is very popular with the girls. We run a football club every Friday after school which is attended by around 25 girls and we have had coaches come in to do some training with the girls.” Once a year at the school, there is a football match between girls and staff.

Gateways School has a history of footballing prowess – former pupil, Sharanjit Bhuhi, who graduated from the Sixth Form last year played for the Leeds United girls’ team.

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our girls to try a range of different sporting activities including those not traditionally considered to be girls’ sports.”

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8.05.09

Biology and Maths Success at Gateways School, Harewood

Gateways School girls have had major successes in both Biology and Maths this week.

A group of Year 9 and Year 10 pupils took part in the Biology Challenge organised by the British Biology Olympiad with support from the Institute of Biology and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. This was the first time that Gateways School had entered the competition and the girls did extremely well winning two Silver Medals, three Bronze Medals and 14 Highly Commended certificates.

In Maths, a group of Year 7 and Year 8 girls took part in a countrywide competition More Maths Grads, a three-year project funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England with the aim of increasing the number of students studying mathematics at university. The Yorkshire and Humber arm of the project is based at Leeds University.

Deb Kennedy, Head of Maths, said: “The girls submitted competition entries and eight were commended for their efforts and one girl, Year 7 pupil Aileen Duffy, has been invited to Leeds Town Hall to receive a special award at the end of the month.”

In addition, Year 11 pupil Sarah Woon took part in a UK Mathematics Trust special competition – the Pink Kangaroo. Only pupils who have attained an exceptionally high level in the Intermediate Challenge are invited to enter. Sarah did extremely well and received her certificate this week.

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage girls to excel in all subject areas, without gender bias. Our results in Maths and Science are consistently high and this week’s achievements are another example of those high standards. We are very proud of our girls.”

8.05.09

Summer Concert at Gateways School, Harewood

On Thursday 7th May, Gateways school held their summer concert. The concert involved around 40 to 50 girls from the High School and the performances covered a whole range of musical styles – from classical, to jazz and favourite songs from musicals. The performers included musicians and singers, solo artists, duos, trios and groups, choirs and ensembles.

The girls performed to an appreciative audience of family, friends, supporters and staff, including the school’s new Headmistress who will take up her post in September. All those who attended were impressed by the quality of the girls’ musical accomplishments, which were the result of two months’ intense rehearsal. Music is an area in which Gateways has consistently achieved highly; the school enjoyed major successes at the Harrogate Music Festival earlier this year.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music at the school, said: “It is great for the girls to perform in front of an audience and to experience the pleasure of giving enjoyment to others. It was a wonderful culmination of the year’s work in the music department.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we pride ourselves on the number of extra-curricular opportunities we offer to the girls and music is just one of the areas in which we excel. The concert was a hugely impressive combination of the girls’ hard work and creativity.”

1.05.09

Climate Change photography competition at Gateways School, Harewood

Girls from Gateways school, Harewood, recently took part in a Climate Change Photography Competition designed to make them think about the environment.

The theme of the competition was What Does Climate Change Mean to You? The girls were required to take a photograph to illustrate that concept and also to write a comment supporting their entry.

Photographs showed snow storms, flooding, wind farms as well as pollution in its many forms. The first prize went to Sophia Malik whose photograph showed a snowman with a sign around his neck which read ‘I’ll be dead soon.’ The second prize went to Ellie Hollis whose picture was of the flooding at Mill Beck Green in Collingham and third prize went to Amy Loh’s image of snow falling.

The competition was judged by Mr Mike Woodhall, Sales Director of Efergy Ltd, a Wetherby-based company which develops innovative energy-saving products for the home and workplace. Efergy also provided the prizes for the winners with each girl receiving an energy-saving meter which helps monitor and influence the way in which homes consume energy.

Karen Titman, competition organiser and ICT manager, said: “It was really heartening to see how much the girls have thought about the importance of looking after the environment. The theme was not an easy one and the girls interpreted it in many different and imaginative ways. They came up with some very impressive photographs and comments.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage pupils to think about the environment and global issues. The creative and thoughtful responses of the girls to this competition demonstrate how engaged they are with these important issues.”

24.04.09

Gateways School pupils in training for 200-mile charity cycle ride

A group of Gateways School pupils are preparing for a 200-mile cycle ride around Cumbria to raise money for The Theo Trust, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of Russian orphans through education and holidays.

The Theo Trust is just one of a number of charities for young people in difficult circumstances that the school is supporting through its ongoing Community Outreach project. The cycle ride, which takes place in early July, will begin and end at Sedbergh and will involve 14 girls, aged between 12 and 18, and four members of staff. Together they will be cycling 200 miles, averaging around 40 miles per day, over a period of six days.

In conjunction with the cycle ride, Gateways School will also be hosting two Russian girls from an orphanage in St Petersburg for a month. As part of their stay, the girls will be attending daily lessons at Gateways and will join the group on the cycle ride. Last year a group of Gateways girls took part in a similar event, a 200-mile cycle ride around Yorkshire, and raised £5,000 for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group near Harrogate.

Quentin Sands, the cycle tour organiser and Director of Theatre at the school, said: “We have already started going out training on our bikes twice a week after school to build up our fitness. It’s going to be more of a challenge this time because of the kind of terrain we are cycling on and we are further away from home, but we will have a support vehicle with us if anyone needs a rest – although last year nobody did, the girls cycled really well all the way.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress said: “At Gateways School we encourage our pupils to get involved in projects that reach out to and benefit the wider community. We are very proud that the girls are committed to taking on this exciting physical challenge in order to raise money for such a worthy cause.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the cycle ride, make a donation to the Theo Trust or offer any activities to the Russian guests should contact the school on 0113 288 6345.

3.04.09

D-Day veteran visits Gateways School, Harewood near Leeds

On Wednesday 1st April, Year 9 girls at Gateways School in Harewood experienced living history when Mr Frank Andrew, the father of Art teacher Anne Hill, came to talk about his wartime experiences during a History lesson.

The class has been studying the Second World War and Mr Andrew spoke to them about his time serving in the Parachute Regiment. He joined the Regiment in 1943 at the age of 18 and took part in the D-Day Landings in Normandy in 1944. After being wounded in 1945, he completed his military service in Palestine and left the regiment in 1947.

Mr Andrew brought a photograph album, artefacts and memorabilia with him to show the girls. Mrs Hill, who supervised the lesson, said: “My father showed the girls his photographs of the visit we made to Normandy 15 years ago at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day Landings. Then he spoke about his personal experiences which really brought history to life for the girls. He said that the people who landed in Normandy were young boys of only 17 or 18, only a few years older than them.”

In the back of Mr Andrew’s photograph album was a list of all those who died – Allied and German troops – in the D-Day Landings, in total around 100,000. He pointed out that for every one of those who died there were family members who were affected by their death, so that the total number of ‘victims of war’ was, in fact, much greater. The clearest message of Mr Andrew’s speech was that “in war there are no winners.”

Mrs Hill said: “In the question and answer session after my father’s talk, the girls asked some very interesting and pertinent questions and he said afterwards how impressed he was by their response. Quite a few of the girls spoke to him and said how lucky they felt to be living in freedom and peace.”

Gateways School Headmistress said: “Mr Andrew’s visit was an invaluable event for the girls. Hearing about someone’s real wartime experiences brought history alive for them in a way which will enhance their studies immeasurably.”

27.03.09

New Headmistress announced for Gateways School, Harewood

Gateways School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Yvonne Wilkinson as their new Headmistress. Mrs Wilkinson will take over from Mrs Denise Davidson, Headmistress of Gateways School for the past twelve years, and will take up her appointment at the beginning of the next academic year in September.

Mrs Wilkinson joins Gateways from Holy Trinity School in Kidderminster where she has been Head Teacher since 2003. The school was awarded the title of Independent School of the Year by the West Midlands News in January 2009. Prior to that Mrs Wilkinson was the first female Deputy Head in the 125-year history of King Edward VI Five Ways School Birmingham, one of the top grammar schools in the country.

Mrs Wilkinson was part of the inspecting team for Gateways’ 2006 Inspection Report and therefore already has an extensive knowledge of the school. She is looking forward to continuing to develop the school’s special ethos and values.

Chair of Governors Mr Shaw said: “Mrs Davidson has had a profound effect on Gateways over the last twelve years and the implementation of her ideas and projects has considerably enhanced its reputation. We are delighted with this appointment and see Mrs Wilkinson as the best person to continue and develop still further the excellent standard already achieved at Gateways”.

Mrs Davidson said: “I have been proud and happy as Headmistress of Gateways to see the school develop and flourish over the last twelve years. Whilst I am excited by the prospect of my new post as Director of Education on St Helena, it will be with great sadness that I Ieave the school community at the end of this academic year. I am delighted with Mrs Wilkinson’s appointment; her experience is perfectly suited both to the values and high academic standards of Gateways. Continuity and a smooth transition will be assured as Mrs Wilkinson begins her headship next academic year; planning is already in place across the school to bring about a seamless transfer of leadership. I wish Mrs Wilkinson every success and happiness in her new role”.

Mrs Wilkinson said “'I am very much looking forward to joining Gateways School in September 2009. It is an impressive school with such strong characteristics; the spirit of advancement and innovation carefully aligned with the respect for tradition, the tangible sense of community and pride, the happy pupils and staff who extend a warm welcome and the fantastic facilities set in a beautiful location. I believe in Gateways’ philosophy and will build on the school's considerable strengths to enhance its excellent reputation for providing the best education for its pupils”.

27.3.09

Gateways School Climate Cops team GreenStitch are first runners-up in the finals of the national Green SOS competition sponsored by npower.

The team won £10,000 for the school and a bicycle for each of the girls.

On Wednesday 25 March, a team from Gateways School, Harewood near Leeds travelled down to the Science Museum in London to take part in the grand final of the national Green SOS competition sponsored by npower.

The team – a group of ten Year 8 girls – won their place in the final through their innovative GreenStitch idea and all their hard work resulted in them being awarded the first runners up prize. There were ten finalists in all and the Gateways team won £10,000 for the school to spend on an environmental project as well as a bicycle for each of the girls.

The GreenStitch group came up with an innovative idea of re-using old plastic bags which involved cutting the bags into strips and then using those strips as material to knit colourful and durable shopping bags. They made ipod socks and mobile phone holders – and even knitted an attractive dress which made it onto the catwalk of the school’s annual fashion show. The idea is simple, effective and environmentally friendly – a clear winner!

Suzy Dixon, Head of Middle School at Gateways and co-organiser with Sue Finan, Head of Upper School, of the Greenstitch project said: “It’s been a long and fascinating journey and one that in some ways is only just beginning. We have proved that recycling can be cool and every judge involved in the competition final was really impressed with our products and what we have achieved. I am very proud of the girls – their initiative, commitment and drive – and the whole school got involved. The next stage is to build on our success and to sell the products in charity shops to raise recycling awareness and help boost the charities’ funds. We are even looking into forming international links with Fairtrade communities.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress said: “We are immensely proud of the girls’ success in the final – they are a real credit to the school. At Gateways, the girls are encouraged to be aware of global issues and the GreenStitch project epitomises these principles. The girls have been working together to lead the school community into a more environmentally friendly way of living.”

27.03.09

Gateways School Dance Benefit raises over £500 for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group

Gateways School’s Community Outreach group organised a Dance Benefit to raise money for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group near Harrogate. This was the latest in a series of events the school has organised to raise money for Follifoot.

The Dance Benefit, which took place on Wednesday 25 March in the school’s Performing Arts Centre, involved girls from the whole school, with the ages ranging from 7 up to 18. Organised by Lower Sixth Form Community Outreach representatives Noor Albzie, Amy Brown, Ayesha Iqbal, Gaby Kirwin, Katie Scott, Caitlin Spark and Hannah Wilson, the evening was a huge success.

The girls performed a wide variety of dance routines including flamenco and R&B with great skill and enthusiasm. The girls’ colourful costumes, energy and professionalism created a superb spectacle that was appreciated by a capacity audience of parents, friends and members of the community. Over £500 was raised for Follifoot Park Disabled Riders Group.

Jan Johnson, mathematics teacher and Gateways School’s Community Outreach organiser, said: “It’s the second year that we have run the Dance Benefit and it has been so successful that I think it will become an annual event. It was wonderful to see girls of all ages working together towards a common goal and raising funds for charity.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we encourage our pupils to get involved in projects that reach out to and benefit the wider community. The Lower Sixth girls who helped to organise the dance benefit showed great maturity and commitment throughout their two months of rehearsals in encouraging and motivating the younger dancers. We are very proud of all the girls and the huge amount of work they have put in to make this event such a success.”

27.03.09

Gateways School Snowdrop Planting and Garden Launch

On Wednesday 25 March, Gateways School Environment Club planted Aconites and Snowdrops in the form of a flame and candle in the school’s Holocaust Memorial garden. At the same time, they also launched the idea of Gateways Garden, which has been designed by the Environment Club, where they intend to grow potatoes, carrots, herbs and flowers.

The planting was carried out by ten members of the Environment Club – mostly girls in Year 7 and Year 8 – under the supervision of experienced gardener Mr Andrew Pullan, who is responsible for the maintenance of the grounds at the school, and Dr Sara Newton, Science teacher and leader of the school’s Environment Club.

Dr Newton said: “This was a great way to start off our gardening and planting project for this year. It went really well – the garden looks lovely and the girls were very enthusiastic about it. It was also very good to work in conjunction with our gardener who gave us some very good advice and guidance.”

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: “At Gateways School we are proud of our proactive attitude towards raising awareness of environmental issues and the Environment Club is a prime example of that. The planting in the Memorial Garden is both a wonderful tribute to the past as well as a symbol of hope for the future.”

20.03.09

Gateways School choirs sing their way to victory at Harrogate Music Festival

The Gateways School choirs achieved tremendous success at the Harrogate Music Festival last weekend.

The Senior Choir won the Fred Wood Shield in the Church Choir Class and The Alice Smith Jubilee Trophy in the Choral Challenge Class. The Gateways Harmony and Senior Choirs both gained distinction in the Year 13 and under category.

The Senior Choir sang in the Year 13 and under category and the Church Music Class and Choral Challenge class. They sang One Voice by Barry Manilow, All that Jazz by Harold Kander, For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter and The Lord is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall – the theme music for the popular BBC TV programme The Vicar of Dibley. Gateways Harmony Choir sang in the Year 13 and under class. They sang Streets of London by Ralph McTell and Ave Maria by Philip Stopford. The choirs were in competition with Harrogate Ladies College, the Knaresborough School of Song and Dance and St Aidan’s Sixth form choir.

Paul Dutton, Head of Music said: “I am delighted for the girls; they have worked so hard for this. They have been practising every Tuesday and Thursday since the beginning of January, working on four pieces for two categories in the Harrogate Festival – the Year 13 and under, and the church music class. We won the Church Music class and went through to the Choral Challenge – which we won as well! Special mention should also be made for the Junior choirs who also competed and came away with commendations for their singing. It’s the first time we have won two different classes in one tournament as a choir. We now have two wonderful trophies – the Fred Wood Shield and the Alice Smith Jubilee Trophy.

20.03.09

Gateways School pupils achieve excellent exam results – particularly in areas not considered ‘girls’ subjects’, supporting evidence in a new report on girls’ schools

A study published this week found that girls are far more likely to thrive, attain higher academic results and stay longer in education if they attend a girls-only school. The research, conducted on behalf of The Good Schools Guide, supports a body of evidence that girls do better in a single-sex educational environment and recent results at Gateways School would corroborate that.

Last week results came through for the AS and A2 level January modules and the girls excelled themselves with an impressive number of A grades, particularly in subjects not traditionally considered ‘girls’ subjects’. Amber Boulton received an A grade for Physics, Jordane Connelly received A grades for Biology and Chemistry, Sophie Jupe received A grades for both Mathematics and Chemistry. Amy Brown, Emma Thornton and Anisha Showan received A grades for English, Dalya Cramer received A grades for both Media Studies and IT, Katie Higgins Annabelle Leung, Sophie Simpson and Olivia Watson all received A grades for Economics, Kate Robinson received an A grade for IT, and Katie Scott achieved three A grades for IT, Economics and Business Studies.

High achievements in Mathematics were particularly impressive with Head Girl, Elizabeth Anderson, attaining a 100% mark in Further Mathematics, followed closely by Lois Hill, who achieved 97% in core Mathematics and Emma Williams with 92%. Maths teacher Debbie Kennedy said: “I am thrilled. I was expecting good results but these were outstanding from all the candidates and it’s particularly impressive when you think they sat the exam early – in January rather than in the summer. One parent told me that had their daughter not been at Gateways, they would not have thought of studying maths in the sixth form; here it is a natural progression for them. Two of the girls are intending to study Maths at university; they have flourished in the sixth form and have become outstanding mathematicians.”

Gateways School headmistress Denise Davidson said: “We know that girls’ schools work and results such as these prove it; we are very proud of our girls.”

13.03.09

Gateways School Science Week goes with a bang!

Gateways School celebrated National Science week this week and pupils throughout the school enjoyed a series of visits, as well as presentations from external speakers and entertaining and educational activities organised by the Science Department.

Girls in Year 4 made their own rockets and launched them in a competition to see which would travel the farthest, Year 5 pupils investigated the weight needed to make a party popper ‘pop’, while Year 6 pupils had a chance to employ their detective skills when they were taught how to use forensic science techniques to solve a crime.

Dr Keith Hanna, of software company Fluent, spoke to Year 10 and Year 11 girls about software developed by his company used by Olympic athletes to model the flow of air and water over their bodies during a race, allowing them to cut vital fractions of a second off their performance times.

Dr Juliette Randerson-Moore of St James’ Hospital, Leeds, gave a presentation on the damaging effects of the sun’s rays on the skin. Year 8 pupils learnt about how to be safe in the sun, examined their freckles and moles and found out what their skin type was.

Gateways School headmistress Denise Davidson said: “Science Week was a valuable educational experience for girls throughout the school as well as proving that science can be fun. We are always pleased to welcome outside specialist speakers into our school environment as it gives the girls an insight into the world of work.”

13.03.09

Gateways School’s Circus-themed Extravaganza for Red Nose Day is a huge success

On Friday, 13th March, Gateways School was transformed into a circus for the day to celebrate Red Nose Day and to raise funds for Comic Relief.

The whole school has been invited to come dressed as a clown, circus animal or any other circus/fairground/carnival character – and everyone, including all the staff, made a huge effort on that front. There were lots of clowns, an array of ringmasters, strongmen, a human cannonball, gipsy fortune tellers, jugglers, stilt walkers, gorillas, tigers, bears and a spectacular seal.

The day began with a fancy dress competition before lessons and continued with a performance of The Biggest Show on Earth in the Performing Arts Centre. The show included circus acts such as juggling, tumbling, clowning, performed by the girls, presided over by three ringmasters, while the staff contribution included acrobatics, a tightrope walk and a face-off between two strongmen.

Gateways School headmistress Denise Davidson said: “The main aim of the day has been to raise as much money as possible for Comic Relief and do something funny for money. At Gateways, we are proud of our commitment to fundraising for charity and it’s wonderful that everyone – pupils and staff – has made such an effort to make this a really fun, magical experience. This is education at its best – pure enjoyment with an absolutely clear sense of direction. It’s been a joy to see the whole school working together towards an aim that is totally unselfish.”

In the afternoon a Gateways Circus took place in the sports hall which featured plenty of fun games such as Face Painting, Pin the Nose on the Clown, Throw a Wet Sponge at Your Teacher – one of the day’s most popular activities! – and the human fruit machine.

Throughout the day, there was also an ongoing Dance-a-thon giving all the girls in the school an opportunity to take part. The aim was to ensure that between 9.10am and 4.10pm someone, somewhere in Gateways was dancing!

6.03.09

Gateways pupil wins Year 10 and under piano competition at Harrogate Music Festival

Alice Spencer, a 15-year-old Year 10 pupil at Gateways School, won the year 10 and under piano competition at the Harrogate Music Festival last weekend. Alice, who lives in Thorp Arch near Wetherby, beat strong competition to take the first prize.Head of Music at Gateways, Paul Dutton, said: “Alice entered the Year 10 and under piano competition last year and she came up against some very strong competition.
This year she has obviously improved enormously – the judges remarked on how beautifully she played and said that there was only one clear winner.” Alice received a distinction for her playing of pieces by Mendelssohn and Bartok, and was presented with a certificate and a trophy.

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress said: “At Gateways we pride ourselves on encouraging our pupils to excel in all areas of their lives. We are delighted with what Alice has achieved at the Harrogate Music Festival.”

Paul Dutton commented: “It is a wonderful achievement. Alice has worked very hard on her piano studies. She is a talented musician who is also very skilled at composition and she contributes an enormous amount to the music department at Gateways.”

6.03.09

Gateways School plans a Circus-themed Extravaganza for Red Nose Day, Friday 13th March 2009

Next Friday, 13th March, Gateways School will be transformed into a circus for the day to celebrate Red Nose Day and to raise funds for Comic Relief.

The whole school has been invited to come dressed as a clown, circus animal or any other circus/fairground/carnival character. The day will start with a fancy dress competition before lessons begin and continue with a performance of The Biggest Show on Earth in the Performing Arts Centre, a Gateways Circus in the sports hall and plenty of fun games such as Hook a Duck, Pin the Nose on the Clown, Wet Sponge Throwing and Face Painting.

Throughout the day, there will also be an ongoing Dance-a-thon giving all the girls in the school an opportunity to take part. The aim is to ensure that between 9.10am and 4.10pm someone, somewhere in Gateways will be dancing!

27.02.09

Gateways pupil helps Yorkshire Under 18 tennis team move into Division 1

Sarah Woon, a 16-year-old pupil at Gateways School, Harewood, took part in an U18 tennis tournament in Bolton last week as part of the Yorkshire team. “We were in Division Two,” says Sarah. “We played against Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire and we did well – we moved up into Division One. It was really great being part of a team and cheering others on when you weren’t playing.”

Sarah, of Collingham, started playing tennis at the age of 8 at the Castlegarth Tennis Club in Wetherby and now trains at the Carnegie High Performance Tennis Centre in Headingley, Leeds. She continues to keep her links with Castlegarth, playing regularly for the senior doubles team.

Sarah, who will be taking her GCSEs this year, has cut down her weekly training hours from seven to three and a half this year in order to concentrate on her exams. “I still want to continue playing competitively and take part in some other tournaments this year, though,” she says. “And I want to keep playing tennis for the rest of my life.”

Last summer, Sarah reached the U16 semi-finals of the Ilkley Open Tennis tournament where she is planning to compete again this year.

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress said: “At Gateways we pride ourselves on encouraging girls to excel in all areas of their lives. We are all proud of what Sarah has achieved and wish her all the best in future tournaments.”

Nick Box, head of P.E at Gateways School, said: “Sarah should be extremely proud of her achievements in tennis as she has committed herself to the sport for many years. She has managed to perform at an incredibly high standard while coping with the demands of her final GCSE course.”

13.02.09

Gateways School – the first Leeds High School to be awarded green flag environmental status – welcomes guest speakers for their Environment Week

On Friday 6 February, as part of Gateways School’s Environment Week, two speakers were invited into the school to talk to pupils about environmental issues – Dr Simon Lightfoot from the School of Politics and International Studies at the University of Leeds and Eric Ashford of The Young People’s Trust for the Environment.

Dr Simon Lightfoot spoke to Sixth Form pupils about the impact that the European Union can have on altering climate change. Dr Sara Newton, science teacher who organised the event said: ‘He was a very inspiring speaker – one of the best I have encountered – and the girls were very impressed. The response from the sixth form was excellent, it was a very valuable experience for them.’ Dr Lightfoot said: ‘We had a very interesting discussion. I’ve been really impressed with the girls’ knowledge and enthusiasm. They are a credit to Gateways’.

Eric Ashford gave talks to numerous year groups across the school about how human beings affect their environment. Dr Sara Newton said: ‘He spoke very passionately about his subject and all the year groups responded well, asking lots of questions. Mr Ashford was impressed by the level of interest from the girls – in particular the care that they had for the environment.’

Denise Davidson, Gateways School headmistress: ‘The event was a great success and is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to encouraging pupils’ awareness of global issues through involvement in extracurricular clubs and activities.’

Gateways School is committed to developing awareness of green issues and was the first High School in Leeds to be awarded green flag environmental status with Eco-Schools. The award acknowledges the efforts of the members of the school’s environment club, led by Dr Sara Newton, who have set themselves the challenge of turning Gateways into a carbon neutral school by focussing on energy efficiency, recycling, planting trees and investing in renewable energy plants.

6.02.09

Gateways Prep School production goes Disco! – Cinderella gets a Seventies makeover at Gateways School

Despite the adverse weather conditions, rehearsals have been underway this week for the Prep School production of Cinderella at Gateways School. Eighty girls between the ages of 7 and 11 have been involved in putting on a lively musical version of the well-known fairytale – set in the 1970s disco era.

An original script written by Prep School English co-ordinator Amanda Jeffords, the production promises to be hugely entertaining. ‘It’s been a lot of fun,’ commented Amanda Jeffords. ‘We put on a production every year but this is something quite different to what we have done before. It’s Cinderella with a twist: all the music is from the Seventies and Cinderella doesn’t fall for the prince in the end – she thinks he is a bit too full of himself – and she ends up with Buttons instead.’

She added: ‘The youngest girls are doing all the dance numbers, the middle age group are taking some of the smaller roles and then the upper age group are playing the main parts.’ Head of Prep School Shann Wilcox commented: ‘It’s great for all the girls to be involved and especially for the younger ones to see what they can aspire to as they move up through the school. It’s also wonderful that the production has been written by one of our own members of staff.’’

Emma Beavers who is playing Buttons and Tara Sorkin who takes the role of the Fairy Godmother said: ‘We have had a great time rehearsing and we are all really excited about the performances. It’s been great singing along and dancing to fantastic songs like Dancing Queen, Blame it on the Boogie and I Will Survive.’

The girls are looking forward to wearing sparkly discowear and have been making their own platform shoes. Caitlin Duffy who is playing Cinderella’s father and Ellie Hartley who is playing Penelope the news reporter said: ‘We have been rehearsing really hard during break times and after school and we are looking forward to performing in front of an audience – there will be a lot of laughter.’

The dress rehearsal will take place on the afternoon of Monday 9th February in front of an audience made up of children from the local school, Harewood Church of England Primary, as well as guests from the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Centre in Leeds. Performances for the school community will take place on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February at 7pm in the school’s Performing Arts Centre.

6.02.09

Gateways School Climate Cops team GreenStitch, finalists in the npower Climate Cops National Competition, hold a Knit-In

On Wednesday 4 February, GreenStitch, a group of ten Year 8 girls who are finalists in npower’s national Climate Cops competition, held a lunchtime Knit-In between 1.15 and 2.15pm in the school’s Performing Arts Centre.

The GreenStitch group have devised an exciting and innovative way of re-using old plastic bags which involves cutting the bags into strips and then using those strips as material to knit colourful and durable shopping bags. They are also knitting ipod socks and mobile phone holders – and they have even knitted an attractive dress which made it onto the catwalk of the school’s annual fashion show. The idea is simple, effective and environmentally friendly – a clear winner!

On Wednesday GreenStitch invited fellow pupils to participate in a mass knitting session alongside members of the Women’s Institute from the nearby village of East Keswick and ladies from the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff centre in Leeds. All experienced knitters, they were happy to pass on their expertise to the girls.

Mrs Gwen Matthewman from Featherstone was among those attending the Knit-In. No stranger to the art of knitting, she held the title of the world’s fastest knitter in the Guinness Book of Records from 1980 to 2005. ‘I’ve never knitted with plastic before – it’s slowing me down a bit but I think it is a really good idea.’

Ellie Kitching, Beth Daykin, Rojina Norouzi and Harriet Long, all members of the GreenStich team, were very pleased with the way that the knitting session had gone. ‘We have worked really hard on this, we are excited about it and we wanted to involve members of the community as well.’

Denise Davidson, Gateways School Headmistress, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that so many lovely ladies have come in to school to teach our children to knit. I think the event has been a huge success. At Gateways school, the girls are encouraged to be aware of global issues and the GreenStitch project epitomises these principles. The girls are working together to lead the school community into a more environmentally friendly way of living.’ The products knitted by the Gateways girls will be sold through the school and in local charity shops to raise recycling awareness while adding to the charities’ funds.

The GreenStitch group will be travelling down to London on 25 March to attend the competition final at the Science Museum. The winners will receive £20,000 for their school.

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