Mr C Dodd – TGJ Staff Editor
A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke
Scott Stoll
Welcome
Welcome to the first newsletter from The GSAL Journal for the 2019-20 academic year. This is the week in which ‘Yorkshire welcomes the world’ for the 2019 UCI Road World Championships, with cyclists from around the world battling it out on our local roads for the coveted rainbow jerseys. Whilst some degree of natural talent may be an advantage, it is unwavering passion, tireless dedication and tactical creativity that will ultimately propel the best athletes to the top step of the podium. Here at The GSAL Journal we celebrate similar qualities demonstrated through the academic successes of Elle, Zara and Flaka (Year 13) who have all been recognised in national university competitions, whilst the poem ‘A GSAL Salad’ by Leo (Year 8) was commented on by inspirational poet Benjamin Zephaniah and included in the Message from the Principal in the senior school weekly bulletin. There is plenty more outstanding content for your consumption, including numerous student contributions and excellent regular features. This really is a bumper edition of The GSAL Journal – scroll down and enjoy! CPD
What is The GSAL Journal? – find out more about The GSAL Journal and how to get involved.
Exceptional Contributions – our very own ‘Hall of Fame’ recognising exceptional student contributions.
Student Contributions
*Award Winner* Can history teach us lessons? – an essay by Elle Fang (Year 13)
*Award Winner* Should we bring wolves back to Britain – what is the scientific case for re-wilding? – an essay by Zara Hossain-Ibrahim (Year 13)
*Award Winner* Could the neutrino be the most interesting particle in physics? – an essay by Flaka Tahiri (Year 13)
Health Care in Norway – an essay from Salutaris 2019 by Beth Jordan (GSAL Alumna, 2019 Leaver)
Is The Odyssey still relevant to modern readers? – an essay from Salutaris 2019 by Amir Khan (GSAL Alumnus, 2019 Leaver)
Weird Maths – a book review by Benjamin Bissett (Year 9 & 2008 Society)
The Man Who Couldn’t Stop – a book review by Alexandra Hall (Year 9 & 2008 Society)
How to Build a Universe – a book review by Amber Malkin (Year 9 & 2008 Society)
A GSAL Salad – a poem by Leo Khan (Year 8)
Missing: The Lost Colony of Roanoke – a short historical fiction story by Tessa Grainger (Year 9 & 2008 Society)
The Children of the Revolution – a short historical fiction story by Izzy Smith (Year 9 & 2008 Society)
Salutaris 2019 – Salutaris is the GSAL Sixth Form academic journal. It is an annual publication which provides Sixth Form students the opportunity to showcase their academic writing. It also provides a number of students with editorial experience. The 2019 edition includes a foreword by Mrs Merrick, then articles by former GSAL students (2019 Leavers) Amir Khan, Beth Jordan, Charis Winter, Aadarsh Nemana, Harriet Blackman, Lauren McGaun, Nicole Kelly, Sam Slater and Tom White.
Regular Features
Super-curricular Opportunities – an extensive list of enrichment opportunities, including subject competitions, open days and other events.
Wider Learning Resources – a range of resources to support learning beyond the curriculum.
Oxbridge Bulletin – a wide range of resources relating to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge), including open days and application support.
Developing Thinking Skills – develop your thinking skills by taking on some of these puzzles and problems.
Mr Clements Reads… – a selection of recommended books from Mr Clements in the Lawson Library.
Young Scientists Journal – the YSJ is an international peer-review science journal written, reviewed and produced by school students aged 12 to 20. The YSJ is a place for young people to publish their scientific research.
Periodicals – in addition to the popular A-level Subject Magazines (Hodder Education), there are a wide range of periodicals available in the school library and online.
Podcasts – regularly updated and often free to subscribe, podcasts are an excellent way to broaden your horizons and develop critical thinking on the go.
Other Recommendations
Recommended Puzzle Books – Challenging puzzle books are a great way to build confidence and develop your toolkit for tackling complex and unfamiliar subjects.
Recommended Reading for Economists – an up-to-date reading list (courtesy of the tutor2u website) for economists, particularly those who are considering studying the subject at university. Wider reading and offering your thoughts on a particular book / topic will form a key part of any personal statement.
Mr C Dodd – TGJ Staff Editor
The GSAL Journal 