Mr C Dodd – TGJ Staff Editor
If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.
Zig Ziglar
Welcome
Welcome back to the The GSAL Journal in 2020. The previous newsletter feels like a decade ago now, but in that time the Journal has continued to go from strength to strength. The number of high quality submissions is increasing, and the breadth and depth of talent on show, coupled with the energy and enthusiasm for rigorous academic discussion and debate, continues to be extremely impressive. Three new student-led partner publications provide further opportunities for intellectual engagement: Humanities Journal, Politics in Review and Science Magazine are all welcome additions. A small team of aspiring young journalists has also been set up with a view to publishing news and opinion pieces on a range of topical issues – watch this space!
Like it or not, as the U.K. heads towards the European Union exit door this is a time for thoughtful reflection on the current state of this country and our place in the wider world. A number of students have explored these issues directly, including James Hardy (Year 12) ‘Opinion: The Fallacy of a ‘Democratic’ People’s Vote‘, Josh Grier (Year 13) ‘Westminster Democracy: Is British Politics Broken?‘ and George Gearty (Year 13) ‘The Benefits of Brexit‘. Other students have considered questions of power and perspective more widely, including Mei Whattam (Year 12) ‘Was Ching Shih a brutal renegade or a visionary feminist?‘, Jamie Smallbone (Year 12) ‘Genghis Khan: A Dastardly Villain?‘, Anika Bansal (Year 9) ‘US-China Trade War: A UK Perspective‘ and Eshana Dasanjh (Year 11) ‘The Censorship of the History of the British Empire‘. It is pleasing to see GSAL students engaging with such demanding subject matter in these challenging times, and, if all this gets too much to bear, perhaps we should follow the advice of Harri Cham (Year 10) and simply watch more Peppa Pig – ‘The deepest show on TV: Why we should all be watching Peppa Pig‘.
There is plenty more outstanding content for your consumption, including all the usual regular features and numerous other excellent student contributions – the superb short story from Victoria Bell (Year 13) ‘Lavender: A Flashback‘ is not to be missed. This really is another 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.
The GSAL Journal currently includes three student-led partner publications:
- Humanities Journal – Mei Whattam (Year 12), Chief Editor
- Politics in Review – George Gearty (Year 13), Chief Editor
- Science Magazine – Flaka Tahiri (Year 13), Chief Editor
Exceptional Contributions – our very own ‘Hall of Fame’ recognising exceptional student contributions.
Student Contributions
Bansal, Anika (Year 9) – US-China Trade War: A UK Perspective
Bell, Victoria (Year 13) – Lavender: A Flashback
Bissett, Benjamin (Year 9) – Lord Dyson: A Judge’s Journey
Cham, Harri (Year 10) – The deepest show on TV: Why we should all be watching Peppa Pig
Dasanjh, Eshana (Year 11) – The Censorship of the History of the British Empire
Fabbroni, Erin (Year 8) – Dovek: The Last of his Kind
Gearty, George (Year 13) – The Benefits of Brexit
Girish, Aryan (Year 10) – India Races to the Moon
Girish, Dhruv (Year 8) – The Climate Endgame: Can We Stop It?
Graham, Jessica (Year 13) – Magical Realism in Spanish Literature
Grier, Josh (Year 13) – Westminster Democracy: Is British Politics Broken?
Hardy, James (Year 12) – Opinion: The Fallacy of a ‘Democratic’ People’s Vote
Larking, Oliver (Year 13) – The Apprentice: A platform for young entrepreneurs, or a breeding ground for fame-hungry wannabees?
Smallbone, Jamie (Year 12) – Genghis Khan: A Dastardly Villain?
Whattam, Mei (Year 12) – Was Ching Shih a brutal renegade or a visionary feminist?
Whattam, Mei (Year 12) – News From… MUN of Hamburg 2019
Zamvar, Aditi (Year 13) – What is wrong with bribery? How, if at all, should the law deal with it?
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.
Essay Competitions
Year 7-9 GSAL Essay Competition 2020 – deadline Wednesday 12th February.
Year 12 New College of Humanities Essay Competition 2020 – deadline Friday 31st January.
Year 12 Peterhouse Essay Competition 2020 – deadline end of March.
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.
Oxbridge Events – a wide range of current opportunities offered by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge). These are updated often, so check back regularly.
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.
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.
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.
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 