Akshay (Year 11) Editor's note: Akshay, now in Year 12, wrote this excellent short poem as part of their work towards their GCSE in English Literature. CPD Reflections 1 Its eyes glower with hollow hostility. Emotion has no refuge in its glare. Its demeanour carries no care, Nor do its words bear sympathy. The withdrawn … Continue reading Mirror Poem: Reflections
Eve (Year 12) Editor's note: Eve wrote this fascinating and well-written article during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. This essay, written for the spoken mode, was entered into the annual MASSOLIT Video Essay Competition. CPD Our language, like so many others, evolved through ages where the patriarchy dominated, resulting in English, which is … Continue reading Inherent Sexism in the English Language
Eliza (Year 12) & Miss Breen (GSAL librarian) Editor's note: The interesting collaboration between Eliza, a Year 12 student, and Miss Breen, one of our fantastic school librarians, sheds an important light on studying humanities at degree level at university. CPD Foreword This article discusses the importance of studying Humanities at degree level. As more … Continue reading Humanities at University
Theo (Year 12 student) Editor's note: Theo researched, wrote and submitted this exceptional academic essay to the Gould Prize for Essays in English Literature, organised by Trinity College, Cambridge, during his time in Year 12 at GSAL. This essay was awarded Highly Commended and Theo was invited to visit Trinity College in person. Theo is … Continue reading ‘A whole is that which has a beginning, middle, and end.’ (Aristotle). Are all dramatic works ‘whole’?
Amelie (Year 9 Student) Editor's note: Year 9 student Amelie has written this excellent review of a recent year group visit to the theatre to watch a stage production of Animal Farm. CPD Manipulation, deception and inequality. These are all words that could be tied to Tatty Hennessy’s much anticipated stage adaption of George Orwell’s … Continue reading Animal Farm: Review
Afoluwaso (Year 12) Editor's note: "Mrs C is my English language teacher, and I recently did a timed practice for her. I was to write an editorial opinion piece expressing my thoughts on language in the workplace, one of our topics on the spec. Mrs C was very pleased with my work and suggested I … Continue reading Lost in translation: stop renaming the problem and start addressing it
“The history of men's opposition to women's emancipation is more interesting perhaps than the story of that emancipation itself”. Analyse the role and responsibility of men in combatting gender inequality in a specific place and historical period. Emily B - Year 12 Editor's Note: Year 12 Student, Emily B, discusses the role of the male population, … Continue reading The History of Men’s Opposition to Women’s Emancipation: An Essay
Onella - Year 11 Student Editor's note: Year 11 student Onella entered this essay into the annual Immerse Education Essay Competition. Onella chose the title from a list of over 20 different options provided as part of the competition brief. CPD In order for stories to be told and books to be sold, a reader … Continue reading What key attributes make a protagonist likeable?
Sarika - Year 8 Student Editor's note: Year 8 student Sarika's Lockdown Poem was written in response to the Daily Telegraph Teen Writing Competition, 2021. Sarika's choice of topic is highly appropriate, capturing beautifully some of the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. CPD On November 2019, When all was good, Something went wrong. … Continue reading Lockdown Poem
Abi - Year 12 Student Editor's note: Year 12 student Abi produced this excellent piece of work as part of studies in English Language. Mrs Kurczij was suitably impressed and recommended Abi's work for publication in The GSAL Journal. CPD Are you as charming as Moist von Lipwig? Or would Commander Vimes match your grit … Continue reading Which Discworld character would you be, as a student?
The GSAL Journal 