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24 April 2015
Page 1
The
The
Grapevine
George
George Pindar
PindarSchool
School Newsletter
Newsletter
GPS ABSENCE LINE: 582423
PRIZE-WINNING AUTHOR AMAZES!
Children’s author, Alan Gibbons, paid a visit to George Pindar School on
Thursday 16 April. Alan has had 61 books published in total and, in 2000,
won the Blue Peter ‘Book I Couldn’t Put Down’ award, beating well-known
authors, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and even JK Rowling! We
were very honoured to have such a renowned writer at the school.
Alan gave talks to three separate groups in the morning. He discussed his
background, his journey into writing and what inspires his stories. He was Year 8 students enjoying Alan’s talk.
thoroughly entertaining and had the students’ rapt attention throughout,
often bursting into song to illustrate his point and causing much laughter. All the students agreed that it had been a
fantastic morning and some of them said that they were inspired to write after meeting him. Some students bought copies
of his books and had them autographed by him.
In the afternoon, the Year 9 students pictured below took part in a writing workshop where they were invited to write using
'The Crash' as a stimulus. With Alan’s guidance, they produced some wonderfully descriptive writing. The students
commented on how useful it was to see how he structures a piece of creative writing and felt it would be useful as they
approach their GCSE years at George Pindar School.
We are very grateful to Alan for giving up his time to spend the day with us and inspire the next generation of writers.
Alan Gibbons with the Year 9 students that took part in the writers’ workshop in the afternoon, crafting a story about a car crash.
CIVIC AWARDS FOR D of E
On the 15th April, Duke of Edinburgh
participants from the Scarborough District
gathered at Scarborough Sixth Form
College for the annual Civic Awards
Ceremony. Both Bronze and Silver
participants from George Pindar School
were presented with their award by The
Mayor of Scarborough, Cllr Pat
Marsburg.
All students took part in two expeditions
last summer and completed three other
sections in order to gain their award. For
current Bronze and Silver students the
start of expeditions is only a few weeks
away. Fingers crossed for some fine
weather!
Declan Garbutt, Ryan Dean, Ruth Allison, Sam Frank, Taylor Atkinson, Lucy Ghorst, Megan
Hanson, Charlotte Lester and Claire Bamford with their certificates.
Page 2
CAYTON CORINTHIANS AT THE CUP!
ALL SET FOR TOUR DE YORKSHIRE
Olivia Hall, Eden Kennedy, Daniella Brown, Kirsty Stewart,
Jody Puplett and Emily Robins, of Year 10, all play for The
Cayton Corinthians Under 15s girls’ football team in the City of
York League.
Excitement is building ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire
next Friday.
The talented girls reached the semi-final of The North Riding
Cup when they beat Wetherby in a penalty shoot out in the
quarter-finals. In the semis, they played against local team,
Scarborough Ladies on April 11. Unfortunately our girls lost
out in the semi-final but we are very proud of them for getting
so far.
Our Year 7 and 8 students will be going out to watch as
the race passes by on Cayton Low Road. They will be
taking our very own George Pindar School blue and
yellow mascot bicycle with them to display on the route.
Look out for more pictures in the next edition of
Grapevine.
Team Captain, Eden Kennedy said, “ We hope to go all the
way next year.”
SKATEPARK CLOSED
Parents and carers, please be aware that the skatepark next
to school is now closed as it is unsafe for use.
Please do not allow your children to use it.
Thank you.
FOLLOW THE SCHOOL ....
Reminder that you can now follow the school on Twitter. Our
account is @georgepindar
For school sports news on Twitter follow @gpschoolpe
For news from the Music Department, please look
for GPS Music on Facebook.
Alex Chinchen shows off our mascot bicycle
SPORTS DIARY
05/05/15
Y11 Rounders @ Graham
06/05/15
District Athletics Trials @ Ryedale 4pm
07/05/15
District High Jump @ Lady Lumley’s 4pm
Athletics Track Events @ Filey
12/05/15
District Athletics Trials Reserve Date @ Ryedale 4pm
Y10 Rounders @ Scalby
14/05/15
Y9 Rounders @ Filey
KEY DATES FOR PARENTS
Sunday
Monday
Monday
03 - May
04 - May
11 - May
Thursday
& Friday
Saturday
- Monday
21 & 22 May
23 - 25
May
Thursday
04 - Jun
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver
Practice Expedition
May Day Bank Holiday
Start of Summer Exams
Year 7 London Trip
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Assessment
Expedition
AIME Parents Evening 4.30 - 7.30pm
DANCING QUEENS
Once again, students from Anne Taylor’s Academy of
Dance in Cayton were invited to take part in the B.A.T.D.
Bobby Barr Freestyle Scholarships in Glasgow. George
Pindar School students; Nicci Coombs, Maisie Randle,
Olivia Hall and Megan Elvidge were among those who
went.
The top 132 dancers in the UK were invited to compete
and Megan, Maisie and Olivia did extremely well, finishing
in the top 30.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Attendance is currently at 94%. This is much lower than
at this time last year and a real concern. There are clearly
documented links between regular attendance and
attainment and studies have shown that for every 10%
drop in attendance, a student is likely to achieve 1 less
GCSE. 90-94% attendance (1 day off a fortnight) gives
students only a 60% chance of achieving 5A*-C grades at
GCSE.
As parents/carers, you will want your children to do the
best that they can so please do not allow time off for
trivial reasons. If you feel you need support with your
child’s attendance, please contact our Attendance
Officer.
Remember - every day counts!