On Thursday 1st December we held our Exhibition event for Year 11 students from 13:20 onwards. Students attended an initial presentation outlining what to expect during the decision-making process for Key Stage 5 entry. Current student Esha Bhatti spoke of her experiences in Sixth Form studying Economics, Psychology and English. She described how she can now see that during Year 12 she could have focused more on independent work, and she encouraged the Year 11 students to consider taking subjects they really enjoy next year.

The expectations of sixth form at the school were described: meeting the academic entry requirements; participation in enrichment activities like EPQ, Duke of Edinburgh award, Lamda, dance or sporting activities; completion of private study; participation in Seva; playing a role in the Youth Parliament; being a mentor to the school and community.

In the exhibition hall students were introduced to subject areas - with each department showcasing their work on stands and in displays. Subject Leaders, Sixth Form Teachers and Subject Ambassadors were at each stand ready to offer advice on careers, or enrichment opportunities. This gave students opportunities to talk to teachers, students, and alumni about their personal experiences.

In addition to GNSA teaching staff we were privileged to be joined by representatives from Hillingdon Apprenticeships, ASK Apprenticeships, Uxbridge College, Royal Holloway University and by our career's advisors. Past alumni of the school included Mr Sharanveer Hira from Brunel University: Computer Science, Mr. Ryan Rai from British Airways, Mr, Bharatbir Thind, and Mr. Ashwin Dhaul from King's College London Physics faculty.

Admission criteria were distributed and both these and admission documentation for both current GNSA and external applicants will be distributed on the GNSA website. The closing date to record an 'expression of interest' is the end of Spring 1 half term (10 February 2023).

Subject Ambassadors from Sixth Form provided support on each stand and explained the benefits and challenges that come along with studying each subject. This gave Year 11 students a real flavor of what their learning experience in the Sixth Form at GNSA may be. Teaching staff and Subject Ambassadors have worked incredibly hard to create displays of A level and BTEC work and to provide guidance and reading material for our Year 11 students. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their efforts to help make this a memorable event, to provide valuable careers guidance and in supporting Year 11 transition into GNSA Sixth Form.

At 11 o'clock on 11th November 2022 GNSA fell silent for two minutes as the community remembered the sacrifices made by all those affected by war. Remembrance exists to honour those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life. It helps us to unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice made by so many.

Some young people in the wider Sikh Community across the UK play an active role in documenting the role of Sikh soldiers in World War One. Their long tradition as warriors meant that in 1914 India’s Sikhs went to war by the tens of thousands. They served – often with reckless courage – on all fronts of the conflict. But their contribution to Britain’s Great War effort is often overlooked - hence a major project by the UK Punjabi Heritage Association (UKPHA) to commemorate it.

One University of Huddersfield history student, Amerdeep Singh Panesar is taking part. He has also taken the opportunity to join a nationwide research group to combine historians' official dispatches, correspondence and war grave records for information on Sikh soldiers of WWI. He is backed by a £450,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is named 'Empire, Faith and War' and is planned to last three years. Among the outcomes will be an exhibition, a documentary film, a book and an online database. We include his example to encourage our own sixth form students to follow their passions and challenge prejudice and stereotypes.

Thank you to Apinash Balakrishnan of form VIM and Harleen Sethi of form VIH for their moving contributions for supporting remembrance by circulating poppies around the school so these could be purchased if required. We thank you all for your efforts in helping to show respect across our school community.

On Tuesday 22nd November, with much excitement, the Gym and Dance Show returned to GNSA. This was the first occasion since lockdown when students had the chance to show their gymnastic and dance abilities. It needed practise and training for both group and individual performances, which spanned the MAT from primary through to Sixth Form students. During the Autumn term enrichment activities for our Sixth Form have included Bhangra dancing for Year 12. It was therefore with lots of excitement and some trepidation, that several of them decided to participate in the show.

Training required resilience, and some of the demonstration work was choreographed by spending considerable time collating moves and techniques online. After that came practising every move and more formal rehearsals before the big event. It was one of the most joyous experiences I have watched during my time at GNSA and I thoroughly recommend that everyone shares in this unique experience next year. Our students were amazing and we cheered as they showed courage and skill to successfully showcase their techniques and talents. They were FAB-U-LOUS!!

Special thanks go to Rajvatan Rathour, Dina Khilnani and all the PE department for their effort, support and encouragement for students so that they could present this superb and accomplished show. A big well done to the following Sixth Form students:

Komal Nijjar VIH

Barneet Kaur VIP

Rhea Madhas VIS

Arvinder Jheeta VIS

Mehma Rai VIB

Parampreet Attwal VIM

Roshan Khutan VIS

Sahilpreet Thind VIB

Harjit Sahota VIH

Year 13 BTEC Business and BTEC Science students will be sitting their external formal exams from Monday 9th January to Monday 23rd January 2023.

Students have been given their exam timetable and will be granted additional study leave during this period as follows;

For a morning exam, students will have the previous whole day off before the exam.

For an afternoon exam, students will have the morning off on the day.

22nd November 22 - Gym and Dance Showcase

24th November 22 - Year 11 Parents Evening . A big thank you to Year 12 students helpers Arvinder Jheeta, Komal Nijjar, Rajneet Bal, Pavleen Arora

30th November 22 - A level Geography RGS Study Day: South Kendington

9th December 22 - A level English Enrichment Day: Emanuel Centre