Every year, our Languages Department proudly celebrates the European Day of Languages – a Europe-wide event held annually on 26th September to promote linguistic diversity and cultural awareness.
We’re excited to invite you to a special evening of celebration - a chance to reconnect with friends, reflect on your journey, and collect your A Level certificates.
Let’s celebrate your achievements together 💛
We are delighted to share our Term 1 News with you, celebrating the incredible highlights from Gordano School.
Gordano Sixth Form is inviting Year 11 students and their families to its Open Evening on Thursday 13th November, from 5.00–7.30pm – an opportunity to discover what makes Gordano “More Than a Sixth Form – A Launchpad for Life.”
Visitors will have the chance to explore the school’s vibrant and inclusive Sixth Form community, meet specialist subject teachers, and learn more about the wide range of over 30 A Level and vocational courses available. The evening will also showcase the exceptional pastoral support, enrichment opportunities, and dedicated facilities that make Gordano an outstanding place to study and grow.
Pippa Ramsay, Co-Director of Sixth Form said: “Our Open Evening is the perfect way to experience the energy, ambition and warmth that define Gordano Sixth Form. Whether students are aiming for university, apprenticeships or employment, we provide the guidance, opportunities and confidence they need to succeed.”
Throughout the evening, visitors can attend talks about courses, student life, and post-18 pathways, including advice on applications for Medicine, Veterinary Science and Oxbridge, and opportunities such as HE+ and Access to Bristol. Current students will be on hand to share their experiences of life at Gordano, from World Challenge expeditions and Duke of Edinburgh Awards to RAG Week and leadership opportunities.
With a strong track record of academic success, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to preparing every student for life beyond Sixth Form, Gordano offers a community where young people can aim high, challenge themselves, and shape their future with confidence.
Date: Thursday 13th November
Time: 5.00–7.30pm
Location: Gordano Sixth Form
Senior Students and the Joint Directors of Sixth Form will deliver three identical talks at 5:15pm, 6:00pm, and 6:45pm in the Sixth Form Hall. Attendees are also welcome to browse the subject marketplace, where they can speak to teachers and students to find out more about each course.
To book your place at one of the informative talks, please click HERE
For more information, visit our Welcome webpage or contact sixthform@gordanoschool.org.uk
Gordano’s Head of PE, Emma Harradine, has recently returned from an incredible week in Croatia, where she joined the England men’s and women’s table tennis teams at the European Team Championships. The event brought together the very best players from across Europe, following on from the qualifying stages held in Sarajevo earlier this year.
Emma’s trip was part of the “She Coaches” programme, a national initiative supporting and developing the next generation of elite female coaches.
During the week, Emma had the opportunity to experience first-hand what goes on behind the scenes at a major international event. She spent time in the training hall supporting the England teams, observing how Europe’s top players prepare, train and adapt their tactics in competition. She also watched some of the world’s best teams in action, including Germany, France and Sweden.
Emma said “It was a fantastic experience, made even more special by the success of the England women’s team, who reached the last 16 and in doing so qualified for the World Team Championships, which will be held in London in May 2026.”
Her time in Croatia has provided fresh inspiration and insights that she is eager to use to motivate and develop young athletes within the PE department at Gordano School.
Our students have kicked off the season with incredible performances across football, rugby, and netball — showcasing talent, teamwork, and determination in every match!
Gordano School is proud to announce the opening of its brand-new Food Preparation and Nutrition room, a modern and inclusive space designed to inspire the next generation of culinary talent. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in the school’s commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on learning experiences for all students.
Josh Williams, Graphics & Reprographics Technician at Gordano School, and his wife Aimee have once again lent their artistic talents to a good cause, designing and painting a Gromit sculpture named ‘Pinewoof’ as part of The Grand Appeal – for the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity.
The couple created the imaginative piece in their home studio in Weston-super-Mare. Commissioned by the iconic Pinewood Studios, their design paid tribute to decades of cinematic history. The sculpture was also proudly sponsored by Bristol City Council’s Fostering Service.
Speaking about the project, Josh and Aimee said:
"We were given a brief by Pinewood Studios to capture the magic that happens there and to show subtle hints to the famous films and shows that have been made there over the years. It was lots of fun, especially getting to hide dinosaurs, aliens and spies all in one sculpture! Pinewoof is definitely the most detailed sculpture we have done for The Grand Appeal, and we spent hundreds of hours getting him just right! The most common response we got about Pinewoof was about how long people spent looking at the details. People especially liked all the hidden elements."
‘Pinewoof’ went under the hammer for an incredible £20,000, contributing to the £2 million total raised through the trail’s charity auction. This marks the couple’s continued commitment to The Grand Appeal, having supported the charity since 2015.
Over the years, they’ve helped design four sculptures across three public art trails, collectively raising an impressive £59,500.
The Grand Appeal funds vital services, equipment, and research at Bristol Children’s Hospital, making a real difference for young patients and their families.
To support The Grand Appeal, visit: www.grandappeal.org.uk/donate
Term 1 has been full of energy, creativity, and community spirit for the Music department at Gordano School. Here's a look at some of the highlights:
This summer, a group of 15 Gordano Sixth Form students – Ellis A, Ben B, Josephine B, Maisie B, Archie B, Emma B, Jack D, Tessa H, Harry L, Clara M, Billy M, Ella M, Yasmine P, Amber S and Tom W – took part in an extraordinary overseas expedition with World Challenge, accompanied by Ms Oakman (Head of Outdoor Education) and Mr Pugh (Head of Geography).
World Challenge describes its expeditions as “transformative school expeditions and educational school trips that empower students, enrich communities, and create lasting global impact” – and our students’ experience lived up to every word.
Over the course of their journey through Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini, the team took part in a packed and meaningful programme of adventure, conservation, and cultural exchange:
This was not simply a trip abroad, but a journey of growth. The challenges faced – from navigating new environments to taking responsibility for cooking, budgeting, and leading activities – pushed our students outside their comfort zones and gave them the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.
One student said: ‘Meeting students in Eswatini was amazing. We learned so much from each other. Even though our lives are so different, we connected through shared experiences and laughter.’
Speaking on their return, staff reflected on the immense pride they felt watching Gordano students rise to each challenge with enthusiasm, maturity, and teamwork.
Headteacher Ms Blundell said: ‘We are immensely proud of these students for the way they represented our school and embraced this unique opportunity. Their journey exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Gordano student – curious, compassionate, and courageous.’
We’re inviting artwork and photography entries that celebrate the Christmas spirit and show a clear connection to Portishead.
Gordano School has hosted its annual Careers Convention, welcoming hundreds of students and parents for an evening dedicated to exploring future opportunities.
