Year 12 Students Engage in Inspiring Week of Future Planning and Community Action
Published 17/07/25
Year 12 students have had a packed and purposeful week, filled with activities designed to help them begin planning for life after Year 13.
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Read MoreGordano School Concludes Successful Year of Primary Schools Legacy Festivals
Published 16/07/25The final Legacy Festival of the academic year has taken place at Gordano School, marking the culmination of a vibrant series of events aimed at supporting the transition of primary school students to secondary education. This last festival, held for Years 5 and 6, focused on Disc Sports and featured a mix of engaging throwing and catching activities, progressing into exciting ‘ultimate games’.
Over the course of the year, primary pupils have enjoyed a wide range of sports and activities hosted at Gordano, including archery, laser run, girls’ football, physical literacy ‘multi skills’, and athletics. The Legacy Festivals form a key part of Gordano School’s Outreach Programme, which helps younger students build confidence and familiarity with the secondary school environment through sport.
Emma Harradine, Head of PE at Gordano School, praised the effort and spirit shown by participants: “Each participant displayed incredible enthusiasm and determination, and we would like to congratulate all the young students for their efforts. Each participant will be awarded a certificate to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.”
Shane German, North Somerset School Games Organiser and Primary PE Association Lead, also reflected on the event’s impact: “Thank you once again to all who made this event a success. We look forward to seeing more primary students at future events and continuing to support the growth of these young athletes.”
The Legacy Festivals have proven a valuable and inspiring experience for all involved, and Gordano School looks forward to continuing its work with its local primary schools in the next academic year.
Read MoreGordano School Celebrates a Vibrant and Inspiring Activities Week
Published 15/07/25Gordano School has successfully wrapped up its highly anticipated Activities Week - an extraordinary annual highlight that offers students an exciting variety of experiences beyond the classroom.
Read MoreGordano School Celebrates Unforgettable Year 11 and 13 Proms
Published 15/07/25Gordano School proudly celebrated its Year 11 and Year 13 Proms in grand style, with unforgettable evenings hosted at two of Bristol’s most iconic venues — Ashton Gate Stadium and the elegant Bristol Marriott Hotel, College Green. These events marked a significant milestone for students, offering the perfect way to celebrate their hard work, lasting friendships, and cherished memories.
Students arrived in spectacular fashion — greeted by cheering staff, friends, and families. Each venue provided a stunning backdrop for a night filled with joy, celebration, and reflection.
Both events featured glamorous red-carpet treatment, delicious food, and a lively DJ set that kept the dance floor packed all night long. Heartfelt speeches from students and staff reflected on the journey of the ‘Class of 2025’, who have just completed their GCSE and A-Level exams, celebrating their achievements and growth.
Headteacher Louise Blundell said: “Gordano School proms are always a highlight in our calendar. Our students have shown remarkable resilience, determination, and kindness throughout their time at Gordano. The Year 11 and 13 proms were a chance to celebrate those qualities and all that they have accomplished.”
The Year 11 prom brought together students, staff, and families in celebration of a major milestone. Many of our Year 11 students will continue their journey with us by joining Gordano Sixth Form.
The Year 13 prom was co-ordinated by the Sixth Form Ball Committee, supported by staff and student volunteers, creating a memorable farewell for those heading off to university, apprenticeships, or the world of work.
As the nights drew to a close, there was a shared sense of pride and excitement for the future, as students look ahead to their next adventures.
Congratulations to all our leavers — we wish you every success in the years to come!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BRISTOL
Read MoreWorld Challenge Expedition 2025: Students Embark on Life-Changing Adventure
Published 15/07/25After nearly two years of dedicated planning and preparation, an intrepid group of Year 12 and 13 students have officially embarked on their World Challenge Expedition 2025. Running from 8th July to 9th August, this four-week adventure will take them through the incredible landscapes of Mozambique and Eswatini, with a special two-night safari experience in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
The action-packed itinerary includes everything from pristine beaches and remote islands to challenging mountain treks and immersive wildlife experiences. Students will also have the unique opportunity to take part in horse riding, exploring small local towns, and engaging with conservation projects both in marine and terrestrial environments.
A major component of the expedition focuses on charity work and environmental conservation. Students will contribute to marine conservation efforts by monitoring coral reef health and entering vital data, and on land, they will assist in tracking animal migration patterns as part of ongoing wildlife studies.
This expedition is designed to be entirely student-led, offering participants real independence and leadership experience. From camping and self-catering meals to navigating travel logistics, the students are taking charge—supported by the expertise of experienced expedition leaders Mr Pugh and Miss Oakman, who have guided many similar journeys in the past.
Preparation began in September 2023, with students committing to physical, mental, and financial readiness. In the lead-up, they have engaged in weekly Couch to 5K runs, taken part in fundraising activities, hosted school event refreshment stalls, attended regular planning meetings, and completed a training weekend on Dartmoor. Their final preparations took place on 7th July, with kit checks, currency exchanges, and final equipment pickups.
This is more than a school trip—it’s an unforgettable experience that promotes resilience, teamwork, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.
We wish the group a safe journey and hope they return with lifelong memories and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Read MoreBlazing Heat and Blazing Speeds: Gordano School Sports Week 2025
Published 15/07/25Blazing Heat and Blazing Speeds: Gordano School Sports Week 2025
Gordano School's annual Sports Day returned this year in spectacular fashion—set against one of the hottest days the event has ever seen. With safety as the top priority, organisers made the decision to limit afternoon events to competitors only on the far field. Despite the reduced crowd, the spirit of competition remained as strong as ever.
Over 400 students took part in a thrilling programme of races, including the 100m, 200m, and the ever-popular 4x100m relay. The heat didn’t dampen the energy or determination on display, and the afternoon saw some truly outstanding performances.
Notably, two school records were broken. Year 9 student Rosie D delivered a standout run in the 200m, breaking the record with a time of 26.65 seconds—beating the previous mark by just 0.02 seconds. Meanwhile, the boys of class 8B2 made history by breaking the 4x100m relay record for the second consecutive year. Their remarkable time of 53.44 seconds eclipsed a record that had stood since 1976. The question now is: can they make it three in a row next year?
The final house standings were as follows:
1st – Portland
2nd – Biscay
3rd – Fitzroy
Joint 4th – Shannon & Lundy
6th – CromartyEmma Harradine, Head of the PE Department at Gordano commented, “This year’s Sports Week truly showcased the resilience, talent, and team spirit of our students. Despite challenging weather conditions, everyone rose to the occasion, making it a memorable celebration of school sport.”
A huge congratulations to all the students and staff who contributed to an exceptional week. With records broken and spirits high, Gordano School Sports Week 2025 will be remembered for years to come.
Read MoreGordano School Students Complete Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition in Snowdonia — Next Stop, Buckingham Palace
Published 15/07/25Gordano School is thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of its Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expedition, which recently took place in the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Over several days, students tackled mountainous routes with confidence, navigating tough terrain, battling with the midges at campsites, and working seamlessly in their expedition teams — all while enjoying sunshine, stunning views, and a strong sense of achievement.
Polly Oakman, who leads the DofE programme at Gordano School, praised the students:
"Our Gold participants were incredible. They showed perseverance, initiative and maturity throughout the expedition. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions — both in terms of weather and team spirit. The students truly rose to the challenge and should be immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished."This expedition marks the final step in a demanding year-long journey, with students also completing their Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Residential sections. Their next destination? Buckingham Palace, where they will be invited to a special Gold Award Celebration Event to mark their extraordinary achievement.
This follows in the footsteps of last year’s Gold Award recipients from Gordano — Frankie S, Sam B, Joe W , Hamish L-T and Bertie W — who were honoured at Buckingham Palace earlier this year. The celebration, held in the palace’s stunning gardens, brought together Gold Award holders from across the UK in recognition of their commitment, service, and personal development. Representing Gordano School at such a prestigious event was a huge honour, and this year’s cohort will have the same remarkable opportunity.
Gordano School remains a regional leader in the DofE programme, with the highest number of new starters in the South-West for the second consecutive year. A total of 336 students are participating in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards this year:
- 195 Bronze
- 91 Silver
- 50 Gold
"We had 306 take part last year and we’re proud to have grown the programme even further," said Ms Oakman. “The Duke of Edinburgh Award equips our students with real-world skills, builds resilience and self-belief, and encourages them to make a difference in their communities — all qualities that reflect the values we hold at Gordano.”
Each DofE journey is individually tailored, with students selecting their own activities and causes to support. With four key sections — and five at Gold level — the award pushes young people beyond their comfort zones and gives them the tools to thrive. As HRH Prince Philip, founder of the DofE, once said: “There is more in you than you might think.”
With universities and employers around the world recognising the value of the DofE Award, Gordano School is proud to support students in achieving this prestigious accolade and looks forward to seeing this year's Gold Award recipients celebrated at Buckingham Palace in 2026.
Read MoreHE+ Programme takes Year 12 students to Cambridge for an Inspiring Visit
Published 14/07/25A group of Year 12 Gordano students visited Cambridge University from the 7th-8th July to experience university life. This trip marked the conclusion of their involvement in the HE+ programme, which has been running throughout the year. The aims of the programme are to develop the skills and knowledge of Year 12 students considering university applications to Oxbridge.
Read MoreYear 8 Students Explore Glacial Landscapes at Cheddar Gorge
Published 14/07/25In May, our Year 8 Geography students had the exciting opportunity to visit Cheddar Gorge as part of their Key Stage 3 fieldwork studies.
Read MoreYear 6 Induction Day: A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Students!
Published 14/07/25We were delighted to host our incoming Year 6 students for their Induction Day, a special event designed to help them settle in, make new friends, and get a feel for life at our school.
Read MoreCelebrating Success: House Celebration Evenings 2025
Published 14/07/25Gordano School has had the pleasure of hosting six House Celebration Evenings, each one a joyful tribute to the incredible achievements of our students.
Read MoreProf. Andrew Halestrap is invited back to answer more questions and spark more debate
Published 07/07/25The Gordano School Debating Society invited Professor of Biomedical Science, Prof. Andrew Halestrap back to school once again to have further conversations around science and faith.
