Saying goodbye to GEMS
On the boiling hot days of the 4th and 5th of July, most of Year 8 made their way across the road to the high school. Excitement was in the air as we piled into the hall, sitting with our new classes in rows. Mixed up between us were pupils from Gosforth Junior High and Gosforth Central Middle School. To begin, we had a welcome speech, explaining everything about the days themselves and the activities included. PE, The Fears Wall, school tour and teambuilding were all part of the first day.
If only we could use the main door!!
On the boiling hot days of the 4th and 5th of July, most of Year 8 made their way across the road to the high school. Excitement was in the air as we piled into the hall, sitting with our new classes in rows. Mixed up between us were pupils from Gosforth Junior High and Gosforth Central Middle School. To begin, we had a welcome speech, explaining everything about the days themselves and the activities included. PE, The Fears Wall, school tour and teambuilding were all part of the first day.
We really got to know our peers, and by the end of the day, most had learnt names and made new friends. The first intake day focused on getting to know the school, the people in our class and the rules. Welcoming and kind, the teachers helped us immensely to settle into our surroundings. We practised skills like communication, creativity and care in the teambuilding activity, finding common interests with the people around us. Staff also helped us to navigate around the school, guiding us to lunch, the toilets and classrooms.
On the second day, we became familiar with the high school and began to do tests to determine what sets we were in for English and Science. We were taken into either the gym or the exam block, sitting down in separate desks to do our assessments. Writing the exact time on a board at the front, it differed much from the tests we sat at GEMS. However, between the tests, activities were put in place to make our day more enjoyable. Active play and a science fair was included to develop our skills and help us to bond.
Of course, we will all miss GEMS, our friends and the wonderful teachers. With all the Christmas parties, school discos and trips, we have been given many fantastic opportunities. London, Arran and the ski trip were highlights for many, but we can’t forget all the inside jokes and laughter shared between pupils and teachers alike. I’m sure GEMS has helped many to make friends for life and grow pupils’ confidence in many ways. However, we’re sure our next chapter in the high school is going to be just as exciting.
By Phoebe and Sophie Year 8