Take a look at what our Year 7s have been up to!
On Thursday 29 February, CGA hosted the Debate Mate Urban Debate League Round 2 comprising of 8 inner London schools.
Our two CGA teams had time to prepare for two debates, with the motions being "the voting age should be reduced to 16" and "schools should ban mobile phones". It was particularly impressive to see our year 7 novice team debate against a year 10 team with great courage, resilience and skill. All students have grown in confidence and our more experienced team won their second debate against Harris Academy Bow.
Year 7 Football
Excitement surged as our Year 7 football team took to the field against Bridge Academy in their first Hackney Football League match last Friday. The atmosphere was electric as our students showcased remarkable talent and teamwork throughout the game.
Congratulations to our Year 7 players for their outstanding performance and dedication. Their hard work has set a high standard for the matches ahead we can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming matches!
BBC: Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
At the end of the Autumn term some year 7 students had the privilege of attending the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures at the Royal Institution. This exclusive invitation allowed them to delve into the world of science and discovery, making it a truly memorable experience. Professor Mike Wooldridge delivered a captivating lecture on the fascinating subject of AI during this year's sessions.
Year 7 student, Neveah, was selected from the audience to take part in the first experiment which began with Mike assigning Neveah the task of ringing as many bells as possible in just 10 seconds! Neveah managed to ring 5 bells in the given time. To dive deeper into the subject, Mike introduced an individual dressed as a robot, symbolizing artificial intelligence. Surprisingly, the AI opted for a different strategy and repeatedly rang a single bell. This experiment effectively demonstrates how humans are inclined to follow instructions, while AI tends to find quicker and simpler methods to achieve objectives.
Year 7 Achievement Assembly
The Year 7 Achievement Assembly on 29 November was a remarkable celebration of the incredible progress and achievements of our students since they embarked on their journey at CGA in September.
The assembly featured awards such as the Butterfly Awards, LRC Awards and recognition for Star Readers, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of our students. Excitement filled the air with a selection of lucky dip prizes up for grabs, adding an element of surprise and joy to the occasion. We were also fortunate to receive generous gift bags donated by the Docklands Museum, a token of appreciation from a recent memorable trip.
On 8 November 2023, Year 7 went to the Museum of London Docklands to learn about how, what is now called West India Docks, developed over time. They journeyed through various exhibitions detailing what life was like throughout different time periods at the docks. This included Trade Expansion (1600-1800), London, Sugar and Slavery (1600-today), Sailor Town (1840-1850) Warehouse of the World (1880-1939) and Docklands at War (1939-1945). Students dressed up as families from the 1900's, they smelled the variety of spices that would come in via trade from various countries, they experienced what it was like inside a life-saving shelter during the war and also had a go at lifting barrels using the giant wheel! It was a jam packed day but really enjoyable for students and staff alike!
Rugby Fun
Year 7's have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of rugby, showcasing their skills under the expert eye of Hackney Rugby Club coach, Owain. Owain's enthusiasm for the sport was reflected in the students as they rotated through two dedicated sessions, delving into this competitive sport.
From mastering the art of passing to refining their tackling techniques, students are not only gaining valuable athletic skills but also a deeper appreciation of teamwork.
