HGS Amplify - Main Hall Upgrade Project
 

We are embarking on a bid to upgrade our wonderful historic Main Hall and its audiovisual equipment, which over the years have seen us through so many memorable performances and beloved traditions, such as the Christmas Carol Service and the annual Gym & Dance display.

Our Main Hall is much more than a performance space as well. It’s at the heart of so much we do on a daily basis. From keynote assemblies and house events to guest speaker talks and student-led presentations, this is where our students expand their learning, come together as a community and find their voices.

However, the hall’s audiovisual infrastructure - sound, lighting, visual and filming equipment - is ageing, and in desperate need of an upgrade. It doesn't provide the quality of experience that our students and audiences deserve. It's also struggling to adequately prepare our young women with the digital, creative and communication skills they need to participate and thrive in the modern professional world.

The benefits of this upgrade will reach far beyond the Performing Arts such as music, dance and drama. We will be able to provide all students with opportunities to develop public-speaking skills and technical literacy as well as creative expression – preparing them for any field they choose in the future.

The equipment is expensive and, as we are sure you will be aware, rising costs and diminishing state school funding make the upgrade even more challenging. We need to raise £70,000 - so your help will make all the difference in whether we can make this happen.

If you have ever enjoyed an event or an experience in our Main Hall, as a performer or an audience member, as a student or a family member - this is a chance to give something back. Your donations will translate directly to equipment that students can start using straight away.

Any contribution you can make, no matter how big or small, will help towards our collective effort and will be greatly appreciated.

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Upgraded AV equipment will give all our students:

• Spoken Communication Skills: High-quality audio allows students to practise public speaking without the barrier of poor acoustics. It builds vocal confidence for future interviews and public speaking.

• Digital & Technical Mastery: Our ‘Tech Crew’ learn the back-end of live production—streaming, sound engineering and visual media—skills that are in high demand across all industries.

• Inclusion & Celebration: Modern AV ensures that every student, regardless of their physical location in the hall or their vocal projection, can participate fully. It allows us to celebrate student success with the wow factor it deserves.

• Confidence & Professionalism: Performing with professional equipment raises the stakes and the spirits of our students, fostering a sense of pride in their work.

• Community & Enrichment: A modernised hall supports us better in hosting debates, performances, screenings and workshops, enhancing a breadth of communal extracurricular opportunities.

We need to raise £70,000 to procure:

• Audio: Wireless lapel and headset microphones, and a high-fidelity PA system

• Filming Equipment: For professional-quality event capture and recording of assessments

• Lighting: Energy-efficient LED stage lights and a modern control console to create atmospheric environments for audiences, and to benefit our Performing Arts productions

• Visuals: A high-lumen laser projector and motorised screen for immersive backdrops and multimedia presentations 

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What our students say:

"Doing this play was honestly one of the best things I've ever done. Things like this are usually out of my comfort zone, but I decided to go for it, and I got in! I had so much fun and met so many kind and talented people. It was such a lovely, welcoming community, and I felt like I belonged there." Y8 - The Addams Family

"Being featured in The Addams Family has 100% been a highlight of my year. I have found a new confidence and a stronger passion, and made new friendships." Y9 - The Addams Family

"I was lucky enough to have the chance to play songs I'd written, in front of crowds with my guitar. I was very nervous before each one, but the people around me supported me and by the end of the week I felt incredibly proud of myself and everyone else who performed. I've gained more confidence, and self-belief in performing, which I will carry forward as I continue to play music." Y11 - Performing Arts Week

"I do almost all the music clubs and I love that I get to perform with everyone because they are all so talented and amazing musicians, and I have made many great friends! I used to be afraid of performing, but now it's so much fun and feels like a dream! It's a great community, and all the experiences are very enjoyable." Y9 - Musician

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Ways to give:

All donations of any amount will be gratefully received, and even small contributions all mount up, especially if you add Gift Aid (at no extra cost to you). Please also check whether your employer offers match-funding for charitable donations. Here are just some examples of the tangible benefits that your donations will bring.