HGS Amplify - Main Hall Upgrade Project
 

Hitchin Girls’ School has a long-standing tradition of academic and artistic excellence, and at the heart of this is our historic Main Hall. This space is our theatre and concert hall, but it’s also more than that; it’s our school’s primary forum for communication. From keynote assemblies and house competitions to guest speaker events and student-led presentations, this is where our students expand their learning, come together as a community and find their voices.

However, our current audio-visual infrastructure in the Main Hall is ageing and becoming increasingly limited. To prepare our students for the professional world, we need to provide them with facilities that mirror the modern workplace. So we have started a campaign, HGS Amplify, to raise funds to replace this AV equipment.

The benefits of this upgrade will reach far beyond the Performing Arts – it’s about ensuring that every student leaves HGS with the confidence to communicate effectively in a digital age. Our mission is to transform the Main Hall into a top-class communication and creative hub. By investing in industry-grade technology, we provide a platform where all students can develop the skills of public speaking, technical literacy and creative expression – preparing them to thrive, lead and inspire in any field they choose. DONATE NOW

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 are aiming 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 

DONATE NOW

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

DONATE NOW

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). We would also love to hear from any organisations that could offer match funding. Here are just some examples of the tangible benefits that your donations will bring.