Enterprise Day 2023

A wonderful range of creations, activities and treats were on offer at all the forms' stalls last Friday. A lot of hard work went into them, and despite the gusty wind threatening to blow away the displays, the day was a big success! In total the stalls raised £2,332.23 for Phase Hitchin and our school.

Gym and Dance Display

This annual tradition is one of the highlights of the Summer Term and what a triumph it was! The event was a resounding success, showcasing the talent, dedication and hard work of our students. From synchronised group dances to awe-inspiring gymnastics routines, the production was a true celebration of creativity and teamwork.

The Main School Hall was transformed into a performance space, where the energy and enthusiasm of the performers captivated the audience.  Over three shows this week, the event inspired artistic expression and fostered a sense of community among the gymnasts, dancers and staff.

Very well done to the approximately 100 students who took part in the production, Whitehill Primary School for their incredible performance and the PE staff for their surprise routine! Lastly, a huge thank you to staff and student leaders for their choreography and their assistance at clubs all year.

Brain Day 2

We welcomed back Dr Guy Sutton for a new type of Brain Day for Year 12 this week. This was a Biopsych Brain Day, which gave the students an introduction to Neuroscience, and involved a detailed discussion of the effects of drugs on the brain, the dysfunction of various brain areas, neuroimaging techniques and up-to-date research - some of which was only published that morning. We look forward to Dr Sutton's return in November for the Forensic Psychology Brain Day.

Dive Project Cornwall

In summer 2022, a group of students from our Biology Society worked hard and to a short deadline to make a marine creature out of single-use plastic.

Barry the basking shark is on display in the Science department, and he and his story won our school 20 places on Dive Project Cornwall 2023.

More than 70 students applied for places, and the lucky 20 from Years 9-13 travelled to Porthkerris in Cornwall on Sunday 25 June to start their marine adventure.

Andy Forster, who ran the dive trip, spent weeks getting sponsors to cover the costs of this nationwide enterprise. The cost of each week is over £12,000, but this was completely free to us and entailed all learning materials, dive tuition up to Open Water PADI level, equipment, accommodation in large purpose-built tents, food and educational lectures from the Marine Conservation Society. The only cost was travel to and from the centre.

We had a fabulous week. All students integrated and supported each other. Local companies provided us with hot pasties and farm-fresh vegetables. The drive and dedication to get our young people in the water and appreciating what the ocean has to offer us was inspiring. We want to thank all of the dive team, basecamp crew and sponsors for getting behind and supporting this amazing opportunity.

Thanks also to Mrs Corish and Ms Mills for accompanying the students and making the week so much fun.

Maria Dixon
Science Teacher and Group Leader

View album and read student feedback

Jasleen's Hair Chop for The Little Princess Trust

Jasleen (Y7) is cutting off and donating her hair to The Little Princess Trust, who provide wigs to children who have lost their hair due to cancer.

The wigs cost around £700 to make and Jasleen is trying to raise this amount. If you can support this good cause please make a donation via Just Giving.

The GRIT summer workshops are taking place for a week each during July and August. Young people can attend as many sessions as they wish to. Each session covers a different principle of the GRIT Four Corners Method, to help build confidence and resilience.

Young people in Years 9, 10 and 11 who attend the morning session are invited to join us for the afternoon session to support delivering to the younger group. These hours can be used for your DofE volunteering hours.

Herts Haven Cafe

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3.30pm - 8pm
Bowes Lyon Young People's Centre, St George's Way, Stevenage SG1 1XY

Herts Haven Cafés are a free, welcoming and safe drop-in space for children and young people across Hertfordshire to access support for their emotional wellbeing.

If you are a young person seeking support, we’re here to help!

Our main goal is to create a non-judgemental environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their concerns. We believe it’s important for individuals to have a space where they can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement. Our compassionate team are here to listen and support.

Our team of trained workers can provide practical help and emotional support to anyone who visits, with no referral required.

Practical help may include guidance on coping strategies, stress management techniques and problem-solving skills. Our workers have the knowledge and resources to provide relevant information and tools to help young people navigate their mental health challenges. The cafés will also provide a safe space to access digital support including The Sandbox and Lumi Nova, as well as talk through alternative services.

Our team are trained to provide empathy, acknowledgement, and a safe space for young people to express their emotions. Through open and caring conversations, we aim to create a sense of belonging and connection.

Mental health support for
Hertfordshire's young people