Y7 - 11 Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 9 | Date: 3 Nov 2023
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REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCE
We have an online absence reporting form for all absences (whole day or part of the day). If you are unable to use the form you will need to email absence@hgs.herts.sch.uk with the student's name and tutor group, reason for absence and expected return date (if known).
[Every day - Pasta / Jacket Potatoes & Toppings, Panini of the Day]
** MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE **
** GLUTEN-FREE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST **
Monday: SPINACH & RICOTTA CANNELLONI (v), SWEET POTATO & BUTTER BEAN KORMA (v)(gf), CHEESY BEAN YORKSHIRES (v), APPLE CRUMBLE (free from eggs, milk)
Tuesday: CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA (gf), PASTA BAKE (v), CHEESE QUICHE, ICED SPONGE
Wednesday: SHEPHERD'S PIE (gf), BBQ QUORN NOODLES (v), CAULIFLOWER CHEESE (v), CHOCOLATE SCRUMMY
Thursday: SAUSAGES (gf), VEGETABLE LASAGNE (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), LEMON SPONGE
Friday: PASTA BOLOGNAISE, VEGETABLE & BEAN HOTPOT (v)(gf), FISHCAKES, RHUBARB & APPLE CRUNCH (free from wheat, eggs, milk)
(V) = Vegetarian (GF) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
As ever, it has been a pleasure to welcome the students back and I hope everyone had a good break.
The week started with an inspiring visit from the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon and it was certainly a unique start to the half-term, signing in a guest who was wearing 17th-century battle attire and carrying a 14-foot pike! Thanks to the History department for arranging this for our Year 8 students.
Over the break we had two very successful school trips - the Art & Design trip to Copenhagen and the Geography trip to Sicily - and it has been great to hear from the students about their experiences.
This week we received notification of our status as a Centre of Excellence for Sports Leadership - this is a fantastic award and well deserved recognition of the hard work of our staff and students.
Reflecting on the first half-term, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the vast number of reward points the students are achieving in lessons. Their engagement and participation are exemplary and this is reflected in the high number of rewards being accrued; moreover, the positive behaviour points achieved compared with negative points is incredible. Our students are really demonstrating our values and I couldn't be more proud.
Next week sees us marking Remembrance Day and Diwali - I look forward to sharing with you how, as a school, we mark these important dates.
Have a good weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Congratulations Ayana!
Ayana Fonso (Year 8 ) has been awarded a scholarship for London Studio Centre, one of the leading conservatoires of professional training in dance, after four days of trials last week. During Year 7 Ayana was also Young Nala in the Disney musical The Lion King in the West End and on tour. What fantastic achievements on the stage Ayana, well done from us all!
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Sports Leadership Centre of Excellence
We are proud to have been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Leadership Skills Foundation, only achieved by 1 - 2% of 2500 centres nationally, for our Sports Leaders programme. Special mention must go to Miss Jacobs, who leads this course and organised the many successful sports festivals we have run for local primary schools in recent years.
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Year 7 Science
Students have been learning about plant and animal cells this term. They were tasked with making their own models of cells, which produced some colourful and creative results!
You can find out more about our Key Stage 3 Science curriculum at https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=Curriculum&pid=185
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Literacy in Science for Years 7 & 8
Years 7 and 8 now have a Literacy in Science post on their Science Google Classrooms.
The resources attached to the assignment are to help students with their learning in lessons and their homework, and to extend their learning.
Help with lessons: the keyword list for each topic is added as a quizlet so students can practise and learn the terminology as they go along.
Help with homework: there will be a link to Science Dictionary, like a Google for Science, bringing up lots of relevant information to answer all your scientific questions.
Extending learning: Science Journals for Kids and Teens is great for searching for articles on each topic to extend understanding. It also makes great reading for any Science subject you are interested in - including for adults! https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/ |
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Year 8 History
This week we welcomed experts from the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon into our Year 8 History lessons for hands-on workshops on the warfare and political machinations of the English Civil War. Students had the chance to handle 17th-century weapons and armour, including a 14' pike (still shorter than the standard 21' ones!), a musket, a sword and metal body plates. Thank you to the museum staff who brought historical battles to life through their engaging demonstrations.
You can find out more about our Key Stage 3 History curriculum at https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=Curriculum&pid=185
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Year 10 History
Year 10 History students took the challenge of building the Berlin Wall out of Custard Creams, Bourbons and Haribo as part of their study of the Cold War. Find out what other interesting topics are coming up in their GCSE course on our Curriculum page: https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/page/?title=Curriculum&pid=185
 
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Sporting successes
Our Year 9 football team and Year 10 netball team both won their District tournaments this week! A special mention to the footballers who won all of the games they played. Both teams showed exceptional teamwork and support for one another throughout the tournament. Well done everybody.
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Eco Club appeal
Please also remember to vote for our Eco Club next time you shop at Tesco!: Hitchin Girls' School - Vote for Eco Club at Tesco! (hgs.herts.sch.uk)
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NOTICEBOARD - CAREERS / HIGHER EDUCATION
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Filmmaking funding for young people
The Short Cut Film Fund is an opportunity for three aspiring filmmakers aged 16-25 years old to receive a grant of £1,000 to create a short film with a running time of up to five minutes. This includes all stages of production from start to finish, including script, shooting and post-production. The aim of the programme is to nurture new talent from under-represented groups with recipients getting tailored mentoring support throughout.
Part of the BFI Film Academy, delivered by the Young Film Network South East, and made possible thanks to National Lottery funding, Short Cut Film Fund is open to all, with no prior filmmaking experience required. Focused on the creative process rather than product, it is designed to showcase filmmaking ambition and the potential of young creatives. There is no requirement for high-quality equipment – phones or any device can be used to capture the
individuals' stories.
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NHS Careers Untapped webinars
The NHS Careers Untapped team are pleased to announce upcoming virtual webinars showcasing some of the great jobs available in the NHS. The webinars will cover careers in Nursing & Midwifery, Primary Care, Allied Health Professions, Healthcare Science, Mental Health with many more. The webinars are free to attend and run from 4.30pm to 6pm.
For more information and to register click here
Work experience
Work experience is a fantastic way of gaining insight into a career, especially what a typical day is like in that job. It can be a valuable way for students to develop confidence and experience caring for people. We have a range of work experience placements across health and care for students aged 14+ , including in pathology, healthcare science, admin, midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, finance, theatres, estates and facilities, digital, HR and many more.
For more information and to apply click here
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Monthly virtual work experience days
for students interested in careers within the NHS
Suitable for Years 10 - 13
Next session: Sunday 5 November
This is a rolling programme with applications open throughout this academic year.
Careers covered include:
Nursing
Midwifery
Paramedicine
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Dietetics
Radiography
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Speech and Language Therapy
Pharmacy
During the work experience day, students will follow two patients from their initial presentation to recovery. They will observe healthcare professionals as they interact with the patients and each other, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.
This will help students make an informed career decision as well as learn about how healthcare professionals work together as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Each session is completely different, and students will be able to build on their knowledge of NHS careers as they see different patient cases and professionals work in a variety of settings, from the hospital to the community.
Students will also receive certificates as evidence of participation in the programme. The fee is £10 per session to cover administrative costs.
Find out more and register
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING / SEND / SUPPORT
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