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.ukwith the student's name and tutor group, reason for absence and expected return date (if known).
WEEKLY LUNCH MENU - Week 1
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 1.
Italian Day in our Dining Room this week featured pulled ham carbonara or garlic mushroom carbonara with spaghetti, plus various pizza, calzone and stromboli to choose from.
SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good afternoon,
On Wednesday this week we held our final open morning for prospective students and it was a tremendous success - so many visitors commented positively on the atmosphere, the confidence and happiness of the students, and their engagement with learning and school life. Year 7 and Sixth Form students have been brilliant tour guides and I thank them all for being such fantastic ambassadors for the school. I look forward to welcoming the new cohort in July 2026 on transition day.
As October begins, the school starts its celebration of Black History Month. On Tuesday next week, students will have an assembly with a presentation created by four of our students - thanks in advance to Soraya, Julia, Sehrish and Dajore who have put this together, highlighting the significance of Black History Month, its history and its relevance to the diverse society in which we live. Additionally, Cushla from Year 10 has worked with the History department to create activities for students, and on Friday next week, we will welcome a guest speaker on African History. I am really looking forward to seeing these activities and events take place.
Next week will also see Year 7s take part in the Talk the Talk spoken communication workshops, which are always excellent for developing our students' skills and confidence. And on Thursday, some of our mathematicians will take part in the Senior Maths Challenge - I wish them all the best with this challenging competition.
And finally, thank you to all those who were able to support our fundraising efforts for Jeans for Genes last Friday. We have raised a fantastic £1,694 to date, with ParentPay still open for anyone who would like to contribute.
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
Well done Anna in Year 9, for her commendable performance in rainy conditions at her speed skating competition in Belgium!
What a pleasure to welcome 12 teachers from Thinking Schools in Lithuania and the CEO of Thinking Matters last Friday! It was a fantastic day of sharing our journey towards becoming a Thinking School and showcasing the brilliant metacognitive strategies our students are beginning to use every day. A truly positive experience of international collaboration!
Thinking Schools is an educational community focused on fostering lifelong learning by developing metacognitive skills, critical thinking, and creativity in both students and staff, using tried and tested strategies and tools across the curriculum. The aim is to help students understand how they learn, become more confident, and achieve higher levels of academic success and personal wellbeing.
Eco Club set up their new trail cam... and on Night 1, it captured this muntjac visiting our recently refurbished pond! We're excited to see what other wildlife are found within the school grounds as Eco Club move the camera around our site.
Tickets are free and are now available through Eventbrite. Due to the number of students taking part, please note tickets are limited to two per family. We look forward to welcoming you on 23 October!
We are currently looking for flexible, well-organised individuals to join our team of Examination Invigilators to work on a casual basis, for public (GCSE/A level) exams and school mock exams.
Public exams take place from May until the end of June, and our mock exams take place in November, December and January. Successful candidates should be confident and caring with good interpersonal skills. The key focus of this position is to invigilate students and ensure that guidelines and regulations are followed.
Experience is not essential as full training will be given. Flexibility in hours will be needed.
The closing date for applications is Monday 25 October. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date so early application is encouraged.
Calling all our Science alumnae! Would you be able to contribute to our collection of inspiring case studies on Science-based careers after HGS? If you would be happy to take part, please complete the Google Form below.
One of the HGS Science team will contact you to ask how your time at HGS led to your Science career path, and why students might be interested in pursuing a career such as yours. As well as creating a bank of case studies, we hope to invite some of our alumnae to come and talk to our budding scientists.
Wanted! Board games and card games for students to play at lunchtime. If you have any unwanted games you are happy to donate to the school, please bring them to reception. Thank you!
NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL
NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND
What is offered by
Services for Young People?
Hertfordshire Services for Young People deliver a range of youth work projects for young people aged 11-17 (up to 25 for care leavers and those with SEND), in young people’s centres and other community venues in all districts of Herts.
They are committed to giving young people high-quality opportunities to learn life skills and excel in their personal and social development. They also aim to address issues at the earliest opportunity to give young people the best chance to thrive, have a voice in their community, reach their potential and make a successful transition to adulthood.
A partnership of local agencies, DSPL publishes a weekly round-up of courses, workshops and events related to young people's wellbeing and additional needs in the North Herts area.
