HGS Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 7 | Date: 17 October 2025

{item_alt_tag}
B week
All Day
from 08 Sep and on Monday every 2 weeks until 25 Oct
20
October
Flu Vaccinations (Y10 & 11)
9:00am – 3:30pm
21
October
Y11 Exam Stress Workshop by PoetsIN
11:40am – 12:40pm
21
October
Y9 Information Evening and Options Evening
4:30pm – 6:30pm
22
October
Y13 Talk The Talk Oracy Workshops
9:00am – 3:30pm
23
October
Autumn Concert
6:30pm – 7:30pm
23
October

 

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). 

WEEKLY LUNCH MENU - Week 3

 

You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 3.

SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Photo of Headteacher Mr Crowther

Good afternoon,

It's been an important week for Year 8 - today they will return from their three-day trip to PGL Caythorpe. This residential has really cemented itself as a landmark experience for HGS students, where many memories are made and referred to time and again over their remaining years in school. I look forward to the safe return of all students and staff later this afternoon, and also to hearing about the great time they have undoubtedly had. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Edwards for her organisation of the trip and to all the staff who have either attended the trip or supported its organisation. You can see the album of photos sent from the trip so far via the link shared below. 

In last week's newsletter, I shared Sonika's success in winning a national Biology Art Competition - well, this week, she attended the House of Commons to celebrate her achievement and receive her prize. I couldn't resist the chance to pop into her Biology class to congratulate her, and also to see the original artwork which is proudly displayed in the Biology corridor. Well done once again - Sonika will also be a very worthy recipient of a Headteacher's Award (which won't be presented at the House of Commons). 

Congratulations are also in order this week for some of our geographers in Years 7-9, who took part in the first ever inter-school geography quiz between seven local schools. You can read about their success below - well done to you all! 

Next week is the last week of this half-term and I'm very much looking forward to the first musical showcase of the academic year, with our Autumn Concert taking place on Thursday night. I have spoken to a number of students about their contributions and I'm certain it's going to be a fantastic evening. 

We also have the Year 13 Talk  the Talk communication workshop on Thursday,  and to finish the half-term, the Austen and Teresa House Thrift Sale will take place on Friday in support of this year's HGS charity, Garden House Hospice. Additionally, on Friday we will be wearing pink accessories in support of Breast Cancer Now - many thanks to Ms Pedge, who once again is spearheading our support of this important cause.

Have a great weekend. 

James Crowther, Headteacher

     

PGL Caythorpe 2025 -  Our two-night residential trip for Year 8s saw our students embrace new challenges and push themselves out of their comfort zones in a range of outdoor activities, up in the air, on the water and everywhere in between! Well done all on your perseverance and positive attitude!

View the photo album

The Art department went on their annual trip to The Making of Harry Potter Tour at Warner Bros' Leavesden studios with their Year 9 students - the Great Hall was all decked out for Halloween! It's always a fantastic opportunity for students to see up-close the artistry and craftsmanship that go into set, costume and prop design and special effects, and to find out about the wealth of creative careers within the film & TV industries. 

You can find out more about our Art courses at tinyurl.com/HGSCurriculum

Year 11s immersed in five minutes of intensive free-thought writing as part of the stress management workshop run by Paul from the wonderful PoetsIN charity. Addressing the full range of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, overwhelm, overthinking and lack of focus, PoetsUIN aims to provide support via creative tools such as worry journaling and 'rage on the page'.

Run entirely by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, the charity has been rated 100% Good or Very Good by those it has helped in its nine years of existence. So we felt very lucky to have Paul visit us and offer coping strategies first-hand to our GCSE students in the year of their final exams.

Our students put their geographical knowledge to the ultimate test this week at the inaugural Inter-School Geography Quiz! Hosted by Hitchin Boys' School, it was a fantastic morning where teams from seven Herts secondaries came together to tackle some truly challenging rounds!

Our participants from Years 7 - 9 navigated a diverse range of topics, including identifying flags and map symbols, solving geographical anagrams, recognising world landmarks, and answering tricky general knowledge and 'odd one out' questions.

We are incredibly proud of Daisy, Veda, Sophie, Allegra, Seha, Lottie, Ruby, Harriet and Lauren, representing HGS, for their dedication and performance! Huge congratulations go to our brilliant Year 9 team, who finished 1st place in their year group. All our teams put in an excellent effort to secure 2nd place overall, missing out on the trophy by just 4 marks!

The hope is this will become an annual event, and we will look forward to building on this success and will aim to bring the trophy home next year!

Find out about our Geography curriculum at tinyurl.com/HGSCurriculum

Lots of inspiration and ideas for our GCSE and A Level Textiles students who travelled down to Alexandra Palace for the Knit+Stitch show. With all the trade stands and textile galleries to look around plus a catwalk show, it was an enriching research trip for their NEA projects.

Find out about our Textiles curriculum at tinyurl.com/HGSCurriculum

Year 9 Latin students were tasked with either designing their own Roman baths complex, or creating a guide on etiquette - 'How to Survive the Roman Baths'. Some wonderful responses to the brief here!  

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.

Find out more

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. 

Their forthcoming events include:

  • School Avoidance Workshop
  • Sleep Workshop
  • Developing Child's Literacy
  • PDA Online Support Group
  • Identifying ADHD/Autism

See all upcoming events

  •  Free confidential helpline on 0808 800 2222
  •  Email us for support at askus@familylives.org.uk
  •  Talk to us online via our Live Chat service
  •  Online advice, peer support and information on all aspects of family life at www.familylives.org.uk
  •  Face to face support groups and workshops
  •  Find us on social media @FamilyLives @BullyingUK
  •  www.facebook.com/FamilyLivesHertsandBeds