HGS Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 9 | Date: 7 November 2025

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B week
All Day
from 10 Nov and on Monday every 2 weeks until 20 Dec
10
November
ASSESSMENTS: Y11 Autumn Mocks
All Day
from 03 Nov until 14 Nov
03
November
Y13 Virtual Parents' Evening
4:30pm – 7:30pm
13
November

 

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 2

 

You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 2.

SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Photo of Headteacher Mr Crowther

Good afternoon,

As ever, it's been great to welcome students back into school after the break, to start the second half of the Autumn term - a time of year which always has lots to look forward to.

For Year 11 students, this half-term has begun with their mock exams and I have been incredibly impressed by the start they have made. I wish them all the best with their remaining exams next week.

Kindness is one of our core values and this has been evident in spades this week, as a large number of students have contributed to the 'Link to Hope' shoebox project. Thank you to everyone who has supported this appeal - you can read more about this below.

Remaining with the theme of kindness, students have had assemblies this week in preparation for Anti-bullying Week, which will see students engaged in further form time activities next wek. Additionally, on Monday, students and staff are encouraged to come to school proudly sporting their finest odd socks to make a stand against bullying, and to recognise that we all have a role to play in stopping it - this year's theme is the 'Power of Good'.  You can read more about that here: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2025/anti-bullying-week-2025

In community news, last night I had the absolute pleasure of attending a performance of Macbeth by the Big Spirit Youth Theatre Group at the Queen Mother Theatre. The theatre group includes many students form HGS, HBS and The Priory School (and other schools too) - and they really did themselves proud. Not only was the performance phenomenal and a great evening of entertainment, it also showcased the fantastic qualities possessed by our young people. The hard work and dedication to produce such a professional and superbly executed performance should be applauded and I was very proud to see so many of our students involved, whether acting on stage, working backstage or simply attending to support their friends. I understand that there are still some tickets left for Saturday's final show, so if you fancy a great night of theatre delivered by inspiring young people then try and get yourselves down to the QMT: https://qmt.org.uk/whatson/

For Remembrance Day on Tuesday, as has become tradition, one of our students, Lucy, will lead our act of remembrance by playing 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille' to mark one minute of silence. We have sent out a letter with guidance for those students in the cadets regarding wearing their uniforms - please ensure you have seen this letter if you were considering wearing your cadet uniform on this day.

Year 13 students have their parents' evening next week and the A Level Drama students have their practical exam - break a leg!

Have a great weekend.

James Crowther, Headteacher

Thank you to all students who brought in their filled shoeboxes for this year's Link to Hope Christmas appeal - we received lots of generously packed boxes to be shipped to the poorest communities in Eastern Europe. Thank you also to the team of Sixth Formers who completed forms, checked contents and wrapped up the gift boxes. They will shortly be taken down to Walsworth Rd Baptist Church to start their journey to families most in need in Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania.

 

Our Diversity board project is still going strong, with the November events now on display - including Remembrance Day, Anti-Bullying Week next week, Movember for men's health, and World Diabetes Day among many other awareness days and dates of religious significance. Thank you Anwen and Juanita in Year 13 for putting this together. 

Year 12 Art and Photography students had a rare opportunity to work with an established sculptor for the day. James Lake specialises in creating vivid 3D portraits of people out of cardboard, and he shared techniques for achieving detailed facial features, all with a readily available material. The portraits took on an increasingly lifelike form during the workshop, with some striking results by the end of the session.

Come wearing odd socks on Monday 10 November to make a stand against bullying!

As part of our annual Futures Fair run by our Careers team, we will be holding lunchtime talks about universities and apprenticeships (open to Years 9-13). Please complete the Google form if you would like to attend. 

NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL

NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND

Please email pastoral@hgs.herts.sch.uk if you would like to attend this workshop.

 

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. 

See all upcoming events

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