HGS Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 10 | Date: 14 November 2025

{item_alt_tag}

A week
All Day
from 03 Nov and on Monday every 2 weeks until 20 Dec
17
November
A Level Science Live
All Day
19
November
Y13 Psychology Brain Day - Visiting Speaker
8:30am – 3:30pm
19
November
Y7 and Y10 Meet The Tutor Event
4:30pm – 6:30pm
19
November
Futures Fair Careers Event
8:30am – 3:30pm
20
November
Non-Uniform Day for Children in Need
All Day
21
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 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,

This week the school joined the whole country in marking Remembrance Day on Tuesday.  Lucy in Year 11 did a fantastic job of leading the school into the two- minute silence with a note-perfect 'Last Post', and she concluded the silence with an equally impressive Reveille. During registration, all students engaged with an assembly prepared by Mr Wright, ensuring the significance of this day was acknowledged by all of our community.  

We have also marked Anti-Bullying Week this week, proudly wearing our odd socks on Monday and doing various activities in tutor time to promote the 'Power of Good'.

Congratulations to our Year 11s who, today, have completed their first mock examination period. They have been really impressive in their approach to these important exams and they will learn a great deal from the experience, standing them in good stead for future mocks and the final GCSEs. Thank you to the exams team, the invigilators, the staff and the parents/carers who have supported the students throughout this time. As a well done, all students will be enjoying hot chocolate and biscuits during P5 today - much needed on a rainy November day.

On Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of watching the Year 13 Drama students perform their devised pieces for their A Level exam. As usual, they were supported by family, friends, staff and students, who were treated to two original short plays. Well done to them and thanks to Mr Balfe! I wish the candidates every success with the rest of their course. It was an important week for Year 13s as a whole, as they had their last parents' evening of their school career!

There were also many sporting successes this week - you can read about these below and congratulations to all involved.

There is lots to look forward to next week, with the Futures Fair, the Years 7 and 10 Meet the Tutor Evening, the next Senior Maths Challenge, 'Brain Day' for Year 13 Psychology students, and the North Herts Primary Transition Conference, which we will host on Friday.

I would like to point out and highlight an important message below, about safe parking near the school. I would appreciate you taking note of this and responding accordingly.

Have a great weekend.

James Crowther, Headteacher


Following local resident complaints, we would like to remind parents/carers that there is no stopping or parking at the top of Hollow Lane before the left turn onto Highbury Road, due to the hazard posed to traffic in the left lane and to pedestrians attempting to cross with reduced visibility. If dropping off or collecting your child by car, please check parking restrictions in the vicinity of the school, and park with consideration for residents and especially pedestrians at this busy time of the day. 


Remembrance 2025 - as a school we joined the two minutes' silence at 11.00am on Tuesday morning, a pause for reflection marked by Lucy's affecting performance of The Last Post, followed by Reveille after the silence. Thank you to Lucy (Y11) for leading our commemoration, and it was great to have students attend in their Guides, Scouts and Cadet uniforms too.


It was fantastic to see how many odd socks turned out on Monday for Anti-Bullying Week. As well as brightening up a grey day, all the colourful socks were in recognition of the fact that we are all different, and that we all have a part to play in making a stand against bullying.


Twenty-seven of our students represented HGS at the district cross-country competition at Fairlands Valley and did exceptionally well this week. Every one of our teams won in their age groups, which was all the more impressive for the tough competition they faced. We had several standout individual performances as well, with six of our students placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their races. Well done everyone! 


And well done to these Year 7 footballers who won all of their games in their tournament on Monday! A fantastic performance by all, finding the back of the net many times!


And congratulations are also in order for Ellie-Rose (Year 8), who won double gold at the county gymnastics championships, in both acro and tumbling!


On Thursday next week, all students from Years 9 to 13 will attend our Futures Fair careers event and have an opportunity to meet local and national employers, as well as Further and Higher Education providers. This is a fantastic day when we will have in excess of 60 visitors in school representing more than 45 different organisations.

Students will be doing some preparation in form time in the days before the fair, thinking through who they would like to talk with and what questions they might want to ask. This event will be made all the more valuable if parents could take time at home to also speak with their child about it.

Download the event booklet

As part of the Fair, 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


  •  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