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 3
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 3.
SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good afternoon,
The second week of the term has flown by - not surprising, with so many truly unmissable experiences taking place in and out of school.
The week began with an incredibly insightful trip to the Mini car plant in Oxfordshire for some of our Years 11 and 12 Business Studies students.
It has been an especially significant week for Year 9, with assemblies and a parents' evening taking place around the upcoming Options process. I know from the students I have spoken to that there is a lot of careful consideration going into these choices, and rightly so. The parents' evening forms an important part of this process and I received some lovely feedback from parents regarding the quality of the evening and expressing thanks for the hard work the staff put in to supporting our students. It really is great to receive and share such feedback, so please feel free to send in positive messages at any point in the school year - it really makes a difference.
On Wednesday, Year 9s also took part in the Talk The Talk communication workshops. We have been working with this organisation for a number of years and yet again the impact was tremendous. I had the pleasure of sitting in on some of the presentations and the students were very impressive; the learning from the day was clearly evident as they presented to their peers, holding the space with confidence and delivering their messages with clarity and precision. Congratulations to all who took part as they displayed our values in abundance, and our thanks go to the entire Talk The Talk team.
Well done to Year 13 who have now completed their mock examinations. Thanks to the exams team, all the tutors and the Sixth Form team for their ongoing support of the students.
Today, the week closed with our Sports Leaders visiting Whitehill Junior school to lead a session for their Year 5 pupils, which I am sure will have been a real success.
Next week sees a couple of standout events for Year 11, with their ELSA careers day taking place on Wednesday and the Box Clever theatre group visiting on Friday to support their study of A Christmas Carol - I very much look forward to both of these events.
Finally, you should have received a letter this week about the school's four Parent Trustee vacancies. If you are interested in finding out more about the role, and what it involves, then we are running an informal 'Open Hour' via Zoom from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 20th January. Drop in any time via this link or by using the meeting ID ‘832 9578 9278’ and passcode '889435'.
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
On their trip to the Mini plant, our Business Studies students learnt about automated manufacturing including just-in-time and just-in-sequence processes, along with how computer-aided design and manufacture is used to produce more than 750 bespoke cars a day to be exported worldwide.
We currently have vacancies for Parent Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees of Hitchin Girls' School. Full details of the role and the application process can be found here. Download the nomination form
We received this lovely letter following our Christmas Food Drive last month, which refers to the tangible benefits of the donations we were collectively able to make as a school. Thank you again to all those who brought in contributions.
Excitement at our French Pen Pal Club this week as they received replies to the letters they worked on last term, from students at our partner secondary school in Troyes, France!
It continues to be a productive start to the term in the Design & Technology department, with Year 10 Textiles students embarking on the process of making their own skirts by designing and producing patterns. We'll look forward to seeing the final results!
Find out more about our Design and Technology curriculum at tinyurl.com/HGSCurriculum
NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL
NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND
Living with Anxiety
For 14 - 18-year-olds
This is an 8-week online group designed to help those who may be experiencing anxiety or finding it difficult to manage their emotions day to day. It's a friendly and supportive space where young people can:
Better understand their anxiety and what triggers it
Learn practical tools and coping strategies
Build confidence through shared experiences and guided activities
Each week, they will focus on a different theme, such as challenging anxious thoughts, managing social anxiety, and developing healthy coping habits. Participants also receive a workbook to help them reflect and practise between sessions.
Group Details:
Tuesdays at 7-8pm
Online via Zoom
Families can access the group by referral (parents, teachers or professionals can refer).
Or call:0208 189 8400 to speak to one of their support workers directly if you have any questions. Alternatively, chat with them on their instant messaging between 2pm and 10pm every day by clicking the blue 'chat with us' button.
Anxiety & Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Parent/Carer workshop
hosted by Hitchin Boys' School
In-person workshop at Hitchin Boys' School on 21st January 2026 at 6pm - a relaxed and supportive workshop with Catarina from the NHS Mental Health Support Team (free of charge).
The aim is to help parents and carers understand and tackle anxiety in children and emotionally-based school avoidance. Get practical tips, share experiences, and learn how to support your child through these challenges.
This event will be at Hitchin Boys' School in the Main Hall and is also open to HGS and Priory parents/carers. This event is for adults only.
Although the event is free to attend, a ticket is required as capacity is limited. You are strongly advised to reserve your ticket early at Eventbrite should you wish to attend.
Please book one ticket per each adult attending. Please bring your digital ticket with you.
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.
