HGS Weekly Newsletter | Spring Term, Week 3 | Date: 23 January 2026
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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 1
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 1.
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Good afternoon,
Whereas last week was full of Year 9 events, this week has seen Year 11 benefit from two amazing opportunities. On Wednesday they took part in the ELSA 'Get Work Ready' day, which included a range of workshops led by industry professionals from a wide variety of employment sectors. The feedback I received from workshop leaders and the students themselves was very impressive and I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone involved. Today, the Year 11s have been lucky enough to experience live theatre performance of one of their set texts, A Christmas Carol, by the Box Clever Theatre Group - last year's show was stunning and I look forward to speaking to students about this one.
Tuesday next week is Holocaust Memorial Day, and in recognition of this all students had an assembly led by Mr Hanse (Head of History) and Mr Adams (Head of Philosophy and Ethics). This year's theme, 'Bridging Generations', calls on us all to connect the testimony of survivors with young people in our classrooms today, and so on Tuesday 3rd February, a Holocaust survivor will be visiting to give a presentation to Years 8 and 9. It is intended that these activities, along with the Memorial Day itself, help students understand not only the horrors of the Holocaust but also its enduring lessons about where hatred and intolerance can lead.
On Wednesday next week, the Years 9-11 Intermediate Maths Challenge takes place - I wish all participants the very best of luck. Wednesday is also the GCSE Options deadline, so I urge all families of Year 9 students to take some time this weekend to revisit the Options discussion, to ensure we are working together to fully support students with this process.
Finally, congratulations to Charlotte in Year 7 on winning two Bronze medals at a recent county swimming competition. Having spent many an hour poolside as my own son competed in swimming events, I fully understand the level of commitment, dedication, perseverance and hard work it takes to achieve this. Well done Charlotte!
Have a great weekend.
James Crowther, Headteacher
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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
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GCSE Options
Year 9 have been emailed Google Form links for submitting their subject choices this week. A reminder that this needs to be done by Wednesday 28 January. All info can be found on our Options Website.
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We had ELSA Next Generation in with our Year 11s on Thursday, for 'Get Work Ready', a series of workshops and practice interview sessions they delivered as part of our Careers programme.
Students took part in real-life recruitment challenges and heard from employers including Waitrose, Tesco, Kier Group Construction, Bowmer & Kirkland Construction, Garden House Hospice, Lawrence & Dean Recruitment, a hospitals charity and Computacenter.
Our thanks as always to ELSA and all their volunteers for running this valuable day for our students.
 
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Emotional Map of Hitchin - our Art Club worked together to create this map that captures the feelings, memories and personal connections associated with our surroundings.
They built up the map in layers, adding local landmarks, key people and values. Finally our students added their own unique symbols to mark the specific spots that tell their individual stories. At 4.3m long, this is their ode to our special town that's both collaborative and personal.
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The causes and consequences of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD, which famously buried and preserved the Roman city of Pompeii, were explored in detail and with creativity by our Year 9 Latin students.
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Congratulations to Charlotte in Year 7, who swam in the 400m and 800m freestyle races at the Herts County Swimming Championships, winning Bronze in both. Well done Charlotte!
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING & SEND
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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).
To Register:
Fill out their online referral form: Living With Anxiety - WithYouth
Or download the form and email it to: withyouth@hertfordshiremind.org
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.
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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.
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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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