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 2
You can see our three-weekly menu here - we are on Week 2.
SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Good afternoon,
It may have been a shorter school week but it was a really significant one for Year 13s, as they marked their last day with breakfast, a special assembly and of course the obligatory fancy dress. As I stood before a hall full of minions, bananas in pyjamas, a Paddington bear and many other childhood favourites, I couldn't help but feel a real sense of pride. As they sat there in their costumes the sense of belonging, community and family was tangible. Year 13, each and every one of you are fantastic ambassadors for our school and young people in general, and you demonstrate our school values in abundance. Good luck with all your exams and I look forward to celebrating with you at Leavers' Supper and on Founders' Day.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of awarding tens of Headteacher's Awards to students across the year groups for their achievements and commitment to school life in a variety of areas. Well done to all - please wear your pin badges with pride!
This morning, Year 11s had their first written exams. They gathered for breakfast in the Dining Room, and the atmosphere and energy were a real mix of nervous anticipation and positivity. Having spoken with a few students after the exam the sense of positivity remained, and importantly, that first exam can be crossed off the list. Keep up the fantastic work.
The newsletter contains some further points of celebration and an important notice for parents/carers who drive their children to school.
Have a good weekend,
James Crowther, Headteacher
A group of Year 12 students recently completed their Gold D of E practice expedition in Snowdonia, alongside students from The Priory School. Lots of skills learnt for their qualifying expedition in July, in beautiful surroundings!
Important Notice: Road Safety & Parking on Hollow Lane
We have recently received several concerns from local residents and other members of the public regarding dangerous and inconsiderate parking on Hollow Lane during drop-off and pick-up times. While we understand that the area around the school becomes extremely busy at peak times, we must reiterate that the safety of our students, other pedestrians and neighbours is paramount.
Please remember:
Keep Hollow Lane Clear: Stopping or parking on single yellow lines or zig-zags creates hazardous blind spots for students trying to cross the road as well as obstructing the flow of traffic.
Respect Our Neighbours: Please avoid blocking residents' driveways or parking in a way that forces pedestrians into the road.
Park and Stride: To ease congestion, we strongly encourage parents to park a short distance away from the school gates and allow students to walk the final few minutes.
HGS car parks are not for dropping off or picking up: Our school car parks are not designed for the two-way traffic or turning vehicles that we see daily. This poses unnecessary risks to students and staff. Our car parks (including Wymondley Road overflow car park and the music school car park) are for staff, authorised visitors and those with specific agreed accommodations only.
Legal enforcement:
As a school, we do not have the jurisdiction to enforce traffic laws on public highways. However, local residents are being encouraged to report persistent issues and vehicle registration numbers directly to North Herts Council. Council enforcement officers do carry out ad-hoc patrols and can issue instant Penalty Charge Notices for illegal parking.
We all share the responsibility of keeping our community safe. Thank you for your continued support and for setting a positive example for our students.
...And that's a wrap for our Year 13s! Yesterday was their last official day in school, and they are now on study leave for their final exams. We'll look forward to seeing them for Leavers' Supper and Founders' Day, but we will miss seeing them day to day as their formal time with us has come to an end. Wishing them all the very best of luck in their exams and the paths they take beyond!
The last assembly, with speeches from tutors and students - both funny and emotional, with so many shared memories to look back on.
Can you name all the Ninja Turtles?
The full Year 13 tutor team!
Back in March, some of our Year 12 Scientists represented HGS at GSK's Leaders in STEM Symposium, where they presented on the scientific topics they had researched in a competition with other schools and colleges.
All the groups did superbly well; they had clearly spent a lot of time on their presentations, including practising the delivery, and achieved some excellent results.
One of our groups in particular, Emilia, Katie and Sadie, won Best Overall Presentation for their project on whether GM foods can address global food supply challenges. The trio received their Headteacher's Awards this week in recognition of their excellent work.
Hertfordshire-based artist Amy Pettingill runs the Colourful Art Competition for young artists and this year she judged the stunning 'Concert of Colours' to be the overall winner - created by our very own Nivi in Year 8! Many congratulations Nivi! She has won her artwork printed on canvas and a workshop with Amy as her prize. Congratulations also to Ada in Year 8, who was one of the Highly Commended artists in the competition with her vividly depicted chameleon. Enjoy!
It was a double for our U14 rugby players last weekend, when they won the Revel Rugby Festival on the Saturday and made it to the semi-final of the Mendip 7s Festival on the Sunday - they don't usually play 7s rugby, so this was even more of an achievement! Well done to Lexie, Ava and Milena in Year 9.
Can you help Eva (Year 10) raise money for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk? Eva will be doing the Moonwalk London 2026night walk on 16th May. Any donations will be very much appreciated!
The Careers department needs your help! We are looking for a local Physiotherapist or Sports Therapist, who may be able to offer work shadowing or work experience. We have A Level students who are interested in pursuing Physiotherapy at university, and who would really benefit from some insights into the field.
We would also love to hear from Allied Health Professionals in general, such as OTs, Dieticians and Radiographers, who could potentially talk to students about their work or carry out mock interviews at our careers events.
The Young People and Young Adult Race Inclusion Forums are pleased to accept registrations from individuals wishing to take part in this innovative project!
Hertfordshire Constabulary are seeking applications from black young people, aged 14 to 22, to volunteer to be part of these Forums. Participation will involve attending a meeting (wherever possible), hosted at an educational premises in Hertfordshire.
We expect to run two meetings during each school term. The meetings will last no longer than two hours, with the option to attend online if attending in person is not possible. Each meeting will explore different areas of policing to seek insights and feedback from Forum members. Topics we expect to cover include stop and search, along with recruitment challenges, and broader areas of policing management. By taking part, the young people’s feedback will make a tangible impact on the Constabulary for the future.
This is a great opportunity for you, or your child, to have their voice heard and be involved in how Hertfordshire is policed, particularly from the perspective of the black community. Certificates of participation will be provided to all who take part, along with the opportunity for references to be provided to support future opportunities.
Spaces are limited, register your interest, or your child's, by clicking 'next'!
Eligibility to take part:
Aged between 14 and 22
Define your ethnicity as non-white British (this project is part of the Police Race Action Plan)
Able to attend Forum sessions either online or in person over a 12-month programme
The consultation document explains the changes that are planned to be made and asks for comments from everyone with an interest. The changes aim to improve help and support for children and young people with SEND across the 0 to 25 years system.
ADD-vance is a dedicated group of professionals, who also happen to be parents of autistic and/or ADHD children. Their mission is to support the families of neurodivergent children and the professionals involved in their care.
ADD-vance offers online workshops for parents and professionals, including:
• Understanding Anxiety
• Applying for an EHCP
• Supporting the transition to secondary school
A central hub for SEND services, support, events, things to do and guidance in
Hertfordshire which can be filtered by location, date and age range: SEND Local Offer | Hertfordshire County Council
Herts Hub is a new website that's intended to be a one-stop portal for Children and Young People's Mental Health Services, accessible to both parents and young people. Take a look at https://www.hertshub.co.uk/
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.
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.
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.
Tuesdays at 7-8pm
Online via Zoom
