Fifteen of our Geographers in Years 9 and 10 visited St Andrew's primary school recently, to deliver the exciting Geography lessons they had planned and prepared themselves.

They did an absolutely fantastic job, engaging the younger pupils and running their lessons with confidence and enthusiasm. Huge congratulations to them all for representing the school so brilliantly.

Eleven of our Year 12 students took part in Phase Hitchin's GROW programme, in which they delivered workshops to Year 5 children on important topics such as managing emotions, coping with change and bouncing back from disappointment. Their time and commitment have made a real difference to local children and schools, while giving them important skills in leadership and communication. 

Rounders roundup! Both our Year 7 and Year 8 teams came away Gold medal winners of their respective District tournaments, each winning all eight matches in their competition. 

With fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship on display as well as individual skill and determination, they have a great deal to be proud of. 

Over the last two weekends 100 Year 10s have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions.

Team Woodside walked around Bedfordshire, one group coming across a gyrocopter world record attempt. Team Azarias endured hot conditions in Cambridgeshire and were treated to a fabulous sunset.

Both groups showed our school values of perseverance, positivity and kindness to the max. Thanks to all the staff for giving up their time to enable our students to benefit from this special experience.

On Tuesday, a former HGS student, Dr Jenny Dickens (class of 1999), gave an informative and inspirational presentation to prospective future HGS doctors.  Jenny provided a summary of her time at HGS through to her current role as a respiratory doctor at Papworth Hospital and respiratory disease researcher at Cambridge University. She also provided students with a fantastic insight into applying for medical school, obtaining a medical degree and ultimately the doors that this will open. All the students were engaged in the session and asked some amazing questions, which were superbly fielded by Jenny.

Thank you Jenny and the students who attended for making this a great event!

A group of Year 9 students had an enjoyable day at Computacenter in Hatfield, which had been organised for local girls' schools as part of the Women in Engineering initiative. Students had the chance to interview groups of women from the company in technical and non-technical roles. 

We learnt that women make up just 22% of the workforce in cybersecurity, a figure that has not grown in well over ten years. Computacenter are keen to be part of making a change and getting more women into this sector, via apprenticeships and graduate roles. We heard from software developers, cybersecurity engineers and AI product engineers about the work they do.

Our students also had the chance to create a webpage and then take part in networking sessions and tech workshops, finishing off the day with a tour of the warehouse. A highlight was having a go on the forklift with its extendable lifter!

Once again, our students were wonderful ambassadors for HGS.

A huge thank you to Renee and all the staff at The Computacenter.

If your Chromebook is damaged and requires maintenance please hand it in to IT as soon as possible so that any repairs can be carried out while it's still under warranty.

Did you know you can hire our spaces and facilities, including our Halls, Dance Studio, Gymnasium, Drama Room, Netball/Tennis courts, classrooms with screens, and more?

If you run a local community group, sports classes or holiday camps and are looking for a top-quality venue in beautiful surroundings - or if you just require an ad-hoc meeting room -  we have numerous spaces available with a range of capacities and equipment. 

Please contact our lettings partner Edu Lettings for ALL hire enquiries:

https://www.edu-lettings.org/

Ahead of the summer break we would like to share an important message from our Director of Public Health Sarah Perman:

Dear Parent/Carer

The number of children with measles has increased since the start of the year, with most cases in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under. Measles is a very infectious illness which can make children very unwell and sometimes leads to serious complications. Sadly, two children in England have died from measles in 2026.

In Hertfordshire we have had outbreaks of measles in some of our schools and cases of measles are increasing. I am therefore asking that parents take the following actions:

• Check your child’s Red Book or the NHS App to make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations.
• If your child has missed one or both doses of MMR, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.
• You can also contact your local Community & School Aged Immunisation Service
who run vaccination sessions for all ages. Details can be found here:

https://www.hct.nhs.uk/service-details/service/hertfordshire-and-east-anglia-community-and-school-age-immunisations-35

• If your child is ill and you are worried it might be measles, check symptoms of
measles here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles. If you need help, please phone your GP or 111 and follow their advice.

An alternative vaccine is available for those who want to avoid pork products. You can find out about this when booking an appointment. The MMR vaccination is safe and free on the NHS, and highly effective in protecting children from three serious diseases, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Yours faithfully

Sarah Perman
Director of Public Health
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).

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.

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.

•  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