Sixth Form Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 3 | Date: 23 September 2022
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If you have symptoms of Covid-19 or you have tested positive for Covid-19, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Symptoms of Covid-19 can include:
- a high temperature or shivering
- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
Students under 18 years old who test positive or have symptoms should stay at home for 3 full days. The day you first have symptoms or have a positive test result is Day 0. You may return to school on Day 4 provided you do not have a temperature and feel well enough.
Full government guidance is available here.
We will continue to support the personal choice of students and staff in wearing a face covering. We will also continue to ensure good levels of hygiene and ventilation for everyone here at school, and will maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
If you have questions regarding official guidance please call 119 for visit the NHS website.
If a student is unwell, regardless of whether Covid-19 is suspected, they should stay away from school and the absence should be reported via our online absence form.
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).
[Every Day - Pasta / Jacket Potatoes & Toppings, Panini of the Day]
** MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE **
Monday: VEGETABLE PIE (v), CURRIED POTATO & SPINACH BAKE (v), CHEESE & ONION PASTIES (v), ICED SPONGE
Tuesday: BACON, LEEK & POTATO BAKE, VEGGIE MINCE PASTA BOLOGNAISE (v), CARAMELISED ONION QUICHE (v), APPLE CRUMBLE (free from eggs, milk)
Wednesday: CHICKEN HOTPOT (gf), BUTTERNUT SQUASH & SPINACH CURRY (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), CHOCOLATE SPONGE
Thursday: CHICKEN & LEEK PIE, PESTO & CHEESE PASTA (v), MUSHROOM & LENTIL BAKE (v), CARROT CAKE
Friday: BEEF CHILLI (gf), MACARONI CHEESE (v), BATTERED FISH, CHOCOLATE CRUNCH (free from eggs, milk)
(v) = Vegetarian (gf) = Gluten Free
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SCHOOL NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Message from the Headteacher
Good afternoon and welcome to this week’s edition of the newsletter.
Since the last newsletter I have had the pleasure of awarding my first round of Head's Awards: Congratulations to Emma Bruff, Scarlet Bellisario, Lucy Adshead, Elizabeth Robson, Emily Douglass and Emilie Rapin. It was an eclectic presentation with excellent work in History, Geography and championing whole-school mental health awareness. Once again, well done to these fantastic students.
On the theme of presentations, I was also delighted to meet with the 28 students who were receiving their Silver and Bronze Arts Awards. As with the aforementioned Head's Awards winners, these students should be very proud of their achievements and are incredible role models for the rest of the HGS community.
This week has also seen Year 11 parents coming into school for an information evening, and once again it was wonderful to welcome families back into our school. Next week sees the start of the open mornings and so we will be opening our doors to lots of excited Year 6 students from the local area.
Finally, I would like to point out that our extracurricular timetable has been published - please do review this with your child and encourage them to attend at least one activity.
Have a great weekend,
James Crowther
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Parking and safety around the school site
At the start of term we sent a message regarding parking and safety around the school site, and asked parents not to use the staff car parks to drop off or wait for students. Unfortunately, a number of people are still driving into the school grounds and car parks in the morning or using these to wait for and pick up students at the end of the school day.
Please do not use these spaces to drop off, pick up or turn round as it creates a potential hazard for staff and students. The car parks are for staff, and visitors of Hitchin Girls' School and the North Herts Music Centre only.
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Full extracurricular timetable for Autumn term now available
As always, we have a huge range of extracurricular clubs and societies that students can choose to take part in during lunchtime and after school. As well as an array of sport and music activities, there are clubs representing most of our subject areas, such as Art and Architecture, Classics, Food, Poetry and Science, plus other areas of interest, from Chess to Reading and Street Dance.
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Good luck to our skydivers!
We are very proud of two of our Year 12 students, who will be skydiving tomorrow (Saturday 24th) in order to raise vital funds for local charity Isabel Hospice.
Amelie Beaver and Hana Williams are very excited about their challenge and would be grateful for your support via their Justgiving pages:
Hana's fundraising page
Amelie's fundraising page
Wishing Amelie and Hana lots of luck tomorrow - and look up!!
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Help needed!
We would love to hear from professionals / employers who would be happy to have a stand at our forthcoming careers fair for our students. If you can help by representing your career and talking to our students about your business or sector, please provide details via the form sent out to all parents/carers. Thank you in advance for your help!
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Fundraiser for HGS Scouts
Three of our students have been selected to attend the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Korea, representing Hitchin and the UK, and are organising a fundraising event for this. Please support them if you can!
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Monday 26 September, 9.30am
Xin Yang, British Antarctic Survey
Field of Expertise: Polar atmospheric Chemistry, sea salt aerosol modelling
Polar Near-surface Ozone Depletion Event
In this talk I will briefly introduce an atmospheric chemistry phenomenon in polar regions – near-surface ozone (O3) concentration drops quickly from a background level to almost zero in polar spring. This phenomenon is very similar but different from the well-known Antarctic ozone hole, which occurs high in the stratosphere (20 -30 km above the ground). I will give explanations to the cause of the ozone loss in near-surface layer such as via halogen chemistry and then introduce proposed sources of bromine species in the sea ice zone.
REGISTRATION
Tuesday 27 September, 2.30am
Ian James, Mott Macdonald
Field of Expertise: Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Career - What Could it Be?
In this session Ian will talk about the basic understanding of structural design and his job as a site engineer.
REGISTRATION
Wednesday 28 September, 11am
Ian Dunnett, CIO at what3words
Field of Expertise: Mathematics / Data
Don’t solve for ‘X’. Solve for A-Z.
When asked to help improve something, how can we use a systematic, critical- thinking and problem-solving approach to have the biggest, best, most efficient and sustainable impact? Often if we really want to build for the future we have to step back rather than rushing in.
REGISTRATION
Thursday 29 September, 11am
Richard Sage
Field of Expertise: Careers guidance and employability skills
Careers Guidance and Employability Skills
Practical coaching and mentoring for CV writing, career choices, job applications and interview preparation. Helping students focus on careers and employability options and choices, and helping them to uncover their uniqueness and "tell their stories and write the next chapter".
REGISTRATION
Friday 30 September, 9.30am
Paul Remblance, Milestone Infrastructure Ltd
Field of Expertise: Civil Engineering Construction
In Demand - Undergraduate Opportunities in Civil Engineering
A presentation looking at the opportunities in the Civil Engineering profession that will address the range of schemes that are delivered and routes to qualification. In particular we will look at the Institution of Civil Engineers' David Butler Award / CityZen online game aimed at raising awareness of undergraduate opportunities.
REGISTRATION
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Find out about Oxford University's upcoming open events here
See Oxford's calendar of outreach events here
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PWC's School and College Leaver Programmes are designed to help students develop their business skills through real client work, while also completing formal training and studying towards qualifications. Explore these opportunities here.
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Next Step Bristol
Year 13
This virtual programme is for students who are in Year 13 in September 2022 identifying as Black or Asian.
The programme focuses on the lived experience of Black and Asian students at the University of Bristol. Successful completion of the programme provides a guaranteed contextual offer or interview to all courses at the University of Bristol (providing the student meets entry requirements). Students can find more information here, and apply via this application form.
Applications close 30 September 2022.
Discover Economics
Thursday 17 November. 1.30-4pm
Academics from the University of Bristol School of Economics are organising a half-day schools event (1.30 – 4.00pm) at Bristol Cathedral Choir School.
Sudents will hear from Bank of England economists and Rupa Patel and Jack Meaning (authors of Why Can’t We Just Print More Money), and take part in an economics challenge. They will also have a chance to find out more about economics degrees.
This event is suitable for any Year 11/12 student, whether they are studying economics or not, and is part of the regular Bristol Festival of Economics. Please complete this expression of Interest form
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Foundation Year Open Evening
Monday 26 September, 4.30 - 5.45pm
The Cambridge Foundation Year are hosting an Open Evening Webinar. Attendees will learn more about the eligibility criteria, progression after the Foundation Year, and the Foundation Year Colleges.
SIGN UP
Introduction to Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme (CHAS)
Tuesday 27 September, 6 - 7pm
This webinar is an opportunity for students in Year 12 to find out about the University's flagship programme, the Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme.
The CHAS scheme is designed for able students in Year 12 who have the potential to progress to competitive degree courses. Students will commit to attending a series of subject-focused supervisions that will run between December 2022 and May 2023, culminating in a residential visit to the college and a celebration event for families.
SIGN UP
UCAS Ask Us Anything Drop-in
Thursday 29 September, 5 - 6pm
This will be an opportunity for Year 13 students to ask any questions they have about making their application to Cambridge.
To attend click on this link on Thursday 29 September at 5pm:
https://caius.whereby.com/caius-schools
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Webinar - virtual insight event with Danuta Gray
Dunata is Chief Chairwoman of one of the most successful businesses in the country, FTSE insurance company Direct Line Group.
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Digdata are thrilled to announce their upcoming live virtual work experience and live online career panels for the Autumn term with Experian and Lloyds Banking Group.
Sessions are aimed at First Step (KS3) students and Next Step (KS4 & 5) students.
Wednesday 28 September, 4.30 - Experian "First Step" live online career challenge - How can you help Playstation market their new game?
Wednesday 5 October, 5.00 - Experian "Next Step" live online career challenge - How can you help Alton Towers get more visitors to their theme park in 2023?
Thursday 6 October, 6.30 - Experian live online career panel - We invite students, parents, teachers and career leaders to discover more about their career opportunities in data!
Wednesday 19 October, 4.30 - Lloyds Banking Group "First Step" live online career challenge - Can you help Lloyds Bank decide who can borrow £1,200 to buy the new iPhone 14?
Wednesday 2 November, 5.00 - Lloyds Banking Group "Next Step" live online career challenge - Can you assess our customers’ financial situation and make some recommendations on how different groups of customers should approach their upcoming purchases?
Thursday 3 November, 6.30 - Lloyds Banking Group live online career panel - We invite students, parents, teachers and career leaders to discover more about their career opportunities in data!
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About Skills Gap
Skills Gap is a career accelerator that runs insightful workshops for young people aged 15-19 – because it’s never too soon to think about building your skills for a competitive edge in your future studies and career.
We're offering a range of intensive workshops this autumn, all designed specifically for 15-19 year olds and delivered to small groups by experienced industry experts:
Careers in Hacking
Saturday 1 October
Top-flight businesses and governments the world over are recruiting for a new elite force: a band of ethical hackers charged with protecting our most sensitive information and the infrastructure that powers our everyday living. Our online workshop is taught by Daniel Wilkinson, a Security Consultant at NCC Group. He gives a beginner’s guide to ethical hacking and the skills you’ll need to succeed, with practical experience of hacking your way into a vulnerable online storefront.
AI in Astrophysics
Saturday 8 October
With new telescopes powerful enough to see galaxies formed in the wake of the big bang, our online workshop introduces the AI helping scientists to interpret this data to identify stars and plot the shape of the universe. Taught by Joe Sims, an AI PhD student at Leeds University, you’ll step into the inspiring world of AI in astrophysics and get first-hand experience of using a neural network to classify stars.
AI in Medicine
Saturday 8 October
Medicine is on the verge of an Artificial Intelligence revolution – from pioneering surgeries to algorithms that predict future health issues. Our workshop is delivered online by med-tech experts, and will introduce you to key AI trends in medicine, its influence on global healthcare, and the tech skills you need to get ahead. You’ll also take part in an exciting hands-on diagnostic exercise using AI modelling tools.
Blockchain & Cyrptocurrencies
Saturday 15 October
Blockchain is revolutionary. It powers the cryptocurrencies that are changing the face of finance and offers safer ways to store sensitive data. But what’s next? Our online workshop, delivered by a blockchain expert, provides a fascinating insight into the world of cryptocurrencies, how they are analysed and traded, and blockchain’s ongoing potential. During the workshop you will get first-hand experience of coding in Python to build a systematic trading strategy for cryptocurrencies.
Coding for Game Design
Saturday 22 October
With one third of the world’s population already estimated to be gamers, the gaming industry offers one of the hottest career tickets today. Our online workshop gives you a unique insight into the latest trends from multiplayer games to game streaming. Led by Josh Hills, a programmer on some of the world’s largest multi-player games, including Runescape and Horizon, you’ll get first-hand experience of developing and enhancing a physics-based game prototype and discover the skills you’ll need to succeed.
AI in Engineering
Saturday 5 November
Finding new and optimal ways of doing things is at the very core of engineering. Which makes it the perfect partner for AI and machine learning, from smart production lines to image processing technology that allows machines to see. Our online workshop is led by civil engineer and data scientist, Johan Hagstrom, who will introduce you to key AI algorithms and trends. You’ll also get hands-on experience with Python, being guided through a computer vision algorithm that can detect cars on the road – a peek into the world of self-driving vehicles.
AI in Finance
Saturday 12 November
The world of finance has been an early adopter of machine learning, from fraud detection to finance chat bots, yet it’s still just touching the surface of AI’s potential. Our workshop is led by Chelsea Murray, a data scientist at ING with a Masters in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence from University of Cambridge. Chelsea will introduce you to the vast range of financial AI applications and give you practical experience training a machine learning algorithm to predict credit card fraud.
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NHS Allied Healthcare Work Experience
For students interested in
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Paramedicine
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Dietetics
- Radiography
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Pharmacy
Applications are now open and will remain open throughout this academic year, with the first programme taking place on 2 October.
During the work experience day, students will follow two patients from their initial presentation to recovery. Students will observe the healthcare professionals as they interact with the patients and with each other. They will have an opportunity to ask questions and gain knowledge through teaching.
This will help students to make an informed decision about their career and give them the opportunity to learn how healthcare professionals work together as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Each work experience day is completely different and students will be able to build up their knowledge of NHS careers as they see different patient cases and healthcare professionals work in a variety of settings, such as in a hospital and in the community.
Students will also receive certificates as evidence of participation. Those who complete the entire five-month programme will be awarded a Highly Commended Reference from the Presidents of Medic Mentor.
Places are £10 a day to cover administrative costs and run the tech on the day.
Find out more and register
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