Y7 - 11 Weekly Newsletter | Autumn Term, Week 7 | Date: 20 Oct 2023
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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).
[Every day - Pasta / Jacket Potatoes & Toppings, Panini of the Day]
** MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE **
** GLUTEN-FREE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST **
Monday: CHEESE PASTA PARCELS (v), BUTTERNUT SQUASH & CHICKPEA KORMA (v), CHEESE & ONION PASTIES (v), CHOCOLATE SPONGE
Tuesday: BEEF HOTPOT, PASTA BAKE (v), LEEK & MUSHROOM PASTRY CROWNS (v), COFFEE SPONGE
Wednesday: TUNA PASTA BAKE, VEGETABLE KATSU CURRY (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), APPLE & BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE (free from eggs, milk)
Thursday: BACON & MUSHROOM CARBONARA, CURRIED CAULIFLOWER & BROCCOLI CHEESE (v), CHEESE QUICHE (v), LEMON SPONGE
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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Good afternoon,
The first half-term has passed very quickly indeed with a huge number of activities and events taking place for students to get involved with, learn from and enjoy.
Just this week we have had the Year 9 Options and Information Evening; GCSE Music students went to see Wicked the musical; peer mentor training took place for our volunteer students; a hearing dog visited us for an assembly; A Level Art students headed off to Copenhagen; and we've even had a charity teachers' dodgeball match! And over the half-term break next week, a number of our Classics students will be going on a trip to Sicily. As I am sure you can see, our opportunities to enrich learning and experience beyond the classroom are really something to be proud of.
Over the course of this half-term students have worked hard and have exemplified our school values. This week I had the pleasure of meeting a large group of Year 13 students to give out their Headteacher's Awards for their contributions at the 'Talk The Talk' event - a great example of positivity, aspiration and perseverance. I am incredibly proud of the efforts of all of our students and I thank you, the parents, carers and families, for your ongoing support.
After the break, Year 11s will be beginning their mock exams and I wish them the very best of luck for this important stepping stone towards their GCSE qualifications. As parents/carers please do speak with your child about their revision and help them achieve a healthy balance of work and rest. The mock exams are a really important process for students gaining an understanding of what exam preparation works best for them, and also of the gaps in their knowledge. Though important, they are a practice run and should be kept in perspective too.
Have a great week,
James Crowther, Headteacher
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Lost property!
We have a collection of jewellery, glasses, earbuds, keys, etc. that has built up over this half-term. If any item here belongs to you, please come and collect it at the main school reception.
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Election of Parent Trustee to the Board of Trustees
The school has received six nominations for the vacancy for a Parent Trustee and it will therefore be necessary to hold a ballot. To reduce the environmental impact of printing over 2,000 ballot slips, we are using an electronic voting system for this ballot.
Parents/carers will receive an email containing information about the candidates, details of how to vote and a randomly generated voter number for use on the voting form.
If you cannot vote electronically or do not wish to vote electronically, you can print a paper version of the voting form and submit this. If you are unable to print the form and require a copy, please contact admin@hgs.herts.sch.uk
The ballot will close at 11.30am on Friday 3 November 2023. No votes will be accepted after this date and time. The result will be announced as soon as possible after this.
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PGL Caythorpe trip
Last week our Year 8s gathered in the sunshine outside the main school, excited to be setting off on their residential trip to the outdoor adventure centre near Grantham. The weather didn’t remain so kind for much of the rest of the trip, unfortunately. Soon after they arrived the rain started and was unrelenting. Students then began to realise why Mrs Edwards was so fussy about bringing waterproof jackets!
Nevertheless our Year 8s embarked on their first activities with a good amount of enthusiasm, whether they were challenge activities such as climbing, abseiling, trapeze and the giant swing, or group tasks such as problem-solving, sensory trail, raft-building and archery tag. Thursday was a much more pleasant day and raincoats had a chance to dry out, before they were well and truly needed again on Friday morning.
Despite the conditions the students acquitted themselves admirably and drew many comments from PGL staff about their positive approach. Lots of lessons were learned about themselves and cooperating with others, as well as managing independently, thinking ahead and how to get a sleeping bag into a very small pouch!
Huge thanks to the 18 members of staff who accompanied the students and worked around the clock to make the soggy trip a big success.
View album
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Meeting Rufus
For a Years 7 & 8 assembly this week, we were excited to welcome Liz Arendt and Hearing Dog Rufus! They came in to demonstrate the important day-to-day role of hearing dogs in supporting their hearing-impaired owners. Look out for a sponsored walk to raise funds for hearing dogs after half-term. Thank you also to Anita Collis, ex-HGS teacher, who is involved in raising awareness and funds for this cause. This event was extra special as it was the first time we were able to run it since September 2019!
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Eco Club appeal
Please also remember to vote for our Eco Club next time you shop at Tesco!: Hitchin Girls' School - Vote for Eco Club at Tesco! (hgs.herts.sch.uk)
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Peer Mentors
We run a Peer Mentoring scheme in collaboration with Phase Hitchin, which pairs volunteers in Years 10 & 12 with students in Years 7 - 9. It's designed to help younger students navigate school life and have a sympathetic 'big sister' figure they can talk to. Our new mentors had their training course this week, covering mentoring and communication skills, and especially the all-important skill of being a good listener.
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GCSE Business Studies
Years 10 and 11 Business Studies students have been busy presenting their group projects, which involved developing a new product plus a marketing plan for it. Year 10's winning presentation was on an 'added value design' for a new modern bike. Well done Evie, Louisa, Lauren, Macie and Lucy!
The winning entries in Year 11 were GymShark Mini, a range of sports clothing and accessories for children, and GymShark Skin, a range of niche ethical products that gym users can buy to protect their skin when doing sports. Very well done to all involved!
"We worked well as a team, using our creative and research skills. We saw there was a gap in the market for children's sportswear. The products of course would be aimed at parents. We feel that Gym Shark should address this and our presentation and recommendations have been sent to our link in the Marketing Department. The panel asked tough questions but we feel we answered them correctly. This will help us in our future careers." - Mia, Safia, Lara & Jess, Year 11
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Terrific Textiles
Year 8s produced some fantastic stencilling this week - Mrs East is very proud of you all for pushing yourselves to try something new. Well done!
And those bitten by the bug are welcome to give our Sewing Club a try - they have been having fun this half-term making great progress with their patchwork and scrunchies.
And from A Level Fashion & Textiles, here are some final prototypes for Year 12's upcycling project. They have come up with a wonderfully diverse set of products using only men's shirts, thread and upcycled lace and other components.
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NOTICEBOARD - LOCAL PROVISION
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NOTICEBOARD - CAREERS / HIGHER EDUCATION
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NHS Careers Untapped Webinars
The NHS Careers Untapped team are pleased to announce upcoming virtual webinars showcasing some of the great jobs available in the NHS. The webinars will cover careers in Nursing & Midwifery, Primary Care, Allied Health Professions, Healthcare Science, Mental Health with many more. The webinars are free to attend and run from 4.30pm to 6pm.
For more information and to register click here
Work experience
Work experience is a fantastic way of gaining insight into a career, especially what a typical day is like in that job. It can be a valuable way for students to develop confidence and experience caring for people. We have a range of work experience placements across health and care for students aged 14+ , including in pathology, healthcare science, admin, midwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, finance, theatres, estates and facilities, digital, HR and many more.
For more information and to apply click here
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Monthly virtual work experience days
for students interested in careers within the NHS
Suitable for Years 10 - 13
Next session: Sunday 5 November
This is a rolling programme with applications open throughout this academic year.
Careers covered include:
Nursing
Midwifery
Paramedicine
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Dietetics
Radiography
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Speech and Language Therapy
Pharmacy
During the work experience day, students will follow two patients from their initial presentation to recovery. They will observe healthcare professionals as they interact with the patients and each other, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.
This will help students make an informed career decision as well as learn about how healthcare professionals work together as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Each session is completely different, and students will be able to build on their knowledge of NHS careers as they see different patient cases and professionals work in a variety of settings, from the hospital to the community.
Students will also receive certificates as evidence of participation in the programme. The fee is £10 per session to cover administrative costs.
Find out more and register
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At the Fashion Retail Academy, we have a wide range of fashion-focused courses, including Fashion Buying, Data Analytics, Fashion Business and Digital Marketing.
We work with more than 140 brands to ensure that our graduates have the skills needed by the industry. Our brand partners also provide work placements, projects, talks, and workshops.
Find out more about upcoming open days
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HM Government Communications Centre - national security engineering
Apprenticeship opportunities in Milton Keynes:
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NOTICEBOARD - WELLBEING / SEND / SUPPORT
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