NEWSLETTER
Summer Half Term 2024
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HEADTEACHER'S WELCOME
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this finds you well and that you enjoy reading our latest newsletter. As usual, it’s packed with student achievements and school news.
We were delighted to receive such positive comments from Ofsted following their latest inspection of PHSG and the confirmation that we continue to be a Good school. The report is on our website in the Ofsted section. We also received a certificate of excellence from the School Guide, which was a super addition to our Ofsted judgement and testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students.
Our 150 Bake Off competition was enjoyed by all those who took part, but perhaps mostly by the judges who got to taste all the wonderful baking! Well done to everyone who took part. Further details in the newsletter, so do read on to see how it went. A reminder that we officially celebrate our 150th Anniversary on 4th July when we will hold 150 activities for students. Students will have an early finish on 4th July and further details after half term.
Year 11 enjoyed their celebration event where they took time out from revising to reflect on their time at PHSG and what the future might hold. They had great fun on the ‘total wipe out’ bouncy inflatable where there seemed to be more ‘wipe out’ than bouncing. Year 13 enjoyed their leavers event and came dressed in their year 11 uniform. The mash up of PHSG and other school’s unforms was an interesting addition to the day as they bounced away on their inflatable castle. We wish year 11 and 13 the very best of luck with their examinations and their next steps.
The Oxbridge workshop was a super opportunity for our students to find out more about applying to Oxford and Cambridge and what life at these two Universities would be like. Students really appreciated the chance to learn more and to further their thinking about their potential future plans.
Please do read on to find out about the amazing achievements of so many of our young people, this newsletter is packed full of stories celebrating success and participation. Inspirational stuff.
Best wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable half term holiday.
Mr Underdown
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23 May 2024
Scarlett, 7L, has been ranked 36th in the country for her trampoline tumbling at the International Centre Telford at the National Age Group Qualification 1.
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20 May 2024
Mila, 7L, competed in the annual District Tug of War competition with the Keyham 1st Scouts Group, where their team won second place. A great asset for Latimer who will benefit from Mila's experience in the House tug of war competition on sports day next term!
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20 May 2024
A huge congratulations to Lily and Brooke, 9T, who completed the 35 mile, route B Ten Tor's Challenge last weekend.
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16 May 2024
Charlie, 9A, participated as Reyna del Cielo(Queen of the Heavens) for the Filipino Catholic festivity here in Plymouth called Flores de Mayo(Flowers of May) or Santacruzan held on Sunday, 12th of May. She then led all the Reynas(Queens) to perform the jubilee song.
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10 May 2024
Congratulations to Suzie, 8T, who achieved third place at the weekend in the Wadebridge Intotri Triathlon! Well done Suzie!
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29 Apr 2024
Ava, 8A, has been competing in the South West Regional swimming championships over the past two weekends and was awarded with three gold medals, a silver and a bronze!
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26 Apr 2024
After receiving silver medals in the In2Hockey U12 Devon County Championships, the Ocean City Hockey Club (OCHC) U12 girls' team, that include Amelia, Freya, Tegen and Charlotte, all from 7T (what a team!), represented Devon on the 21st April at the In2Hockey West Area Finals at M...
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25 Apr 2024
A huge congratulation's to Georgina, 9T, who has been promoted to Corporal in the Liskeard St Johns Ambulance cadets and has been awarded with the Cornwall Lord Lieutenant Cadet of the Year 2024.
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25 Apr 2024
Darcey, 8K, has competed in the Torbay Dance festival where she was successful in achieving many 1st,2nd and 3rd place medals. As a result of this success she was invited by the adjudicator to dance in the junior modern championships competing against all the other age groups and she won t...
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19 Apr 2024
This month, previous student Emma Taylor, will launch her debut poetry pamphlet ‘Bed & Breakfast’ with an event in Bath. The event to launch Emma’s collection is on at 7pm on April 25th at Burdall’s Yard and will feature an open mic, plus some featured performer...
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19 Apr 2024
Suzie, 8T, has completed her first duathlon of the season last weekend in Par. She achieved second in her category. Well done Suzie!
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17 Apr 2024
Mali, Year 13, will be running in the Race for Life 10km on Sunday 2nd June for Cancer Research in honour of her late Nana and is fundraising. Please see below Mali's story and a link to her just giving page.
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150th Birthday Celebration
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09 May 2024
In a flurry of flour, spice, and creativity, the student House finalists recently competed in the highly anticipated Bake-Off Final, a culinary showdown that honoured the school's 150th birthday in a truly delicious fashion. For this special occasion, the 'Show stopper' tasked...
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24 Apr 2024
As part of the 150th school birthday celebration, students have been representing their Houses in the PHSG House Bake Off! On Thursday 18th April, Year 9 and year 10 Houses competed in 'Dessert Week' for a place in the 'Bake Off' final next week.
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23 May 2024
A round up of the events that have taken place in the library in the Summer Term 2024
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Well done to Megan Brown for her repeated achievements with UKMT having participated in several intermediate and senior challenges over the last few years and winning awards each time. Megan has been recognised for her achievements and problem solving skills by UKMT by winning a place at UKMT summer school which we are delighted to hear that she will be attending, we hope she enjoys this opportunity!
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GCSE Revision
Year 11 are reminded that the online night school revision for GCSE Mathematics continues over the half term (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) and the week that follows.
Students and parents/carers have a schedule with links for each online session and we look forward to seeing students revising with us.
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Mr Simpson, who has been teaching here for the last few months, is going to be joining the peripatetic music team after half term.
He is initially going to be offering cello lessons at school with the hope of also restarting the school orchestra. He also has his own music school in Stoke where more instruments can be offered.
If you are interested in this and would like some more information, please don’t hesitate to contact him. His contact details can be found below:
info@encore-music-school.co.uk
01752 425475
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07 May 2024
Biology classes often offer students the opportunity to delve into the intricate details of the natural world, from the microscopic workings of cells to the complex systems of the human body. Recently, our Year 10 GCSE Biology students embarked on an immersive lesson focusing on the anatomy and func...
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17 Apr 2024
Our summer term PE, extra curricular clubs are dues to start next week. Students will need to sign up for the consent forms from the PE office this week should they wish to participate.
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PE Kit Donations
A reminder that Year 11s who have now finished with their PE kits- if they would like to donate them to the PE department for our ‘spare kit’ cupboard, we would be very grateful to have them.
Equally if any other students from other years have grown out of their PE kit, or trainers please could they do the same. Thank you.
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PE events for next term
The PE department has some exciting events coming up in the summer term. Students will be approached by their House Sports Captains and House Teams over the coming weeks to sign up to take part in:
- The Swimming Gala, taking place at Marjons Swimming Pool on Wednesday 12th June.
- Sports Day, taking place at Brickfields Athletics Track on Tuesday 16th June (whole school event).
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23 May 2024
Following our inspection in April 2024, we are delighted to announce that Ofsted continue to judge Plymouth High School for Girls and our Sixth Form provision as a ‘Good’ school in all areas of Ofsted's criteria.
Ofsted’s report highlights several aspects of our school that...
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23 May 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, rev your engines and fasten your seatbelts because Hummingbird, our beloved Formula 24 racing car, is gearing up for an exhilarating new season! Race number one is taking place on Sunday 26th of May at RMB Chivenor in the hope to achieve qualification for the international fina...
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20 May 2024
We were delighted to receive our ‘Certificate of Excellence’ from the School Guide. The School Guide look at a number of measures to decide on their ratings and it confirms the strong position that Plymouth High is in. It’s always a big team effort at Plymouth High with...
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07 May 2024
The atmosphere on Friday was electric, as we celebrated with our Year 11's on their notorious 'leavers day'. The atmosphere was joyous, with students and staff coming together to sign shirts, books and capturing memories for the years ahead.
Well done to an incredible Year 11, w...
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29 Apr 2024
Isabel, 8T, is a member of the Plymouth Triathlon Club and is eager to spread the word about their up-coming event in July.
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23 Apr 2024
PHSG will be hosting an Open Evening on Thursday 27th June from 4.30pm - 6.30pm. Booking is not required
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17 Apr 2024
We have a wonderful opportunity to share your creative drive to design. Our Earth Alliance Team are hosting a competition for students to make their own banner on the theme ‘Planet vs Plastic’ for our upcoming Earth Day events on the 22nd of April. We want these banners to promote t...
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29 Apr 2024
Last week, PHSG was fortunate to receive a visit from Rosie Gough, who works in admissions at the University of Cambridge to deliver a presentation to students who may consider Oxbridge as their post sixth-form destination.
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Student & Class of the Week
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20 May 2024
Student of the week: Evie, 9L. ''For playing Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 on her cello in front of the whole tutor group!'' Nominated by Mrs Readey. Awarded 10 House points.
Class of the week: Izzy & Evelyn, 7T & 7L. ''For being fantastic supports to their...
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16 May 2024
Class of the week: The cast of Mary Poppins 'For working so hard.' Nominated by Mrs Crouch
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07 May 2024
Student of the week: Freya, 10K. ''For excellent effort and commitment in French - as always - but for also for going above and beyond this week''. Nominated by Mrs Carter. Awarded 10 House points.
Class of the week: Year 10 Trampoline Club. ''These are year...
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29 Apr 2024
Student of the week: Noah, 9T. ''For being proactive and making the right choices.'' Nominated by Miss Shattock. Awarded 10 House points.
Class of the week: Year 8 French with Mrs Carter. ''Excellent effort, behaviour and lack of fuss during assessment today.''
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23 Apr 2024
Class of the week: 9A Tutor Group ''The tutor group has responded fantastically to the new mobile phone rules. They have brought in games, which they have been playing as a group at lunchtime, along with doing mindfulness colouring, wordsearches and crosswords that have been provided f...
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Reporting Absence
If a student is absent, then parents should contact the school each day of absence before 9am.
Tel number: 033 33 602230 (Option 1 then Option 1 for 6th Form, Option 1 then Option 2 for all other year groups).
Email: absence@plymouthhighschoolforgirls.org.uk
Parents must notify the school on the first day of an unplanned absence – for example, if their child is unable to attend due to ill health – by 8.30am or as soon as practically possible.
Parents should ring the main school phone number and report their child’s absence to the Attendance Officer together with the reason.
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PARKING
Please can we ask Parents for consideration when parking near the school, there have been some instances where it has been difficult for our students to walk safely due to the volume of cars.
There have been occasions where students have been late leaving for a sports fixture because parents had parked blocking the minibuses. Students can exit the site via Alton Road, and parents may consider this a convenient pickup point or one of the other streets surrounding the school.
Be reminded that there is NO PARKING allowed on the double yellow lines outside the school main gates.
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HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Students may contact staff if they have queries, firstly by visiting them in their department area, and only contacting them using school email system if they really can’t see them in person.
Parents may wish to contact staff. The following outlines what the Headteacher regards as important considerations regarding home/school communication, particularly by email:
¨ All communication must respect the dignity of the recipient.
¨ Within 48 hours: receipt of an email will be acknowledged by school either by the person contacted, or the most appropriate person able to deal with the issue (term time only, not after 5pm nor over a weekend).
¨ Within 5 working days: school will provide a response to the email by telephone or in writing, or e-mail. This may include informing the sender that more time is required to provide a full response. If this is the case, staff should indicate a time frame for a response.
¨ Staff will not be expected to monitor or respond to emails outside their normal working hours (nor at weekends and published school holidays).
Whilst this is extremely rare, if a member of staff receives an e-mail or call which is of an aggressive tone, sets unreasonable demands or could otherwise be interpreted as harassing, they will refer this to a senior line manager in the school, who will decide if consideration needs to be given to dealing with further communication under our Complaints Policy.
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PARKING
Out of respect for our neighbours and for health and safety reasons there is NO PARKING on the school site or for collecting/dropping off students on the double yellow lines outside our school gates.
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SCHOOL NURSE DROP IN
Don’t forget for our students, the School Nurse visits school to provide a “drop in” clinic on Friday Week A at lunchtime. Just pop along to the Counselling Room.
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STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
For safety reasons if your daughter has to leave school during the school day, and you are unable to collect her, she must have a note in her planner with clear instructions that you give permission for her to leave unaccompanied. Without your express instructions to this effect we will not allow any students to leave school unless they are collected by an adult from reception.
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NUT ALLERGY
Please be aware that we have students who are severely allergic to nuts and we would, therefore, appreciate where possible that you try to avoid putting nuts into packed lunches.
Although we are not going completely nut free, we have stopped selling packets of nuts as snacks in the canteen to try to reduce the risk to them and appreciate your support.
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SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE SAFETY
Our Children are spending more and more time on their mobile phones. Making them aware of the dangers of social media, and protecting them from these dangers can be very challenging. These are some of the better known sites that pose risks to children—are they on your child’s phone home screen?
To help safeguard your child please regularly take the time to talk to them about the way they use their social media apps:
Do they always know who they are engaging with?
Do they share their passwords?
Do they feel comfortable with what they are seeing and doing?
Do they feel pressure from “friends” to do/say things they don’t want to?
For more information please regarding online safety, please visit our website: www.phsg.org/
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Calendar Term Dates 2024-2025
Term
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Starts
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Ends
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One
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4th September (Year 7 & 12 only)
5th September (All Year Groups)
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17th October
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| Autumn Half Term |
21st October |
1st November |
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Two
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5th November
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20th December
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| Christmas Holidays |
23rd December |
3rd January |
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Three
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6th January
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14th February
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| Spring Half term |
17th February |
21st February |
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Four
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24th February
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4th April
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| Easter Holidays |
7th April |
21st April |
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Five
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22nd April
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23rd May
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| Summer Half term |
26th May |
30th May |
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Six
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2nd June
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23rd July
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| Summer Holidays |
24th July |
September TBC |
Curriculum Enrichment Week
TBC
Non Pupil Days
3rd September
18th October
4th November
5th May 2024 (Bank Holiday).
24th July 2024
25th July 2024
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