NEWSLETTER
Autumn Half Term 2024
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HEADTEACHER'S WELCOME
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of PHSG,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to another addition of our ever-popular termly newsletter. This term we have been delighted to see just how well our new year 7 students have been settling in. They have made lots of friends, studied hard in their lessons, completed their homework and thrown themselves into the life of the school. They especially enjoyed their team building event in early September. Our 12 students, many of whom we have welcomed from other schools have also made a great start to their studies. Indeed, it is always a pleasure to walk through the sixth form study centre and see our students hard at work during private study periods and relaxing together at break and lunch. There is a real sense of community in our sixth form and a desire amongst our students to perform at the highest levels.
Our year 11 and 13 students are currently preparing for the mocks. The year 11 examinations start in 4 weeks whilst the year 13 mocks are after Christmas. Both year groups have been preparing carefully so that they can maximise their outcomes. Good luck to both year groups.
Our year 11 are thinking about their next steps and we invite year 11 students and parents/carers from PHSG and from other schools to join us for the sixth form open evening on Thursday 7th November. There will be a chance to hear from us about what we offer, to visit subject areas, to learn about the support we provide and the environment we create alongside our study expectations. There will be talks at 4.30pm and 5.15pm in the Main Hall. Parents and students usually find these evenings helpful and informative and we very much look forward to seeing you on the 7th.
This term we launched our new 150 Foundation. It is a bursary funded entirely by the generosity of some of our ex-PHSG students and is designed to provide additional financial support to the Foundation recipients. Students in year 12 are able to apply for the Foundation funding, and we have received a number of applications following the launch to the year 12's earlier this term. In their application, students have written about why they think they would be worthy recipients and what they would spend the money on.
Team Hummingbird have done it again. They competed at Goodwood last weekend and performed magnificently. We are so proud of our team and I know you will enjoy reading more about their successes in this edition.
Our students are often busy taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. We are delighted that so many of our students have such a wide range of interests and I hope that you will enjoy finding out more about them as you read on. Our ‘latest news’ page on the school website is regularly updated and is always worth a visit.
Wishing you all a happy and restful half term break. A reminder that students return to school after the holiday on Tuesday 5th November for a normal school day.
Very best wishes
Mr Underdown
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14 Oct 2024
This summer, Emma, 11K, had the incredible opportunity to perform in the British Youth Musical Theatre production of the new musical When We Strike in London. After auditioning back in February, Emma beat out over 1500 applicants to secure one of the 300 spots in the 2024 company. She was selec...
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14 Oct 2024
A huge congratulations to Favour, 10K, who recently attended the highly competitive Bath Academy Netball Trials and has successfully earned her place on the team! This is an incredible achievement, reflecting her hard work, dedication, and skill on the court.
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11 Oct 2024
A huge round of applause for Scarlett, 8L, who made her mark in her first-ever British Championships trampolining event! Competing against 60 gymnasts across the 10, 11, and 12-year-old categories, Scarlett delivered two clean routines and placed a remarkable 28th overall – an incredible achie...
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11 Oct 2024
A massive congratulations to Naomi, 10L, who kicked off her swim season in spectacular style at the City of Plymouth annual swim meet this weekend! Competing against swimmers from 8 local clubs, Naomi not only achieved a new personal best in the 100m breaststroke but went on to qualify for the final...
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11 Oct 2024
Huge congratulations to Suzie, 9T, who wrapped up her triathlon season in style at her final event in Falmouth this weekend!
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08 Oct 2024
We are delighted to congratulate Carys, 9A, on completing the Abbots' Way walk with her Scout group. Carys set off at 7am and completed 24 miles by 1630 as part of her Ten Tors training. This is the first time that Carys had done this walk, and she was very pleased to complete it with...
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24 Sep 2024
We are delighted to congratulate Maria, Megan, India and Carmen on winning gold medals in the Devon County U17 Girls team in the South West Inter-County Water Polo Championships in Millfield over the weekend! A fantastic achievement!
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12 Sep 2024
As the summer drew to close, one of our very own students made waves—literally! On Saturday, 31st August, Isabel from 9T took part in her very first open water swim event at Roadford Lake, and what a debut it was!
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12 Sep 2024
We are delighted to announce that our Deputy Head Student, Frankie Baldry has been awarded the Plymouth Young City Laureate 2024-25 with Literature Works. During her Laureateship, Frankie will undertake writing commissions and perform at events across the city.
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20 Sep 2024
This term in Resistant Materials, our year 8 students have been diving into the world of product design, focusing on one everyday object we all use: the lamp! As part of their project, students have been researching existing lamps, studying their form and function, and now they’re bringing the...
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27 Sep 2024
Year 8 students took their Food and Nutrition lessons to the next level today, by building on the basics they learnt in Year 7. This term, they’ve been mastering more challenging recipes that require advanced kitchen skills, particularly when it comes to chopping and food preparation. In...
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08 Oct 2024
In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness week, the school Library Team has put together a selection of recommendations for dyslexia-friendly books that we have available in the library. Please feel free to pop along to find out more!
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18 Sep 2024
Over the summer holidays, the library held an Extreme Reading competition for students and staff to take part in. We set them a task to take a photo of themselves reading their books in unusual or out-of-the-ordinary places e.g. on a trampoline, riding a horse, stand up paddleboarding. Our winning e...
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16 Oct 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have a new book available in our school library: ‘Moon Tell Me Truth’. It is a collection of poems from the students of various UN schools in Gaza.
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16 Oct 2024
A round up of the events that have taken place in the library in the Autumn Term One 2024
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16 Oct 2024
The MFL team is offering a residential trip to Lille and Cologne during Curriculum Enrichment Week 2025. We will be exploring both towns and practising our French and German skills, as well as enjoying a day at a theme park in Germany. Letters have gone out to students in their MFL lessons. However...
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15 Oct 2024
This weekend, Team Hummingbird took to the track at the prestigious F24 Greenpower International Final held at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Competing against top teams from across the country, our talented crew raced their hearts out and secured an impressive 9th place finish! After months of hard work a...
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11 Oct 2024
This year, our student led Earth Alliance Group have done many things to help our aim of sustainability and have written an article to look back and celebrate their achievements and highlights of the year.
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08 Oct 2024
Our Sixth Form open evening 2024 will be held on Thursday 7th November 2024 from 4:15pm to 6:30pm. Presentations in the Main Hall at 4.30pm and 5.15pm. No booking necessary.
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27 Sep 2024
The staff at PHSG gathered in the staff room today for a very special event: a Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to come together, share delicious home made treats, and raise funds for a great cause—all while enjoying a well-deserved break!
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20 Sep 2024
Yesterday, PHSG opened its doors to welcome families for our highly anticipated Open Event—and what a fantastic evening it was! The school was buzzing with excitement as families toured the various departments, meeting our expert teachers and exploring everything PHSG has to offer.
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13 Sep 2024
This week, our wonderful new Year 7's took part in their Team Building event at Mount Edgcumbe.
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Farewell to Mr Rutherford
PHSG English teacher, Mr Rutherford, is leaving his post this half-term holiday, after thirteen years working at the school. He is moving back to his native north-east England to help with a family illness and will leave with many fond memories of the events and people of the Plymouth High community. He would like to thank students and parents past and present for their support, and wishes everybody future achievement and happiness.
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Diwali celebration - open to ALL students in all year groups:
Come and join us in Rm14 at lunchtime on the 7th November to learn about the Hindu Festival of Diwali celebrated by over one billion people all over the world, as well as here in Plymouth. This festival takes place between the 29th October and 3rd November this year.
We will explore the traditions and history of this festival respectfully. We will be trying some traditional sweet treats as well as doing a craft piece inspired by the colourful Rangolis seen in Hindu households and temples all over the world.
Miss Hofmann is also keen to hear from any students in 10/11/12/13 who are able to do Mehndi (Henna painting) - please ask them to see her in rm14/MFL office.
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Launch of the 150 Foundation
It is with immense pride and excitement that we write to you today as we continue to celebrate the momentous milestone in our school’s history, our 150th anniversary. For a century and a half, Plymouth High School has stood as a beacon of learning, tradition, and excellence, shaping the lives of generations of students.
As part of our sesquicentennial celebrations, we are delighted to announce the launch of the 150 Foundation, an initiative designed to support the academic journeys of students who may face financial barriers. This foundation will provide much-needed bursaries to assist with school materials, and other essential costs, ensuring that students have access to all the things that are needed to fulfil their promise, regardless of their financial background.
This bursary fund honours our long-standing commitment to inclusivity and excellence in education and seeks to build on the legacy of our institution. Over the years, we have witnessed the incredible impact our school has had on the lives of our students, and now, through this foundation, we can ensure that future generations receive the same opportunities that have defined our alumni's success.
We are calling on the strength and generosity of our parents, guardians, and alumni community to join us in this endeavour. By contributing to the 150 Foundation, you will not only be investing in the future of our students but also in the continued growth and prestige of Plymouth High School. Every donation, large or small, will make a difference and help us realise the vision of ensuring no child is left behind due to financial challenges.
We believe that together, we can make a significant impact, ensuring that the next 150 years are as bright as the last. Whether you are a current parent, a long-standing member of our school community, or an alumni reflecting fondly on your time at PHSG, this is your opportunity to give back and shape the future.
Thank you in advance for your generous support.
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My Family Digital Toolkit
Get personalised online safety advice, giving you everything you need to keep your child safe.
Family Toolkit link
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As we continue preparations for the upcoming mock examinations, I would like to inform you that students have now received a general examination timetable, which lists the dates and times of all the examinations. Please encourage your child to look carefully at this timetable to ensure they know when their specific exams are scheduled. After half term, they will receive a personalised timetable, which will provide all the details specific to their subjects and exam locations.
With the long half-term holiday ahead, this is an excellent opportunity for students to strike a balance between revision and relaxation. It’s essential that they use this time wisely, ensuring they rest and recharge while still dedicating time to effective study. Encourage them to create a revision plan that allows for breaks and time to enjoy hobbies and activities they find relaxing.
Additionally, during the first week of half term, many of their friends from other schools may still be attending school, making it an ideal time to focus on revision without distractions. Planning study sessions during this week can help set a productive tone for the rest of the break. All students have been given specific guidance on the topics being assessed in each of their examinations and they should use this advice to help narrow their revision focus.
Thank you for your continued support as we help the students navigate this important period.
The countdown to mocks...
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Student & Class of the Week
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04 Oct 2024
Student of the week: Darcey, 11K. ''For being proactive in handing in part of her GCSE PE practical evidence early to gain feedback.'' Nominated by Mrs Luscombe. Awarded 10 House Points.
Class of the week: 9D French Class with Miss Hofmann, ''They have made an amazing...
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13 Sep 2024
Student of the week: Evelyn, 11WAL, ''For her enthusiasm and commitment to English Literature.'' Nominated by Miss Taylor. Awarded 10 House points!
Class of the week: 11h/En1 English Class with Miss Taylor. ''For being absolutely fantastic in every lesson and making a bril...
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25 Jun 2024
Student of the week: Kyla, 10A, 'For an excellent French speaking test - the best in the class so far!' Nominated by Mrs Carter, awarded 10 House points.
Class of the week: Carnegie Book Group, Y8 & 9. 'Students’ hard work and dedication preparing for the book award ceremony...
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Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Parent Carer Voice are working hard to improve SEND services for families in Plymouth. To do this, Plymouth City Council would like to invite parents, carers, young people and professionals/service providers to take part in the 2024 survey. It should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
Plymouth Parent Carer Voice (PPCV) brings together parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Plymouth and the surrounding area. The group is run by parent carers like you, and they work to give you and your family a voice in the services that you use.
They are working hard with Plymouth City Council (PCC) to make sure that your voice is heard in the shaping of services across SEND 0-25 sector. They are asking for your experience to be shared in their yearly survey which looks into the central services that you and your child/young person use. Your young person does not need a formal diagnosis or an EHCP for you to be able to complete the survey.
If you use Plymouth services and are caring for a child or young person with SEND, please consider following/copying and pasting this link and select the survey that is relevant to you: https://www.plymouthpcv.co.uk/annual-send-survey-2024/
The closing date is Monday 21st of October 2024.
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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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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 |
2nd September |
Curriculum Enrichment Week
7th July - 11th July
Non Pupil Days
3rd September
18th October
4th November
5th May 2024 (Bank Holiday).
24th July 2024
25th July 2024
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