NEWSLETTER
End of Autumn Term 2024
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HEADTEACHER'S WELCOME
Dear Parents, Carers, Students and Friends of PHSG,
A warm welcome to our last newsletter of the calendar year. Read on to find out about our student leadership handover for 2025 and for details of the various Christmas events we have enjoyed along with a host of other interesting activities that students have thrown themselves into. This year we launched our 150 Foundation with the very generous financial support of two ex PGSG students. The Foundation provides a bursary for the lucky recipients to use as they see fit to support their studies and/or their preparation for University. We are very keen to hear from people who are eager to contribute to the 150 Foundation. The more money donated, the greater the number of students we can support with additional funding. Please see the article in our newsletter and perhaps also visit the 150 Foundation page on our website.
I hope you find time to relax, unwind, and enjoy time with loved ones. Perhaps consider taking a look at our holiday reading suggestions from The Day.
Technology Spring busting out all over at celebrity gala - The Day
PSHE What is life like for a journalist in Gaza? - The Day
Economics How we respond to a world cocoa shortage - The Day
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Very best wishes
Mr Underdown
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04 Dec 2024
A huge well done to Eva-Rose, 8T, who competed in the City of Plymouth Speech and Drama Festival last Wednesday and brought home a Bronze medal in the "Solo Monologue" category for 12–15-year-olds. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard wo...
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21 Nov 2024
On Friday afternoon, Ruby, 10T wowed everyone at a singing festival, earning 1st place and bringing home both a medal and a trophy! 🏆
What makes this achievement even more incredible is Ruby's resilience—despite battling illness over the past six weeks, she powered through with determi...
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21 Nov 2024
Well done to Emma W, year 10, who represented the school in the South West NSEA Eventer’s Challenge at Bicton Arena last weekend on her horse Mountross Basil. She had a superb clear round in the show jumping and cross-country elements but was unfortunate to be under the optimum time and so gai...
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12 Nov 2024
We are incredibly proud of Felicity, who had the honour of carrying the banner during the Remembrance Day parade in Tavistock.
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07 Nov 2024
Willow-Rose of 7A is on a roll! After being re-selected for Plymouth Argyle’s Emerging Talent Centre for the second year and successfully making the Devon County team, Willow had a packed half-term with achievements to match. Here’s a rundown of her football-filled week!
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06 Nov 2024
This weekend, Lucy 9A, tumbled her way to victory at the South West Tumbling Championships, bringing home a Gold Medal! 🏅 Her dedication, hard work, and countless hours of practice paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of her fantastic achievement.
Congratulations, Lucy, on this amazin...
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13 Dec 2024
This term, Year 9 students embarked on an exciting and challenging project in the Wearable Art unit, combining creativity, technical skills, and practical problem-solving to design and create a piece of wearable art. The project not only encouraged students to think outside the box but also emphasis...
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Message from the food department:
At this time of year, many families may be indulging in a tub of chocolates (or two ??).
Once the chocolates are finished, if you are able to donate the empty tub to the food department, it would be very gratefully received.
We are also currently holding an amnesty for any previously borrowed equipment or aprons that haven’t been returned. There is a knock on impact on lessons of not having the resources all students need if we don’t have enough equipment. Thank you very much to everyone who has returned things so far.
Thank you
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18 Oct 2024
The Geography Department has been blown away by the creativity and effort put into this term’s ‘Biome in the Box’ project by our talented Year 8 students. Tasked with creating a biome of their choice, students showcased their understanding of the flora, fauna, food webs, and curren...
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18 Dec 2024
A round up of the events that have taken place in the library in the Autumn term two 2024.
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18 Oct 2024
We are excited to announce that PHSG students are playing an important role in the Children’s World Book Awards, the UK’s only national book prize that is entirely reader-driven – from start to finish, the children themselves decide the winner! Each year, the award is presented to...
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04 Dec 2024
Congratulations to Anamaria, Charlotte C, Charlotte B, Aniyah and Ilyada for being successful in their application for Student Librarian. They all performed exceptionally well during their interview and are already proving to be a real asset to the library.
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18 Dec 2024
A team of 26 students attended the Plymouth Schools event in November at the Staddiscombe playing fields and, despite the wind and mud, they all ran really well. Spirits were high and we had 6 top 10 finishers.
Seven of the students have now been selected for the Devon Schools Cross Country Champ...
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27 Nov 2024
A huge congratulations to our netball team, who represented West Devon in the highly competitive Devon Finals in Exeter yesterday! As one of only two schools from our region to qualify, the girls showed incredible skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the tournament.
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18 Dec 2024
The Science Department recently held an exciting competition inviting students to design a new logo that will be featured on the department's materials and website. The competition attracted a wide range of creative entries, showcasing the impressive talent within our school community. It was a...
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20 Dec 2024
On Friday, 20th December, Portsmouth High School for Girls (PHSG) hosted its much-anticipated Carol Service at St Matt's Church, marking a joyful conclusion to the school's 2024 year. The event was a true celebration of festive spirit, featuring a variety of musical performances that brought...
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20 Dec 2024
Today marked a special occasion at Plymouth High School for Girls (PHSG) as the school gathered for the final assembly of the term, celebrating leadership and the announcement of the House Shield winner. The assembly not only acknowledged the dedication of our student leaders, but also witnessed the...
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19 Dec 2024
On Wednesday 18th December, PHSG hosted its annual Awards Evening, a special occasion to celebrate the achievements of students. The event provided an opportunity for the 2023/24 Year 11 and Year 13 students to collect their national certificates and be recognised for their hard work.
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18 Dec 2024
We are delighted to introduce the successful applicants for the Head Student Team 2025.
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17 Dec 2024
At PHSG, Christmas lunch is one of our highlights of the festive season. Our fabulous staff serve up a delicious feast of turkey, roast potatoes, and all the trimmings, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. With Christmas carols and cheerful tunes filling the air, students and staff come togethe...
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09 Dec 2024
This is the chance for PHSG students to get creative with our school food menu, as we’d like you to create a main meal dish suitable for a secondary lunch offer.
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06 Dec 2024
The PHSG Earth Alliance group has been working in conjunction with Derriford Hospital and their sustainability support department on projects at the Derriford Hospital site. This term they assisted in a litter picking project. This not only helped clean the hospital grounds, but also...
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04 Dec 2024
We are delighted to announce that Isabel and Bailey are the first recipients of the prestigious 150 Foundation Bursary. Introduced this year to commemorate PHSG’s 150th anniversary, this bursary was established to provide additional financial support and encouragement to our students, enabling...
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08 Nov 2024
On the 7th of November, students gathered at lunchtime for an immersive event celebrating Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights.
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25 Oct 2024
We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year's Christmas Card Competition, a beloved school tradition that has run for over 25 years! Students were tasked with designing the official school Christmas card, sent out to the school community. This competition not only showcases the incr...
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Message from Mr Jenkins
As we near the end of 2024, I wanted to say a huge thank you to all of our year 12 and 13 students who make our community the supportive and forward thinking Sixth Form it is. From the many that join from other schools to the internals that finish their school journey with us, you all positively add to our diverse and rich culture.
The Sixth Form team are busy planning events in the new year including taster A level sessions for our year 11, external interviews for students wishing to join our Sixth Form from other schools, a post mock examination wellbeing bowling event for our year 13, along with guiding our year 12 towards their mock examinations after the Easter break and then preparing our year 13 towards their final examinations and of course their Prom in June. Myself and Mrs Catchpole would also like say how super impressed we have been with the study culture that our Sixth Form students have adopted during their independent study sessions both within the study centre and our wonderful library.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Sixth Form team for all that they do in looking after each and every one of our students. I am so privileged to be surrounded by outstanding pastoral professionals. It was always my aim to become a Head of Sixth after receiving wonderful advice and care as a student. I wasn’t always the most focused student, my time and attention drawn by the various sporting endeavours and social demands placed upon a teenager. Having a Sixth Form tutor that understood me and a Head of Sixth that was able to guide me to make better decisions ultimately would allow me to progress. It is fair to say that being a teenager in today’s society is definitely no easier, but I am confident that even I would be effectively encouraged and supported to make the right decisions by the wonderful team we have.
Merry Christmas
Mr Jenkins
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Year 13 Notices:
Lessons will be running up to and including Wednesday 18th December. Year 13 Sixth formers will not be expected in school on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th December unless they are involved in the Drama Festival, Carol Service and final assembly.
Study leave will start on Monday 6th January 2025 until Wednesday 22nd January 2025. All students will be expected back into school for lessons on Thursday 23rd January 2025.
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Student & Class of the Week
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18 Dec 2024
Student of the week: Lucy, 7L. 'For helping her friend who was unwell and cleaning up afterwards.' Nominated by Mrs Payne. Awarded 10 House points.
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08 Dec 2024
Student of the week: Vee, 8L. ''Showed an outstanding understanding of German grammar rules in our lesson on word order on 3rd December and was able to put these rules into practice with speed whilst maintaining a high level of grammatical sophistication and accuracy. Fantastisch!''...
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02 Dec 2024
Class of the week: Under 16's Netball Team. ''They were one of two schools in West Devon who qualified for the Devon finals and played in Exeter last week. They won two of their matches, against Maynard’s and Colyton, and lost to West Buckland and Churston to come third in their po...
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24 Nov 2024
Student of the week: Tilly and Margot, 7K. ''For doing a great job of being Textile captains in Textiles classes this week.'' Nominated by Mrs Young. Awarded 10 House Points.
Class of the week; Year 9 French with Mrs Carter. ''Excellent commitment and hard work, copi...
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Things to do over the Christmas break that support your child's cultural passport in their Journals.
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Christmas at Plymouth Market
Enjoy lots of free festive activities at Plymouth Market in the West End, including a Christmas trail with a selection of great prizes to be won. There’s also a free Santa’s Grotto and face painting on 7, 14 and 21 December between 11am and 3pm.
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Entertainment at the Christmas Market
Plymouth Christmas Market returns to the city centre Piazza from 28 November to 15 December and there’s free festive entertainment to enjoy nearly every day, including performances from local choirs, schools, bands and sparkly stilt walkers.
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Low-cost family swim sessions
While it’s not completely free, if you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to keep the family active during the Christmas break, Plymouth Active Leisure is making it easy with £1 family swims. Bring the kids, burn off some festive energy, and enjoy quality time together at one of our local pools. It’s £1 per person but children aged 5 and under go free. Remember to book in advance as the sessions are very popular.
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Christmas at Plymouth Libraries
There’s lots of free festive fun taking place in libraries across the city, including carol singing, captivating Christmas readings and storytime sessions, and crafting. Find out more on the library events calendar.
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The Box
To find out more about our brilliant exhibitions and galleries and to plan your visit, Children's poet and author Jane Newberry and her puppets will be at The Box for a fun session based on 'Big Red Dragon', her new collection of rhymes for young ones and babies. Come along on Friday 20 December, 10.30am to 11am.
The Box is open Tuesday-Sunday and some Bank Holidays from 10am-5pm. Admission is free, there’s no need to book. Please note our opening times over Christmas and New Year:
Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (24-26 December)
Open on 27, 28 and 29 December
Closed on 30-31 December and 1 January
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FREE or almost free places for children to eat over christmas
Morrisons- Customers can spend £4.49 and get one free kids meal all day, every day at Morrisons this Christmas.
Beefeater and Brewers Fayre - Two children under 16 can get a free breakfast every day with one paying adult.
Asda - Kids eat for £1 all day, every day at Asda cafes, and no adult spend is required. Asda also provides free Ella's baby food pouches for children under 18 months old with any purchase.
Sizzling Pubs -The Ship in Paignton and The Chaddlewood in Plymouth are two of the pubs in Devon, owned by Sizzling Pubs, offering £1 kids meals over the Christmas holiday. Every Monday to Friday between 3pm and 7pm kids mains will be a pound with every adult meal.
Travelodge and Premier Inn - Buy one adult breakfast for just £8.99 and up to two kids eat breakfast eat free this Christmas holiday.
Hungry Horse - Three pubs across Devon, including Bath House in Exmouth, The Farmhouse in Exmouth and The Sloop Inn near Newton Abbot, are offering a deal for kids. Every Monday, the Hungry Horse is offering selected kids meals for just £1 and larger meals for only £1.50 with every full-paying adult.
IKEA - Kids get a meal from 95p daily from 11am at Ikea during the Christmas break.
Sainsbury's Cafes - Children eat for £1 with the purchase of an adult hot main from 11:30am every day.
Bella Italia - Kids eat for £1 with any adult main. The offer is valid between 4pm and 6pm Monday to Thursday.
Pausa Cafe at Dunelm - Dunelm's cafe is offering a kids' main meal, two snacks and a drink free with every £4 spend after 3pm.
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Safety throughout the Christmas Season
This guide offers practical tips to help families and educators maintain a more secure and fulfilling festive period.
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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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