Dear Parents/Carers

• Visit of Professor Winston.
• Mock Interviews – Year 11.
• Targeted Year 10-13 Parents’ Consultation Evening.
• Charity Concert.
• Christmas Carol Concert.

Visit of Professor Winston

The school was delighted to host Professor Robert Winston on Wednesday, 29^th November.  Professor Winston is an eminent scientist and we were very privileged that he agreed to come and talk to the senior students at the school.  Parents may remember some of his TV series such as “Child of our Time”, “The Human Mind” and “Child Against all Odds”.

Professor Winston talked about the fact that we have extra ordinary brains and that we live in a changing world whereby technology has increased our ability to do things.  He talked about the importance of being science literate and of using science wisely.  He told the young people to keep an open mind about learning as the wider we learn the more successful we can be personally.  Professor Winston also emphasised the importance of collaboration and building relationships so that we can shape the world we live in.

Professor Winston was very interesting to listen to and I hope that the students enjoyed his talk.  After the main talk Professor Winston met with students and parents for a question and answer session.

The event was a great success for the school.

Year 11 Mock Interviews

These were held on Tuesday, 28^th November.  We had 23 interviewers taking part, some former alumni of the school.  All the interviewers spoke very highly about our students.  I hope that Year 11 found it a valuable experience.  I wish to thank Mrs Trickey, Careers’ Co-ordinator, for organising the interviews.

Targeted Year 10-13 Parents’ Evening

This took place on Wednesday, 29^th November for students in Years 10-13.  This was an opportunity for parents and students to have an in-depth discussion with staff about learning.  I hope that everyone found it useful.

Charity Concert

This was indeed a spectacular event held at Gloucester Cathedral.

The opening number “Zadok the Priest” sent shivers down people’s backs.  It was very impressive considering the vast majority of singers were students.  This was followed by stunning performances from the Senior and Junior Choirs and various musical groups as well as the school orchestra and concert band.  The concert was held in aid of the Genesis Research Trust, founded by Professor Winston.  The Trust is based at Imperial College London and is the premier medical research charity in Britain.  Its scientists and clinicians work on premature births, miscarriage, reproductive health and early pregnancy disorders.  The Trust was represented by Julia Margo, the CEO of the Genesis Research Trust who spoke about the Trust’s work.  She could not get over the standard of music.  We are delighted that over 200 performers took part in this evening, about 25% of the school.  I wish to thank Mrs Day, Mrs Bowman and Mrs Warner for putting on such an excellent concert.  They were supported by Mrs Harper, Mrs Ford, Mr Sallis and Miss Marshall, our peripatetic teachers.

Thank you also to the performers for such a splendid evening.  It truly was inspirational!

Christmas Carol Concert

A reminder to all parents that the High School for Girls’ Christmas Carol Concert will take place at Gloucester Cathedral on Friday, 15^th December at 10.00am.  All are welcome.

With my best wishes

Ewa Sawicka, Headteacher