Community Studies News Autumn Term 2019

Now in their final year at PGHS, Year 11 have been looking at the new challenges ahead. They have looked at why change is an important part of life, which changes were the most common and what school will do to support them during this time.  They discussed these issues in small groups which helped them to realise that they are all in the same situation, yet they can view and manage the changes differently. They are also looking at reframing negative thinking, mental health, stress and exam pressure prior to their mock exams in November. They will then move on to learning about revision skills and completing their college applications. To help them manage any stress, they have filled in a ‘stress container’, a valuable tool that is widely used and recommended by Mental Health First Aid England. It helps them to learn that it can be good to think about things that are causing them stress and how they can manage it. They can then try and work out the things that they can change and the things that are beyond their control, as well as giving them an insight into what can make a difference. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to visit the Young Minds website where there is plenty of advice for both parents and students on a variety of mental health topics, including the pressures of school and exams.

As they are in their first few months at PGHS, Year 7 are also experiencing new challenges and big changes.  They have looked at the transition to secondary school and their friendships. Like Year 11, each student is different in the way that they manage this transition. They have discussed the thoughts and feelings that they have about secondary school and how to manage them. Additionally, they have spent lots of time with their form, making friends and getting to know each other. 

Mrs Cahill
Community Studies Coordinator

Scholastic Book Fair

scholastic book fair.png

We are really pleased to be holding a Scholastic Book Fair in school from 9th – 16th October.  Students will be able to buy a wide range of books and we will be holding a series of competitions for students to win books at the fair. 

One of the great features of the book fair is that parents will be able to order books via ParentPay, meaning there is no need to worry about sending your daughter into school with cash. 

If a book has sold out, we can order these into school so no-one needs to miss out! Keep an eye on Parentmail as further information will be sent out about the book fair shortly.

The Scholastic Book Fair also helps our school – we will receive a percentage of the sales in books for our very popular school library.  Every student in our school is automatically a member of our busy, well stocked library.  Recently, a “Shelf Help” section has been developed to provide students with useful sources of help and advice on the issues that teenagers have to face in today’s society.  Our friendly student librarians are around every lunchtime – not only are they avid readers who can help students with ideas for new reading but they are very well informed about how the library works.  Computers are available for students to complete their homework once a member of staff is on duty.

Mrs Woodhouse
Curriculum Leader for English

Sustainability Drive at PGHS

The Geography Progress Leaders from last year are now in Year 11 but have shown an interest in continuing the extra-curricular work they do with the department. Olivia O, Ava W and Scarlett S have set up a small working group, with a focus to make numerous small changes around the school in order to boost sustainability, cut waste and reduce our contribution to climate change. Mia M is the Senior Prefect on the Student Leadership Team with responsibility for sustainability projects.  She will have a team of younger students from a range of forms working on this and will form the “team on the ground”. Mila B in Year 10 has also expressed an interest in joining this group so if you would like to find out a little more about what they are planning, or perhaps you have some sensible suggestions for what they could realistically do around school, then please approach Mr Bowles or any of the students named above.

Mr Bowles
Curriculum Leader for Geography

Geography Subject Progress Leaders

We are delighted to announce that Lori R and Evie C have been appointed as our Progress Leaders for this academic year. These two dedicated, committed and enthusiastic Year 10 GCSE Geographers will lead the way in terms of extra-curricular provision and academic support for Years 7 to 9 this year.

Lori R and Evie C have already revived Geography Games Club, which is aimed at Year 7 and 8 as a way of indulging your passion for Geography and hopefully getting to know a few new people. The Club runs on a Monday lunchtime in Room 39 from 12:45 onwards. Come along, bring a friend and you will be made to feel very welcome.

Mr Bowles
Curriculum Leader for Geography

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award