13th February 2026
School Build Photo of the Week
Space and Beyond
In Earth 3 lessons, Year 9 have been finding out why Earth has seasons, how our planet moves around the Sun, and how its tilt affects temperature and daylight. They’ve also been exploring the Solar System, different types of stars and galaxies and the huge distances between objects in space. These distances are so large that scientists have to measure them in light years — the distance light travels in a year.
This learning links directly to what real scientists think about when planning space missions. NASA is working on an exciting project called the Artemis program. Its goal is to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. The mission will use the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket NASA has ever built, to send the Orion spacecraft around the Moon. This will help test new technology and make sure astronauts can travel safely on future missions.
But Artemis isn’t only about visiting the Moon again; it’s the next step towards going even further. NASA hopes to use the Moon as a base for future missions, including sending people to Mars.
So… can we get to Mars?
Thanks to what Year 9 have been studying, they already know some of the challenges. Mars is about 225 million kilometres away from Earth and a trip there can take between six and nine months. Spacecraft have to follow curved paths, carry enough supplies for the whole journey and keep astronauts safe the entire time.
What makes this topic even more inspiring is that the space science students learn now (forces, gravity, motion and energy) is exactly the same science used by real astronauts and engineers. These ideas help rockets lift off the ground, allow spacecraft to travel millions of kilometres and make sure astronauts can move safely in space.
Some Year 9 students could one day design rockets, build robots for space missions, or even walk on the Moon or Mars. Space exploration needs creative thinkers, problem solvers and curious people – all the skills that students are already building in their lessons.
Who knows? The next big step into space might one day be taken by someone in your classroom!
Mrs Goodwill
Science Department
Football Victory
After weeks of cancelled and postponed fixtures due to bad weather, the girls were thrilled to finally play their long-awaited first match of the season. Excitement was high as we travelled with a squad of 13 players for a 9-a-side fixture, ready to make the most of the opportunity.
Despite a cold, wet and windy evening, the team showed great determination and positivity from the very first whistle. Every player played an important role, demonstrating excellent teamwork throughout. Passing was sharp, movement off the ball improved as the game progressed, and communication grew stronger and more confident.
Just before half time, Adelaide D broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal. Moments later, Sophie D added a second to give us a deserved 2–0 lead at the break.
The team truly found their rhythm in the second half, playing with confidence and composure. Four more goals followed, with Sophie D adding to her tally and Lizzie A also finding the net twice, securing an impressive 6–0 victory.
It was a fantastic whole-team performance, full of effort, teamwork and resilience in challenging conditions. A brilliant start to the season – well done to all involved! Lizzie A, Heidi B. Adelaide D, Sophie D, India D, Felicity H, Tabitha J, Katy L, Olivia L, Harriet L, Elsie M, Amelie R, and Autumn W.
Mrs Tompson
PE Department
Wellbeing Evening
Our first Wellbeing Evening takes place this Thursday 12th February 2026. The evening is running from 4pm until 7pm, and we’ve got lots of great activities taking place, along with a wide range of organisations attending (a selection below):
The Vault Preston – sports and activities for everyone to take part in.
Youth Service – craft activities that promote wellbeing
Lancs Constabulary – local PCSOs answering any questions
School Nurse – advice and guidance
Compass Bloom – young person mental health support
Guidance Lancashire Mind – young person coaching and support advice and guidance
Lancashire Music Hub – Music bus on site – come and play an instrument!
You can come along for as little or as long as you like and there will be refreshments and a space to sit and relax throughout the evening.
We look forward to seeing you there!
School Build Photo of the Week
6th February 2026
Music Tuition
🎼 Discover the Power of Music – Sign Up for Instrumental Lessons Today! 🎸🎻🥁
At our school, we are proud to offer a wide range of instrumental and vocal tuition to students who wish to explore their musical talents, develop new skills and experience the many benefits that music brings to learning and life.
Instruments available include:
🎻 String (violin, viola, cello)
🎺 Brass (trumpet, trombone, etc.)
🎷 Woodwind (clarinet, flute, saxophone, etc.)
🥁 Drum Kit
🎹 Piano and Keyboard
🎤 Vocal/Singing
🎸 Guitar (acoustic and electric).
Lessons are just £80 per term, offering excellent value for high-quality one-to-one or small group tuition from our experienced visiting music teachers.
Why Learn a Musical Instrument?
Learning an instrument is more than just mastering notes and rhythms – it has a proven positive impact on the wider academic curriculum, including:
- Improved concentration and memory
- Boosted confidence and self-discipline
- Enhanced maths and literacy skills through rhythm and reading music
- Greater creativity and emotional expression
- Stronger teamwork and communication in ensemble settings
Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, now is the perfect time to get involved. Students will also have opportunities to perform in school concerts and events, helping them grow as confident and well-rounded individuals.
If you would like to register your child for music tuition, or find out more about which instrument might be right for them, please use the following link: https://www.penworthamgirls.lancs.sch.uk/curriculum-information/music2/music-tuition/🎶
Give your child the gift of music – it’s an investment that lasts a lifetime. 🎶
Mrs Alison Cattanach
Associate Assistant Headteacher
Head of Music & KS2/3 Transition Manager
Music and Verse Concert
We are excited to invite you to our Music and Verse Concert on Tuesday 24th February at 6pm in the school hall, an evening celebrating the talent, hard work and creativity of our students across Years 8, 10 and 11.
This special event will feature performances from our Year 11 GCSE Music students, who will be showcasing their solo and ensemble pieces in preparation for their final recordings. This is a fantastic opportunity to support them as they approach a key milestone in their musical journey. Adding to the evening’s entertainment, our Year 10 GCSE Music class will be performing their own solos in preparation for next year.
We’re also delighted to shine a spotlight on our Year 8 students, who will be sharing their chosen verses as part of their LAMDA Grade 3 Speaking Verse and Prose assessments. Their expressive and engaging recitations will add a rich literary dimension to the evening.
Join us in celebrating the hard work and passion of our performers in what promises to be a memorable evening of music and spoken word. Families, friends, and members of the school community are all warmly welcome. Tickets available on ParentPay: Adults £2; Concessions: £1. 📍
Date: Tuesday 24th February
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📌 Location: School Hall
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs Cattanach
Associate Assistant Headteacher & Curriculum Leader for Music
Grade 3 Speaking Verse and Prose Examinations
We are delighted to congratulate our students who sat the Grade 3 Speaking Verse and Prose examination at the end of the last academic year. The certificates have now arrived and the results are truly something to celebrate.
A total of 23 students took the exam, achieving superb outcomes across the board. Fourteen students were awarded a Merit, while an impressive nine students achieved Distinction—a fantastic reflection of their confidence, expressive skills and commitment to their preparation.
These results highlight not only the hard work and dedication of our students, but also their enthusiasm for performance and communication. We are extremely proud of every student who took part and congratulate them all on this wonderful achievement. Well done to everyone involved!
Mrs Cattanach
Associate Assistant Headteacher & Curriculum Leader for Music
Quality in Careers Standard
🎉 We’re proud to share some fantastic news! 🎉
Our school has officially achieved the Quality in Careers Standard, recognising the high standard of careers education, information, advice and guidance we provide for our students.
This award reflects our commitment to helping every learner explore their options, develop key skills, and feel confident about their next steps, whether that’s further education, training, or employment.
A huge thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive partners, and of course our students, who make this achievement possible. We’re excited to keep building bright futures together!
School Build Photo of the Week
30th January 2026
