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Music Festival Success for Anya

Huge congratulations to Anya B (Year 7) who performed at the Regional Final Competition in Leeds. 

Here she is photographed with some of her most recent medals and trophies. 

Read all about her experience below:

My experience at the EPTA Regional Finals Competition in Leeds 2026:

At the EPTA Regional Finals, I played ‘Spraymist’ by Walter Carrol. I had worked so hard on the piece (with the help of my family and my piano teacher, Maria), practicing every part again until it felt like I could play it without thinking. When I stepped onto that stage, I still felt a little nervous, like always, however, the moment I started playing, everything felt perfect and I could tell that the audience enjoyed it because they all sat super still! After I had finished, my mum told me that the adjudicator, Joanna Garcia said, “Wow!” under her breath as I finished the piece. Mrs Garcia praised the emotion that I put into the piece and said it felt like it came from within. Hearing that made me feel amazing because Mrs Garcia is such an amazing pianist and I couldn’t believe she noticed my shaping of the piece. It made me realise how much I’ve grown as a pianist and how much I love playing in festivals and concerts and sharing my skill to the pianist world.

By Anya B, 7P

LAMDA Success!

We are delighted to announce that the 23 students who entered for the Grade 3 Speaking Verse and Prose exam all passed with Merit or Distinction! A fabulous achievement for each and every one of our students. Students in Year 8 all study the LAMDA course as part of the technology rotation. Students learn to stand with the correct posture and to speak with clear diction, appropriate pace and projection. In the exam, students are asked to recite a poem set by the exam board and deliver some prose from a chosen book they have read; all from memory. Students are also encouraged to add some actions in order to communicate the story of the text they are delivering. 

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our students and look forward to the next entry in July. Well done, everyone!

Mrs Alison Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Head of Music

Brass and Wind Progression Event

We were delighted to host Lancashire Music Service’s brass and wind progression event for pupils from Walton Le Dale Primary, Longton St. Oswalds, Cop Lane C of E, Ashbridge School, and Lostock Hall Primary.

Everyone had an incredible afternoon listening to and performing with our very talented PGHS orchestra.

Mrs Cattanach, Associate Assistant Headteacher

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

School Christmas Concert – A Festive Evening to Remember

On Thursday 19th December, our school community came together for a truly magical Christmas Concert, and what a night it was! The event was a complete sell-out, reflecting the excitement and support for our talented students.

The evening was filled with superb musical performances, starting with a rousing “Jingle Bells” from the Brass Group, followed by a wonderfully festive “Holly Jolly Christmas” performed by the Woodwind Group. A special highlight of the night was the first-ever performance by our new String Group, who delivered a beautiful and moving rendition of “Silent Night.”

The energy continued with a brilliant Dance performance, featuring a lively Christmas Mashup that delighted the audience. Performing Arts students also shone, treating us to fantastic performances of the School Song from Matilda and the ever-popular “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”We were also incredibly proud of our Year 10 and Year 11 GCSE Music groups, who gave confident and impressive performances, showcasing their hard work and musical development.Thank you to all students, staff, and families who supported this wonderful evening.

We are delighted to share that all proceeds from the concert will go towards our Summer Musical, Frozen. If this concert was anything to go by, we are in for something truly special! 

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Festive Roadshow Spreads Seasonal Cheer

Thirty talented musicians from Penwortham Girls’ High School brought festive cheer to the local community this term by taking part in a joyful Festive Roadshow, visiting Penwortham Primary SchoolTesco, and Cop Lane C E Primary School.

The students showcased a wide range of musical talent, performing as part of the school orchestrawoodwind ensemble, and string group. The programme was further enriched by several superb solo performances, giving audiences the chance to enjoy both ensemble and individual musicianship.

Each venue was filled with a wonderful seasonal atmosphere, and the performances were warmly received by pupils, staff, shoppers, and members of the public alike. Smiles, applause, and festive spirit followed the musicians throughout the day.

The students were a credit to the school, performing with enthusiasm, professionalism, and confidence. There were many compliments from audience members, praising both the high standard of music and the positive energy the performers brought with them.

The Festive Roadshow was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone involved and a fantastic way for Penwortham Girls’ High School to share music and seasonal goodwill with the wider community. 🎶🎄

Christmas Celebration Concert

Excitement is building as we prepare for our annual Christmas Celebration Concert, taking place on Thursday 18th December in the school hall. Students across the Performing Arts and Music departments have been working incredibly hard this term to create a memorable evening of festive entertainment.

Our Choir, Orchestra, and Woodwind, String and Brass groups have all been rehearsing diligently, filling the music rooms with carols and seasonal favourites. Their dedication and teamwork are set to shine on stage as they perform a wonderful selection of Christmas music.

The Performing Arts group will also be showcasing the results of their hard work throughout the term, presenting dramatic pieces full of energy, expression and festive cheer. In addition, audiences will be treated to two stunning dance performances from our talented dancers, who have been perfecting their routines in preparation for the big night. We are delighted to share that tickets for the concert are now sold out, reflecting the fantastic support from our school community.

If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact the school reception.

We look forward to a joyful evening celebrating the incredible talents of our students and the spirit of the season.

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Year 10 Drummers Shine at Chew’s Yard Concert

On Thursday 26th June, four talented Year 10 students — Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia — took to the stage at Chew’s Yard in Preston to perform as part of the annual Jopson Music Academy Concert. The girls delivered an electrifying drumming performance that wowed the audience and showcased their dedication and musical passion.

Performing at Chew’s Yard — one of Preston’s most creative and lively venues — the concert brought together students from across the academy in a celebration of musical talent and dedication. Among the many highlights, Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia’s drumming stood out for its energy and precision.

Their performance was the result of weeks of hard work and rehearsals, demonstrating not only their individual skills but their support and encouragement of each other. 

Music teacher and Jopson Academy coordinator, Mr. Jopson, praised the group, saying: “The girls were fantastic — confident, powerful and clearly enjoying themselves. They’ve worked incredibly hard and it showed in every beat.”

Congratulations to Izzy, Olivia, Emily and Georgia for representing the school with such enthusiasm and talent. We look forward to seeing what you’ll do next!

Mrs Cattanach, Curriculum Leader for Music

  • Quality in Careers Standard
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • FFT National Attendance Award
  • Behaviour Quality Mark
  • Quality in Careers Standard
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • FFT National Attendance Award
  • Behaviour Quality Mark