On Friday 26th September, our students and staff will once again give their full support to Macmillan Cancer Support by taking part in the nationwide coffee morning. Since 2002, the school community has raised over £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through the baking and selling cakes of all sizes and types, and the support of our local Starbucks and Costa has always been gratefully appreciated. If you would like bake a cake to support this charity event, please bring them to school on the 26th September ready for the cake extravaganza to begin at lunchtime. You can find out more about Macmillan Cancer Support here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/.

On Friday 18th July, Penwortham Girls’ came alive with colour and creativity as we celebrated our Culture and Community Day; a vibrant celebration of identity, diversity and togetherness. Students arrived dressed in clothing that reflected their interests, heritage, traditions or personal identity. From intricately embroidered outfits and national dress to meaningful accessories and sports jerseys, the corridors were a joyful display of global culture and pride. During form time, students worked collaboratively in groups to take on a creative challenge: building a structure out of art straws that represented an iconic landmark from around the world. The room buzzed with excitement and imagination as students engineered everything from the Blackpool Tower to Feathers ‘McStraw’! The winning teams were chosen based on creativity, teamwork, and how recognisable their final landmark was. It was a tough decision for the judges, given the incredible standard of entries! The day reached its peak in a dazzling fashion show, where students had the opportunity to showcase their outfits on the catwalk. Each participant walked with confidence and pride, accompanied by music that represented their culture. Students also shared the background behind their clothing; whether it was a traditional dress or a hobby they were passionate about. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheering, music and a strong sense of community. Culture and Community Day reminded us of the richness of our school’s diversity and the importance of celebrating each other’s stories. It wasn’t just about what we wore, but the conversations, connections and respect that were shared throughout the day. We are so proud of everyone who participated; by walking the runway, building a landmark or simply showing up and celebrating others. Thank you for making Culture and Community Day a huge success!

Winning entries were:

7G – The Titanic 

8G – Big Ben and the Pepsi Max!

9P – Spud Bros. Tram / 9G – Blackpool Tower

10H – Feather’s ‘McStraw’

Mrs Alison Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher

Sixteen of our incredible Year 10 students have just returned from the adventure of a lifetime – an unforgettable 10 day expedition to Kenya with ‘African Adventures’. Our journey began in the early hours of the morning, with a 1.30am meet at school before flying from Manchester to Nairobi via Paris. Tired but buzzing with excitement, we arrived in Kenya’s vibrant capital, ready for what would become a truly life-changing experience.

We kicked things off with a visit to Nairobi National Park, where the city skyline forms the surreal backdrop to wild lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, buffalo, impalas and more. We also visited the David Sheldrick Elephant Sanctuary, meeting rescued orphaned elephants and learning about the inspiring work being done to protect Kenya’s wildlife. Did you know that an elephant’s skin is actually quite prickly?

It was in Nakuru, during our five days volunteering at Ungana Academy, that hearts were truly touched. Our students threw themselves into every moment, teaching in classrooms, running lively sports sessions and even tiling an entire classroom from scratch! They bonded deeply with the pupils and staff, creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Our group didn’t just bring their time and energy, they brought generosity and compassion too. Thanks to the kindness of our wider community, we delivered vital donations including toothbrushes, crafts, stationary and sanitary products. In a particularly special moment, our students led a ‘Period Power’ lesson for girls in Grades 4 to 6, helping to break taboos and empower young women with knowledge and confidence. We were also thrilled to donate two projectors and photocopiers to support learning at Ungana Academy made possible by the amazing contributions of our sponsors.

A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our sponsors listed below for making a real and lasting difference…and that’s not all…thanks to the incredible generosity of Penwortham AFC, Ungana Academy now has a full home and away football kit! The students were absolutely thrilled and it’s safe to say those kits will be worn with pride.

After a breathtaking visit to Meningai Crater, we spent a morning in a traditional Maasai village, learning about their culture and way of life. Then it was on to a truly unforgettable two-day safari in the Maasai Mara, where we saw elephants, lions, wildebeest, hippos, hyenas, crocodiles, giraffes and even cheetahs in the wild! The students’ sense of wonder was unforgettable. We wrapped up with a fabulous visit to the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, before boarding our flight home via Amsterdam – tired, emotional, and forever changed.

This was more than a school trip. It was an experience that opened eyes, challenged hearts and inspired futures. We couldn’t be more proud of how our students conducted themselves, with kindness, resilience and an eagerness to learn from every moment.

Huge thank you to our sponsors:

• Penwortham AFC 
• Urban Kitchens
• Flue Direct Ltd
• Embroidery Unit 
• Roberts & Co Estate Agents
• Peter Booth Opticians
• Ref Stuff www.refscorer.com
• CBC Comprehensive Building Consultancy
• NWES 
• Riddell tps
• Store IT
• MenoTribe
• Rap conveyors
• Interbelt 
• Kerrigan Ltd 
• Braymale
• vulcanconveyors
• …and all the families, friends and supporters who donated and cheered us on from afar.

Asante Sana! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Mrs Honeyman

Associate Assistant Headteacher

International Women’s Day 2025 – Saturday 8th March 2025

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world. At Penwortham Girls’ High, we take pride in championing female achievements and recognizing the trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations including former students. In assemblies this week, we will be celebrating the theme for International Women’s Day 2025, ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

A Special Assembly to Celebrate Women

The assembly will feature an interview with Neetal Parekh, the LCC Inclusion Lead, who will share her insights on the importance of diversity and inclusion in today’s world, as well as the importance of being ambitious both for yourself and for others. Additionally, we will feature Emily Southworth, a former Penwortham Girls’ High School student who has gone on to earn a PhD focusing on cancer research and is currently researching the effect radiation can have on resistance to therapy in brain cancer. Emily shares her insights into perusing a STEM career and the resilience and ambition that helped her on her journey.

Mrs Hall

Headteacher

As part of the Charity section of the student council, we organised a book collection for the children’s ward at Royal Preston Hospital. This was inspired by the Big Help Out Organisation which encourages young people to get involved in volunteering and fundraising events. As a school, we are very passionate about helping the community around us, and these books will go a long way to help the play centre in the children’s ward so young people can have an escape from the hospital which many children can be in for long periods of time. As a school, we collected an estimate of over 100 books, which have been donated this week. This initiative not only helps the hospital but stops second hand books going to waste. I would like to thank everyone who was generous enough to donate these books and who have shown your support to the collection.

Chloe E

Student Leadership Team

Last week, the Soroptimist Society donated £300 to St Catherine’s Hospice. The money was raised by selling sweets and different refreshments on sports day, running a bake sale and organising a Halloween hunt. This money has been raised thanks to the students at PGHS who have been very supportive by participating in these events. St Catherine’s told us they are going to put the money towards buying Alexa’s for the patients in the hospice allowing them to listen to music whilst they are ill in bed. Many of us will be grateful to St Catherine’s hospice at some point in our lives when they look after our family members, and I hope this donation shows our gratitude.

Mr Herbert,

Associate Assistant Headteacher and Curriculum Leader for History

On Friday 29th September, PGHS students and staff enthusiastically participated in the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. There was a spectacular array of cakes and biscuits donated by students in all year groups, and Mr Dean’s science themed cake was particularly eye-catching! The year 11 student leadership team (ably assisted by volunteers from younger year groups) organised and managed the numerous stalls, managing to sell all cakes donated, raising a magnificent £382.75. It was also revealed this week by  Hannah Hargreaves, a fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, that PGHS has raised over £10,000 for the charity. This underlines our historic and ongoing commitment to supporting this important charity. Thank you to all students, staff and parents who supported the event. 

Mr Herbert

Associate Assistant Headteacher

On Friday 31st March Penwortham Girls’ High School held our second Culture and Community Day where students were invited to wear clothes which represented them and their culture, hobbies or interests. There was a fantastic array of colourful dress and uniform with staff joining in too. Discussions took place throughout the day with students and teachers alike invited to share what they were wearing and how it was significant to them. It really was a superb day and created a fantastic buzz around school. 

Usually when we have ‘non-uniform days’ in school students choose to raise money for charity. Whilst we were thinking about our community our Student Leadership Team wanted to do something a little different and therefore decided that each student should bring in an item of food to donate to a local food bank. The response to this was phenomenal so a massive thank you to everyone who donated. 

The stage was the central collection point and the front of it was absolutely covered in donations as you can see from the photographs. 

The donations were then divided between three local foodbanks chosen by the Student Leadership team. These were: Penwortham Food Bank, Noor Food Bank and The Foxton Centre. Each Food Bank was astounded by the donations received and were extremely grateful. 

This is something we will certainly look to do in future. A tremendous success everyone; Well done!

Mrs Cattanach

Associate Assistant Headteacher