EXCITE | ENRICH | EMPOWER
Message from the Headmistress A good education enhances skills, knowledge and understanding, but a great education should also open the doors to opportunities. I expect the girls at Princess Helena College to be excited by the challenge and stimulation of their learning experiences, to find themselves enriched outside the breadth of the curriculum but, most importantly, to be empowered with a wealth of opportunity. There is no doubt our girls thrive in this dynamic environment; and I am also sure that, despite only being 30 minutes from London, our setting in a stunning, tranquil 200 acre estate provides a wonderful balance. Our girls are really fortunate to have the best of both worlds.
EXCITE
Academic Our aim is to ensure all our girls, whatever their abilities, achieve qualifications that exceed their own expectations. Small class sizes and highly qualified, supportive staff encourage girls not to fear making mistakes, but to learn from them and push their own boundaries. Girls gain self-belief, self-worth, true independence and the resilience to challenge themselves and thrive academically.
“With our girls moving on to leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, we can be truly proud of our academic programme and achievements.” – Ms Rachel Poston, Deputy Head
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Art The Art Department is well equipped including a Dark Room, Photography Suite, IT Facilities for Digital Photography and a Ceramics Room. All the staff are practising, respected artists, working across a range of disciplines and the team is often joined by artists in residence. Our girls have the opportunity to enhance their skills, techniques, interest and showcase their work at our art exhibitions.
“Our open studio, approachable staff and variety of facilities make the PHC Art Department a vibrant place to create.” – Mrs Brioney Donlevy, Head of Art
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Sport Extensive facilities, alongside high quality coaching allow girls to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. Our sportswomen are successful at District, County and National levels. We recognise that, through sport, the girls learn teamwork, leadership and strategic thinking. At PHC every girl regardless of her ability, is encouraged to take part and enjoy sport.
“I like how encouraging our sports teachers are, they always challenge us to achieve our best. I have definitely improved and enjoy sport a lot more because of PHC.” – Year 8 Girl
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Music Joseph Haydn, who walked our corridors, is the school’s musical inspiration. Whether from lessons, termly concerts, informal recitals or professional performances and workshops, music resounds around the school throughout the year. Through dedication and hard work our girls reach the highest musical standard: leading ensembles at the Royal Albert Hall, and going on to become professional musicians.
“The teachers are friendly and helpful so my playing has improved quickly.” – Year 7 Flautist
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Performing Arts At PHC we recognise that every girl has potential. In a fun, yet challenging environment every girl can discover where her talents lie and develop them fully.
“I used to be quite shy, but the teachers have all helped build my confidence and I am now one of the lead parts in the school musical.” – Year 12 Girl
“Whether a designer, technician or performer, shy, confident or extrovert, there is a niche for everyone in our Dance and Drama Departments.” – Mrs Elizabeth Chambers, Head of Creative Arts
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ENRICH
Environment PHC’s beautiful setting inspires both the staff and girls who live and work here. Set in 200 acres of gardens, woodland and playing fields, the remarkable Queen Anne building houses our superbly resourced library, where girls study in an atmosphere of calm and purpose. Extensive grounds, which include a stunning Gertrude Jekyll Rose Garden, provide the perfect space for girls to relax.
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SCITLLE Academic results alone do not create successful career women. Our extra-curricular opportunities aim to instil seven core values in our girls: Serve, Create, Inspire, Thrive, Lead, Learn and Explore (SCITLLE). The SCITLLE Programme offers a variety of activities at lunchtimes and after school, as well as longer term projects and one-off events, ranging from cinematography to the Duke of Edinburgh Award and from life-saving to the Model United Nations.
“Mentors encourage girls to try new and exciting activities.� - Mrs Anna Fells, Head of Key Stage 3
Boarding Community, care and fun are at the heart of the Boarding House. The girls form firm, diverse and global friendships. Many Housemistresses live on site, creating a real family atmosphere. At the weekend our boarders enjoy visits to London and Cambridge. They take part in a range of activities such as scaling high ropes, canoeing on lakes and spa days.
“The links between House Staff, Parents and Academic Staff ensure that boarders have a tailor-made support network and a home from home.� - Ms Jan Haines, Head of Main School Boarding
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Old Girl, Sally Potterton, Professional Violinist
EMPOWER
Careers and Leadership All the knowledge in the world is meaningless if you are unsure how to use it. Our Careers Department helps girls find their voice, stand out from the crowd and succeed in entering top Universities and rewarding careers. In providing a supportive framework where they can ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’, we provide enterprise events, work experience, careers fairs, visiting lecturers and internships that prepare our girls for the competitive job market ahead.
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Future We believe that a PHC girl doesn’t just succeed, she exceeds. Today’s PHC girls are our future; they will be joining the world’s creative, innovative and energised workplace. In their time at PHC, girls are instilled with the confidence, knowledge and empathy that makes one truly empowered. Our girls expect to be leaders in the 21st Century; the firm foundations of academic rigour, life skills and emotional well-being laid at PHC create women ready for the challenges they will face.
Old Girl, Marina Lawrence-Mahrra, GSA Graduate
Community Each of the Houses is a hub for girls across the year groups and within the House environment girls are encouraged to work together and support each other, creating a family within a family. Our Mentor Scheme ensures that every girl has a staff member dedicated to guiding her both academically and personally allowing girls to challenge themselves and stretch beyond their comfort zone. Mentors help to develop the girls’ independence, resilience and perseverance: supporting a ‘can do’ attitude.
“I’ve loved being Head of House. The Houses are the back-bone of our community.” - Windsor House Captain
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Princess Helena College, Preston, Hertfordshire, UK, SG4 7RT Tel: +44 (0) 1462 432100 Fax: +44 (0) 1462 443871 Email: registrar@princesshelenacollege.co.uk Photo credits: Graham Flack, Mark Dean, Alex Winn