DECEMBER, 2024
Head’s Address
This term has been as busy as ever at school; the sheer breadth of the activities that take place should provoke comment, but when one adds to that the quality that it is demonstrated, it really is something that is impressive. Highlights of course include the “big” events such as Prizegiving, the Christmas Concert and Midsummer Night’s Dream Rocks, but there is so much that takes place on a smaller scale that is of equal quality. Whether it be Mock Trials or Debates, the wide array of Society Talks and clubs, the huge number of sports fixtures or indeed the trips that go to places near and far, there is something for everyone. Perhaps my highlight was representing PGS at The Houses of Parliament for the launch of ISC’s Celebrating Partnerships report, exemplifying the considerable amount of work that our pupils do in the local community. They really are impressive, and I am very proud of them.
The Portmuthian: An Early History
1883 was an eventful year in Portsmouth. The town’s first public library, infectious diseases hospital and communal baths were opened, and an armoured cruiser, Imperieuse, was launched from Portsmouth Dockyard. Meanwhile, a nine-page publication named The Portsmouthian was launched with considerably less pomp and splash at Portsmouth Grammar School.
The new school magazine superseded The Record and Portsmouth Grammar School Chronicle, a publication produced by some of the older pupils which very soon sank like a stone through lack of support. This started as a hectographed paper in 1881 and, because of this technique, must have had a very small print run. Otherwise known as a jellygraph, it was evidently a messy and unsatisfactory business. One P G Wodehouse character, who used this technique to run off a school magazine, declared, “This jelly business makes one beastly sticky. I think we'll keep to print in future." The editors of The Record came to the same conclusion, and some later editions were properly printed, but this did not prevent its demise through lack of interest. Unfortunately, no copies survive in the PGS Archive.
The new magazine, then, was a brave venture, launched against the tide in a sea of apathy. But, unlike The Record, this publication had the approval of the Headmaster, Mr Jerrard, who put the Classics Master, Reverend C D Williams, on the Editorial Committee. With this endorsement, authority and perhaps intimidation it was considered that pupils might be more encouraged to contribute.
Portmuthian Editorial Team 2024
Dawns S
Fola O
Sabiha S
Sophia C
Megan A
Ruthie G
Mesoma N
Iona P
Oliver W
DIARY
A Level Drama Trip – Our Country’s Good
September 18th 2024
On 18th September, Drama students in Years 12 and 13 headed to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London to see Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, one of the set texts for Drama ALevel. The play is about a theatrical performance by the first group of English convicts transported to Australia in the 18th century, and we were all inspired by the acting, set and costume choices made by the production (though the Diet Coke Tshirt and horse shorts were an interesting costume choice for 18th-century Australia) – being able to see concepts such as lighting and sound in the context of the production proved incredibly helpful in supporting our own ideas. We would like to thank Mr Robinson and Mrs Martin-Guruge for organising such a great trip!
Year 11 Buddhist Meditation Trip
September 19th 2024
On September 19th, years 11-12 who study religious studies went to the London Buddhist Centre. The morning started by us going on the bus excited for the day ahead. When we arrived, we were treated to a beautiful flower garden. We then met the Buddhists. They were very kind and welcoming.
They taught us about their beliefs and their practices in greater depth, which was very interesting. They taught us about Buddhism, sharing their wisdom and answering all our questions; we even got to meditate which was very relaxing and helped us clear our minds.
The peaceful atmosphere made it a unique experience. By the end of the day, we had all left with a greater understanding of mindfulness, and their religion. This was a truly educating and enlightening experience. It was a memorable day for everyone.
Languages & Cultures Day
September 26th 2024
This year, PGS saw its first ever International Languages and Culture Day!
Students were encouraged to dress in flag colours or in cultural clothing, and the school grounds became an incredible display of the diverse cultures and traditions that make up our school community. It opened up conversations about people’s backgrounds and was a wonderful experience to be a part of.
During lunch time, the DRT was packed full of students participating in activities run by D&I. There were students playing mancala and ddakji and students learning African drumming.
Talks were happening at the same time, with a special visit from the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary, a local charity who provides support for refugees. Pupils learned about the journey of asylum seekers coming to the UK, the laws on immigration, and services the charity offers to help refugees in Portsmouth, including care packages and English language classes.
Pupils learned about Ugandan culture with Mrs Titheridge and engaged very well with questions and contrasting examples. Some tried out their traditional dances, showcased by our 'Partners in Learning', Kikaaya College School. The pupils found their 'African Hips' and performed the routine for each other with gusto. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and those collecting books from their lockers in the room afterwards looked on with envy, wishing that they had joined in too!
Combined Cadet Force Camp
October 4th – 6th 2024
Early Saturday morning, 104 cadets mustered in the quad, ready for the annual Tri-Service October Camp, this time to the Isle of Wight. On the first night the Yr 9 got to sleep in the barracks, while the rest spent a night under the stars. The Navy & RAF slept in tents, whilst the Army slept in Bashas. During the weekend, the Army got to do rifle training, harbour, and camouflage and concealment. The Navy participated in field gun and distex (a damage control video game). Lastly the RAF tried out a flight simulator and leadership activities. The Seniors got to go clay pigeon shooting, scores ranging from unfortunate zeros to 8/10. Some ration packs got traded, so an extra skill of trading was added to the weekend. The vanilla biscuits were to die for!
We returned to school on Monday at 1545 hours, in time for a well needed rest and shower!
Year 9 ‘Getting to Know You’ Day
October 3rd 2024
Last Thursday, year 9 had a getting to know you day down at governors green. We were in our Tutor groups for the day and spent periods 1 - 4, off timetable. There were 4 activities that each house took in turns going on. There were An inflatable life-size table football game, an alien game that tested your reaction time, a bungee run, and a large inflatable course. In the Alien game, we were in pairs, and we had to either hit as many Green or Red (depending on what colour you chose) buttons as you could. On the bungee run, you were strapped into a Velcro harness and had to run as far as you could before you got pulled back. You either had to tag someone in your tutors hand or attach a Velcro bean bag to the middle of the inflatable. If you weren’t on any of the inflatable activities, there were some challenges you could complete on paper, which at one point included all of Whitcomb doing a plank. Overall, it was a very fun day, where we got to work in teams and enjoy a day of timetable.
Year 7 Boy in the Picture Workshop
October 7th 2024
As Yr 7 dutifully filed into the David Russell Theatre to take their seats it was evident that they weren’t quite sure what they were about to
experience. Rob Higgs is ‘the boy in the photograph’ and his talk was so much more that a presentation about ‘bullying’ that the few wellinformed pupils reported when asked what they were expecting. The initial drama that recreates Rob’s personal experience of being bullied when he arrived at a new school aged 14 was met with gasps and shocked expressions from his young audience.
As a highly experienced public speaker, Rob Higgs successfully blended his personal experience with boarder examples of different types of bullying illustrated in TV programmes or on the sports field. What was unique about the talk was the fact Rob gave Yr 7 pupils effective strategies to manage challenging or conformity situations with humour and confidence. Two willing contributors from the audience role played the ‘question’ style strategy that was met with robust applause from their peers. This was the second time that Rob Higgs visited PGS and this time he spoke to Yr 5 and 6 pupils in the Junior school before heading over to the DRT. The teachers and pupils that attended his talks were full of praise for the fact that he empowered children to challenge bullying behaviours and how not to be a passive bystander.
Year 10 Geography trip to Hengistbury Head
October 3rd 2024
On Thursday, 3rd October, the year 10 geography department embarked on a thrilling trip to “Hengistbury Head” - a headland only 15 minutes from central Bournemouth equipped with countless fascinating geological characteristics.
The purpose of the trip was to visualise the exhilarating reality of how various landforms and rock types, erosional processes and human development can diversify the world we live in, with this particular study focusing on the effect of the coast and human defences in order to variegate English landscapes.
The Hengistbury Head case study is one of the most important studies undertaken by GCSE
geographers, demonstrating the impact of various features when our landscapes are formed. The headland particularly alludes to the effects of the high wave energy by the sea on the soft geology of the English coastline, and how defences are put in place to combat the vicious coastal erosion.
Altogether, the visit to Hengistbury Head was certainly a delightful and intriguing trip, infused with absorbed learning and enjoyable experiences. The warm, sunny weather and picturesque coastline alongside the various fascinating details made for an overall outstanding experience.
Politics Trip to Parliament and the Supreme Court
October 8th 2024
On the 8th of October, Year 13 politics took the day to visit Parliament and the Supreme Court. After a delay with trains, we made quick haste for our tour of Parliament. Starting in Westminster Hall, we made our way through to the Lords (a grander venue than the Commons). We stood between the benches and saw where the king delivered his state opening of parliament speech. After a short wait, we met one of Portsmouth South MP Steven Morgan’s parliamentary researchers who kindly found a way to get us into the current opposition day sitting of the commons. Here we sat in the gallery while the opposition, both the Conservatives and Lib Dems, delivered their opinions of labour’s proposed VAT addition to private school fees, something very relatable to all of us. It was the day's highlight for all, especially for Mr Lemieux. After that, we quickly went across Parliament Square to the Supreme Court. We sat in on a current case hearing, Dartmoor National Park Authority v Darwall, about wild camping laws in Dartmoor. A quick walk later to meet our train, we ended an amazing and unique day.
House Countdown
October 8th 2024
The Middle School took part in House Countdown during the first half of this term. Over the course of three lunchtimes, 4 pupils from each House (two Year 7s and 2 Year 8s) competed two numbers and two letters rounds followed by a conundrum. This was a real test of their ability to problem solve
under pressure as well as their ability to check their answers before presenting them, as any wrong calculations or words were awarded 0 points! The competition was intense, and it came down to a final game between Barton and Summers for the title. Amazingly this resulted in a low-scoring tie, handing Summers House the trophy for this year. It was thoroughly enjoyed by those who participated, those in the audience and those Heads of House who came along to support. The main takeaway from this year was that we almost had our first correct answer to the conundrum and the Hawkey team will now forever remember how to spell tableware! The Senior edition of the competition will run after Christmas.
Blake Morgan Moot Court
October 10th 2024
At the beginning of October, The PGS Law Society were delighted to welcome again OPs Bradley Albuery and Tim Rampton to host this year’s PGS –Blake Morgan Law Moot (mock trial). Held in the Willis Room, rearranged for the afternoon into a court room, pupils from Year 10 and above argued their case in front of the bench and those assembled. Working in small teams, and following preparation over the previous week, they excelled themselves and justice was certainly the winner! Our thanks again to Bradley and Tim, and to Blake Morgan solicitors, for offering this opportunity to our pupils again this year.
The PGS Law Society also had a presence at this year’s newly reinstated Portsmouth Legal Service held in St Thomas’ Cathedral. The service marks the beginning of the legal year and was attended by many of those involved with law in the city, including judges, lawyers, emergency services and member of the Council. Sophie B and Tishe O (both Year 12) joined other local students in reading the prayers as the service ended.
Year 7 Unloc Day: Business and Public Speaking
October 11th 2024
Many people have nightmares about public speaking. Others dream of being on The Apprentice. The Unloc day helped Year 7 with both of those.
The event was made to build our confidence and inspire business ideas.
In the morning, we formed small groups and were given a talk by a professional entrepreneur. He talked to us about what it is like starting a business and the challenges we may face. He gave us feedback as we went and helped us grow our ideas.
Towards the end of the session, we presented our plans to the rest of the year and were told what was good and what to improve on.
At the end of the day, we worked with another professional on presentation skills. She helped build our confidence in public speaking and thinking outside the box.
Overall, it was an inspiring day and helped our courage and commitment.
House Drama
October 16th 2024
On 16th October, a large group of actors, directors and stage crew from Years 9-13 assembled in the DRT for an evening filled with comedy and rivalry. Performances included pieces from Come Fly With Me (Whitcombe), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Grant), Friday Night Dinner (Latter), and Miranda (Smith): all were hilarious in different ways, and it was lovely to have such wide participation from a range of year groups. At the end of the evening, Mr Wickes took to the stage for the eagerly awaited and always controversial announcement of prizes, which this year went to:
Best Actors - George T and Owen C (Whitcombe)
Best Actress - Polly B (Smith)
Best Cameo - James M (Latter)
Funniest Moment - Buster R (Grant)
Best Director - Charlie N (Whitcombe)
Overall Winner - Whitcombe House
Huge congratulations to all who participated in what was a highlight of the half term!
Twenty-seven excited students flew from Heathrow to New York for the first week of the half term break. The city provided so many exciting experiences, from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to standing on the “Top of the Rock” to see the whole city, the most incredibly moving experience for everyone was the 9/11 museum which had to be experienced to be fully understood.
Arriving in Philadelphia everyone got to see Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The group split with half visiting Eastern State Penitentiary where Al Capone stayed; the remainder visited the museum of American Revolution.
Finally, we went to Washington DC where the museums and sights were unending; the highlight for many was the highly impressive Lincoln Memorial. The trip up the Washington monument was made even more special as we had the viewing platform almost entirely to ourselves. The whole trip was finished with the chance to see George Washington’s home in Mount Vernon. These are just some of the opportunities the group had, in just 6 days we covered over 150,000 steps.
Spanish Trip to Barcelona
October Half Term
History Trip to New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
October Half Term
During the October half term 16 A level Spanish students embarked on a 5-day trip to Barcelona, aiming to immerse ourselves in the language and improve our Spanish. We flew with a Spanish airline, which gave us the perfect opportunity to practise the language, even before arriving at our destination.
Over the course of the week we visited many iconic Barcelona landmarks, such as La Sagrada Familia, where we received a wonderful tour from a local guide (in Spanish of course!), who told us all about the fascinatingly intricate designs of the cathedral. We also visited Las Ramblas - the bustling main street of Barcelona - and two different markets in the historical quarter. Additionally, each afternoon we attended a two-hour Spanish lesson at the Camino language school, where we talked about a wide array of topics, from gentrification to Spanish pop stars.
Engaging in Spanish culture was another goal for this trip, including trying various local delicacies (like “pinchos”: a Catalan staple similar to tapas), and travelling on the metro daily, which gave us plenty of time to practise our conversational Spanish with the teachers, such as our continuous inquiries as to “¿cuantas paradas más?” (how many more stops?).
Overall, this trip was an amazing experience that has improved our Spanish tremendously, providing an insight into the history and culture of Spain, which is useful context for the topics we learn about.
Year 11 History Trip to Greenwich
November 5th 2024
Did you ever wonder how we told time at sea before digital clocks?
Well, this was a problem that needed to be resolved in Restoration England. Charles II had a desire to grow English trade and part of that was to standardise time at sea, this was just one of the navigation problems during this period which helped to establish the Royal Observatory. The problem you have is if your clock ticks because of a swinging pendulum, as the ship rocks from side to side, precious minutes and hours can be lost, due to the unstable vessel, as well as this, clocks were made from materials such as copper and wood which would alter under the heat and wet conditions.
In 1714, the Longitude Act was introduced in England to find a solution to the problem of keeping time at sea and using longitude. John Harrison designed a clock which could do just that. Made from a mixture of brass and steel the metal would not alter in the conditions of the ship, he also resolved the issue of a ticking pendulum by adding
two interconnected swinging balance’s, which were unaffected by the ship’s movement. This meant that time could now be precisely measured, leading to a more efficient trade and shipping. This is just one of the fascinating aspects of history at the Royal Observatory London.
Joint Memorial Service
November 7th 2024
On the lunchtime of Thursday 7th November, Year 12 French pupils led an online Remembrance Service with our partner school, College St Louis in Normandy. Pupils from both schools read texts in French and English remembering the sacrifice of former pupils who fought in the two World Wars. The theme of this year's service was the poppy (le coquelicot) and its French equivalent, the cornflower (le bleuet). Thank you and well done to the pupils Rosa, Emilia, Lizzy, Alex, Tishe, James and Alfie, as well as to Mr Sadden who read the famous and moving poem, In Flanders Fields.
‘We Will Remember Them’ Lecture
November 7th 2024
PGS was very pleased to welcome Andrew Whitmarsh, curator of the D-Day Story in Portsmouth, to deliver this year's We Will Remember Them history talk in the BCSC lecture theatre. On the 80th anniversary of this momentous event, the subject of how and who to remember was relevant so close to Remembrance Day. The lecture was well attended by pupils, parents and friends of PGS, and was also graced by the presence of the Lord and Lady Mayoress. Our thanks to Andrew for giving up his time and delivering a very thought provoking yet accessible illustrated talk which also conveyed his own considerable knowledge of Operation Overlord.
Biology Poster Competition
This summer, year 12 students Nikhil S, Lissiana J and Sabiha S participated in the Science in Medicine School Teams Prize hosted by Imperial University, with people from the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research on the judging panel. They made a poster on how stem cells are used to treat heart scarring, researching ideas on how to solve this contemporary issue more efficiently, stretching outside the school curriculum to explore which inventions could be combined to make a new treatment for future applications, such as the use of miRNA proteins with stem cells. Not only this, they explored the economic factors, ethical issues and clinical studies that would arise with the use of this treatment, understanding the importance of affordability and acceptability in translating inventions towards a reduction in inequality-related poor health outcomes. Overall, this was an exciting project to undertake, developing teamwork skills and thinking creatively on how to present this information.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Evening
November 8th 2024
On Friday the 8th of November, our school community gathered to commend the achievements of 104 PGS pupils who have achieved their DofE awards. Last summer, these pupils completed their awards in exhibitions to the Brecon Beacons, New Forest, River Wye and South Downs. This event was an opportunity for these gold, silver, and bronze achievers to gain their certificates and celebrate with their peers. After a photoshoot, everyone enjoyed hearing from the Gold DofE completers about their experiences - including the
intrepid rescue of a cow by the canoeing group. This was followed by a talk on resilience and perseverance by rower Major Adam Siggs; Siggs’ team had won the gruelling ‘World’s Toughest Row’ competition, across the Pacific. Finally, pupils were called to the stage to receive their badges to the applause of the audience rounded off an excellent evening.
Year 9 Trip to Brighton November 8th 2024
Year 9 visited Brighton on Tuesday to further investigate the topic of "Place" which they have been studying this half term in lessons. We walked between the Royal Pavilion and the i360 tower along the seafront to better understand Brighton's place characteristics and how the city can be considered an inclusive place. The highlight was getting an aerial view of the whole city and beyond from the i360 tower, with art being observable from above on rooftops, adding to the city's identity.
Pupils agreed that, even though it is only 90 minutes from Portsmouth, the "feel" of the city is hugely different. We didn't miss an opportunity to conduct some fieldwork either, and pupils will no doubt be looking forward to analysing it on their return after the half term break!
Anti-bullying week and Odd Socks Day
November 12th 2024
This term, the PGS community celebrated AntiBullying Week, aiming to make our school more inclusive and welcoming.
To mark the start of the week, pupils came into school wearing Odd Socks. Odd Socks Day is designed to celebrate individuality and what makes each one of us unique.
Later in the week, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors met to continue their work across the school and to discuss new initiatives. These ambassadors play an integral part in our school throughout the year. Moreover, parents were encouraged to donate to the Anti-Bullying League; an organisation to support children across the country who have been affected by bullying.
The week was a successful display of what makes our school special: compassion, inclusivity and empathy. It is symbolic of our efforts throughout the year to counter bullying and celebrate individuality.
Top of the Bench: Chemistry Competition
November 13th 2024
In November, fifteen teams of Key Stage 4 pupils from Portsmouth and as far away as Dorset attended the Chemistry Department to take part in the annual Top of the Bench Competition. PGS is unique in our region at being able to run this event, such is the standard of facilities, Teachers and Technicians required to design and implement the competition. Most of the day consists of the
competitors tackling novel and unfamiliar practical tasks based on chemistry that is not within normal school curricula, and which is pitched at a level significantly beyond GCSE. To complete the event, there is a demonstration lecture on the topic of cryogenic chemistry and physics. The event also fosters our strong relationship with the Royal Society of Chemistry, who provide the funding and prizes. Following the competition, the novel experiments designed for Top of the Bench are woven into the Programmes of Study at PGS, to the benefit of our pupils for many years ahead.
Chris Connaughton Visit
November 14th 2024
Chris Connaughton had the Y12 English A Level classes transfixed this term with his unique performance entitled ‘Good Morning, Mr Dickens’. This was a blend of context and text, where Chris reimagined Dickens’ energetic writing process, weaving in extracts from one of his earlier novels, ‘Nicholas Nickleby.’ Bringing a tricky text like this to life has helped to develop pupils’ reading confidence, and the event was an incredibly fun way of inspiring interest in classic literature for the next generation of readers!
Year 8 Public Speaking Day
November 15th 2024
This term, Year 8 took part in a public speaking workshop run by Unloc, which was a fun and challenging day. The activities were all about building confidence and learning how to express ideas clearly.
The first task involved debating opinions. Unloc staff gave statements, and we had to say whether we agreed or disagreed and explain why. Another activity was developing and presenting an idea for a charity. We worked in groups to come up with ideas and present them to the rest of the year. It was hard work, but we received lots of support from Unloc. We also ranked famous public speakers, like John F Kennedy, which inspired us to improve our own public speaking.
The Unloc staff helped us develop our skills and made everyone feel comfortable. It was a great experience that helped us think on our feet and improve our speaking skills!
English Speaking Union – Schools’ Mace
Competition, Round One
November 18th 2024
On Monday 18th November, the senior debating team travelled to St Swithun's, Winchester, to take part in the first round of this year's prestigious Schools' Mace competition. This is the English Speaking Union's flagship event: founded in 1957, it is the oldest and largest debating competition for schools in England and Wales, involving around 300 schools each year.
Our team (Shraddha S, Toby L and Marinela P) were the Proposition for the motion 'This House Would build homes on the green belt'. They were opposed by a team in which our reserve speaker (Samuel VDB) had to step in at short notice - and to great effect! Despite Samuel guest-starring for the Opposition with a fiery closing speech, our team did win over the judges and qualified for the next round. Indeed, our three Year 13 speakers delivered wonderfully well-prepared speeches and made a strong case (as Mr Murray put it) to 'concrete over Surrey'!
This is a brilliant achievement, and all four speakers were a great credit to the School. They can be congratulated on their fantastic rhetorical skills and can look forward to their next debate, in January, which promises to be fiercely contested.
Prizegiving
November 18th 2024
On 18th November, the school gathered in the Guildhall for our annual Prizegiving ceremony, in which prizes were awarded for achievement in the 2023-24 academic year. Along with subject prizes for each subject in each year group, a selection of prizes were also awarded for each of the PGS Core Values. During the event we were also treated to an exhilarating performance of our sixth form band Morning After’s new single Maeve, with incredible performances from all the musicians which had the entire school clapping along. The ceremony was followed by an inspiring speech by guest of honour Olivier Evans, who memorably used a jellybean analogy to demonstrate resilience.
Maths Kangaroo and Olympiad & Maths News
November 20th 2024
This term, we had many Maths events running that allowed pupils to experience Maths in inspiring and challenging ways. We had the individual challenge of the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge and the Maths Olympiad for Girls as well as the Ritangle and Cipher Challenge team competitions. There are many successes to celebrate where the pupils excelled on a national level and had a lot of fun in the process.
Before half term, we partook in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls, with 9 of our best Sixth Form female Mathematicians taking part. Everyone has enjoyed watching the worked solutions on YouTube and comparing answers and the results showed why! There was an incredible set of results, including 3 Merits and 5 Distinctions, showing the talented female Mathematicians that are a growing proportion of our cohort. Those who received Merits were Lucy H, Gianna H and Ruby W. Those who received a Distinction were: Belinda C, Chelsea C, Charlotte D, Sherlyn S and Cindy Z.
Following on from this, pupils studying Mathematics in Years 12 and 13 and selected pupils from Year 11 took part in the UKMT Senior individual Maths challenge. This is one and a half hours of problem solving, using Mathematics in ways that are different to what they have seen in the classroom. Over 700,000 pupils take part nationally with the top 8% receiving a Gold certificate, the next 16% receiving a Silver certificate and the next 25% receiving a Bronze certificate In Year 12 there were 10 gold certificates and in year 13 there were 10 gold certificates. These pupils are Ayman A, Thomas B, Chelsea C, George C, Harry C, Harry D, Thomas F, Ryan G, Jiali H, Steven J, Marvin L, Peter L, Craig M (Best in school), Yuyang S, Sherlyn S, Edward U, John W, Ruby W, Cindy Z and Steve Z.
The top 1000 pupils get invited to participate in the British Olympiad, with the next 6000 pupils in the country being invited into the next round called the Kangaroo. Both are incredible achievements, putting pupils in the top 1% of pupils nationally. For these next rounds, the top 25% receive a distinction and the next 40% receive a merit. There were 20 pupils who qualified for the Kangaroo, which is amazing to see and in that, 5 pupils achieved a Merit. They are: Ayman A, Harry D (Best in school), Steven J, Sherlyn S and John W.
Everyone who took part should be incredibly proud of what they achieved, and we wish the Years 9, 10 and 11s the best of luck for their Intermediate Maths Challenge which happens next term.
Council of Portsmouth Students (CoPS) Summit
November 21st 2024
Five Students from Years 8 and 9 attended the first Council of Portsmouth Students (CoPS) summit of the year on Thursday this week. Students were able to participate in ice-breaker activities before discussing the nature of democracy and how our rights work. They then presented back to the Council of over 60 students about how Student Voice is essential to a school like PGS. The students were thoroughly engaged all day with political discussions and intense debate. Our second summit will follow in the Spring term.
Year 10/11 Careers Convention
November 22nd 2024
On the 22nd of November, years 10-13 got the chance to explore their future at the Careers Convention. There was a wide range of jobs to learn about and different pathways to discover. Plus, everyone left with something to take away, for example, valuable advice or some fun freebies. I found out about a really interesting engineering competition, which I’m definitely going to try out! Thank you to the Careers team for sorting out such a wonderful afternoon.
PGS Law Society Mock Trial
November 27th 2024
Following the Blake Morgan Moot earlier in the term, on Thursday evening, the PGS Law Society welcomed back to the school His Honour Judge Peter Lodder to run a Mock Law Trial.
The Memorial Library, rearranged as a courtroom, provided a suitable ambience of grandeur and gravitas and Judge Lodder, a former pupil and now governor of the School, presided over proceedings. Fifteen Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils played roles as witnesses and prosecution/defence advocates, with parents, staff and other pupils forming the jury. The pupils rose to their challenging roles very impressively. For the record, the Defendant was charged with Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm following an alleged shoplifting event, but was found not guilty as, after deliberation, the jury felt that the prosecution had not met the burden of proof, despite there being some evidence either way.
Thank you very much to Judge Lodder and the pupils, parents and staff who supported the event and the preparations for it.
House Debating Competition
November 28th-December 5th 2024
The House Debating Competition ran from 28th November to 5th December, beginning with a training session by Mr. Vincendeau and Mr. Murray to review debating rules and techniques. In the first round, Smith House debated Whitcombe House on the motion: “This House would pay reparations to the descendants of slaves.” Smith’s depth of argument secured them a win. Latter House debated Grant House on whether to
deport asylum seekers to foreign countries during claim processing. Latter’s detailed case won the round.
In the third-place playoff, Whitcombe supported the motion to reintroduce mandatory national service. Despite strong arguments, Grant House's cohesive opposition earned them third place. The final saw Latter and Smith Houses debate the motion: “This House believes that the dangers of populism are greatly exaggerated.” Latter highlighted populism's role in amplifying marginalized voices, while Smith countered with the risks of division and radical policies. Smith’s nuanced case earned them the championship, followed by Latter in second place. Special recognition went to Samuel V for outstanding summary speeches. Thanks were extended to Mr. Vincendeau for training and judging, and students are encouraged to join the Debating Society to hone their skills.
The Philosophy of Trump lecture
November 28th 2024
Professor Graeme Smith explored the rise of relativism, a postmodernist offshoot rejecting universal truths, which he argued has replaced utilitarianism in modern politics. While voters once sought to maximize collective well-being, today’s electorate increasingly prioritizes individual gain, fuelling populist movements like Donald Trump’s rise. Smith illustrated this shift through examples from Trump’s administration, such as appointing an anti-vaxxer as Director of Health, highlighting the diminishing value placed on expertise.
Smith also examined philosopher Richard Rorty’s relevance, noting his 1997 prediction of a charismatic leader exploiting working-class alienation. While Rorty foresaw Trump’s rise, his relativist rejection of universal truths has drawn criticism for enabling "fake news" and subjective rhetoric. Smith warned that modern politics increasingly prioritizes compelling narratives over evidence, citing Brexit as a parallel case. He urged the public to embrace critical thinking and demand accountability to preserve democracy in this era of relativist populism.
Year
12
Geography Trip to London
November 29th 2024
On Friday the 29th of November, the year 12 geography A-level class travelled up to London via train, which was thankfully, not delayed. When we arrived at Waterloo Station, we took the tube to Stratford to visit our first destination- the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. We roamed many different
areas in the Olympic Park following our amazing tour guide Miss Burton (with the help of Mrs Knott), including the velodrome stadium. Using opportunistic and random sampling strategies, we collected our primary data and tried to get a feel for the sense of the place identity there. The weather was lovely, with lots of sunshine which was a bonus as it was still quite windy. After a light snack, we headed back to the underground station and advanced to the second important area we wanted to investigate in London; and this was the London Docklands. Here, we were instructed to find some lunch and complete as many surveys included in our place investigation as we could. In between the colourful variations of regional and fast-food stalls, fancy restaurants, and expensive shops, every individual managed to do the tasks that were set out for us. We were slightly knackered by the end of our day but had enjoyed our time spent together learning and taking in these regenerated parts of London.
Year
11 Cathedral Visit
December 2nd 2024
On Monday 2nd December, a group of Year 11 RS students took a short walk down the High Street, for a guided tour around Portsmouth Cathedral. The focus of the visit was to make connections between our learning on Christianity and what is a familiar, yet little-known, venue for PGS pupils. It enabled students to look at the Cathedral with fresh eyes and discover features that may previously have gone unnoticed. We were intrigued to spot a carving that seemed to refer to 'December 32nd 1866', but we also tried to find signs of the perichoresis, where the concept of the Trinity is represented in architecture The highlight of the visit, though, was a Q&A session with Canon Hariet, one of the clergy at the Cathedral (who appeared in last year's Midnight Mass, filmed by the BBC - which is still available on the iPlayer for a few more days, and in which starred several PGS choristers). Questions tackled various aspects of Christian beliefs and practices, including liturgy, baptism, or the doctrine of salvation. This was an excellent way for students to see how syllabus content is translated 'in the real world', and much was gained by relocating our lesson around the corner - it was a great success overall!
A Journey Through Journalism
December 2nd 2024
On 2nd December 2024, Year 7 had a whole day devoted to learning about journalism.
We learned so much with the help of PGS’s very own Ms Hart, Teacher of English and Literacy Lead, Mark Waldron, Editor in Chief at The News, and the Year 12 Reading Mentors.
To kick start the day, Ms Hart tested our current affairs knowledge with a quiz, which pupils got very enthusiastic about once they realised there were sweet prizes for the correct answers! Then we heard from our guest speaker, Mark Waldron, an experience journalist who has met numerous famous people such as Donald Trump, King Charles and Queen Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, and many more significant people.
Mark taught us what it is to be a journalist in the modern world, how to organise an article, and the five Ws and one H! (‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘why’, ‘when’, and ‘how’). He also taught us about the inverted pyramid of journalism and how our article
can reach its target audience. Everything he spoke about was extremely interesting. I for one know that I have a new-found interest in journalism as a career.
I asked him why he wanted to become a journalist. His answer was: “I’ve always loved writing and telling stories.”
We then spent the day in Houses with our Reading Mentors, creating our very own House newspapers, full of articles about our community.
When questioning my friends they said, “we enjoyed everything, but I especially enjoyed Mark’s talk and getting to ask him questions.”
Winners for the day were:
Best Team Effort: Summers House
Best Newspaper: Hawkey House
Best Article: Seni – ‘My PGS Experience’ Best Photo and Caption: Barton House
Overall, I think it was an excellent experience, and I hope we will see this event in years to come, so we can learn even more about journalism. As I have come to realise that journalism plays a huge part in today’s society – we would all be clueless without the news!
Thank you for everyone who took part and helped with the organisation of this event: it was a day to remember.
Literary Society Christmas Celebration December 5th 2024
Literary Society ended this term with a wonderful Christmas party and ‘blind date with a book’ gifts.
Pupils and teachers gathered to reflect on the successes of the year so far: talks from Mr Valente about Arcadia, Mrs Kirby’s fascinating talk on neoVictorian Gothic based on her current PhD work, an OP talk from Tara Bell who had just graduated with a first from Bristol to a Remembrance-inspired talk from Mr Wickes about war poetry and fiction, to name but a few.
There was genuine delight and intrigue as the pupils selected their blind-date book, using the clues on the wrapping to select a book that they would enjoy. We hope the pupils enjoy their Christmas reads!
Lit Soc continues next term and will celebrate all things Jane Austen, starting with a talk from Kim Simpson, Chawton House Library, on 16th January 2025.
Summer Results 2024
There were lots of happy faces on A Level results day, and quite rightly so, as they had achieved some outstanding results. More than 20% of all PGS A Level grades were an A* - an amazing achievement. The majority of Sixth Formers had been accepted onto their first-choice university courses and we wish them all the very best as they take their next steps. It was a day for recognising outstanding individual achievements, and, undoubtedly, there was also a sense of relief that hard work had paid off. There was also a sense of relief among staff that the celebrations could be held outside as the weather held out following a grey start to the morning. 6 former students are going on to study at Oxbridge and another 6 are going to study Medicine or Veterinary Science. A small but significant proportion of Sixth Formers have gone on to study for degree apprenticeships with a variety of prestigious companies, such as PWC, rather than following a traditional degree route. However, the most popular post-PGS course is to study Business, Economics, or a related financial degree and more than 30 of last year’s Year 13 have gone on to do just that. “One of the very best things about PGS is the range of subjects which our Sixth Formers study and the variety of interests and opportunities that their studies ignite
both at PGS and beyond” said Mrs Haslam, Deputy Head (Academic). “We are delighted with this year’s superb outcomes and hope that all our Year 13 leavers go on to achieve remarkable things. They leave with our fondest wishes”.
There was a similar celebratory feel about GCSE results day the week after even though the weather was less favourable. Over 75% of Year 11 achieved at least one Grade 8 or 9 and one pupil scored an amazing 10 Grade 9s as well as an A in Additional Mathematics – well done to her! The mostcommonly awarded grade was a 9 and the second mostcommonly awarded was an 8. This meant that there were lots of smiles as Year 11 celebrated success in a wide range of subjects, which was again testament to their hard work and their teachers’ efforts in supporting them through the year.
We are very proud of all our pupils’ achievements this year. We hope that our new Year 12 approach the Sixth Form filled with confidence at the strong GCSE foundation they have to build on and that both Year 12 & 13 are inspired by the achievements of their predecessors and use them as a springboard for their future endeavours.
House Photography
The recent House Photography competition produced some wonderful images and there was a great deal of thought put into some of them. Squirrels seemed to be the order of the day but so were lovely leaf colours.
In the Middle School, Freddie S won the 1st prize for Barton with a photo of a charming squirrel chewing on a nut. Hawkey won second place thanks to Adam S’s photograph of a well-positioned chestnut. Third place went to Summers House thanks to Thomas D, and Eastwood came fourth.
In the Senior School Latter won first place, with the first prize shared between Tristan S’s autumnal tree with impressive red leaves, and Keryan L’s photo of another delightful and sharply focused squirrel!
Smith came in second place with Milly L’s stunning photo of autumnal trees reflected in a lake and Owen M’s lake secured third place for Whitcombe.
When tallied together, the Green Houses came 4th, joint second went to the Yellow and Blue Houses, and the Red Houses came first.
Well done to all for embracing this creative challenge.
Remembrance Day
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
– Thomas Campbell
This poignant sentiment resonated deeply as students and staff gathered solemnly in the quad on the crisp morning of November 11th. Despite the chill in the air, the atmosphere was suffused with warmth and respect as the school united to honour those who sacrificed their lives in times of war.
Mr. Lemieux’s heartfelt address set the tone for the ceremony, reminding everyone of the enduring significance of remembrance. Following his words, the clear, mournful notes of The Last Post, played with great skill by William Chappel (Y13), echoed across the quad, calling everyone to reflect. As the final note faded, a profound stillness descended.
For two minutes, time itself seemed to pause. Heads were bowed, and silence enveloped the school. It was a silence heavy with meaning, each person’s thoughts carrying them to a place of gratitude and reflection. This shared moment of quiet contemplation reminded us of the unity that binds us, even across generations, in our commitment to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today.
The act of remembrance is not simply about looking back; it is about looking forward with gratitude and responsibility. Remembrance Day reminds us of the cost of peace and freedom, urging us never to take them for granted. It challenges us to honour the sacrifices of the past by striving for a future defined by compassion, understanding, and unity.
In our fast-moving world, these moments of collective reflection are rare and precious. They allow us to pause, to connect with history, and to remember that every name on a memorial was a life a story, a family, a future. By holding their memories close, we ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
The gathering in the quad exemplified this spirit. As the school stood together in respectful silence, it was clear that remembrance is not just about honouring the past but also about inspiring the present. It is a call to live lives that reflect the courage, selflessness, and hope of those we remember a call to build a better world in their memory.
Drama
The Autumn term is always a busy one for PGS Drama, and this term has been the busiest yet. House Drama was brought forward to October, allowing more of our Y11 and Y13 pupils to take part, and we were treated to a highly entertaining, funny and charming evening of comedy and accomplished acting. Starting with Whitcombe’s performance of ‘Come Fly With Me’, directed with great flair and a surprising amount of tact by Charlie N, we progressed through Grant’s hilariously absurd and silly version of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’, directed by Isaac F, followed by Oscar M’s well-observed and slyly funny ‘Friday Night Dinner’ for Latter, and Chloe M’s beautifully staged and
performed ‘Miranda’, featuring an exceptional performance by Polly B that felt remarkably close to the real thing. Whitcombe came away with the main honours, but the evening’s big winner was the audience, who got to witness joy, teamwork and talent amongst our fantastic pupils. Watch this space for Middle School House Drama later this academic year.
Talking of joy, teamwork and talent, it’s difficult to imagine a purer expression of what this looks like on a stage than ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream Rocks’, our annual main production which took place at the New Theatre Royal last week. Many of the audience, including a raucous matinee of junior
school pupils, had little idea of what to expect from this mash-up of Shakespeare, concert and film, but they all emerged afterwards thrilled, moved and yes, rocked by a bold and unique production, performed by a cast, crew and rock band at the top of their collective game. Shout-outs are difficult when faced by such a collaborative success, but it’s worth celebrating, in particular, Rufus M’s stellar lighting design, Gemma W’s thrilling choreography, Chloe M’s nerveless stage management, the superb camera team of Mr Nolan-Davies, Max B and Charlie N, rock band ‘Morning After’s brilliant musicianship, Mr Robinson’s strange and wondrous adaptation and direction, and Rocco C’s codpiece, which many of those present will never forget the sight of.
Alongside the above, PGS Drama has run successful trips to ‘Our Country’s Good’ in London for our A Level students, and to ‘Come From Away’ at Chichester for our Y9s. We look forward to the residential trip to New York in February, followed by our evenings of pupil-directed theatre in March, ‘Sister Act Jnr’ in May, and our Sixth Form Play at
Hilsea in June. Thanks to every pupil and member of staff who has given their time, commitment, and talent to drama at PGS thus far - we look forward to what the rest of the year brings.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Rocks
The highlight of the year in Drama is always the New Theatre Royal production in November, and this year’s show was particularly special, combining the original Shakespearean text of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with pop music, contemporary dance, a live band and an enormous screen amplifying the action on stage. Cleverly and creatively adapted by Mr Robinson, the show featured music from the Beastie Boys to Charli xcx, from Bruno Mars to the Arctic Monkeys, with many more besides.
Writing about the production, Mr Robinson said that “Shout-outs are difficult when faced by such a collaborative success, but it’s worth celebrating, in particular, Rufus M’s stellar lighting design, Gemma William’s thrilling choreography, Chloe M’s nerveless stage management, the superb camera team of Mr Nolan-Davies, Max B and Charlie N, rock band ‘Morning After’s brilliant musicianship, and Rocco C’s codpiece, which many of those present will never forget the sight of.”
House Shout
Following Smith’s success in the inaugural competition was difficult. Rufus, Chi and George decided upon the Coldplay medley of Sky Full of Stars and Viva la Vida. Coldplay is musical excellency, but notoriously challenging and presented an ambitious challenge.
Everyone enthusiastically threw themselves into the day and the progression of the performance was incredible to see. Smith overcame our initial reluctance, and the singing grew in volume and quality by working until the transitions and entries were smooth. Fola led others to create red stars, whilst Chi, Milly and Jamie developed invigorating choreography. When the afternoon arrived, we performed first. The entrance was exceptional, and the music was brilliant thanks to Rufus, George, Ana, Iona, Annabelle and Will. The way that the whole house came together to a single person blew the judges away. It is a credit to everyone that Smith managed to pull off this ambitious arrangement resulting in first place again.
A massive well done to each and every person involved on the day and that means Smith are now 2 out of 2 for House Shout!
Sport
Rugby
U12
The Year 7 rugby season showcased significant improvement, teamwork, and determination across A and B teams. The U12A team concluded their season with a thrilling draw against Bishop Wordsworth, scoring four tries apiece. This performance highlighted their enhanced handling skills and attacking support play. Defensively, the team has grown in confidence, with standout tacklers including Casper R, Adam S, Henry D, and Rocco M. Isa M and Ehsan A demonstrated strength in ball-carrying and leadership at the breakdown, while Hugo F, Isaac B, and Aiden C-B displayed exceptional attacking flair. Notable improvements were seen in Sam P and Freddie S, who stood out as the most improved players.
The U12B team also had a commendable season, marked by their impressive victory against Ryde. Their ability to move the ball across the pitch and their hard work in defence, particularly in their final match against Bishops Wordsworth, showcased their growth. Leading attackers included Arran N, Wolfe W, Thanasis L, and George B. Jake C’s tackling technique stood out, alongside the improved defensive efforts of Ben G, Jake K, and Teddy W. George D earned recognition as the most improved player for the B team.
U13
pressure, and a comeback victory against Magdalen College, showcasing the team’s mental toughness. The squad also excelled at the Lord Wandsworth Rugby Festival, where the A team won five of seven matches with fluid attacking play. The B team similarly impressed, winning five matches and displaying strong team spirit. Throughout the season, players demonstrated skill development, teamwork, and adherence to rugby values such as sportsmanship and leadership. Notable awards went to Rising Stars Dougie L (A) and Justin C (B), Star Players Fynnley D (A) and Kit A (B), and Coaches’ Players Archie B (A) and Ben J (B).
U14
The U14s navigated a season of growth and learning. Led by captain Aleks C and versatile player Freddie M, the team’s standout performance came against Bryanston. Despite a narrow 31-30 loss, the match showcased their ability to play an expansive and cohesive game. With a smaller squad this season, the players’ commitment and hard work were evident, laying a strong foundation for future success. The team’s progress hints at their potential to perform at a high level in the coming years.
U15
The U13 squad experienced significant growth, becoming a cohesive and confident unit throughout the season. Pre-season training laid a strong foundation by focusing on technical skills, fitness, and teamwork. Key moments included a hardfought match against Churcher’s College, emphasising resilience and composure under
Our season started off with a triangular Tournament played with KES and Shiplake, this tournament was a good start to the season with a 41-0 victory against KES. However, during the Shiplake game we realised what we needed to improve. During trainings we improved our flaws from Shiplake so going into the Pangbourne game all of the boys were ready to try and get a better result. This was a success, and we came out with a narrow win over them. We then had what was going to be one of the toughest games of the season - Churcher’s College.
We fought well and came out of the game with another close victory 17-7 this was brilliant for the boys, another victory was attained and this mentality of wanting to win went on into our training session Our next game was against the Oratory School where we had a convincing win over them, 34-5 Our next game was against Bryanston School this was a terrific game and definitely the best game
leader. Jeremy O, Ben N, Sam A, Max S-R and Fraser M provided the solid platform in the front row. Archie S, Ibrahim A, Alex W, and Matthew S produced plenty of ball carries, tackles and everything in between in the back row.
Co-Captain Lachlan F steered the back line and team from fly-half with excellent distribution and some intelligent kicking. Zac A in the centres has
the season
U16
The U16's have been a committed and tight knit squad throughout the term. They have progressed nicely and whilst there is still some way to go, when they get it right, they can compete and beat anyone on our circuit. They have also been exceptionally good company and always trained and travelled with enthusiasm.
Co-Captain Archie B has been tireless in his work rate from Number 8, racking up a huge tackle count and ball carrying each game, and fully deserving of his opportunities to represent the 1stXV too. Henry C has matured into skilful second row with a physical frame and fellow second row Zac L has really stepped up as a mature player and future
been outstanding in every training and match, displaying controlled aggression with and without the ball. The rest of the backline of Rohan D, Buster R, Reuben C, Ollie D, Finn P, Indie S, Ay SB, Will C, Sam B and Bruno R have all played their part in the success of the team and all have had plenty of moments of brilliance themselves. The team started with an encouraging win against Shiplake College and hard-fought draw with KES Southampton. After a tough run of three consecutive defeats, the squad responded to record four wins in a row, including victories over Magdalen College School and Bryanston School. It was also at this time that the boys put in their best performance of the season with a nail-biting 19-19 draw with Windsor Boys School in the National Cup.
of
The team finished the season with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses.
Finally, a big thank you to all the parents and grandparents who have travelled home and away to support the team. Hopefully, this group will go on to have an enjoyable and successful 7's season.
Seniors
The Senior Team faced a challenging season with low player numbers, starting with just 16 at preseason training. Despite these difficulties, the team’s determination and effort were commendable. Early setbacks, including injuries and tough fixtures such as the Shiplake triangular, tested their resilience. One of the season's highlights was their 21-12 victory against Ryde, where the backs’ moves from training translated into well-earned tries. Another notable performance came against Bryanston, where the team overcame a 17-0 deficit to secure a 17-17 draw, demonstrating their grit and forward power. The season demanded unwavering commitment, with players consistently attending training and
Hockey
The end of August 2024 saw the Senior girls squad kick off the new season with their pre-season tour to the west country. Scarlett S led from the front with determination from the start Matches against Wellington School and Bryanston balanced with a training camp at the Bath University Campus focused the minds and set the tone for the season to come. It was clear from the early signs on view during this trip that the blend of years 13,12 and 11 would become a strength of the squad.
The Senior girls have gone on to have a rewarding season with some memorable performances and results. None-more so than the epic 4-4 draw with KES Southampton as their penultimate competitive match. Milly L, Juliette F, Evie H, Amy N and many others have shown continued dedication and commitment to their season. Thanks must also go to Anabel B and her peers that have shown equal dedication in leading and guiding those younger players in the 2nd XI.
The new structures have allowed real progression with continuity of styles of play from Years 9 learning the 11 a side game, and Year 10s applying new presses and formations in their own age group
matches, often against formidable opponents. Special thanks go to the Year 11 players who stepped up in the absence of sixth formers, providing a glimpse of a promising future for the 1st XV in the 2025/26 season. Coaches Mr. Venter and Mr. Allsopp were instrumental in guiding the team, fostering resilience and encouraging belief in their abilities despite the odds.
Conclusion
Across all year groups, this rugby season highlighted the players’ dedication, growth, and resilience. From the developing skills of the U12 and U13 teams to the determination shown by the U14 through to the U18 squads, the season has been a testament to the hard work and spirit of the players and coaches alike. These efforts yielded memorable performances and laid the groundwork for future successes on and off the pitch.
With the 15-a-side matches closing off in 2024, we transition into the 7s season and girls’ rugby come January 2025.
matches as well as stepping up and blending with the Year 11 girls who have been competing at the England Hockey Tier 1 level. This is the highest available competition nationally with exceptionally high standards. These cup games have certainly accelerated the girls' level of game understanding and experience of playing top school level hockey. The benefits of this have been on show with a number of Year 11 girls becoming key players in the Senior girls’ squad. Ella J has been a standout individual this season as a high performing Year 11 player in the 1st XI as well as continuing to be involved at EH Talent Academy level.
Congratulations to the many pupils who have secured places at County level and engage in performance pathways outside their school and club hockey.
Lower down the age groups, the Middle School hockey teams have regularly been producing some pleasing results and there have been many girls gaining valuable experience whilst enjoying the opportunity to represent their school at whatever level. The U13 girls were placed 2nd in their Hampshire In2 competition and so have qualified for the regional finals next term with an opportunity
to progress to National Finals. Alexandra J has shown herself to be an outstanding goalkeeper which has certainly given confidence to those girls in front of her. She is one of many goalkeepers who have consistently been attending weekly early morning training before school and we have been pleased with how this has translated into performances by all during their matches whilst representing the school.
Away from the astroturf, PGS Hockey has looked to re-engage an indoor hockey programme which has been a tradition for the school. The U16 Boys
Netball
PGS Netball is looking forward to our matches starting in January. Training commenced in September with all year groups training once a week. All pupils have been focused on what PGS Netball looks like and have been practising what coaches are expecting from them on court.
Our under 16, under 14 and senior first squads, all took to the court at Southampton sports centre in the regional qualifier tournaments for nationals and although we didn't make it through, we did display some impressive performances showcasing how far the school has come in recent years.
Racket Sports
The U15 Boys Tennis team of Tuna L, Oliver C, Haohan L and Rory P qualified for the final regional round of the National Tennis Cup by beating Marlborough College in September. They narrowly lost to Bournemouth Collegiate School in the round before the National final, but they have had an excellent run in this competition which started back in May.
Both the U16 mixed, and the U18 boys squash teams won their first stage tournaments in their National Cup events. The U16 mixed team defeated The City of London Freemen's School and Bedford Modern School, and the U18 team defeated
qualified for the regional finals, and again there has been input from young players such as Joe L, Finn B and Ellis T-C who have competed at U16 and U15 level as Year 9 boys.
This season has been one of laying foundations for the future and progression with a sense of a collected identity. It is fair to say that big strides have been made this season. We look forward to wrapping up the season with our traditional end of season award socials with a Christmas theme, and then getting stuck into the boys’ hockey season next term.
Our senior first team also competed in the Sisters in Sport Shield competition, beating the St Swithun's in the first round but losing to Worthing College in the second round.
All of our coaches are really looking forward to working with the girls in January, with internal matches commencing on Saturday the 11th of January and our first match versus Embley School on Saturday 18th of January.
We look forward to seeing you court side in January.
Bryanston School and Peter Symonds College. Both teams will now play the regional stage matches in the first half of next term in an attempt to qualify for the National Finals for the third year in a row, which takes place in March. Congratulations to the following squash players for their performances so far: Alex B, Hattie B, Will A, Seb C-A, Lucy A, and George P.
A big thank you to those pupils (up to 30) who have attended the weekly badminton club after school this term. We hope that you have enjoyed the opportunity to play and improve.
Swimming
The U13 Swimming Teams enjoyed a successful Gala at Churcher's College at the end of November, with the Girls finishing in 3rd place and the Boys in 2nd place (only one point behind the winners).
Congratulations to the following swimmers for their efforts: Henry D, Filip G, Lara P, Teddy W, Ava A, Sophie C, Tom C, Rachael E, Laila M, Kingsley L and Dylan P.
Combined Cadet Force
The school’s CCF unit has had an outstanding start to the academic year, with 137 cadets currently on the books. This term, the focus has been on building skills, developing teamwork, and (of course) having fun.
The new Year 9 cadets have been learning the basics; maintaining their uniforms, improving their military knowledge and practicing drill. This training ensures they begin their journey with confidence.
In September, 109 cadets from Years 9 to 13 attended the Tri-Service Camp at Jersey Camp on the Isle of Wight. For many Year 9s, this was their first taste of CCF life in the field, where they mastered skills, such as setting up a basher, preparing ration packs, and engaging in basic tactics. Meanwhile, older cadets ran specialized activities. The Army focused on patrolling and ambushes, the Navy practised ship handling simulations and the naval tradition of Field Gun, and the RAF trained with air simulators. Laser tag was certainly a favourite for all the cadets.
November was marked by moments of remembrance. Forty cadets proudly
represented the unit at the Portsmouth Guildhall Remembrance Sunday Parade, the largest contingent present. Back at school, the entire CCF participated in the School Remembrance Parade, honouring the sacrifices of our armed forces.
Throughout the term, Monday parade afternoons have provided opportunities for cadets to advance their training and work toward qualifications. With more camps and trips coming up, the CCF is set up for another year of challenge and achievement.
Pupils’ Uganda Group (PUG)
PUG have been very busy this term being actively involved with the 90th Anniversary celebrations for the British Council through whom we first formed our link with Kikaaya College School in Uganda. Sabiha S and Tilly C were interviewed by the British Council with Mrs Titheridge along with Precious and Trevor and Mr Mubiru in Uganda. The British Council produced a video about our link which so far has had over 5000 views, and three articles for their website.
British Council Articles
British Council Video
In addition to this work celebrating our link, we also launched a challenge to the world to either create a green wall like PGS has done, or to plant more trees like Kikaaya have done to increase biodiversity and the sustainability of school sites. Angus K from Year 8 personally challenged the world to do this,
and we are hoping that the PGS community will help to mobilise his challenge. So, dear reader, do you have friends or family in other schools either within the UK or abroad who might rise to a challenge? Are they people who care about the environment, nature or sustainability? Do they embody elements of the PGS Core - are they curious, creative, committed, courageous, compassionate or collaborative? If so, then please send them the link to Angus's video. All we ask is that if they take up the challenge, that they post a photo to British Council Schools social media so that we can celebrate their success. Thank you.
Angus's Challenge
PUG’s final offering this term was their annual Krispy Kreme doughnut sale. This went down a storm - literally - in amongst the snow showers!
Leonardo Cup
The Portmuthian reported that the first “Leonardo Cup” was awarded in 1959 and it was all about creativity in general rather than a poetry competition. The poetry focus, it appears, dates from around 2000.
It was established by Mr Ron Vearncombe, a Maths teacher who had suffered as a prisoner of war in a notorious Japanese POW camp.
This year’s theme for the Poetry competition was ‘Counting’.
Ransaku (Sequence of Haikus): ‘An Analytical Mind’
Thinking in numbers‘An Analytical Mind’Is it curse or gift?
To take comfort in Gaussian distribution; Surely not normal.
Some rely on words. I divide into classes Count them one by one.
The River
Ruthie G (1st Place)
In valleys low and mountains high, the river flows beneath the cloudless sky, Through forests dense and meadows wide, it paves its path, a delicate glide.
Counting the river day and night, with nature’s rhythm, pure delight, From one to ten, in endless sight, a flowing tale, serene and bright.
One river, a spirited worker, a faithful friend.
Two kisses of the banks with gentle grace and wears the land with soft embrace.
Three pebbles dance in light, reflections cast in day and night.
Four hundred years unfold, a timeless story still firmly holds.
Five ripples where calm currents meet.
Six birds perched cheerfully on branches salute.
Seven clouds in the azure sky, soft and sweet.
Eight reeds sway where breezes blow.
Nine reflections in water’s glow.
Ten moments where time is serene.
Joy K (2nd Place)
Counting Dreams
One star in the sky, twinkling bright, Two wishes whispered in the night. Three leaves fall from the autumn tree, Four winds blow across the sea. Five fingers reach to touch the moon, Six birds sing a morning tune. Seven colors in the rainbow’s arc, Eight fireflies light up the dark. Nine waves crash upon the shore, Ten dreams we count, and then some more.
Eleven steps to the mountain’s peak, Twelve secrets that the heart will keep. Thirteen flowers in a meadow bloom, Fourteen shadows in a quiet room. Fifteen minutes till the sun will rise, Sixteen stars in your sleepy eyes. Seventeen moments of pure delight, Eighteen candles in the night. Nineteen stories yet to be told, Twenty memories to hold.
Laranya P (3rd Place)
Christmas Concert 2024
The Christmas Concert saw 117 performing for an audience of over 300 in the glorious surroundings of Portsmouth Cathedral. The audience were treated to an eclectic range of repertoire, from festive favourites such as All I want for Christmas and Sleigh Ride, to movements from the Nutcracker Suite, via Raiders March from Indiana Jones and A Million Dreams.
New Members of Staff
Ms Wood
Junior School Form Teacher & Senior House Leader
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I am in the unique position of working with a wide range of age groups from Reception to Yr 13 throughout my career, having taught at a sixth form college for 20 years before moving to the primary sector. I am a PE teacher at heart, so love all sports and have a passion for the outdoors, having taught forest school as part of my role in my previous school. I love running clubs, trips and residentials, as this is where memories are made that last a lifetime. I would love to be involved with developing the adventure activity opportunities for the Junior School, enabling children to reconnect with nature and the outdoors.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself. Your life is a journey to get you to where you were meant to be. We all face ups and downs throughout our journey, learn from your mistakes, stay strong and be committed towards reaching your end goal.
What’s your favourite book?
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. It instilled in me a real passion and confidence to go exploring on my own and to reconnect with nature.
How do you hope to inspire students?
I want all my students to know that they are amazing. They can be whatever they want to be, with the right amount of effort and hard work. The world is your oyster, grab every opportunity, live for every moment, enjoy your journey.
Dr Sebrell
Teacher of History & Politics
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I greatly enjoy being a Sixth Form tutor and am quite pleased with the form I've been given. I feel that owing to my serving as a university lecturer for 12 years has positioned me very well to advise the students in my form regarding decisions about their individual futures as university students, and how to be prepared for that next step.
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
That's easy - Lord Palmerston, William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli. These are three highly successful political leaders of the Mid-Victorian Era, a period I am deeply interested in. They were also very different from each other in so far as how they approached and handled both domestic and foreign affairs, and so the discussion would have quite a lot of variety. The latter two would most certainly get into a massive argument, which would make the experience extra-interesting! Finally, I'd like to see what each of them would order to drink throughout the evening.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
When I started my first year at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), I knew I was about to enter the seven-month-long 'Ratline' - often considered the toughest military rite of passage in the world. Right before I first walked through the arch, an alumnus pulled me aside and said, 'Keep your mouth shut, keep your sense of humour, and just don't quit.' He was right! I literally took it one day at a time, and after it was all over, I was so glad I didn't quit.
What’s your favourite book?
Honestly, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol remains my all-time favourite book. Not only is it set in the Victorian Era, which I am very passionate about, but the story itself remains so relevant to today's society, and to all of us as individuals - be successful, but don't be selfish, and always remember to consider the experiences and needs of others.
Mr Goodwin Director of Music
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I've worked as a professional conductor and organist in the UK and in New Zealand, and hope
to bring the best of those diverse experiences to music here.
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
1. Nadia Boulanger She was arguably the greatest music teacher ever and the list of her pupils spans from Quincy Jones to Daniel Barenboim. 2. Gustav Mahler He was an incredible conductor and left some enormous symphonies and songs which I greatly admire. 3. JRR Tolkien I loved the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings books as a teenager and would love to meet somebody who has an imagination capable of creating that world.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
'Listen'. This is great advice for life, but also for musicians, especially when playing with others.
What’s your favourite book?
Lucky Jim (Kingsley Amis). This book never fails to make me laugh.
Mr P Bristow
Teacher of Geography & Contingent Commander CCF
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I have not always been a teacher, having spent 17 years in the Royal Navy.
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
Churchill - to hear his anecdotes. David Bowie - to understand why he was an influencer before influencers existed. Alfred the Great - how to conquer an enemy with and without force, that they become your ally.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
It's very hard for someone to remember beyond three facts.
What’s your favourite book?
The Power of Geography - it explains the geopolitical mess the world is in, before it happened.
How do you hope to inspire students?
CCF, rugby, other outdoor activities on the sea or up mountains - getting wet!
Miss Burr
Teacher of PE
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
Engaging netball activities
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Just keep swimming
Miss Martinez Cervera
Teacher of Learning Support
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I was lucky enough to work in the library for two years, and to experience first-hand the passion that both students and staff at PGS have about learning. It got me excited about teaching again!
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
Virgina Woolf to talk about books, writing, what was it like being a woman at her time... Manuel Azaña, the last president of the Republic in Spain, to find out what Spain was like before the Civil War and ask him what would he have done differently if he could look back in time. An architect from ancient Egypt: how did they build the Great Pyramids of Giza?!?
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Done is better than perfect.
What’s your favourite book?
It's too hard to pick just one! I'll give you three:Harry Potter by JK Rowling: I grew up with them. Still waiting for my Hogwarts letter. -The Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse: as a teenager it helped me understand that it's okay to feel different, and that if we are brave enough to question things we can discover/build a different reality.SnowFlower and the Secret Fan by Lisa Lee: I almost felt like I could taste the food and feel the
dresses and fabrics in the book. So beautifully written!
How do you hope to inspire students?
I hope I can help students find the courage to step outside their comfort zones and the kindness to allow themselves to make mistakes.
Mr Corser
Teacher of Design Technology
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
30 years’ experience of teaching DT and Food.
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
Winston Churchill: such an inspiration and I would want to know how he tapped into this leadership quality. Sir Patrick Moore: I was lucky enough to have been invited to his home, whilst designing my own telescope at university, and I would love to know how he maintained his passion for astronomy for all those years. Pat Reid: Where his determination to escape and drive for duty came from during such dark times at Colditz during WW2.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Be humble and show humility: you might be the best in some things, there might be others better than you but willing to listen and share are the greatest skills that you can have. What’s your favourite book?
The Hobbit. Before reading this classic, I had never read an adult book. Dyslexia had hampered my reading confidence but when I picked this book up, I lost all sense of time and place, before I know it, 4 hours had disappeared!
How do you hope to inspire students?
Through honest actions and owning my own successes and failures.
Mrs Webb
Teacher of History & Politics, Head of Year 7 (maternity cover, job share)
What unique experience do you bring to PGS?
I’m lucky enough to have already been very familiar with the PGS community and to have had a lot of positive experiences as a part of the school community in the past! So, when the role at PGS was advertised I was really excited to apply.
If you could have dinner with three historical figures, who would they be, and why?
As a history teacher, this is a question I have already asked myself many times, and my answers change a lot. My one constant figure is Thomas Cromwell –anyone who rose to such a position of power from such humble origins during the 16th Century is seriously impressive! I’d also invite Katherine Johnson who, despite being African American and a woman, managed to have an incredible career working as a mathematician at NASA, at a time when these two things made it much more difficult. She also showed resilience, loved learning and followed her passions without worrying about what other people thought. I might also ask Alan Turing, one of the leaders in breaking the Enigma code during WW2. Although with the latter two that is quite a lot of maths… I’m not sure I could keep up with the conversation!
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
If you have tried your best, then you shouldn’t be angry at yourself.
How do you hope to inspire students?
I’m hoping to get involved in sport at PGS! I love sport, love competition and I have developed so many skills myself through my participation in a variety of sports. I want to be able to help pass that on!
School Leaver
Destinations 2024
Actual Destination/Outcome Course
A, Eby Apprenticeship
A-W, Evie University of Portsmouth
Law
Business and Management
A, Goodness Lancaster University Mechatronic Engineering
A, Mercy Lancaster University
A, Sajid University of Portsmouth
Accounting and Finance
Business and Management
A, Edward Bath Spa University Geography
A, Francesca University of Bristol Modern Languages
B, Diarmuid King's College London, University of London War Studies and History
B, Jake UCFB
Football Business & Finance
B, Henry University of Oxford Medicine
B, Eddie University of Surrey Computer Science
B, Milly University of Bristol Geography
B, Lilly-Ella Gap Year
B, Samuel City, University of London
Actuarial Science (with Professional Placement)
B, Grace ARU Writtle (formerly Writtle University College) Veterinary Physiotherapy
B, Rory University of Exeter
Economics with Industrial Experience
B, Ben King's College London, University of London History
B, Alec London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
History and Politics
B, Sam University of Bristol Economics
B, Annika University of Nottingham Medicine
B, Elizabeth Art Foundation
Art Foundation
B, Lara Brunel University London Medicine MBBS
B, Lexi Durham University Psychological and Behavioural Science
B, George Swansea University Business Management
B, Tracy University of Westminster, London Finance and Business Management
C, Ollie UCL (University College London) Economics
C, Sienna Loughborough University Design
C, Matthew University of Birmingham Modern Languages
C, James University of Nottingham Industrial Economics
C, Rachel University of Southampton Pharmacology
C, Heloise-Thiane Arts University Bournemouth Film Production
C, Henry University of Bath
C, Emma Cardiff University
C, James University of Bath
C, James Gap Year
Politics with Economics
International Relations and Politics
Politics and International Relations
D, Andrew University of East Anglia UEA Medicine
D, Reggie Cardiff University
D, Dinel University of Surrey
International Relations
Accounting and Finance
D, Freddie University of Plymouth Marine Biology and Oceanography
D, Ella Queen's University Belfast Medicine
D, Isabelle University of Southampton
Marine Biology
E, Lucy
Bristol, University of the West of England
Criminology
E, Ashnah Gap Year Gap Year
F H-C, Sara University of Bath
International Management and Modern Languages (Spanish) w study or work abroad
F-B, Hugo University of Plymouth Biological Sciences
F, Edward Swansea University Politics and History
G, William Oxford Brookes University
G, Remi University of Surrey
G, Dylan University of Nottingham
G, James University of Bath
Business and Management
Accounting and Finance
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Politics and International Relations
G, Monica University of Birmingham Medicine
G, Graham University of Manchester Medicine
G, Mackenzie University of Exeter
G, George Durham University
Drama
Finance with Placement Year
G, Oliver King's College London, University of London International Relations
G, George Cardiff University
Business Economics
H, Tom University of Strathclyde Biomedical Science
H, Joseph University of Nottingham Mechanical Engineering
H, Elliot Loughborough University Finance and Management (with placement year)
H, Ollie University of York Chemistry
H, Sophie
H, Finn
H, Jemima
King's College London, University of London War Studies
King's College London, University of London English Law and German Law
Oxford Brookes University English Literature
H-O, Hugh University of Warwick Economics
H, Edward University of Oxford Economics and Management
H, Tanvir Apprenticeship Apprenticeship
H, Joe Gap Year
H-S, Fenella Royal Holloway, University of London Law
H, Phoebe Cardiff Metropolitan University Sport, Physical Education and Health
H, Lucas Oxford Brookes University Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
J, Dewnith Gap Year
J, Elliott University of Southampton Computer Science with Cyber Security
J, Aimee University of Nottingham Science with Foundation Year
J, Duncan Durham University
J, Dexter Gap Year
K, Sam University of Bath
K, George
Economics (Combined Hons in Social Sciences)
Natural Sciences with professional placement or study abroad
Oxford Brookes University Foundation in Humanities
K, Evie University of Exeter
English & Politics (Combined Honours)
K, Evan Aston University, Birmingham Business Enterprise Development
K, Charlie Gap Year
K, Grace University of Bath
Physics with Astrophysics with research placement
L, Henry University of Bath Mathematics
L, Fraser Apprenticeship Apprenticeship
L, Jake Durham University Finance
L, Gabriel University of Exeter
L'M, Lizzie University of Southampton
L, Samuel University of Southampton
Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry
Business Entrepreneurship
English Language and Linguistics
L, Beth University of Bath Management with Marketing with work placement
M, Benedict
Royal Holloway, University of London Politics and International Relations
M, Dasha Cardiff University Psychology
M, James Canterbury Christ Church University Biomedical Science
M-S, Coco University of Bristol English
M, Lochie Gap Year
M, Max University of Chichester
Mathematics and Secondary Teaching (QTS)
M, Jack University of Birmingham History
N, Jack Cardiff University
Business Management (Marketing) with a Professional Placement
N, Hannah University of Plymouth Architecture
N, Myles Cardiff University
Urban Planning and Development with a Professional Placement Year
N, Sidra University of Portsmouth Pharmacy
N, Sasha Oxford Brookes University
Economics, Finance and International Business
O, Themis University of Surrey Law
O, Oliver University of Oxford Engineering
O, Maia University of Bath
P, Aden University of Exeter
Management with work placement
Biochemistry
P, Amelie Nottingham Trent University International Business
P, Jesal Aston University, Birmingham Foundation Programme in Business and Social Science
P, Nikhil Cardiff University
Law and Politics (Integrated)
P, Samir University of Southampton Computer Science
P, Daniel Apprenticeship Apprenticeship
P, Amelia Oxford Brookes University Architecture
P, Samuel Loughborough University Computer Science
R, Arnav Apprenticeship Apprenticeship
R, Ben University of Bristol History
R, Mei Mei University of Exeter
R, Oscar Gap Year
R, Montgomery University of Exeter
R, Finn University of Birmingham
Law with Business
Politics and International Relations
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
S, Samirah University of Portsmouth Architecture
S, Abhyuday University of Southampton Economics
S, Madeleine University of Cambridge Veterinary Medicine
S, Joseph Swansea University
Business Management (Enterprise and Innovation)
S, Freya University of Nottingham Liberal Arts
S, Alexander University of Chichester
S-K, Olivia
Mechanical Engineering
Royal Holloway, University of London English
T, Jonathan University of Warwick Mathematics and Physics
T, Eve University of Bristol English
T, Isabella Durham University
English Literature
T, Reuben University of Exeter
Mechanical Engineering
T, Andrei University of Oxford Mathematics and Computer Science
T, William University of Warwick Mathematics
W, Hannah University of Oxford Biology
W, Isabel Gap Year
W, Hugh Liverpool Hope University
Marketing and Psychology
W, Luke Loughborough University Mathematics with Economics
W, Jake Cardiff University Financial Mathematics
X, Harvey Imperial College London Chemistry
Y, Florence
Z, Austin
Gap Year
The University of Edinburgh Mathematical Physics
Z, Christine UCL (University College London) Biochemistry
Z, Samuel University of Nottingham Mathematics and Economics
Z, Aurora University of Warwick Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, Economics (MORSE)
Farewell to…
The PGS Community bids a fond farewell to the following members of staff. We wish them very well for the future, and hope that they stay in touch.
Mr Tom James Head of Design & Technology
Mrs Ruth McCabe Invigilator
Miss Emma Strong Invigilator
Mr Martin May-Clingo CCF School Staff Instructor
Mrs Carla Pearcey Careers Co-ordinator
Ms Eleanor Blackham PA to Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head
Dr Patrick Stephenson Teacher of Biology
Mr Chris Buck Visiting Music Teacher
Mrs Stephanie Tredwell Teacher of French
Mrs Catherine Scanlan Learning Support Teacher
New in the Library…
The School Library has a fantastic range of new books this term. From the Booker Prize-winning Orbital, which ponders the fragility of the human experience to the challenging streets of Baltimore in Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Beautiful Struggle, there is always something for everyone in our phenomenally well-stocked and staffed library.
Are you interested in writing for The Portmuthian?
The Portmuthian is one of the longest running school publications in the country and you could be a part of that.
We are looking for new editors who could take part in the collection, writing and editing, of articles, formatting of the publication, and generally supporting its output.
Contact Mr Valente if you are interested.
The Portmuthian
