Writing this introduction has me filled with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. It has been an immense honour and a true pleasure to serve as the editor of The Portmuthian during my time at Portsmouth Grammar School. This role has allowed me to witness the remarkable talents and boundless creativity within our school community, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. This term, I bid farewell to Portsmouth Grammar School and to The Portmuthian. As I move on to new adventures in Bournemouth, I carry with me countless memories and the wonderful experiences I have shared with all of you.
I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Fola, Sophia, Sabiha, and Dawn, whose unwavering dedication and hard work have been the backbone of our publication. Without their commitment and enthusiasm, The Portmuthian would not be what it is today. Each of them has contributed significantly to the success of our magazine, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
The summer term has been a testament to the extraordinary achievements of our pupils. From excelling in academics and sports to showcasing their talents in the arts and community service, our students have truly shone brightly. Their hard work and determination have set a high standard, and I am confident they will continue to make us proud in all their future endeavours.
Thank you to the entire Portsmouth Grammar School community for your support, contributions, and readership. It has been an incredible journey, and I am excited to see how The Portmuthian will continue to evolve and flourish in the years to come.
With warmest regards and heartfelt thanks,
Rebecca Champion
Business & Economics
w y, p p g p with aims of broadening understanding of the subject outside of the confines of the exam course through events, discussion and careers. Recent events have included a movie night showing Dumb Money; a dramatised insight into the changing power of retail investors using the power of social media. Talks from Mr Fisher and Mr Hipperson have centred on Venture Capital and transitioning to a ‘net zero ’ economy as well as a number of visiting speakers providing insights into how an education in Economics and Business shaped their own careers in Human Resources, Real Estate and Wealth Management.
The second half of term included the second subject themed movie night, The Founder, as well as a viewing of the London School of Economics open lecture series and Mrs Leighton-Smith and Mr Hipperson discussing ‘The Death of the High Street’ and ‘The Gender Wage Gap’ Mr Fisher will continue to run the ever-popular Mercurius Society, inviting pupils from Years 9-13 to learn more about Finance and Markets.
Drama
This year PGS partnered with Chichester Festival Theatre on their production of Coram Boy. This gave pupils the opportunity to work with practitioners from the theatre on workshops based on the play, before going to Chichester to see the production.
In academic Drama, the challenge is to be able to interpret and direct performances on paper, in response to a set play text. The workshops gave pupils practical ideas on interpreting plays and characters, as well as adding invention and detail to our performance work. From the pupils perspective they could see how effective a large ensemble can be in creating locations, atmosphere and symbolic sequences and it was great for them to have a go at creating some of the moments from the production, which in turn added to their understanding of the play that they then saw later that day.
“I enjoyed watching the pupil groups take a scene from the play, which they were unfamiliar with, and slowly build layers of detail, ensemble movement and craft, directed by the facilitator,” said Mr Robinson, Director of Drama. “It highlighted how much work goes into the creative process, and hopefully underlined to them the importance of using rehearsal effectively to make a scene more effective and interesting for the audience.”
English
Arthur Conan Doyle Prize
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Portsmouth Grammar School Arthur Conan Doyle Prize in this issue of The Portmuthian. This year ’ s competition was exceptionally fierce, highlighting the incredible talent within our school. First place goes to Sunny for her outstanding literary work, while Eva has earned a well-deserved second place. Congratulations to both for their remarkable achievements in capturing the spirit of creativity and excellence that this prize represents.
by Sunny L
Prologue
They were so in love that it was almost as if nothing else existed for them besides the other. It was like something had clicked between them from the first day they met in the town library. Her interesting personality stood out to Marc. She seemed outgoing, expressive, and kind, and her interests were not ones you would usually hear about: true crime and psychology It wasn’t long before they got to know each other more. He learnt about all of her talents, personal life, and past loves which she said ‘ never worked out for her’. He was in love, and he knew she was too.
Present day
It was just any other Sunday evening for the newlyweds. The dirty plates and glasses were left scattered on the dining table, which was being cleaned up
slowly, revealing more and more of a clean table. They were laughing and talking the entire time, which was ordinary for them. Outside, the sun was setting, painting the sky a gorgeous gradient of orange, yellow and pink, beams of the swollen sun casting through the shut window and into the room. The atmosphere was pleasant, with the gentle songs of chirping birds on the powerlines along with not-too-busy traffic. There was also the hearty laughter of children in the park just across from the window, which would soon come to a halt as parents rushed outside in dressing gowns telling them to get back inside.
Everything was normal until Marc noticed something rather odd just outside the window. “Linea, come take a look,” he yelled to her, who was in the kitchen placing dishes in the sink. She came walking into the living room and saw Marc standing with plates in his hands gazing out the window.
“What is it?” she questioned confusedly before looking out with Marc. “Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“No…” he paused before continuing, “There are people outside in the park… watching us. ”
He tilted his head in confusion, trying to make out whether or not he was seeing this right However, it seemed that Linea couldn’t see what he was seeing.
“I don’t see anything. Maybe you ’ re just seeing things, I mean, we had a long day at work today. I can assure you that nobody is watching us through the window,” she said with a laugh woven in her voice.
“No, I’m seeing what I’m seeing, alright,” he nods slightly to himself.
“Let me take these off of you while you gaze at nothing,” Linea chuckles sarcastically as she takes the plates from his hands, walking away into the kitchen “I’ll get started on washing them for us Go rest, you seem like you need it.”
Marc didn’t respond and just simply stared back at the odd figures in the park. They seemed oddly familiar like he had seen the faces before, but not enough to remember distinctively.
“Am I truly just seeing things?” he thought to himself.
Suddenly, the figures began to move towards the window, which caught him off-guard as they were frozen like statues before. He flinched and stepped away from the window, the thought of it being shut somewhat comforting him a little bit as he believed he truly was just imagining things.
“No…I’m just hallucinating. This won’t happen in real life, it’s…it’s too surreal,” he thought to himself again.
He directed his gaze back to the figures. They gained speed and continued to walk towards him, their mouths seemed like they were whispering inaudible words to him. Marc desperately tried to understand what they were saying, but their lips were too difficult to read. He knew this was a hallucination, he convinced himself of that, but it still felt real Involuntarily, he took another step back. His breathing became laboured and perspiration broke from his skin. His eyes darted from figure to figure. They seemed so familiar, but he still couldn’t make out who they were.
They got closer, and closer until they were just about a few metres away from the window. Marc felt like his limbs were locked in place like some kind of suffocating wire was binding his arms and legs so they were restricted from movement His mind was clouded with an unpleasant blend of confusion, panic, and curiosity. Despite the absurdity of this situation, he still couldn't help but try to remember who these faces belonged to.
He wanted to leap up to the window and draw the curtains to a close so he wouldn't be forced to watch this hallucination unfold in front of him, but he just couldn't. Instead, he just stood there like his body had shut down. He watched the figures get closer and closer to the window, their mouths spewing inaudible words, their heads shaking ' no ' at him in a panicked way. It was too insane for him to comprehend anything
Closer, and closer. He could hear the pattering footsteps of the figures pounding in his head. Draw the curtains, draw the curtains! They were too close now. They reached the hedges at the front of the yard where the small, humble gate was. Draw the curtains, Marc. Draw them!
Like an electric bolt that shot through his body, he leapt forward and quickly drew the curtains across the window, making sure every inch of glass was covered. He clutched the curtains, holding them together as he waited for any noise His body was frozen in the position as he listened intently Nothing The figures weren't real.
He sighed before turning around, seeing Linea standing before him. "Linea?" He whispered.
She held the glass of water he had drunk earlier, swirling it around, the poisonous cloud that rose in the drink was obvious from this view Marc began to finally feel disoriented, his vision going dotty. The last thing he saw were pictures in her other hand, all of the faces were the same as the figures just earlier. He crashed to the ground. "And another to the collection," she laughs.
The Peculiar Disappearance of Mrs Peralta by
Eva R
Prologue
When working with the residents at Beechwood House, in the mornings I’d lay the table in the dining room and while the residents ate, put up today's schedule and times, before cleaning the first-floor rooms, setting up the game tables, cleaning the second floor rooms and finally I’d spend my 30 minute lunch break drinking Earl Grey tea with Mrs Peralta out in the gardens. I loved to spend my time out there, we would talk about her younger days when she would go surfing into capricious waves that would send her so high she could cavort over whales! Or more mindfulness activities such as birdwatching from the comfort of her old, warm bungalow and hiking through Forestside.
She did not like the other residents and if she could she resided to the wooden bench behind the abelia hedgerow where no one would ever find her I only ever saw her sneak through there once when I was changing the bedsheets in her room and looked out the open window and saw her slip through a gap inbetween the willow-woven fence and hedge. I never told anyone when she went missing, because secretly, I knew she did not want to be there.
Chapter 1 / Mrs Peralta
I sat in my rocking chair by the window, the only piece of “rubbish” the rest of my family let me keep. While I sipped my tea, I watched the outside world pass on without me like a stream flowing around a rock that it could not catch on to, so I sat there watching it elapse on, the cars, the Lycra-clad cyclists, and a young girl on her chestnut horse that would wave to me as she strolled on down the road. It was boring but what could I do? I could only sit there, rocking to and fro with the window open, feeling the gentle, crisp breeze slowly replacing the musty, dense miasma that stagnated in my room. It was not what I would describe as a pleasant view but rather an eyesore that included a dirty carpark followed by a road of poorly laid concrete splattered with potholes and a brick wall separating the big, thick, spikey pines that could not be seen through. The noise was not much better, cars speeding through at 60 in a 40 and the distant sound of trains up the road and a load of drunk men wandering about the littered streets when its only 10 in the morning Not much when I asked to live out the rest of my life in a quiet countryside village.
That was the only thing I enjoyed, watching out of my window in the morning and watching out of my window in the evening.
As I leave my room in the morning, I could hear the staff turn in the other direction on the creaky floorboards, I shuffled down the corridor, as I entered the dining room, I felt all eyes on me, and with all other seats taken I was left to sit alone on the end. Again. It was like there was a turning point when all adults turned back into teenagers and would purposefully isolate any difference they found, the only exception being they are all 60-above and very irritable.
At lunch I would bring 2 cups of tea into the gardens with this lovely lady that I cannot quite remember the name of, but she always knows what questions to ask to keep the conversation going
Chapter 2 / Mrs Peralta
Laid in bed I think of the good times when my husband and I would go on adventures, not like the staff define adventures (walking around the gardens) but exploring mountains, trekking miles to the nearest civilisation! When I wished it would come true the window blew open and I wished I could be like the birds that sit on my windowsill in the mornings, singing about the freedom you have until all the air left your body and words could no longer describe the happiness, and you would look until all you could see was the horizon, and you just have to embrace the cold night winds or else you would have to land and no longer enjoy the endless expanses of all the beauty the world has to offer.
I sat up in my bed as the wind whistled through the latch of the window, just something about it seemed so welcoming like a breath of fresh air, so enticing, I walked to the edge in my soft, blue nightgown and I peered out of the window as the night drew ever darker, ever closer and the ground slipped away as the words “ wow ” rippled from my lips, I closed my eyes, I leant even further out of that window, so far I couldn't even feel anything, the carpet, the wall, the window ledge, it was as though I wasn't even reality anymore.
Chapter 3 / Siran
In all my years working at Beechwood it will never be as strange as that morning.
It was at breakfast I first saw it, only one chair left at the very end. We sometimes have people that come down late, but they do not miss the whole
of breakfast. In the garden at lunch Amy sat with us rather than being with the lady she always sits with. Then it hit us, we’d lost her, we checked the garden, every room, and then we checked her own The door was left ajar and inside was different, the bed had been left askew with its contents strewn across the floor leading to the window, with its curtains leaping across the rail and the window, it wasn’t supposed to be open I rushed to it, thinking of the worst.
I looked down.
But there was nothing.
Just concrete.
We searched and searched, for years, but no trace of Mrs Peralta was ever found.
And the birds never returned
Geography
A Glaciation Adventure: Year 12 Geography s Lake District Expedition
The Year 12 Geography group embarked on an exhilarating journey to the Lake District, bringing their Glaciation case study to life and honing their skills for the A-level coursework component. Despite the arduous 780-kilometer round trip, the experiences and learning opportunities made the journey immensely rewarding.
Glaciation Day - Easedale Tarn
Our adventure began with what was arguably the highlight of the trip: a day exploring the glacial landscapes we ' ve studied in class. The three-mile trek from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn was a captivating journey through geological history. We observed a variety of glacial features, including a roche moutonnée, striations, hanging valleys, moraines, and a corrie. Adding a touch of literary history, we also passed one of Wordsworth's houses Fortunately, the weather was on our side, with clear skies allowing us to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. The day concluded with a visit to the renowned gingerbread shop, followed by a highly informative GIS and data presentation workshop after dinner.
Keswick Day - Changing Places, Making Spaces
Day two took us to Keswick, where we braved less favourable weather to collect data supporting our hypothesis that the Lake District is the "Adventure Capital of the UK." Despite the drizzle, spirits remained high as we gathered a
wide range of data. Lunch at the Keswickian chippy was a hit with everyone, including the local pigeons. The day wrapped up with a lively quiz summarizing our key learnings, from door codes to the height of the Lake District's tallest peak. Congratulations to the Borrowdale Bros (Piers, Ollie, and Charlie) for their quiz victory, although suspicions of some cheeky cheating were hard to ignore!
Earth's Life Support Systems - Morning
The third morning brought the most challenging weather of our trip, with high winds and torrential rain. Undeterred, we pushed through and gained invaluable insights into water and carbon cycle data collection methods, techniques, and evaluation points These skills will be critical for our coursework and future studies.
Conclusion
Despite Miss Stewart's eclectic Pink playlist playing on repeat, the trip was an overwhelming success, with everyone enjoying the experience. Special thanks go to Mrs Knott, who gave up her Mother's Day to join us, and to Miss Stewart Her...unique taste in music aside, her contributions made the trip unforgettable. This expedition not only solidified our understanding of glaciation but also strengthened our camaraderie and practical skills, making it a truly memorable adventure for all involved.
Lulworth Cove with Year 8
The Year 8s had a great day out this week at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. With glorious weather, they learned about the distinctive landscapes of the area and brushed up on their Geography knowledge of geology and coastal processes. We were based around the quaint village of West Lulworth, with its famous New Forest ice cream! A lovely day.
Mathematics
In May, we took part in the Year 6 and 7 Maths Challenge. It consisted of four challenges and 30 different teams took part. The teams were of 4 and they were formed of two Year 7s and two Year 6s. The morning began with a couple of discussion questions as an opportunity to get to know each other and start working together. The four challenges then began. The first was a quick problem solving one, where the teams had 20 minutes to complete 20 questions.
Mr Addyman then introduced the next challenge. It was a crossnumber, where each question fitted into a grid, similar to a crossword. However, some questions involved using the answers from other questions like subtracting 564 from 3 Down. At any point throughout the challenge, the teams were free to visit the Year 12s to get their answers checked. If a digit was wrong, the Year 12s would put the correct number next to it and you would then not be able to alter the answers for that box
The 3rd challenge was a logic puzzle, where there was a list of statements that helped you work out what languages 5 people spoke. The statements told you how many people spoke one language or that 1 person did not speak one language. The statements were still very cryptic though and not all of them told you exactly who spoke exactly what language. When the challenge was over, the Year 12s collected in the sheets, ready for the final challenge.
The final challenge was the most difficult. 15 difficult problem-solving questions that got harder as you worked through them. We had roughly 30 minutes to do as much as possible and get the answers right In this round, correct answers were worth 4 marks making there even more pressure. The teams worked in different ways; working questions out on their own, in pairs or all together.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable morning and was challenging, fun and a good opportunity to get to know people from another year group. Thank you to Mr Addyman for organising the event and all the Year 12s who helped run it.
Written by Sophie C, Year 7
Modern Foreign Languages
Year 8 Students at PGS Strengthen International Bonds with French Penfriends
For the third consecutive year, Year 8 students at PGS have been engaging in a vibrant cultural exchange with their counterparts from the Institution Saint Louis in Cabourg, France. This unique partnership aims to enhance language skills and foster a deeper understanding of each other's cultures.
The program includes exchanging letters, presentations, and video calls, providing students with ample opportunities to practice their language skills in a real-world context. Through these interactions, pupils not only improve their French and English but also gain insights into what it is like to be a Year 8 student in England and France.
The Year 8 students at PGS received eagerly awaited replies from their French penfriends. The excitement was palpable as they opened their letters, each one filled with personal stories and experiences from across the Channel. This correspondence has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, with students already brainstorming their responses. Their next letters will focus on sharing details about life at PGS, giving their French peers a glimpse into their daily routines and school activities.
This ongoing exchange not only bolsters language proficiency but also builds lasting connections between students from different backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of communication and cultural exchange in creating a more connected and empathetic world.
Music
Portsmouth Cathedral was filled with the vibrant sounds of Portsmouth Grammar School’s larger ensembles, as more than 100 talented performers from Year 7 to Year 13 took the stage. This concert marked the culmination of six consecutive days of musical celebration, showcasing the dedication and artistry of our students.
The event began with performances from our youngest musicians in the Sinfonietta Strings and Middle School Brass. Their growing confidence and ensemble skills were evident, promising a bright future for PGS music. A notable highlight was the debut of our newly formed wind quintet, who delivered a refined and sophisticated performance of movements from Milhaud’s La Cheminée du roi René
The Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Moszkowski’s Three Spanish Dances was both exuberant and tender, bringing out remarkable colours and emotions. The musical excitement continued with PGS Brass, who dazzled the audience with pieces such as Liberty Bell, Handel’s Sarabande, Carnival of Venice featuring a virtuosic trumpet solo by Elliot and the finale from the William Tell Overture. The Concert Band closed the first half of the program with music from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, and a rousing performance of Robert Sheldon’s Iberian Escapades, capturing the Spanish theme beautifully and proving to be a true tour de force.
voices achieved a perfect blend and balance, complemented by sensitive and refined solos from Eleanor (alto), Isabelle (soprano), and a treble duet by Noah and Daniel, with cathedral lay clerk Nick Pepin delivering the counter tenor solo.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our performers and the dedicated Music staff team for their hard work and enthusiasm. Over the last half term, our musicians have truly embodied PGS’s core values of Commitment, Courage, Curiosity, Compassion, Collaboration, and Creativity. This concert was a testament to their exceptional talent and collective spirit.
You can read a full review of PGS Music this term by clicking here.
Science Biology
Biology Trip
On Tuesday 18th June all the year 12 Biologists took a trip to East Head at West Wittering to complete their required Biology fieldwork. East Head has an ecologically important sand dune and salt-marsh habitat with a wide variety of plant species.
Saltmarsh spends some time submerged by sea water and some time exposed, as the tide moves in and out The plants that grow there have various adaptations to cope with these harsh conditions, and pupils learned about these and were able to compare the species that are found in the upper and lower salt-marsh area.
On the sand dunes pupils learned about ecological succession and the formation of the dunes before completing an interrupted belt transect to see how species change as you move away from the sea
Nick and Sue from Chichester Harbour Conservancy guided the pupils with their excellent knowledge of the habitat, and it was particularly nice to see the many different flowers on the sand dunes at this time of year. Pupils are now following up on this work over the next couple of lessons, carrying out statistical analysis and drawing conclusions.
Physics
Year 9 Engineering Day
12 groups of Year 9s had to envisage themselves visiting Mars and undertook an Engineering Challenge, provided by Lockheed Martin, to build a communications tower and a remote buggy that would navigate a path through the terrain to reach their tower. Once there, the buggy should trigger a satellite dish to be raised and an LED to be switched on.
The creativity and imagination of the teams was incredible and the results were some fascinating designs of both tower and buggy. Pupils had to design and build their project, using wood, metal, card and the tools provided, as well as programme their buggy. The project required teamwork, communication, imagination and, most important of all, resilience as they built, tested and improved their designs.
Congratulations to Team Stewart; Angela, Ava, Beaulah, Mimi, Olivia and huge thanks to Lockheed Martin for running the day.
Sport
participation in the athletics clubs. In turn, this has created a fantastic atmosphere where athletes have been able to flourish, and as a result there have been some excellent personal and team performances.
The ESAA track and field cup teams performed well at the county round with the Inter Girls and Inter Boys teams progressing to the Regional B Finals at Winchester, where the girls finished in 2nd place
There have also been a number of excellent performances at county level this year. PGS entered 8 athletes into the Hampshire Multi Events in Andover and it was a successful day with the following notable results:
Junior Boys - 1st Josh J, 3rd Oshea B,
Inter Boys - 2nd Will C, 3rd Archie B
Inter Girls - 2nd Rosie L
As a consequence, Rosie L, Will C, Josh J and Daniel K were selected for the Hampshire Team to compete in the South of England Championships.
42 PGS athletes represented the Portsmouth Schools' District Team at the Hampshire Championships There were 27 top 6 finishes which is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the hard work of the athletes who have been dedicated in their school athletics training. Those athletes finishing 1st or 2nd in
Sports Day 2024
their event earned their Hampshire vest and represented the County at the Inter Counties in Middlesex.
In total, 9 Hampshire vests have been earned this summer by PGS athletes and they were:
Fola O
Lotti P
Rosie L
Will C
Josh J
Daniel K
Alex C
Aphaia S
Isobella P-W (cross country)
Congratulations to Hattie B for Leading England Squash to Victory!
We are thrilled to announce that Hattie B has captained the England Squash Five Nations team to a stunning victory!
Hattie showcased her exceptional skills and determination by competing against the top players from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Her journey culminated in an exhilarating final against France, where she and her team triumphed with an impressive 5-0 win.
Hattie's outstanding performance and leadership have earned her the honour of representing England Squash once again at the European Team Championships this summer. We are incredibly proud of Hattie and wish her continued success in her upcoming competitions.
Cricket Teams 2023/24
U14B Boys’ Cricket
U14A Girls’ Cricket
U15A Boys’ Cricket
U15B Boys’ Cricket
U114A Boys’ Cricket
U12B/C Girls’ Cricket
Cricket
U12A Girls’ Cricket
The 1st XI boys achieved two comprehensive victories against KES and Churcher's College, amongst many other wins. Special thanks must go to the large cohort of leaving Year 13 Cricketers for their outstanding commitment over the years They have been well led by 1st XI captain Lucas H and 2nd XI captain Elliot H. Special mention should also go to Joe S for an excellent season with the bat. PGS had our first 1st XI girls team this season with strong wins against Ryde and Lancing College Evie C, Evie H and captain Lucy H have led the way. With all the girls in Year 12 we look forward to more success next year.
The Boys U15A's achieved notable victories against Churcher's and Lord Wandsworth College In the LWC game, there were match winning performances by Lachlan F with 70 runs and Attish D taking 6 wickets. The U15Bs went on a four-match winning streak in the middle of the season with Finn P being the leading run scorer. The U15 girls have continued to be one of the most enthusiastic and committed PGS teams Special mention must go to Simone H, Anoushka G and Ella J.
The U14A boys also had a four-match winning streak which consisted of victories against KES in the Hampshire Q/F and Salesian College in the S/F. Samir A was leading run scorer in both matches Gus C scored 100 not out in a brilliant attacking innings against Lancing College. The U14B's have been well led by David C with strong performances coming from Jacob G, Fred v d W and Ed H. For the U14 Girls special thanks must go to Simran B, Agnes C and Isabella J for their commitment to PGS Cricket and continued efforts in trying to improve their game.
The U13 boys and girls have been well led by Henry H and Sanna P with strong performances with both bat and ball.
The U12A boys started the season well with victory against KES in the Hampshire Q/F with Alex G taking 5 wickets. They have produced strong performances throughout the season Sam M, Oliver O, Harry C and Arnav G have all bowled with great skill
The U12B's have shown strong performances throughout the season with star performances coming from Fred L, Howard W and Dylan P. The U12 A and B team girls have been our most successful teams throughout the season There are too many girls to mention as they have all been amazing in both their improved performances and commitment to PGS. The girls have been a pleasure to coach.
Tennis
The Under 15 Tennis Team won the Hampshire Cup this term, which qualified them for the Regional Final. They duly won this final too with a 4-2 defeat of Ringwood School, and as such, they now progress into the National Round in September. Congratulations to Captain Tuna L, Oliver C, Narina D, Rory P, Olly W, Rubens R, Ehsan A and Keyaan Q for their contribution to the team.
Golf
This is the first year that PGS has provided opportunities for the pupils to compete in national school golf tournaments, and it has been incredibly successful.
Sebastian T, Coby H, Tristan O, Rohan D and Adam B have regularly participated throughout the year. Not only did we have consistent attendance, but we also achieved a great deal of success. Adam B qualified for the National Final as an individual with 45 points in a competition, and we also qualified for the National Team Golf Final with the best average points score across all schools in the country. In the final itself the boys did amazingly well, finishing third overall Well done to all of the above mentioned players.
If any pupils are interested to take part next year, please do come and speak with Mr Copeland. Pupils will need an official handicap to compete.
On behalf of the Sports Department and PGS Community as a whole, a huge thank you to all of you sitting here today who have made a contribution to PGS Sport not just this term, but over the entirety of the last year We are stronger for everybody’s contribution and we hope that the commitment to PGS Sport (in whatever sport that is) continues and grows further next year. We do hope that everyone enjoys a great summer holiday.
House Captains 2023/24
Grant House: Hannah W, Fraser L
Latter House: Mackenzie G, Lily-Ella B
Smith House: Andrew D, Lexi B
Whitcombe House: Isabella D, Francesca A
Middle School House Captains 2023/24
Barton House
Eastwood House
Hawkey House
Summers House
Emilia W, Jacob B
Florence F, Haohan L
Cristian G, Isabel H
Tala A, Robson Y
House Dance
v p g w g back-to-back victories at Dance Live, the enthusiasm for dance is more palpable than ever, and this event was a testament to that undying spirit.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement as dance enthusiasts from across the school gathered to showcase their talents. The evening culminated in a stunning victory for Whitcombe and Summers, whose spirited performance to "California Gurls" by Katy Perry secured them the top spot. Their routine was a dazzling display of energy and coordination, winning over both the audience and judges.
Green House may have claimed the overall title, but every house left an indelible mark with their performances. Grant and Barton delivered a charming ensemble to a medley of "Singing in the Rain" and Rihanna's "Umbrella," blending classic and contemporary styles to great effect. Smith and Hawkey's dynamic routine to "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray had the crowd clapping along, the song ' s title perfectly encapsulating the unstoppable energy of the night. The finale saw Latter and Eastwood's rendition of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies," featuring a special appearance by Mr. Doidge, the head of Yellow House, which brought the house down.
The event was not just a competition but a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of dance. Each house brought something unique to the stage, reflecting the diverse talents and boundless enthusiasm of our students As the evening drew to a close, the anticipation for next year ' s House Dance was already building, with many eager to see how the event will evolve and what new surprises await.
In its first year, House Dance has set a high standard and created a new tradition that promises to be a highlight of the PGS calendar for years to come. Here's to the dancers, the choreographers, the supporters, and everyone who made this event a roaring success The spirit of Dance Live lives on at Portsmouth Grammar School, and the future of dance here looks brighter than ever.
Infant House Day
The Infant children had an amazing time celebrating House Day!
The day was filled with a variety of engaging and enjoyable activities as the pupils in Reception - Year 2 worked together in their houses: Griffin, Pegasus and Phoenix. The children showcased their adventurous spirit by participating in climbing challenges and embarked on a thrilling photo scavenger hunt around the school. Creativity was in full swing with biscuit decorating and poster making sessions One of the highlights of the day was crafting unique House songs, which the children later performed with great enthusiasm for their peers in the afternoon. It was a wonderful day of fun, teamwork, and memorable experiences for everyone involved!
Senior Prefects
Francesca A
Diarmuid B
Milly B
Lilly-Ella B
Grace B
Rory B
Alec B
Annika B
Lexi B
George B
Ollie C
Sienna C
Henry C
Emma C
Andrew D
Denusha D
Freddie D
Isabelle D
Ashnah E
Monica G
Head Prefects: Henry B, Sophie H
Mackenzie G
George G
Elliot H
Edward H
Tanvir H
Fenella H
Lucas H
Aimee J
Duncan J
Dexter J
Sam K
Henry L
Fraser L
Jack M
Jack N
Hannah N
Hugh O
Maia O
Amelia P
Mei Mei R
Finn R
Abhyuday S
Madeleine S
Freya S
Isabella T
Andrei Tr
Hannah W
Jakey W
Harvey X
Samuel Z
March Through the Arch
The Portsmouth Grammar School proudly held its annual "March Through the Arch" ceremony, a cherished tradition symbolising both an end and a beginning for our Year 13 pupils. With emotions running high, the entire school community gathered to celebrate the achievements and growth of these young individuals who have been an integral part of our academic family. As they walked through the historic arch, they were met with cheers and applause from teachers, underclassmen, and their peers, marking their transition from students to confident young adults ready to take on the world
As these pupils prepare to embark on their final exams, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of their journey and the supportive community that has nurtured their development. Headmaster Mr Wickes addressed the cohort, emphasising resilience, dedication, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset during the upcoming challenges The "March Through the Arch" not only commemorates their time at The Portsmouth Grammar School but also signifies the beginning of new adventures and opportunities. We wish Year 13 the very best of luck in their exams and all their future endeavours.
Musical Farewells
The Music Department is privileged to have the support of so many fine young musicians, and it is always a bittersweet moment at the end of the year when we say farewell to those who are moving on. What better way to celebrate the talents of those musicians than in a final recital. At the Leavers’ Concert it was a real pleasure to hear such accomplished performing from soloists, duos and small ensembles in music performed on such diverse instruments as tuba to tabla and banjo to bassoon. We would like to say thank you to all those leaving PGS who have contributed so much to the school and to the Music Department; you have given us so much of your time and talent and delighted audiences consistently. Our valedictory performers were:
Henry B, trombone
Sam B, voice
Samuel B, bassoon & piano
Andrew D, double bass
Ella D, clarinet
Mackenzie G, voice
Elliot H, piano & trumpet
Sophie H, flute
Gabriel L, bass guitar
James M, recorder, viola & violin
Hannah N, clarinet
Oliver O, banjo and piano
Samuel P, clarinet
Alex S, guitar
Reuben T, drums
Hannah W, voice
Harvey X, saxophone
Mr Hemmings even put in an appearance on the piano!
Leavers’ Ball
To see all the photographs, join PGS Connect, our online OP community: https://www.connect.pgs.org.uk/
Leavers’ Farewell Tea
In June, our Year 13 Leavers and their parents are invited to Hilsea for a farewell tea. At this the out going Head Prefects give speeches, transcribed below.
Henry B
Firstly, congrats.
We’ve all managed to survive what was probably the toughest and most stressful few weeks of our life so far and from what it looks like, everyone looks pretty good for it
Of course, I must say a massive thank you to our teachers, for your continued support, and patience, putting up with us when we are slightly disorganised, late to class, need reminding to tuck our shirt in, do our top button and maybe hand our homework in on time. And your tolerance and patience has been demonstrated perfectly by the fact that you mad someone who’s pretty much guilty of all of those defects, Head Boy. So, thanks for that!
But more importantly this support has been absolutely invaluable in getting us through these last two years in (mostly) one piece
I think I speak for all of us when I say that one of the things I will miss the most about PGS is all the small, random, interactions you get with people. Those random conversations in class or in the corridor help so much to build this amazing community that is the Sixth Form... giving us friends that we will keep
for life and experiences that we will never forget.
One of the most impressive things about PGS, I find, is that whenever you meet an Old Portmuthian, they talk about their time here with incredible fondness and without fail, every one of them has described their time at PGS as the most formative part of their life, with the skills and experiences gained here helping them to become genuinely decent people, ethically and morally sound. And while I can confirm first hand that a few of the people here aren’t the most morally sound, I think this reputation the school has is a great testament to all the work that the fantastic team of teachers put in and the ethos that the school creates.
Lastly, I’m sure everyone would like to join me in giving a massive round of applause to express our thanks to our amazing teachers and parents who have made all of this possible
Sophie H
Well, I think we have established that what Henry lacks in organisation he makes up for in charisma.
Despite having now finished my A Level History (no more America!), old habits die hard (thanks Mrs Clay) and as such I had a look back to find some historical parallels for what is a quite momentous day for many of us!
On this day in 1815, Napoleon abdicated (for real this time). Just like that he marked the end of an epoch for France, this marks the end of an era at PGS for us all. For those of you who have been here since literally day one, today marks the closing hours of your 19,000 spent at school Collectively, we have spent 326,000 hours in Sixth Form.
Reflecting on all of these hours, it is quite amazing to look back on the challenges we ’ ve faced as a year group and the resilience we ’ ve shown; not only did we outlast a global pandemic, but we ’ ve also lived through 3 Headteachers, 2 monarchs and goodness knows how many Prime Ministers! We may not have faced the battles of Waterloo, but we have conquered our own academic and personal challenges which are equally as impressive in their own right, learning to manage our own schedules and being able to pursue our own niches.
Sixth Form has been particularly special, bringing with it increased autonomy and easy access to the Sixth Form Cafe (which I think many of us capitalised on) but also it has allowed many of us to form potentially surprising friendships, for which I’d like to do a special shout out to our history class. I’m sure when we come back at 25 we will pick up right where we left off.
To the teachers who suddenly became all of our friends in Sixth Form, the way you have fostered our passions and inspired will not be forgotten. I don’t think that without Mrs Clay our class would have developed such an intense love for David Lloyd George and his various affairs! I owe Mr Lemieux a great deal for all of his help over the last few years, with essays, university applications and challenging my critical thinking, a sentiment which I’m sure is reflected by many of you to others. As teachers you dedication, patience and encouragement, especially through clinics, have formed the foundation of our achievements. I could not count how many hours I spent in French clinic, but even with my millionth mix up between the imperfect and the perfect, Mr Gamble never gave up. You have not just prepared us for exams, but for life, and for that we owe you our thanks.
As today we step forward into the next chapter of our own history books, we do so alongside King George V, who was crowned 123 years ago today. Taking with us all we have learnt from our years here, whether that be laughing in the
face of adversity (i.e. another hour of rain on CCF camp) or the stoic patience instilled by editing your 4th Personal Statement draft, we are clearly well equipped for our next steps, a gap year, apprenticeship or university.
But, we would not have been able to collectively visit 4 continents on school trips, achieve our ambitions or even attend this school with the support of our parents. PGS has been the gateway to an incredible number of experiences for us all, whether you were crazy enough to go jumping out of planes or liked your feet firmly on the ground on a netball tour, the way this school has shaped us is nothing short of remarkable. I know 11-year old Sophie, coming from a small state school, could never have imagined the way I would turn our at 18. Our parents have been our biggest cheerleaders, chief proofreaders and dedicated taxi drivers. I’m pretty sure by the end of our car drive to Winchester, my Dad could have recited all the British Empire Medal citations I was practising the entire way there himself Without them, we would not have been able to capitalise on all that school offered. So I ask we give all of those who have shaped us during our time at PGS, both staff and family, a round of applause.
So, to bring it back to history, I would like to leave you with a quote from none other than Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Whatever your next steps, whatever the challenges, have the courage to push forward in your pursuits and make your own history.
Building Confidence
Year 4 were lucky enough to be visited by some Year 12 pupils who led a confidence workshop across the classrooms. The pupils encouraged the Year 4 pupils to 'draw their inner voice', with some very creative responses.
My inner voice was a cat who tells me that I ' can do it!'
My inner voice would be a firework as I am full of energy.
My inner voice is much like a relaxing beach sunset as I am usually very calm.
After that, the Year 12 pupils asked the Year 4s to reflect on what their main personality traits were and which ones should take a 'front seat' in their car and which ones should 'stay in the boot' All staff were impressed with the reflective responses that were generated.
It was a fantastic opportunity to the Year 4 pupils to work with our wonderful Sixth Form pupils and learn in a different way.
I loved getting to work with the Year 12s as they were so cool and knowledgeable. They also answered lots of our questions about Senior School life too, which was really interesting.
Here's to plenty more visits from our Year 12 'teachers' in the future!
Dance Live 2024
Since joining Dance Live, Portsmouth Grammar School has had an unprecedented level of success; many schools enter the event year on year without placing in the heat event, whereas PGS won their heat in the first year of competition, going on to place second place at the Grand Final, and in the following year, won their heat again, and then went on to win their final with their Harley Quinn-themed production. Needless to say, the pressure was on for Dance Live 2024, with expectations high and worries that three successful years in a row may be a lot to ask for from the team and the judges!
With the highest number of Dance Live participants PGS has seen, the team put together their production of ‘Family Values’ – an Addams Family-themed original story involving two young girls who encounter the spooky family, one choosing to fear them and rallying an angry mob to confront them, while the other learns that they’re not that scary after all and embracing them. Involving creepy dolls; Cousin Itts and zombie-skeletons in a rock concert with Uncle Fester and Pugsley; a colourful, but fierce, mob; ghostly apparitions dancing with Gomez and Morticia, not to mention a moody Wednesday, a dancing Thing, and a dusting Lurch – a team of almost 90 pupils prepared in intense rehearsals for months for the heats at the start of February at Portsmouth Guildhall. Choreography was created, dancing perfected, drama practised, costumes sourced and made, make-up designed, props made, LED screen content edited, and lighting designs plotted in the build up to the big day which saw PGS face off against schools from across the south in their heat
The day itself was as fun as always, with much time spent executing hair and make-up designs and getting in costume for the evening show where PGS delivered a high-energy, and innovative production. Tensions were high as the schools waited for the results; could PGS win their heat for a third consecutive year? The answer was YES! With PGS taking top honours and progressing through to the Grand Finals in April.
At the Grand Final, PGS competed against the best Dance Live schools in the south, including another school that won their own final in 2023 – it was a true battle of champions The team had adapted some choreography and some LED screen content, and perfected the dances even more – Lurch was now even on stilts to make him even taller as he dusted cobwebs off of the screen in time with the music. On the night, the PGS team fought hard, performed with commitment, and did themselves and the school proud in front of a packed audience including over 200 PGS supporters. The team waited together in the dressing room to hear the live results that were broadcast online from the stage
Third place…Durrington High School
Second place…Admiral Lord Nelson School
First place…The Portsmouth Grammar School!!!
Minds were blown as PGS won their final for a second year in a row! Through much cheering, crying, singing, and jumping, the team celebrated becoming the most successful senior school in Dance Live history. The judges commented on the engagement and commitment of everyone and that’s indicative of the PGS Dance Live team and how it has become a great event in the school calendar for everyone to enjoy
D-Day +80
On 5th June, a group of pupils and teachers from PGS were able to join thousands of people on Southsea Common to attend the event marking the 80th anniversary of D Day. There were representatives from each of the Allied nations, royalty, musicians, actors, each of the armed forces, and national politicians and other dignitaries.
We heard many stories of that day 80 years ago, a speech from the King and heard music from military bands We saw numerous TV cameras, flags shining in the summer sky and even a fly past by the Red Arrows. It was strange to think that we were just metres away from where tens of thousands of soldiers had set off years ago, to land and fight in Normandy.
There were so many things from the day to remember, and I’m sure we will remember them for a long time. But most of all, I thought about the small group of remaining veterans on Southsea Common, and imagined what they were thinking. They too will have heard the loud music today; they too will have seen the famous people, and they may have looked at the fly past and heard the gun salute from the warship anchored just offshore. But just possibly the first and last thing they thought about and saw in their tired but strong memories, was the memory of the many friends who died in Normandy 80 years ago and who never made it home Maybe they heard again the noise of terrible battles, felt the sand on their feet and relived the mix of nerves and terror in war.
Their friends may have died in their thousands on French beaches, but those memories of good and brave friends are the real memories to keep strong in Portsmouth today.
As one of the survivors said at the end of the event: what is most important is to remember that sacrifice, and to work every day to ensure we never forget those people who gave us today.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.
By Nathaniel G
Diversity & Inclusion
The Diversity and Inclusion society organised its first ever trip to the King’s Theatre, where we saw the production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. This musical tells the story of 16-year-old Jamie who dreams of becoming a drag queen The show doesn’t shy away from the reality many queer people face, but is ultimately uplifting and hopeful. The cast was brilliant and so was the choreography, and the vocals were phenomenal! The lead role brought with him so much attitude and pizazz to the character and it was lovely to see everyone discussing favourite songs, scenes and characters at the end. All in all, it was an incredible first trip and it was great to see the D&I group together outside of our usual club session.
Written by Jiali H Year 12
Duke of Edinburgh Award
GOING FOR GOLD ON THE SOUTH DOWNS
Over the May Half term break twenty intrepid Year 12 pupils engaged in an adventure on the South Downs Way Their aim was to complete the expedition phase of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in one continuous effort. The whole of the South Downs Way extends 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne, with our groups starting at the easterly end and working their way homeward. This was a new initiative for the school and a real congratulations must go to those pupils who have been the first to represent their school in such an endeavour.
This experience is best described by the pupils themselves:
“On Saturday morning we set off bright and early in the minibus on the way to our starting location; Lewes. After finding the correct path, we set off on our mammoth task of a combined 7-day practice and assessed trek for our Gold DofE. Luckily, the sun was shining and after walking for what felt like an eternity (at least it did then to our naive selves) we finally reached our first campsite. With a quick check-up from Mr Leach, we set up our tents, cooked using the trangia and jet boil, washed up and then went to sleep (a routine that would become all too familiar to us over the coming days)
Fast forward to Monday and it was the end of our practice. Even though we were staying in a campsite again, this one had the luxury of hot showers after which, we were all feeling refreshed and ready for our assessed expedition the very next morning. We set off in the rain for the first (and worst) day of our assessed expedition; with a 22km walk in the rain across a very hilly section of the South Downs it was not looking great. Luckily we were blessed with sunny weather for the rest of our DofE, and our finishing point was planned to perfection, arriving just in time for a lovely pub lunch at the Shoe Inn at Exton. We all thoroughly enjoyed this week hiking the South Downs way and all came away saying it was our best DofE yet! We would like to thank Mr Leach for all his amazing hard work that went into planning it, as well as the teachers who gave up their time assessing us. ”
By Isobella, Estella, Mia and Chandu
End of an era
PGS Archivist, John Sadden, interviews Portsmouth Point editor, James Burkinshaw, who is stepping down from the role after 13 years
When you took on the editorship of the magazine from Julian ElphickSmith, what new ideas did you bring? I introduced the idea of having a theme for every issue of the magazine, each one chosen by the pupils on our editorial team. I think this thematic approach has given the pupils collective ownership of each issue and allowed for a more cohesive experience for the reader. It has also offered a frame through which to view our era. Many are indicative of pupils’ sense of living in transformative times (Change, Destinations, Progress, Revolution, Exploration, Chaos). In a decade of great cultural and technological change, there seems to be a fascination with the relationship between past, present and future (Lost and Found, Inspiration, Interwoven, Time, Re- and Era) and an interest in values and beliefs that transcend time and place (Icon, Belief, Dreams and Reality, Truth, Heroes and Villains, Human Rights). There has also been regular reflection on how we perceive and represent a world of such complexity and diversity (Perspective, Fight Club, Mirror, Perception, Alien, Colour).
How do you order the magazine articles? I try to sequence them so that there is a clear segue from one article to the next, allowing them to enter into dialogue with one another. Hopefully, this encourages the reader to look for points of intersection and connection between the articles, lending more coherence and depth to their reading experience. I think that is part of the value of reading a printed magazine in contrast to the more impressionistic and sometimes disorienting experience of scrolling/clicking online. Philosopher Alain de Botton suggests that the more an account is compressed (for example, in a Tweet or 2-minute news bulletin), the more it seems that what is being discussed deserves no more space than it has been allocated. A key aim of Portsmouth Point magazine is to allow readers the space and time complex issues deserve.
Which is your favourite themed edition and why? It’s difficult to say, because they have all been so enjoyable to edit and have all included writing of such quality. ‘Icon’ was the first issue in which I collaborated with the fantastic designer Clara Feltham (in Autumn 2012); it was very rewarding working with
at the studio to help develop a completely new look for the magazine. I have been very lucky that Clara’s successor, Andy Sanders, has proven to be another gifted and dedicated designer. He designed the ‘Interwoven’ issue, which is a theme I love: the idea of the cultural world as a web or network (just like the natural world), with endless interplay between eras, environments, ideas, perspectives and texts. That sense of intertextuality, of articles in dialogue with each other, is what I have tried to achieve in each issue of the magazine.
The magazine has had some "iconic" covers. Which is your favourite? There have been so many striking covers, almost all of them designed by pupils. One of my favourites is the ‘Revolution’ cover, which was a lot of fun to do, with the pupils re-enacting and parodying Delacroix’s iconic painting, ‘Liberty Leading the People’. For the ‘Inspiration’ cover, our dedicated photographer had to undertake 120 30-second exposures to achieve a stunning image that appears to show all of the stars in the night sky rotating around a church spire This issue is also notable for featuring some striking satirical cartoons by PGS pupils, as did the ‘Alien’ issue, which boasts a memorable cover photo that portrays someone levitating above a lake. I have been very lucky to have worked closely with our Head of Photography, Oliver Stone, over the past decade, a gifted photographer himself, responsible for several superb cover images, and someone who has inspired so many pupils to produce creative and technically accomplished photographs over the years, which have added so much to the magazine (and blog) in terms of style and content. Oliver was responsible for another of my favourite covers, for the ‘Interwoven’ issue, in which two images taken in the Quad 113 years apart (1909 and 2022) were merged to reflect the relationship between past and present in a memorable and moving way.
You were also responsible for creating the blog. How does it differ from the magazine in terms of content and style? I felt that we needed more than a biannual magazine. I wanted pupils to have a daily forum so that they could discuss what was happening in the world as it happened. So, I launched the blog in February 2012; I remain indebted to Daniel Rollins, a Year 11 pupil at the time, who designed it so brilliantly and promoted it so enthusiastically. Our first blog article was an evaluation of the philosophy of the Ancient Greek scientist, Thales, taking us back two and a half millennia. Our second article was a review of Emeli Sande’s debut album, Our Version of Events, which had only been released the day before. So, from the very beginning, the blog embraced the historic and the contemporary, the scientific and the artistic.
I will admit to being stunned at how quickly the blog took off. We rocketed from 4 articles in February (our first month) to 45 in March There was a genuine buzz about it, as pupils enthusiastically seized the opportunity to explore and discuss issues as they were happening. The March 2012 articles included a live-blog of George Osborne’s Austerity budget, coverage of the racist killing of Trayvon Martin in the USA, articles about war crimes in Syria and Afghanistan and the parliamentary ‘cash for questions’ scandal in the UK, so there was a huge level of political engagement. At the same time, we had wonderful articles on maths equations as a form of art, reviews of poetry, novels, music and film and a profile of the ‘hacktivism’ movement. I remember that, such was the initial enthusiasm during that first year that pupils continued writing (and I continued publishing) throughout the summer holidays, on everything from the London Olympics to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Over the years, have you become aware of any changes in the sort of subjects chosen by pupils to write about? The last 12 years have been particularly dramatic ones, so I am pleased that, day after day, month after month, year after year, our pupils have been able to use Portsmouth Point blog as a vantage point from which to record it all: Black Lives Matter, Brexit, Syria, the Higgs-Boson ‘God Particle’, the growing geo-political significance of China, the Climate Crisis, Afghanistan, the Me Too movement, Artificial Intelligence, LGBTQ, the rise of authoritarianism (from Trump to Modi), COVID, Ukraine, social media, CRISPR and Gaza, just to cite some of the transformative events that have taken place. Of course, during these times of environmental, political, social, cultural, economic, scientific and technological upheaval, our editors have continued to write about so many other things besides: sharing recipes, reviews, poems, short stories and photographs; exploring history, literature, art, philosophy, drama, religion, psychology, fashion, food, music, tech, film and TV. From 2012 to 2016, the number of articles averaged an impressive 450 per year, and in 2016 we received our 500,000th page view. From 2017-2019, numbers of articles steadied to an average of 350 per year. Then COVID hit.
Suddenly, there was no doubt to anyone that we were living through history. One of my most rewarding experiences during the first Lockdown, John, was working with you, in your capacity as School Archivist, on a special commemorative magazine, ‘We Are PGS’, recording the response of the school community to the pandemic, with contributions from people across the globe,
from Japan to the United States. It was wonderful to have articles by pupils, staff, parents, grandparents and alumni, each with a different take: artistic, environmental, medical, historic, personal, political, philosophical and social. There was such a sense of togetherness, in spite of and because of the isolation and distancing.
During the pandemic, Portsmouth Point blog published an unprecedented number of articles and reached new heights in terms of readership. Pupils wrote 83 in May 2020 alone. By the end of 2020, we had published 545 articles in one year, easily beating our previous annual record of 485 (in 2013). And page views soared: we hit our millionth view in January 2021. There was a real energy to the blog in that period. It provided an invaluable forum through which members of our community could share their experiences and their reflections during a time that encouraged all of us to re-evaluate our priorities and our values The blog formed a very productive partnership with Lit Soc, run by Bryony Hart, platforming weekly recorded lectures on cultural issues that attracted extraordinary numbers of pupils. I was also pleased that we were able to publish, as always, a summer magazine (the theme was ‘Mirror’, appropriately enough during such a reflective period) and that we were even able to launch it at our usual Summer Garden Party: most participants were remote, joining from their own gardens with the traditional strawberries, cream and Schloer, that sun-soaked afternoon, but a few Year 12s were in school, so they had a socially distanced celebration in the Neil Blewett Memorial Garden.
One of the regular features on the blog during that first Lockdown was the photography shared by PGS Marshal Tony Hicks, who (courtesy of his drone) gave us those of us stuck at home panoramic aerial images of PGS and its environs I particularly remember a photograph of the Solent looking a tropical blue-green, one of the consequences of the decline in pollution during the pandemic. I should note, of course, that Tony’s spectacular photography has been a mainstay of the blog since 2012 - beautiful images of flowers and wildlife, photographs celebrating Portsmouth’s history and traditions, particularly relating to the Navy, and so many artistic pictures of the school itself, in sunshine and snow, in the early dawn and the late evening. Tony’s photographs by themselves provide an evocative record of the past decade or more.
Among other colleagues, I am of course grateful to Julian Elphick-Smith, not only for launching the magazine 15 years ago but for giving it such a resonant title. Portsmouth Point is an artful allusion to a part of the city just a few hundred yards from PGS, where, in the early eighteenth century, at the time the school was founded, coffee house culture thrived: places where the dissemination of news and exchange of ideas helped shape our modern media culture. Among the many staff contributors to the magazine over the years, the most prolific have undoubtedly been Mark Richardson, who wrote with wisdom and wit on music and literature in a distinctive voice that invariably left you convinced that Mark was sitting right there talking enthusiastically to you, and Tom McCarthy, who wrote on art, literature and history with such scholarship and elegance, each article as intricately crafted as a piece of eighteenthcentury clockwork, every phrase as exquisite as a mediaeval illumination. You yourself, John, have also been a long-standing contributor to Portsmouth Point, ranging from an appreciation of the Clash (‘Anarchist to Archivist’) to a commemoration of those who took part in the D Day landings to an explanation of why Extinction Rebellion gives you hope for the future. I have always really loved your writing style, its blend of the erudite, elegiac and ironic.
One PGS Head referred to Portsmouth Point as “the Jewel in the Crown”. Is there an article that you are particularly proud of having published? I have been grateful for the strong support for the publication by David Wickes, Anne Cotton and James Priory. I do think that Portsmouth Point represents something very precious, something that only increases in value. I would not want to single out a specific article; there have been so many that I have felt it a privilege to publish. I have just been proud to provide, through blog and magazine, two platforms that have enabled pupils to discuss complex and sometimes contested issues with intellectual curiosity and honesty. It has been reassuring that there continues to be an appetite for writing and reading what is now called ‘long-form writing’. As Marcel Proust noted a century ago, in an age of similar technological upheaval, good writing is not a luxury: “Style has nothing to do with embellishment, it’s a quality of vision”.
Were there any articles that you have not been able to publish? Of over 5,300 articles that have been sent to me for publication on the blog, and 750 for publication in the magazine, there has only been one that I have felt unable to publish in any form. On occasion, I need to discuss an article with a writer
before I feel able to go ahead with publication, but this always takes the form of dialogue, with the aim that the writer will find their own way to address the issue without compromising their article. One thing that I am always mindful of is that, as a school publication, we are part of a community and that respect and consideration towards each other as individuals is an important dimension of free speech. One of the more disturbing aspects of social media is the way in which the medium itself seems designed to encourage a binary, tribal, antagonistic approach to issues that has the potential to be dehumanising and dangerous.
The worst type of censorship is self-censorship. Discuss. There is an increasing fear that whatever one writes online is open to (mis)interpretation by others, and resultant backlash, which can also lead to a temptation to eschew topics that might be viewed as controversial. This is taking place within the context of an intimidating shift within Western democracies towards governmental restrictions on free speech; recent examples include the repressive and sometimes violent treatment of environmental protesters in the UK and Gaza-driven protesters on American campuses. Therefore, the fact that so many PGS pupils remain so engaged with political and social issues, is all the more admirable. I have always been struck by (and colleagues have remarked upon) the sheer volume of articles written by our pupils on a weekly basis, over and above their academic studies and other commitments Every single article is a voluntary, self-willed act, with no reward or incentive other than the fact of publication itself. Each new editorial team has brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to Portsmouth Point every year, reflected in so many of the promotional videos editors have put together to recruit new members: always inventive, usually satirical, often anarchic, reflective of their sense of the blog as a free-spirited Student publication
Why are you giving up the editorship, what are you going to do with all the time it frees up and what are you going to miss the most about being editor? Hopefully, I have made it clear what I loved about being editor. I will miss it all. However, every institution benefits from periodic renewal. The choice of theme for this issue, Era, felt serendipitous. I will look back at my years as Portsmouth Point editor with great pride, both at what has been achieved and at what Portsmouth Point represents: values that only seem more and more important to me as each year goes by. The current editorial team is a particularly impressive group of people who will help my successor, Dan Frampton, take the publication forward into an exciting new era.
With the time I will get back (which will be considerable) I hope to write more, read more, walk more (on Downs and Peaks) and maybe play more guitar. I would finish by saying something about spending more time with my family, but that makes me sound a bit too like a sacked Cabinet Minister However, the greatest debt of gratitude I owe, genuinely, is to my children, Eva and Isaac, and my wife, Steph, for their love, advice and preternatural tolerance over the past 13 years.
EPQ Presentations
All Year 12 pupils at PGS complete an extended independent research project, as a part of their core academic curriculum. This term our EPQ Presentations Market Place saw over 60 Year 12 pupils present their EPQ projects to peers, visitors and teachers
The pupils have been working on these independent projects for all of Year 12, and they spoke passionately and reflectively on their individual research journeys. The quality and range of the projects is breathtaking and the pupils can be proud of their achievements.
Fort Purbrook Fun
All of Year 2 went to Fort Purbrook for a school residential. When we got there we went into the meeting room and waited for everyone to arrive. Then we had a tour around Fort Purbrook. We went outside and played some games like football and throw and catch. After we played the games we went to our first activities in our groups. The activities were climbing, orienteering and bushcraft. Then we had another little play and a snack before our second activity. We had our packed lunches in the dining room inside the fort. After lunch we had our third and last activity Then we found out our rooms and who was sleeping there and had a little chill and got organised. Then we had tea in the fort and had ice cream outside! We watched Sing and had popcorn! We didn’t go to sleep until 9:30! In the morning after breakfast we had a competition for the tidiest rooms and our rooms won! The trip was so amazing it was unbelievably good and we wish we could do it all again.
By Maggie 2S and Oscar 2G
Julius Caesar
The Sixth Form Play
“Being part of Julius Caesar was an incredibly enjoyable experience. Having a play entirely directed and organised by pupils is a feat in and of itself, with the show’s success only adding to this. The dramatic material was tackled with great maturity from both the cast and the directors, and Shakespeare's dialogue was delivered, conveyed and realised with conviction. It is important to mention that our version of the script was one painstakingly cut and abridged by directors Dawn and Oscar, creating what very much was a cohesive, dramatic and nuanced version of Julius Caesar in 90 minutes.
The crew were also phenomenal, with Rufus and Dalila truly realising the vision for the play, turning the DRT into our Rome. Additionally, an enormous thank you goes to Chloe, stage manager, who had to deal with the litres of fake blood used in this production, coming out during the interval each night, with mop and bucket in hand.
To summarise, this was a truly engaging and emotive production of Julius Caesar, and to take part in it as the titular character was a very rewarding experience.”
by Tom K, Julius Caesar
Looking to the future
Following very successful events in previous years, our annual Year 6&7 Careers Morning took place on Monday. Volunteer parents and local businesses gave up their time to talk to pupils about their work and what is involved. A range of sectors included Engineering, Nursing, Biopharmaceutical Research, Commercial Pilot, Veterinary Surgeon, Gaming and Programming using AI and Film and Media Production.
There was a real buzz with pupils interacting with each session, taking part in activities such as becoming Air Traffic Controllers using a flight navigation system and finding out how Films and TV are created using AI and VR. Pupils found the morning very informative, with pupils saying that it was good to find out about lots of different career options. One pupil said they didn't realise how hard it was to navigate planes in the sky. Lots of pupils did decide they wanted to become pilots!
“I enjoyed learning about the brave college student who had survived an injury from a javelin from the nurse. ” (Isaac B)
“It was interesting to listen to the veterinary surgeon describe treating unusual animals like a penguin!” (Anu S)
“The man from XR described using a dog to help him create movement for animations – I never would have guessed this was how it was achieved ” (Charlie S)
“The man who made medicines was an excellent speaker and it was very interesting to look at his model.” (Rory B)
We could not run this event without the support of volunteers, so thank you to all that contributed to a very successful morning.
We were also delighted to invite students from HSDC Havant and Oaklands School to join PGS pupils for a UCAT training day at PGS. The event was in collaboration with the Dr Mike King Trust. 5 PGS staff each ran a workshop on different sections of this challenging admissions test that all Medical and Dental students have to complete as part of their application for university places: Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Situational Judgement.
The students engaged really enthusiastically with the challenging content and worked very purposefully together, having to develop responses and judgements rapidly and accurately just as they will as medical practitioners. The students enjoyed meeting each other and working together Thank you to HSDC and Oaklands for taking part.
Night Under the Stars
Year Six enjoyed a fabulous Night Under the Stars, camping as a year group, bonding and making memories with our friends to last a lifetime. The outdoor adventure began with a fascinating visit from FAB Falconry where we met our feathered owl friends, Attenborough, Darwin, and Einstein and Brunel. All the pupils were given the opportunity to handle the owls and we loved learning about their diet, habitats and backgrounds. It was a thrill to be able to watch them take flight and interact so closely with these amazing animals.
We then further interacted with nature by heading to the woods and using our creativity to produce natural pictures in the style of Andy Goldsworthy. The children loved foraging for foliage and flowers and made some very impressive pieces of art, which of course, will eventually be claimed back into the environment by nature
Of course, following raucous games of rounders- the children eagerly looked forward to the main event- a night under canvas! After a hearty BBQ lunch, we set up our tents and awaited nightfall (which came much later than the teachers expected!). As the sun set, we welcomed Embers to our camp, an organisation specialising in Bushcraft. They taught our pupils skills such as fire making, shelter building and how to use stealth to navigate the countryside.
In addition, Mr Leach instructed pupils on the trials and tribulations of cooking with a tangier, and they all managed to cook themselves a pasta supper, using their newfound skills.
We would love to say that we all enjoyed a wonderful night's sleep under the stars, but alas, the excitement of camping with friends ensured that only a little sleep was had before we rose with the dawn to a delicious breakfast before heading home for a well-earned rest! Which is exactly how a Year Six campout should be!
Penalty Shoot Out
A group of Year 12 boys organised a penalty shootout against Portsmouth Football Club's mascot – Nelson, raising over £400 for Pompey in the Community! Several lunchtime penalty challenges took place throughout the week. One such challenge involving our contestants wearing "dizzy googles!" There was also a raffle and a cookie sale! The pupils involved were Harry C, Matt G, Sam H, Charlie H, Ryan N, George P, Archie R, Archie S, Eric W, Daniel W, Steve Z.
Prayer Room
Pupils have been very much involved in the creation and renovation of the Multifaith Prayer Room that is now available for pupils to use. Sabikunnaher Sabiha in Year 12 has been particularly instrumental in the process, working alongside Mrs Ryan, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and other PGS staff to create a quiet and inclusive place that all members of the PGS community can use for prayer or a few moments of quiet reflection.
Drawing inspiration from the natural world, pupils have curated a space that fosters tranquillity and calm. The room was designed with sustainability in mind; with natural, recycled or locally produced materials chosen in the thoughtful selection of colours, furnishings, and decor elements. Input from pupils and staff of diverse cultural and religious traditions was used to help make the space welcoming and accessible, catering to the diverse needs of the school community.
The room includes a “water station” for pupils to refill their water bottle or perform ablution, a small library of books that can be read in the room or borrowed and other items available for use in prayer or meditation. Sabiha also used her creative talents to hand paint the wonderful mural on the wall outside the room; coming in early before school or staying late to ensure it was completed in time.
Through hard work, vision and dedication, we are delighted with the transformation of our prayer room into a welcoming haven where individuals of all backgrounds can find solace and peace, enriching the spiritual fabric of The Portsmouth Grammar School.
Readathon
This term, Junior and Senior pupils were invited to take part in Readathon.
Readathon, which is run by the Read for Good charity, helps raise money to buy books for children’s hospital wards, as well as fund storytellers who visit read and tell stories to poorly children.
The community showed great generosity and support, and we managed to raise a whopping £540. We are particularly impressed by the efforts of Rielly T (SS) and Ivan T (JS) who, between them, raised an impressive £115. Both have been awarded with a book voucher to help celebrate their success.
Rugby Presentation Awards
Enjoy every moment, don't focus on the end product and enjoy the process, and find out what drives you - these were the three core pieces of advice the guest speaker at the inaugural Rugby Awards had for pupils. Warren Abrahams, who has been involved as a coach for the Harlequins Academy Coach, England Men's 7s, Lithuania 7s, USA Women's 7s, Wales Women's 15s and 7s, told pupils that with effort put into each of these three core pillars, they will find magic on and off the pitch.
No one can give a precise date of when last PGS had a Rugby Awards evening but Wednesday surely delivered a great long overdue Rugby Award night The Evening showed that the DRT was completely packed with pupils and parents to celebrate the effort and achievements of pupils from the U12s to the 1st XV and of course the first PGS Girls' Rugby Team. Congratulations to all the winners, those nominated, the staff and parents who support our pupils to take part in fixtures and training every week. Long may this new tradition continue.
School of Rock
The Middle School took to the stage with 'School of Rock' and finished the job, raising the roof! Undoubtedly the pupils have committed themselves fully over months of rehearsals to bring this musical to life and have truly deserved all the applause they have received from the audiences this week. This tale of inspiring young people to achieve more, using admittedly slightly devious methods, had poignancy, energy and a lot of humour
Congratulations to all the pupils involved on stage, back stage and on the lighting and sound for such great shows and thank you to Miss Vobe, Miss Heath and Mrs Martin-Guruge for their work with and support of the pupils to create the show.
Sixth Form & Beyond
Year 10 have enjoyed an inspiring and interesting taste of life in the Sixth Form this term. With six different A Level subjects experienced and two new Ignite enrichment sessions trialled, they have approached these two days with curiosity and enthusiasm. Alongside these practical experiences, Year 10 have heard from staff and pupils about the wider aspects of the Sixth Form curriculum at PGS and enjoyed the comforts of the Sixth Form cafe.
Year 8 ski trip
PGS Year 8 Ski trip returned to a traditionally favoured ski location - Passo Tonale in the Dolomites.
The group of forty seven pupils and five staff had an early start and arrived on Saturday afternoon. The pupils were booted and kitted up with the excitement of skiing building amongst the whole group. With an ability range from complete beginners to black run advanced skiers, the cohort was split into five lesson groups for the five days of skiing. We were blessed with an abundance of snow for the week.
The skiing experience for the group was supplemented by evening activities throughout the week including karaoke/ disco, quiz night and the pizza night with awards ceremony to close the week. A real highlight was to see the progression of the skiers throughout the week and hearing of the daily adventures, achievements and comical falls.
Thank must go to the staff for all their hard work in ensuring that the pupils had a fantastic week - Ms E Burns, Mr L Ansell, Mrs E Haigh and Mr G Stratford who supported Mr A leach as trip leader.
We are looking forward to next year ' s Year 8 Ski adventure which is planned for Les Deux Alpes in April 2025.
Sports Days
House competition ruled from Reception to Year 12 as pupils ran, jumped, balanced, and threw against each other at Sports Days this summer
It was wonderful to be able to welcome parents and loved ones to Hilsea Playing Fields for both the Years 3 – 6 Sports Day and Infants Sports Day. The Senior School Sports Day this year was held at the Mountbatten Centre, which seemed to only intensify the keen sense of House Competition!
At Senior Sports Day, this year saw the introduction of the pentathlon event where pupils could opt to compete over 5 events scoring points through the day. There were some excellent performances with school records being broken - this leaves the total number of school records broken this term at 12. Every contribution large or small counts on Sports Day. At the end of the day whether pupils ran the mile, finished 8th in the long jump or ran in the relay they will have contributed to the overall house total The results are as follows: Relay Cup
1st – Summers and Whitcombe; 2nd - Barton and Grant; 3rd - Eastwood and Latter; 4th - Hawkey and Smith
1st - Eastwood and Latter, 1148.5; 2nd - Summers and Whitcombe, 1100; 3rdHawkey and Smith, 944 5; 4th - Barton and Grant, 828
Years 3 - 6
Sustainability
came about through video conferencing between the 2 schools on ecology and sustainability and the realisation that both schools lacked bats! As the presence of bats is a strong indicator of a healthy ecosystem, both schools decided to take action. At this stage of the project we are simply aiming to increase insect numbers and diversity and softening the hard landscapes - but would be delighted if it had a positive impact further up the food chain!
Senior School pupils in the Pupils' Uganda Group (PUG) and Community Action and Workplace (CAW) have designed the Green Wall and made the planters from plastic bottles that are filled with compost made from school food waste. Junior School pupils have painted the bottles in Ugandan flag/PGS colours and their Eco Council and Gardening Club have been planting up the bottles and helping to get them on the wall.
This has been a 'through school' project that has tapped into every aspect of the PGS CORE. It has been a delight to work with pupils and staff across the school and to create something that is already giving pleasure to many people. We really look forward to seeing how it develops and to any impact it may have, and to learning more through the process We are really looking forward to learning with and from Kikaaya too about their experiences. Many thanks to the DT department and the Estates team for their support with this project.
Utilita Bowl
PGS visited the Utilita Bowl to watch a double header: Southern Vipers Vs Western Storm and Hampshire Hawks Vs Surrey. Whilst we were there, we also had a look at our new advertising board in the bowl.
Our cricket enthusiasts spent a sunny day in half term testing the bowl speed and delighting in the various food choices.
Visit to Suzhou High School
Mr Wickes made a significant visit to Suzhou High School in China, reaffirming the deep-rooted connection between our two institutions. This partnership, which has flourished over many years, remains a source of great pride for our community.
During his visit, Mr. Wickes had the opportunity to engage with several key members of Suzhou High School's teaching staff, fostering further collaboration and exchange of educational practices He toured the school's museum and art gallery, gaining insights into the rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements of the students.
A highlight of the visit was witnessing a remarkable performance of a play based on Jane Austen's classic novel, "Pride and Prejudice." The students' rendition showcased their exceptional talent and dedication to the arts, leaving a lasting impression on Mr. Wickes.
In addition to these activities, Mr. Wickes delivered an insightful presentation to current pupils and parents at Suzhou High School. His talk focused on life in the Sixth Form at PGS, offering a glimpse into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to prospective students.
Mr Wickes was also able to meet five Suzhou High School students who will be joining PGS in September as part of the next cohort to enter our Sixth Form These students are set to follow in the successful footsteps of their predecessors, continuing the tradition of excellence and cross-cultural exchange.
Mr. Wickes' visit not only strengthened the bond between our two schools but also highlighted the shared commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering international understanding
Andrea Allman, Teacher of Classics
Tim Ayling, Teacher of History and Politics
Melissa Canter, Junior School Form Teacher & Head of Year 5
Junior House Leader (Jerrard House)
Rebecca Champion, Teacher of English & KS3 Coordinator
Beverley Cowdell, Junior School Form Teacher & Head of Year
Tom de Trafford, Teacher of Physics
Angus Evans, Gap Year Assistant (Choral Scholar)
Ruth Evans, Year 6 Teacher, Assistant Head (Pastoral)
Nicola Fripp, English Lead Year 1-6, Writing Lead
Rory Gillies, Gap Year Assistant
Gareth Hemmings, Director of Music
Liam Hickey, Gap Year Assistant (Choral Scholar)
Sophie Hillier, Early Years Assistant, Pre-School Deputy
Karen Hinks, Teaching Assistant - Junior School
Ben Horrod, Teacher of Design and Technology
Kate Jones, Teacher of History, Head of Year 12
Joseph Knight, Junior School Sports Coach, Junior House Leader (Jerrard House) Yrs 3 & 4
Nora Rechel, Gap Year Assistant (Organ Scholar)
Erica Smith, Festival Director, Ports Fest
Sam Sykes, Junior School Form Teacher
Jenni Turrill, Teacher of PE and Games, Dance Co-ordinator, Head of Whitcombe House
Victor Valera-Ramiro, Teacher of Spanish and French
Bob Wheeldon, Head Groundsman
Farewell To Mr Hemmings
Mr Hemmings has been Director of Music at The Portsmouth Grammar School for eight years.
With countless concerts, ensemble performances, and musicals coming together due to his tireless commitment, he will very much be missed
Mr Hemmings guided PGS Music through some of the most difficult years for the performing arts - the global pandemic hugely limiting the opportunities for the school community to come together and share their love of music. However, his ingenuity and passion created online opportunities to ensure that during the most difficult of times musical creativity was still able to flourish and be supported
Mr Hemmings is a huge figure PGS Music and will be a great loss. The kids really respect him and thoroughly enjoy working with him.
PGS Parent
You can hear from Mr Hemmings himself about his time at PGS on a special farewell podcast on PGS Talks. Mr Hemmings takes us through his PGS journey and features musical interludes from Mr Hemmings fondest memories, including 'Bring it On' and 'Chorus Line. '
Click here to listen on Spotify or scan the QR code below.
