Term 1 Newsletter 24/25

Message from the Headteacher

Dear QEHS Community,

Incredibly, here we are at the end of Term 1. Seven weeks have gone by in what seems a blink of an eye and have been packed with many events and notable achievements as you will see in this first Newsletter of the new academic year.

This year the decision was taken to reschedule our whole school Open Evening so that QEHS could go toe to toe with all of the other schools and colleges who tend to open their doors to prospective families at this time of year. This bold and confident move did not disappoint. The school was packed! The number of student helpers supporting staff on the broad range of subject stalls and interactive experiences was at an all time high. Whether delivering speeches in the main hall, offering coaching sessions in the sports hall or demonstrating musical, artistic, creative or academic skills, the amazing students from across Years 7 to 13 who spent the evening in school magnificently personified the core values of QEHS – Tradition, Achievement, Opportunity. If you missed this Open Evening (firstly, where were you?!), fear not, as the Sixth Form Open Evening on 13^th November presents another chance to spend some quality time in school where the focus will be on the impressive post-16 offer we take great pride in here at QEHS.

In this edition of the Newsletter, you will see plenty of evidence of the significant impact our Sixth Form students have across school as they model highly effective student leadership skills on a daily basis. Whether touring families on ‘Walkabout Wednesdays’ or driving the School Council, their confidence, maturity and compassion shines through. Elsewhere you will read of the 59 students who secured ‘a perfect year’, or the 59 students (not all the same!) who attained their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award; topped only by Jess who will be off to Buckingham Palace this summer to receive her Gold DofE from Prince Edward. Equally impressive is Iris’ England call up to the England Roses Netball Academy alongside Holly’s call up and Elyse’s national inter-county triumphs.

In fact, there are so many student successes to consider in this newsletter (Presentation Evening Prize recipients, Headteacher Commendation winners, Cambridge Chemistry champions, Term 1 Superstars, Sports Presentation Evening nominees) you may well take some time to find all the places your own child’s name appears! You will also be able to see just how many trips, visits and co-curricular activities QEHS students have been engaged in the past few months. From researching Gainsborough Old Hall to scuba diving in Borneo, from treading the boards for ‘High School Musical’ to hosting German exchange students, the Queenies experience is always colourful, bright and varied. Read on to find out more…

Kind regards,

Mr R Eastham

Headteacher

Open Evening

On Wednesday 2 October, we hosted our annual Open Evening. All of the subject departments had some fantastic work on display and there was a range of activities to take part in, from watching student performances in the Performing Arts Centre and Music Department, to toasting Marshmallows on a fire pit.

We have had some great feedback from potential parents. One parent said: 

"I attended the Open Evening last night with my sons, both of whom were blown away by the school and what you offer, especially the extracurricular activities, visits and trips. Your students were all absolutely fantastic; engaging; enthusiastic; and tempered their interactions to the audience. So a big thank you to the school as a whole for being so welcoming from the off."

Very well done and thank you to all of the students who helped out during the evening, whether you were helping in a department or greeting the guests as they entered the school, you were all very impressive and should be very proud of yourselves. 

Overall it was an extremely successful evening and we look forward to hosting more visitors at our Sixth Form Open Evening on 13 November 2024! More details for this can be seen below. 

Miss S Stubley 

Communications, Marketing and Development Officer

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Sixth Form Open Evening 2024

Marketing Team 2023/24

I would like to say a huge thank you to the 2023/24 Sixth Form Marketing Team. They have been the face of School Tours and they have all done such a fantastic job! 

One particular thank you goes to the Marketing Team Leader, Joshua R in 12S. Josh has gone above and beyond all whilst being part of the Sixth Form Senior Team.

You are all fantastic role models! Having the confidence and knowledge to tour families around our school during a normal day is something you should be very proud of.

There has been some great feedback provided by the visitors:

"Really approachable, friendly and helpful. Encouraged questions and were happy to answer anything about the school."

"Very, very good ambassadors for the school and Sixth Form."

"Lovely, friendly, honest and well informed girls. Really great to meet them, they made us feel very at ease and welcome."

"Josh and James were both very knowledgeable about the school. They came across well and were great ambassadors for the school."

"The girls were very professional and a great asset to the school and had answers to all questions."

Well done to each one of you: Eboney A, Lily D, Khushi H, Jessica H, Neve M, James N, Joshua R, Maddi S and Matthew T.

Thank you again team!

Miss S Stubley 

Communications, Marketing and Development Officer 

Sixth Form Senior Team Update

As we come to the end of a busy and productive first term, Tobin and I are once again extremely proud of what our Sixth Form Senior Team have achieved and been involved in as we have worked to implement positive change and have a meaningful impact within our school community.

Carrying on from last year, one of our key initiatives has been improving the two multi faith rooms around school. Deputy Head Girl Khushi, along with Jana and Liya have been working on this. The following update is from Khushi: "In order to fulfil our aim of ensuring everyone of every faith has a place where they can reflect, we have been working closely with Site Team and staff, utilising student feedback. So far we have given the walls a new coat of paint to brighten up the rooms. We have also added some storage options and coat hooks for practicality and organisation. Finally we have ordered more prayer mats for students to use."

Our progress of filming short A Level subject videos is also ongoing, with the aim of having a range completed and shared ready for the Sixth Form Open Evening in November.

It’s also been a busy few weeks attending key events. The Whole School Presentation evening was a wonderful event to be a part of, with Tobin and I receiving our official Head Boy and Girl badges, and our team acting as fantastic representatives of the school. They welcomed parents and helped the night run smoothly.

The Whole School Open Evening was a similar story, but with the added delight of our Deputy Heads, Khushi, Jess and Josh, delivering a brilliant speech alongside two outstanding Year 8 students, David and Phoebe. It was a privilege to speak alongside them, and we look forward to more similar opportunities to come.

We have also spent time actively engaging with the younger students as well. Our assemblies to Year 7 to 11 this term have focused on their journey through school, and how they can make the best start possible to the year. In addition, Tobin and I have been visiting the Year 7 forms to see how they are settling in and offer our support as they adjust to secondary school. At the Year 7 Parents' Evening, a small group of us ran Leadership for Learning workshops, providing an insight into the myriad of exciting opportunities students can be involved in with the aim of developing their leadership skills and enhancing their cultural capital.

On a more practical note, we have been organising the preloved uniform donations on a weekly basis. It has been truly heartwarming to see how generous our community is in working together to try to ensure none of our students go without.

This term has been a rewarding one, and I am so proud of what we’ve achieved as a team. We are all incredibly excited to continue building on this progress in the months ahead and remain committed to making our school the best it can be for all of us.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Best wishes,
Eboney A (13A)
Head Girl, QEHS

A Perfect Academic Year 2023-24

On Thursday 10 October, Mr Eastham together with Heads of Year met with 59 very special students indeed in the Library. These incredible youngsters went the whole of academic year 2023-24 without picking up a single negative point! This is a fantastic achievement. Each student received a special certificate, had a personalised letter sent home to parents and will receive two free drinks tokens. 

Well done all. A truly impressive achievement. Same again this year please!

Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievement of 59 of our Year 10 students who have been awarded the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award! This prestigious accolade reflects their hard work, resilience, and commitment to personal development across a range of challenges, from volunteering and skills-building to physical activity and expeditions. Each student has shown remarkable determination and dedication, and their achievements are a true testament to their character and potential. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and inspire others on their DofE journey!

Congratulations to all!

Miss H Meneer 

Head of Learning Outside the Classroom

Jess Completes Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award

Having progressed through both Bronze and Silver DofE, I took on the challenge of doing my Gold. Completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) has been an unforgettable experience. Over the past year, I took on new challenges within the air cadets that pushed me in ways I never expected. The experience has taught me valuable life lessons and memories I will carry forward into the future. Here’s a little insight into what each part of the program involved:

Volunteering (12 months)

For my volunteering section, I spent time helping teach senior cadets on squadron. the lessons included military aircraft systems, air power, basic navigation and many more. It was my responsibility to ensure that cadets had a clear understanding of the subject, to enable them to sit their exams and pass with the knowledge that they had been taught, so that they could then progress to the master cadet classification. This helped me to improve my leadership and mentoring abilities, as I guided the cadets through their learning journey. This not only strengthened my own knowledge of the subjects but also boosted my confidence in teaching and public speaking. It taught me patience and adaptability, as I had to adjust my teaching style based on the cadets’ individual needs and learning speeds.

Skills (6 months)

For my skills section, I gained my master cadet classification, the highest classification a cadet can get. This took lots of lessons and hard work in order to sit the required exams which I later went on to pass. These lessons focused on air frames, radio and radar, as well as jet propulsions. Achieving this classification not only broadened my understanding of aviation systems but also reinforced my commitment to personal development and perseverance.

Physical (12 months)

I joined the Trent Wing Road Marching Team for the Physical Section of my award. My aim was to be able to walk 160km in the Nijmegen 4 day Marches held in the Netherlands and to gain my RAFAC Gold Road Marching badge. To qualify for this, I had to complete the 80km 2 day RAF WARMA road march held at RAF Cosford in April 2024 which took great determination and physical activity. Once eligible, I took part in a progressive training programme of several marches organised by the team. I also marched in my free time to help with training and personal conditioning. In preparation for the marches, I also had to complete the theory elements of the progressive training syllabus that included climatic injuries, training and foot care. The training marches were approximately 20 to 35 km a day. I successfully completed the 4 day marches with the Trent Wing Road Marching Team during July 2023; therefore achieving my goal meaning I qualified for my first Nijmegen medal and my Gold Road Marching badge. I suffered from painful foot blisters, but I overcame this and achieved my goal by using the knowledge I gained in my training. After the 2023 Nijmegen Marches, I continued to train and prepare for the 2024 Nijmegen Marches in order to improve my performance from the previous year.

Residential

For my residential, I attended the Trent Wing Multi Activity Camp from Saturday 19 August 2023 to Saturday 26 August 2023. I acted as a ‘2IC’ (2nd in command) of a flight which involved me assisting in running a group of 35 young people, making sure they arrived at activities on time with all the correct equipment. Activities during the week included fieldcraft, shooting, archery, drill, watersports and a visit to an air show. This also meant that I was with people I was unfamiliar with and had to guide them through the camp, making every effort to make sure everyone was involved and enjoying themselves.

Expedition

My expedition was done in white peak area of Derbyshire with camping at Thornbridge Outdoor Centre. This expedition lasted 4 days and 3 nights, with 8 hours of planned activity each day, all whilst being fully self sufficient. In my opinion this was one of the hardest yet most memorable parts of the award; my team went from complete strangers to friends. Our aim of the expedition was to research the history of local sites we encountered on our routes which, after the expedition, I had to do a presentation to my squadron about my experiences.

Jess H (13D)

Photos of Jess completing the various sections of her Gold DofE Award

Year 13 Trip to Sheffield Hallam University

On Friday 13 September, 22 chemistry students from Year 13 visited Sheffield Hallam University. At the university, students used the undergraduate labs to complete a synthesis of an ester, which they then purified and analysed using TLC (thin layer chromatography), IR (infrared) spectroscopy and proton NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). The trip gave students an excellent opportunity to used equipment not available to them at school. Students also took part in a lecture in the afternoon, learning if it were possible to bring back woolly mammoth from extinction and understanding how analysis of isotopes in their former habitats could help provide the answer to this.

Mrs E Redgate-Large

Teacher of Chemistry

Students during their trip at Sheffield Hallam University

Term 1 Superstars

Congratulations to all the students who have been selected this term's Subject and Year Group Superstars! 

Year 13 Students take on the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge

In Term 6 last year, a number of our Year 12 Chemists took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Eight of them achieved marks high enough to be awarded with a certificate: five copper and three gold. 

The following students received Copper certificates:

Jana A (13D)

Freya N (13S)

Jamie S (13C)

Isabel C (13D)

Tom B (13S)

The following students received Silver certificates:

Michael B (13D) 

Tudor M (13A)

Charlie S (13S)

Well done to you all. 

Mrs S Wooldridge

Teacher of Chemistry

A Bookworm’s Dream

We were delighted to welcome the new Year 7 students to the library at the beginning of term and we have been impressed by how many of them are really keen readers, some changing their books on a daily basis! Borrowing rates are incredibly high and we are delighted to see a wide range of titles flying off the shelves.

The Library also proved popular with parents and students on Open Evening and we were delighted to receive so many positive comments. One of our younger visitors described the Library as, ‘a bookworm’s dream!’   

Mrs M Timms 

Library Assistant 

Examples of Great Work in English

Year 11 students have looked at developing their narrative and descriptive writing skills this half term in preparation for their language paper 1 exam, and there have been some outstanding pieces of writing with a wide variety of perspectives and ideas considered. Meanwhile, Year 8 have been studying the novel ‘Lord of the Flies’, and some of the groups were challenged with creating the island that the boys were on by utilising the descriptions from the novel. Year 7 prepared for their novel ‘The Ruby in the Smoke’ by researching the context of the time in which the novel was written – Victorian England. Examples of the exceptional work are shown below.

Year 11

Write a description inspired by the image below and the opening scene of Macbeth

OR

Write a narrative titled ‘When the hurlyburly’s done’ about the build up to or effects of a storm

I was born in the distance, a whisper on the horizon, but I grew quickly. First, I crept in, unnoticed, a breeze playing in the trees, tugging at the leaves as though testing their strength. The sky darkened slowly at my command, the clouds thickening, heavy with the weight of what was to come. I enjoy the waiting, the anticipation before I fully arrive. It’s in those moments of tension, where even the birds fall silent, that I make my presence felt without a word.

When I finally reveal myself, I do so without mercy. I roar to life, shaking windows and tearing at rooftops. I whip through the streets, sending debris spinning into the air, laughing as they fall helplessly back to earth. The trees bow before me, their branches cracking and splintering under my touch. I fill the air with rain so thick it feels like the sky has fallen. You cannot see me, but you know I am there, commanding the world to bend to my will. I am chaos, untameable and unforgiving, and for a while, I reign supreme.

You try to hide from me, shutting your doors, pulling the curtains tight, as if that could keep me out. I see the flicker of candlelight in your homes, shaking with every gust of my breath. You huddle together, hoping I will pass quickly, but I am in no rush. I revel in the power I wield, in the fear I spread. Every creak of the house, every rattle of the windows is my voice, reminding you that I am not done. Not yet. The night is mine, and I dance through it with reckless abandon.

But like all things, even I grow tired. Slowly, I begin to pull back, my roar softening into a murmur. The rain lessens, no longer hammering the ground with the same ferocity. The winds that howled now sigh, brushing against the land as though apologising for their earlier wrath. I let go, step by step, releasing my hold on the world, leaving it bruised and battered in my wake. I have had my fun, and now, my work is done.

When I am gone, a stillness follows, an uneasy quiet. You step outside, blinking at the pale light breaking through the clouds. The ground is littered with the evidence of my visit – branches snapped, fences toppled, puddles reflecting the sky I once ruled. The air smells of wet earth and broken things. It takes you a moment to realise that I have truly left, that I will not return, not today. I have moved on, but my memory lingers in the scars I’ve left behind.

In time, you will rebuild, as you always do. You will pick up the pieces, sweep away the leaves, and repair the damage. But do not forget me. I may be gone for now, but I am always waiting, watching from the edges of the sky. One day, when the time is right, I will return. For I am the storm, and I never truly die – I merely slumber, biding my time until I am ready to rise again.

Charlie S (11E)

Year 8 

Year 7

Mrs L Wood 

Teacher of English

Year 8 visit Gainsborough Old Hall

As part of their history studies of Tudor Society, Year 8 are fortunate enough to visit Gainsborough Old Hall. They are able to enjoy a tour around the inside and outside of the building and prepare for a design challenge that will see the Hall reflecting the prodigy homes of the Tudor era. In spite of some very wet visits (and sunny ones) the students have been inspired and have produced some creative designs. Well done Year 8.

Sofeya N in 8C shared some of her thoughts and observations:

Year 8 have experienced the potential splendour and grandeur in Gainsborough's Old Hall, touring around the many rooms and  galleries, inspecting carefully for evidence of features to show wealth and status that would be worthy of a prodigy house. It didn’t disappoint us as we were able to see many rooms with luxuries such as fireplaces, flushable garderobes, large windows and intricate woodwork. The Great Hall was used for guests and celebrations, as well as plays, tapestries and carvings hung around some rooms. The kitchen was fabulous and able to prepare and cook delicious meals for lavish entertaining, there were pots and ovens that would cook bread, vegetables, cow and pig meat, a station for pork pies and plenty of storage areas including for precious spices and even a section for the chef to shout out at the lazy servants! We visited upstairs into the fashionable galleries, where we could venture along the long corridors, Tudor women would prefer to stay inside and avoid a tan, because having a tan was associated with having to do manual work. We saw plenty of evidence of portraits and walked round the luxurious bedrooms with elaborate carvings and the four poster bed.

The trip was enjoyable and I enjoyed listening to some fascinating stories of the families who once lived there.

Mrs N Slack

Head of History

Iris is Selected to be part of England Roses Netball Academy

Earlier this half term the school received confirmation that Iris H in 11C has been selected to be part of the England Roses Netball Academy for the 2024-2025 season after being successful at trials held in early September. Iris will now have the opportunity to compete for a spot as part of the U21’s England Roses Netball Team, before hopefully then navigating a way to the first team! Achieving selection to the training academy is an incredible feat, especially considering Iris is only in Year 11 and will be playing with/competing against girls up to the age of 21.

For more details on Iris’ selection, please head to: https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/athletes-selected-for-2024-25-roses-academy/

Well done Iris! Everyone in school is exceptionally proud of your selection and we are excited to see how you get on as part of the England Roses Netball Academy!

Best of luck!

Mr Fearn

Head of PE

Iris in action

Holly is Selected to be part of the U18 Yorkshire Talent Academy

Congratulations to Holly K (11C) who has been selected for the U18 Yorkshire Talent Academy for the second year running. She has also been sponsored by Mercian Hockey. 

Well done Holly! Everyone in school is exceptionally proud of your selection and we are excited to see how you get on as part of the Yorkshire Talent Academy!

Elyse Represented Yorkshire in the National Inter County Swimming Championships

Congratulations to Elyse H (9E) who was chosen to represent Yorkshire in the annual National Inter County Swimming Championships this month, where she competed in the 100m free individual race and two relays. Overall, Yorkshire came a very close second in the Country Championships, just seven points behind Kent.

The following weekend, Elyse took part in the Yorkshire and Humberside County Competition, where she became the champion for both 50 and 100 freestyle. She has also recently been selected to take part in a Swim England Regional Camp in November. 

Well done Elyse! We are excited to see how you get on in the England Regional Camp in November. Good luck!

Our First Term as History Ambassadors

We have had a very busy first term as History Ambassadors with a variety of opportunities!

Some of us have been teaching History to Year 7, which is a very fun experience and allowed us to indulge in our passions of teaching, especially when it is about one of our favourite parts of history. 

We also helped on Year 6 Open Evening, and it was lovely to see so many children so attentive, asking so many questions, and fascinated by history.

Not only was the chance to supervise the Year 8 trips to Gainsborough Old Hall a great teaching opportunity, but it also benefited our own knowledge of the Tudors for the Tudor section of our course, allowing us to gain a better understanding of Tudor lifestyle and architecture.

Running History Society on a Tuesday lunchtime has been great fun too, it's amazing to see how many students have a passion for history, much like us! 

Erin A and Isobel T (12B) and Petar T (12S)

National Writing Competitions

The students in Year 8 have been studying the William Golding novel ‘Lord of the Flies’ this term, so it is somewhat timely that Faber and Faber have launched a national writing competition to celebrate seventy years of the novel, and its publication as a graphic novel.

Details of the competition are below, and for any more details, please contact Mrs Wood ([email protected]) or refer to the competition website here.

You may be aware that the poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, opened our English block on 31 January 2014. In celebration of his life and rhymes, Birmingham City University have launched their national ‘Future Writers’ competition, with the theme inspired by his poem ‘People Need People’. This competition encourages poems and short stories to be written about friends, family, peers, and those in your lives and communities who you rely upon and have connections with.

Details of the competition are below, and for any more details, please contact Mrs Wood ([email protected]) or refer to the competition website here.

Mrs L Wood

Teacher of English

‘A Christmas Carol’ Theatre Event

One of the GCSE texts for Years 10 and 11 is Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Many of you will be aware of the story of this well-known novell that follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption as he learns to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough will be showing a stage version of this on 6 November 2024 at 19.30. Whilst the students are not studying the text as a play, it is still a great opportunity for them to see the words of Dickens come to life on the stage, help them cement their understanding of the characters and plot, and develop their cultural experience within the theatre environment. This experience will not only support the students studying at GCSE level, but also allow our younger Key Stage 3 students the chance to embrace the theatre experience and give them a flying start for their later GCSE studies.

Tickets are available from the Trinity Arts Centre using by clicking here. 

Mrs L Wood 

Teacher of English

Headteacher's Commendation Award

Following recommendations from staff, congratulations are in order for Ashley F (13B), Summer C (13D), Summer : (8E) and Thomas B (7D) for being awarded this term's Headteacher's Commendation Awards as detailed below:

Behaviour for Learning - Ashley F (13B) nominated by Mrs Housham

For his behaviour and attitude to Sixth form life which has been outstanding. He is a quiet young man, and sometimes the quiet ones go unnoticed, but for me, the change in him from when he arrived in Sixth Form and being very quiet and shy to now having conversations and asking questions and findings things out for himself, he has built up a great relationship with the Sixth Form Team,  he really is a pleasure to have in College House. Ashley is always punctual, he is well organised, well dressed, if he has any appointments/open days etc., he is on the ball and booking these in weeks in advance. He enrolled himself and took part in the Access to Sheffield Medicine Summer school, he took part in the mock medicine interviews with Professor Khan last year, who also mentioned to me that he was extremely impressed with his approach to getting into medicine, and the interview was a huge success, and he performed better than some of the students in the year above. He did his Year 12 work experience within a hospital, this all shows he really does want to throw himself into every opportunity. He is a biology ambassador and has helped in the STEM fairs too.

He's not always had the easiest of times but I feel that his passion and motivation to get into medicine is made even more impressive by that. I really do hope he manages to achieve all his dreams.

Leadership for Learning - Summer C (13D) nominated by Mr Rigby

For her outstanding contribution to the whole school. Summer is involved in every drama and school event, promoting the arts in school, has a broad curriculum and a desire to reach the top of her profession. In and out of school, Summer represents the school with the highest degree of professionalism, maturity and passion.

Environment for Learning - Summer L (8E) nominated by Mrs Walker

For picking litter up around school and outside the front of school and has received many positive points for this. Summer has taken the initiative to make our school community a better place. Summer is a quiet student and doesn't make a big fuss about these small but generous actions.

Summers has had a tough time lately. I am really proud of how she has handled the situation and that she is trying to make a positive difference. She also has zero negatives this year and is working hard in lessons.

Environment for Learning - Thomas B (7D) nominated by Mrs Lawrence

For litter picking outside school on a Monday as he walks in. He has called it ‘Mucky Mondays’. He was really annoyed how dirty it was. 

Whole School Presentation Evening

The Whole School Presentation Evening took place on Thursday 19 September. This was the first time we have brought Years 7 to 13 together, plus those who are university bound, for a shared celebratory event. 

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements from the academic year 2023-2024:

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 7 

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 8 

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 9 

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 10

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 11 

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 12 

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in Year 13 

Subject Prizes

Art

Business Studies

Computing

Design and Technology

Drama

Economics

English

Extended Project (EPQ)

Geography

History

Languages

Law

Mathematics

Music

Psychology

RE

Science

Sociology

Sports Studies/PE

Awards for All Round Achievement

Coding: Junior Prizes (J) and Senior Prizes (S)

A big thank you to our Head Boy, Tobin S and Head Girl, Ebony A for their fantastic speech. They were also presented their Head Boy and Head Girl badges. 

A special thank you and acknowledgement goes to the performers: 

Elite Voices Led by Mrs Clapham

Happy by Pharrell Williams

Contemporary Dance by

Demi L in Year 9

Happier by Olivia Rodrigo

Acoustic Performance by

Summer C and Archie K in Year 13

Fame by Irene Cara

Sports Presentation Evening

The penultimate Thursday of Term 6 last academic year saw students recognised for their outstanding efforts and achievements in PE as part of the QEHS PE Sport Presentation Evening in the Upper School Hall.

The first students to receive an award were those who had shown ‘outstanding effort and engagement in PE’. Ten students were recipients of our first award including Evie L (8A), Maisie B, David O-A, Imogen S, and Chloe X (8D), Jack C, William G-B and Imogen H (8E) and Sophie M and Olivia M (9B). All of the recipients were recognised for their consistent outstanding engagement and effort in PE throughout the academic year, this includes during lessons, extracurricular sport involvement or being and outstanding sport leader.

The second and third awards of the evening were given to those students that have consistently shown ‘outstanding effort and engagement in GCSE/A Level PE’ throughout the academic year. We are excited to see the results these students achieve next summer! The recipients of the ‘outstanding effort and engagement in GCSE PE’ award were Poppy B, Hollie C, Monty D and Jasmin L (11A), Sajin J and Matthew W (11B), Emily B and Holly K (11C), Summer D (11D) and Oliver P (11E). Students who were awarded the ‘outstanding effort and engagement in A Level PE’ were Thomas D (13B), Jessica H (13D) and Scott F (13S).

The next award was presented by Mrs Snowden, to those students that have shown ‘outstanding contribution to PE and School Sport’. Students receiving this award have immersed themselves in all aspects of the Physical Education and Sport Department, whether that be representing the school in teams, outstanding engagement in PE or for going above and beyond in their contributions to PE and School Sport. The winners of the ‘outstanding contribution to PE and School Sport’ award were Phoebe B (8D), Niamh J (9A), Georgia-Louise M (9B), Emily A (9E), Alex W (10B), Harry C, Toby D and Sophie R (10E), Monty D and Noah J (11A).

As the evening progressed Mrs Walker was invited to the stage to present the ‘QEHS Sport Leadership Award’ to our young and aspiring sport leaders. The students receiving this award were nominated as a result of showing outstanding leadership for learning in a variety of different ways in Physical Education and Sport. The students receiving this award were Freya C (10B), Isabella C and Elisabeth S (10E), James T (10S) Georgina E (11D) and Tobin S (13B).

The penultimate award of the evening was a special recognition award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to PE and School Sport’. Winners of this award have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the QEHS PE Department over the last seven years. This award was presented to three special students, Harrison C, Max D and Reuben L (all former students).

The final set of awards were presented by Mr Eastham and were the prestigious ‘QEHS Sport Personality of the Year’ awards for 2024. Since joining the school this academic year this student has taken the PE Department by storm. Her natural sporting ability across multiple sports and activities as well as her positive attitude towards her lessons and commitment to extra-curricular school sport make her an outstanding student athlete. This student has represented the QEHS PE Department exceptionally well in not just her own year group, but in Year 8 as well. Although only in Year 7, the department are really excited to see how this young student grows and develops as she moves up the school. We have never had a Year 7 place in the top three of the QEHS Sport Personality of the Year Award, which should show how much of a positive impact this student has had since joining the school in September. This student is a fantastic role model for her peers in Year 7 and she is most deserving of third place in this years Sport Personality of the Year Award. Third place, then, for Sports Personality of the Year went to Phoebe B (8D).

Second place in the QEHS Sport Personality of the Year was awarded to Harry C (10E). Harry is a student that immerses himself in all aspects of Physical Education and Sport, where he consistently demonstrates an unbelievable work ethic in everything he does. Harry has really pushed on this academic year, making fantastic progress, particularly in his football and cricket. Harry has also shown increased confidence in a leadership capacity, like many others this evening, supporting with PE transition activities. Harry has an exceptional future ahead of them and we are excited to see him progress through the school, where he has already begun to excel in GCSE PE after only a few weeks.

The winner of the QEHS Sport Personality of the Year award this academic year went to Sophie R (10E)! Sophie’s confidence has increased insurmountably since the middle of Year 7. She is now an individual with far more confidence in her own ability and somebody who also has the confidence to challenge those around her to always be better. Sophie has supported the PE Department with various transition events and festivals, led extra-curricular clubs and even helped with some of the admin jobs such as readying the new Year 9 GCSE books last half term.  In addition, Sophie has also been a pivotal part in the U13s and now U15s girls handball team since it formed two years ago, despite always being a year younger than the rest of the team.

As a department we are so excited to see how Sophie continues to progress as they move up the school. Sophie is a credit to the school and I know has already made her family very proud. Well done Sophie!

Mr A Fearn

Head of PE

High School Musical - A Reflection on Last Summer's Whole School Production

'High School Musical' was the third school musical that I have been involved in and I had an amazing time playing the role of Kelsi. The rehearsals were hard work, but always fun, especially when there was a new song to learn. I loved rehearsing alongside some of my friends, but also really enjoyed making new friends with the rest of the cast and being part of a team. I have just chosen Graphics as one of my GCSE subjects so was also involved in helping to make the set in DT. I was nervous beforehand about my role and remembering all my lines, but once I was on stage all the practice paid off and it was great to hear the applause from the audience every night. Thank you to Mr Rigby and all the other staff for all the time and effort you put into these shows and for giving me the chance to be a part of 'High School Musical'.

Hannah D (10B)

For the past two years, Hannah has been involved in the school's musical productions of 'Grease' and 'We Will Rock You'. Both were excellent and I had been wondering how on earth Mr Rigby and his team could possibly match those outstanding performances. Well I need not have been concerned, 'High School Musical' didn’t just match those productions, it surpassed them.

By the time we arrived on Saturday evening, the cast had already delivered two performances, and Hannah had come home buzzing with excitement after each one. After watching it myself, it was clear why! From start to finish, the show was fantastic, featuring strong, performances across the board. Whether they were acting, singing, dancing, or showing off their impressive, synchronized basketball skills, every student delivered their role with confidence and polish. It really was hard to believe that some of the students were only in their first or second year at QEHS. The attention to detail also extended beyond the performances. The set, designed by the Year 9 students with the help of the DT department, perfectly captured the spirit of East High School and the Wildcats, enhancing the overall experience.

Looking back, I still treasure the memories of the school musicals I was part of, and I’m certain the students involved in this production will have learnt something new about themselves and made precious memories to last them a lifetime, even if they don't realise it just yet! So, congratulations to everyone involved, and a massive thank you to the staff for giving these students such an incredible opportunity. The whole performance was so engaging, I think we all came away humming "We’re All In This Together" and I’m already looking forward to 2025!

Mother of Hannah D (10B)

Exciting German Exchange: JvFG Students Visit QEHS Gainsborough

From 11 July to 20 July, QEHS proudly hosted a group of students from JvFG in Germany as part of our enriching exchange programme. This visit was a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and educational growth, and it created memories that will last a lifetime.

The German students arrived at Manchester Airport on Thursday 11 July, with our students eagerly awaited them. Mr Eastham officially welcomed the JvFG students on Friday morning, setting a warm tone for their stay.

The first full day included a day trip to Lincoln. The students explored historic Lincoln Castle, walked along the castle walls, and visited the prison, gaining insights into England's rich history. Saturday saw a visit to the city of York, with an interesting tour included! On Sunday, partners and families took the opportunity to explore the local area - thank you for all the wonderful things organised!

The following week, the German students immersed themselves in school life, attending lessons with QEHS students on Monday and Wednesday. They even got to experience Sports Day UK style! On Thursday, all students enjoyed a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and more opportunity to get to know each other better.

The week concluded with a visit to Gainsborough Old Hall, followed by an afternoon of shopping at Marshall’s Yard for our visitors. On Saturday, there were lots of bittersweet farewells as the coach to Manchester departed with our visitors!

One of our students said, “The German Exchange was a wonderful experience, which taught me a lot about German culture. It was interesting to learn how the German school system works, and my German speaking skills developed a lot whilst my partner was here. My German Exchange partner and I got along very well, and I know many others got along with their exchange partners too. I would strongly recommend doing the German Exchange, as it is an experience you would never forget and you could make lifelong friends.”

Once again we say a big ‘Danke schön!’, to our host families, teachers, and students who made this visit possible. It is immensely rewarding to see all the friendships made.

We look forward to welcoming the JvFG students again this last week of term and into the half term break, when QEHS students will have the opportunity to experience life in Bavaria. More to follow!

Ms G Turnbull 

Head of Languages

Camps International - Borneo

We are excited to share some photos from the incredible experiences of 66 of our students who recently completed a transformative 4-week expedition to Borneo with Camps International during the summer break. During this life-changing adventure, the students had the opportunity to volunteer in local communities, making a positive impact through projects such as improving infrastructure, supporting education, and promoting environmental sustainability. In addition to their meaningful work, many of the students earned their PADI scuba diving certification, exploring Borneo's stunning marine life and developing a new set of skills. This unforgettable journey not only broadened their horizons but also fostered personal growth, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship. 

Miss H Meneer

Head of Learning Outside the Classroom

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Students in action during the Camps International expedition to Borneo

Term 1 House Results

Drama

Football

Netball

Term 2 House Events

Art Phase One

Wednesday 30 October – Monday 11 November

Inter Handball

Tuesday 12 November

Boys P1-3, Girls P4-6

Art Phase Two

Thursday 14 November

Juniors P1-2, Inters P2-3, Seniors P5-6

Senior Badminton

Wednesday 20 November

13.15 – 15.30

Public Speaking

Thursday 5 December

Seniors 13.45 and Inters 16.00

Senior Dodgeball

Wednesday 18 December

13.50 – 15.30

Chess

Thursday 19 December

P1-4 LCT, may run into P5

STEM Club

Please see below for the STEM Society Admission Booklet which was shared with all parents earlier this term to promote what STEM has to offer at QEHS. 

Careers

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 will have the opportunity to take part in Work Experience between the 7 and 11 July 2025.

Now is the time for Year 10 to start thinking about places where they would like to go on Work Experience and start approaching potential employers. This is an exciting opportunity but can also be quite a daunting prospect. Year 10 will be guided through the process over the next few weeks and months. There will be a letter to parents shortly, an assembly and lots of information on a dedicated google classroom space. Look out for further information coming soon.

Year 12 Work Experience

Year 12 will also have the opportunity to take part in Work Experience in two ways. Students can take part in a block placement between the 7 and 11 July or they can take part in work experience during Wednesday afternoons. Look out for further information coming out soon and a dedicated Google Classroom containing lots of helpful information and how to apply.

"The support I received through school was invaluable when finding my placement. I left the workplace confident that I had chosen the right career path." Josh R in 13S

Unifrog

All students at QEHS have access to Unifrog.

Unifrog is a comprehensive and user friendly platform that helps students make the best choices and submit the strongest applications. Whether it be students in KS3 thinking about GCSE option choices, a Year 10 student looking for work experience or a Year 12 student looking at university choices, Unifrog has information on hundreds of subjects, courses and careers. Students have opportunities in school to access the platform but can also access the platform at home to help them in the making of important decisions.

Students can log on at home and continue to take the quizzes and research their next steps. Ask your child about unifrog.

QEHS Careers on Instagram

QEHS careers is now on Instagram. Follow us to learn about the latest opportunities and events @qehs_careers

Mrs A Sacker 

Careers and Work Related Co-Ordinator 

QEHS is Awarded the Gold Career Mark Accreditation

QEHS is delighted to announce that we have been awarded with the Gold Career Mark Accreditation in 2024. Career Mark recognises the quality of the independent and impartial careers education, training and guidance that we offer, ensuring our students leave with the confidence and skills required to enter the world of work and further/higher education. Career Mark Accreditation demonstrates that we are providing an efficient and effective careers programme through:

• Management: The effectiveness of our systems for planning, managing and integrating the whole programme
• Guidance: The effectiveness of an integrated programme of advice, guidance and support
• Curriculum: The effectiveness of our curriculum to supports the development of learners’ knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes
• Information: The accessibility, relevance, importance and effectiveness of information, the acquisition of skills to research and evaluate allowing for well-informed and realistic career decisions.

Full details of our careers programme are available on the school website under the Personal Development tab. 

Mr J Kingdom

Deputy Headteacher (Curriculum, Data & Standards)

Aspiring Careers

Term 1 Staffing Update

Welcome

This Term we welcomed the following staff: 

Mr P Fong (Head of Science)

Mrs L Wood (Teacher of English, Maternity Cover)

Easyfundraising

If you would like to support Queen Elizabeth's High School, sign up to easyfundraising and shop with 8,000+ online retailers and the QEHS Foundation will receive free donations. Plus, for this month only if you register via the app, the Foundation will receive £2. When 10+ register QEHS will also be entered into a prize draw to win £150!

Please click the link below to sign up:

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app?utm_campaign=pmc&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=pta-bonus-fb1 

The QEHS Foundation is a Charity that aims to support and assist the students of Queen Elizabeth's High School by funding activities and events not normally covered by the School Budget Share and by supporting families when circumstances are such that financial assistance would be advantageous to help facilitate the fulfilment of students' lived experiences as members of the QEHS community.

Buy-A-Brick Campaign

Follow us on Social Media

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/QueenElizHigh 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/qehsgainsborough/ 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/QueenElizHigh 

County Lines and Child Exploitation Parent Webinars from the Ivison Trust - 26 November 19.00-20.30 via Zoom

Join our interactive webinar where we will share what criminal exploitation including county lines is and how to spot signs it may be happening to your child or a child you know.

We cover what it looks like in your local area and where to get advice and support if you are concerned.

The interactive webinar will also give you the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and connect with others.

• Learn what county lines is
• Understand what is happening in your local area
• Understand the signs that your child might be at risk
• Learn how offenders groom and exploit children

The webinar will be hosted live over zoom, once you have registered, we will send you the log in details for joining.

All booking links are live now

www.ivisontrust.org.uk/webinars

 Ivison Trust

Purchasing a Smart Phone for your Child?

Is it the right time to get my child a Smart phone? This is something we are asked a lot by Parents. A new film by the charity Nip in the Bud discusses the hidden dangers of social media and smartphone use among children. If you are considering getting your child a phone we would urge you to watch the film here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zhfd0jW7iY&t=605s the film provides insights from children, headteachers and doctors, shedding light on the everyday harm caused by digital platforms.

Key facts:

• 90% of 11-year-olds own a smartphone, and most under 13 have a social media profile.
• 90% of girls and 50% of boys have received explicit pictures or videos they didn’t want to see.
• 80% of teenage girls are pressured to provide sexual images of themselves.
• 1 in 5 children have been bullied online. Among them, 24% self-harm and 22% change their appearance due to bullying. Only 13% delete the app where they are bullied.
• Boys as young as 13 have been targeted for sextortion scams.
• MRI scans show screen time reduces brain areas responsible for visual processing, empathy, attention, memory and early reading skills.
• Psychologists, headteachers and GPs are advocating for stricter guidelines: no smartphones until age 14, no social media until age 16

You can read more information here which provides more options to consider around technology prior to purchasing smartphones for children. Smartphones and social media fact sheet | Nip in the Bud | Free Downloadable Fact Sheet

Community Safety Team at Lincolnshire County Council

Mvumi Newsletter

Please see the latest Mvumi Newsletter below: