High News Issue 15

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A Level results bucked the national trend being above those achieved in 2019.

Half of all GCSE grades were above Grade A or equivalent

& Sixth Autumn 2023
HighNews Senior
Examination success celebrated at Portsmouth High School GDST
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Hard work brings success for our GCSE and A Level students

This summer saw two proud and very happy days at Portsmouth High School when A Level and GCSE results were finally revealed.

A Level results bucked the national trend being above those achieved in 2019. A*-B grades were 80% (70% in 2019), A*-A were 50% (47% in 2019) and A*-C were 85% (84% in 2019). GCSE results were similarly successful with half of all grades being above Grade A or equivalent.

‘All our students have done very well,’ said Headmistress, Mrs Jane Prescott. ‘They have worked hard and you can feel the atmosphere as they receive their well-earned results. These are the first public examinations our A Level students have taken, because GCSEs did not go ahead as normal during the pandemic. Over the last two years they have been supported by family and staff at Portsmouth High School and, of course, each other. It is a tribute to their hard work and supportive surroundings that they have all moved forward with their chosen journeys, be it university, apprenticeships or gap year travels.

Our GCSE students have gone through a difficult few years too but have achieved excellent results and can look forward to their time in the sixth form.’

Since the last edition of High News the school has been as busy as usual enjoying a huge range of activities and taking the opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom. The cast of the school musical We Will Rock You entertained to a full house which showcased pupils’ musical talent and acting skills.

In March the Independent School Inspectorate visited to carry out a compliance and educational quality inspection. It was reassuring to have validated what we already know about the school and we justly deserved our double excellent rating. The inspectors commented on the high level of confidence of all our pupils and the high standards they attain.

Trips are back in the curriculum following the enforced break due to the pandemic and examples include Year 9 learning survival techniques through Bushcraft and Year 7 using mathematical skills outdoors and at the same time navigating their way around Southsea. Geographers headed off to the Azores

and visited tea plantations and studied tectonic processes, as an example, of their packed programme.

Sport has featured highly in our calendar and PHS celebrated many wins in a variety of sports being played at a high level.

We welcomed back many former students to enrich our careers’ programme and we were proud to unveil a blue plaque, installed on the front of the senior school building, dedicated to Margaret Rock who was a Bletchley Park codebreaker. A highlight for me was interviewing Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, a leading environmental psychologist and former PHS pupil.

Another successful and thoroughly enjoyable year. Jane Prescott

The inspection was a Focused Compliance Inspection combined with an Educational Quality Inspection. The school met all the required standards in the Focused Compliance Inspection and was judged excellent across all areas in the Educational Quality Inspection. The full report is available on the school website.

Welcome from the Headmistress

Welcome to Year 7

Our new Year 7 pupils are settling in well and enjoying all that Portsmouth High School has to offer.

At the end of their first week they set off on an exciting Bonding Weekend with lots of challenges and fun in store giving the perfect opportunity to make new friends and get to know each other better.

Eliana in Year 7 said ‘I really enjoyed the trip. There were lots of different activities to choose from and I spoke to people I didn’t know and made new friends.’

‘Abseiling was my favourite activity. I have never done it before and it was really exciting,’ said Bryony, also in Year 7.

Leila added ‘Reaching the top of the climbing wall was a highlight for me. I got to know everyone better and enjoyed the weekend.’

There is lots in store to look forward to this term including performances for the Year 7 choir, a drama production for parents and Charity Week during which the whole school gets swept up into a busy week of fundraising events.

The best thing about Year 7 so far is that there is more variety in lessons and lots more clubs to choose from.
TAHA, Year 7

We Will Rock You

Portsmouth High School’s thrilling musical production wowed a packed audience over two nights.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of We Will Rock You for an incredible performance over two nights.

The show was centred around the songs of the British rock band Queen, set in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same, and rock music is all but unknown.

Heroes Galileo and Scaramouche, set out to defeat the evil Killer Queen and bring music and the bohemian lifestyle back into society.

‘I’ve loved being a part of We Will Rock You,’ said Olivia. ‘Teachers gave me an incredible opportunity to play two different characters (Scaramouche on Wednesday and Paul McCartney on Thursday). All the cast have been so supportive and I’ve made many more friends from different years. Teachers have helped all of us individually with learning lines and songs. I hope the audience enjoyed watching the show as much as we did performing it.’

Chloe, who played the formidable Khashoggi, said ‘It was an incredible experience and all the teachers and cast members were amazing. I cannot wait for the next production as I’ve enjoyed everything about the show along the way.’

‘Rehearsing and performing We Will Rock You was an incredible experience,’ said Maddie, who played the part of Paul McCartney. ‘The audiences on both nights were amazing and I have made so many friends up and down the school. I will miss our Tuesday and Thursday evening rehearsals so much.’

Musical Director Mrs Morris said ‘I am incredibly proud of all the cast, stage crew and band. It was such a team effort. Teaching the songs and setting dance routines with the cast has been such great fun. Performances have been amazing and hearing the audiences cheer has been brilliant.’

Director Mrs Dall’Omo added ‘It has been a real pleasure to direct such an exciting show with a lovely cast. From back in September, when we first began to sketch out ideas for how the show would take shape, to seeing the joy and sheer fun that the girls were having as they performed, has been wonderful. The tech team, musicians and cast have made us all very proud.’

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The Bohemians singing and dancing ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ Buddy reminiscing ‘Those were the days...’ We Will Rock You Scaramouche sings ‘Someone to love’ with Teen Queens Killer Queen and her Yuppies A magnificent standing ovation for the cast of We Will Rock You Katy Perry performs Killer Queen

Achievement in sport reaches the highest levels at PHS

So far this year U15 netballers at Portsmouth High secured their place as the second best team in the country and an unprecedented number of girls were picked to train and play for coveted Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) Select Teams, and represent the GDST at high level sport events.

Number 2 in England

There was great excitement in the air when some sensational netball victories, over the best teams in the country, earned the U15 netball squad a place in the Sisters in Sport National Cup Final.

After a semi-final victory over St Helen and Katharine School on home ground, the squad had a long road trip to Bromsgrove School for the National Cup Final against Upton-Chester. After a slightly nervous start there were moments of brilliance throughout the game, where the PHS team really showed the beautiful and fast paced netball they can play, Unfortunately Upton-Chester were relentless in their attack and despite some great interceptions and super shooting PHS lost 20-47.

Congratulations to Mia, Matilda, Fran, Rosie, Meg, Izzy, India, Jessie, Ava and Immy on representing the school so fantastically and gaining the title of runner-up U15 team in England - what a huge achievement for the team.

Maya’s cricket success

I first started playing cricket in Year 6 when Prep Headmaster Mr Marshallsay started a cricket club during the summer term.

We soon started entering tournaments and were amazed by our success. We played in a tournament at the Ageas Bowl and I can remember walking out onto the crease feeling the pressure for the game ahead but having so much confidence and that’s when my love of cricket sparked.

A week later I joined Portsmouth Cricket Club and that’s when I knew that I had my heart set on cricket. Since then I have played for many clubs and teams including Hampshire County Cricket and Southern Sidewinders and now I’m representing the GDST.

When I first started playing cricket it was a male dominated sport but over the past 4 years women’s cricket has come on such a journey and I’m proud to be part of the evolution of the sport. Being in women’s teams has allowed me to blossom into the player I am today and to learn from the best of the best.

GDST Select Trials

GDST Select Trials are prestigious events when the best players are selected from across the GDST’s 25 schools to represent the GDST in sporting fixtures. Portsmouth High School has had lots of talent to put forward for netball, hockey and cricket.

Congratulations to Emily in Year 13, and Katie in Year 11, who made the final netball team and also to Mia in Year 10 being chosen as reserve. Congratulations also to Emma in Year 12 and Imogen in Year 11 who were selected for the final hockey team and to Maya and Darcey from Year 11 who were selected for the final cricket team.

We are very proud of the girls for being chosen to play at a very high level with the GDST teams.

My overall experience with sport at PHS has been incredible and I am so grateful for every experience and opportunity that has come my way. My teachers have pushed me to my limits and been there for me every step of the way and without their support during my journey I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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“ ” MAYA, YEAR 12

Records broken at senior sports day

The sun shone gloriously for this year’s senior school sports day and not a cloud in the sky could be seen.

Each house competed to win across a wide range of track and field events. Congratulations to Bronte for winning overall meaning their run of success remains unbroken for the sixth consecutive year. However, the finish this year was a very close with Gaskell just 5 points behind.

This year saw some new records set, one of which has been in place for 16 years. Congratulations to Harriet in Year 8 who won The Fudge Sprint Cup and set a new record in the 200m of 27.54 seconds which broke the 2008 record set by Hollie Fudge.

Laila in Year 8 jumped 4.32m in the Long Jump and broke the 2007 record set by Charlotte Macken. In the senior relay Xiomara, Cuotian, Agnes and Mollie broke the 2017 record with an incredibly fast time of 56.32 seconds.

Outside the classroom

Learning extends beyond the classroom both out and about in the local area and to more distant shores...

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‘The Hawaii’ of Europe

‘Our recent geography field trip to the Azores genuinely surpassed all my expectations.’

On Day One we went whale watching and saw several dolphins as well as a blue whale – a sight that was absolutely breathtaking and one I will never forget. We had an amazing guide who was able to answer any question about the island, as well as providing local knowledge about our destinations including lava tunnels, a tea plantation, a pineapple plantation and two thermal hot pools, as well as many beautiful viewpoints of geographical features. These views will remain etched in my memory, especially ‘sete ciadades,’ which contained several volcanic craters. Seeing these features was very helpful for our A Level course allowing us to apply what we have learned in the classroom to a real landscape.

Although difficult to choose only one, my highlight of the trip has to be the thermal pools of Cladeira Velha –they were so beautiful and it felt like we were in the middle of a rainforest. Before visiting the Azores we heard that it has been nicknamed the ‘Hawaii’ of Europe, and it certainly lived up to this accolade. The island offered so much variety, from lush green hills, to thermal pools, to volcanic craters. I feel so privileged to have visited such a staggering place, with so much untouched beauty yet to be discovered.

Surviving in the Great Outdoors

On the first day we learned how to make fires out of the correct wood and light them using flint and other materials. We also learnt how to make a shelter out of sticks and a tarpaulin. We used face paint and charcoal to camouflage ourselves and played games in the woods. Later that evening we settled into our tents and enjoyed smores and hot chocolate by the fire.

On the second day we learned about knife skills and first aid and watched a demonstration on how to cut open a salmon.

The food was delicious. For lunch each day we had something in the camp. For dinner we walked ten minutes to the outside kitchen and had different healthy meals. We had a vegetable curry and chilli with rice and for breakfast we had sausage potatoes and vegetable and sausage muffins. There was also lots of fruit for meals and we were given biscuits for snacks by the fire and hot chocolate at night.

In the field we played games including ‘capture the flag’, ‘where’s my monkey’, ‘twenty

one’ and ‘predator’ which were so much fun. On the last night we took part in ‘Tribes got talent’, a fun activity and a great group exercise that made all of us laugh. My group did a dramatic dance routine to ‘Let it go’ and there was a lot of other comedy and singing acts.

Bushcraft was an amazing experience, not only because of all the skills we learnt, but also the team building and stronger friendships that were sealed in the process.

How many canon balls can you fit in a storage chamber?

At the end of their examination week Year 7 went on a walk around Old Portsmouth and enjoyed a combination of mathematical, historical and other questions along the way, including working out how many canon balls could fit in a storage chamber.

After lunch around Canoe Lake the trail continued via

practice and also acquired a much greater understanding of the

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Our Year 9 trip to Bushcraft was so much fun. Every day was filled with activities and time to sit and take in the beauty of nature. Southsea Castle and back to school. Pupils put their mathematical skills into rich local history.

Head Girl Team 2023 to 2024

Deputy Head Girl

I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities and for the safe and encouraging environment that Portsmouth High School has provided me, and I am incredibly proud to be able to give back and contribute to other girls in the school feeling the same as I do.

Head Girl

I joined Portsmouth High in 2017, and will soon be entering my final year here.

PHS has offered me a real range of opportunities; from sports residentials and charity events, to House debate and other co-curricular activities – I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in all aspects of the wider school life.

Having successfully completed my GCSEs last year, I am now studying for A Levels in mathematics, chemistry and biology. Alongside this, I am also working on an Extended Project Qualification, which will enhance my coursework skills in preparation for further education. Following my examinations, I am hoping to go to university and complete a degree in dentistry.

As an academic scholar, I can truly say that the overall support provided by the staff here at Portsmouth High has been outstanding. The one-toone support that students are able to receive makes a great difference in the confidence and achievement of pupils –especially during examination periods.

Priyanka

The roles and responsibilities that you are assigned as a student gradually become more of a privilege as you become an older member of the school community. For example, I was elected as Form Captain on several occasions during my time in the senior school; then I became a Year 11 mentor to support new students joining PHS; and now have been voted as the Head Girl of the school. It feels surreal to have been chosen as such an honourable representative.

As Head Girl, I look forward to using my position to serve as an inspiring role model for other students throughout the school. I am also excited to lead the new Senior Prefect Team and make this year a one to remember.

During my time at PHS I have been a member of nearly every club offered as I strongly believe in embracing every opportunity that you are presented with and the importance of co-curricular activities. In Year 7 I joined senior choir and every year since I have been an enthusiastic member of the advancing choirs. I currently am a member of Cantabile in which I perform at many events including the Gala Concert and cathedral services.

I am passionate about singing and performing. I have appeared in multiple PHS talent shows, in bands and as a soloist. I have supported the whole school play commitments, in Beauty and the Beast and more recently We Will Rock You. I get nervous, but I feel this shows that I care and my love for performing far outweighs my nerves. For me performing is so fulfilling and exhilarating. I enjoy composing my own music and have taught myself the guitar, piano, and bass.

Figure skating is another passion and I have achieved the highest level of certificate awarded in skate excellence. I love to read an array of genres and texts from

classics such as The Picture of Dorian Grey and Little Women, to modern fantasy and drama.

Above all, I have always been extremely captivated by science. This has led me to study physics, biology and chemistry at A Level and I am aspiring to study medicine at university. I am so pleased with my A Level choices, and I have found the work challenging but fascinating. I have the support of outstanding teachers who create a safe and encouraging environment and who inspire me every day.

My life at Portsmouth High School has been a series of wonderful adventures and has shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me to look after others, to try my hardest, to embrace our community spirit and above all seize every opportunity. I cannot express my gratitude enough and as Deputy Head Girl I will be certain to promote these principles.

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THE
Tabby

Deputy Head Girl

I have been at Portsmouth High School since nursery and am now taking Drama, English Literature and Religious Studies for A Levels

This school has been a huge part of my life due to being here from such a young age, it has always been so welcoming and supportive throughout my time here.

I am enjoying sixth form so much, the subjects I am studying are extremely interesting and fun, Sixth Form House is a lovely space to work and relax in with friends. My favourite event this year has to be either the fashion show or We Will Rock

You where the cast were all so enthusiastic.

Being a drama scholar has allowed me to get involved with other years and help them improve their drama skills and inspire their love for drama. Taking part in all the drama productions that

Deputy Head Girl

have been on in both the prep and senior schools, including this years We Will Rock You, which I thoroughly enjoyed after being given the chance to play two different characters, has allowed me to play a wide range of parts enabling me to gain more experience with acting skills.

During lunchtimes and after school I volunteer and help run Year 7 Drama Club as well as Year 8 Book Club and now Musical Theatre Club too. It is really lovely to see the different year groups discussing their interests and forming friendships.

PHS has helped me build my confidence even more by giving me the space to explore my interests and

improve in areas I have struggled with or found difficult. I am currently working towards my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award having completed my Bronze and Silver. After sixth form, I am planning on applying for Drama School to continue my enjoyment of acting.

I am truly honoured to be a part of the Head Girl Team. Having a part to play in the school’s well-being scheme is an amazing opportunity and I’m very excited for the year ahead working with the rest of the senior prefects and sixth form. The Head Girl Team are so supportive of each other and we all have some very exciting ideas for the year ahead.

I joined Portsmouth High School in Year 12 and I feel so welcomed into the school community.

The staff and my fellow students have really helped me to feel at home here and I am extremely excited to give back to the school. I am taking A Levels in English Literature, psychology and Spanish and hope to continue using my literature and language skills to pursue a degree in fashion journalism or marketing.

In my spare time, I love spending time with friends and family, and I have a huge passion for sport. This year, I

have represented the school in netball, hockey, dance and cricket. Cricket is one of my favourite sports, and I have been lucky enough to represent my district for a number of years, whilst also playing at my local club for over 10 years. I would encourage everyone to find a sport they love and get involved as, even when watching others play, it helps me relax and has helped me to gain essential life-skills, like teamwork and problemsolving.

Despite only being at PHS for a short amount of time, I already have had so many great memories and highlights over the last year including Charity Week, House Dance and the GDST Day of Dance. I am really looking forward to the year that is to come and can’t wait to continue making more memories.

I feel so honoured to be given a position on the Head Girl Team and as Deputy Head Girl for Charities, I

have so many ideas for how to raise money for worthy causes. I want to give back to my community and I am ecstatic to be able to do that along with the rest of

the Head Girl Team. PHS has already helped me to grow as a person and I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to represent this incredible school.

Deputy Head Girl

netball, rounders, cricket, athletics and hockey which I also play outside of school. I have been selected for the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) hockey team which I feel honoured to be part of at a high sporting level.

I joined Portsmouth High School in Year 9 and instantly felt welcome and involved in school life.

I am currently studying physical education, geography and economics and plan to study either economics or geography at university.

I am a Sports Scholar at PHS which has grown my love for sport even more. I have represented the school in many sport teams including

PHS has given me many opportunities including clubs I have been part of, creative competitions and the Duke of Edinburgh award where I am currently completing my gold award.

Portsmouth High School has allowed me to flourish with the help and support of the teachers through my school journey without any pressure. I can’t wait to give back to the school as much as it has given to me through the role of pupil voice by listening to every student in the school.

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Olivia Emma Larry

The magnificent Gala Concert held at Portsmouth Cathedral is a highlight of the musical calendar. Pupils put on a wonderful evening of music from Handel to Meet the Flintstones.

The senior school was enthralled to have an audience with international author Kate Mosse.

Performances and events

The evening culminated in the combined choirs singing Salt and Sky, a world premier by Toby Young and Jennifer Thorp.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth who was in the audience said: ‘It’s a long time since I have enjoyed a concert so much. The variety on offer and the assortment of music was a joy to hear.’

Kate is a novelist, non-fiction and short story writer best known for her novel Labyrinth, which has been translated into more than 37 languages.

Sixth formers and Year 11 students joined Kate for lunch where they enjoyed discussing the highs and lows of being a feminist in 2023, as well as the benefits of an all-girls’ education.

During the afternoon audience with the school , Kate spoke about her inspiration for writing which often comes from places she visits. She spoke about the importance of women in history and how so many women have not been given the credit they deserve simply because history has largely been written by men. Many students enjoyed asking Kate about her experience as a writer, how she copes with deadlines, and how she deals with writer’s block. ‘Just get on with it’ was Kate’s sound, practical advice. ‘The real hard work comes with refining what you have initially written.’

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Gala Concert wows audience An audience with Kate Mosse OBE

Pupil achievements celebrated at Awards Evenings

At the end of the summer term pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 received awards and honours for their hard work and achievements over the last academic year.

The prizes were awarded by Chair of Governors, Mrs Krysia Butwilowska. ‘Your life, our lives, are a story of transition,’ Mrs Butwilowska told the audience. ‘You are always leaving one chapter behind while moving onto the next. And remember that one bad chapter does not mean your story is over. Our lives don’t just get better by chance. We have to work at it. Because the clock resets every day then every day is a new opportunity.’

‘Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.’

At the start of the autumn term, it was the turn of Years 10, 11, 12 and Year 13 students who received their awards from Guest of Honour, Commodore Alison Hofman.

‘Don’t underestimate the grounding that your experiences at school give you in your future life and career,’ she told the pupils. ‘Reflect on your experiences at school and use them to gain strength and shape the future you. Don’t underestimate yourself, you are capable of more than you ever imagined. The challenge to you is not if the opportunities exist, but if you chose to take them. Embrace opportunities that are in front of you, be bold and whatever you’re doing today, do it with the confidence of a four year old wearing a batman t-shirt.’

Portsmouth High School celebrates 141 years

Portsmouth High School celebrated its 141st Birthday with a resounding service at Portsmouth Cathedral.

The theme of the service was ‘the sea’ and had speakers from Aggie Weston, a charity supporting personnel serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and their families, alumna Olivia Letchford (Class of 2019) who works as a volunteer for HM Coastguard plus two Southsea sea swimmers.

Portsmouth High School

alumna Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh joined Headmistress Jane Prescott as part of the GDST’s ‘In Conversation With’ series.

Lorraine is an environmental psychologist who received an MBE last year for her work on climate change. She is currently Professor of Environmental Psychology at University of Bath and Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformation. Her research centres on behavioural change and public engagement with climate change, energy, and transport. Lorraine discussed her career highlights and her memories of her time at Portsmouth High School.

The service was led by the Reverend Canon Kathryn Percival, Vice Dean and Canon Chancellor at Portsmouth Cathedral and Governor of Portsmouth High School. The Reverend Ralph Barber, Chaplaincy Team Leader, His Majesty’s Naval Base, Portsmouth, was the guest preacher. The service included singing from the prep school pupils as well as movement 4 of Salt and Sky by Toby Young and Jennifer Thorp sung by joint senior choirs.

‘Celebrating the school’s Birthday is a very special time,’ said Headmistress Mrs Jane Prescott.

‘Traditions such as the daffodils and crème eggs are still remembered by our alumnae and are embedded into the culture of the school. These much loved customs reinforce our values of receiving a good education, personal responsibility and a strong work ethic.’

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Celebrating alumnae and careers at PHS

On International Women’s Day 2023, Portsmouth High School unveiled a blue plaque to the late Margaret Rock MBE, a Portsmouth High School alumna and Bletchley Park Codebreaker.

The inauguration was attended by guests including Councillor Suzy Horton, a Portsmouth High School alumna herself.

‘Happy International Women’s Day,’ said Portsmouth High School holds many careers events including Ask the Expert working lunches.

Councillor Horton which was met with applause. ‘I wonder what people like Margaret Rock would make of International Women’s Day. It is fitting to be telling her story to portray how women, despite the odds,

have always been pioneers, trailblazers and leaders. Margaret was awarded an MBE for her war work in 1945. In reflecting on what an extraordinary life she lived I am reminded of the importance of education in opening doors, creating life chances, especially for women and girls today.’

After the official ceremony, author and Margaret’s

Have a question? Why not Ask the Expert...

and the environmental impact of clothes. Jenni Woodfine, founder of the Exchange Boutique in Drayton, spoke about her ideas for extending the life of clothing and accessories that have been barely worn since purchase and to offer an affordable alternative to high end price tags for people in the Portsmouth area.

biographer, Kerry Howard, talked to students and members of the public about Margaret’s life and work; from her days of Portsmouth High School, to studying at Bedford College in London and ultimately to being a Code Breaker at Bletchley Park. ‘Like many of those who served at Bletchley Park, Margaret did not speak publicly about her wartime work up to her death in 1983. To understand this enigmatic codebreaker and her role in the Enigma code story, we catch glimpses of the woman, her work, and her life through family letters, photographs, and interviews.’

Deputy Head Girl, Ashlyn Khan, added: ‘I am proud to be following in a long tradition of successful PHS women. Margaret Rock and her success during World War 2 inspires me to strive for my journey in the medical field, so that someday, I too will develop a scientific breakthrough.’

Explore your options

Recently the lunches took on a sustainable theme during Eco Week. The school was delighted to host guest speakers and alumnae Jennie

Woodfine and Elissa Lloyd to share their expertise and advice about their experience of working in sustainable fashion.

Elissa, the Responsible Sourcing Manager at Fat Face, spoke about the importance of sustainability

Alumna Grace Newcombe, (Class of 2013) joined the working lunch via Zoom from Canada where she now lives and works as a Research Associate in sustainability and Lucy Haynes, (Class of 2017), shared her work as a Climate Analyst at Southern Cooperative where she monitors the Southern Cooperative’s business impact on the environment.

The senior school opened its doors to 45 careers experts at the 2023 Careers Evening. Open to students in Years 9 to 13, and their parents, the evening allowed pupils to attend stalls in over thirty careers areas and attend specialist talks.

Sixth Formers hosted our delegates to a networking tea whilst assisting them in setting up their stall. The atmosphere was buzzing and hundreds of useful conversations were had.

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Congratulations to Ting in Year 9 who has been awarded sponsorship to attend the EYSM (European Youth Summer Music) course. Thank you to the Portsmouth Music Festival and the Milton Glee Choir for their generous support.

Pitching business ideas at the London School of Economics

Year 7 are frantically fundraising for Canine Partners, a charity that provides assistance dogs for disabled people to allow them to lead as active a life as possible. They were truly inspired by a visit from Vimto, a trained assistance dog who put on an amazing display of his skills including pulling door handles, picking up a dropped purse, and assisting his trainer in removing some of his clothes.

We look forward to finding out how much the year group raise from their many creative fundraising efforts.

European Youth Music Award PHS hosts Festival of Languages

Portsmouth High School was delighted to host visiting primary schools for their annual Festival of Languages which has been running for over ten years. The Festival is an opportunity for the Languages Department to share their passion for languages and to celebrate languages spoken by pupils in the school.

This year PHS took part in the GDST Leadership and Enterprise Diploma (LEAD).

Twelve of our Year 12 students have been developing a sustainable business idea and joined over 200 Year 12 students from across 16 GDST schools at the London School of Economics for the annual LEAD showcase event.

Students pitched their sustainable business ideas to panels of judges from the worlds of marketing, finance, EDI and entrepreneurship. Well done to all our students - this is just the start of their entrepreneurship journey.

Congratulations to each of these enthusiastic pupils for achieving their next grade in Taekwondo this term.

Portsmouth High School, Kent Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3EQ www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk  admissions@por.gdst.net

 023 9282 6714

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Taekwondo co-curricular success

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