Editors: Belema B, Max B, Abriti G, Hannah H, Simone H, Jacob H, Tristan S, Austin S
This year, we have decided to focus The Portmuthian on our PGS Core Values: Creativity, Curiosity, Commitment, Compassion, Collaboration, and Courage.
You will see a Core Value icon on each page, symbolic of the aspect of the PGS core that the articles best represent.
Mr David Wickes, Headmaster
It has been yet another fantastic term at PGS. Starting with excellent results in public examinations, moving on through a successful ISI Inspection and ending with the usual theatrical and musical spectaculars and concerts. Along the way there have been many other moments of triumph, academic, sporting and cultural.
One of these remains Portsmuthian, with considered views and articles written by students. It is always a highlight of the term. I would like to pay tribute to all the students who have worked so hard to put this latest edition together. I hope that you enjoy what follows.
Academic
“ This term, I have participated in the Maths Challenges, experienced the Physics Live Lectures, and benefited from extension clubs. I have never been so excited about my subjects!
- Year 12 Student
This sumer, PGS pupils celebrated an outstanding set of results in their public exams at results days for A level and GCSE.
GCSE Results
At GCSE, the most commonlyawarded grade was, like last year, a 9, accounting for 22.4% of all grades awarded.
The second most commonlyawarded grade was an 8, and PGS Year 11 pupils achieved a greater number of grades 9-7 than last year. 13 of our pupils achieved a clean suite of 9 & 8 grades, and 3 achieved all grade 9s.
GCSE results day therefore represented a wonderful opportunity to take stock of our pupils’ hard work and congratulate them on their results.
COMMITMENT
A Level Results
At A Level, a quarter of all grades were A*, 60.5% either A* or A and 85.9% A*, A or B.
22.4% of GCSEs
awarded were Grade 9, the most commonly awarded grade
To put this into context, outside of COVID, for A Level this year group have achieved the best A* percentage since 2015 and the second best this century, the best A*-A since 2012 (only beaten twice since 1997) and the best A*B since 2009 (only beaten twice since 1997).
This is a tremendous achievement and something of which the Sixth Formers should rightly be proud.
80% of our Sixth Formers have gone on to study at Russell Group universities, including 4 at Oxford or Cambridge, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.
“ I wouldn’t have achieved this without the support of the teachers here ~ Evie, Year 13
This term was full of enriching trips and experiences which pushed pupils beyond the curriculum
Year 12 and 13 Politics Trip
It’s budget day and PGS Politics students are in Parliament. What a great experience, the buzz around Parliament Square, the pressure groups with the megaphones, camera crews and MPs around the halls.
We spent the morning in Westminster speaking with MPs and delving into the history of the building and the people who have walked the halls. We then moved onto Westminster Abbey, exploring the vaulted ceilings, history and spotting the resting places of the figures from our past, we were all moved by the memorial to the unknown soldier. We finished our day at the Supreme Court sitting in on a proceeding on Russian trade seeing the laws made in Westminster in action. Being able to see politics in action and Budget Day as it unfolded was brilliant, well worth the train journey to London.t
Hamlet Trip
A Level Drama pupils had a treat as they headed to Chichester Festival Theatre to meet the cast and crew the highly-acclaimed production of Hamlet, starring Olivier Award winner, Giles Terera (original London cast, Hamilton).
As well as having an opportunity to both ask question and hear from the director, designers and actors, courageous Esme in Year 12 was also afforded the opportunity to go on stage to perform before the production. The Hamlet Theatre Day was excellent and the production was exceptional, enjoyed by all.
Physics Live
On Tuesday the 18th of October, Physics A Level pupils were treated to a day of inspiring lectures at the Physics Live event.
After travelling all the way to the University of Birmingham, Pupils particularly enjoyed physicist and science communicator Jim Al-Khalili’s talk on the second quantum revolution. They also learned about the best fuels for space exploration and the longest recorded echo. This enriching trip was well worth the early start (6:50 at school!) and gave pupils the opportunity to see real world applications of physics.
CURIOSITY
The fun never stopped, with the Autumn Term seeing a wode variety of academic trips.
English Lake District Residential 2025
On day 1 of the English Trip to Ambleside in Cumbria, pupils were introduced to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where the Wordsworths lived. Under the expert tutelage of Catherine Kay, pupils learned about the Wordsworths' lives, their history, and the impact of the landscape on their writing.
Day 2 included a workshop session in the Jerwood Centre and after a morning of academic study, pupils ventured over to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm to enjoy a tour of her house. The group finished by enjoying some writing and sketching in her wonderful cottage garden to wind down.
The final day was one of creativity and relaxation. Pupils took part in The Time Lab project led by artist and guest curator Stacey Joy Rossouw. In the evening pupils returned to Dove Cottage in the evening to recite their poetry and share readings.
CREATIVITY
GCSE History trip
Year 11 GCSE History students enjoyed a day in Richmond exploring Ham House for their case study. The influences around the estate show status in society, wealth, religion, and the emerging skilled crafts in the 17th Century.
Set in a wonderfully peaceful location on the River Thames, we walked along the footpath and across the common (with cows) to see Ham House in all its splendour. As historians, we traced the footsteps of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza through the halls into opulent dining rooms, and we explored the fine artwork of Verrio and graced the private libraries and quarters of the Lauderdale’s.
The house is truly a reflection of the past, and this was all because the family, once at the height of society, lost their position due to the death of the Duke of Lauderdale. No longer having the funds to keep up with the trends of the era, the house maintains several original design features. We ate lunch in the old orangery and explored the gardens, a vital part of any high society residence in Restoration England. This trip allowed us to be surrounded by the past, bringing textbook pages to life.
Our academic extension clubs and societies have been very busy this term. These clubs aim to stretch pupils and introduce them to new ideas.
Philosophy: MACE Debating
PGS hosted the first round of this year ' s English Speaking Union Mace schools' debating competition, which took place in the Memorial Library on Tuesday 11th November. The venue provided a superb space for debating, and the quality of speeches often matched the setting.
Our team, made up of Anna B (Year 12), Vivaan D and Samuel VDB (both Year 13) was the proposition for the (rather niche) motion: 'This House Would ban short-haul domestic flights where transport alternatives exist.' We debated Ryde School with Upper Chine - in what turned out to be the standout debate of the night, as both schools qualified for the next round.
Mr Wickes, who attended the event, commented afterwards that Samuel's summary speech was the highlight of the night, which was great to hear! The team can be congratulated for progressing in this prestigious competition; they were certainly a great credit to the school - as were Ruthie G, Hannah H (both Year 12) and James M (Year 13), who brilliantly officiated as time-keepers and Master of Ceremony.
This was an excellent evening of debating - and much closer than our previous competition last summer, for which we travelled all the way to Taunton! We very much look forward to the next round in January, whether we get to host again or not.
Literary Society: Talk by Kim Simpson
Dr Kim Simpson, Deputy Director at Chawton House Library, which is home to a rare collection of women ’ s writing from 1680-1840, kick-started the Year 9 Gothic Fiction autumn term unit by introducing pupils to the history of the genre and its origins in women ' s writing.
Pupils were challenged with Kim’s references to obscure writers and texts, demonstrating how once famous and well-paid women writers fell out of the literary canon.
COURAGE
There have been many exciting Mathematical competitions this term.
The first was the mathematical Olympiad for Girls, which is a chance to promote excellence in Mathematics for an underrepresented group. 8 of our best female Mathematicians took part achieving 5 Distinctions and 3 merits which is incredible.
Earlier this term, the Sixth Form Mathematicians took part in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. It is a truly great achievement that almost 20 of them achieved a Gold certificate qualifying for the Kangaroo round, indicating they are in the top 8,000 pupils in the country.
The top 1000 pupils in the country get invited to take part in the British Mathematical Olympiad. This is an exceptional achievement to qualify and this year one pupil managed to make it in: Harry Dixon.
We also hosted the Senior Team Challenge, hosting schools from across the region including Winchester College, Brighton College, Surrey Maths School and Barton Peveril college to name a few. It was a really close competition and there was an amazing array of talent. Our PGS team gave a strong account of themselves and had lots of fun throughout the day.
Co-curricular
“ Co-curricular clubs and societies have enriched my experience at PGS. This term, I have given my first Lit Soc presentation, participated in House Drama and House Shout and played in my last PGS Christmas Concert.
- Year 13 Student
CCF is an incredible opportunity for PGS pupils to stretch themselves, and make new memories and friends. This term has included several CCF expeditions.
CCF Summer Camp
In July, twenty-eight PGS Army Cadets ventured to Longmoor, joining Cadets from across the south-east. They settled into the schedule quickly, embracing the barracks and mess hall meals with enthusiasm and maturity.
Day 1 saw the cadets partake in shotgun and rifle shooting, with several PGS cadets winning badges for their marksmanship.
Day 2 was packed full of thrilling outdoor activities, including climbing, archery, mountain-biking, kayaking and raft-building.
Day 3 & 4 took the cadets into ‘The Field’, where they applied their ambush, section attack and fieldwork skills which they had learnt at school, as well as enjoying axe-throwing, survival skills and more. Day 3 ended with a night in ‘bashers’ and a ration pack meal.
On day 5, the cadets, led by CSM Tom Firth and Cpl Tristan Sawyer, competed in a competition day, demonstrating impressive skills and coming away with medals in two events and fond memories for all.
RAF Flying Trip
The RAF trips to Boscombe Down are always exciting and the cadets keen to experience the controls of a plane. There is always that mix of nervousness and thrill that combine to make each trip memorable.
As the escorting officer, it is always interesting taking the cadets out to meet their planes, leaving them nervous and then picking them back up, beaming, eye alight with the experience of flying the plane around, performing loops, barrel rolls and occasionally a stalled turn as part of their aerobatics. The change between leaving and returning is always so stark, nerves disappear and only the excitement and memories of what they have done remains. This is the first of hopefully, many more flying trips this year.
CFor the CCF, this term also included our annual October Camp and the poignant remembrance service.
CCF October Camp
On the 4-6th October. 107 CCF cadets travelled to Jersey Camp on the Isle of Wight. The camp introduced the new Year 9s to the cadet experience through activities such as camouflage and concealment, radios and sleeping under a basher.
The Y9s utilised their creativity and culinary skills in the Rat-Pack Restaurant competition, putting together meals for the leaders.
Y10-11s engaged in personal leadership tasks, whilst also having fun with flight simulators and drone flying for the RAF/RN, whilst the army enjoyed laser quest and range shooting.
The senior cadets stepped into their new roles by helping the new cadets, working to make the long weekend an enjoyable experience for all, whilst also joining in some of the activities.
Remembrance Parade 2025
On Sunday 9th November thirty cadets participated in a service in the Guildhall square to remember the Armistice of the Great War.
The event was accompanied by the extremely capable Marine Band who played remarkably throughout service. The square was filled with veterans, cadets and civilians alike who all took the time to remember those who have fallen for our freedom.
Continuing PGS held their own remembrance service on the date of the armistice with all cadets from years nine to thirteen attending with many throughout the school taking the time to attend. The Last Post was played, prayers were said, and wreaths were laid out in the Memorial Library. The cadets from all sections performed incredibly well and showed their commitment and respect to the CCF and the school.
This term saw PGS’s annual whole school muscial, Grease. This sell-out performance left viewers raving and demonstated the dpeth of theatrical talent here at PGS.
Whole School Musical 2025 - Grease
Sometimes a production comes along that’s a perfect match-up of cast, show and audience, and judging from the feverish atmosphere in the theatre during production week, ‘Grease’ was just that.
It's tricky and perhaps unwise to pick out performances from such a wonderful ensemble, but particular mention should go to Eleanor M, who performed Rizzo with bonedry wit and heartbreaking conviction; Buster R, whose performance as Danny was a joyous combination of comic verve, attitude and vulnerability; and Sanuli W, who captured Sandy's innocence and hurt perfectly, whilst treating us to an unmatchable delivery of 'Hoplelessly Devoted To You'.
CREATIVITY
It’s been a while since the DRT has hosted such a large cast and production, and every inch of space was used to give the audience an experience they won’t forget in quite a while. From the excellent band, to the sparkling and often very funny choreography, to the superb performances and characterisations, to the committed technical teameverything played its part in making ‘Grease’ a huge sell-out success that showed the best of everyone involved.
Thank you to Mrs Williams the choreographer, Dalila the technical manager, Mr Robinson the producer, Mr Goodwin the musical director and Mrs Martin-Guruge the director for giving the pupils such a memorable opportunity.
The Autumn term is always a busy one for PGS Music; this year, there were several workshops as well as the customary Christmas Concert
Christmas Concert
The theme for this years Christmas Concert was ‘Flying Into Christmas’! Pupils congregated in Portsmouth Cathedral to play a variety of themed music. The concert was kicked off by the choir singing combined with the Community Choir, which was followed by the Senior School Orchestra playing the Polar Express.
After the interval, PGS Brass bought the party with Mr Blue Sky, Christmas Swingalong and Merry Christmas Everybody. Also, the Fast Track Band’s performance from ‘The Muppets’ emphasised the development of younger musicians in the school. Finally, Concert Band’s Come Fly With Me and All I want for Christmas Is You finished it off splendidly, showcasing all of the talent involved.
Another brilliant Christmas concert from PGS Music!
CREATIVITY
Vocal Masterclass with Rosie Ashe
Rosie is a vastly experienced performer in opera and musical theatre and has performed in numerous west end productions and is currently in the UK tour of Mary Poppins. She worked with 8 solo singers offering advice on technique, interpretation and stage craft.
Royal Marines Workshop
The PGS Concert Band had a workshop with the Royal Marines School of Music. This included a presentation on life in the band service and then an afternoon working on 4 pieces with the band instructors and playing alongside 30 royal marine musicians.
Rugby
There has been a good buzz around the rugby teams this year, and all year groups have found their success in multiple ways.
The U18s have been committed trainers and enjoyed their matches, which included an end of season win against a Seaford XV. A big thank you to Year 13 pupils George M, Henry M, Tom P and Ivan C for their sustained contribution to rugby.
The U16s have continued to shine all season, with the As enjoying 7 wins and 1 draw so far, and the Bs winning 2 and losing 1. Notable performances for the As came in the victories over Seaford College and Bryanston School respectively.
The U15s have been super competitive all season and, in another time, could have won more than the 2 games so far, as their 6 defeats have all been by small margins.
COMMITMENT
The U14s have been the most improved squad so far this season and the As enjoyed a 5 game win streak until their last match narrow defeat 12-7 to KES Southampton. The squad have found their competitiveness and toughness in recent weeks.
The U13s have struggled on the results front but, to their credit, their commitment to PGS Rugby on Saturdays and their attendance at training has been excellent!
The U12s have also been top performers, particularly the A team, who have won 8 and drawn 1 match this season. Max C, Will M and Will L, in particular, have set the standard for others to follow. Well done and a huge thank you to all of the players. Bring on the rugby 7’s season!
Hockey
The Senior Girls began the term strongly with an overnight stay in Bath, with fixtures against Monkton Combe on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, as well as a match against Downside. This provided excellent preparation for a very confident performance in the Hampshire Trophy, where they won the tournament without conceding a single goal and beat Ryde in the final.
After their success in the Hampshire round, the 1st Team competed in a challenging regional tournament, finishing 5th overall. They secured one win and a draw, with their three remaining matches being very closely contested.
The girls’ hockey teams have enjoyed a highly successful end to the first half term and an excellent start to the second, achieving 23 wins, 4 draws, and only 2 losses against Ryde, PHS, KES Whitley, and Gordon’s over the past four weekends. The teams have demonstrated strong attacking play, with goals scored across all age groups. Notable hat-tricks were recorded by Anya W (Year 8), Lucy Ae (Year 9), and Vanessa H (Year 9).
The Year 10 team produced an outstanding display against PHS, taking the lead just 18 seconds into the match with an impressive opening goal.
COLABORATION
The Year 7 and Year 8 teams have also shown excellent development throughout the term. Many pupils attend training regularly and give their best efforts each weekend, and their commitment and enthusiasm are clearly reflected in the progress they continue to make.
PGS Football has taken another exciting step forward this year, with strong progress across multiple age groups and growing engagement throughout the school. A major highlight has been the introduction of Friday Night Football for Years 7–10. This initiative has been a huge success, with more than 60 pupils regularly attending and showing superb commitment to developing their skills.
Our U18, U15 and U13 teams have all represented PGS in national ISFA competitions, each gaining valuable experience and demonstrating excellent character. Adam Cook-Benaissa has captained the 1st XI with great dedication. After an impressive opening win against Bournemouth Collegiate School, the team narrowly missed out in closely contested matches against Christ’s Hospital and Bryanston in the Cup and Bowl competitions.
The U15 squad have faced a steep learning curve, exiting early from both the Cup and Bowl. However, their attitude to improve has been excellent.
Our U13 team, made up of both Year 7 and 8 pupils, have performed superbly. Their ISFA Bowl run included strong victories over Bishopsgate (R1) and Lancing Prep (R2), before a heartbreaking defeat to Highfield School on penalties. Joseph Longden and Will Lewis were particularly impressive throughout the cup run.
Cross Country
Recently, the Year 7,8&9 cross country teams took part in the Hampshire Team Championship at Penns place in Petersfield. It was a perfect crisp, sunny day for cross country and for many it was their first experience. There were some excellent individual performances, notably, Corin M 6th, Lucy Ae 6th, Flo B 6th.
However, it was a team event and the consistent performance across the teams meant that we had a very strong performance. There were 16 teams in each of the categories, and the final standings were: Yr 7 girls - 2nd Yr 7 boys - 2nd Yr 8 girls - 1st, Yr 8 boys - 4th, Yr 9 girls - 2nd, Yr 9 boys - 5th Well done to all of the runners.
COMMITMENT
PGS Community
The Autumn term included exciting events in the community such as the annual culture day
Languages and Culture Day
“ Everyone at PGS is really friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed the House events this term because they helped me to meet new people.
- Year 9 Student
C o n i t y N e w s
th September was International Languages and ay. During the day all our pupils from Reception to ve had a lesson in another language from one of our g pupils.
Pupils have experienced lessons in Arabic, Bengali, Kurdish, Afrikaans, Mandarin, Korean, Urdu, Farsi, Turkish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Cantonese, Bulgarian, Yoruba and Brazilian Portuguese.
Also, our Sixth Form pupils from China have provided a lovely opportunity to our younger pupils, teaching them how to paint some of the characters in Mandarin.
Charity Showcase
PGS held a Charity Showcase where they displayed a variety of PGS talents from dance to music to drama in order to support Woman's Aid, Rowans Hospice and The Army Benevolent Fund.
These organisations are three charities who are doing incredible work across the country. It was full of fantastic performers and an audience whose donations are going directly towards the charities!
COMPASSION
COLABORATION
House Shout
One of the largest house events took place this term: House Shout. This is a singing competition between houses, with every member of the house in every year group involved.
House Drama
It highlights the community and passionate house spirit at PGS. This term, it was a day filled with fun, laughter and collaboration with Grant house ultimately taking the win with an amazing presentation of ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry. Runner up Latter with ‘Reach for the Stars’, followed by Smith’s ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ and then Whitcombe with a combination of ‘Thriller’ and ‘Ghost busters’. It was an amazing event to end the first half term of this year.
The DRT hosted a wonderful, skillful and ever-so-slight bawdy House Drama event on Thursday evening, with nearly 60 pupils (a record) performing a selection of well-known and lesser-known comedies from the worlds of TV and theatre.
Whilst the winning House was, justly, Whitcombe for a hilarious staging of 'The Fast Show' (directed with verve and great comic energy by Max B), the evening was also notable for a wealth of comic jewels, with individual acting awards going to Tala A, Sam A, Luca B-D and Ivan C (outrageous, again), and Connie M deservedly winning Best Director for an accomplished and delightful staging of 'A Comedy About Spies'.
A very nearly full house gave its laughter generously, and House Drama was once again, as an audience member put it, 'full of warmth and celebration of each other'. Can you ask more than that? Roll on next year.
