Bishop’s visit JFS for a debate workshop

We thoroughly enjoyed the parallel histories debate at JFS! It was an insightful and informative discussion surrounding whether Britain should have been criticised or praised for their handling of the mandate in Palestine; We had a lengthy debate upon Britain’s handling of the mandate, then followed an informal discussion with the year 13 students who had visited Israel on a school trip. They were very well informed and educated us upon their own heritage and their understanding of the conflict within Palestine. They also had strong interest in hearing our opinions too. We then discussed whether Winston Churchill deserved the title of the ‘greatest Briton’. It was wonderful to speak to many different people as we were in mixed groups rather than just with our own school. After researching the Churchill statement, we compiled succinct arguments and had another informative debate.

We are so grateful to have been able to partake in this emotive conversation. We have learnt a plethora of knowledge from bright and engaging students who were coherent and articulate in their arguments. It was extremely eye-opening to hear the opinions and voices of other members of our generation.

Sophia B

Year 11 biologists completed their last required GCSE biology practical investigation looking at the effect of various antibiotics on bacteria.

As part of the GCSE Biology course, Year 11 Biologists investigated the effect of antibiotics on the growth bacterial cultures using aseptic techniques. GCSE Biology specification Students safely spread bacteria on an agar plate, added discs soaked in antibiotics, incubated their bacterial ‘plates’ overnight and then measured the ‘zone of inhibition’. This is the area where the antibiotics have successfully killed the bacteria, it shows up as a clear area around the antibiotic discs. They achieved superb results and this was a great way to complete their last required practical for their biology GCSE.

Kiruga J.

Key Stage 3 students test their craft skills to create various creatures that have unusual life styles, cycles or features.

So far this year in Crafty Creature Club, we have created many different animals and plants that have really unusual facts, e.g. hermit crabs that gang up on other crabs to get the best shell and robins that attack their own reflection. We have used many different materials to make these animals including pom-poms and lollipop sticks. We started the spring term making biodiversity bracelets to remind us how many species there are in the world.

Lottie T.

If you are in Year 7, 9 or 9,why not join Lottie at Crafty Creature Club every Thursday lunchtimes?!

Year 11 Mentoring Programme got to see businesses first hand

In conjunction with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Careers and Enterprise Company, Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School are part of a mentoring programme pilot. This programme runs for three years and participants join in Year 10. The programme is focusing on helping pupils understand and access all career opportunities open to them. The programme is run by a professional mentor and regular counselling meetings are support by visits to local businesses.

This month, our mentees were invited to a tour around our key local business Computacenter as part of this mentoring pilot. The mentees were taken around by the Future Talent Manager of Computacenter and their Mentor Mr Groves, who showed them the work site and introduced them to the different roles and functions undertaken by the business. Our mentees were also very lucky to meet the CEO of Computacenter who took a few minutes out to talk with them about what they were learning! Renee Ramsay-Nicol, Future Talent Manager said, “we are always keen to get young people into see our business at Computacenter – those few minutes talk with the CEO shows how important we all see future talent to our business!”

This is one of the many opportunities our Career programme offers our pupils – and all visits out to see our local businesses are valuable to build networks and understand the skills businesses are seeking in work ready pupils. Following on from this, as part of our Careers programme, we are taking a group of Year 11s to a local Welwyn Careers Conference in the coming weeks – watch this space!