Year 9 enjoy a Crime Scene Investigation style workshop as part of Biology Week, solving a ‘murder’ using DNA fingerprinting and blood analysis.

Year 9 scientists enjoyed a 2.5 hour CSI workshop on Wednesday 18th October, as part of Biology Week at Bishops. We had to solve a murder using DNA fingerprint and blood group analysis. Each of us were assigned roles, I was the lead detective and others in my group were the expert forensic scientists. We had to solve clues from the ‘autopsy’ and crime scene, as well as running a DNA gel using electrophoresis to spot the culprit. All activities had time limits so it was very pressurised but great fun. We learnt a lot and worked well as a team.

Siahra E (Year 9)

Year 7 parents attend the second annual Bishop’s Vocal Extravaganza

On Tuesday 17th October it was the second annual Bishop’s Vocal Extravaganza. This is a joyous event in which the whole of year 7 perform three songs to an audience of parents and carers after school. Year 7 have been working in their Music lessons this half term with Mrs McKinnell and Mr Kench in order to learn ‘When I’m Gone’, which is better known as ‘The Cup Song’, which Anna Kendrick sings in Pitch Perfect; ‘Reflection’ from ‘Mulan’; and ‘Burn’, the well known song by Ellie Goulding. Whilst the five Year 7 classes had all been preparing their songs as individual classes within their music lessons, they didn’t come together as a choir of 150 students until the day of the performance, when we had a very intense rehearsal to put the songs together for the final performance! As well as the full force of all of Year 7 singing together to produce a wonderful, powerful sound, we also heard some body percussion which was integrated into ‘The Cup Song’, representing the rhythm present in the original version of the song, when the cup is being manipulated throughout to produce a repeating rhythm. Additionally, in ‘Reflection’ we were treated to some beautiful solos from some very brave year 7s! Earlier in the half term, the girls were invited to audition to sing a solo. 24 ambitious singers came to audition, all of whom earned themselves lots of house points and did a fantastic job. Our final soloists: Mia O, Rhea SK, Elise E, Leanna L, Georgie M, Holly M, Summer D and Layla MG did themselves proud and sang out beautifully. Congratulations to all of our performers. They made me incredibly proud, by performing with energy and enthusiasm, and showing real focus and concentration throughout the performance in order to really deliver a sparkling performance. Well done, all! This project is a fabulous way for a new year group to really get to know one another in their early days at Bishop’s, needing to work together as a team, persevering to overcome challenges, and building friendships through supporting one another. All of the performers should be really proud of the responsible risk-taking that they demonstrated in the concert, and the confidence they exuded as a collective year group throughout their performance.

We are committed to making a difference to our future!

Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School joined many schools across the country on Friday 13th October to celebrate Just One Tree Day 2023. The day highlighted how our individual actions can make a difference in the fight against climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Just One Tree day is the flagship event of JUST ONE Tree, a British not-for-profit dedicated to removing CO2 from the atmosphere through global reforestation.

Students in Years 7-11 watched a short video and discussed the following questions: How can we make a difference? How can we get involved? How can we change our actions?

Everyone completed a leaf pledge outline one or more actions they would agree to do to take control of their future to ensure a greener future.

Thank you to Save the World Eco Warrior Club for helping to put up the beautiful display of leaf pledges on the Humanities office window.

Strengthening inclusion and tackling cyber-bullying makes the top of BHGS’ agenda at the annual Anti-bullying Conference

On October 11th 2023, Form Captains, Head Girls, senior students and members of our Anti-bullying Committee all came together for our annual Anti-bullying conference, which was organised by the Head of the Anti-bullying Committee, Mrs Mansfield.

The main focus of the conference was ways in which we can strengthen inclusion in our school and also how to tackle aspects of bullying such as cyber-bullying as well as a focus on pupils making negative comments, dismissing them as ‘just banter.’ We also worked on planning House-led activities for this year’s Anti-bullying week in November. The theme this year is ‘Make a noise about Bullying.’ The pupils came up with a wide range of ideas and they were just brilliant! As well as this, pupils discussed what bullying is to them and wrote a House pledge linked to combating bullying and unkindness, which will be displayed on House Noticeboards in the coming days. We can already tell that this year’s Anti-bullying week at Bishop’s is going to top every other year!

Lilly-J, 10Pa

Experiencing global ecosystems first hand!

On Wednesday 4th October, Year 8 geographers visited Kew Gardens in Richmond. At the beginning of Year 8 we study global biomes, with a focus on tropical rainforests, so visiting the Palm House was amazing, as the Palm House at Kew provides a perfect opportunity to experience a taste of the tropical climate as well as see how plants have adapted to these conditions. The humidity surprised the students as it hit us as soon as we walked into the Palm House! Visiting the Palm House helped everyone understand why this biome is so lush and green.

We also visited the Princess of Wales Conservatory which showcases biomes from across the world. We focussed on the hot desert biome with its many varieties of cacti and succulents. In this biome, plants have adapted to the very hot day time temperatures and to the limited rainfall (less than 250mm/year). Students chose a plant to sketch to show the tiny rolled up leaves (needles) which helps to reduce surface area and helps the plants to reduce water loss through transpiration, as well as thick stems to store water.

Another conservatory visited was the Temperate House with plants form temperate climates across the globe. The UK is a temperate climate and we were able to see many of the plants we grow in our own gardens, as well as many other beautiful plants that flourish in our temperate areas of the world.

The highlight of the day was walking on the Tree Top Walkway which gave magical views of the Gardens. The walkway is 18m above the ground and recreates what it would be like to be in the tree canopy. We were able to see green parakeets close up, perching on the branches of some of the trees.