Year 11 History Students Explore the Past at the Old Operating Theatre and Medicine Galleries

In October, our Year 11 History students embarked on a memorable trip to two fascinating historical sites: the Old Operating Theatre and the Medicine Galleries at the Science Museum. The experience brought their GCSE history curriculum to life, deepening their understanding of the evolution of medicine and surgical practices.

At the Old Operating Theatre, students stepped back in time to the Victorian era. In this historic setting—the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe—they learned about surgery in a time before anaesthetic or antiseptic. The immersive talk vividly recreated the challenges faced by Victorian surgeons and patients, illustrating the bravery, skill, and ingenuity needed in the era’s rudimentary medical practices. Students were captivated as they explored exhibits that provided a stark reminder of the extraordinary advancements made in medical science over the centuries.

The adventure continued at the Medicine Galleries in the Science Museum, where students took part in an educational treasure hunt. This interactive activity encouraged them to engage closely with exhibits linked directly to their GCSE studies. Highlights included viewing Andreas Vesalius’ On the Fabric of the Human Body from 1543—a groundbreaking work that transformed the study of human anatomy—and Alexander Fleming’s preserved sample of Penicillium mould, which led to the discovery of penicillin in 1935. These artifacts served as powerful connections to the scientific pioneers who shaped the course of medicine.

The trip was an invaluable opportunity for students to witness the artifacts and historical milestones that underpin their coursework. By exploring the origins and evolution of medical practices, they gained not only knowledge but also a profound respect for the history of medicine. We are grateful to both the Old Operating Theatre and the Science Museum for helping our students experience history so vividly.

Year 10 GCSE Geography students visit King’s Cross Regeneration Project

On Thursday 24th October 2024, our Year 10 GCSE Geography students embarked on an exciting and educational visit to King’s Cross in London. The trip focused on the regeneration of the area, particularly the transformation of the old, dilapidated site, including the iconic Coal Drops Yard, into a sustainable and thriving urban space.

The students travelled from Hatfield to Kings Cross by train, a journey that was both convenient and environmentally friendly, setting the perfect tone for a day focused on sustainability. The visit gave them the opportunity to witness first-hand how urban regeneration can breathe new life into previously derelict areas, while prioritizing green design and sustainable development.

The King’s Cross regeneration project has been one of the most remarkable urban renewal projects in recent years. What was once an industrial, neglected area filled with railway arches and old coal yards is now a vibrant, modern district, home to high-end shops, restaurants, offices, and public spaces. Central to this transformation is the Coal Drops Yard, a collection of 19th-century Victorian railway buildings that have been reimagined for the 21st century. One of the key features of this regeneration project is the emphasis on sustainability. The developers have worked hard to integrate eco-friendly initiatives into the design, ensuring that the area not only supports economic growth but also takes care of the environment.

We all visited the King’s Cross Information Centre, where we had the opportunity to hear a detailed talk about the ongoing regeneration project. The centre provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the history of King’s Cross, the challenges faced during the regeneration, and the sustainable goals of the project.

One of the highlights of the Information Centre was the impressive scale model of the King’s Cross area, which allowed the students to visualize the vast scale of the regeneration. This model demonstrated the balance between retaining the historical industrial character of the area while introducing modern, eco-friendly buildings and green spaces.

The visit to King’s Cross was an invaluable experience as it helped our students connect their classroom learning to the real world, seeing how geographical concepts such as urbanisation, sustainability, and regeneration are put into practice.

Bishop’s Art Department provides a wealth of opportunities for sixth form students to develop their leadership skills while nurturing their curiosity and creativity.

Bishop’s Art Department provides a wealth of opportunities for sixth form students to develop their leadership skills while nurturing their curiosity and creativity.

Art Department Prefects

In Year 12, students can apply to become an Art Department Prefect. These pivotal roles promote the department both within the school and in the wider community. Art Prefects stay well-informed about departmental happenings and effectively communicate ideas for new initiatives with the head of art Mrs Armstrong.

As representatives of the Art Department, these students engage with a variety of disciplines—including graphics, art, craft, design, textiles and photography. They represent us at events, organise and lead school-wide competitions, and actively contribute to the department’s growth. By providing feedback on the curriculum, they help identify areas for improvement and support the implementation of new strategies. Additionally, they share successful practices from their consortium schools, fostering consortium partnership and growth within our own department. Our current prefects Lily M, Lily W, and Ziora in Year 12, along with Daisy, Alice, and Issy in Year 13 will be available to chat to at Sixth Form Information evening on November 12th.

Our Unique Year 12 Community Service Program

In addition to their prefect roles, sixth form students can participate in our unique community service program. This initiative encourages year 12 students to learn a new skill of their choice which they then teach to younger students.

Spotlight on Student Initiatives

Feranmi is currently teaching herself screen printing and plans to share this skill with Year 9 students in the spring term, exemplifying the initiative and dedication of our student leaders.

Evie is focusing on reduction lino printing and is preparing to introduce this creative technique to Year 9 also.

Imogen is learning all forms of fabric dying, from basic tie dye to Japanese shibori, so that she can teach year 7.

Last year, Sabina learned to use a sewing machine, allowing her to create bunting for our Year 7 students and Daisy mastered the art of origami, crafting beautiful mobiles to inspire the younger artists.

The Impact of Leadership Opportunities

These experiences are invaluable for our sixth formers. By stepping into leadership roles and teaching others, they enhance their artistic skills while cultivating confidence and a sense of responsibility. The Art Department evolves into a vibrant community where creativity flourishes and students support one another in their artistic journeys.

Y10 students represent BHGS at community event

On Tuesday 16th october, Ms Faux took a group of ten Y10 students to represent the school at a community event hosted by University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Constabulary for Hate Crime Awareness Week. The girls were able to take part in a range of workshops including a Mock Trial (based on a real life case) where they had to play the parts of victim, accused, barristers and judges in a case of alleged transgender abuse. In addition to this, they had to make a short Tik Tok film raising awareness about the issue of Hate Crime. The girls were outstanding, impressing the police and the CPS with their engagement and their film won the overall best film. The CPS would even like to use it on their official channels. This was doubly impressive since all the schools in attendance had brought sixth formers so our girls were by far the youngest. I couldn’t be prouder of how they carried themselves throughout the day.

Science staff dress up for Biology Week’s ‘plague, pox and pathogens’ activity

As part of this year’s Biology Week, science staff dressed up for the ‘plague, pox and pathogens’ activity. Year 11 scientists were entertained with a circus of discussions and demonstrations related to disease, bacterial growth and the history of the plague. This included Mr Short dressed as the plague doctor, discussing the relevance of the plague doctor’s mask. Ms Asante demonstrated various remedies used as part of the quack remedies for the plague, including using the flesh of a snake – demonstrated with jelly snakes! Dr Bune displayed a pustule outbreak and explained how the immune system tackles bacterial infections like the plague. Mr Chan and Ms Reid enjoyed dressing up to describe the role of vaccination and antibodies in combatting infections with Ms Blanchard calculating how quickly bacteria can replicate.

Both pupils and staff had great fun and it was good to illustrate the importance of the history of science, as well as discussing the biology of disease, and the staff showing great drama skills!