An academic year rich in collaboration and connection. Here’s what happened—and the positive impact it brought:

Throughout this academic year, the Art department has been a bustling hub of activities and collaborations. Here’s what happened—and the positive impact it brought:

New Staff Recruited: Mrs McDowell, our inspiring new Art and Design teacher, is developing a dynamic new curriculum and Mrs Krakovska, our highly skilled new arts technician, is introducing cutting-edge AI projects to link with small group theatre productions.

Open Art Room KS4 students had open access to the art rooms. This flexible approach increased engagement and the motivational ‘buzz’. As a result, more students than ever are pursuing art and design routes post 16.

Primary School Puppetry Selected Year 8 students hosted a shadow puppet workshop for Oak View Primary School’s Year 1 pupils. This pilot was so successful, it will be extended to the entire Year 8 next year.

Sewing with Support Grandparents joined Year 7 sewing sessions to help create bunting, building confidence and strengthening community bonds.

Life Drawing with Volunteers Generous art department friends sat as life models, giving students valuable experience in observation and expressive technique.

Sixth Form Leadership Year 12 students and prefects led competitions, supported in lessons, curated displays, and introduced new media, boosting mentorship, and community spirit.

Competitions Students entered many competitions which were all celebrated. A few went even further, including Violet B who was selected amongst 23,000 national entries to have her artwork (‘Happy’) displayed at The Royal Academy of Arts Children’s Summer Exhibition

Hertfordshire University (Chapman) Gallery visits and Workshops Year 11 graphics students participated in a printing workshops and Year 11 art students completed gallery research, boosting experimentation and knowledge.

Want to get involved next year?

We’re looking for support in:

• Drama, set or costume design
• Music or orchestra
• Art, graphics and arts award

Whether you can give an hour or more, your support will make a big difference.

Contact: Jmckinnell@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Music and Drama) Kmcdowell@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Graphics) Karmstrong@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk (Art, Craft and Design)

 

Sustainability Conference in Hitchin

On 4th July 2025, a group of our KS3 students attended the inspiring Climate Change Summit at North Herts College, Hitchin run by the Hertfordshire Science Hub. The day was packed with thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities, empowering students to take action in the fight against climate change.

The keynote speaker, Jo Heneker, set the tone for the day with a powerful message: even the smallest changes in our everyday lives can help save the planet. Her talk encouraged students to think critically about their own habits and how they could reduce their carbon footprint, whether through food choices, travel, or energy use.

Following the keynote, students took part in two engaging workshops. Chris from Hertfordshire Zoo led a session exploring the impact of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for conservation. Meanwhile, Jeremy from Let’s Go Zero ran an interactive workshop that challenged students to help make suggestions to take back to school on how we at Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School can work towards reducing our carbon footprint.

In the afternoon, students explored an exciting exhibition, where they visited a range of stalls run by environmental organisations. Armed with a questionnaire, they had to search for answers by engaging with exhibitors and learning about climate solutions. Those who successfully completed the quiz were entered into a prize draw, with winners receiving delicious Tony’s Fairtrade chocolate as a reward for their efforts.

Our students returned buzzing with ideas and motivation, ready to become climate champions in their own communities. Students from 8 Austen prepared a presentation to share with their peers to make them aware of the importance of being more sustainable and working together to make a difference in school!

‘Far Place Study’ investigating lived experience

On Monday 30th June, Year 12 Geography students set off to explore Brick Lane, one of London’s most iconic streets, as part of their fieldwork on place and the impact of both endogenous and exogenous factors.The aim was to discover how Brick Lane’s unique character has been shaped by its history, culture, and changing identity. Historically, Brick Lane has welcomed Huguenots, Jews, and now a large Bangladeshi community; the area is a living example of multicultural London. The locale creates a strong sense of identity, particularly around food, fashion and faith.

Endogenous factors—those that originate from within a place—are key to understanding Brick Lane’s character. Its narrow cobbled streets, Victorian brick buildings, and historic mosques reflect the area’s long-standing East End roots. We observed how architectural features like converted warehouses and original signage (some in Bengali script) maintain the local flavour and hint at the layers of community that have existed here over time. The strong presence of Bangladeshi restaurants and family-run shops also contributes to a sense of continuity and local identity.

Brick Lane has also long been shaped by exogenous factors—outside influences that affect a place. We noted signs of gentrification, such as boutique coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, and trendy art galleries, which contrast with more traditional establishments. Global tourism, international street artists, and investment from property developers are all contributing to a shift in the character of the area. Students completed notes on a ‘walk down the high street’. We were all struck by the mixture of aromas—from sizzling samosas to fresh coffee—and the burst of colour from graffiti art and market stalls. Shopkeepers chatted in a mix of English, Bengali, and other languages. The clash of old and new, traditional and trendy, was everywhere. We felt a strong “sense of place”: vibrant, layered, and alive with stories. It felt both familiar and foreign, rooted and changing. Some students spoke to shopkeepers to find out what their perceptions are of Brick Lane now and in the past. One man said, “Brick Lane is changing fast. It used to be mostly locals, families—now we get tourists, students, everyone. It’s good for business, but also feels like we’re losing something.”

Meanwhile, a café manager said, “I like the mix here. You meet people from all over. But rent is going up, and some older shops are closing. I just hope we keep the community spirit.” Our field trip to Brick Lane helped us understand how geography is not just about maps and data, but about people, identity, and change. By combining first-hand observation with interviews and media analysis, we gained a richer picture of this dynamic area—and how places like Brick Lane are shaped by both the past and the present.

A Day of Culture, Learning, and Fun

On Tuesday 17th June 2025, Year 7 students from Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School had the exciting opportunity to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor, a spiritual and cultural centre for the Hare Krishna movement, nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside.

The day began with a warm welcome address at 10:05am, setting the tone for what would be a rich and engaging experience. After a short break, students were treated to a main presentation at 10:20am, which introduced them to the key beliefs, practices, and values of the Hindu faith. The talk was both informative and interactive, helping students link their classroom learning to real-life religious practice. By 11:10am, the group enjoyed cart rides and guided tours of the stunning grounds and working farm, complete with cows and lush greenery. A particular highlight for many was the face painting session at noon, where students could take part in traditional designs often seen at Hindu festivals. Next on the itinerary was a visit to the souvenir shop, where students were able to purchase small keepsakes and support the Manor’s charitable efforts. At 12:40pm, the group was given the chance to see the shrine—a beautifully ornate space used for worship and meditation. This peaceful moment offered students a chance to reflect on the importance of devotion in Hindu life.

A delicious vegetarian lunch, provided by the Manor, was served at 1:00pm and was much appreciated by everyone after a busy morning. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a lively dressing-up workshop, where students tried on traditional Indian garments, including colourful saris and turbans, giving them a chance to immerse themselves further in the culture. At 2:00pm, it was time to say goodbye to Bhaktivedanta Manor. The group departed feeling enlightened and inspired, arriving back at BHGS at approximately 2:45pm.

This trip was a fantastic way for students to deepen their understanding of Hinduism as part of their Religious Studies curriculum, while also enjoying a hands-on and memorable experience. Many thanks to the staff at Bhaktivedanta Manor for their generous hospitality, and to our school staff for organising such a meaningful visit.