2025 Expressive Arts Showcase Celebrates Student Talent

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Bishop’s Expressive Arts Faculty celebrates the incredible talents of students across Art, Graphics, Drama and Music with its 3rd Expressive Arts Showcase

 

On Tuesday 15th July, Bishop’s Expressive Arts Faculty held its annual Showcase, celebrating the incredible talents of students across Art, Graphics, Drama and Music.

Special guests included Councillor Mick Wise, the Hatfield Town Mayor, and Amy Pettingill, professional artist and Bishop’s alumna. The power of AI platforms such as mid journey, effectively brought our students’ artwork to life as moving, speaking AI hosts.

The evening began with a stunning exhibition of GCSE Art, Craft, Design, and Graphic Communication work, featuring portraiture, mixed media, packaging design, book covers, and more. Following the exhibition, a full-capacity audience enjoyed a vibrant concert and drama performance in the school hall. Soundwaves Ensemble delivered powerful renditions of Wrecking Ball, Firework, and Don’t Stop Believin’, and there were beautiful contributions from the School Orchestra, performing In the Hall of the Mountain King and Finlandia and Vocal Harmony Group, made up of 5 of our GCSE Music singers who sang two complex mash-ups, maintaining multiple melodic lines against one another with aplomb.

The soloists were a true highlight of the evening, showcasing a remarkable range of talent:

  • Elissa and Layla (Years 7–8) impressed with their expressive vocals.
  • Ellie delivered a moving rendition of In My Dreams from Anastasia.
  • Keira and Martha gave beautifully performed, heartfelt classics, accompanied by Mrs Denton.
  • Millie (flute) and Alice (cello), both accompanied by Mr Taylor, played with poise and skill.
  • Eva (Year 12) accompanied by Mr Eyre, gave a stirring vocal performance of And I Am Telling You.
  • Sophie (Year 12) gave a heartfelt rendition of Desire in Spring.
  • Bella (Year 9) stunned with Hell’s Coming with me and her work with the choir.
  • Lukian (Year 12) performed an expressive piano solo, The Melody by Skoryk.

The drama portion featured an energetic and humorous scene from Model Behaviour by Jon Brittain, performed by the Bishop’s Acting Troupe. After the interval, Year 8 students delighted the audience with their shadow puppet performance, The Fairy Gets Her Wings, created with the support of Mrs Krakovska. Beryl Lai shared her dramatic and thought-provoking GCSE art animation ‘In Her Eyes…’

The second half of the show also featured a dynamic performance of two numbers from Sister Act, Bless Our Show and Sunday Morning Fever, given by the cast of this year’s school musical, and the evening was brought to a close by the Bishop’s Choir, who brought the house down with a medley from Wicked, featuring standout solos by Berita and Bella; a perfect finale to an inspiring evening!

Congratulations to all students involved—you should be incredibly proud. Huge thanks to the staff, the Parents’ Association for refreshments, and the families and carers whose continued support makes events like this possible.

Our 2025 Expressive Arts Showcase Raffle Prize Winners were announced and contacted individually. The prizes ranged from a week of Top Hat Theatre School Summer camp, two signed Amy Pettingill artwork prints, a chocolate hamper to some bottles of wine.

Mrs Armstrong & Mrs McKinnell

Culinary Creativity in Food Preparation & Nutrition

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Our KS3 and Year 10 Food students have showcased incredible creativity and culinary skill this term, producing a wide range of impressive dishes inspired by global cuisine

This half term, our KS3 Food students have really impressed us with their creativity and enthusiasm in the food room. Exploring a wide range of themes — from cultural cuisine and street food to dietary needs and school canteen favourites — they prepared a vibrant selection of tasty, colourful, and nutritious dishes. Highlights included Chicken Biryani, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Egg Fried Rice, Enchiladas and a variety of delicious curries.

Meanwhile, our Year 10 GCSE Food students exceeded all expectations during their recent mock exam. Tasked with creating dishes suitable for an Asian restaurant, they showcased exceptional technical skills and attention to detail. From sushi and freshly made naan bread to prawn puri, paratha, and dumplings, the results were outstanding.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work, creativity, and passion for food. Well done, Year 10 and KS3! We can’t wait to see what you cook up next!

Mrs Wright

Chess Club House Competition End of Term Highlights

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After intense matches, the winners of the Chess House Competition are finally revealed!

The Chess Club at Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School recently concluded its End of Term House Competition, which took place over several weeks and saw enthusiastic participation from students across all houses. The tournament featured a series of exciting and hard-fought matches, with a strong sense of friendly but focused rivalry throughout.

After some closely contested games, the final standings were: 🥇 1st Place – Niamh H (Franklin) 🥈 2nd Place – Fatima S (Parr) 🥉 3rd Place – Liyana C (Parr)

Congratulations to all pupils who took part. Your enthusiasm, resilience, and sportsmanship were commendable. It was a pleasure to see such dedication and skill on display.

We look forward to welcoming even more members to the Chess Club next year for another exciting season of matches, learning, and fun!

Ms Welsh

Phone Detox Raises Funds and Awareness

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Pupils Take on Sponsored Phone Detox Challenge to Boost Wellbeing and in Support of Facilities Enhancement Project #BEST

A big well done to over 40 incredible pupils who handed in their phones to take part in our 5-Day Sponsored Phone Detox Challenge last week! By choosing to unplug and recharge, these students are not only prioritising their mental health and wellbeing but also raising funds for our #BEST project.

The challenge began bright and early on Monday 7th July, when smartphones were locked away in a secure glass box, not to be collected again until Friday 11th July. This bold move was inspired by a powerful Life Skills discussion about the damaging online content pupils are exposed to and its impact on mental health.

When she handed in her phone, Head Girl Ella Studholme, one of the organisers of the challenge, explained: “I believe it is really important that teenagers, especially young girls, are protected from the sometimes cruel and terrifying aspects of social media and the negative effects it can have both physically and mentally.” She added, “Even though I think it will be a tough challenge, I’m interested to see how I get on without my phone and it’s great to see so many young people and teachers getting involved too.”

Before the challenge started, the school conducted an anonymous survey to understand students’ phone habits and feelings towards their device usage. The results revealed that 26% of students were addicted to their phones, with a further 44% potentially addicted.

Throughout the week, pupils reported some fantastic benefits of going phone-free: – More quality time spent with family – Increased time outdoors – More reading and new hobbies, such as learning to make bracelets – More time for exercise and relaxation

Out of the 42 students who participated, 40% said their focus and concentration improved at school, while 21% felt less stressed without their phones.

Life Skills Lead Miss Faux, who spearheaded the initiative with deputy headteacher Martina Mansfield, shared: “Online safety has evolved, and evidence shows that excessive phone use can physically affect our brains, impacting our ability to think clearly and sleep well.” She explained that the students had become desensitised to harmful online content, which inspired the meaningful Life Skills discussions and ultimately, the phone detox challenge. The planning team included Head Students Ella, Stacey, and Stephanie, supported by pupils from Years 7 and 9. Their leadership helped make this social experiment a resounding success.

At the end of the week, an impressive 92% of participants said they were glad they took part, with many expressing they could live without their phones, a truly inspiring outcome!

All funds raised through the sponsorship challenge will go towards upgrading our school’s facilities, including a new sustainable modular building. To support this cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bishopsbest

Parents and guardians, thank you for your support in encouraging healthier screen habits. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of our young people!

Celebrating Community in Our Art Department

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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)

 

Sports Day 2025 Results

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Hadid edge out Austen to win Sports Day for the 3rd year in a row!

On Monday 7th July, the PE Department organised our annual Sports Day supporting by staff across the whole school. We kept our fingers crossed for good weather and waking up to a rainy and dreary morning it looked like it might not happen but luckily the rain held off after form time (…..just!) to allow the competition to take place. With a little shuffle of the events to give the ground time to dry out, Years 7-10 came out after break ready to get Sports Day started.

Sports Day Heats for Years 7-9 took place the week before and with the Year 10 Heats taking place a month ago, before their exams, pupils were ready and raring to go to represent their Form/House and earn some valuable House Points ahead of the end of the academic year.

There were some very impressive performances across all year groups particularly from our District and County League athletes and the spectators really helped to cheer everyone on in their respective events.

After a tough day of competition, the results were as follows:

Year Winners ( in place order) Year 7

  • 1st Place – 7 Austen
  • 2nd place – 7 Hadid
  • 3rd Place – 7 Seacole
  • 4th Place – 7 Parr
  • 5th Place – 7 Franklin

Year 8

  • 1st Place – 8 Parr
  • 2nd Place – 8 Seacole
  • 3rd Place – 8 Austen
  • 4th Pace – 8 Hadid
  • 5th Place – 8 Franklin

Year 9

  • 1st Place – 9 Austen
  • 2nd Place – 9 Hadid
  • 3rd Place – 9 Franklin
  • 4th Place – 9 Parr
  • 5th Place – 9 Austen

Year 10

  • 1st Place – 10 Franklin
  • 2nd Place – 10 Hadid
  • 3rd Place – 10 Parr
  • 4th Place – 10 Seacole
  • 5th Place – 10 Austen

Junior Relay Winners – 8 Austen

Joint Senior Relay Winners – 9 Austen and 9 Hadid

Track Cup – 9 Austen

Field Cup – 10 Hadid

Track and Field Cup – 9 Austen

Ellie Bandy Trophy Winner (most points scored overall on Sports Day) – Miruna Badelita (10 Franklin) finished 1st place in the Year 10 100m, 800m and was part of the Year 10 Franklin A Team Relay.

OVERALL HOUSE WINNER – HADID

Thank you to all of the pupils and staff for their support and participation in this event. Finally a big thank you, as ever to the PE department (Miss Cameron, Miss Nelson and Miss Rollings) for all of their time and efforts in the organisation before and on the day.

KS3 Climate Change Summit Inspires Young Environmental Leaders

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Sustainability Conference in Hitchin inspires our pupils to take action in the fight against climate change

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!

Hampton Court Adventure

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Year 12 visit Hampton Court to discover where the great characters of our Tudor story resided

On a sunny day in July, our Year 12s embarked on an adventure across London to join in the thronging crowds of garden enthusiasts to visit Hampton Court. However, our focus was its Tudor history rather than the array of flowers and greenery! Our adventure started on the trains, as we traversed London on trains and tubes rather than our traditional coach travel. We arrived, with many other Garden Show attendees, to lovely sunshine as we crossed the Thames at Hampton Bridge.

Our visit was designed to support the AQA curriculum on Tudors. Hampton Court started as Cardinal Wolsey’s palace as the Alter Rex Chief Minister, continuing in its prominence through Edward VI and Mary I’s court life and was a popular retreat of Elizabeth I – therefore a location rich in Tudor heritage. Our focus was on the question “Was there a Mid-Tudor Crisis?” – and we were treated to a specialist talk and tour around the palace understanding where key events in this century took place. Some of us even sat in the chairs occupied by Archbishop Cranmer and Lord Burghley to decide the fate of the nation when Elizabeth was struck by small pox! The significant points in the Mid-Tudor period were interrogated and explained – all helping their understanding of the period and key judgements for their essays. Our sunny history day out was completed with an ice cream on our way home!

County Athletics Cup Final 2025

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BHGS make it to the County Athletics Cup Final yet again!

After finishing 1st in our half of Hertfordshire after 6 rounds of County League competition, the Junior Athletics team qualified for the County Athletics Cup Final.

This involved the top 1st- 8th placed schools in Hertfordshire and included some strong opposition including teams from Hitchin Girls, Presdales, Sandringham, Berkhamsted, RMS, Haberdashers and Parmiter’s.

This team was a mix of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, some who are brand new to the team this year and some who had County League experience from last year.

Particular mentions go to the following pupils – *Chidera N – 3rd in the U14 Girls Shot with a distance of 7.41m * Mia O – 2nd in the U14 Girls High Jump with a score of 1.37m

A big thank you and well done to everyone who has represented the Junior Athletics team this season – a fantastic achievement which bodes very well for future teams!

Winning our side of the County by 10 clear points was a fantastic achievement and we are extremely proud of our pupils.

Miss Cameron

Year 12 in Brick Lane for a ‘Far Place Study’ of Contrasts

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‘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.

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Tel: 01707 275331
Email: admin@bishophatfield.herts.sch.uk

Headteacher:
Mr A Wood
BA (Oxon), MBA, NPQH