Penistone Grammar School

Welcome to the latest edition of the PGS Fortnightly Newsletter! In this issue we have implemented a variety of your suggestions arising from the latest communications survey - you can read more about the results in the "You Said, We Did" section below. We also have the first instalment of a regular series highlighting the work done by staff from different departments around school - first up are our fantastic Achievement Leaders.

In this issue, the Post 16 update provides important information about the upcoming progress exams and the deadline for Year 12 work experience registration, so be sure to check those out, as well as a report from our successful Post 16 Open Evening.

As we approach the end of the first half term of 2024-25, we want to extend a huge "well done" to our students, staff, families, and the wider community for all they have accomplished over the past eight weeks. A special shout-out goes to our Year 7 students, who have embraced the transition to secondary school with such a positive mindset. To learn more about what we've achieved this term, be sure to read our new half-termly Student Celebration Newsletter. We're confident you'll be amazed by just how incredible our students are.

When we reached out for updates on our students' accomplishments, we already recognised the exceptional talent within our school community. However, we have been truly amazed by the number of students achieving success both academically and beyond.

To honour these achievements, we will be providing a student achievement update at the end of each half term, highlighting all that our students have accomplished in the weeks prior.

In this edition of the PGS Fortnightly Newsletter, you will find important updates including: information on Restart a Heart Day; a Parent / Carer feedback form regarding our communications; and details about available school governor vacancies. We also address parking concerns, provide curriculum updates, and highlight our enrichment activities.

In this edition of the PGS Newsletter you'll find a number of important updates, including updates to our curriculum web pages and effort grade descriptors, the upcoming Year 11 practice exams, and Year 12 work experience. Please do read the attached information in these sections, particularly if your child is in Year 11 or 12. Parents of Year 12 students will need to make sure they have completed the work experience consent form. 

As we head towards the middle of this first half term we have a number of items requiring your attention - below you will find the vaccination schedule and link to consent forms, updates on uniform, ParentPay, and attendance. We are also sharing with you the contact information for Penistone Food Buddies, who are performing an amazing service in our community. This service is available to anyone living in the Penistone East or West wards, not just those whose children attend PGS, so please do feel free to pass the information to anyone who you think may benefit. 

It's Week 2B and we're back into the swing of another busy school year! Thank you to all parents and carers for your support at this crucial time in your child's school career, we understand just how busy September is for our families and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to transition smoothly into 2024-25.

Below we have important curriculum information for years 7 - 11 from English, History and Science; updates from our attendance team; details about external SEND events happening in the wider Barnsley community; and introductions from our recently-appointed prefects.

It's a pleasure to welcome our students back into school for what promises to be another action-packed year of extra-curricular activities, sporting achievements, and academic success. For new students and their families, these fortnightly newsletter updates will be your main source of general school news and announcements.

In this, our first bulletin of the 2024-25 academic year, you will find upcoming calendar dates and home learning guidance, plus important information about reception services and communication updates.

It has been an extraordinary year! It's hard to believe that summer is already here, the time has just flown by. This year has been an incredible journey in nurturing personal growth at our school, with a wide range of enriching activities that have expanded our students' horizons. We've ventured globally with international adventures like the World Challenge trip to Croatia, and cultural excursions to Madrid and Andalucía.

Locally, our students have discovered gems such as Penistone Paramount, York Maze, and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and have taken part in specialised educational visits to Bletchley Park and the Van Gogh Experience... 

These past two weeks have been eventful! Last week marked the Face Off Week, where the five houses vied for the coveted house trophy. A variety of challenges took place throughout the week, ranging from lunchtime quizzes to 'Ring My Bell' virtual mentor time challenges, keepy-ups, and Mario Kart races! The lead changed multiple times, culminating in Varsity (Sports Day) on Friday. We were in luck with the glorious weather, it was a joy to witness our students participating in such a diverse array of sporting events, including boccia, three-legged races, sprints, and the team relay. During period 5, the entire school gathered on the field to observe the 100m finals and the highly competitive—albeit amusing—teacher races. It was heart-warming to see students rooting for one another and their respective houses.

Welcome to this edition of the Fortnightly Digest. This week's edition will focus on a variety of topics, from Year 10 internal practice exam details, to Year 11 & 13 results days, sporting success, and numerous personal development updates.

We are immensely proud of our Year 11s and Year 13s for the manner in which they have tackled their exams. We continue to send them our best wishes as they approach the conclusion of the exam period.

Welcome to this edition of the Fortnightly Digest. This week's issue will highlight the amazing enrichment opportunities our students have engaged in. Additionally, we will continue to provide key information, important dates, and upcoming reminders.

Two weeks ago, we hosted our inaugural school show at the Penistone Paramount – School of Rock – and it was a remarkable event! I have never felt prouder of our students; watching them command the stage and impress us with their extraordinary acting and singing was a true honour.

Welcome to the latest edition of the Fortnightly Digest. In this issue, we will continue to bring you essential information, important dates, and friendly reminders. 

As the School of Rock becomes the focal point of discussion in our school community and our Year 11 students start their summer written exams, our students are finding themselves increasingly busy with numerous extracurricular opportunities. The next digest will bring you the highlights of the School of Rock production...