Weekly Update
28th April 2025
Message from the Headteacher
We were fortunate to have had such wonderful weather during the Easter Break and I hope you all had a chance to relax and recharge.
To our GCSE and A-level students preparing for exams, we send our warmest wishes and unwavering support. Remember that your hard work and dedication have prepared you well, and the entire school community is behind you every step of the way. The full exam timetable for summer exams can be found on our school website.
Earlier this month, we expressed our gratitude to our exceptional Year 13 Sixth Form Leadership Team as they handed over responsibilities to their successors. Their commitment and service have been truly inspiring. We extend our best wishes to the incoming team as they take the lead on a wide variety of projects and events which benefit the school community.
We warmly invite you to join us for our Musical Showcase, featuring LGGS ensembles, choirs, and talented soloists. The event will take place at 7:00pm on Wednesday 30 April in the Main Hall. Tickets are now available at £5 each – we would be thrilled to see you there.
This Thursday, 1 May, we look forward to welcoming Year 7 parents to school for Parents’ Evening. This provides a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and achievements during their first academic year at LGGS.
For a complete roundup of our Spring Term activities, please refer to “LGGS Life” our termly newsletter.
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Sixth Form Leadership Team 2024-25
Thank you to LGGS Sixth Form Leadership Team from everyone at LGGS. We are very grateful to you for organising so many initiatives for all year groups. Your hard work and dedication, as leadership role models has benefitted the whole school community.
Positive News
Maths Challenge
At the end of Spring term, eight of our brilliant mathematicians in Year 10 took part in the Maths Feast Competition organised by the ‘Advance Maths Support Programme’. Our two teams showed amazing problem solving skills in four tough rounds, competing against other schools from the North-West.
One of our teams won the Consistency Award, another won the Nets and Ribbons Challenge and were placed second in the competition as a whole! We are so proud of the teamwork and quick thinking that went into this success.
‘Participating in this year’s Maths Feast competition was a unique experience that enabled us to use our problem-solving skills and apply our Maths knowledge in ways you may not think of. The four difficult rounds were each very different, ranging from 3D nets to broken calculators and even a relay round within each team!
This variety stretched our abilities, but also made us think outside the box in new and creative ways, with each person showing strengths in areas that were previously unfamiliar. In the end, we all had lots of fun, and enjoyed spending an afternoon applying and extending our maths knowledge’. Erin, Year 10
Netball District Tournament
Congratulations to our LGGS Under 16s Netball team. After a busy season their collective strength, team spirit and resilience earned them 2nd place at the District Tournament.
‘If you are currently at LGGS, or looking to come to LGGS, please give Netball or team sports a try. There are multiple teams based on ability, and the school will provide you with the skills needed to progress as a player.’ Maria, Year 11
Ski Trips to Italy
During the Easter break, we organised two wonderful ski trips to Italy – one to Sestriere for Years 8 and 9, and another to Claviere for Years 10 and 12.
Learning to ski can be challenging, particularly for beginners. These trips provided valuable lessons in self-reliance, independence, and problem-solving. As shown in the photos, students also developed teamwork and social skills while making memories with their peers.
CCF Field Day at Southport
Year 9 Navy CCF Cadets travelled to Southport last week. They had an excellent time sailing, and all were awarded their RYA Level 2 sailing qualification. Congratulations!
They had a great time, with perfect conditions. It was a most enjoyable experience for cadets and staff alike.
LGGS Health Fair
The annual LGGS Health Fair, organised by our Sixth Form Council and led by Amelia, took place on the last day of the Spring term and was a great success. Students from all year groups were able to talk to representatives from a wide range of organisations including WeAreWithYou, CancerCare, the School Nurse service and Escape2Make. Older students were able to talk with a representative from the NHS Sexual Health service.
There was also a presentation about endometriosis by one of our Year 12 students which explained what the condition is and how to get support, for anyone who may be suffering with this under-diagnosed condition.
Career Choices
Amazing Apprenticeships produce a monthy magazine which focuses on the wide range of Apprenticeship opportunities. The magazine contains valuable information and guidance on the application process – see their April issue.
Art Exhibition
We would like to wish Mrs Field best wishes as her Art exhibition ‘Landscapes of Lancaster and The Bay’, opens at Tuck, 11-15 Meeting House Lane this Friday.
DofE Bronze Expedition
Congratulations to our Year 10 students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition over the weekend. Prior to travelling, they learned essential outdoor skills including what to pack, tent construction, navigation techniques, map reading, and outdoor cooking. We’re very proud of their accomplishment.
The LGGS Eco Digest
Welcome to the summer issue of The LGGS Eco Digest which has been edited by Year 13 student and Eco Committee member, Hazel. The digest contains many interesting articles including empowering stories of youth activists, an interview with the gardening team at Sizergh Castle plus many more fascinating articles.
Free Summer Camps Action for Conservation (AFC)
A UK environmental action charity that works with young people across the UK to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders is offering a free summer camp for young people aged 12-16.
- Camps offer young people the opportunity to connect with and explore nature in UK National Parks
- They will take part in exciting activities like stargazing, learn about environmental issues and solutions, and make amazing friends.
- Camps are completely FREE in July and August 2025
- The application deadline is 5th May 2025
Marathon
Congratulations to two members of staff, who have competed in marathons over the weekend!
Well done to Mrs N Williams, Head of Mathematics, who ran 26.2 miles in the Manchester Marathon.
‘Whilst the heat was a challenge for someone who had trained through a Cumbrian winter, the crowds came out in force to create an amazing atmosphere.’ Mrs Williams
Below: Mrs Williams (right), pictured with her sister and brother-in-law who competed alongside her.
Miss E Thwaites, Teacher of Design Technology, was one of over 56,000 people who competed in the London Marathon. Starting at Greenwich and ending in the Mall after a gruelling 26.2 miles run through the streets of London.
‘St. Mary’s Hospice provides help and support for those with advancing illness. The staff are often described as angels, they offer a fantastic free service you hope never to need.’ Miss Thwaites
You can still donate to St Mary’s hospice via the following link. Donate here.
Lost Property
We currently have accumulated a substantial amount of PE kit and other items in lost property. Due to limited storage space, we cannot keep these items indefinitely. If your child is missing any belongings, please encourage them to check lost property before Friday 9 May. After this date, any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Children’s Mental Health
Having a conversation with our Counsellor could help students manage something that is worrying them and to place things in perspective. Within school ‘Place2Be’ offers a 15-minute session at break or lunchtime.
It is advisable to book an appointment, ideally one day in advance of your meeting.
Students can book a drop-in session with our Counsellor, Mariyam Qureshi, using the following link:
Book time with Mariyam Qureshi: Place2Talk sessions
There may be times when students are struggling with anxiety or low mood, if they do not feel ready to talk about things in school they should take a look at our comprehensive directory of excellent online resources. The directory has been compiled for young people and their families.
Coffee & Connect
A support group for parents and carers of children or young people which offers a chance to meet with other parents and carers and to gather advice and support from charitable organisations.
Support for Parents
Please find below details of workshops and drop-ins for parents and carers of new born through to teenage children. You can also find further details on the What’s On section of the Family Hubs website.
St John’s Hospice – Forget Me Not Centre
Please find below details of workshops for parents and carers which are aimed at supporting your child as they experience grief.
C.H.A.T.S. (Carers, Help, Advisory, Training & Support)
C.H.A.T.S. is a peer led support group for parents / carers in the Lancaster and Morecambe area who have children or young people experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties. They run a local group on the second Tuesday of the month 11am-1pm at Brew me Sunshine, Victoria Street, Morecambe. The group was set up by parents in partnership with CAMHS for parents to get involved in helping develop children and young peoples’ mental health and be aware of services available.
Please find below details of upcoming events and you can visit their website for further details about the group.
Is your child struggling to attend school?
POWAR Participation Group
POWAR is a participation group for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It is run by Lancashire County Council’s Targeted Youth Support – Participation Service aims to influence decision making and make a difference to young people’s lives.
We hold regular meetings which are informal and fun. These meetings are open to young people from secondary school age up to 25.
Support from Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can provide advice about housing, employment, welfare benefits, debt, family issues and much more.
Take Charge: Energy and money advice
Take Charge offers advice on how to reduce your energy bills, get support with debt, access benefits and financial support, and even secure funding for energy efficient home improvements.
Recruitment
We are currently recruiting the following posts:
Head of History
Teacher of Religious Studies