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This week’s letter covers:
International Trips: Shanghai and Salamanca
Shanghai Exchange Trip
Students from Years 9, 10 and 12 took part in an unforgettable exchange visit to Shanghai, China, immersing themselves in school and family life with partner school Shanghai High School East Campus.
Highlights included:
- Attending lessons in music, art, and robotics
- Exploring museums, universities, and key Shanghai landmarks
- Living with host families and experiencing authentic Chinese culture
Students described the trip as “life‑changing”, praising the hospitality, culture and friendships formed.
Salamanca Cultural and Language Visit
Students from Years 10 and 12 also enjoyed a Spanish language and cultural trip to Salamanca, staying with host families and taking part in immersive activities.
Experiences included:
- Language lessons and cultural exchanges
- A Flamenco dance workshop
- Cooking Spanish dishes such as torrijas and guacamole
- Exploring historic landmarks like Plaza Mayor and Salamanca Cathedral
The trip provided valuable real-world language practice and cultural understanding.
Upcoming School Events and Key Dates
Year 5 Open Evening – 2 July 2026
SHSG will welcome prospective students and families for its Year 5 Open Evening, featuring:
- Guided tours
- Lesson demonstrations
- Student performances
- Presentations from the leadership team
Students from Years 7, 10 and 12 will act as ambassadors and tour guides.
Create Week (8–12 June 2026)
The annual Create Week celebrates creativity across the school, inspired this year by artist Henri Matisse.
Activities include:
- Big Art Attack
- Creative workshops
- Treasure hunts
- Cross‑curricular projects
Culture Day – 22 June 2026
Students will celebrate diversity through a non-uniform Culture Day, wearing clothing that reflects their heritage or identity.
The week also includes:
- A Culture Fair
- Student performances and showcases
Big Band Summer Fayre – 8 July 2026
A joint event with Southend High School for Boys featuring:
- Live music performances
- BBQ and refreshments
- A relaxed summer evening for families and students
Academic Opportunities and Student Development
Year 12 UCAS Preparation
Students attended a personal statement masterclass led by the University of Exeter, helping them prepare for university applications.
Year 10 A Level Taster Day
Year 10 students will experience A Level-style lessons to support their subject choices for sixth form.
Student Achievements
- Tom R (Year 13) awarded a prestigious £12,000 Engineering Scholarship through the Dr Geoffrey Sneed programme
- Jessica D (Year 9) finished 16th in the England Schools’ Golf Association U15 Championships
- SHSG received national attendance recognition awards, highlighting strong student engagement
Wider School Initiatives and Community Updates
Student Voice: The Big Future Survey
Students are invited to take part in a national survey led by the Children’s Commissioner, sharing their views and experiences.
Trustee Recruitment (Finance)
The school is seeking a finance trustee to support governance and long-term financial strategy.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
SHSG continues to prioritise student wellbeing, offering:
- Online resources and guidance
- Dedicated mental health support platforms
- Structured support through tutor time
Student Safety Reminder
Students travelling by train are encouraged to use the British Transport Police text service (61016) to report non-emergency concerns.
Sports and Co‑Curricular Activities
Upcoming fixtures include:
- Regional athletics competitions
- Cricket festivals
- Leadership opportunities at borough sports events