Latest News

Year 13 bid a fond farewell

Year 13 girls said goodbye in style as they celebrated their final day in school with an 'Alien Invasion'.

Younger pupils arriving for early morning lessons were given a warm, if slightly wet, greeting by older girls dressed as NASA Engineers, Dr Who, space girls and aliens. The school corridor was transformed into a scene from a far-off galaxy, and with some aliens joining in lessons, it served to confirm that all of the girls in Year 13 really are stars!

Published: Thu, 6 June 2013

Official Opening of creative arts & technology building

We were delighted to welcome back to the school on 1 May, Anne Pitcher, former pupil and now Managing Director of Selfridges to conduct the official opening of the Jubilee Centre - our new creative arts & technology building. Amongst the guests who enjoyed a tour of the facilities, lesson drop ins and a champagne tea were Viscountess Fiona Trenchard, the new High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Cllr Eileen Harris, the Mayor of the City of St Albans.

Published: Wed, 8 May 2013

It’s in the net

The netball season ended on a high for the U13 and U19 Squads, both of whom took the title in their respective groups at the Invitational County Netball League. Success continued in District Netball Cup Finals, where a win was achieved at every age group.

Published: Tue, 14 May 2013

Going for Gold

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life. 14 students had an amazing time achieving their Gold Award and were thrilled to attend the South East Gold Award presentations at St James's Palace in March.

Published: Thu, 2 May 2013

Cath Kidston designer visit

On Tuesday 23 April we were delighted to welcome Dominika Dudziuk to the Design & Technology Department. Dominika is Head of Children's prints at Cath Kidston and came to talk to GCSE and A Level Textile students. Dominika previously worked as a print designer at Liberty and, using samples of her work, took students through the design process at Liberty from design conception and inspiration through to the production of the final print onto silk, wool and of course their famous Tana Lawn cotton fabrics. Dominika now develops “Modern Vintage” prints for Cath Kidston and students were privileged to see the latest ideas for prints for baby clothing, fashion items, bags, accessories and ceramics. The talks were inspirational and the girls were thrilled to gain an insight into this aspect of the textiles industry.

Published: Thu, 2 May 2013

Young Enterprise success

Young Enterprise continues to thrive at the High School and this year three companies made it through to the top eight local companies in the Area finals held on Wednesday 24 April. At the end of the evening 'Lumos' won the trophy for 'Best Display Stand' while 'Beacon' was awarded the prize for 'Best Teamwork and Communication'. 'Asteria' completed our hat trick by being named 'Company of the Year 2013 - Runner up' and will be one of two local companies representing St Albans and Harpenden at the County finals to be held on 10 June 2013 at Hertfordshire University.

Published: Thu, 2 May 2013

Ski Trip

Over the Easter break 32 High School girls travelled to Killington, Vermont for this year's school ski trip. The weather conditions were perfect and the resort offered a superb range of slopes to cater for both novice skiers and for our advanced skiers – some of whom are in the school ski team. All of the girls developed their confidence and techniques throughout the week and also had fun skiing in the trees and snow park. A stopover in New York on the return enabled girls to take in some of the sights and had the opportunity to do a little shopping.

Published: Thu, 2 May 2013

Emi qualifies for British Trampolining Championships

Finishing in 3rd place in the U19 category of the British Championships qualifier over Easter, Emi is now in training for her hardest routine yet at what will be her 5th British Championships, to be held at the NEC during the first weekend of July.

Published: Tue, 23 April 2013

Sophie makes England U19 Netball Squad

Congratulations to Sophie in Year 12 on being selected as a member of the England U19 Netball Squad. This is a phenomenal achievement and a first for a High School girl. We wish her every success with her international netball career and look forward to seeing her representing England in the near future.

Published: Wed, 27 March 2013

U15 Netball Squad Continued Success

The U15 Netball Squad have had an outstanding season winning the Highgate and Royal Masonic School Invitational Tournaments, the District Tournament and the District Cup. The squad should be very proud of their achievements and we wish them continued success next year.

Published: Wed, 27 March 2013

High School Girls awarded International Caps

On Sunday 18 March the annual Lacrosse Junior Home Internationals took place. Sophie was representing England U19A, and Lizzy, Wales U19A. In horrendous lacrosse conditions, both girls played exceptionally well for their countries. During the England v Wales match Sophie and Lizzy came face-to-face on the pitch having to mark each other on several occasions. The girls should both be congratulated on achieving their first U19A international cap over the weekend.

Published: Tue, 26 March 2013

More Swimming Success from Mia

Mia in Year 9 competed at the British Gas International Swim Meet earlier this month. She broke the 28 second barrier in the heats, swimming 27.93, which qualified her for the 16 and under final. Mia is now being considered for the British Team which will compete at the European Youth Olympic Festival. Congratulations to Mia for more outstanding swimming.

Published: Tue, 26 March 2013

Joint Choral Society and Orchestra concert

On Wednesday 13 March, the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban was once again the venue for the Joint Choral Society and Orchestra Concert; a magnificent musical event which brought together musicians from St Albans School and St Albans High School for Girls. The programme featured the renowned Requiem by Gabriel Fauré and a large number of pupils who do not regularly sing in a choir also participated in what was a splendid occasion.

Published: Fri, 15 March 2013

Lucy wins National Trampolining Schools Finals

Congratulations to Lucy in Year 10, who was crowned National Champion at the recent U15 National Schools Trampoline Finals.

Published: Wed, 13 March 2013

Art exhibited at the National History Museum

A Reception pupil's artwork was selected for an art exhibition at the National History Museum on Thursday 7 March. The pupil had entered the Global Canvas Schools Art Competition, 'Fragile Future' and she met the world famous artist and conservationist David Shepherd CBE. Her 3D panda picture was very effective and is a super achievement at five years of age.

Published: Wed, 13 March 2013

One School One Book

To celebrate World Book Day on 7 March, every pupil in the Senior School was given a complimentary copy of Wonder, a 2013 Carnegie Medal nominated book by R J Palacio.

With expertly manoeuvred movement between various characters' points of view, the story of Auggie, a 10 year old boy born with a facial deformity, is beautifully told and is set to have the whole school community entering into a dialogue. Students have been encouraged to record their thoughts on the forum dedicated to the book which has been set up on the School's VLE.

Published: Fri, 8 March 2013

U12 Fencing Success

Congratulations to Lydia and Sophie who finished in 2nd and 3rd place at the Hertfordshire Schools' Fencing Competition recently.

Published: Wed, 13 February 2013

Are you Connecting with Respect?

Safer Internet Day (SID) is a global event that takes place in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world. This year, the theme for 2013 is 'Online rights and responsibilities', when users are encouraged to 'Connect with Respect'. We have been busy exploring this theme and within lessons all girls have been considering their rights and responsibilities and issues of digital privacy. They have also been learning more about being virtual citizens and how to help to clean up the digital world to make it a safe place for everyone.

Our Cybermentors have prepared a film that gives the top ten tips for Connecting with Respect. They feel strongly about the topic because "at our age, we don't have enough experience of life to understand all of the consequences of using the internet, so it is all the more important to Connect with Respect".

Some pupils in Year 8 have also entered a national radio competition, submitting their own radio broadcast to celebrate the day and their key message for everyone is: "Use the Internet wisely, and you avoid hurting others, or being hurt yourself. Think B4 U send".    #SID2013 #respect

Published: Tue, 12 February 2013

Runcie Memorial Masterclass and Recital

On Thursday 31 January, renowned international pianist and Head of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music, Joanna MacGregor, came to St Albans to give a Masterclass to three High School girls and three boys from St Albans School.

The Masterclass marked the inaugural event of the Rosalind Runcie Memorial Fund which was set up to assist in the teaching of piano – particularly in the schools where she had taught. Following the Masterclass, Joanna gave a stunning recital, presenting music with which she is most associated (by Bach, Chopin, Barber and Piazola).

Published: Mon, 11 February 2013

Oxbridge Success

Congratulations to all seven of our current Year 13 who have secured themselves the offer of a place at Cambridge or Oxford for 2013!

The group hold offers to study subjects as diverse as Biological Natural Sciences, Biomedical Science, Engineering, French and Linguistics, Law, and Medicine. As ever the competition was tough and even more hard work lies ahead as the girls focus on gaining the grades they need. But for now there is time for celebration; we are very proud of all of you!

Published: Mon, 11 February 2013

Mia's Swimming Successes continue

Earlier this month Mia, Year 9, swam at the Catalan National Championships in Barcelona and was successful in being selected to represent London Swimming, which is a huge achievement. Also competing at the gala were two world champions, Hannah Miley and Melanie Costa. Mia set two new personal bests in the 200m freestyle and the 50m backstroke. Her new backstroke time has qualified her for the British Gas International meet that will be held in Leeds in March and we wish her every success.

Published: Thu, 7 February 2013

Lucy wins zonal trampolining

Lucy in Year 10 represented the Eastern Region in the Central Zone Schools Trampolining competition in Monmouth, South Wales on Sunday 20 January after battling the heavy snow.

Lucy competed in the Novice Under 15 section and had to perform two routines on the trampoline, a compulsory and a voluntary routine, each containing ten moves. Lucy performed each skill with style, control and height, hitting all the somersaults with good form. Lucy finished in 1st place overall and is now the Zonal Champion. She will go on to represent the Central Zone in the 2013 National Trampoline Finals in March in Staffordshire. This is a fantastic achievement and we congratulate Lucy on her success.

Published: Mon, 28 January 2013

A Winning Partnership

We are delighted to learn that Year 9 pupil, Isobel has been nominated one of the top 21 young riders in the UK across all equestrian disciplines and will represent Great Britain in a competition in France at the end of February with her horse DHI Langar.

Published: Tue, 22 January 2013

Fun in the Snow at Wheathampstead House

There has been much happy dancing in boots at playtime this week as the girls enjoyed the freshly fallen snow at the Preparatory School.

Published: Tue, 15 January 2013

Mia Selected to Swim in Barcelona

Year 9 pupil Mia has been selected as one of only 24 swimmers to represent London Swimming at an International swimming meet to be held in Barcelona in two weeks' time. The team will be competing against some of the best swimmers in Spain and with swimmers from other countries. We wish Mia and the team well.

Published: Thu, 10 January 2013