This week at PGS: 14 February 2025

This week at PGS...

On Saturday 8 February, PGS hosted the 26th Annual Charles Dickens Birthday Lecture in the Sixth Form Cafe on behalf of the Birthplace Branch of the Dickens Fellowship. The lecture, titled "Dickens's Imaginary Worlds and the Fortress Home", focused on elements of Dickens's writing which explored the Victorian home, and how Dickens published to achieve the readership that rocketed him to fame in the mid-19th century. Professor Malcolm Andrews, Emeritus Professor of Victorian Studies at the University of Kent, gave a thought-provoking, but highly accessible lecture. Students are always welcome to attend and those who would like to study English Literature at A Level or University are highly encouraged to take advantage of future Birthday Lectures.

Spanish Onatti Play - review by Marie M, Year 10

We watched a play performed by two actors speaking in fluent Spanish. Despite it seeming challenging, it allowed me to engage my listening skills and remember vocab we had learnt in lessons. As well as this, the actors helped us to understand using props and exaggerated mannerisms. It was very entertaining because of its humorous storyline about a disastrous date, and I liked it when people were invited onto stage to act and answer questions in Spanish too.

It was a pleasure to welcome the community from John Pounds Church as a number of our music scholars performed a recital in support of the John Pounds Trust. We were treated to exceptional performances, including Trumpet arrangements of songs from West Side Story, contemporary Jazz on the Saxophone, the entire Haydn Trumpet Concerto, sparkling Bach on the Viola, and reflective Debussy on the Piano. Huge congratulations and many thanks go to the pupils - Harry D, William C, William M, Edward G, and Tom-Anthony S - and to Miss Kinglsey for accompanying. 

Our termly visit to the Cathedral for Lunchtime Live! never disapoints and we were delighted to present another eclectic programme of music for the regular audience on Thursday. The performance covered everything from Bach to Alicia Keys! Many thanks to the pupils for creating a wonderful atmosphere for the audience: William M, Sam M, Eleanor M, Harry D, Chi-Yee L and Joshua C.

Everyone did really well and hopefully enjoyed the event. Keep practicing for next year!