PMGHS offers opportunities for pupils to engage in a range of extra-curricular activities. These opportunities not only enhance the girls’ education, but they are also carefully planned to develop character, build personal skills, ignite a passion for learning and broaden their understanding beyond classroom-based learning.
We believe that these activities are important in developing social skills which are extremely valuable for their future, to boost young people’s confidence to interact socially with others, to extend our pupils’ social networks, and to provide them with new abilities and experiences.
We encourage our pupils to take part in these diverse opportunities, as they are avenues for the pupils to recognise their own personal interest and goals outside of the curriculum. It also helps pupils to understand the importance of the natural drive to explore, learn and grow. In addition, it encourages a sense of self-worth and has a positive impact on mental well-being, by paying attention to the ideas and goals that inspire them.
These are important opportunities that allow pupils a space to have fun and relax, whilst also enhancing their life experiences. Our activities include:
Creative Writing Club
Science Club
Spirituality Club
Mindfulness Club
PNE Football
Knitting Club
Public Speaking & Debate Club
Netball Club
Baking Club
Years 7 & 8 after-school Friday Football sessions delivered by a PNE community coach. Pupils learn teamwork, resilience and analyse their performance whilst playing football in a non-competitive environment.
‘Couch to 5K’ and fitness running is carried out in this club. Pupils get a chance to improve their cardiovascular fitness through pushing themselves by covering varying running distances. Whether they are all about sprinting or long distance – this club will help to improve their techniques to help them to become confident runners.
Athletics: Years 7 & 8 Athletics competition where pupils compete with other schools in Preston in both track and field events.
Rock Climbing: Years 9 & 10 Rock Climbing competition where pupils compete with other schools in Preston in climbing using graded climbs.
Football: Year 7 Football team competing in friendly football matches against other schools.
To attain a walking PB whilst completing parts of the 21 miles of the Preston Guild Wheel walk. Many pupils are encouraged to walk for fitness (minimum of 7 miles) and supporting local charities through fundraising.
Pupils from Years 8, 9 & 10 take part in teambuilding activities at Borwick Hall. As part of supporting the health and wellbeing of young people this activity day helps the pupils to understand the mental benefits of taking part in teambuilding activities.
Outdoor Activities
Year 7
The Healthy schools Sports Initiative takes place at the University of Lancashire Sports Arena. Taking part in different sports and working as part of a team is at the core on these activities. The pupils have a chance to take part in a sports carousel, which includes: Cricket, Football, Frisbee, Team building games and Orienteering on this non-competitive Sports day. The pupils are supported in their activities by the skilled University Sports students who provide exciting active opportunities for the pupils.
The Year 7 pupils get an opportunity to take part in an overnight residential at one of the Lancashire Outdoor Education sites. Our Pupils have given an account of what they experienced at the Residential.
Tower wood is great, It was a brilliant experience. The experience gave us the belief and the courage that we can do anything. The activities we did were: gyhll scrambling, hiking up a mountain (Gummers How) and seeing the beautiful views of the lake district and the obstacle course. The instructors were very friendly and there was a lot of safety precautions – Fatimah 12
For me, Tower wood was an amazing experience. The range of activities were amazing. Everyone there were really nice, friendly and approachable. The food was scrumptious and all the activities were fun – Zoyah 12
Tower wood can be summed up in a few words: fantastic, fun, memorable, safe, amazing, enjoyable and magnificent. Thank you to Mrs Kalang and all the teachers for taking us – Amena 12
I really enjoyed Tower wood! There were lots of fun activities to do, when I got there I was nervous but excited. It felt strange staying the night with my school friends. The first activity we did was Ghyll scrambling. I had lots of fun but I kept falling into the water, that was my most favourite activity yet! The next day we did lots of teamwork activities, some were challenging but all were fun. We had to do an obstacle course holding a heavy tyre, if we dropped it we had to start all over again. I did the ‘Leap of Faith’ which was very nerve wracking but it was worth it! I really enjoyed the trip and would give this a rating of 5 stars! Maariyah Dedat – year 7
Terrific Towerwood! We took part in lots of different activities, read more to find out what we got up to:
Ghyll Scrambling- On day 1, my group went to Stickle Ghyll where we scrambled upstream. It was a challenge as we had to climb up rocks and boulders and in some places little waterfalls. At first I was really nervous as the water was really cold but as climbed up I became more confident with the climb. Ghyll scrambling was one of my best experiences at Towerwood.
Hiking – The next day we woke up nice and early, we made our sandwiches and we wore some hiking boots and walked up towards Moor how. We climbed up and each point we stopped we were mesmerised by the scenic views of the lake and the surrounding fields. When we reached the highest point of the hill, we felt like we climbed mount Everest.
Leap of Faith – We did this activity on the last day, we helped each other by encouraging one other to climb this terrifying shaking wooden pole. We all attempted to reach the target for which we had to jump to do this. We loved it and would love to go back.
Raeesah Kazi
Year 8
Pupils are encouraged to walk/hike as part of improving fitness. Year 8’s visit Ingleton waterfalls each year to experience a moderate level walk which would help them to understand the different ways of developing fitness. Our year 8 pupils have written below about their Ingleton experience.
On Wednesday 11th July the year 8’s were enlightened by an exclusive opportunity to witness the beauty of Ingleton waterfalls whilst walking on this trail. Walking for 4.5miles resulted in a need of perseverance and teamwork. We were surrounded by amazing scenery, beautiful waterfalls and fantastic views from the top. We thoroughly enjoyed this difficult but rewarding walk! Some of us are already looking at visiting other challenging places where we can walk and improve our fitness further. Thank you for organising this trip.
Year 9
Pupils get an opportunity to Rock Climb at the local Climbing centre. They will all be taught to the Physical Education National Curriculum guidelines on indoor climbing. They will be taught skills in: using different belay devices, efficient movement in climbing, different footwork, smearing and using colour specific climbs. Pupils have an opportunity to attain a NICAS qualification in Indoor Rock Climbing which gives them the license to climb without an instructor.
Twenty-one pupils each year complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. This course entails all pupils to engage in training day walks, learning how to navigate and using maps, improve on their fitness and complete projects within volunteering, physical and skills.
A brief account of what the pupils did over the expedition is as follows:
During the months of June and July we were able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award. This entailed two days of intense walking and a camping experience. We were assessed through many different means. We had to be able to be able to carry heavy backpacks and navigate our way through the countryside alone. We were also tested on our cooking and pitching up of the tent at the campsite.
Skills we learnt and needed:
In order to complete our routes and not get lost we needed to know how to navigate through the countryside. We were taught how to map read and use a compass. With our new skills mastered, we were ready to embark on our hikes. When walking our skills proved useful as whenever we got lost we were able to find ourselves again, however on our assessment DofE getting lost was scary as we had no teachers with us but thanks to our extensive training we successfully managed to find our routes and get back on track.
Our experience:
After many practice walks we were prepared and ready for our DofE expedition. On the first day we completed 12 miles. We followed our routes, navigated well and met the teachers at each checkpoint. Many found the walking easy, yet found carrying the backpacks difficult. However, once our skills on weight distribution were mastered there was less strain on our shoulders. Once we completed our walks, we arrived at our campsite, set up our tents and sat to eat dinner. We played games and had lots of fun. The next day, we given different routes and set off after packing our tents away and having enjoyed breakfast. Our skills came in handy once more as we navigated our way back. Once we had returned at the campsite, we boarded the coach and returned home.
Overall, we had an amazing experience, made many great memories and became much closer as friends. It was an experience of a lifetime and one we will never forget.
Year 10
Pupils get an opportunity to Rock Climb at the local Climbing centre. They will all be taught to the Physical Education National Curriculum guidelines on indoor climbing. They will be taught skills in: using different belay devices, efficient movement in climbing, different footwork, smearing and using colour specific climbs. Pupils have an opportunity to attain a NICAS qualification in Indoor Rock Climbing which gives them the license to climb without an instructor.
Twenty-one pupils each year complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. This course entails all pupils to engage in training day walks, learning how to navigate and using maps, improve on their fitness and complete projects within volunteering, physical and skills.
A brief account of what the pupils did over the expedition is as follows:
During the months of June and July we were able to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award. This entailed two days of intense walking and a camping experience. We were assessed through many different means. We had to be able to be able to carry heavy backpacks and navigate our way through the countryside alone. We were also tested on our cooking and pitching up of the tent at the campsite.
Skills we learnt and needed:
In order to complete our routes and not get lost we needed to know how to navigate through the countryside. We were taught how to map read and use a compass. With our new skills mastered, we were ready to embark on our hikes. When walking our skills proved useful as whenever we got lost we were able to find ourselves again, however on our assessment DofE getting lost was scary as we had no teachers with us but thanks to our extensive training we successfully managed to find our routes and get back on track.
Our experience:
After many practice walks we were prepared and ready for our DofE expedition. On the first day we completed 12 miles. We followed our routes, navigated well and met the teachers at each checkpoint. Many found the walking easy, yet found carrying the backpacks difficult. However, once our skills on weight distribution were mastered there was less strain on our shoulders. Once we completed our walks, we arrived at our campsite, set up our tents and sat to eat dinner. We played games and had lots of fun. The next day, we given different routes and set off after packing our tents away and having enjoyed breakfast. Our skills came in handy once more as we navigated our way back. Once we had returned at the campsite, we boarded the coach and returned home.
Overall, we had an amazing experience, made many great memories and became much closer as friends. It was an experience of a lifetime and one we will never forget.