Highbury prospectus

Where every child is truly known

Outstanding Ofsted 2016 “Pupils, parents and staff share and contribute to the inspiring culture of the school.�

Highbury Fields School bids you a very warm

Welcome Highbury Fields is an outstanding 11 – 18 girls’ school in which every student is well known and supported to succeed.

Proud to be among the top 10% of schools nationally in terms of student progress, Highbury Fields School combines a proven track record of academic excellence with a rich programme of extra-curricular activities. Our students continue to achieve impressive GCSE and A Level results, with many students from our thriving Sixth Form progressing to university and on to a wide range of fulfilling careers.

By maintaining a climate of mutual respect within our diverse and culturally rich environment, we encourage students to become self-assured, articulate, considerate and courteous.

In a rapidly changing world in which young women are presented with many exciting opportunities, considerable research shows that girls progress faster and perform better in a single-gender setting. Staff at Highbury Fields are dedicated to preparing students for the challenges ahead, enabling them to become independent thinkers, develop resilience and exude confidence.

Gladys Berry Head Teacher An artefact from the school’s long tradition.

“ The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding because pastoral care systems are in place and staff are motivated to ensure that pupils get the most out of their time in school.”

Ofsted 2016

1

A unique environment in which girls

Enjoy learning As a school in which everyone is recognised as an individual, Highbury Fields inspires students to be highly aspirational and have very positive attitudes to their education.

High standards, consistent routines and excellent relationships with staff create a calm and focused climate in which girls are pleasingly curious, engaged and collaborative in their learning.

This positive ethos underpins their excellent progress and high levels of achievement.

We understand that sustained success in the classroom depends on a sense of partnership between home and school. This is why we place great emphasis on regular communication with parents and carers – not only raising concerns when necessary but also taking the time to praise girls for effort, acts of kindness and contributions to the life of the school.

At Highbury Fields School students have access to an unparalleled range of opportunities for academic achievement and extra-curricular enrichment.

2

“The behaviour of pupils is outstanding. Pupils are proud of their school and recognise that their behaviour plays a big part in their success.�

Ofsted 2016

3

Top 10%

of schools in the country for

student progress

4

The beating heart of our school is the desire for

Academic excellence High expectations and a strong emphasis on academic progress continue to produce impressive examination results in both GCSEs and A Levels.

Highbury Fields is focused on providing meaningful and enjoyable learning that results in the highest levels of achievement. As a smaller school, we are able to be agile and responsive in tailoring our curriculum to the needs of our students. Through a broad and balanced programme of learning, they not only achieve excellent standards in traditional academic subjects but also in music, the arts, technology and physical education.

We take pride in ensuring that every student is challenged and supported. Using homework both to consolidate knowledge gained in the classroom and to prepare students for new topics, we help girls to develop the learning skills that will benefit them in the Sixth Form and beyond.

Our inclusion team works hard to provide personalised support for students with special educational needs. In addition, recognising that most girls will experience learning or emotional difficulties at some point during their journey through the school, specially trained staff are primed to support any student, making this a real strength of the school.

“ The quality of teaching is consistently very strong across the curriculum.�

Ofsted 2016

5

Well-qualified, talented and enthusiastic staff provide

Inspirational teaching A variety of teaching methods – along with excellent ICT resources – ensures that each girl remains fully engaged and works to the best of her ability.

Our dedicated staff work hard to make students feel sufficiently safe in the classroom to ask questions, voice opinions and take risks in their learning. Teachers take care to differentiate work so that each girl is able to make the maximum possible progress.

Teachers know students – their strengths, weaknesses and passions – very well and so are able to support their learning in the most effective way. Performance is continually monitored and shared with the girls and their families.

Our staff are also committed to their own continuing professional development and the sharing of best practice through participation in the East London Consortium, a group of six local schools from both the maintained and independent sectors.

Students are also inspired by the wide range of speakers that we welcome into school each year. In particular, the annual ‘Meet the Professionals’ event allows girls to network with visitors from a large number of prestigious organisations in the legal, financial, technological, creative and engineering sectors.

One of only 7% of London schools

6

in the Mayor of London Gold Club

“Teachers develop pupils’ skills so that they are increasingly able to take confident strides in their work.”

Ofsted 2016

7

Through a varied enrichment programme,

Developing “The concert was a great showcase of how much the Music Department is involved in our daughter’s education and what a high standard can be achieved when you have a great team mixed with great talents.”

Year 7 parent

8

we are committed to

talents A very wide range of clubs, events and extra-curricular activities gives students the opportunity to pursue their passions and hone their skills.

As well as a daily breakfast club, we offer a wealth of lunchtime and after-school clubs – from Healthy Cooking and Dance to Robotics and Drumming – so there is something for everyone.

Music plays a key role in the life of Highbury Fields, with students able to join the HFS Big Band, the school orchestra, several ensembles, the choir, the vocal harmony group and various rock bands. With three concerts each year, girls have many chances to perform and both individual and group tuition are offered in a range of instruments.

A huge range of sports – including swimming, athletics, football and netball – is available, with many opportunities for girls to represent the school in matches, tournaments and competitions, as well as our annual Sports Day. Students can develop their initiative and perseverance through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, while a myriad of school trips – to museums, galleries, shows and heritage sites in London and beyond – help to broaden their horizons.

9

Our supportive community fosters

Maturity & leadership Through active involvement in staff recruitment and student voice activities, girls have an authentic influence in the development of the school.

Moving up to secondary school can be an anxious time. To ease this transition, we aim to get to know students and their families really well. Staff visit all of our feeder primary schools.

We hold an information evening for parents and we invite Year 6 pupils into school for a taster day.

We continue to support students as they make the transition from the lower school into GCSE courses, from Year 11 into the Sixth Form and from school to the world beyond. We focus on developing spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness, helping girls to form a sense of self and shape their own future.

All students take part in evaluating the work of the school.

Their perspective has been valuable in the development of the school website and the school catering service. Many take on leadership responsibilities – representing their peers on the School Council, becoming Prefects or ECO group members or taking on other roles such as Sports Leader.

10

“Pupils learn about other cultures and beliefs, enjoy the thrill of debate and respond to the needs of others outside the school’s community.”

Ofsted 2016

11

A nurturing environment in which students feel

Happy & safe Our focus on student wellbeing, along with building positive relationships across the year groups, enables girls to flourish in all that they do.

The peaceful atmosphere and supportive environment of the school contribute to a palpable climate of security within which girls feel empowered to be ambitious. In our single-gender setting, girls take centre stage in all areas of school life and therefore develop the expectation that they will forge a career and influence the world around them.

Students know that there is always someone in school that they can talk to. Tutors and Year Managers – who progress up the school with the girls and therefore get to know them extremely well – are the first point of contact for student welfare. In addition, we have three full-time Learning Mentors and girls can also access experienced counsellors if required.

At Highbury Fields, we celebrate our cultural diversity, foster a respectful ethos and do not tolerate bullying. We are also proud to hold the Healthy Schools London Silver Award.

“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.”

Ofsted 2016

12

Developing the skills and confidence to prepare students for

The next step Our thriving, mixed Sixth Form has a long tradition of academic success and high rates of progression to university.

Highbury Fields’ Sixth Form is part of the IC6 consortium of four Islington schools that work together to provide students with an outstanding post-sixteen curriculum with a huge range of courses.

Students are able to achieve excellent academic standards and many have progressed to Russell Group universities such as The London School of Economics, Durham, Cambridge, Exeter, Bristol and UCL. Sixth Formers remain a vital part of the school community and act as role models for younger students. Support and guidance continues through Tutors, the Careers Advisor and the Head of Sixth Form. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, which help them develop the character that universities and employers prize so highly.

Through links to prestigious organisations – including the City of London livery companies, AXA Insurance and Deutsche Bank – we secure high-quality work experience placements for all Sixth Formers. Our Future Success Programme – a structured series of university visits, lectures by visiting speakers and workshops to support UCAS applications – helps our young people to develop their career aspirations and the well-rounded outlook they require for success beyond school.

“ The 16 to 19 study programme is outstanding. Leaders have a thorough and accurate understanding of how to get the most out of students.”

Ofsted 2016

13

Where every child is truly known Highbury Hill Islington London N5 1AR T: 020 7288 1888  F: 020 7288 2121 office@highburyfields.islington.sch.uk www.highburyfields.islington.sch.uk