ISSUE 9 FEB 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
HALLFIELD SENIORS EXPANDS TO YEAR 11
YEAR 6 TAKE LONDON BY STORM
MEET THE NEW PUPIL LEADERS
CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS, CHESS TRIUMPHS, FENCING SUCCESS AND MORE
From the Head Master
Dear Reader,
It has been a tremendous start to the academic year.
Our pupils never fail to amaze me with how much they get stuck into – embracing every moment in and outside the classroom. We have had trips to London, Oxford, the SnowDome, The Rep and more! Zoya made her TV debut on CBeebies, Ishaan has been shortlisted in the BBC 500 Words writing competition. Our chess players have triumphed yet AGAIN beating senior school aged pupils around the country!
I thoroughly enjoy the lead up to Christmas as there is lots of excitement around school and special events. It is wonderful to see so many parents on site and at church enjoying the festivities.
My personal highlights were unveiling the new state-ofthe-art facilities for our senior pupils and then the recent announcement of our expansion to Year 11. I am thrilled at the positive response from the Hallfield and wider community of providing a senior school provision for children who will benefit from smaller class sizes in a nurturing environment, whilst being academically ambitious. The 11+ Scholarship assessment will take place on Friday 21 March, alongside the entrance exam.
The deadline to apply for a Scholarship is Friday 7 March.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2025!
Keith Morrow
Hallfield Seniors is expanding to Year 11. From September 2026 we will be welcoming our first Year 9 cohort, embarking on a phased expansion to Year 11 by September 2028.
The entrance exam for Hallfield Seniors will take place on Friday 21 March 2025. This is to gain a place in Year 7 or 8 in September 2025 Any children joining us then will be able to stay with us to complete their GCSEs.
11+ SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a limited number of 11+ Scholarships for pupils joining us in Year 7 & 8 in September 2025. For more information and to apply please scan the QR code
MEET OUR HEAD CHILDREN
We are excited to introduce the incredible leaders who will be guiding our school this year:
Head Boy: Adam
Head Girl: Sofia
Deputy Head Boy: Maxwell
Deputy Head Girl: Mia
These pupils have been chosen for their leadership, dedication, and passion for making a difference. We can't wait to see the amazing things they will achieve!
MEET OUR SCHOOL COUNCIL
We are thrilled to announce our School Council members and are looking forward to hearing about the innovative ideas they want to bring to our community.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
GOING FOR GOLD!
Congratulations to our Pre-Prep, Prep & Senior Gold Card winners! Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off during the Autumn Term!
HALLFIELD DUELS TO SUCCESS
At the Fencing Gala held at RGS Worcester, Diyan, Daniel, Tanmay, and Tanvi represented Hallfield brilliantly as Team A and Team B. They fought with skill and determination, showcasing excellent sportsmanship and representing the school in the best possible way. With plenty of exciting stories to tell, it’s clear they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A huge well done to both teams!
INSPIRED CREATIVE WRITING
Hallfield pupils shone brightly at the Highclare School Junior English Writing Competition, winning a number of awards! Taking inspiration from art at the National Gallery, the children were able to bridge the world of visual art and the written word.
Well done to all our pupils who participated in this competition – we are so proud of you!
ZOYA SHINES ON CBEEBIES
Zoya recently featured on CBeebies 'I Can Do It, You Can Too', teaching squash and absolutely shining!
"Squash is my favourite sport and such a fun game to play. I was so excited to teach Caleb squash and I hope he continues to play. It was so fun during filming and to be on TV. I’m so happy to make everyone proud. The more you practise squash, the better you get. If I can do it, you can too!" – Zoya
Her episode (Series 2, Episode 9) has aired, and we couldn’t be prouder of her incredible achievement.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW AND GET INSPIRED BY ZOYA’S PASSION AND TALENT:
READ THE FULL WRITE UP TO SEE WHO TOOK HOME THE AWARD!
ISHAAN’S IMAGINATIVE TRIUMPH
We’re thrilled to announce that Ishaan P, in Year 5, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the BBC 500 Words competition. His story, developed during Quills Club, has been selected for the long list – the final 5,000 entries!
This is a fantastic accomplishment, especially given the scale of the competition. Last year, over 44,000 children entered, and we expect a similar number of entries this year.
Well done to Ishaan for this outstanding achievement! We’ll share further updates about his progress in the New Year as the competition continues.
PREP GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY
Our final Good News
Assembly of 2024 was a celebration of incredible achievements! Congratulations to everyone who received awards and recognition for chess, music and sport, and the Greenwood Cup for merits and House matches – well done!
The term also featured a House Drawing Competition, and a big congratulations goes to Pughe for winning with the most-voted artwork—a wonderfully creative penguin all dressed up. A special shoutout to Sofia in 8IW for your fantastic creation—well done!
PRE-PREP SHINES WITH HEAD MASTER’S AWARD
Hallfield Pre-Prep pupils have truly earned the spotlight, as they were presented with the prestigious Head Master’s Award! Their hard work, dedication, and bright spirits have made them stand out, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Huge congratulations to all the winners!
HALLFIELD SCHOOL IS EXPANDING!
From September 2026 we will be welcoming our first Year 9 cohort.
We are thrilled to announce our expansion to provide education through to Year 11, offering families a seamless and exceptional academic journey in a nurturing, co-educational environment.
From 2026, Hallfield will welcome its first Year 9 cohort, followed by Year 10 in 2027 and Year 11 in 2028. This expansion meets growing parental demand for an academically selective school that combines small class sizes, first-class facilities, and a personalised approach to education. It also fills a gap in the Birmingham market for families seeking a smaller, supportive senior school option.
Hallfield: Building on a legacy of academic excellence
Founded in 1879, Hallfield has a proud history of preparing pupils for highly competitive senior independent and grammar schools at Year 6. For many families, Hallfield will continue to deliver its exceptional 11+ preparation, ensuring pupils are offered places at highly selective local independent and state schools.
The success of Hallfield’s Year 7 and 8 middle school model, launched in 2020, has proven the value of extending prep school education. It has allowed pupils to flourish without the pressures of the 11+ entrance exams, providing time for academic and personal growth. Over the past four years, Year 7 and 8 has supported numerous children in achieving outstanding outcomes, cementing Hallfield’s reputation for academic rigour and holistic development. Pupils leaving at 13+ have secured places at some of the UK’s most distinguished schools, including Eton College, King Edward’s, Bromsgrove, and Rugby School.
A thoughtful, gradual expansion
This next step—adding Years 9, 10, and 11—will enhance Hallfield’s offering without compromising the school’s core mission or reputation for excellence. Head Master Keith Morrow explains:
“Our expansion to Year 11 provides an exciting option for families who feel their child would thrive in a smaller, nurturing environment that still delivers outstanding
academic results. While this expansion broadens Hallfield’s horizons, our focus on preparing children for 11+ success remains central to what we offer.”
To ensure continuity of quality and care, Hallfield’s initial growth will be limited to three forms (45 pupils in total) across Years 9, 10, and 11. Should demand increase, additional capacity will be introduced gradually, maintaining the school’s hallmark of small class sizes and exceptional teaching standards.
Committed to the future, without compromise
Hallfield’s expansion ensures that families can enjoy greater choice and flexibility, while younger pupils continue to benefit from the outstanding 11+ preparation and academic foundation that has been the school’s hallmark for generations.
Apply now
The entrance exam for Hallfield Seniors will take place on Friday 21 March 2025. This is to gain a place in Year 7 or 8 in September 2025. Any children joining us then will be able to stay with us to complete their GCSEs. Places are very limited, so don’t delay in submitting your application. To apply get in touch with the Admissions Team: admissions@hallfieldschool.co.uk | 0121 454 1496
11+ Scholarships
We are delighted to offer a limited number of scholarships for children joining Year 7 and 8 in September 2025. Our prestigious Scholarship Programme recognises the exceptional abilities of children that attend Hallfield School across a number of disciplines, and offers up to 25% fee remission. Applications can be completed via the Hallfield School website and must be submitted by Friday 7 March 2025
SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE:
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES UNVEILED
Hallfield School is delighted to unveil its new state-of-the-art facilities following the completion of a major £1.2 million expansion. Two new cutting-edge classrooms were delivered by leading construction company, Tyto Contracting Ltd. The facilities also include a modern common room and upgraded male and female toilets.
BUDDY TIME
Throughout the Autumn Term, we've enjoyed our weekly Buddy Time sessions. During this special time, older pupils from Prep and Seniors had the opportunity to listen as younger children from Reception through to Year 3 read aloud. It is a wonderful way to build connections across age groups and encourage a love of reading!
DIWALI CELEBRATIONS
At Hallfield we love to celebrate different cultures and traditions. It was delightful to see our pupils adorned in their celebratory attire, illuminating the festive celebrations of Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas. Our pupils in Reception also had the chance to make their own diva holders!
WORLD CHILDREN’S DAY
To celebrate, we created a special video featuring our amazing pupils at Hallfield School. They shared some fun facts about World Children’s Day and what it means to them.
CHECK IT OUT AND JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THE JOY AND VOICES OF CHILDREN EVERYWHERE!
ORCHESTRA IN RESIDENCE: THE MIDLAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
UNDERSTANDING THE 13+ PATHWAY
Back in 2020, Hallfield launched Hallfield Seniors – Year 7 & 8. In less than 5 years we have gone from five pupils, to two separate form groups and a cohort of leavers that have gone onto some of the UK’s most renowned and prestigious schools at Year 9.
We have always been firm advocates of the 13+ pathway, communicating the endless benefits of keeping your child in a prep setting for longer. But don’t take our word for it!
Hallfield School is delighted to introduce our Orchestra in Residence: The Midland Chamber Orchestra. The partnership was founded in September 2024 and is born out of previous collaborations with the orchestra’s conductor and musician, William Cheung, who also happens to be an Old Hallfieldian (1991 – 1999). Find out more about this unique and exciting partnership.
A FEAST OF FESTIVE CHEER
What a delightful Christmas lunch we all had! From the joyful cracker pulls to the indulgent Christmas pudding, the festive spirit was truly in the air. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible catering team for making today such a special treat!
CHRISTMAS PARTY
DAY
Embracing the festive spirit, all puplis were decked out in their most dazzling Christmas jumpers and partywear! Meanwhile, in the Seniors department, pupils celebrated Christmas Party Day with creativity and cheer. They kicked off the festivities with imaginative bauble upcycling before heading to Food Tech to craft their own delicious chocolate truffles. The pupils also designed and decorated stunning, colourful boxes to package their sweet creations. The day concluded with a heart-warming Secret Santa gift exchange by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree!
HALLFIELD CAROL SERVICE
We ended the term on a magical note with an enchanting carol service at St George's Church! The children's voices filled the air with joy, the orchestra added a delightful touch, and the staff choir gave a stunning performance that captivated the audience. A heartfelt thank you to the parents who joined us for this wonderful service.
LONDON LIGHTS AND LANDMARKS: YEAR 6
TAKES THE CITY
The Year 6 trip to London was a memorable experience, combining education and fun, as the pupils explored the city's iconic landmarks.
Highlights included visits to Madame Tussauds and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, as well as a Thames River cruise offering stunning views of famous sites like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.
The trip not only deepened the pupils’ understanding of history and culture but also fostered independence. A standout moment was the hands-on learning at the Natural History Museum, making the adventure both enriching and unforgettable! YOU CAN VIEW THE FULL
OAKS EXPLORE EARLY LITERACY
Oaks have been exploring early literacy marks. They used a range of different mediums such as paint, crayons and the ICT board to explore.
BUBBLES IN OAKS
Oaks have been experimenting with making bubbles using resources found around the nursery, such as play dough tools and role play kitchen utensils. We also used pipe cleaners to make hoops.
We added water and dish soap to a tuff tray and tried to make bubbles, having lots of fun along the way!
FREEDOM QUILTS
Oaks made 'Freedom Quilts' for Black history month.
SPOOKTACULAR FUN!
Oaks have worked on their fine motor skills, using buttons and gems to decorate their pictures for Halloween.
They also dressed up for Halloween, showcasing some fantastic costumes!
POPPING EXPERIMENTS
Oaks room experimented with some science activities and have attempted to make lava lamps, and popping raisins. The children tried different theories to make the experiment work and have had fun throughout.
SCISSOR CONTROL
Oaks worked on their fine motor skills and scissor control. They used play dough to snip into and did well with holding the scissors correctly to enable them to open and close, so they could cut through
AN ORIGAMI MASTERPIECE
During October half term, Dawud created an amazing origami diorama of the rainforest, following on from learning the rainforest topic at school.
His love of origami and crafts helped him to create this masterpiece independently at home! Dawud included a ‘can you spot?’ section to test his classmates and teachers to see if they could spot all the wonderful creatures he had created using origami.
2EB were amazed when Dawud presented his creation to his friends during show and tell. Well done Dawud!
A COSY FOREST TALE
Year 1 went to the forest to read their topic book for the term, ‘One Snowy Night’ by Nick Butterworth. They had hot chocolate like Percy the Park Keeper does in the story to keep warm!
PRE-PREP MEET SANTA
The little ones had the merriest time meeting Santa! They dove headfirst into the allimportant challenge of naming all of Santa’s reindeer – and nailed it with big smiles and lots of giggles! Of course, they didn’t miss the chance to share their Christmas wishes with the man in red.
WEATHER WATCH
In Science, Year 1 have kept a weather diary. Each day, they have been observing the weather and recording measurements from the rainfall gauge and thermometer. On one of the days, their thermometer showed that it was 0 degrees Celsius - the perfect temperature for snow!
A TWEET KIND OF WINTER
Year 1 have spent some time making bird feeders out of recycled plastic bottles to help wild birds to get enough food throughout the Winter!
A TRIP TO THE SNOWDOME
BLETCHLEY PARK
Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 had an amazing time at the SnowDome’s Winter Wonderland! They played in ‘real’ snow, watched a magical Jack and the Beanstalk show, and explored Santa’s Christmas Village. What a festive adventure!
FOUNDATION GETS CRAFTY
We hosted two delightful Christmas craft workshops for our Foundation pupils and parents! Together, they created felt snowflakes, charming hedgehogs, and sparkling Christmas baubles, turning each crafting moment into a cherished memory.
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents who joined us in spreading holiday cheer through these wonderful activities!
BLETCHLEY PARK
YEAR 3 AND 4 EXPLORE SCIENCE IN OXFORD
Year 3 and Year 4 pupils had an amazing time in Oxford this term, exploring two of the city’s renowned museums: the History of Science Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
They engaged in focused learning sessions at both museums, diving into fascinating topics, and had some extra time for further exploration. It was a day full of discovery, excitement, and hands-on learning!
EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES
Our pupils had an amazing time immersing themselves in different languages and cultures.
The Spanish Flamenco workshop in Prep was a success, with pupils dancing and learning about this vibrant tradition. Meanwhile, in Pre-Prep, the children were captivated by French storytelling, enjoying classics like Le Petit Chaperon Rouge and Jack et les Haricots Magiques.
It was wonderful to see the excitement and joy on their faces as they embraced new languages.
A huge thank you to everyone involved – it was a day filled with fun, learning, and cultural appreciation!
YEAR 6 MASTERING THE BUNSEN BURNER
Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed mastering their Bunsen burner skills this term! They've been heating water, tracking its temperature all the way to boiling point, and using their iPads to record the data. They then created graphs to plot temperature changes over time – a great example of science in action!
MATHS MASCOTS
Congratulations to the Maths Mascot T-Shirt Design Competition winners! There were so many wonderfully creative designs, and you all earned a well-deserved merit for your efforts. A huge well done to all those who entered!
YEAR 3 EGYPTIAN DAY
Hallfield was transported back to ancient Egypt as Year 3 brought the civilisation to life with their incredible costumes! Pupils explored pyramid building, designed their own amulets, and even wrote on papyrus paper just like the ancient Egyptians did. They also learnt how to use the green screen, so that they could set themselves in Egypt. Some of our teachers even received the royal mummy treatment — wrapped up by our clever pupils!
HALLFIELD RADIO
Meet the Hallfield Radio Team for 2024-25: Edward, Mia, Neo, Yusuf, Mason, and Rueben.
Pupils can tune into live shows, broadcasted twice a week, during Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes, streamed directly to Hallfield's Bistro!
THE WORLD OF CREEPY CRAWLIES
This term, Year 4 delved into the fascinating world of insects and arachnids through art. They began their journey by mastering drawing techniques and markmaking skills, bringing these tiny creatures to life on paper.
They then transformed their work throughout the weeks by adding colour to their creepy crawly insect drawings in the style of artist Abby Diamond.
QUIZ CLUB HEATS
Our two Hallfield teams competed in the Prep Schools Quiz Club Science online heat – we cannot wait to hear the results!
SCHOOL COUNCIL VOICES HEARD
School Council met with Hallfield’s Catering Manager, Jim. They gave feedback on behalf of Hallfield Prep about the school lunches from a survey completed before half term. Thomas Franks look forward to implementing their suggestions in the new year.
COLOURFUL SELF-PORTRAITS
Year 3 learnt all about how to use the colour wheel to fill out their selfportraits in art this term.
BATIK MASTERPIECE
Year 3 and 4 have shown amazing teamwork in Batik Club, where together they are making a beautiful wall hanging.
PREP SPELLING BEE FINAL
Extemporaneous… Gossamer… Esoteric… and many more challenging words tested the vocabulary and focus of the Lower Prep and Upper Prep pupils as they showcased their incredible skills and determination in the final round of the Spelling Bee. The pupils rose to the occasion, demonstrating exceptional preparation and poise under pressure. Congratulations to Vardhan and Prish for winning!
CULINARY CREATIONS IN ENRICHMENT
Year 6 enjoyed a fun-filled Food Tech enrichment session, crafting their own delicious Rocky Road treats. A perfect way to combine creativity and culinary skills!
CLAY GLAZING WITH FLAIR
Our talented Year 6 pupils have been mastering glazing techniques in art, bringing their clay creations to life with vibrant colours and textures.
PREP TAKE TO THE ICE
Prep had an absolute blast gliding across the ice, falling multiple times but never giving up, followed by popcorn and hot chocolate on their return to school. They enjoyed every moment of this well-deserved treat for all their hard work!
RADIO ENRICHMENT
Ines, Iyla and Sophia in Year 3 have had a great time discovering features in their Hallfield Enrichment Radio lesson.
A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS: HALLFIELD SENIORS’ CAMP-OUT
Our Seniors had a magical night camping on Hallfield’s grounds. From setting up tents and making pizzas, to sharing stories by the campfire, they embraced every moment. Huge thanks to Mr & Mrs Wright and Mrs Raffermati for joining in the fun—an unforgettable experience for all!
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST BLOG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR CAREERS
POPCORN AND PROFIT
Our Seniors showcased their entrepreneurial spirit by selling popcorn bird feeders! What a creative way to combine fun and enterprise!
CAREERS TALK
This term we kicked off our careers talks with inspiring sessions from Consultant NeuroOphthalmologist, Dr Ruchika Batra, and British Army Major Benedict Dent-Pooley. Pupils explored medical diagnostics, learned about military careers, and were inspired by their insights and advice. Thank you to our amazing speakers!
YEAR 7 LIGHT UP SCIENCE
Year 7 scientists dived into flame tests this term, learning to safely use and control Bunsen burners and other lab equipment. They experimented with iron and watched as flames changed colour in real time – an exciting, hands-on way to learn in science!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Over the past half term, Seniors have been delving into the novella ‘A Christmas Carol’, exploring its captivating narrative and uncovering insights into Victorian society in the 19th century. Our Seniors had a wonderful experience at the REP Theatre, where they enjoyed a stunning performance of A Christmas Carol. The timeless tale of Scrooge and the true spirit of Christmas left everyone feeling inspired and full of festive cheer.
And the fun didn’t stop there! After the production, our Seniors soaked up the magical atmosphere of the German Christmas markets. They savoured delicious festive treats and even enjoyed a merry-go-round ride, making unforgettable memories.
PUPILS SHINE WITH ORCHESTRA IN RESIDENCE
At the beginning of term, we welcomed back the Midlands Chamber Orchestra, our Orchestra in Residence. They returned to collaborate with Hallfield pupils, marking the continuation of an exciting musical journey. This partnership promises to enrich our pupils' musical experience throughout the year.
NEW MUSIC BANDS
This term, we’re excited to introduce several new music groups! Our newly formed Swing Band has kicked off rehearsals, and the Centenary Choir is back in full voice under the guidance of Mrs Francis. We’re also thrilled to announce the formation of our Wind Band, which is having a blast in rehearsals with Mr Tattam, our bassoon teacher. It’s been an inspiring term for all of our musicians!
TEATIME CONCERT
Ahuge well done to all our pupils who performed in the Teatime Concert this term. The children wore their odd socks in support of Anti-Bullying week, and it was fantastic to see such a diverse range of instruments and a wonderful variety of musical pieces being performed.
CHAMBER CHOIR SPREADS FESTIVE CHEER
Our Chamber Choir brought festive cheer to the hospital atrium! Alongside beautiful choral performances, we were treated to amazing solos by Amelie-Mia, Alaura, Aditi, and James, while Siyana added a magical touch with a Christmas poem.
It was wonderful to see the excitement and joy on their faces as they embraced new languages. A huge thank you to everyone involved – it was a day filled with fun, learning, and cultural appreciation!
A HARMONIOUS HOLIDAY
Our Chamber Choir brought festive cheer to the retirement village on Hagley Road! Amelie and Alaura wowed us with stunning solos, while our senior comperes kept the show lively. The residents joined in the fun, singing along and shaking jingle bells!
CELEBRATING MUSICAL BRILLIANCE
This term we hosted our first Music Scholars' Concert of the year.
We are really proud of the hard work and dedication from our talented young musicians. Their performances were a true reflection of their steadfast commitment to achieving the highest levels of musical excellence.
Our Music Scholars are valued members of the Music Scholar Programme, a key component of our music offering, meticulously crafted under the expert guidance of Mrs Mia Wu. This programme provides invaluable benefits to our scholars: they are able to work on their technical skills, expression, and hone other skills such as working with an accompanist. This programme is a hallmark of our school, distinguishing us from many other prep and senior schools.
"Over the years, Hallfield's musicians have gained widespread recognition in their senior schools, with many pursuing further musical studies at university and beyond. I am confident that these young musicians are destined for equally bright and promising futures".
Mrs Rosie Edgar, Director of Music
RECEPTION NATIVITY
Our Nativity production of ‘Baarmy Bethlehem’ was an absolute delight! The young stars stole the show, delivering their lines with confidence and bringing the story to life. The party sheep brought plenty of laughs, adding a unique twist to this festive classic.
A huge thank you to our parents and guardians for their support, and to our talented teachers for making this memorable performance possible. It was a joyful celebration that truly captured the Christmas spirit!
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CHARITY
We are proud of our support for charities and the thousands of pounds that Hallfield students have raised for worthy causes.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
This year's Harvest Festival Service at St George's Church in Edgbaston was a heart-warming success. Our pupils filled the church with uplifting songs and heartfelt readings. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Brushstrokes Community Project. Your generous donations will make a tangible difference, supporting local families and individuals in need. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in our community.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
We were delighted to welcome Gerald, our dedicated 'Poppy Man', to school. He presented us with a certificate recognising the incredible amount raised from the sale of Royal British Legion memorabilia.
We’re thrilled to announce that we raised an impressive £1,239.25 in cash.
A huge thank you to everyone for your generous donations in support of the Armed Forces community, both past and present.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."
Laurence Binyon, For The Fallen.
We came together at St George’s Church to pay respect to all of those who served and sacrificed their lives for our country. Lest we forget.
CHILDREN IN NEED DAY
Hallfield School had an incredible time celebrating Children in Need. Year 4 kicked off the day by baking delicious banana muffins while dressed in their Pudsey outfits – a fun and tasty way to support a great cause.
Pupils in Hallfield Prep were treated to an extra special visit when guide dogs Mojo, Topper and Nushka came along to say hello! Along with their owners, Dee, Faz and Miles, they wanted to say thank you to the pupils for raising an amazing £3,127.92 for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Meanwhile, in the forest during outdoor learning, Anna, Amaya, Jiya, and Apti used natural materials to craft their very own Pudsey Bear.
Money raised will be used to sponsor a puppy through its vital guide dog training in order to be matched with an owner in the next 18 months. Pupils voted and chose the name ‘Biscuit’ for the lucky pup!
Together, we raised £885.72 spreading kindness and making a real difference to the lives of those who need it most. What a wonderful day of creativity and community spirit!
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY 2023
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK: ODD SOCKS
Stepping up for respect on Odd Socks Day at Hallfield. Our pupils rocked their mismatched socks to celebrate individuality and the importance of choosing respect during Anti-Bullying Week. Together, we’re making strides toward a kinder world.
SPREADING JOY
As we approach the time of year when we reflect on how fortunate we are, we also remember those less fortunate.
On behalf of the Parents’ Social Association (PSA) and all the families at Hallfield school, Mark and Stella (in Years 5 & 2, respectively) donated the food and non-alcoholic drinks left over from our PSA events to The Karis Neighbour Scheme (KNS). The donated items will be used for the children in our community attending Christmas parties at KNS.
The Karis Neighbour Scheme is a local charity that supports the community. Its initiatives include running a baby bank, organising events for children, supporting local families, and an adult and older adult listening and befriending service.
If you have any items that you would like to donate, please think of this fabulous charity which helps to support our local community.
YEAR 1 CHRISTINGLE SERVICE
Adelightfully festive afternoon was spent at St George's Church for the Year 1 Christingle Service.
The children sang and read beautifully, spreading lots of Christmas cheer! Thank you to all the parents who came to join us, and to everyone who made a donation to our collection buckets at the end of the service.
A TRIUMPHANT START TO THE CHESS SEASON
We entered a team of four Year 5/6 players into this season’s local U13 chess league. All the other teams were senior schools whose players were exclusively in Year 7 and 8, so we were the youngest team by far.
At the end of three rounds of chess at KES, all four of our players had scored either 2/3 or 2.5/3 against very tough opposition. There were 17 teams present, including teams from Solihull, KE Five Ways, KE Camp Hill, Bishop Vesey, KE Aston and AMGS Walsall, but it was only the King Edwards School team (containing three former Hallfield star players of the last couple of years) who pipped us to first place, with Hallfield School finishing in second place.
Well done to Krish, Handuo, Aarav and Jasper on a magnificent result and a great start to the 2024/25 chess season.
HALLFIELD SCHOOL CHESS –AUTUMN TERM 2024
Our players have been making waves across the chess board this season, with standout performances in major events like the Birmingham Junior Open, the County Chess Championships, and the Birmingham Junior League.
Congratulations to all our talented players for their hard work and success!
FIND OUT MORE HERE:
OLD HALLFIELDIANS
OLD HALLFIELDIAN BLITZ CHESS
On Wednesday 16 October, we hosted the highly anticipated Old Hallfieldian Blitz Chess Tournament. Our reigning champions from previous and current years brought great energy and focus to the board, resulting in many thrilling victories.
“Mr Holowczak had the dubious pleasure of facing Diah’s attacking style of chess in the traditional winner vs chess coach playoff game. It was a very close game until deep into the ending when Mr Holowczak’s “steady as you go” style finally began to trump Diah’s “throw everything at your opponent’s King” style and he emerged victorious to his great relief.”
MR THOMAS, HALLFIELD CHESS COACH
READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT HERE:
HALLFIELD MEMORIES WITH HARRY JENKINS
Harry Jenkins (OH 2000-2008), returned in the summer with his friends for the Old Hallfieldian Cricket match. We took the opportunity to catch up with him and ask a few questions about life since leaving Hallfield 16 years ago.
When did you attend Hallfield?
I was at Hallfield for 8 years from 2000 to 2008.
What’s
your
favourite Hallfield memory?
Being on the minibuses on the way to sports fixtures, and after school club. Also, in Year 6 classics club, we were tasked with creating a play that we had to perform in assembly to the school. We decided it would be a good idea to do a Simpsons/Julius Caesar mashup - it was absolutely ridiculous and quickly descended into a genuinely dreadful show. Whenever the memory pops into my head I always have a giggle to myself. We tried to decapitate a polystyrene Bart Simpson!
What were your favourite subjects at Hallfield?
I loved History with Miss Smith, Art with Mrs Hore and weirdly I remember loving DT too, with Mr Kynaston, which hasn't carried on into my adult life.
Did you take part in extra-curricular activities?
I played pretty much every sport I could, and I did classics club and drama club. I didn't go anywhere near any musical instruments – no teacher was paid enough money to endure that!
Where
did you go
to secondary school?
I went to Old Swinford Hospital School (OSH) as a boarder. I remember being the only boy in the whole year at Hallfield who didn't apply to go to KES. On the day of the KES exam, I was the only boy in the year in school so they let me just play football all day! Other boys might have got into KES, but I felt like the real winner that day. I felt really well prepared for my OSH entrance interview as the Head and Deputy Head did about 10 mock interviews with me! It was really good of them to help.
Are you still in touch with your Hallfield friends?
Yes! I’m still good friends with James and Joe Stokes. James was my best man and Joe was my groomsman at my wedding in May. I'm also friends on Facebook with pretty much my whole year group too!
Have you been back to Hallfield since you left?
My first visit back was for the Old Hallfieldian Cricket match in the summer. It’s un-recognisable! Pretty much everything has changed or been upgraded!
What is your career??
University has never appealed to me so I went straight into work from my A-Levels. Initially I worked in PR but moved quickly into events and marketing. I am now the Head of Marketing at Digbeth Dining Club who run food festivals and events around the UK and own a couple of venues in Birmingham too. I also run my own comedy festival at Warwick Castle and I'm on the comedy circuit myself.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current pupils?
Just enjoy it whilst you can! I remember Mum telling me that my school days would be the best days of my life, and thinking she was nothing short of a fool to say something so ridiculous! 15 years on, I have to admit she was bang on.
FRIENDS OF HALLFIELD
UNDER THE STARS WITH WOODY AND BUZZ
Hallfield families and their friends enjoyed the autumn sunshine at September’s open air cinema event. They were greeted by some of Toy Story’s stars, and there was plenty of time to run around ahead of the film starting. Thank you to all the vendors who kept everyone fed and watered and of course, our very own PSA bar!
A FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
Ahuge thank you to everyone who came to our wonderful, sell-out, community event – the Friends of Hallfield Fireworks Extravaganza!
Guests were treated to glow juggling and stilt walking on arrival before heading to the field to explore the stalls and food on offer. We had a fire dancer twirling, spinning and weaving flames in the air, fearless jugglers defying gravity with their flaming torches, and even a spot of fire eating!
The mild and clear weather was perfect for fireworks and we particularly enjoyed seeing the looks on children’s faces as the display lit up the sky. It was a perfect way to round off an unforgettable evening.
Thank you to all the vendors who kept everyone fed and watered and of course, our very own PSA bar! Fireworks is always one of our community’s favourite events and we have already started planning for next year.
ollowing the installation of our state of the art radio studio the pupils have been having a go at podcasting to great success.
Why not have a listen and do check back regularly for new episodes.
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Our new school videos are live so have a little watch and do share with family and friends!
