ISSUE 10 MAY 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
AN ICELANDIC ADVENTURE – FIRE, ICE AND LIFELONG MEMORIES WINNING AT MATHS – HALLFIELD’S CHAMPIONS ADD UP VOICES, VISION, AND VICTORY – A TERM OF TALENT AND TRIUMPH BOOKS, BONNETS AND BIG IDEAS – HALLFIELD IN FULL COLOUR CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – PUPILS STEP UP WITH PURPOSE
Dear Reader,
As the Spring Term draws to a close, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for what has been a truly remarkable few months at Hallfield. Our pupils have once again embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination.
A particular highlight for me personally was leading our first ever school trip to Iceland – a breathtaking adventure for our Seniors and Year 6 pupils. Exploring geysers, glaciers, and the Bridge Between Continents was more than a geography lesson; it was an unforgettable experience that perfectly reflected our long-standing belief that meaningful learning extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Back on home soil, our pupils have continued to shine academically. From outstanding performances in maths competitions to thought-provoking debates, investigations, and enrichment projects, it’s clear that
Hallfield is a place where academic rigour meets creativity and passion.
Our historic Founders Day Ball was another memorable occasion, bringing together current families and Old Hallfieldians to celebrate 146 years of Hallfield’s legacy. It was a joyful reminder of our strong foundations and exciting future – as we look ahead to our 150th anniversary in 2029.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, the unwavering support of our parents, and most importantly, the spirit and talent of our pupils. I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Hallfield Focus – a celebration of a vibrant, purposeful, and inspiring term.
Mr K B Morrow Head Master
Congratulations to Zachariah and Robin in Year 5, who were invited to Shrewsbury School as finalists in the prestigious Sir Philip Sidney Essay Writing Competition. Their day included a special lunch and two thoughtprovoking lectures on Climate Justice and Politics.
Well done to both boys for being shortlisted from over 75 entries – an impressive achievement!
Ahuge well done to our brilliant Year 4 mathematicians, who shone at the KES/KEHS Maths Challenge! Competing against several local schools, they demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills and impeccable behaviour throughout the event.
They did Hallfield proud – congratulations, team!
Congratulations to Lucas and Callum on their fantastic performances at the West Midlands U10 Regional Fencing Competition! Callum secured an impressive 2nd place, with Lucas close behind in 3rd –an outstanding effort from both boys.
Well done on representing Hallfield with such skill and determination!
In March, a group of Hallfield pupils and their families visited Malvern St James School for the annual Junior Schools Art Exhibition. The event was a true celebration of creativity, with children and adults alike inspired by the impressive displays throughout the Art Department. Visitors were also treated to a glimpse of A-level students working on their pieces, adding to the artistic buzz of the day.
With an exceptionally high standard of entries this year, we’re thrilled to share that several Hallfield pupils received Highly Commended awards from guest artist and judge Ivan Jones:
• Celine – Year 1 category
• Eesha – Year 6 category
• Jai – Year 7 category
• George – 3D category
• Reet – Ceramic category
A huge congratulations to all our talented artists!
Congratulations to Jaden, Neo, Rayyan, Aarav, Aisha, Handuo, and Robin for their outstanding achievements in the Primary Maths Challenge Bonus Round. Their hard work, dedication, and mathematical brilliance truly shone through – we’re incredibly proud of them all!
Earlier this year a number of pupils in Years 5-7 submitted a piece of art work to the Shrewsbury School Art competition under this years theme ‘Reflections and Shadows’. There were over 200 entries and Reet in Year 6 managed to make it through to the final! She and her parents spent a lovely day with 19 other finalists from a variety of Prep Schools in the country.
Reet participated in 2 different art workshops and a scavenger hunt during the day as well as the prize giving where she received a goodie bag of art materials. It was a fantastic day and we are very proud of Reet and her achievement!
Well done to Norah, Rayyan, Neo, and Jaden for representing Hallfield at the UKMT Team Maths Challenge Regional Final, held at King Edward’s Camp Hill. Competing against 19 secondary schools –each fielding teams of Year 8 and Year 9 pupils – our Hallfield team, made up of one Year 8 and three Year 6 pupils, rose to the challenge brilliantly.
Finishing 12th overall against
much older competition is a fantastic achievement – congratulations to our young mathematicians!
Two Hallfield teams competed in the King Edward’s Borcherds Shield Year 5 Mathematics Challenge – Grand Final 2025, and both delivered outstanding performances. The event was packed with exciting rounds, including cross number puzzles, relay races, maths lectures, and even some magical entertainment and juggling.
Team A (Siddh, Handuo, Zachariah, and Arjun) gave a strong performance, narrowly missing a podium finish. Team B (Robin, Ishaan P, Ishaan J, and Mahi) earned a fantastic 2nd place, just one point behind the winning team.
With excellent teamwork, focus, and enthusiasm, our pupils did Hallfield proud. Congratulations to both teams on a brilliant day of maths! 12
of our top writers from across Year 3 and 4 ventured to Harborne Primary School for a day of poetry! Emilie Lauren Jones led a full day of workshops, taking the pupils on a poetic journey around the world. From Japanese haikus and rengas to praise poems from the Dinka Tribe of Sudan, we all learned about a huge range of different poetry styles. Everyone had a chance to create their own poems based on artwork, their names and something they thought was underrated. A huge part of the day was also having the confidence to perform their own creations. Congratulations to all pupils involved as you were all amazingly behaved, wonderfully creative and enjoyed yourselves tremendously!
Hallfield pupils have been developing their racquet skills thanks to fantastic sessions with the Edgbaston Priory Club.
Class 3EK visited the club to try their hand at squash, while pupils in Years 1 and 2 enjoyed a fun and energetic tennis session led by Amy, one of the club’s excellent coaches. The children practised forehand and backhand techniques and took part in exciting warm-up games that got everyone moving.
On Sunday, seven talented Hallfield pupils took part in the U11 Birmingham District Table Tennis Championships, showcasing determination and skill in their first ever tournament. The competition was fierce, with players battling through group stages for a chance at the semi-finals.
Congratulations to George, Dylan, and Ishaan, who made it to the semis! In an exciting match, Ishaan triumphed over George to reach the final, where he put in a fantastic performance against a more experienced opponent –finishing as a well-deserved runner-up.
A huge well done to George, Josh, Dylan, Jasper, Raihan, Raahil, and Ishaan for their brilliant effort and sportsmanship.
Best of luck to Ishaan as he heads to the regional tournament – Hallfield is right behind you!
Despite the chilly weather, our Pre-Prep children gave it their all in the House Cross Country event. With enthusiasm, determination, and plenty of energy, they tackled the course and raced to the finish line with smiles and spirit. A huge well done to all the runners for a fantastic effort and brilliant sportsmanship!
On the Friday before half-term, all Prep boys and girls took part in the much-anticipated annual House Cross Country race, navigating a challenging course around the school grounds.
Despite a few soggy patches, the route remained fully runnable – winding through trees, across open fields, and over the now-infamous muddy hump! Every pupil gave their best effort, with each performance contributing valuable points to their House’s overall score. Well done to all our runners for their determination, teamwork, and muddy enthusiasm!
Safer Internet Day is a nationwide initiative that promotes strategies to help children stay safe online and empowers them to make the internet a positive space to communicate, play, and learn.
At Hallfield, pupils took part in a range of engaging activities designed to raise awareness of online risks and equip them with the tools and confidence to manage and report any concerns.
It was a valuable opportunity to reinforce the importance of digital responsibility and staying safe in our ever-connected world.
Hallfield came alive with the vibrant colours, festive spirit, and rich traditions of Lunar New Year. Our Chinese pupils proudly showcased traditional celebratory attire, adding elegance and authenticity to the occasion.
We had a flipping good time on Shrove Tuesday, putting the Food Tech room through its paces! Pupils across the school enjoyed making, decorating – and of course eating – pancakes, with even our youngest learners in Oaks getting stuck in. It was a deliciously fun way to celebrate the day!
February, we marked Children’s Mental Health Week by embracing the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’.
Throughout the week, pupils reflected on the importance of self-awareness and what it means to them. Activities and discussions helped them understand how knowing themselves can build resilience, encourage growth, and support their overall well-being.
It was a meaningful opportunity for our whole community to focus on mental health and personal development – important building blocks for a happy, healthy future.
FIND OUT MORE HERE:
World Book Day brought Hallfield to life with colour and creativity, as pupils and staff arrived dressed as their favourite book characters.
Authors Jane Swainston and Sarah Todd Taylor joined us for inspiring assemblies, encouraging pupils to dream up their own stories. Children took part in a range of fun activities, including a book quiz, ‘Masked Reader’, a character hunt, and the National Book Token design competition.
Prep pupils crafted imaginative book-themed top hats, while Pre-Prep children wowed us with their book cover designs. It was a wonderful display of creativity across the school.
Our Easter service at St George’s Church was a meaningful end to the term, featuring beautiful readings and memorable performances by the Centenary Choir, Chamber Choir, and Pre-Prep Choir. It was wonderful to welcome so many families to share in this special moment – thank you for joining us.
Thank you to our families for embracing the day so fully – from joining us for the Pre-Prep ‘share a book’ breakfast and Prep afternoon tea, to supporting the Usborne Book Fair, which raised over £1,000 for our school libraries.
Seniors and Year 6 pupils embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Iceland, immersing themselves in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. From whale watching and exploring geysers to marvelling at glaciers and waterfalls, the trip was packed with awe-inspiring experiences.
Highlights included visiting the spectacular Golden Waterfall, relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon, and standing at the Bridge Between Continents – where pupils quite literally stood between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
A huge thank you to Mrs Raffermati, Mr Wright, and Mr Morrow for leading the trip, and to our pupils, who were exceptional ambassadors for Hallfield throughout.
Don’t miss the full adventure – read more in the Iceland Residential blog!
Children in Oaks marked Lunar New Year with a range of fun and engaging activities, including picking up pom poms with chopsticks and tracing Chinese characters.
As well as learning about the traditions and celebrations of Lunar New Year, our young learners developed their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in the process.
Children in Hallfield First celebrated Number Day by wearing clothing featuring their favourite numbers. It was a fun and creative way to spark conversations about maths and numeracy throughout the day.
Miss Sam brought a burst of colour and movement to Oaks’ dance session with her vibrant parachute! The children had a fantastic time waving it high, dipping it low, and giggling underneath as it floated down around them.
Children enjoyed a sensory, spring-inspired activity – pressing real flowers and foliage into playdough to create their very own floral arrangements. A beautiful blend of nature and creativity!
Our Nursery and Foundation children had an amazing time in the Dinosaur Workshop with The Education Group! They stepped back in time to learn how dinosaurs lived, took part in a fossil hunt for carnivores, herbivores, and other prehistoric creatures, and even met some adorable baby dinosaurs!
It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning, sparking curiosity and imagination.
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the mums of children in Willows were invited in for a special craft workshop. Together, they painted canvases, decorated heart wreaths, made flower potions, planted sunflower seeds, and enjoyed biscuit decorating.
A truly lovely morning filled with creativity, smiles, and quality time!
Our budding scientists in Oaks have been busy conducting exciting experiments, including rain clouds in a jar and dancing milk! The children listened carefully, took turns, and watched in wonder to see if their experiments would work. A fantastic way to spark curiosity and introduce scientific thinking through play!
We’re thrilled to unveil a fantastic new addition to our outdoor learning spaces – the Hallfield Fort! Built by our talented Estates Team, the fort offers endless opportunities for imaginative play, climbing, jumping, and exploring nature.
Reception pupils were the first to dive in, crawling through tunnels, jumping in piles of leaves, and using natural materials to build cosy homes for animals. Other year groups have also begun their own fort adventures during outdoor learning enrichment sessions.
The Hallfield Fort is already a firm favourite – and we’re excited for all the creativity and discovery it will inspire in the months ahead!
Reception children were treated to a delicious French breakfast tasting session with Madame Cooke. They sampled le fromage (cheese), la baguette (bread), la confiture (jam), les fraises (strawberries), and les gaufres (waffles) –a true taste of France!
A fun and tasty way to explore French language and culture – bon appétit!
In music, Year 1 had a fantastic time retelling The Tortoise and the Hare using glockenspiels and drums. They captured the speedy hare with bright, high-pitched glockenspiel notes and the steady tortoise with deep, rolling drumbeats. A brilliant blend of storytelling and sound – well done, Year 1!
Year 1 had a brilliant time celebrating Number Day with a carousel of hands-on maths activities! They explored concepts like length, capacity, and money as they rotated through each engaging station – learning through play and problem-solving along the way.
Well done to our Pre-Prep Gold Card winners! Their treat before half-term was making and enjoying pancakes made by Mr Morrow, Mrs Sanderson and Mrs Woolley.
Our Year 2 pupils have begun their musical journey through Hallfield’s sponsored music programme – a unique initiative offering three terms of free instrumental lessons.
Children are already developing new skills and discovering the joy of making music. We hope they’re enjoying their lessons and doing plenty of practise at home!
This exciting opportunity not only nurtures musical ability but also builds confidence, focus, and creativity as pupils progress into Year 3.
Year 1 explore stop motion photography
Class 1GW explored the exciting world of stop motion photography – an advanced, flipbook-style form of animation. Using their creativity and teamwork, they produced their very own mini movies, learning how small movements and careful sequencing bring still images to life.
A fantastic introduction to digital storytelling and a great way to build creative confidence!
Year 1 arrived at school to find their classroom transformed into a crime scene! After searching for clues, the young detectives quickly identified the culprit – none other than the Evil Pea from the much-loved Supertato book series.
With the mystery solved, the children devised a clever plan to trap the villainous vegetable. Just like the heroes in the story, they worked together to make jelly, successfully luring the Evil Pea into their trap.
Mission accomplished – and there was even some jelly left over for a well-earned afternoon treat!
Reception had a fantastic visit to the Black Country Living Museum, exploring the theme Toys: Past and Present. They discovered old-fashioned toys in a hands-on workshop, visited a traditional classroom, and explored the museum’s historic streets – a fun and educational trip enjoyed by all!
RCM enjoyed using iPads in pairs to take black and white photos around the school as part of their Past and Present topic. They discussed how photos looked in the past and later recreated their images using black card and white chalk – combining technology with creativity!
Year 1 had a fantastic time with One Day Creative, exploring the inspiring story of Florence Nightingale through drama and interactive learning.
The workshop helped pupils deepen their understanding of history in a fun, engaging way –while showing off some impressive acting skills along the way!
Our Easter Bonnet Parade was a joyful celebration that brought together pupils, parents, and plenty of festive fun. Pre-Prep children proudly showcased their beautifully crafted bonnets – no doubt with a little help from home!
The event featured wonderful musical performances from Declan, George, Clara, Marcus, and Wendy, a heartwarming Mother’s Day song (One in a Million) from the Pre-Prep choir, and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny himself!
A truly memorable celebration to welcome spring.
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!
Pre-Prep Jewellery Club has been hard at work crafting beautiful, heartfelt gifts for Mother’s Day. Each intricate design was handmade with love –perfect for celebrating their amazing mums!
Year 2 had an exceptional day visiting Cadbury World, immersing themselves in the fascinating journey of chocolate-making! From discovering the origins of the cocoa bean to watching the chocolate-making process in action, the trip was both educational and deliciously fun.
This exciting experience will inspire their creative writing lessons, where they will recount their adventure
Our pupils had an incredible time at the Young Voices concert – a day filled with music, energy, and unforgettable memories. After a full day of rehearsals, the evening performance brought the arena to life.
Special guests, including Strictly Come Dancing’s Tommy Blaize, MC Grammar, and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Souparnika Nair, left the children feeling truly inspired. The joy and excitement on their faces were a delight to see – and parents even got to join in the fun during a surprise garage and house music rave!
One Year 6 pupil summed it up perfectly: “The second best day of my life – after being born!”
ON AIR AND OUT OF THIS WORLD!
After honing their radio skills in Years 3, 4, and 6, this talented trio was ready to shine! They put their presenting and producing know-how to the test by creating a brilliant mini podcast all about the Elon Musk rocket launch.
Year 6 enjoyed a brilliant (and wonderfully messy!) day learning portrait techniques in charcoal with local artist Nick Logan. Pupils embraced the challenge, stepping outside their comfort zones and developing new artistic skills along the way.
Our young chefs got hands-on in the kitchen, crafting their own mini muffin pizzas with unique topping combinations – a fun and tasty way to show off their culinary flair!
In Spanish, Year 5 embarked on a creative mosaic project inspired by the vibrant, imaginative works of Antoni Gaudí, the famous Catalan architect. A wonderful blend of art and culture.
In Science, Year 3 became super scientists as they explored the parts of a flower – dissecting real blooms to investigate their structure up close!
Year 3 and Year 4 pupils went on a Star Wars: The Force Awakens yoga adventure in Cosmic Yoga Club –combining movement, mindfulness, and a touch of Jedi fun!
Year 3 have been exploring the work of Henry Matisse, using his ‘drawing with scissors’ technique to create vibrant cut-out compositions inspired by 1940s jazz music. A bold and creative blend of art and rhythm!
In RE, Year 6 explored the powerful concept of agape love. To bring their learning to life, they created thoughtful freeze frames to retell the story of the Prodigal Son – a creative and reflective way to deepen their understanding.
Fantastic work from Adam in Year 5! Using chalk and pastels, he skillfully recreated a bowl of fruit with great precision – and added a creative twist by designing his own matchstick frame. A truly original and impressive piece – well done, Adam!
Year 4 took part in an engaging workshop led by the West Midlands Fire Service, learning about fire safety, escape plans, and road awareness. They even practised the stop, drop, and roll technique. A big thank you to the firefighters for teaching such vital life skills!
To kick off Number Day, Year 6 tackled a Titanic-themed maths challenge inspired by their English text Kaspar Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo. Using real data from 1912, pupils calculated how many people could fit into the available lifeboats – a brilliant blend of English, history, and maths!
Year 3 put their direct speech skills to the test by rewriting text messages from their teachers as full dialogue. They did a fantastic job bringing the conversations to life!
Year 6 have created striking self-portraits using a monoprinting technique layered over watercolour backgrounds. They added depth and detail with pencil crayon, resulting in some truly impressive artwork!
In science, Year 3 have been exploring flowering plants and plant growth. Pupils in 3EK set up comparative tests to investigate what plants need to thrive –discovering the vital roles of air, light, water, and nutrients from the soil. Hands-on learning at its best!
As part of their study of Michael Morpurgo’s Kaspar: Prince of Cats, 6WW held a lively debate on whether bell-boy Johnny Trott was right to stow away on the Titanic. Pupils demonstrated excellent teamwork, presentation skills, and thoughtful insights – and the final vote was unanimous!
The Outdoor Skills Club enjoyed an exciting overnight camp on the school field. Pupils pitched tents, cooked dinner over an open fire, and toasted marshmallows on hand-whittled sticks.
After a cosy night under canvas, they warmed up with breakfast by the fire and left the site spotless – true outdoor adventurers!
Outdoor Skills Club got a taste of adventure as they learned to safely use camping stoves – topping it off with delicious hot chocolate!
In Enrichment, 4SH explored miniature world photography inspired by artists Christopher Boffoli and David Gilliver. Pupils created imaginative, small-scale scenes – bringing tiny characters to life in fun and creative ways!
Year 3 pupils had an unforgettable time at this year’s KS2 Concert at Symphony Hall, performed by the world-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
This incredible experience gave them the chance to see and hear their own instruments played by professional musicians in a dynamic, educational setting. Designed to spark a love of orchestral music and inspire the next generation of musicians, the concert left a lasting impression on all who attended.
What a fantastic opportunity – who knows, we may have some future CBSO members in our midst!
This term, Prep pupils enjoyed an unforgettable visit from foreign language theatre company Onatti Productions. The interactive French play Ticket pour L’Espace was a huge hit, with pupils fully engaged and buzzing with excitement afterward.
It was a fantastic opportunity to experience French in a fun, immersive way – bringing language learning to life!
Year 5 visited the Synagogue as part of their RE studies in Judaism.
The children were excellentdescribed by the Synagogue staff as ‘a credit to Hallfield’. They were curious and respectful, asking brilliant question after brilliant question. They loved seeing the stunning and very precious Torah scrolls and they learned so much about the many artefacts and religious items in the Synagogue.
HW and some Seniors took part in Geography fieldwork, using iPads to measure noise levels on Church Road near lunchtime. Their enquiry question: Is the noise pollution higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommendation?
Keen to compare results, they’ve decided to return at school closing time for further investigation!
Well done to all of our Gold Card winners this term! Their rewards included flipping and enjoying pancakes, as well as a fun-filled Easter Egg hunt around the school – with sweet surprises waiting at the end!
Radio Club produced a special Number Day broadcast, packed with staff shout-outs, fun maths puzzles, and important messages about the NSPCC. A brilliant way to raise awareness while celebrating all things numerical!
7
LR deepened their understanding of Buddhism with a visit to the Birmingham Buddhist Centre. Guided by two knowledgeable teacher-volunteers, pupils learned about Buddhist beliefs and practices – and even took part in a group meditation, which was very peaceful.
Our Seniors had an inspiring storytelling workshop with author Steven Camden! In this interactive session, they collaborated with Steven to share ideas and shape stories – some even heard their ideas read out live.
Using pictorial planning, pupils have now crafted their own narratives and will be writing them up to submit to the National Literacy Trust for feedback from Steven himself. We can’t wait to see their stories take shape!
Hallfield Seniors ran a hugely successful popcorn sale as part of their charity and enterprise initiative. During break time, pupils and staff eagerly queued to grab a tasty cup for just 50p, with all proceeds going to a worthy cause.
A big well done to our Seniors for their energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm in making the event both fun and meaningful!
Agroup of Seniors, along with selected Year 5 and 6 pupils, enjoyed an inspiring visit to The Lowry for a day of artistic exploration. The trip began with a self-guided tour of the gallery, where pupils engaged in independent tasks and took a closer look at L.S. Lowry’s distinctive work.
In the afternoon, they took part in a hands-on workshop led by a resident artist. After creating pencil studies, pupils headed to the studio to experiment with a wax resist technique, producing their own creative responses.
LR have been exploring the Healthy Me unit in PSHE, learning how to support both body and mind. They identified common causes and signs of stress, and practised techniques to manage it – including mindful yoga and breathing exercises.
A valuable step towards building lifelong wellbeing habits!
What a day! On Saturday 18 January, Hallfield Orchestra and the Midland Chamber Orchestra joined forces for their first-ever Play Day – and it was a resounding success.
Children, and even some parents with Grade 1+ skills, spent the afternoon making music alongside professional musicians from our Orchestra in Residence. The day included rehearsals, inspiring conversations, and ended with a fantastic performance.
A huge thank you to all who took part in this wonderful celebration of music and community!
Our pupils had a fantastic time taking part in the Big Band Day concert at Shrewsbury School! It was a lively Saturday filled with musicmaking, as they joined Shrewsbury Music Scholars and children from other local prep schools to rehearse and perform a range of exciting repertoire. A brilliant opportunity to collaborate, learn, and play as part of a larger musical community!
Pupils from Years 4, 5, and 6 shone at the Teatime Concert, impressing the audience with stunning vocals and skillful performances on guitar, piano, flute, cornet, bassoon, and snare drums. A truly captivating evening of talent and teamwork!
Our Prep children delivered a fantastic performance in the Woodwind Showcase – a wonderful blend of enthusiasm, talent, and musical progress. A proud moment celebrating their hard work and development!
Huge congratulations to our House Music Competition finalists!
Your talent, dedication, and passion for music have been truly inspiring! A special shoutout to Pughe House for taking the top spot and winning the House Music Finals – your hard work and incredible performances have paid off!
A big thank you to Maria McKenzie, Director of Music at Shrewsbury School, for joining us and inspiring our audience. What an unforgettable celebration of music!
What a show! Our talented Year 4 pupils wowed the audience with a brilliant performance, bringing classic tales like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, and The Three Little Pigs to life with energy and creativity.
A huge well done to all the performers – including our wonderful LAMDA and ballet pupils – who added an extra touch of magic to the stage!
We are proud of our support for charities and the thousands of pounds that Hallfield students have raised for worthy causes.
Number Day 2025 was a 10 out of 10! Pupils dressed up for digits, wearing numbers and mathematical symbols, and took part in a range of fun, numberthemed activities designed to spark a lifelong love of maths.
A special shout out to everyone who took part in the Times Tables Tournaments – you were brilliant! Funds raised on the day went to support the NSPCC and British Red Cross.
Our school proudly took part in Comic Relief - Red Nose Day 2025, marking its 40th anniversary! From House games to fantastic fundraising, our Hallfield community came together to support this amazing cause.
A huge thank you to everyone who got involved – your generosity and enthusiasm made the day truly special!
This term has seen fantastic team and individual performances from our Hallfield chess players, with strong results across several high-profile events. Here’s a round-up of the highlights:
On Thursday 27 February, our leading players gathered in the IT room for the first-ever online IAPS Chess Championship. With team and individual titles at stake, and schools from across the country taking part, the competition was fierce.
Once the nerve-wracking process of logging in was complete, the games ran smoothly, with some brilliant play on display.
Our U13 squad, led by Krish, performed outstandingly. Krish was crowned IAPS U13 Individual Champion, winning all but one of his games. Combined with strong scores from Aarav, Arnav, and Handuo, Hallfield secured 1st place – ahead of Blue Coat (2nd) and St Martin’s (3rd).
In the U9 category, Hallfield finished in 2nd place, just behind a strong Haberdashers’ team. Anthony shone in the individual competition, securing 3rd place overall. Well done to all our players!
In the final round of the Birmingham & District U13 Chess League on Friday 7 March, Hallfield secured 2nd place, just behind KES and ahead of strong teams from Bishop Vesey, Five Ways, Camp Hill, and more.
Our team – Krish, Handuo, Jasper, Arnav, and Aarav –performed superbly against older competition, playing exclusively against Year 7 and 8 pupils. A fantastic achievement!
Several Hallfield players took part in the Coventry Junior Open, returning with an impressive medal haul:
• Bronze: Jonathan, Arthur, Alex, Jacob, Declan, Shray, Aariyan, Anthony
• Silver: Hayder, James
• Gold + U11 A Group Winner: Krish
Congratulations to all our medal winners!
Warwickshire Primary Schools Team Championship – Hallfield Are Champions Again!
Just a few days later, on 1 March, Hallfield competed in the final of the Warwickshire Primary School Team Championship at Solihull School. Our team – Krish, Handuo, and Jasper – rose to the challenge against tough opposition from Warwick Junior/Prep, Blue Coat, and Solihull.
A special mention goes to Handuo, who won all 7 of his games on Board 2 – a phenomenal performance. Thanks to consistent, high-quality play, Hallfield were crowned Warwickshire School Champions once again!
Nine of our top chess players and mathematicians joined Mr Hewer and Mr Thomas for The Mathematics of the Chess Board lecture by Dr Candida Bowtell at the University of Birmingham.
The pupils did brilliantly to stay engaged with the challenging content, exploring deep mathematical ideas through the game they love. We hope they left inspired – ready to take on more chess moves and mathematical mysteries yet to be solved!
On Tuesday 21 January, we marked our 146th anniversary! For nearly a century and a half, Hallfield School has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young people in Edgbaston and beyond.
This year, we were delighted to celebrate our birthday with an opulent Founders Day Ball, hosted in partnership with our Parent Social Association. Current parents, staff, and Old Hallfieldians came together to pay tribute to those who came before and paved the way for the outstanding education and opportunities our children enjoy today.
As we look ahead to our landmark 150-year anniversary in 2029, we have ambitious plans to build an even better Hallfield!
Our Head and Deputy Head Pupils, along with the House Captains, also had the pleasure of joining Mrs Florida-James for a special Founders Day lunch.
We were thrilled to welcome back Cameron Fraser, an Old Hallfieldian, who spoke to our Year 6 and Senior pupils about his exciting career as a Forward Euro Interdealer Broker at RP Martin (part of BGC Partners).
Cameron has been in the industry for nearly 10 years, acting as the middleman between top investment banks such as Goldman Sachs, Citibank, HSBC, and JP Morgan. He shared fascinating insights into global trading and the perks of his role – including frequent trips to New York and Toronto!
READ MORE ABOUT CAMERON’S JOURNEY AND HIS TIME AT HALLFIELD:
We recently spoke to former teacher Mr Terry Stephens about his 30 years as a teacher at Hallfield.
When did you work at Hallfield? How did the school change during your time here?
I started in the September 1969 as the junior of three French teachers. At that time, there were about 230 boys (no girls) in the Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior Schools. About 30 of the Seniors were boarders - they were allowed home at weekends, but most stayed, so had to be “entertained” for the period. Most boys went to Edgbaston High School for swimming lessons on a Saturday, leaving just a few behind who had to make do with our improvised lessons! Day boys could opt to come in on a Saturday afternoon and join the boarders for sports, but once they committed to this, they were obliged to attend every Saturday. The number of boarders gradually diminished, so that it became unviable to pay kitchen staff to cook for them, and boarding ceased sometime in the 1970s, leading to a
five-day week. However, matches in the three sports football, rugby and cricket, continued to take place, home and away, on Saturday afternoons.
Which head masters did you serve under?
I served for the majority of my 30 years at the school under the headship of Raymond Hackett, who had been a pupil and teacher at the school prior to becoming Head in 1966. When he left due to illness in 1987, his deputy Michael Johnson, also a former pupil, took over for a short time. Thanks to Michael, I was promoted to Senior Master. For some years I had already been Head of Modern Languages. John Cringle was appointed Head and served for the next few years, during which time I was obliged to take voluntary retirement as many of the senior schools Hallfield served started offering places at the age of 11 instead of 14.
I taught mainly French, but introduced the boys to German and/or Spanish after they had sat their final exams at the school. When the school lost the year 7 and 8 pupils, I was asked to fill my time-table by teaching geography. What was strange about that was that I had actually dropped the subject in my third year of Grammar School to do Spanish! However, it was more general knowledge at the level I had to teach, and I quite enjoyed it, as it was a change from French. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons I coached football in the autumn, rugby in the spring and cricket in the summer terms. In my second year I took over the under-14 Football Team from Raymond Hackett, and ran it for 20 years. I was assistant to the rugby coaches for some of the time, and also in charge of the under 14 2Xll Cricket team. However, I was removed from this particular post after we had the nerve to win a match against Bromsgrove School, who had traditionally beaten us regularly!
My fondest memories are of how well most of the staff, which was ever-changing, got on together, and of many of the pupils. Due to the fact that I have now been retired from the school for nearly 25 years, many of my former colleagues have passed away, but I did keep in touch with quite a few. I have also met several former pupils, at Old Boys events and the parents of two of them live opposite me in Edgbaston. Unsurprisingly, due to the years I spent at Hallfield, in my latter years there, I was teaching the sons of former pupils. I am still in touch with Celia Hooper, who was a wonderful secretary during my last few years there. It is mainly thanks to her that I was able to find people to garden for when I left the school.
did you
Where were you
I grew up in Portsmouth, and still follow the fortunes of Pompey FC and Hants County Cricket Club. I believe I may have started school in the summer term of 1947, as I have no recollection of being in the Infants school for more than a few terms. In 1950, I moved across the road in the Stamshaw area of the city to the Boys Junior School. In 1953, having passed the 11+, I attended the Northern Grammar School for Boys, where I did my GCE (as it was in those days) “O” and “A” levels. In 1960 I went to Manchester University, where I studied mainly French, Latin and Spanish. Since the age of 13, I had always felt the desire to become a teacher, but after leaving university I had no luck getting a teaching post, so filled the time doing various jobs in Portsmouth. My father, who was a machinist in an engineering factory, got me a job in the inspection department. It was not the sort of work I had any knowledge of, but I quite enjoyed it, even seriously considering taking it up permanently. However, after an unsuccessful interview for another job, I happened to meet the vicar of the church in our road at a bus stop. We got
talking and I told him of my difficulties finding a job in a state school. He suggested buying the Times Educational Supplement newspaper and applying to private schools. So, in spite of the fact that I am a staunch atheist, it was down to him that I eventually managed to do what I had always wanted to do. I taught for brief periods in Hampshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Nottinghamshire before coming to Hallfield, which was obviously the best school I ever taught at!
When I left Hallfield at the age of 57, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue teaching, though I did seriously consider supply teaching. It occurred to me to become my own boss and do what I wanted to do day by day. So, I set myself up as a gardener and DIYer in and around Edgbaston and Harborne, and also, through my elder son-in-law, at a business premises in Aldridge. I was thus able to put my hobbies to good use for the next three years, until my Teachers Pension clicked in.
Have you been back to Hallfield since you left? How has it changed?
I have attended a couple of Open Evenings at Hallfield since leaving, and a couple of years ago I was invited to talk to the Reception Class about my time at the school. After the talk I was shown around the school. I could not believe what I saw and how much the school has changed! There are many, many more pupils and so many more activities. I was totally lost being shown around the various buildings, but could not fail to be impressed by what I saw.
you have any interesting
My hobbies are gardening, DIY, genealogy (I have traced my paternal line back to the 1600s), reading (in particular historical novels and biographies), and, even at the age of 82 I can manage a 20km cycle ride, though I have to own up to having bought myself an E-bike! A couple of years ago I bought a clarinet at an antiques fair. I learned the recorder whilst at Junior school and have always wanted a clarinet, but couldn’t afford one. So, now, after only 70+ years, I am teaching myself to play the instrument, and can knock out quite a few hits of the 1960s and 1970s!
Do you have any words of wisdom for current pupils?
What would I say to today’s pupils? I was always impressed by the teaching during my time at the school, but also the fact that sport and music were very much a part of the curriculum. From what I saw on my tour of the school recently, I would advise today’s pupils to take advantage of everything the school offers. It has always been my firm belief that not everyone needs to go to university to be successful in life. By their early teens, many children already have an idea of what they enjoy doing, and this should be pursued.
Alex in Year 3 recently dived into Swimathon 2025, completing an incredible 1.5km swim (60 lengths!) to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie. So far, he has raised an impressive £200 – a testament to his dedication and generous spirit.
A passionate swimmer, Alex combined his love of the sport with a commitment to giving back, making this his second Swimathon. This year, he took on the challenge as part of the Hallfield Challenge, showing true determination both in and out of the pool.
A huge well done to Alex for his fantastic effort – we’re proud of you!
Roshan and Rihaan embraced the volunteering section of the Hallfield Challenge with a shared passion to make a difference.
Through their efforts, they raised an incredible £388 for WellChild – enough to fund a piece of sensory equipment for a child’s garden as part of the Helping Hands project. Amazing work, Roshan and Rihaan!
isha has shown outstanding dedication to her Hallfield Challenge, putting in an incredible amount of effort across all areas.
As part of her volunteering, she’s been gaining hands-on experience in the health profession – distributing wellbeing baskets, designing bow ties, observing physiotherapy sessions, taking blood pressure, and more, all under supervision. Her teamwork, communication, and enthusiasm have truly stood out.
For her physical skill, Aisha has been doing CrossFit with her family every weekend, and her progress in home skills, school skills, and training for the walk is coming along brilliantly.
We are so proud of all that Aisha is achieving – well done!
As part of the Hallfield Challenge, our Seniors took on the Malvern Hills, putting their route-planning skills into action with a scenic 9.63km hike. Originally aiming for a 6-8km trek, their impressive navigation and teamwork allowed them to extend the journey for an even greater adventure!
Guiding Mrs Horner and Mr Wright through the planned route, students confidently checked their progress against the map while soaking in stunning views from British Camp on the Herefordshire Beacon. Their excellent pace led to an additional climb up Black Hill, offering breathtaking sights towards Pinnacle Hill.
A well-earned lunch break refuelled the group before they skilfully navigated back to the minibus. And, of course, Mrs Wright’s famous Rocky Road was the perfect treat to celebrate a successful day!
With fantastic weather, strong leadership, and even a helpful tug from Bruce, the day was a true testament to teamwork and resilience. Well done, everyone!
Please continue to send form tutors and Mr Dewhirst any photos or videos of your children doing their challenges: jdewhirst@hallfieldschool.co.uk
The Hallfield Parents’ Social Association (PSA) aims to encourage and facilitate parents and families to meet, learn from each other, form new friendships and
