Hallfield Focus Magazine Issue 12

HALLFIELD

ISSUE 12 AUTUMN 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE A NEW STAGE FOR HALLFIELD HALLFIELD MUSIC IN FULL SWING BIG BEN AND BIG ADVENTURES: Y6 LONDON RESIDENTIAL FROM HALLFIELD TO THE BALLOT BOX

Happy | Inspiring | Purposeful WWW.HALLFIELDSCHOOL.CO.UK

WELCOME

From the Head Master Dear Reader, Our pupils have been busier than ever. In this issue, you will read about sporting successes, artistic endeavours, musical achievements, chess triumphs, and impressive charity work in support of important causes - all alongside the day-to-day learning taking place in our classrooms.

We were delighted to unveil our new Multi-Purpose Hall, which has already proved to be a wonderful addition. Its versatility allows us to move seamlessly between a sports hall and a theatre, providing the perfect setting for assemblies, drama and music performances, and for Hallfield families to share these special moments from the audience.

The changing seasons also provide opportunities for memorable outdoor learning experiences. Whether

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exploring the mud kitchen in Foundation, making hot chocolate in Outdoor Skills Club in Prep, or enjoying bushcraft at the Seniors’ campout, we have made full use of our 22 acres to support a wide range of enriching activities.

I always look forward to the lead-up to Christmas and the many festive events it brings. Creativity shone through in our Christmas card design competition, and I was proud to send Adam’s wintry scene, featuring Santa driving the Hallfield minibus, on our official printed Christmas cards this year.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and successful 2026.

Keith Morrow Head Master

LEADERSHIP

MEET OUR HEAD CHILDREN

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e are excited to introduce the incredible leaders who will be guiding our school this year:

Senior Head Pupil: Qais Head Boy: Zachariah Head Girl: Amelie-Mia Deputy Head Boy: Rosh Deputy Head Girl: Isabella 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

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e 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.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

GOING FOR GOLD!

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ongratulations to our Pre-Prep & Prep Gold Card winners! Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off during the Autumn term!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

PRE-PREP GOLD CARD TREAT

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re-Prep pupils who earned their Gold Cards were treated to a special afternoon of watching Heffalump and enjoying some sweet treats from Mrs Sanderson - a well-deserved reward for all their hard work and wonderful behaviour!

PREP GOLD CARD TREAT

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ell done to all our Gold Card treat winners in Prep! They had a fantastic time making hot chocolate outside and enjoying delicious s’mores – a fitting reward for their hard work and brilliant effort!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

DIA DAZZLES AT THE RBSA EXHIBITION!

MEGNA PAINTS HER WAY TO THE TOP!

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reativity and talent shine brightly in Dia, whose artwork has earned her the title of RBSA Young Artist 2025! Selected for the 4–7 years age category of the RBSA Young Artist Prize Exhibition 2025, her piece was one of only 33 works displayed at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

Dia’s achievement has also been celebrated more widely, with features on BBC Midlands Breakfast and mentions by artist Ruth Millington in the Birmingham Post and Birmingham Live. We are delighted to celebrate Dia’s artistic success and the recognition she so richly deserves.

KING OF THE BOARD! AARIYAN WINS AT CHESS

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uge congratulations to our talented pupil, who has secured joint 1st place in the Under 8s British Chess Championship!

Chess is thriving at Hallfield, and Aariyan’s incredible achievement shows the focus, skill, and determination of our young players.

We’re so proud of our champion!

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e are proud to celebrate Megna, who has been recognised as an RBSA Young Artist 2025! Her artwork was selected for the RBSA Young Artist Prize Exhibition 2025 in the 4–6 years age category, one of only 33 pieces displayed at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. Megna’s creativity and talent have also been featured on BBC Midlands Breakfast, highlighting her remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud of her artistic success and delighted to share this wonderful news with our school community.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

WILLA’S FOOTBALL SUCCESS!

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ver the summer break, Willa travelled to Sweden to compete in the Gothia Cup – the largest youth football tournament in the world, featuring over 80 nations. It was a fantastic opportunity and an unforgettable experience for her.

Willa is now in her third season with the West Bromwich Albion Academy. Training six times a week, she continues to show remarkable dedication to football, and we look forward to seeing her development this year.

FROM HALLFIELD ENRICHMENT TO COUNTY SUCCESS

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e are delighted to celebrate Alex’s success as the county runner-up in the Warwickshire Junior Squash 2025 U9 Boys competition.

Alex has shown incredible progress since being introduced to squash through Hallfield Enrichment. This achievement not only highlights Alex’s talent and dedication but also reflects our commitment to offering pupils a broad range of experiences that inspire new passions and help them thrive both academically and beyond the classroom.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

PRIMARY MATHS CHALLENGE

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ell done to all our pupils who took part in this year’s Primary Maths Challenge – from Bronze to Silver to Gold, we are incredibly proud of every one of you!

Special congratulations go to our remarkable Year 3 pupil who achieved a Gold Certificate, marking the first time a pupil from Year 3 has reached this level – an outstanding milestone and one to watch for the future!

HALLFIELD SQUASH SUCCESS

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allfield pupils achieved fantastic success at the West Midlands Aspire Regional Squash Championships 2025.

Congratulations to Alex (Year 4) and George (Year 6) for their outstanding performances. Alex finished as runnerup in the U9 mixed category, while George claimed victory in the U11 boys category. Both players demonstrated remarkable skill, focus, and perseverance throughout a series of challenging matches.

The Aspire Championships form part of the England Talent Pathway, celebrating the dedication and talent of developing young players across the country. It is inspiring to see Hallfield pupils excelling at such a high level and representing the school with pride.

Well done, Alex and George — we are incredibly proud of your achievements!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

MATHS MASCOT T-SHIRT DESIGN COMPETITION

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ell done to the winners of this year’s Maths Mascot T-Shirt Design Competition! With around 100 entries submitted, the standard was incredibly high, making it a real challenge to choose. To help with the tough decisions, Mr Hewer enlisted the support of Mrs Kirby and Mr King as judges.

Every pupil who entered showed excellent effort and creativity, and merits have been awarded in recognition of this. Congratulations once again to our winners!

MEGNA’S SUCCESS AT THE NATIONAL READ ALOUD CHALLENGE 2025

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egna has been awarded as a regional winner in her age category in the National Read Aloud Challenge 2025!

The challenge, which ran from 1 July to 31 August, was open to children aged 3–15 across the UK and encouraged thousands of young readers to immerse themselves in books.

Megna began her challenge on 16 July and went on to achieve an incredible 4,930 minutes of reading across 471 books! Her outstanding results are: • 1 st place out of 257 participants in the West Midlands (5–7 years category)

• 3rd place out of 1,278 participants across all UK regions (5–7 years category) • 19th place out of 4,589 participants across all age groups nationwide.

What an amazing achievement – we are so proud of you, Megna!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

HEATHER MAKES WAVES AS FINALIST IN PRESTIGIOUS JUNIOR SWIMMING COMPETITION

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eather was selected as a finalist in the age 9 group for her swimming club, Orion, at the Nuneaton and District Junior Swimming League Division 1 Final. This junior competition is one of the most established in the Midlands, bringing together the top clubs to compete for the season’s championship. She competed with great determination and felt very honoured to represent her club.

She swam both individually in the breaststroke and butterfly events, as well as part of the relay team for breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle throughout the season, achieving excellent results for Orion.

COVER STAR, BAS!

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e were delighted to see Bas on the autumn cover of Connect, the National Deaf Children’s Society magazine!

Bas was chosen to share his inspiring story after raising money for the NDCS as part of the Hallfield Challenge in Year 3. His dedication and generosity continue to make us all so proud.

COMMEMORATING VE DAY 8TH MAY 1945 – 2025

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ur Hallfield community came together to remember VE Day with a special ceremony.

The children proudly raised the flag and sang God Save the King, reflecting on the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. Thomas Franks, our in-house catering team, treated us to a feast fit for a king!

AARIYAN MAKES WARWICKSHIRE U10 COUNTY CRICKET TEAM

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e are thrilled to share that Aariyan has been selected for the Under-10 Hardball Cricket Warwickshire County Team!

Remarkably, Aariyan is one of the youngest players to join, having only turned 8 recently.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

LUCAS AND TEAM STRIKE GOLD AT RGS FENCING GALA!

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ur pupil, Lucas, attended the RGS Fencing Gala in Worcester. It was his first experience of team fencing, and we’re delighted to share that his team performed brilliantly and won the Under 12 Foil!

A fantastic achievement and a great demonstration of teamwork and skill!

SAHIBA’S HALLFIELD CHALLENGE: SUPPORTING AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS

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huge thank you to everyone who supported our Year 2 pupil, Sahiba, who ran a tea and coffee stall outside the main office on 2–3 December to raise awareness for Autism West Midlands. This cause is very close to Sahiba’s heart, as both of her sisters have autism, and through her Hallfield Challenge, she wanted to help others understand and support children like them.

We are thrilled to share that Sahiba raised an incredible £1,700, far exceeding her £100 target! Along the way, Sahiba and her Mum had wonderful conversations with parents and staff, highlighting how many people are touched by autism and encouraging greater awareness and support.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

A NEW STAGE FOR HALLFIELD

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ur brand-new theatre hall, unveiled as part of Phase 1 of our development, is already proving to be a wonderful addition to school life. This multi-purpose facility provides the perfect space for assemblies, drama, and music performances, giving our pupils a dedicated environment to express their creativity and build confidence. Beyond performances, it will also play an important role in enhancing learning, offering children the opportunity to develop vital skills in communication, collaboration, and self-expression. Then roll away the seats and draw back the curtains and it transforms back into our expansive sports hall.

YEARS OF DEDICATION, DECADES OF IMPACT

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e rang in the new academic year by recognising the incredible dedication of our staff with long service awards. Congratulations to:

5 Years of Service: Ms Williams, Mr Hewer, Mrs de Polo, and Ms Travkina.

10 Years of Service: Ms Jackson and Mrs Surr.

30 Glorious Years of Service: Mrs Kirby.

Thank you all for your commitment, passion, and loyalty – you make Hallfield the special place it is!

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SPECIAL FEATURES

SHARING LUNCH, SHARING MOMENTS

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arents and children across Hallfield have been enjoying the wonderful opportunity to share lunch together, spending quality time and strengthening that special bond between home and school. Over delicious food and lively conversation, it’s been heartwarming to see so many smiles and connections made.

These shared lunches are a lovely reminder of what makes our community so special – time together, laughter, and the joy of Hallfield friendship.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

5 YEARS OF GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP

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e’re delighted to share that our Head Master, Mr Keith Morrow, has received his 5-Year Membership Award from Vistage UK, a professional network for CEOs and senior leaders dedicated to growth, learning, and effective leadership.

Mr Morrow’s continued involvement enables him to further strengthen his leadership within the Hallfield School Trust, helping Hallfield continue to grow as a Happy, Inspiring and Purposeful place for pupils and staff alike.

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

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onjour, Hello, Hola, Ciao, Merhaba, Hallo! On European Day of Languages, Mrs Wright, our Head of MFL, spoke about the importance of the day, especially for bilingual pupils, whose brains get an extra workout from speaking multiple languages!

Pupils were treated to an engaging reading of Little Red Riding Hood in German, Italian, Turkish, and Spanish by four wonderful children from Prep and Seniors. The day was full of learning new words, exploring different cultures, and enjoying a delicious lunch, where all pupils tried their best to say “thank you” in a European language to our amazing catering team.

Children in Year 2 to Year 8 were also treated to a wonderful theatre performance of The Secret Garden, which brought the story to life and added to the celebrations of language, literature, and culture.

European Day of Languages reminds us that every language opens a new world! In 2025, the theme, “Languages open hearts and minds,” highlights the power of languages to connect us, inspire new ideas, and broaden horizons.

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SPECIAL FEATURES

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2025

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orld Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of looking after our wellbeing. At Hallfield, we believe mental health matters every single day.

We support our pupils through pastoral care, personal tutor sessions, mindfulness activities, and open conversations, ensuring every child feels valued, heard, and supported. Our Wellbeing Room provides a calm, safe space where pupils can take a moment for themselves, reflect, or talk through any worries.

By nurturing resilience, empathy, and self-confidence, we help our pupils thrive both academically and personally, creating a school community where positive mental health can flourish every day.

We came together in our Wellbeing Room with pupils from Pre-Prep, Prep and Seniors to talk about why mental health matters.

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

Together, we filled our Gratitude Jar with colourful affirmations and thankful thoughts - small words that make a big difference.

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

HALLFIELD SCHOOL DIGITAL MANIFESTOS

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t Hallfield, we believe technology is a powerful learning tool – but it’s important to use it responsibly. Our Digital Manifestos show how pupils can use devices positively, both in school and at home.

Take a look at the age-appropriate goals for Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior pupils and explore how your family can adopt healthy digital habits together.

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

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SPECIAL FEATURES

HAPPY GURPURAB!

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rs Jhutti and some of our pupils from Pre-Prep and Prep led a truly wonderful assembly on Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his Gurpurab (birthday/ special day), which took place on 5th November. They took us on a thoughtful journey, teaching us about some of the important lessons Guru Nanak Ji shared during his lifetime – including kindness, equality, and selfless service to others.

We also reflected on how Sikhs today continue to live by these teachings, showing compassion and generosity through acts of seva (selfless service) within their communities and beyond.

A huge well done to all the pupils who took part – you taught us so much and shared these values beautifully. And to those who celebrated the day – Happy Gurpurab!

HALLFIELD CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION 2025

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e are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Hallfield School Christmas Card Competition! With over 70 entries from talented artists across the school, the judges had a difficult choice to make.

Congratulations to Adam in Year 5, whose design of a wintery scene featuring Santa driving the Hallfield minibus was chosen as the overall winner! Adam wins the coveted prize of having his artwork printed and used as the school’s official hard copy Christmas card this year.

We also want to celebrate our other winners: Che in Year 1, whose card featured a collage reindeer and bold colours, and Tanvi in Year 6 who drew Ginny the dog in festive headwear!

VIEW THE GALLERY OF CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGNS HERE:

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SPECIAL FEATURES

NETBALLERS SHINE AT SERENA GUTHRIE COACHING DAY

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n November, our U11 and U13 girls’ netball teams enjoyed a truly inspiring day at Shrewsbury School, where they took part in a specialist coaching experience hosted by former England Netball Captain, Serena Guthrie.

The girls were warmly welcomed with breakfast pastries and drinks before gathering for an introductory talk about the day ahead and the excitement rose as they were introduced to Serena herself.

The programme was split into two coaching sessions, each containing a series of focused skill stations led by Shrewsbury’s coaching team alongside Serena.

Throughout the day, the players developed a range of technical and tactical skills including using a roll to beat a defender, balance and strength drills, effective use of space, and small-team game strategies. The girls embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity.

The afternoon concluded with mini tournaments for both age groups. Each team played six fast-paced, five-minute matches against visiting schools. The U13s were then treated to an additional coaching session with Serena, while the U11s enjoyed a special Q&A, asking thoughtful questions about Serena’s career, her experiences on and off the court, her retirement, and her advice for aspiring young athletes.

In a final gathering for thanks and presentations, our teams were thrilled to learn of their impressive results: the U11s finished 3rd overall in their tournament, and the U13s secured a strong 2nd place finish. To top off a fantastic day, the Hallfield U11s were awarded “Team of the Day” in recognition of the girls’ exemplary attitude to learning, their progress throughout the sessions, and their outstanding behaviour and presented with a trophy.

It was a memorable and motivating experience for all involved, and we are incredibly proud of the way our pupils represented Hallfield.

Mrs Rippington, Head of PE, Sport & Physical Wellbeing

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SPECIAL FEATURES

RESIDENTIALS

BIG BEN & BIG ADVENTURES: YEAR 6 LONDON RESIDENTIAL

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ear 6 had a thrilling London Residential including visits to the Natural History Museum, where they delved into the wonders of the natural world and Madame Tussauds, where they rubbed shoulders with lifelike wax figures of celebrities. The exploration continued at Harry Potter World, immersing themselves in the enchanting world of magic and film. Thank you to our wonderful staff: Mr Lowe, Mr Neale, Mrs Woolley, Mrs Horner & Mrs Wright, for looking after our pupils!

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READ ALL ABOUT THEIR RESIDENTIAL AND SEE THE WONDERFUL GALLERY OF PHOTOS!

HALLFIELD FIRST – WHAT’S NEW?

LITTLE DOTS PLAY VILLAGE COME TO HALLFIELD

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ur little ones in Oaks (Hallfield First) and Foundation had a delightful time playing in Little Dots Play Village!

LEARNING THROUGH REMEMBRANCE

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eeches have been learning about ‘Remembrance Day’.

They decorated poppies in a range of ways using paint, crayons and by gluing and sticking.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

PRE-PREP CHOIR

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inging has taken centre stage for Pre-Prep, who are enjoying their new choir sessions with Mrs Mapp.

FOUNDATION ADVENTURES IN LEARNING

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ur Foundation pupils have been busy exploring both inside and outside the classroom! Through outdoor learning, they’ve been developing curiosity, teamwork, and problemsolving skills while engaging with the natural world.

Indoors, they’ve enjoyed a variety of creative and practical activities; from building and role play to early literacy and numeracy games.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 1’S ADVENTURE AT CONKERS!

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ur Year 1 children had a wonderful day at Conkers! They explored the outdoors, took part in a bug-themed workshop, and enjoyed plenty of adventure. A big thank you to everyone who helped make the trip so memorable!

RCM HUNTS FOR CONKERS!

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CM enjoyed a conker hunt around the school grounds!

The children collected so many conkers from the ground and even opened some of the shells to discover more fresh shiny conkers. They also found a little ladybird friend – it was so much fun.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

COLOUR MONSTER IN RECEPTION

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n Reception the children have been focusing on the story of the Colour Monster. Each feeling is represented by a colour.

The children created their very own feelings jars to represent how they are feeling.

RECEPTION FUN IN THE HOME CORNER

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SP children had a wonderful time dressing up for dinner and roleplaying cooking in the home corner.

These imaginative activities not only spark creativity but also help develop social and communication skills, all while having lots of fun!

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

FSK OUTDOOR LEARNING IN THE MUD KITCHEN

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SK had a fantastic time in the Mud Kitchen, using natural materials to create their own magical potions. The children explored different scents, making and smelling a variety of “perfumes,” and enjoyed lots of hands-on, creative fun in the outdoors.

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

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t was spooky in Foundation! Our little artists have been busy making mummies using tape - carefully wrapping and sticking it onto their pictures and creating sparkly pumpkin decorations by scrunching tissue paper and adding a sprinkle of glitter!

They’ve loved getting creative with all things Halloween.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

ARLO THE ARMADILLO TEACHES ALLERGY AWARENESS

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rs Woolley led a special assembly for Reception to Year 2 on the importance of allergy awareness.

The children were introduced to Arlo the Armadillo, a friendly character who has allergies and has just started school. Through Arlo’s story, pupils learned what an allergy is, how to help friends who have them, and how to show empathy and understanding.

Some of our own pupils with allergies felt confident enough to share their experiences, including the medicines they need to stay safe at school.

Arlo was an instant hit – the children can’t wait to see more of his school adventures next term!

Mrs Woolley also taught them a new song to sing while washing their hands, reminding everyone to only eat and touch their own food so we can all keep each other safe.

FSK’S FIRST DANCE LESSON

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SK enjoyed their very first dance sessions with Miss Sam in Foundation! The lessons began with a lively song all about different body parts, before moving on to some familiar favourites, including Dingle Dangle Scarecrow.

The children had great fun using egg shakers to explore a new song — shaking them fast, slow, and in all different directions! To finish, they danced beautifully with colourful scarves, bringing the session to a joyful close.

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EXPLORING EMOTIONS THROUGH MUSIC

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n music, Reception children explored different emotions in their music lesson. They sang about feeling happy, sad, and excited – helping them connect with their feelings in a fun and musical way.

PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

FROM STICKS TO HOMES

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SP had a wonderful time in Outdoor Learning, exploring the many ‘forest treasures’ to be found. The children collected sticks, acorns, leaves and flowers, and then put their discoveries to good use by building imaginative homes for ants and foxes.

COUNTING 1-2-3

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n Maths, Foundation children have been exploring the numbers 1 to 3, developing a deeper understanding of their value and meaning. They will continue to strengthen their number skills through daily activities, including counting, representing, and reading numbers at the start of each day.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

A COLOURFUL AUTUMN AT HOLIDAY CLUB

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ur Holiday Club children were busy little adventurers during the autumn season!

They set off on nature walks to collect colourful leaves, which they transformed into beautiful autumn wreaths. Their curiosity came alive during a special autumn-themed colourdiffusing science experiment, and their creativity shone through as they crafted stunning Diwali divas and thoughtful Remembrance Day poppy windmills.

A MUSICAL TREAT FOR YEAR 1

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uring their music lesson, Year 1 pupils were treated to a special accordion performance by a talented Year 6 musician. It was a wonderful opportunity for our younger pupils to be inspired by music — and by the talents of their peers!.

PRE-PREP PUPILS LEARN ABOUT GERMS AND HYGIENE

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ur Pre-Prep pupils loved a fun assembly on germs and hygiene, led by Governor and parent Rakhi and her colleague Rabia, both pharmacists. They learned how germs spread, the importance of good hygiene, proper handwashing (singing “Happy Birthday” twice!), and how to catch a sneeze and a cough safely.

A big thank you to Rakhi and Rabia for making the session so engaging and memorable!

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

LEARNING THROUGH REMEMBRANCE

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SP used a variety of different media such as short films, online journals and pictures to talk about why we celebrate Remembrance Day. They also had a go at painting their own freehand poppies and using plastic bottles for our display.

LITTLE CHEFS, BIG CELEBRATIONS

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n Outdoor Learning, Foundation children had a wonderful time exploring the mud kitchen with a creative twist! They made all sorts of imaginative “food” to celebrate a whole host of special occasions – Bonfire Night, Miss Smith’s birthday, Halloween, Diwali, and Guru Nanak’s birthday! It was a fantastic way for the children to learn about different celebrations while developing their sensory and social skills in the great outdoors.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

FOUNDATION CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP

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ecember was filled with festive joy as we hosted our delightful Christmas craft workshops for our Foundation pupils and parents! Together, they created snowmen cards, charming gingerbread men and sparkling robin 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!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

SCIENCE IN ACTION

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ear 4 became scientists!

They’ve been investigating whether everyday items are solids or liquids, with some surprising discoveries along the way!

YEAR 3 GET HANDS-ON WITH SOIL SCIENCE!

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ear 3 explored the fascinating world beneath their feet by investigating different types of soil.

They got hands-on, feeling the textures, and used magnifying glasses to examine the tiny details hidden within each sample.

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

A SWEET SCIENCE LESSON

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ear 4 explored the melting points of different materials including white and milk chocolate.

This was done by putting chocolate in water of different temperatures to see if it would melt.

They had a fun lesson and even got to enjoy some chocolate at the end.

YEAR 4 BECOME ELECTRICIANS

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n Science, Year 4 became electricians and made circuits including bulbs and motors!

SEWING CLUB IN ACTION

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n Sewing Club, pupils have been practising their running stitch – one of the first steps in learning the art of sewing. With plenty of concentration (and lots of smiles), the children showed great patience and creativity as they worked on their pieces. It’s wonderful to see their confidence grow with each stitch!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

A TASTE OF HOT CHOCOLATE

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ear 5 pupils enjoyed making hot chocolate as part of their Outdoor Skills session with Mr Wright. Their patience was certainly tested while waiting for the milk to boil before adding the cocoa powder, but the reward was worth it! Nothing beats a warm cup of cocoa in the great outdoors.

ROCK SOLID SCIENCE AND COOL DISCOVERIES!

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ear 3 have been exploring different types of rock and investigating which would make the best material for roof tiles, with a focus on testing their absorbency.

Meanwhile, Year 4 have been learning about temperature and how it is measured. Using a range of equipment, they tested temperatures around the school – and even measured their own! They also observed an “ice hand” during one of the days, noting how it changed over time.

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 3 STEP INTO THE STONE AGE

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ear 3 have been exploring the Stone Age in Humanities this term. In Outdoor Learning they were transported back in time and were given the task to use the outdoor environment to create Stone Age related art.

SPOOKY STRINGS IN ACTION

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rep pupils had a fantastic time composing a Halloween-inspired piece during their cello lesson with Mrs Mulenga.

YEAR 6 HABLA ESPAÑOL

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ear 6 pupils have been busy preparing for their Spanish speaking assessments, finding quiet spaces around the school to record their spoken Spanish. It’s wonderful to see their dedication and confidence growing as they practise their language skills!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 4 VISIT THE MOSQUE

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ear 4 pupils had an inspiring morning at Birmingham Central Mosque. Guided by the wonderful Mr Alam, the children learned about the Five Pillars of Islam, explored the Main Prayer Hall, and even practised some Arabic!

Our pupils were respectful, curious, and full of thoughtful questions – a credit to Hallfield.

A huge thank you to Mr Alam for his excellent teaching and to Birmingham Central Mosque for welcoming us so warmly.

DARRELL WAKELAM ART WORKSHOP

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ear 5 participated in a 3D sculpture workshop with artist Darrell Wakelam. They explored card modelling techniques to begin 3D portraits of famous medieval monarchs in a cross-curricular History and Art project! The children have been working in small teams to share ideas, experiment with techniques and problem solve to build their particular monarch. The pupils have had great fun developing their ideas and will continue to work on them in their art lessons.

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 4 RADIO ENRICHMENT

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ear 4 enjoyed an exciting hour-and-a-half enrichment session in the radio studio! Working in small groups, pupils created their very own podcast all about Guy Fawkes – a fantastic way to bring history to life through storytelling and sound.

YEAR 3 VISIT THINKTANK

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ear 3 pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to the Thinktank Museum to deepen their understanding of rocks and fossils, as part of their current science topic.

They explored the Wildlife and Marine Worlds galleries, discovering fascinating fossils and skeletons, including a Jurassic Crocodile and a Giant Deer. The highlight for many was the fossil workshop, where pupils took part in hands-on activities — and one even had the chance to become a fossil!

The adventure continued in the Science Garden, where pupils experimented with renewable energy in Energise, powered the 8m-high Terminus machine in Mechanise, and even rode a wagon with square wheels in Mobilise!

It was a fantastic, hands-on day of discovery that truly brought their classroom learning about rocks, fossils, and the history of our planet to life.

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

OUTDOOR SKILLS CAMPOUT

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n October, Prep pupils enjoyed a wonderful campout experience as part of Outdoor Skills Club.

An enthusiastic group of children spent the evening playing outdoors, exploring nature, and sharing supper around the fire.

After some stick hunting, everyone wound down with hot chocolate and marshmallows, the perfect end to a fun-filled evening (and we do hope they slept well!).

SHADOW HUNTERS IN YEAR 3

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ear 3 continued their work exploring shadows and how they are made. They became shadow hunters and went outside to take pictures of their shadow.

They then discussed the similarities and differences between themselves and their shadows.

RADIO CLUB – LIVE LOUNGE

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allfield listeners were treated to the first instalment of a play written by Adesh in Year 5. New club members, who meet every Tuesday lunch time, presented and produced the show themselves including topical tunes from the charts and even a Q and A session with the playwright himself at the end of the show!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

RAIN, FIRE, AND FRIENDSHIP

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eniors marked their return to school with a two-day Camp Out adventure packed with teamwork, creativity, and plenty of outdoor fun.

From bushcraft activities, flag designing, and whittling sticks for marshmallow toasting, to pitching tents and cooking on the campfire, the pupils threw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm. Team-building games such as Capture the Flag and a den-building competition brought out their competitive spirit, while the evening was spent sharing stories, singing songs, and enjoying hot chocolate around the fire.

Friday continued the outdoor theme with a scavenger hunt, survival skills, and creative paracord bracelet making, before the camp wrapped up with journal reflections and one final campfire. Despite a little rain, smiles never left their faces – a true testament to their resilience and teamwork!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

SENIORS TAKE THEIR FIRST SWING!

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ear 7 and 8 pupils had an amazing first golf lesson at Edgbaston Golf Club!

They’ve started learning putting techniques and other golf skills with specialist coaches, and we can’t wait to see their progress over the coming weeks. A fantastic start to their new PE adventure!

SENIORS SPEAK! KICKS OFF WITH THOUGHT-PROVOKING PRESENTATIONS

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his term marked the launch of our Seniors Speak! presentations, giving pupils the opportunity to deliver short talks in pairs on a topic of their choice. Throughout the term, all Year 7 and 8 pupils will take to the stage to develop their public speaking skills and build confidence in front of an audience.

The first presentation, on the fascinating theme of extinct animals, was delivered by Qais and Jai – an engaging start to what promises to be a series of insightful and inspiring talks!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

SENIORS’ EXPERIENCE DAY

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e welcomed pupils to our Seniors’ Experience Day, giving them the chance to step into life as a Hallfield Senior.

They immersed themselves in a variety of exciting subjects, from tackling a real-world toy design challenge in Design & Technology inspired by Yoto, to exploring the joy of languages through games, role play and a taste of Spanish culture in Modern Foreign Languages.

In Drama, pupils devised original theatre pieces from props and imagination, while in Science they investigated the energy in different foods to discover the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up snack.

Pupils also enjoyed lunch alongside our existing Seniors, offering a true insight into Hallfield life both inside and outside the classroom. It was a day full of creativity, curiosity and innovation – and a wonderful glimpse of the opportunities that await in our Senior School.

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 7 UNLOCKS TREASURE TROVE OF MEMORIES

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ear 7 enjoyed a wonderful afternoon sharing their Memory Boxes as part of their Speaking and Listening assessment. Each box was carefully filled with personal treasures and special memories, which pupils spoke about with thought and detail. A big thank you to Year 7 for sharing such meaningful stories with us!

A FOCUS ON WORLD FOOD DAY

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he Seniors Speak assemblies provide pupils with a platform to develop their oracy, research, and presentation skills. Each session gives pupils the opportunity to lead engaging talks on topics that inspire them.

The girls in 7LR chose World Food Day as their focus, sharing thoughtful insights into global food issues and involving the audience in an interactive food quiz.

Well done to Willa, Adeena, and Mariia for an informative and engaging presentation!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

POPCORN FUNDRAISER

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ur Seniors got creative at break by selling small bags of popcorn to raise funds for their exciting garden project. Thanks to their efforts, they raised £378.78, taking them one step closer to buying the tools and equipment they need to bring their plans to life – and everyone enjoyed a tasty treat along the way!

YEAR 8 DISCOVER THE SCIENCE BEHIND HEALTHY EATING

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s part of their ‘Healthy Lifestyles’ topic, Year 8 have been exploring nutrition, food tests and an unhealthy diet. They worked scientifically to explore the energy content of several different foods.

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

A FESTIVE EVENING AT SELLY MANOR

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ear 7 had a fantastic evening at Selly Manor where they enjoyed a truly captivating one-man performance of A Christmas Carol by Behind the Door Productions. The historic setting made the experience even more atmospheric, and pupils were completely immersed in the storytelling – from the joy and humour to the darker, reflective moments of Dickens’ timeless tale.

It was a wonderful festive experience, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season and leaving everyone feeling inspired and full of Christmas cheer!

HALLFIELD SENIORS BAND!

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e now have our first ever Seniors band, led by Mr Hewer!

We can’t wait to hear them perform!

HALLFIELD FESTIVITIES WITH SENIORS

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ur Seniors have been busy decorating their school tree, beginning a new tradition of adding their own special ornaments each year.

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PERFORMING ARTS

MIDLAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT

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e were delighted to welcome the Midland Chamber Orchestra (MCO), our Orchestra in Residence, for our Welcome Back Concert. The evening was the perfect way to start the year, showcasing the incredible talent of our own pupils alongside the exceptional musicians of MCO. It truly was a memorable celebration of music to launch the new term.

LIGHTING, MOVEMENT AND IMAGINATION

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ur pupils made their debut in the Multi-Purpose Hall, experimenting with lighting effects to enhance their performances. They’ve been exploring physical theatre, bringing an abstract nightmare vividly to life on stage.

SPECIAL VISITOR FOR ORCHESTRA

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e were thrilled to have William Cheung (OH 1991-99), join anorchestra rehearsal as our Orchestra in Residence mentor, guiding and working alongside the children.

What a wonderful way to wrap up the half-term for this ensemble!

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PERFORMING ARTS

TEATIME CONCERT

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ell done to all our pupils who performed in the Teatime Concert!

Your dedication, confidence, and musical talent shone through – it was a real treat to see your hard work come to life in such wonderful performances.

HALLFIELD’S WINTER MUSICAL CELEBRATION

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READ THE FULL BLOG POST TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS!

allfield’s Winter Concert was a hit! From Year 3 strings to the Swing Bands and Snare Drum Corps, our pupils’ musical skills truly shone.

A night full of talent, rhythm and applause!

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

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PERFORMING ARTS

TOP 40 YOUNG DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

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mpressive work from our talented Year 7 student, James, who has made it into the Top 40 Young Drummer of the Year in the UK – for the second year in a row!

This year, James created his entire solo entry completely on his own, without any help from his drum teacher. Take a look at his incredible performance!

RECEPTION’S HUSHABY NATIVITY

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eception’s Hushaby Nativity was a joy to watch! The animals in the stable tried to stay quiet as a very special baby was born, while a bright Shiny Star and singing shepherds added to the excitement. A beautiful lullaby brought the perfect calm, with our youngest children shining through singing and acting.

A huge thank you to our parents for helping the children learn their lines, and to our wonderful Reception teachers and assistants for all their support.

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HAVE A WATCH HERE:

PERFORMING ARTS

HALLFIELD MUSIC IN FULL SWING

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hat a term it has been for music at Hallfield, with some fantastic performances! The Brass Concert, Woodwind Showcase, and Music Scholars’ Concert all took place in one gloriously musical week, each celebrating the pupils’ talent, hard work, and dedication.

December’s Mid-Year Concert was a wonderful winter musical celebration. The event showcased an impressive array of talent, featuring Year 3 string players, the Swing Bands, the Snare Drum Corps, and the school orchestras.

The audience enjoyed an evening of exceptional performances, where the dedication and effort of our pupils were evident in every note. From the delicate harmonies of the string players to the energetic rhythms of the snare drum corps, the concert was a true celebration of musical skill and passion.

Every child has come so far since last year; improvements in confidence, skill, and musicality were clear in every performance. From soloists to ensembles, our young musicians shone brightly on stage at every opportunity.

We’re so proud of all the pupils who performed and of the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the audience. It’s clear that music at Hallfield continues to inspire and nurture creativity across the school. We were also delighted that so many families, friends, and staff came together to support our young musicians.

For insights and photos from the concerts, check out our blog post!

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

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FORM ASSEMBLIES

7LR

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6AN

FORM ASSEMBLIES

6WW

8AS

4SH

2NC

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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 2025

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his 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.

Thanks to their efforts and the support of the community, they are well on their way to reaching their fundraising goal, helping Monarch’s Mutts continue its vital work.

Well done to both of them for making such a difference!

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CHARITY

CHILDREN IN NEED DAY

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t Hallfield School, we were proud to support Children in Need 2025!

Together, we raised £251.55 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!

YEAR 1 CHRISTINGLE SERVICE

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delightfully 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.

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CHESS

HALLFIELD SCHOOL CHESS AUTUMN TERM 2025

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hat a fantastic (and busy) start to the school year it has been for our brilliant squad of chess players!

They’ve competed against secondary school teams, gone head-to-head against Old Hallfieldians, gained medals in championships, represented the county and qualified for the IAPS Online Championship! Read on for the highlights:

Birmingham and District Junior Chess League 2025/2026 This league sees the Hallfield teams compete against secondary school U13 teams made up of players from Years 7 and 8. In the first event, our team of Krish, Handuo, Aariyan and Jasper finished 2nd in a field of 20 teams just behind King Edward’s Camp Hill. In the second event, with our team of Krish, Handuo, Anthony and Jasper, we were 3rd out of the 18 teams just behind teams from Solihull School and Camp Hill. A great start to the league against exclusively older players.

County Chess Stars The following players were chosen to represent Warwickshire in a county event in November: Krish, Handuo, Jasper, Anthony, Roshan, Zain Y, Kenenna, Aariyan, Alex T, Declan, James T, Jacob X, Mahi. Wow!

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CHESS

Warwickshire Junior Chess Championships Once again we had a great turnout at the county championships and some fantastic results. Winning medals were: U8 bronze – Jacob X U10 bronze – Kenenna, Alex R, James T, Declan, Shray, Aariyan U10 silver – Anthony T U12 silver – Krish

Old Hallfieldians Krish won the Old Hallfieldian Blitz Chess Tournament ahead of past and present chess stars. Tournament winner Krish played an exhibition game against the chess coach, Mr Thomas, and after a tense struggle Mr Thomas was relieved to emerge the winner!

The Birmingham Junior Open Chess Championships Congratulations to the Hallfield players who won medals: Alex R, Shray, Jacob Y, George W and Jacob X. Our top scorer and emerging talent was Kenenna who won the U11 D section with 4.5/5. Well done, a great achievement.

IAPS Online Championship – Qualification Under 9 Our players were magnificent and finished in first qualification place and will compete in the final in June.

The outstanding player was Alex T who won all of his games in great style and finished on an unbelievable 26 points.

Under 13 Unfortunately our Y6 players were away on a trip when the qualification tournament took place which meant that 3 out of our 4 best players were unavailable. Nevertheless, the other players refused to be denied and had a brilliant tournament finishing in 4th place and therefore qualifying for the final when we hope to have a full-strength squad.

Our top scorer was Roshan with 18 points, well done.

Adult Chess Events Some of our players are so good that they compete in adult chess events. Well done to Krish, Jasper, Aariyan and Anthony.

What a fantastic (and busy) start to the school year for our brilliant squad of chess players.

Mr Thomas Hallfield Chess Coach

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OLD HALLFIELDIANS

FROM HALLFIELD TO THE BALLOT BOX!

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enry Ballinger-Reed, a proud member of Hallfield School’s class of 2020, has been successfully voted in as the Youth Police and Crime Commissioner for Birmingham West and Central. Returning to Hallfield whilst campaigning, Henry met Mr Morrow and Hallfield Seniors students to share his journey and encourage students to get involved in the democratic process.

READ MORE ABOUT HIS VISIT HERE:

OLD HALLFIELDIANS RETURN FOR TEA AND A TOUR

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e were delighted to welcome back two Old Hallfieldians for a special Tea and Tour. Our guests, Keith Glenn (Old Hallfieldian 1951–57) and Professor Keith Uff, former Chair of Governors, returned to see how the school has developed over the years.

During a guided tour, which showcased the many recent developments and improvements across the school site, both guests enjoyed reminiscing about their time at Hallfield and sharing stories.

READ MORE ABOUT THE TEA & TOUR HERE:

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OLD HALLFIELDIANS

OLD HALLFIELDIAN BLITZ CHESS

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n Tuesday 7 October, we hosted our annual Old Hallfieldian Blitz Chess Tournament, welcoming alumni of all ages back to challenge our current chess talent. It’s always a favourite in the Old Hallfieldian calendar, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint! The matches were fast-paced and full of excitement, with Hallfield Chess Coaches Mr Thomas and Mr Holowczak, and Arbiter Miss Patel keeping a close eye on the action.

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FRIENDS OF HALLFIELD

READ MORE HERE:

A FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

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rom the moment guests arrived, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. The evening began with glow juggling and stilt walking, setting the scene for what was to come.

Families then headed to the field to explore a fantastic range of stalls and delicious food options, while the atmosphere built in anticipation of the main event.

This year, we were thrilled to introduce a brand-new addition – a roaring bonfire! The crackling flames provided the perfect backdrop for families to gather, chat, and soak up the festive atmosphere while keeping warm throughout the evening.

As night fell, the entertainment truly ignited – quite literally! A talented fire dancer mesmerised the crowd with twirling flames, while fearless jugglers defied gravity and daringly tossed flaming torches into the air. There was even a thrilling moment of fire eating, which drew gasps and cheers from the audience!

The mild, clear weather made it the perfect evening for fireworks, and the display did not disappoint.

Watching the sky light up with colour and sparkle and seeing the awe on the children’s faces – was pure joy. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable evening.

A big thank you to all our vendors who kept everyone fed and watered, and to our wonderful PSA bar for keeping spirits high.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise, set up, and run the event so smoothly. Your hard work and enthusiasm ensured everything went off with a bang!

Fireworks Night remains one of Hallfield’s most loved community traditions, and we’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and brighter!

HISTORY CAME ALIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN!

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hank you to everyone who joined us on Friday 19 September for our Back-to-School Open Air Cinema!

Families and friends enjoyed a late summer evening with Night at the Museum, balloon modelling, jokes from Roy’s Magic Party, and delicious treats from the PSA bar, La-Pop, Really Awesome Coffee, and Johal Catering.

It was a wonderful night, made possible with your amazing support. Read the full blog and view the photo gallery to relive the fun!

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READ MORE HERE:

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Our dedicated team of chefs, event managers, and service staff work with you to create a truly bespoke experience.

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PSA

A SPOOKTACULAR CELEBRATION!

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huge thank you to our wonderful PSA Committee and volunteers for putting together such an amazing Halloween Party! The effort, creativity, and community spirit were truly fantastic.

Thanks also to Johal Catering for the delicious food!

We’re so grateful for all the hard work that makes Hallfield events so special.

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STAY IN TOUCH

For the latest information on upcoming events, check your iSams calendar.

We hope you enjoyed Hallfield Focus!

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@HallfieldSchool Hallfield School

Happy | Inspiring | Purposeful

48 Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3SJ. Telephone: 0121 454 1496. Email: office@hallfieldschool.co.uk

www.hallfieldschool.co.uk