Hallfield Focus Magazine Issue 13

HALLFIELD

ISSUE 13 SPRING 2026

INSIDE THIS ISSUE CELEBRATING OUR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY MRS WOOLLEY: 30 YEARS AT HALLFIELD WORLD BOOK DAY BRINGS STORIES ALIVE UNFORGETTABLE ROME RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE

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

WELCOME

From the Head Master Dear Parents, Welcome to this latest edition of Hallfield Focus. This term has been a particularly positive one for the school, not least because of the many new families who have joined our community. It has been a pleasure to see how quickly they have settled into life at Hallfield and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our pupils for the warmth, kindness and inclusivity they have shown. The way in which our children welcome others speaks volumes about the culture of the school.

This edition also gives us an opportunity to recognise a truly significant milestone. Mrs Woolley celebrates 30 years of dedicated service to Hallfield and her contribution over that time has been exceptional. She embodies the care, commitment and continuity that underpin so much of what makes this school special, and I know the entire community will join me in thanking her for all she has done and continues to do.

As you read through the magazine, I am sure you will be struck by the breadth of pupil achievement. We are delighted to share success stories from across both academic and co-curricular areas, with pupils excelling

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not only in the classroom but far beyond it. These accomplishments reflect not just talent, but hard work, perseverance and a willingness to embrace opportunity.

This term has also been enriched by a number of standout events which highlight the creativity and spirit of our pupils. From the imagination and enthusiasm of World Book Day, to the energy of Number Day, and the colour and joy of the Easter Bonnet Parade, these moments bring our community together and showcase the vibrant character of the school.

Overall, the school remains in a very strong position.

There is a clear sense of momentum, underpinned by a supportive community, dedicated staff and confident, engaged pupils.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support - it plays a vital role in ensuring that Hallfield continues to thrive.

Keith Morrow Head Master

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE HALLFIELD

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY

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t Hallfield, we know that choosing a school or nursery is one of the most important decisions a family can make. For many parents, it’s not just about academics or facilities, but about feeling confident that their child is known, supported and inspired every day. Families tell us they choose Hallfield because of our welcoming community, dedicated staff, and the balance we strike between academic excellence, creativity, and care. Most of all, they talk about the sense of belonging their children feel from the very start.

at school ss sizes and gre a cl ll a sm its Deven “Hallfield, with ect fit for us, and rf pe e th s a w , s and community feel ts of new friend lo e d a m y, a w s ht a hing Hallfield ha yt settled in straig er ev ith w ed e involv huge quickly becam to sports in the a m ra d to ic us to offer from m s.” andya school ground — Mrs Peedell-P

“Hallfield is a brillian t school with amaz ing teaching staff, leadership an d really provides m y children (in Prep and Pre-Prep ) with a vast amou nt of opportunity to grow and develo p, not only academ ically.”

— Mrs Agbemenu

ited dent school. Having vis en ep ind t ea gr a is Hallfield endly eting the warm and fri the school and from me ild to hesitate to send my ch staff there I would not re.

Hallfield School in futu – Mr Stoubos

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SPECIAL FEATURES

THREE DECADES AT THE HEART OF HALLFIELD. Meet Mrs Woolley, Hallfield’s Medical Officer and First Aid Lead, as she reflects on 30 years of dedicated service and the evolving role of pupil care at the school.

What first brought you to Hallfield 30 years ago and what made you stay?

I was working as a waitress (not in a cocktail bar!) in a restaurant that was frequented by the then Head of Pre Prep for Hallfield. I was serving her on a regular basis and the conversation turned to what I was looking to do as a then 17 year old. I mentioned I was interested in working with children and she said she would let me know if something became available.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

From the very beginning, Hallfield has always had a strong camaraderie amongst staff members across all departments. What has kept me here over the past 30 years is the sense of belonging, alongside the opportunities I’ve had to grow professionally and personally.

How has the school evolved during your time here?

I’ve seen the school grow and adapt in many positive ways. There has been a strong shift towards a more holistic approach to education, with a much greater focus on pupil wellbeing alongside academic achievement. Safeguarding and medical awareness are now far more embedded in everyday school life, reflecting how seriously the school takes care of its pupils.

While Hallfield has modernised and expanded, it has always held firmly to its core values of care, inclusivity, and community.

Some things have definitely changed for the better – I no longer have the joy of wheeling the large TV into the hall on a Friday afternoon as a treat, nor do I have to endure Turkey Twizzlers at lunchtime! What has probably evolved the most, however, is the use of technology – something the children are now far better at than I am!

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What have been some of your most memorable moments or highlights?

Some of my most memorable moments have been seeing pupils grow in confidence and succeed, especially those who needed extra support. Helping children through challenges and watching them thrive is incredibly rewarding.

I’ve also valued the strong relationships built with colleagues and families, and the lifelong friendships along the way—though seeing former pupils return as parents does make me feel a bit old! The staff pantomimes have always been a much-loved highlight, and I’m especially proud to have seen my daughters, Grace and Sophie, enjoy their journey at Hallfield from their very first days in Hallfield First through to Year 6.

That truly has been a privilege!

SPECIAL FEATURES

How has your role developed over the years, particularly as Medical Officer and First Aid Lead?

What do you find most rewarding about supporting pupils’ health and wellbeing?

My role has grown significantly over time. I started as a part-time Teaching Assistant, then moved to a full-time position as the school expanded, gaining qualifications to work as an HLTA. I later became a Medical Officer and First Aid Lead, specialising in pupil health and wellbeing. I now oversee medical care, manage care plans, coordinate first aid, and ensure staff are confident in responding to medical needs.

The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that I make a difference to how safe and supported pupils feel at school. Helping a child feel reassured during a difficult moment or enabling them to fully participate despite a medical condition, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about giving both pupils and parents confidence that they are in a safe and caring environment.

What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?

A typical day involves responding to pupil needs as they arise, administering first aid, managing medications, and supporting children with ongoing medical conditions. I also spend time updating care plans, liaising with staff and parents, and ensuring all medical records are accurate and up to date. There is a strong element of being proactive as well as reactive, making sure systems are in place to support pupil safety at all times.

How do you ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils on a daily basis?

Ensuring pupil safety and wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do. This includes maintaining clear and up-to-date medical records, ensuring all staff are aware of pupils’ needs, and promoting a culture of vigilance across the school. I also make sure that first aid resources are accessible and that staff feel confident in responding to situations.

Managing allergies in a school environment is critical, what systems or processes do you have in place to support this?

Looking back over 30 years, what advice would you give to someone starting their career at Hallfield today?

I would say embrace every opportunity to learn and get involved. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. My own journey shows how roles can evolve in unexpected ways. Building strong relationships with colleagues, pupils, and parents is key, as is being adaptable and open to new challenges. Hallfield is a very supportive environment, so make the most of that support and don’t be afraid to grow within your role.

Since becoming Medical Officer, I’ve developed effective systems to manage allergies, including detailed care plans, clear pupil identification, and ready access to emergency medication. I regularly train staff to recognise and respond to allergic reactions, and work with all departments to ensure a consistent, whole-school approach. I work closely with parents to ensure we have accurate and up-to-date information about each child’s needs. I also keep up to date with current guidance and legislation.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

DUDLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

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rs Wu (Piano teacher & Music Scholar organiser) accompanied several Hallfield pupils who competed in the highly competitive Dudley Music Festival. The event brought together talented pianists from across Birmingham’s independent schools, from primary pupils to senior students. Our pupils achieved outstanding results, with participants from Years 1, 3, 5, and 6, as well as an Old Hallfieldian now at KES, all placing in the top three in their classes. There was even a joint first place in a particularly competitive category.

RESULTS Vithikarani (Year 5) – 1st Place, Class M22: Piano Solo, Grade 2 Open Wendy (Year 3) – Joint 1st Place, together with Evelyn (Y5) , in Class M23: Piano Solo, Grade 3 Open Yiran (Old Hallfieldian) – Year 8, Music Scholar at KES – 1st Place, Class M15: Piano Solo Open and Class M16: Piano Solo 20th Century Open Haze (Year 1) – 2nd Place, Class M21: Piano Solo, Grade 1 Open Travis (Year 1) – 2nd Place, Class M1: Piano Solo 7 Years & Under and Class M27: Jazz/Blues or Ragtime Piano Solo 14 Years & Under Edward (Year 6) – 3rd Place, Class M24: Piano Solo, Grade 4 Open

It was a truly delightful weekend, sharing the experience with both students and parents. The dedication and enthusiasm within the Hallfield music department continue to grow, and these achievements are a wonderful reflection of that effort.

Each year, the winners’ names are engraved on the festival trophies, some dating back ten or even twenty years.

Seeing Hallfield students’ names among them brought a real sense of pride and accomplishment. We look forward to continuing to support and encourage our students as they progress and flourish in the years ahead.

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

MEGNA SHINES AT HALLS YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION 2025

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e are incredibly proud to share some wonderful news about Megna’s recent success. Megna entered the Halls Young Artist Competition 2025, and all three of her submissions: a diorama, a sculpture and a drawing were selected for exhibition in the primary school category. Her work was chosen as part of a curated exhibition of just 120 pieces from over 250 entries, and was on display at The Rose Patterson Gallery at Weston Park. During a visit to the gallery, Megna had the opportunity to talk about her work with visitors. This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to her creativity, dedication and artistic development. We are immensely proud of Megna and delighted to see her talents recognised in this way. Our thanks also go to Miss Baker for her support and for guiding the application process. Congratulations, Megna!

CELEBRATING MIKAEEL’S CRICKETING SUCCESS

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ur Senior student, Mikaeel is a fast bowler who currently plays representative cricket. He has received a Match Impact Award from Warwickshire in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to the team. He has also been selected to take part in an international cricket tournament in the UAE, organised by an England cricketer, giving him the opportunity to compete at an international level.

We are incredibly proud of Mikaeel and wish him every success in this exciting next step of his cricketing journey!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

LIGHTS, CAMERA, GROW IT! JODA’S CBEEBIES DEBUT

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e are very proud of Year 1 pupil, Joda, who finished filming for the CBeebies programme ‘I Can Grow It!’. The show is now aired on CBeebies!

Joda’s Spring episodes broadcast on Monday 16th and Wednesday 18th March, with further episodes appearing throughout the year as the series explores the different seasons. Episodes are also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Our Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a special viewing of Joda’s episode to celebrate his achievement and show just how proud we all are of him. Joda worked incredibly hard during filming and we are extremely proud of his fantastic achievement!

ENGLAND FUTSAL SUCCESS FOR WILLA

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ur Senior student, Willa, was selected to attend a special training session with England Futsal coach Joe Ryan, who leads the men’s and women’s Lionesses teams. She went on to represent her academy in the England Futsal Tournament over half term, competing against a number of other academies. Her West Brom team, who were victorious back in October, put in another strong performance as they aimed to repeat their earlier success.

A fantastic achievement – well done, Willa!

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PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

HANNAH CONQUERS THE MARGALLA HILLS 5K TRAIL RUN

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annah, in Year 5, recently completed an impressive 5K trail run through the Margalla Hills, in the foothills of the Himalayas. This international event featured challenging rocky terrain, steep uphill climbs, and fast downhill sections.

Competing against runners from around the world, Hannah was the youngest participant in the 5K race and performed exceptionally well, showing great determination and resilience throughout the course.

A fantastic achievement – well done, Hannah!

SQUASH SUCCESS!

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fabulous weekend of squash from our talented Year 4 pupils, Alex and Zoya, who competed in the U9 juniors at the English Junior Championships, in Nottingham, on 7-8 February.

They both showed great determination and stamina against some really tough opposition. Zoya competed with lots of enthusiasm and a positive energy, finishing 5th in a group of 5. Alex (no. 13 seed) won his match against no. 5 seed, and finished in an excellent 7th position in a group of 16.

They both displayed great energy, resilience and sportsmanship, and had some seriously impressive rallies with the very best junior squash players in the country.

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HALLFIELD HALLFIELDFIRST FIRST – WHAT’S NEW?

HALLFIELD FIRST

EXPLORING OUR NURSERY SPACES

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his term, Hallfield First shines a spotlight on two exciting new additions to our Nursery provision – our Sensory Room and Soft Play Space. These environments have been carefully designed to support exploration, movement, calm, and curiosity in equal measure.

A Space for the Senses Our Sensory Room is a calm, immersive environment where children can explore light, colour, texture, and sound. Soft lighting and interactive features help create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages focus, emotional regulation, and curiosity.

It is a space where children can slow down, discover, and engage at their own pace.

Soft Play, Big Adventures The Soft Play Space is all about movement, confidence and fun. Designed with safe, cushioned equipment, it encourages climbing, balancing, crawling, and jumping — building both physical development and social confidence.

It’s a place where energy turns into exploration and teamwork.

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HALLFIELD PRE-PREP

PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

A CHOCOLATEY ADVENTURE!

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ear 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.

AN ORCHESTRAL ODYSSEY FOR YEAR 2

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ear 2 had a fantastic trip to see the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra perform at the CBSO Centre. It was an inspiring opportunity for the children to hear their instruments played live by world-class musicians and experience the magic of a professional orchestra in action!

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

CHINESE DRAGON DANCE WORKSHOP

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n Wednesday 25 February, the Education Group visited the school to deliver a series of exciting Chinese Dragon Dance workshops for children in Foundation to Year 2, as part of our Chinese New Year celebrations.

It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore Chinese culture through music, movement and performance, and they thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and memorable experience.

CHINESE WRITING WORKSHOP

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uring Chinese New Year, RSP practised how to write Chinese letters from their names using paint brushes and visual prompts. The children used alphabet sheets and carefully copied some of the lines they could see to form the initials of their names.

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PRE-PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

LIFE IN THE PAST AT BLACK COUNTRY MUSEUM

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he children in Reception had a fantastic trip to the Black Country Museum, exploring the theme of ‘Life in the Past’. They enjoyed discovering the museum’s historic exhibits, stepping into an old school classroom, and taking part in a hands-on workshop learning about shops from long ago. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience history in a fun and interactive way, and they had a brilliant time exploring and learning together.

YEAR 1 CAUGHT EVIL PEA!

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ear 1’s story focus has been Supertato. At the beginning of this term, ‘Evil Pea’ made a huge mess in our classrooms and stuck vegetables to the tables.

We have been writing wanted posters to try to find him.

We decided to set a trap, by making jelly to entice him, and yesterday, we caught him! We enjoyed eating the rest of the jelly and have learnt how to write instructions on how to make jelly.

DINO DISCOVERY DAY FOR FOUNDATION PUPILS

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oundation children were thrilled to welcome The Education Group for an exciting Dinosaur Workshop. The session was a huge success, with pupils learning all about how dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, hunting for fossils, and even meeting some adorable baby dinosaurs!

The children’s enthusiasm was contagious, and many joined in the fun by wearing dinosaur-themed clothing and costumes, adding to the prehistoric excitement. It was a roaringly good time for all!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

SHALOM FROM YEAR 5!

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ur Year 5 pupils enjoyed a visit to the Birmingham Central Synagogue! As part of their study of Judaism, the children explored how Jewish people worship, saw original artefacts, and learned about this ancient faith in a practical, handson way. The visit also gave them plenty of opportunities to ask thoughtful questions and deepen their understanding through real-world experience.

YEAR 3’S BIG SOUND EXPERIENCE!

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ur 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!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 4 VISIT BUTTERFLY FARM AND MAD MUSEUM

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ear 4 had an amazing day on their trip to Stratford-upon-Avon! They explored the Butterfly Farm, learning all about lifecycles, habitats, and the science behind these beautiful creatures. At the MAD Museum, they got handson with creative inventions, exploring art, design, and engineering in a fun and interactive way. A brilliant mix of science, creativity, and curiosity!

YEAR 3 TRAVELS BACK IN TIME FOR ANCIENT EGYPTIAN DAY

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ear 3 had an unforgettable journey to Ancient Egypt! The day was bursting with exciting activities tied to their current topic – from hands-on arts and crafts to exploring fascinating artefacts! The children loved bringing history to life as they connected with this captivating civilisation.

To fully embrace the experience, the children arrived in stunning Egyptian costumes, adding an extra touch of authenticity and making the day even more memorable.

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

MATHS QUIZ CLUB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINALS

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huge well done to Maithili, Aarjun, Zachariah and Krish for their amazing efforts in the Quiz Club National Championships. They did extremely well to beat hundreds of other schools to make it to the semi-finals, and came a highly respectable joint 56th out of over 120 teams in their semi-final. Their collaboration skills and team-spirit were excellent throughout, despite facing some extremely gruelling questions!

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SHAKESPEARE

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ear 5 had a truly bard-tastic day in Stratford-uponAvon! They began at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, exploring the childhood home of the world’s most famous playwright and discovering fascinating Tudor tales of family life.

Next, they stepped into history at Shakespeare’s Guildhall and Schoolroom – the very spot where young William penned his first works in the 1570s.

After a picnic worthy of a midsummer feast, they joined a bespoke workshop at the Swan Theatre’s Education Centre, bringing A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life in their English studies. A day full of rhyme, reason, and a touch of theatrical magic!

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

SHREWSBURY SIR PHILIP SIDNEY ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION

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n Thursday 5th February, three Year 6 pupils, Ishaan, Maithili and Callum, were invited to Shrewsbury School as finalists in the Sir Philip Sidney Essay Competition. Only 30 pupils were invited to attend the presentation event, from over 210 entries from among the most prestigious Preparatory Schools in the country.

The first workshop involved pupils building their own bee brood.

Shrewsbury School has operated a bee keeping club for over 50 years, learning of their importance for the environment. The bee broods built by the pupils can become part of a bee hive to encourage the growth of a bee population, as well as the creation of honey. Pupils learned about the different types of bees and their roles in the hive.

The second workshop focused on learning about ecosystems and what might happen is one part of the ecosystem was removed.

For example, if all trees were removed from the ecosystem (as might happen in the Amazon Rainforest), pupils were directed to consider the possible impact elsewhere in the ecosystem They soon realised that damaging any ecosystem could have far reaching impacts.

This year, pupils were invited to write a response to the following question: “Why should we care about nature and wildlife?”. We are delighted to announce that Hallfield School received two top prizes - Year 6 Runner up (Ishaan), and Year 6 Overall winner (Maithili).

MUSIC SCHOLARS’ WORKSHOP AND CONCERT WITH PIANIST DI XIAO

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ur Music Scholars were treated to an inspiring workshop with renowned concert pianist Di Xiao, who worked closely with pupils on technique, interpretation, and performance skills before joining them on stage for a special concert on 12 February.

The evening showcased the exceptional talents of our scholars, who performed on piano, violin, and flute.

Their programme included works by Yumi Kimura, Seitz, Mozart, Chopin, and others. The concert concluded with Di Xiao’s own performance of the Chinese folk song Jasmine Flower, rounding off a very special and exclusive opportunity for our talented musicians to learn from, perform alongside, and be inspired by an artist of international standing — an experience they will remember for many years to come.

READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENING HERE:

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PREP – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 6 CRACK THE CODE AT BLETCHLEY PARK

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ear 6 enjoyed a fascinating trip to Bletchley Park, where they stepped into the world of wartime codebreakers. During their learning session, the children were brilliantly engaged as they worked to decipher real German messages sent around the time of the D-Day landings. They also had the exciting opportunity to use a real Enigma machine, which is a rare and memorable experience.

YEAR 5 KES MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE

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ell done to the 8 children who represented Hallfield in the Year 5 KES Maths Challenge. They worked hard and supported each other well to work collaboratively as a team. No top 3 place for Hallfield this year but much fun was had and they all certainly did Hallfield proud with their efforts and engagement!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

SENIORS’ SPEAK! FROM FANGS TO FINE ART

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his term’s sessions have been a vibrant showcase of curiosity, confidence and individuality. Pupils delivered engaging talks on an eclectic range of topics, from the fascinating world of prehistoric and modern-day predators to the rich diversity of cultural foods. Audiences were both intrigued and captivated by presentations on Australia’s most formidable snakes, while others explored the bold and thought-provoking realm of modern art. Each talk reflected not only a depth of research, but also the growing confidence of our pupils as they shared their interests with clarity, enthusiasm and flair.

SENIOR PUPILS EXCEL AT TEAM MATHS CHALLENGE FINAL

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uge congratulations to our Senior pupils who represented Hallfield at the Regional Team Maths Challenge Final at King Edward Camp Hill School for Boys!

Led by Mr Hewer, the team took on some very tough competition and stood out as the only team without any Year 9 students. An outstanding achievement and a moment of real pride for the whole Hallfield community!

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

A JOURNEY INTO BUDDHISM FOR YEAR 7

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ear 7 were treated to an exceptional workshop at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre as part of their RE study of the Buddhist Faith. Our hosts shared widely and deeply about their faith experiences, demonstrated some of the Buddhist rituals and artefacts and gave our students the opportunity to ask their questions. They even practised some basic meditation!

It was excellent to see how the Buddhist Faith is played out in real life.

SENIORS PUT THEIR DETECTIVE SKILLS TO THE TEST!

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ur Seniors turned into detectives when they worked in groups to piece together clues and evidence gained in their study of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and The Adventure of the Speckled Band. Pupils used their skills of inference, deduction, problem solving and synthesis to create ‘Evidence Walls’, just like real detectives.

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SENIORS – WHAT’S NEW?

YEAR 8 SPEED CAREER EVENT

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ear 8 had an amazing time at the Speed Careers event in the Botanical Gardens’ event suite, thanks to The Calthorpe Estate!

They explored 8 different careers, met inspiring professionals, and asked all their burning questions about life after school.

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

WORLD BOOK DAY 2026

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allfield School was alive with excitement as halls and classrooms buzzed with enthusiastic parents, children, and staff, all dressed as beloved book characters! Families enjoyed a delightful breakfast while sharing their favourite stories, making for a truly magical World Book Day celebration.

Meet this year’s World Book Day Winners!

READ THE FULL BLOG POST TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS!

In the morning, the pupils were delighted to meet author Rebecca Colby, who wrote books like ‘It’s Raining Bats and Frogs’. Meanwhile, in the Prep assembly, author of ‘The Fabulous Four Fish Fingers’, Jason Beresford joined the festivities. Pre-prep were informed of who won the Story Shoebox competition, It was a tough decision as all the entries were amazing!

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

HOUSE MUSIC SEMI FINALS

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ur House Music semifinalists gave outstanding performances across strings, woodwind, brass, vocal, guitar & drums, and piano. Judges selected two finalists per category from a highly competitive field. Well done to all who took part.

HOUSE MUSIC FINALS 2026

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hat a spectacular celebration of music at Hallfield! From breathtaking performances to unforgettable moments on stage, our House Music Finals showcased the incredible talent, passion, and dedication of our pupils. Victory never tasted so good… but which House claimed the top spot?

READ THE FULL BLOG POST TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS!

FIND OUT MORE HERE:

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

A CRUMB-TASTIC EVENING FOR YEAR 3 BAKERS

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ur Year 3 Ready Steady Cookers whipped up the most incredible scones on Wednesday evening after school – truly some of the finest we’ve ever seen! As you can tell, the children were beaming with pride over their creations.

EASTER BONNET PARADE

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e had a joyful time hosting our Easter Bonnet Parade this year, with parents joining in on the fun! Our Pre-Prep pupils (with a little help from parents!) showcased their beautifully crafted bonnets, filling the event with colour and creativity.

The festivities featured enchanting musical performances by some of our Pre-Prep pupils: Dax, Haze, Megna, Hugo, Travis and Marcus. And of course, the Easter Bunny made a special surprise appearance!

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY

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ll Senior, Prep, and Year 1 & 2 pupils took part in the annual House Cross-Country race, tackling a challenging course across the school fields. With dry conditions, the route remained firm underfoot as runners made their way through wooded sections, open fields, and the infamous muddy hump!

Every participant played a vital role in contributing to their House’s overall score, and there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event. It was brilliant to see so many pupils giving their all, with strong support from parents around the course.

Well done to all runners for their effort and determination.

RESULTS (1ST–4TH):

Year 1 – Pughe, Stork, Ridgway, Nowers Year 2 – Nowers, Stork, Pughe, Ridgway Year 3 & 4 Girls – Nowers, Stork, Pughe, Ridgway Year 3 & 4 Boys – Stork, Nowers, Pughe, Ridgway Year 5–8 Girls – Nowers, Stork, Pughe, Ridgway

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

TAKE TO THE SKIES WITH THE FLYING CLUB!

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e’re excited to launch The Flying Club, where pupils can learn the theory and practice of flying!

Over the course, they’ll explore the basics of flight, aircraft controls, and even meteorology.

Led by our experienced pilot, Adrian, pupils start with classroom theory, learning about the forces of flying and how different controls work. Using flight simulators, they can experiment with what happens when various buttons are pressed — all in a safe, guided environment.

YEAR 4 PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE

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ur incredible Year 4 pupils lit up the stage with a performance that truly enchanted the audience. From The Wishing Table, Golden Donkey & Cudgel in a Sack to Anything You Say Your Majesty and finishing with Fairy Crystal and the Really Big Lie, every scene sparkled with imagination, energy, and talent.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to cheer them on and celebrate their hard work. These young performers have set the bar high, and we are already excited to see what magic they bring to their Year 6 production!

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

ROME RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE

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ur Seniors and Year 6 pupils experienced an unforgettable journey to Rome! From marvelling at the treasures of the Vatican to wandering the ruins of Pompeii and soaking up the buzz of ancient piazzas, every moment was filled with discovery and wonder.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST TO SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS!

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

HALLFIELD SCHOOL CHESS SPRING TERM 2026 Results •

IAPS U9 Team Chess – Champions

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IAPS U11 Team Chess – Champions

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IAPS U9 Joint Champion – Aariyan M

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IAPS Online U9 Champion – Alex R

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IAPS Online U13 Champion – Handuo C

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West Midlands Primary Team Challenge – Champions

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Birmingham & District Junior Chess League (U13) – Champions

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Warwick & Coventry Junior U11 Champion (A Section) – Krish G

Strong Performances The spring term saw strong performances from Hallfield pupils across a range of regional and national competitions.

Consistent participation, steady improvement, and disciplined play led to several notable results.

Warwick Junior Championship – January

IAPS Over-the-Board Championships – March •

U9 Team Champions: Alex T, Shray, Declan, Aariyan

Several Hallfield players competed, with Declan, Zain, Jacob X, and George earning medals. Krish won the U11 Group A with a score of 4/5.

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U11 Team Champions: Jasper, Anthony, Handuo, Krish

Coventry U1000 Rapidplay – February

British Primary Team Chess Challenge – March

This mixed adult-and-junior event provided valuable experience. James T secured a medal, and Declan finished joint second.

Hallfield placed first in the West Midlands qualification event and will compete in the national final at the University of Nottingham in June.

Coventry Junior Open Championship – March

IAPS Online Chess – March •

Alex R – U9 Champion

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Zain and Declan – joint second in U11 Group B

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Handuo (on tiebreak) – U13 Champion, with Jasper joint first

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Jacob X – winner of U8 Group D

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Krish – winner of U11 Group A

Both the U9 and U13 teams have qualified for the online team finals in June.

Birmingham & District U13 League (Sept 2025 – Mar 2026) Hallfield won the league for the first time, finishing ahead of King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Solihull School, and King Edward’s School. The squad consisted of Krish, Handuo, Anthony, Jasper, and Aariyan.

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Krish finished runner-up in the U11 section, and Aariyan was joint champion in the U9 section.

Summary Across all events, pupils demonstrated steady progress and consistent competitive performance. Many also represented the school in additional tournaments and county fixtures. The squad enters the summer term well-prepared for the next set of competitions.

– Mr Thomas, Hallfield Chess Coach

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

HALLFIELD PSA CASINO ROYALE BALL

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great thank you to all guests who joined the unforgettable evening at the PSA Casino Royale Ball.

It was a truly spectacular night, filled with glitz, glamour, and wonderful community spirit, and it will be remembered for a long time to come.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr Morrow for enabling the event, and to the Marketing and Finance teams for their invaluable behind-the-scenes support. We are also hugely grateful to the PSA Committee for their energy and commitment, and to our guests for bringing such fantastic spirit to the evening.

Special thanks go to our generous sponsors and supporters, including Johal Catering, Kings Pharmacies and Opticians, and Thomas Franks, as well as all those who contributed entertainment and experiences on the night— from DJ Tony and Dvishan to Sevens Casino Nights, Bruce Foster Photography, and Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Thanks to everyone’s support, the evening raised an impressive £642 for The Edward’s Trust, supporting bereaved parents, children, and young people across the West Midlands.

From The

PSA Committee HALLFIELD

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COMMUNITY

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

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s part of Children’s Mental Health Week (9th–15th February), pupils across Hallfield took part in a range of activities linked to this year’s theme, “This is my place”. The week focused on the importance of wellbeing and helping every child feel valued, included, and confident in who they are.

Pupils attended assemblies and workshops titled “Bounce Back – Resilience”, delivered by practitioner Loti Nambombe from MILK Education. Through engaging activities such as practising gratitude and sharing their feelings, children were encouraged to reflect on their own mental health in a safe and supportive environment.

The sessions provided valuable opportunities for discussion, confidence-building, and emotional awareness, and were enjoyed by pupils across the school.

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COMMUNITY

NSPCC NUMBER DAY

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n true Hallfield style, Number Day was brought to life in support of the NSPCC! The school buzzed with creativity and enthusiasm as pupils went all out for Dress Up for Digits. From human calculators and TT Rockstars to an impressive Srinivasa Ramanujan, the man who knew infinity, the imagination on display was a joy to see.

Mr Hewer, also known for the day as Vince Dread, hosted TT Rockstars on iPads for pupils from Year 2 right through to Seniors, with fingers flying and scores climbing fast. A huge shout-out to Saif in Year 6, who smashed a record-breaking 142 points in just 60 seconds. Incredible achievement!

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COMMUNITY

CHINESE CULTURAL DAY

M

r Wright led a Prep assembly focused on Chinese New Year. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn more about the celebration and its traditions.

Children who celebrate Chinese New Year at home were warmly invited to come to school wearing their traditional clothing on this day.

They were also invited to stand up during the assembly to share their experiences and traditions with their peers.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR 2026

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o celebrate World Book Day and promote reading for pleasure, we held our school Book Fair in the Prep Library across three days. The children were truly amazed by the fantastic selection of books this year and were full of excitement during their visits. Our wonderful Library Prefects also supported Ms Patel by helping with stationery sales at lunchtimes.

Organised in partnership with Scholastic Bookfairs, we raised £2,226 worth of books for the school. Thank you to all our parents for your continued support in nurturing a love of reading!

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COMMUNITY

MOTHER’S DAY SERVICE

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head of Mother’s day, our pre-prep pupils came together for Mother’s Day Service of Thanksgiving at St George’s Church!

It was a truly special afternoon as we gave thanks for our mothers and all those who care for us. The children sang beautifully to their mums, and each year group shared something special as part of the celebration.

RED NOSE DAY 2026

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allfield School was full of fun and laughter as pupils embraced Comic Relief: Red Nose Day with great enthusiasm, showing the true spirit of our community. An incredible £914.59 was raised, helping to support people across the UK and beyond by providing essential care, support, and hope to those in need.

MIDLANDS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA X HALLFIELD SCHOOL CONCERT

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ur sincere thanks to the Midland Chamber Orchestra for the exceptional opportunities their ongoing partnership brings to our pupils and Music Department, offering an experience far beyond typical school music-making.

Following the Spring Concert, we received wonderful feedback from parents. A highlight of the evening was Vivaldi’s Winter, where pupils from Year 3 to 6 lit up with recognition—one even saying, “I can’t believe I just saw that in real life.” Moments like these bring music vividly to life, and we look forward to the next performance.

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COMMUNITY

EASTER CHURCH SERVICE 2026

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hat better way to commence the Easter break than with beautiful readings and wonderful performances from our Centenary Choir, Chamber Choir, and Pre-Prep Choir during our Easter Service!

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OLD HALLFIELDIANS

OLD HALLFIELDIANS

FROM HALLFIELD TO CAMBRIDGE

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ormer Hallfield pupil Anusha Salhan (OH 2009–2018) returned to inspire our Year 6 pupils and Seniors! She shared her journey from Hallfield to Cambridge, offered advice on curiosity, resilience, and pursuing passions beyond the classroom, and reminded students to embrace change with confidence.

Anusha also loved seeing her artwork still on display at school — a lasting connection between past and present.

READ MORE ABOUT HIS VISIT HERE:

OLD HALLFIELDIAN ROBERT WALKER VISITS HALLFIELD

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e were thrilled to welcome back Old Hallfieldian Robert Walker and his wife Jackie for a special visit to Hallfield, as Robert returned to the school, he attended from 1948 to 1954. Travelling from Oxfordshire to Birmingham, he fondly reflected on his post-war school days, including his final years as a boarder during a time of rationing. During their tour, Robert and Jackie explored both familiar landmarks and new facilities, before enjoying lunch with Mr Morrow and the Head Pupils.

READ MORE ABOUT THE TOUR HERE:

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Hallfield School

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Happy | Inspiring | Purposeful

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

www.hallfieldschool.co.uk