Heathfield Headlines Issue 6 - July 2025

Headlines Term 6 July 2025

Pride . Ambition . Community

Headlines Issue 6 22 July 2025

Head’s Message

Key Dates Wednesday, 3 September

Inset Day

Thursday, 4 September

Inset Day

Friday, 5 September

First day of term for Year 7 and Year 13

Monday, 8 September

First day of term for all other Year Groups

Friday, 12 September

School Photographs – Year 7, 9, 11 & 12 Welcome to Year 12 Evening

Thursday, 18 September

Welcome to Year 13 Evening Year 9 Curriculum Evening – Moving to KS4

Thursday, 25 September

Main School Open Evening

Friday, 23 September

Sixth From Open Evening

Friday, 24 September

End of Term 1

YEAR 7 Mr Holden

This final term has been a busy one for Year 7. They recently took part in the STEM event, where students enjoyed experiments ranging from building rockets to propelling cars. Students enjoyed trying something new and found the experience fascinating.

Earlier this month, Year 7 attended the Heathfield Networks event, where various employers and organisations visited to talk about their professions. Students were encouraged to ask questions and learn more about different roles.

We’ve also had several sporting events.

In June, the Year 7 athletics team were crowned District Champions at the Ouse Valley Athletics event, helping Heathfield win overall. On 8th July, they competed in House Competition Day and Sports Day, showcasing their Skills across a range of activities. Well done, you’ve made a fantastic start at Heathfield.

Have a great summer, and we’ll see you in September!

Year 8 have had a busy term with many chances to take part in wider curricular activities. At our Networking Event, students explored local businesses, asked thoughtful questions, and showed enthusiasm and professionalism.

YEAR 8 Mrs Woodland

Many Year 8 students were chosen to compete in Sports Day at Lewes athletics track, while others took part in House Competition Day, enjoying challenges like 'Taskmaster' and 'Countdown.’

Earlier this term, a small group planted 'Aaron’s tree' in memory of Aaron King. The group have been meeting fortnightly to support each other, develop their understanding of grief and remember Aaron. The tree was kindly donated by a community member and is thriving.

In the final week, most of Year 8 attended camp at Cuffley Activity Centre, taking on new challenges and building resilience.

As I said at our Year 8 Celebration Assembly, this has been a fantastic year. Many students have overcome challenges, stayed committed, and shown great strength.

Well done, Year 8!

YEAR 9 Ms Krouwel

It’s been a busy term for Year 9. Students completed their first set of GCSE mock exams, supervised by external invigilators, as part of their intensive courses finishing next year. While this caused some understandable anxiety, they coped well and should be proud of their conduct.

Year 9s also enjoyed GCSE-related trips abroad and took part in Enrichment Week activities. The final term included Sports Day and House Competition Day, where everyone contributed to the overall house results. Now is a great time to reflect on achievements and prepare for the challenges of Year 10 – including post-16 options and opportunities like becoming a Heathfield prefect.

It’s been a pleasure working with Year 9 this year, and I look forward to building, on our successes in Year 10.

Wishing everyone a restful summer break!

Term 6 has been a busy one for Year 10, but they’ve risen to the challenge and shown they’re ready for the final push through Year 11. They approached exams with maturity and confidence, and it was great to see many leaving the hall smiling, proud of their efforts. I’m sure their hard work will be reflected on results day in August.

YEAR 10 Ms Adams

This term also marked real progress in students’ careers journeys. Many attended Sixth Form and college taster days, sparking valuable conversations about next steps.

Staff praised their enthusiasm, with some students even seeking out additional taster days to explore options further.

The Prefect application process was a great chance to celebrate all they have achieved so far as we look ahead to Year 11.

I wish Year 10 a restful summer and look forward to seeing them in September, ready for the final challenge.

YEAR 11 Mr Richardson

Term 6 for Year 11 has unsurprisingly been about endings and goodbyes. They finished their last exams, in what was a very intense period for many. Leavers’ Day on 4th June was a day of celebration, joy and emotional farewells. I am so enormously proud of the year group and what they have achieved.

Our final celebration event was, of course, the Year 11 Prom on 27 th June. An evening of celebration and dancing that will, I hope, live long in the memories of the students. In 12 years at the college, I haven’t known a dancefloor to stay so full, for so long. It was a wonderful way to give the year group a final send off.

My final words are taken from my Year 11 assembly, reflecting on the future for us all: “I know for certain that the world will be a better place, as it gains a group of admirable, funny, brave, intelligent, warm, kind and compassionate young people.”

Thank you and well done, Year 11.

X

We hope Year 11 students are enjoying their summer and looking ahead to GCSE results day on 21st August.

This period can sometimes feel challenging, so we’ve attached a booklet full of useful information to help students navigate it with confidence.

Click o the image to read more.

VI FORM Ms White

Oxford Trip Our Year 12 MEDROX Group had the opportunity to visit the University of Oxford last week as part of progression research. Students toured the campus and had opportunities to explore University life and sessions in different subjects.

Year 12 Support Our Year 12 students have stepped up in the last few weeks of term volunteering to help at multiple events including both of our Taster Days and the Year 7 & 8 Networking Event. We really appreciate their help with supporting the community at these events.

Year 13 Ball We celebrated Year 13’s time with us at the Annual Leavers Ball this term. It was an enjoyable event for all with great food and good music! Students can access all the photos taken on the evening.

Check the email from Miss Reed!

WELLBEING HUB

The Wellbeing Hub is a website that supports both parents and students with all things related to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Sign up for the parent account by clicking on the website image above.

Recent resources include: ❖ Helping your child develop a positive self-image Click here to view ❖ Vaping addiction: what to know, what to do, what to look out for Click here to watch ❖ Supporting your child with friendship issues Click here to read ❖ What is Dyslexia? Click here to view

🌞 Summer Holiday Mental Health Tips 🌞 1. Keep a Routine

Wake up and sleep at regular times.

⏰

2. Stay Connected

Chat and hang out with friends and family.

💬

3. Get Outside

Enjoy fresh air and sunshine every day.

🌳

4. Limit Screen Time

Balance phones and gaming with other activities. 📵

5. Try Something New

Pick up a hobby or learn a skill.

🎨

6. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s okay to have ups and downs—talk to someone.

💖

7. Move Your Body

Walk, bike, or play sports to boost your mood.

🚴‍♂️

8. Eat Well & Drink Water Keep your brain and body happy.

🍎

9. Sleep Well

Aim for 8–10 hours every night.

🛏️

10. Ask for Help

If you’re struggling, reach out—you're not alone.

☎️

Term 6 Wider Curriculum These pages offer a vibrant look at the enriching wider curriculum experiences our students have taken part in last term — showcasing the activities that bring learning to life beyond the classroom.

Pride . Ambition . Community

YEAR 7 STEM DAY Year 7 took part in an exciting STEM day led by Wonderstruck, filled with hands-on learning and explosive fun.

The day began with a live Rocket Show, where thrilling experiments wowed students. One said, “The fire and explosions were the best part!” Students then built and launched their own rockets, followed by designing and racing fan-powered cars. Students were enthusiastic throughout, calling it “the best day ever.” A big thank you to Wonderstruck for an inspiring day that brought science to life!

To read more about the day, click here

YEAR 10 TASTER DAY Over 160 Year 10 students attended our Taster Day last week, taking part in a range of sessions to explore Sixth Form life and their post-16 options. They experienced over 20 different subjects, including Criminology – a new course launching in September 2026.

Students also spent time with current Sixth Formers and explored Dedicated spaces such as the Learning Resource Centre and Common Room with Café Six. They gained insight into the differences between school and Sixth Form, and the support available for Pastoral Care and Progression.

YEAR 11 PROM The Year 11 prom began with a drinks reception for students, their families and staff before travelling to East Sussex National and enjoying a meal and lots of dancing on the dance floor.

YEAR 13 PROM

The Year 13 prom took place at Blackstock Estate in Hellingly. A great time was had by all and it was a pleasure spending time celebrating with them.

SPORTS DAY 2025 Heathfield Sports Day was a joyous event with students showing excellent perseverance through the warm weather.

There were some outstanding performances across the track and field with new school records broken, along with an array of brilliant athletic displays across all year groups.

Spirits remained high throughout the day, with support on the banks cheering on competitors. Tower took the overall victory, with excellent attitude displayed by all competitors across the day.

Wider-Curriculum Click on each image to learn more about each event or read more College updates on our Facebook page here.

Heathfield Networks

Year 12 Globe Theatre Trip

Girls’ Maths Conference

DofE Gold Award Update

GCSE History Battlefields Trip

Speakers Trust

Library Leaders Our Library Leaders are a dedicated team who support fellow students with reading throughout the year. In addition to signing books in and out during breaks and lunchtimes, they work hard to keep the shelves wellorganized, making it easier for others to find books they’ll enjoy.

They also suggest new book purchases to our school librarian, Ms Derbyshire.

Their impact reached beyond the library too as they played a big role in the annual Library Quiz Night by encouraging team participation, acting as runners, and selling refreshments, helping raise over £400.

Read more about Student Leadership opportunities here.

HOUSES It was a joy to see students so engaged in this year’s House Competition Day. Students had great fun playing Rounders, with Heffle taking the win and Endball, Basketball Hoops, Table Tennis, and Goalball—congratulations to Batemans for winning overall in these events.

In the Pirate Game, Cade claimed victory by skillfully placing and protecting their treasure, and Heffle won the Taskmaster Challenge which tested creativity and memory. During the Quiz, students answered questions on recent events, house history, and more — with Tower topping the quiz.

Final Results: 1st Heffle, 2nd Batemans, 3rd Tower and 4th Cade.

Congratulations to Heffle, the overall winners!

Read more about our Houses here

Alumni News We are incredibly proud of our alumni and love hearing updates about life beyond Heathfield. Please get in touch using the QR code or by emailing alumni@heathfieldcc.co.uk.

The College recently hosted the annual Alumni Event, welcoming back former students to inspire current Year 12s.

Alumni from diverse academic and career paths, ranging from university and apprenticeships to gap years, shared their experiences through talks and networking sessions. Students gained valuable insights on topics like university life, apprenticeships, CV writing, and career planning. Memorable moments included a studentalumnus connection over a shared campervan project.

The event showcased the varied journeys after sixth form and highlighted that success comes in many forms. Alumni also toured the updated college facilities and were very impressed with the new facilities and improvements made since they left.

Read more about our Alumni here.

www.heathfieldcc.co.uk @Heathfield_CC