Headlines Term 1 October 2023
Pride . Ambition . Community
Headlines Issue 6 18 July 2023
Head’s Message Congratulations to all on the completion of a very successful term! Students have returned for the academic year to a College which has been thriving. Their energy, commitment to their studies and enthusiasm for College life has been great and has allowed a vast array of successes to be achieved and recognised over the term. Whether individual success, team success, in or out of the classroom what has been clear is that students are relishing their time together and thriving on the experiences of success they gain. They are learning, growing and inspiring each other with what might be possible. As a staff we are enormously grateful for the role parents have played in this terms success: students have looked smart, they are well equipped, they are focused and ready to learn both in the classroom and in their homework. We know that does not happen by accident, but we also know it makes a big difference – thank you! Thank you for keeping in positive and constructive dialogue with us; as they navigate the teenage years there are often issues to overcome or discuss and the way this is done between staff and parents has been really rewarding; solutions focused, caring for all involved and positive – thank you! There is no doubt we are living in conflicted and sometimes chaotic times. We all have difficulties we have to overcome and manage. There is real power in working together and ensuring that everyone knows they are supported, the students were fantastic at celebrating this last week with National Mental Health Day and have also shown reflection and empathy when needed for those who might be struggling close to home or far away. We will resolutely stay focused on the positive contribution and achievements of our students, they deserve to be championed and for them to learn the power of championing each other, their school and community. A good example of this is included in the section below. Having a sense of pride in who they are and where they come from is a great launchpad for success in a sometimes challenging future world. They have, this term, shown fantastic Pride. Ambition and Community. Well done everyone!
2023 Outcomes Update: The 2023 Performance Tables have just been released and we can now confirm that in both attainment (grades) and achievement (progress) measures, Heathfield’s 2023 outcomes are ranked 2nd in the county and the highest non-selective school in East Sussex. This is a genuine testament to the quality of teaching, the hard work of students and the support of parents. It includes GCSE results from Year 10 and Year 11, and demonstrates the impact of what we do and how we do it. Congratulations to all involved, especially the 2023 Year 11 team, students and families. This is consistent with our exceptional outcomes over the last 6 years. #WeareHeathfield
YEAR 7 Mrs Woodland Attendance Average attendance for Term 1: 95.8% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 1: 72
Year 7 have settled incredibly well in to life at Heathfield. Students have shown great independence in getting to grips with new lessons, a new learning environment and new subjects to learn. Many have also shown confidence in joining extra-curricular clubs which have provided them with new opportunities to learn and make new friends. During our Open Evening we had a large number of Year 7s who confidently volunteered to support departments in running activities and talking to visitors about their experiences. We also had 4 Year 7 students who spoke to an audience of visitors about their experiences of transition and starting secondary school. Students have spent much of the term during tutor time learning how to use their iPads and getting to know their form groups. The extra-curricular day focused on digital learning and helped to re-enforce the new skills they have been learning on their iPads. We also held our first Year 7 Student Council in which elected students were able to share the ideas of their tutor group and discuss how they have been settling in.
Year 8 have begun this academic year with a positive approach. It’s been pleasing to see how many have taken the opportunity to be part of the wider school community. This was reflected in the number of Year 8s that helped out during our Open Evening in September and also those who took part in the house football competition.
YEAR 8
This year will focus around building the foundations in preparation for GCSE subjects that students will select in Year 9. Across the course of the year, students will be guided by teachers and communication will take place with parents. Final decisions will be made around Easter time next year. However, students are already being encouraged to be proactive and ask staff about their subject content at GCSE level to best prepare themselves to make informative choices.
Attendance
Students are also continually being encouraged to get the basics right around uniform, being equipped for lessons and ensuring they get to lessons on time to support their learning.
Mrs Krouwel
Average attendance for Term 1: 90.3% Praise Average Praise points per student for Term 1: 54
YEAR 9 Ms Adams Attendance Average attendance for Term 1: 90.4% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 1: 58
Year 9 have begun their GCSE studies and have been showing fantastic confidence and enthusiasm. The challenge for students has increased and they are rising to meet that challenge and to make the most of each lesson to ensure success. Students have consistently shown an excellent attitude towards learning and engaging in extra-curricular activities. Many students have also been participating in other events within our community such as the House football competition, supporting at Open Evening and some were invited to attend Honours evening for exceptional work during Year 8. Students have also had the opportunity to sign up within many of our school leadership strands this term, including new Executive Council members being voted in by their peers and by the Values leaders inviting them to apply to be part of this group of young people supporting others. During tutor time, the Duke of Edinburgh awards were launched and applications can be made to Miss Harker. Next term we look forward to our Year 9 Curriculum Evening to support with students moving to Key Stage 4.
Year 10 have returned from the summer break with an excellent work ethic. It has been noted by many staff that their focus and determination to succeed in their exams is evident across the curriculum. It was wonderful to see so many Year 10 faces at open evening – they were a true credit to themselves and their college. A great many parents stopped to take the time to express their gratitude for the services of their tour guides and the students based in department rooms. Equally pleasing was the turnout at the Year 10 revision evening. Enthusiasm and engagement, from our Heathfield Habits, are clearly the order of the day for this year group. With only 7 months until the exams for their 2-year ‘intensive’ courses, time is of the essence and the year groups are clearly making the most of every lesson. The upcoming mock exams in November will be a true test of their application and revision skills – I wish them all the best of luck in this important milestone.
YEAR 10 Mr Richardson Attendance Average attendance for Term 1: 93.1% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 1: 45
YEAR 11 Mr Holden
Attendance Average attendance for Term 1: 90.6% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 1: 40
Year 11 have begun their final year of GCSE studies with determination and enthusiasm. They are aware that this year is going to be a challenge, however they are rising well to meet this challenge head on. On Thursday 5th October, Year 11 had their Futures Evening, which forms part of the advice and guidance that they will receive regarding their next steps after GCSEs. In PSHE, students will have set up their Careers East Sussex account and there will be conversations with tutors and Mrs Kite throughout this term. All of this will hopefully allow Year 11s to make an informed choice about their future. Students have also taken part in the ‘Take a Second’ presentation from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership. This is aimed at highlighting the dangers of risk-taking behaviour regarding vehicles. The message was, at times, hard-hitting, however after the performance the actors commented on how engaged and mature the Year 11 students were. Finally, we are now looking ahead to the Mock Exams in November, which will allow students to benchmark where they are at in terms of progress and how they can improve going forward.
Post 18 Progression Update Careers Talks & Guidance
Early Applicants
As always, there have been a number of opportunities to help students prepare for their next stages Post 18. Just this term students have had opportunities to engage in careers in the Crafts sector from the Queens Trust and Sargent Cornbill came to discuss different opportunities for pathways into the Armed Forces. Circuit Judge Sarah Venn also has spoken to all Year 13 students about the law and careers opportunities.
Students who are applying to University are working at producing Personal Statements to submit their applications through UCAS.
Next term we have sessions on: - How to be lawyer without going to University. - Outreach from De Le Warr Pavilion for careers in the Creative Industries.
Students studying competitive courses have already had to meet the early deadline. This includes: - 9 applications for Oxford - 6 applications for Cambridge Alongside this three students have already secured conditional offers in Optometry, Biomedical Science and English.
Charity Fundraising
Ms White Attendance Average attendance for Term 1: 95.4% Praise
Over 650 praise points issued in Term 1.
Praise Raffle To recognise students efforts in lessons this term we have run our termly praise raffle. Tickets have been drawn for those lucky enough to win a prize!
University of Sussex Trip At the start of the year, Year 12 students attended the Independent Skills Conference at the University of Sussex. This event is run annually with students attending a workshop on Independent Study Skills. This is supported by a tour of the facilities at Sussex and a presentation about University Life.
VI FORM
Enrichment 2023 All of Year 12 have signed up for the Enrichment sessions this year ranging from sport to food technology. Students will experience enrichment as part of their timetable to gain opportunities in new areas and also to support a balance with academic study and enjoyment.
Sixth Formers raised over £120 in cash for Macmillan as part of their Coffee Morning. We are so grateful for their contributions to the bake sale and purchasing cake from the Common Room.
Focus on Key Stage 3 These pages include details of the curriculum followed by Year 7 and 8. A powerful way to help learning is to ask your son/daughter about the topics they have experienced and encourage them to talk about their understanding and interests with you.
Pride . Ambition . Community
What are KS3 students learning in … English This term, Year 7 began exploring how to write creatively and expressively, producing detailed descriptive accounts of a ‘happy memory’ as their first piece of writing. Following on from this, we have begun the first of our texts exploring the theme of Childhood which is our focus for the year. Our novel is David Almond’s fascinating work ‘The Fire Eaters’, which follows Bobby Burns growing up in a tiny northern coastal town against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The novel explores issues around class, adolescence and the treatment of outsiders – themes we will pick up again later on in the year with the historical novel ‘Coram Boy’. Year 8 have been enjoying the murky world of Macbeth as part of their year-long focus on Identity. As well as exploring the poetry and stagecraft of Shakespeare’s brilliant tragedy, they have been asking important questions about how individuals make choices and about the dangers of greed and an obsession with power. As part of their studies, they are exploring ideas held in Jacobean England about the divine rights of kings and the role of the supernatural in human life. Through analysis of Lady Macbeth, they have also had the opportunity to explore the role of women in Renaissance England. X
Maths Year 7 have had an exciting start to the year, looking at all things algebra. We have been looking at how the value of a variable isn’t necessarily the same as the quantity. For example, you could have one coin but that coin could be worth £2, yet another coin could be worth 20p. Working with algebra is an essential skill that students will build on over their time at Heathfield. Year 7 students are also being given many opportunities to recap their numeracy skills and to build on their knowledge from primary school. They have been looking at negative numbers, factors and multiples, as well as written methods for multiplying and dividing. Students in Year 8 have started the year looking at sequences, such as the Fibonacci sequence. This sequence is closely linked to science and nature. In trees, the Fibonacci sequence begins in the growth of the trunk and then spirals outward as the tree gets larger and taller. We also see the golden ratio of their branches as they start off with one trunk which splits into 2, then one of the new branches stems into 2, and this pattern continues.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
Science . Year 7 students are being shown the ropes in Science this term with introductions into Bunsen burners, writing methods and collecting and presenting data. Students will be looking at cells, earth's structure and the universe this term - studying the smallest and the largest objects of our world!
Welcoming Year 8 students back to our labs is always a pleasure and they have shown us how keen they are to learn! They have been looking at digestion, pressure and climate so far. We always use relevant and up to date information when exploring climate change and using our analytical skills to look through data which is reported in the News or online. X
History
Year 7 students are completing a historical investigation into whether there was significant change in medieval England. Students have been learning about what life was like in that period and have been introduced to the discipline of History with some historical skills. They will go on to learn about how Medieval England set the scene for great political and social change.
Our Year 8 historians are studying political representation throughout English history. They are investigating how different groups have campaigned to have their voice heard throughout history including the barons who revolted against King John in 1215. They will also go on to learn about the suffragettes and their struggle for the vote.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
Geography Year 7 have started the year with a comparing places module. This has allowed them to improve their geographical knowledge of the world and to develop atlas skills such as latitude and longitude. Pupils are comparing development and quality of life across continents with a particular focus on Uganda in East Africa, as it is home to our link school in Kabubbu. Year 8 have been studying tectonics this term with a particular focus on volcanic hazards. They have been studying the structure of the earth and what processes cause tectonic hazards; as well as looking at the dangers of volcanoes, why people live near volcanoes and what we can do to reduce the effects of volcanic hazards.
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Computing This term, Year 7 students are learning the core computing skills that they will need going forward in their time at Heathfield. We began by looking at file management and security, and then moved on to staying safe online - looking at issues such as cyberbullying and avoiding scams. Students learnt about online profiles to give a better awareness of using social media. They will also be learning about using social media and emails. In Year 8, students will build on the e-safety knowledge that they learnt in Year 7. They will learn about the legal safeguards regarding computer use, including the Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act and Copyright law and the implications for computer users. They will also learn about online frauds, hacking and identity theft, and how to stay safe online.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
Design & Technology Year 7 have been learning about plastics, their properties, environmental impact and working characteristics alongside developing workshop skills with a range of tools and equipment including the fretsaw and pillar drill.
Year 8 have been extending the woodworking skills they learnt in Year 7 and are making bookends using traditional hand cut dovetail joints. They are also designing and developing ideas through sketching and modelling.
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Year 7 have been focusing on safe knife skills and use of the grill, oven and hob by making fruit salad, pizza toast, muffins and pasta sauce. They have also been exploring nutrition by examining different types of food labelling.
Year 8 have been investigating the science behind different cooking methods and types of raising agents with practicals, including vegetable stir fry, pizza and cheese scones. They have also started to look at different food careers through independent learning.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
French It has been fantastic to welcome Year 7 to lessons where they have been wowing us with their knowledge of France. They are now learning to introduce themselves and discuss their likes and dislikes in preparation for the next stage in their travels where they will be 'visiting' France after Christmas.
Year 8 are building on their knowledge from last year to describe the towns and cities of France. Students have really enjoyed the wide variety of activities in language lessons and are having fun exploring phonics. Students are getting to grips with more complex grammar and showing a real understanding of how French, and indeed English, are constructed. The enthusiasm of Year 8 in French lessons is exceptional, and all students are being very ambitious in their approach to speaking tasks. The support of our students at Open Evening for French was fantastic - it is amazing to have so many passionate linguists in our school. Merci beaucoup! X
Spanish In Term 1, Year 7 students have been having fun learning how to introduce themselves using greetings and questions such as ¡Hola! ¿Qué tal? Estoy bien, gracias. They will be learning how to form the present tense in Spanish to talk about their personalities and will be shown a wide range of adjectives in order to describe themselves. They will have fun learning Spanish phonics with actions to help with sound spelling correspondence. They have made a great start so far! ¡Qué impresionante! Students will be supported with their learning using Knowledge Organisers and Sentence Builders, all on Google Classrooms. This Term, Year 8 Spanish students have learning how to talk about a past holiday – ideal now that can talk about what they did during the summer holidays! Students have been learning how to form the preterite tense in Spanish to communicate where, with whom and how they have travelled to different places. Some example phrases they are using are: El verano pasado fui a España con mi familia y fuimos en avión. ¡Qué divertido! Students will be supported with their learning using Knowledge Organisers and Sentence Builders which will be on their Google Classrooms.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
Physical Education Students within Key Stage 3 have been exploring, developing and extending their understanding in a range of different sports that have given them confidence to perform as individuals and within a team. Students rotate on a 3-week carousel around; Badminton, Basketball, Dance, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rugby. This gives students the knowledge and understanding to take a sport they enjoy further. Beyond this, students have the opportunity to develop their skills further at clubs in a variety of activities and should seek to continue their understanding beyond the classroom lessons.
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Drama
In Year 7 we have been getting to know our students, building their confidence and establishing ground rules for safe and stimulating Drama lessons. Students are currently preparing for a baseline written assessment where they have to analyse from a photograph how the actor playing Trunchball in "Matilda" uses her face, body and space to intimidate a small child. We will then move on to improvisation in response to an image and teach some basic drama skills through this unit. In Year 8 we are exploring Melodrama as a style of theatre. We have looked at how it originated and are exploring the physical and vocal skills required to create the over exaggerated stock characters of hero, villain, damsel in distress and aged parent. We are hoping to go onto silent movies and also to explore extracts from Sweeney Todd.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
Art Year 7 have got off to an incredible start this term. They are demonstrating fantastic creative flare and are really engaging in their lessons. We have had some outstanding examples of mark making using a range of materials including Indian ink. Some groups have now started exploring the Lascaux Cave Paintings and have begun initial explorations into observational drawings by creating cave style recordings through watercolour, chalk pastel, oil pastel and coloured pencil. Year 8 have returned this year to an exciting colour project that builds on the colour explorations they did in Year 7. They are looking at the movement of Pop Art and exploring the colours and techniques of this exciting art movement. They have explored continuous line drawing through a range of black and white and colour media and will soon be starting their first sustained drawing of a food item. They are showing real determination with their drawings and they have produced some incredible outcomes so far. X
Music
Year 7 have been focusing on Musical elements this term and have been working on a range of instruments and their iPads. Students have all been really engaged in lessons! This term, Year 8 have been doing two different projects, half the year group have been working on Cover Music. They have focused on chords and are currently working towards putting their own cover song together in practice rooms. The other half of Year 8 have been working on a Remix Project. They have been using their iPads and Macs to explore how to Remix music and how to use the musical elements to develop their pieces.
What are KS3 students learning in … X
PSHEe Year 7 have been spending their time this term getting to know one another. As the classes are taught in form groups, we have the opportunity to work co-operatively and form the bonds of a community using group tasks and ice breakers, which will last for 5 years. Students have also had the chance to practise their listening skills which are vital at secondary school Year 8 students have been focussing on citizenship. In particular, we have learnt about Crime: its causes, prevention and consequences. As part of this learning, students will find out about ages in UK law and the criminal justice system.
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Philosophy and Religion
Year 7 students have begun their introduction to the subject by exploring the meaning of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and why it is important to study it. They have been exploring what makes a good philosopher and asking the question of why we are how we are, do we learn our behaviour from influences around us or are they innate in our nature? If our behaviour is a result of influences beyond our control, to what extent are we truly responsible for our actions? Year 8 students have been exploring how we should live and the relativity of morality, which has been applied to the concept of Situation Ethics. They have been considering how we know how we should behave and whether acceptable behaviour is situation-dependent. They have compared this to the absolute rules that are the 10 Commandments and have questioned how relevant they are as a guide to living in modern society today.
Focus on Key Stage 4 and 5 Art & Photography Geography Science
Pride . Ambition . Community
What are KS4 and 5 students learning in..
Art & Photography Key Stage 4 – GCSE Art & Design Year 9’s (extended and intensive) have had an incredible start to the year. They have started their introduction project, which takes them through a range of media and processes. The purpose of this project is to try and find what aspects of art students most enjoy, so they can make an informed decision about which scheme of work they choose next. Some students excel with observational drawing, while others have an innate understanding of colour and pattern. It is essential to us that students following a scheme that really encourages their enjoyment and success. The work we have seen so far is exceptional, with students showing well developed skills and a confident, mature approach to lessons. Even though the focus is very much on observational drawings, with students observing and recording shells and walnuts in a range of media, all students have risen to the challenge producing some excellent outcomes. The Year 10 extended groups are just starting either Develop and Explore or Personal Landscape. They were ready to move on from the introduction project and as such have approached their chosen project with enthusiasm and determination. Already we are seeing fantastic observational skills from those studying Personal Landscape while Develop and Explore students are demonstration sound colour knowledge. Year 11 are in the final stage of the two projects. Ideas are now becoming more personal and students are taking more ownership over the direction their project is moving. In the coming months they will start making completely independent decisions on their work and what they would like their final outcome to look like. It’s such an exciting part of the project and we can’t wait to see the wonderful ideas they come up with.
Key Stage 5 – A Level Art & Design We are very lucky to have two Year 12 groups this year and both are absolutely outstanding. The levels of hard work and enthusiasm are quite something and there is a real sense of focus in their lessons. Similar to the introduction project in Year 9, Year 12 are working on the ‘Skills based workshop’ the purpose is to introduce students to a wider, more diverse range of skills and techniques that they can evaluate and assess with a view to using them in their Personal Investigation project later in the year. It is a hugely enjoyable and visually exciting project that covers a vast array of processes and media that students won’t have tried before.
What are KS4 and 5 students learning in..
Art & Photography Year 13 are working through their final project for their coursework before their exams start in February. They are all working on their own lines of enquiry and it’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of ideas coming through. It’s tough work this time of year with the pressure from all subjects mounting, but students are rising to the challenge and pushing themselves to produce the best work possible for this final unit.
KS4 & KS5 Photography Students in Year 9 have researched and explored the work of Photographer Alan Cohen. His imagery has inspired the group to capture their own Texture photographs around and outside of school. Even at this early stage, we are seeing focussed and engaged classes with students who, don’t forget, have never studied photography before. They have embraced the subject and are really showing enjoyment learning new techniques associated with Photoshop. Year 11 students are finalising their David Carson Inspired Grids and have edited photographs from the Brighton trip in July 2023. These outcomes will be printed and students will have the opportunity to mount and physically manipulate these photos. In the coming months, they will continue their creative journey in a more personal way, selecting a line of enquiry that interests them and that they will pursue through to their major final outcome for coursework. Year 12 are finalising their Preliminary Summer Work, in which they explored and captured photographs on three photographers of their choice. The summer work was to an excellent standard and really demonstrated how students were able to work independently; a valuable skill for A level. In the coming weeks, they will start researching and experimenting with concepts of Minimalism and Typologies, creatively bringing lettering and font into their photographs. Year 13 students have completed their concept 2 based on images from their London South Bank Trip in summer 2023. In which they created a series of creative and Graphic style outcomes to be printed A1. They have now begun further research and analysis into their Personal Themes and concepts towards a final coursework outcome. This final outcome will be their most important submission and we can’t wait to see what they produce for their final major project. How I can help my child learn in Art? ✓
Drawing regularly will really help improve observational skills.
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Visiting galleries and exhibitions will help to broaden your child’s understanding of the world of art and will likely inspire them to try new processes and techniques.
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Buying other types of art materials that your child can use to explore with will help them develop their proficiency with different media.
What are KS4 and 5 students learning in..
Geography
Key Stage 4 GCSE Geographers are at various parts of the course with Year 9 pupils starting their first modules on the GCSE course and Year 10 and 11 pupils preparing for their mock exams in November. Year 9 pupils are studying resource management which looks at the issues of providing food, water and energy in the UK and abroad. Year 10 geographers are currently learning about the importance of the Amazon rainforest as part of the Living World module whereas Year 11 pupils have been studying climate change as part of the Natural Hazards module. Both are some of the most significant current global issues. In late September, GCSE pupils enjoyed their field trip to Eastbourne where they completed two investigations. Their physical investigation assessed the success of Eastbourne’s sea defenses and their human investigation evaluated the environmental impact of Eastbourne’s tourism industry. Pupils were well behaved and completed lots of good work despite less than ideal weather conditions. Key Stage 4 Year 12 Geographers have been studying the carbon and water cycle in physical geography and changing places, making spaces in human geography. They have just sat their induction assessment and there were some impressive marks given. We hope they have enjoyed the transition from KS4 to KS5 and have embraced the extra depth of the curriculum as well as the challenge of independent work. It is a busy term for Year 13 as they have been completing their NEA investigation and are making good progress in their write-ups. This is based on independent fieldwork completed over the summer holidays following a series of fieldtrips in Term 6. Pupils have chosen a varied range of topics ranging from studying refugees living in Brighton, coastal defences in East Sussex, water and carbon cycles in local woodland and even lava flows in Iceland! How I can help my child learn in Geography?
What are KS4 & KS5 students learning in..
Science
Key Stage 4 Students in Year 9 have just started learning GCSE content, which is an exciting transition for them from KS3. Students are currently learning the foundations of Biology by studying cells and looking in practical work at how cells are studied using microscopes. In Year 10, students are continuing with the GCSE course learning about quantitative chemistry, including how to calculate moles and carrying out a required practical looking at how light intensity can affect the rate of photosynthesis in pondweed. Year 11 continue to work hard on their independent study skills, completing a weekly exam question homework and learning about ecology, waves and chemistry of the atmosphere.
Key Stage 5 In Chemistry this term, Year 12 have been learning all about the Elements of Life. How we can use absorption and emission spectra to determine what elements the stars are made of and the shapes that common molecules, such as water and methane, take in 3D. Students have been learning about transition metals, their use as catalysts, how we can extract them from herbs, and the variety of colours their oxidation states can have. They have also been learning about the chemical industry and the chemistry behind successful processes. In KS5 Physics, our new Year 12 physics students have been expanding on their knowledge of waves from their GCSE experience. We have introduced radians as a unit of measurement in addition to understanding what happens when waves interact with each other. Their task this term is to create a model to show interference patterns, highlighting areas of constructive interference, destructive interference and labelling/ describing the phase
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Discuss with them what is going on in the news.
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Encourage them to complete the Super Curricular activities for Politics.
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Encourage them to attend the debating society (If Key stage 4 or 5).
What are KS5 students learning in..
Science
difference and path difference between the interfering waves. They have also been developing their maths skills in physics whilst studying mechanics. Initially considering vectors and scalars, leading to the principle of moments stability and equilibrium.
Year 13 physicists have spent the first few weeks consolidating their knowledge on the following year 2 key topics: gravitational and electric fields, circular motion and simple harmonic motion. They are progressing on to thermal physics, discovering how and why materials behave differently when heat is transferred into or out of them. Namely we are current studying internal energy, the first law of thermodynamics, specific heat capacity, and understanding temperature. They are also continuing their study of fields by beginning the consideration of magnetic fields, which will lead them to a deeper understanding of the physics of motors and transformers. They will then look at the reasons for energy loss from transformers and the actions taken to minimize these losses. In Biology, Year 13 students have been embedding knowledge of Photosynthesis and Respiration, that they started in the Summer Term, in addition to studying the flow of energy through ecosystems and Human impact on ecosystems. They have moved on to study Inheritance, investigating populations, Evolution and the conservation of habitats.
How I can help my child learn in Science? ✓
Discuss with them what is going on in the news.
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Encourage them to complete the Super Curricular activities for Politics.
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Encourage them to attend the debating society (If Key stage 4 or 5).
Term 1 Wider Curriculum These pages include details of the wider curriculum and enrichment events followed by all year groups over the course of the last term.
Pride . Ambition . Community
Year 7 Wider Curriculum Everyone Can Create “I really enjoyed being able to discover new things about my iPad and new ways to use certain apps and the freedom of getting to create what’s in your head.” In an era where technology plays a significant role in our daily lives, it's crucial for students to not only be proficient in using devices like iPads for everyday tasks, but also to harness their potential for creativity and learning. The recent Year 7 Wider Curriculum Day exemplified this concept as students embarked on a journey of artistic exploration using their iPads. Through sessions in photography, video, and music, students learned a variety of new skills to use across the curriculum. Students used their iPads to develop skills that will allow them to not simply be consumers of content but to also create it themselves. They explored how to take photos and edit them using Pixlr, how to frame a variety of shots and edit content in unique ways using iMovie and how to remix music using Live Loops in GarageBand. In addition to the traditional creative subjects, this day allowed students to explore areas of interest and develop skills that are invaluable in today's digital age. Using iPads as creative tools, students not only learned about art forms but also harnessed technology to express themselves. This exposure not only enhances their creative abilities but also prepares them for a world where technology is so commonplace. This day continues to add another dimension to the iPad training programme that Year 7 undertake in term 1. Students will now begin term 2 with a range of skills that will allow them to make full use of the iPad to support their learning across a wide range of subjects. “it was very fun last week. My favourite part was the music where we created music a bit like a DJ. It was fun with the different textures you could put on the music.” To explore more of how the iPad supports creativity across the curriculum click here. To find out more about Apple’s Everyone Can Create resources follow the link below: https://www.apple.com/uk/education/everyone-can-create/
Wider Curriculum Sussex Safer Roads
Sharing the EdTech journey
We received huge praise for our Year 11 students from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership after their ‘Take a Second’ presentation at the College on Friday, 29th September.
Further to the College’s 6-year status as an Apple Distinguished School and 2023 nomination by peers as one of the EdtEch50 schools nationally to watch, the College has been sharing their journey with local schools.
There were interactive elements which students engaged with and some very hardhitting stories that they listened to maturely. The actors commented on how focused, attentive and engaged they were, and how our students stood out for this in their experience of audiences.
Last week, six Headteachers from Hastings primary schools visited the College to immerse themselves in the vision, methodology and application of Heathfield’s approaches to technology for learning. They also spent time with the College’s student Digital Leaders and visiting lessons to see how the technology is used in reality.
Mayfield Climate Action – Climate competition Mayfield Climate Action group are a local initiative to increase local and wider engagement in the climate. They created a climate action competition to run in local schools in 2 distinct categories – communication and innovation. We received a number of entries from our pupils, most of which were in the communication category. The aim of this category was to come up with an attention grabbing and persuasive approach to communicating an existing idea. We had a lot of eyecatching posters and slogans submitted that were of a very high calibre. There was one standout group that produced a video around using electric cars over petrol or diesel. They put a lot of thought and effort into it and edited it in a way that really made you think. It was due to this fantastic entry that Aimee Novell, Benjamin Willott, Oliver Willott won the prize of a £100 in the communication category. John Murray from Mayfield Climate Action Group visited the school to present the students with their award.
Wider Curriculum Duke of Edinburgh First Finishers 2023 We enjoyed a beautiful morning to photograph the first successful students who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Awards over the summer term and holidays. Congratulations to the following students on the achievement of their bronze award: Oliver Foy, Keiran Verboom, Daniel Wooller, Patrick Lewis, Louie Pentecost, John Beirne, Sophie Collie, Elizabeth Collis, George Streeter, Louis Ranford, Alex Skeggs, Ruben Merrick, Edward Eldridge, Molly Procter, Laura Sutton, Olivia Groom, Lily Dean. These students successfully completed 3-6 months on their three individual sections: learning a new skill; volunteering in the community; regularly partaking in a physical activity; in addition to the 2-day expedition element. Congratulations to the following students on achieving their silver award: Jade Kremnitzer, Caden Norcott, Isabel Sheppard, Toby Irwin, Lucy Coombs, Millie Crane, Tyler Moon.
These students successfully completed an average 6 months on each of the three individual sections: learning a new skill; volunteering in the community; regularly partaking in a physical activity and, in addition, a practice expedition followed by an assessed 3-day expedition. We look forward to welcoming our new cohort of Duke of Edinburgh Award students over the next couple of months. The gold award will be available to our year 12 students in September, and the bronze will be launched with our Year 9 students in October.
Year 13 Psychology trip to Bethlem Museum We had a lovely, informative Psychology trip to Bethlem Museum of the Mind with Year 13. Students listened to a talk about the History of Bethlem Hospital, reflecting the understanding of Mental illness and how we have progressed across time from believing there are 2 mental illnesses to over 200. Students discussed photos and extracts from letters that the patients and doctors had written and what their experience could have been like. Our students participated in a workshop discussion about the ethics surrounding mental health and the patients and their family’s rights. They debated whether or not a ‘fake’ patient should be allowed weekend leave or not and taking in a lot of factors. Lastly, the students spent time walking around the museum looking at paintings, letters, and any remains from the old hospital, learning about the different treatments for mental health across time.
Wider-Curriculum Model United Nations This term, a delegation of our Sixth Form students attended a Model United Nations conference at Bede’s Upper School. Representing the countries of South Korea, Albania and Myanmar, our students learned about rules and processes involved in writing speeches and debating resolutions in the Committee rooms as well as the floor of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Our students grappled with complex and fascinating global issues including whether the UN should ban arms/weapons sales, whether there should be a universal right to secondary education and fascinating questions surrounding the sovereignty of space and whether any nation could make a claim for ownership. Well done to Beatrice Gillard who was selected as the best delegate in the DISEC committee for her contributions on topics surrounding disarmament and international security. Our students did the College proud with 4 of our delegates receiving commendations for their contributions at the Committee stage. One of our students commented that they enjoyed the initial formality of the day, as this enabled them to understand the processes of the debate later in the day once things got heated. Another commented that they would be looking forward to making the Model United Nations part of the Debating Society at the College in the future.
Army Careers Talk
A Level Art/Photography Trip
Students in Year 11 and Sixth Form were offered an hour long workshop with Sgt. Cornbill from the Armed Forces recruitment and careers centre based in Queens Road in Brighton. Over 20 students signed up had the opportunity to hear about the careers routes in all the Armed Forces, as well as a chance to ask their own questions.
We had a super time with Year 12 at the Tate Modern and London Southbank this term. The Tate Gallery collection and ‘Capturing the Moment exhibition inspired ideas for forthcoming individual projects in art and Photography. Along the South Bank, students were excited by the urban environment recording textures and wide angles from architecture to skateboarding. Everyone was capturing their view of London with a keen eye and spotting great visuals for their project. It was amazing to watch the students engage so fully in the day and really make the most of this opportunity. Seeing Big Ben without scaffolding was a plus!
Upcoming careers workshops include: getting into the law without going to university, opportunities in the Music Industry from Waterbear, careers in the creative industries and engineering pathways with network rail. We hope to offer even more as the year progresses.
Wider-Curriculum Batucada Carnival Club at the 75th Crowborough Bonfire Procession “This was my first ever time doing a carnival and it was brilliant! I had so much fun and it was amazing to be part of it.” – Erin Sullivan, Year 7 Batucada Carnival Club has been busy already this term. On Saturday 9th September 2023 they took part in the 75th Crowborough Bonfire Society procession. This was a fantastic start to the year. Twenty three students from Years 7 to 12 entertained the crowds along the whole procession. Some onlookers thought our makes were so good they thought we had hired them and were amazed when they realised the students made everything themselves. The Crowborough Bonfire society invited us to be part of their celebrations a year ago when they saw us at another event with our blue dragon. During last term, students in Year 7 and 8 worked on making another dragon head and tail for our red dragon, and then the main decoration of the head was completed by Alice Cronin in year 12 in the first few days of this term. So, at Crowborough we were able to take out two dragons for the first time along with the Origami crane sculpture we had made for Brighton last year, all bedecked with lights for the torchlit procession. In all the years we have been going to these parades we haven’t managed to take out three big makes all at once. This made the parade extra special for all the Carnival Club members who thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. The Samba Band, led by Mr. James Matthews, were full of energy and did an amazing job drumming all the way round the parade route. The procession was 13,000 steps and Mr. Matthews did them all backwards! One of the highlights of the evening was when Josh Sinclair, in Year 8, played a steady beat on his surdo bass drum for the Crowborough Bonfire Society march to the War memorial and wreath laying ceremony.
We would like to thank Crowborough Bonfire Society for inviting us to join in their celebrations and are very grateful for their generous donation to the Batucada Carnival Club, which will go towards our preparations for Brighton Children’s Parade in May 2024. Wow, you must be bursting with pride! It was amazing having you and your drummers, dragons and the crane!! What a fantastic sight, people absolutely loved it! – Tracy Taylor, Crowborough Bonfire Society Secretary
HOUSES Students are assigned their House based on their tutor group. Each House is led by the House Leader, with support from form tutors. A and M are in Cade, with Miss Martin, H and L are in Batemans, with Mr Long, D and T are in Tower, with Mr Carter and E and C are in Heffle, with Miss Collett. This gives students a broader community to work with when competing in House competitions, which happen termly throughout the year. The students are given a chance to play sports in an organised way or be creative in our art competitions . Our new Prefects have also contributed to our House competitions by signing up to umpire matches and speaking in assemblies to the rest of the Houses. We have plenty more activities planned for this year and will encourage all students to get involved. Students gain points through entering and participating, and these points add to their praise and behaviour points across the term. The House with the most points each term become the overall winners at Christmas, Easter, and the end of the school year, where students will get a well-deserved treat on the last day of term.
Batemans The mansion at Batemans was first built in 1634. From 1902 to 1936 it was the home of the famous author Rudyard Kipling. Kipling is most famous for his novel ‘The Jungle Book’. In 1915 Kipling received the tragic news of the death of his only son John (Jack) Kipling, who was a British soldier in the First World War. He had written the poem ‘If’ for him and later wrote the poem ‘My boy Jack’ in his memory.
Cade Jack Cade, a common man from Sussex, led a rebellion against the King‘s corrupt advisors in 1450. He was a hero to ordinary people who called him ‘John Mend-All’ for restoring order and justice. However, his enemies caught up with him and he was mortally wounded by the Sheriff of Kent in Cade Street. This is the road which our school is on and there is a monument dedicated to Cade nearby.
Heffle The Heffle Cuckoo fair first started in 1315 when the Bishop of Chichester obtained permission to hold a weekly market and an annual fair. According to tradition, Dame Heffle would arrive at the market in April and release two Cuckoos from her basket to signify the coming of Spring. Heffle is the old name for Heathfield and each year the Cuckoo fair is held to bring the community together as well as raising money for Demelza Hospice care for children.
Tower Gibraltar Tower is a local landmark that can be found in Heathfield Park. The tower is dedicated to George Augustus Eliott who successfully defended the fortress of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of Gibraltar between 1779 to 1783. In recognition of his bravery, he was given the noble title ‘Lord Heathfield of Gibraltar’.
HOUSES House Football Competition Students across all year groups competed in this year’s House football competition during the last week of September in glorious weather and sunshine. Participation from all the Houses was excellent with over 160 students taking part overall. Each day the matches were organised and refereed by our new Year 11 prefect team who ensured that each game was played fairly and competitively. During each event there was competitive and friendly rivalry between our houses. On Monday, Cade were victorious for Year 7. On Tuesday, Tower won in the Year 8 competition. On Wednesday, Batemans were the winner for Year 9. Tower won on Thursday with Year 10 and on Friday, Heffle won with Year 11. Overall the very close final table was as follows.
Batemans
Cade
Heffle
Tower
460
540
610
590
Well done to Heffle, our winning House of the week, and thank you to all the students and prefects who took part and assisted the competition during the week. We look forward to excellent participation and entries in next term’s Photography competition.
Executive Council We started the year by each tutor group electing two form reps to represent the views of their group at the Year Council meetings. There were then elections at the Year Council to decide who would go on to represent the whole year group’s views at Executive Council. Student voice is an important part of the Heathfield culture and using an election process gives everyone a chance to have their voice heard. The Executive Council is run by the Lead Prefect team, assisted by Noah Lines, and overseen by Mr Hatchard. Term 1 meeting Prior to the first meeting, the Lead Team and School Council Manager received invaluable training from Ms Barlow on running an effective meeting. Aside from making meetings efficient through planning agendas and the such, the group learnt about the importance of values and principles when leading others. The feedback loop is vitally important and so after the Executive Council meeting, the Lead Team meet with SLT to present the students views. SLT provide feedback which Executive Council members present to their year group in assembly. On the agenda this term, was a discussion about the start of the school year and how it had gone for students. There was much that students were effusive about. From the new filling options in the wraps served by the canteen staff to teaching staff being welcoming and warm to the new device that allows students to check their balance without having to go into the Dining Hall. Students presented that they were happy in their school and appreciated the work of staff. With the significant works that are happening with the toilets, the fact that many students felt that the temporary toilets were not an issue is pleasing to hear – though, of course, everyone is very much looking forward to the new toilets opening next half term! Local Leadership Seven members of our Executive Council represented Heathfield at a local partnership school council meeting held at St Bedes. Students from independent and state schools, representing Key Stages 2 – 5, came together to discuss the worth of school councils. Heathfield students were a credit and showed they genuinely understood the importance of student voice within an effective school council system and they understood their responsibility as members of our Executive Council. While at St Bedes, students then completed a team building activity and suggested events that could take place to develop the local partnership.
Alumni News As we come to the end of our first half term, we are delighted to have heard many positive stories from our 2023 leavers about their exciting next steps.
To give you just a small sample of the many and varied progression routes that they are following, I would like to share a few of our alumni stories here. Aidan Kirby, a Deck Officer Cadet, sponsored by Princess Cruises, moved down to Southampton in September to begin Phase 1 of his Cadetship at Warsash Maritime School. Aidan is studying for a degree in Nautical Science whilst working towards his Certificate of Competency as an Officer of the Watch in the Merchant Navy. Aidan says: “I am really liking it down here in Southampton and it fits the industry I am entering perfectly being one of the largest, if not the largest maritime hub in the world! There are so many connections here and it has been fantastic so far. Even the fact that all of our lecturers are actually experienced seafarers and have been through the Cadetship like us is just brilliant! In the deck department, we have started to study subjects including Ocean & Coastal Navigation, Ship Stability and Bridge Management, in order to fully prepare us to go to sea for onboard training during Phase 2.” Aidan has let us know that there a virtual open day on 18th November, which will provide a brilliant insight into a career in maritime. If any students is interested in attending, speak to Ms Taylor in Careers.
Trixie Green has also been in touch to show us just how much you can squeeze into the car when you are moving to uni! Trixie is studying Human Geography and Environment at the University of York. She says “I’m excited to be attending the University of York. I’m looking forward to all the extra curricular activities as well as studying abroad and the opportunity to study a language. When I leave uni I am hoping to pursue a career in sustainability.” Finally we hear that James Cassidy, who you may recognise from his work serving Geno’s Gelato or Java. He has settled into Nottingham Trent University, where he is studying Economics with International Finance and Banking. He says “Moved in yesterday. Already the best place in the world!”
We wish all of our 2023 leavers the best of luck as they begin their onwards journeys. Please keep sending in your updates, they really put a smile on our faces.
Whenever you left Heathfield and whatever your stage of education or career, please get in touch using the QR code or by emailing alumni@heathfieldcc.co.uk
The College in the Community We are proud of the role the College has in the Heathfield community and also of the role the community plays in supporting our young people. We are happy to profile the employers and organisations who support us and collaborate to ensure that Heathfield students have the very best start possible.
The Rotary Club of Heathfield and Waldron The Rotary Club of Heathfield and Waldron is very pleased to give financial Support to Heathfield Community College and to the 3 primary schools in Heathfield each year. We are a fund-raising organisation with 46,000 clubs in 166 countries and, between them, the clubs raise over £100m a year for worthy causes. It is an association run entirely by volunteers and clubs put on a huge range of activities to raise funds to donate to charities and other good causes. The Rotary movement in Ukraine has grown by 30% as Ukrainians seek to help their fellow countrymen and UK clubs send aid and financial support to this beleaguered nation.
Rotary clubs not only support their local communities, but also send money and aid supplies internationally to provide practical relief to disaster areas and war-torn countries. For 35 years, Rotary International has been at the centre of global efforts to eradicate Polio in the world. This effort has resulted in there being only a handful of cases in just 2 counties with endemic wild Polio. Rotary’s work will go on until Polio has been completely eliminated. Locally, our club runs the Waldron Classic Car Show and provides stewards for the Le Marche French Market, the Heathfield Agricultural Show and the Heathfield Bonfire Society. We organise outings for the elderly and undertake a huge street collection at Christmas. We are always looking for volunteers, who do not need be members but can support us as a “Friend of Rotary”.
Working with the College Honours Evening and Sports Awards: Rotary support Honours Awards through a contribution which allows the College to provide trophies and certificates for all, it means there is the capacity for the College to bring in high quality speakers that benefit a wider range of students across the year groups. They have consistently supported but Honours and Sports Awards in this way over a long period of time. Rotary have been consistent in their support of our young people, offering expertise in both formal and informal ways and very much enjoyed their experience of viewing the College recently to understand more about day to day life for students.
If you would like to help as a “Friend of Rotary”, with no time or financial commitment, please volunteer and contact our club secretary on 07967147475 or through the contact page on our website https://www.rotaryribi.org/clubs/contact.php?ClubID =720. Your support will be more than welcome and remember our Rotary Club supports charities and good causes at the heart of YOUR community.
Find out more and try out over half term: https://heathfieldcc.fireflycloud.net/super-curricular-1
Dates for your Diary Monday, 30 October
Wednesday, 1 November
Start of Term 2 Cambodia Camp International Launch to Year 12 A Level Drama Trip – ‘O What A Lovely War’, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne Start of Art and Photography Mocks (Yr 10 and 11)
Thursday, 2 November Monday, 6 November
Year 7 Sussex Safer Roads Start of Year 10 Mocks 1 (Options C & D)
Start of Year 11 Mocks
Wednesday, 8 November
Year 7 Trip to Matilda
Thursday, 9 November
Year 9 Curriculum Evening - Moving to KS4
Friday, 10 November
MPs Visit for Parliament Week KS3 Trip to Glyndebourne
Tuesday, 14 November
Wider Curriculum - Year 13 Interview Day Careers in Law Without a University Degree for Year 11/12/13
Wednesday, 15 November
KS4 & KS5 Trip to Glyndebourne Start of House Photography Competition
Monday, 20 November
Start of Year 10 and 11 MFL Mock Oral Exams 8X French Language & Culture Wider Curriculum Day
Thursday, 23 November
Friday, 24 November
Brightsparks GCSE Performance Year 13 Subject Feedback Evening Inset Day Heathfield Christmas Lights Switch On
Monday, 27 November
Inset Day
Wednesday, 29 November
Year 7 to 11 Influenza Nasal Spray Programme
Friday, 1 December
8Y Spanish Language & Culture Wider Curriculum Day
Tuesday, 5 December
School Production Dress Rehearsal
Wednesday, 6 December
School Production – Matilda
Thursday, 7 December
Year 11 Subject Feedback Evening
Friday, 8 December
School Production – Matilda
Monday, 11 December
Broadbridges Uniform Sale, Link Hall, 3.15pm – 4.30pm
Tuesday, 12 December
Year 10 English Trip – ‘A Christmas Carol’, Quantum Theatre French Trip to Lille Christmas Market
Thursday, 14 December
Learning Support Christmas Fair Alumni Event
Friday, 15 December
End of Term 2
www.heathfieldcc.co.uk @Heathfield_CC