Heathfield Headlines Issue 2 - December 2022

Headlines Term 2 December 2022

Pride . Ambition . Community

Headlines Issue 2 16 December 2022

Head’s Message This edition is jammed packed with details of Term 2 – largely because a lot has happened!

We have been pleased to work with and alongside students in a range of ways to ensure their thoughts and interests are represented in how the College continues to improve and develop. Specifically this term we have worked with: • School Council on matters relating to road safety and the canteen • Values Leaders around anti-bullying and equality objectives

We are especially proud of their work with us on highlighting and addressing sexualised and racialised language. We know these factors exist in society but supporting young people to identify it and be a part of the solution is empowering for all of us.

Alongside all the rich and valuable extra-curricular opportunities I would like to just pay tribute to the hard work and focus of our students in lessons. I do appreciate this last week has been disrupted by the impact of weather but throughout the whole term students have shown a determination to succeed and concentrate on their learning which will pay real dividends for the rest of the year. Thank you for your support of that focus, for your encouragement of attendance, ensuring students are correctly equipped and prepared for the school day. It makes a big difference and is appreciated.

I genuinely wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday and a very Merry Christmas.

Those who read succeed!

Reading is a vital cornerstone of learning and continuing our commitment to ready as a vital cornerstone of learning, we bring you #HeathfieldReads .

If you need any support with accessing the recommendations then please contact Mr Hatchard. Reading matters and we are happy to support, guide and encourage as much as possible.

Many of these are good for all ages and its a great idea for parents and students to be reading the same book to prompt discussion and understanding.

YEAR 7 Mrs Krouwel Attendance Average attendance for Term 2: 94.2% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 2: 268

The term began with a wonderful trip for the whole year group up to London to watch the theatre play Matilda. It was a lovely occasion and spectacular show, with a journey through the center of London sightseeing all the main attractions lit up across the Capital during the journey home.

In lesson time students have been working hard focusing in on Anti-bullying during their PSHE lessons and the concept of being a ‘Upstander’ and reporting any incidents through the correct channels.

The year group have also focused on their assessments recently demonstrating determination and high levels of effort across the subject areas.

Well done to all the students for their super curricular entries, some stunning and fabulous work submitted. The Year group can now enjoy a well-earned relaxing Christmas break.

On the last day of term 1, Year 8 went on an exciting trip to Dover to explore Dover castle and explore Hawthorne Trenches. Students were able to immerse themselves in this experience to develop their understanding of what life in the trenches was like.

YEAR 8

Students thoroughly enjoyed this trip, ‘It was such a fantastic day to learn about some history of our country’, ‘I really enjoyed exploring the trenches’. Staff were impressed with the students’ engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day through asking questions to help develop their understanding of key topics.

Average attendance for Term 2: 93%

Students are working hard has they move towards their assessment week in January. The revision packs and advice provided by their subjects will help them to focus on key content to revise and the skills they will need to demonstrate for success in these assessments. These assessments will help in the process of students selecting their GCSE options, so now is a great time to start having those conversations at home about choices and preferences for the future.

Ms Adams Attendance

Praise Average Praise points per student for Term 2: 253

YEAR 9 Mr Richardson Attendance Average attendance for Term 2: 93.1% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 2: 241

This term, students have attended assemblies on International Men’s Day and positive attitudes towards mental health, the ‘Reach Out’ campaign from the Anti-Bullying Alliance, and a refresher on our Protected Characteristics campaign from last academic year. The uniting theme of these assemblies is respect and responsibility for one another, and we have been pleased to see more students speaking up or taking a stand where they witness something they know is not OK in our community.

Year 9 reps met for the second time on 1st December. Topics of discussion ranged from veggie/vegan canteen options, to clubs, road safety, future physical developments in the college to make it even more inclusive and welcoming.

This term also saw ten Year 9 students welcomed into the Values Leaders group, headed by Ms Taylor. They join inspiring members from Years 10 and 11 as ambassadors for the positive values we hold as a college. We look forward to their involvement in future events, whether welcoming newcomers to the school, or being part of student messages around important cultural or political events.

This term, Year 10 have had their first intensive subject mock exams, which have been a real success. The students have been incredibly diligent and mature by ensuring that they were well prepared to achieve their best possible grade. It can be a very stressful time undertaking mocks, however hopefully they are feeling more comfortable now having been through this and now know what to expect in the future. When the students receive their results, it is important to reflect and think about what went well and what tweaks can be made. I have spoken to a number of Year 10 students who have already done this and thought about different ways to approach their next mock and how they can improve. This gives me confidence that Year 10 will push on and achieve even more in the future.

Away from mocks, they have covered a number of important topics in Assembly and in tutor time. Year 10 had an assembly from Mr Pollard in the middle of November focusing on men’s mental health and also mental health in general. This aimed at raising awareness regarding some wider issues in society and the little things that students can do to support each other on a daily basis. The outcome of this were really positive conversations around mental health in the college and a greater awareness of some of the challenges that some people face.

YEAR 10 Mr Holden Attendance Average attendance for Term 2: 89.8% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 2: 212

YEAR 11 Mrs Woodland Attendance Average attendance for Term 2: 89.1% Praise Average praise points per student for Term 2: 161

Term 2 has been very busy and Year 11 have risen to the challenge of managing learning, revision, mock exams and post 16 applications.

Students conducted themselves well through their mock exams and there was a real buzz of students receiving their results on Wednesday 8th December. Students had an assembly with Ms Barlow exploring how students can best use results to focus their revision and develop their skills and knowledge. Students reflected on their results with tutors and we will be working on embedding revision strategies and developing their confidence next term.

PSE lessons have supported post 16 education and work by guiding students with careers research and discussion as well as giving them the opportunity to write and reflect on their personal statements. In addition to this, Year 11 have been receiving careers talks with our Careers Advisor, Ms Kite and we have had visitors from Sussex Police and the Armed Forces to deliver further information and guidance.

We have also met as a year group to discuss Prom which I am in the process of securing for July 2023.

VI FORM

Christmas Quiz Our annual Christmas Quiz has taken place with all money raised being donated to Warming Up the Homeless in Hastings.

Totals will be calculated after our Hot Chocolate break at the end of term.

Ms White Attendance

The winning team on the evening were Sleigh ably supported by Miss Woodgate.

Progression Update UCAS Applications are being submitted by students applying to study a range of different degrees across the country. At this point 70% of applicants have received offers from Universities based on their applications and predicted grades.

We have students with interviews at Oxford and Cambridge whilst also gaining interviews for Primary Teaching and other competitive courses.

As always, support is available for any students still uncertain about their next steps. This is through PSHEE lessons and one-to-one appointments.

APPLIED TO SIXTH FORM?

We have communicated with all students acknowledging their applications. Interview details will be given in the new year.

NOT YET APPLIED?

Average attendance for Term 2: 90.5%

Praise Over 500 praises have been issued this term to Sixth Form students. Names will be drawn for our Christmas raffle this term.

We still have spaces available for students who have not yet applied.

Applications can be completed through Careers East Sussex.

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 Year 7 have spent this term exploring 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 study, they are exploring ideas held in Jacobean England about the divine right 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.

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Maths

This term, Year 7 have been studying types of angles and angle facts including angles in polygons and parallel lines. They have also been practising their numeracy skills and consolidating their multiplication skills using the lattice method.

Year 8 have been studying algebraic manipulation and solving problems with Ratio and Proportion.

What are KS3 students learning in …

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Science

Students in Year 7 have been enjoying lots of practical work revisiting from KS2 how speed can be affected by friction, and then linking this with how gravity can affect movement as well. The students were able to identify the variables that were changed in the experiment, as well as accurately recording the time taken with their iPads. There have also been some chicken wing dissections to look at how muscles cause movement, and the different types of joints that can be found in the body.

In Year 8, the students have been studying forces and buoyancy by creating model boats out of plasticine to see how many marbles could be held, as well as experimenting with magnetism to see how the magnetic forces interact with compasses and Earth’s magnetic field.

Students have also been exploring the Earth’s climate and linking this to our Switch-off Fortnight and the effects of global warming.

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History

Year 7 historians have been continuing their journey exploring the medieval period and considering how things changed for people living in that time.

They have particularly focused on the events and consequences of the 100 Years’ War (which was actually 116 years!). This conflict had a huge impact on English culture and the local landscape as defences such as Bodiam castle and were built, in part, to counteract the threat of a French invasion during the war.

In Year 8, students have been developing their knowledge and understanding of the events of the First World War, including a case study on the infamous Battle of the Somme. Students were able to develop their source evaluation skills by exploring some World War 1 artefacts and considering how useful they are as evidence of soldiers’ experiences during the conflict.

What are KS3 students learning in …

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Geography Year 7 students have been studying rivers this term and have been introduced to the landscapes of the River Tees in Northern England. Combined with this we have been learning OS map skills such as grid references, compass directions and scale. Valuable geography skills that will benefit pupils all the way to Year 11 and beyond.

Also, in what is a busy term for Year 7s, they have been preparing for their assessment and revising our work on Uganda and the UK. Year 8 pupils have been learning about Africa over the past few weeks. Africa is a much misunderstood continent and we have been exploring and challenging our perceptions by learning about the human and physical geography.

In recent lessons we have learnt about development in the continent by evaluating the potential success of different development projects.

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Computing

This term, Year 7 students have been working on understanding how computers work, learning about hardware and software and how to work with binary.

Year 8 students have been developing their programming skills, and using their new skills to make a quiz and a chatbot.

What are KS3 students learning in …

Design & Technology

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Year 7 have been learning about levers and taking part in a team challenge to build a small wooden trebuchet. These were tested against each other to see who could fire a paper ball the furthest.

Year 8 have been developing their computer aided design and manufacturing skills by designing and making a lamp shade for a USB lamp using the laser cutter.

X Year 7 have been learning about the science behind cooking by exploring dextrinisation, shortening and gelatinisation with practical lessons including jam tarts, fruit crumble and macaroni cheese.

Year 8 have been learning about protein and carbohydrates and considering food security and environment issues. They completed a fajita practical where they had the choice of using meat, dairy or a vegan alternative.

* Photos taken during nonuniform day.

What are KS3 students learning in …

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French This term, our students in Year 7 have continued to develop their language skills by giving and justifying their opinions on daily activities, and delving into the masculine and feminine world of nouns and adjectives.

“Miss, what do you mean words have a gender?” Students are showing a keen (if sometimes puzzled!) interest in linguistic and cultural elements and as language teachers, we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing our own experiences of French-speaking countries more recently on the theme of Christmas.

Year 8 students have completed their first assessment and we have been very impressed with their confidence and determination during the speaking part. Chapeau! Like the Year 7s, but in a more challenging and varied way, pupils experienced cultural elements of the French language: going to a carnival, a French market, or a music festival. We said ‘au revoir’ to the past tense and have started to review the use of the present tense.

Bonnes vacances et Joyeux Noël à tous!

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Spanish

In Term 2, lessons for Year 7 students have continued to focus on the topic of ‘Mi Vida,’ giving students the opportunity to talk and write about personal details including their birthdays and what pets they have. In this unit, students have been introduced to the new concept of making sure adjectives agree with the nouns they describe and seeing that word order in Spanish is different to English. Students are more recently being supported through revision to support their outcomes on the forthcoming Assessments. We wish them all the very best with these!

Year 8 students have made significant progress by completing their first unit looking at using a different tense to talk about a past holiday and will now review and revisit the use of the present tense in Term 2. This will give them the opportunity to build on prior learning from Year 7, whilst simultaneously acquiring new vocabulary, as the context requires students to talk about how they use their mobile phones. Students have been engaged in a wide range of activities including sentence stealer games and dice dice games to support target language communication skills and developing confidence with spoken skills.

What are KS3 students learning in …

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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, with extra-curricular provision their first sign-posted point.

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Drama

Year 7 began Term 2 performing the monologues they had written over half term in response to an improvisation stimulus. After seeing Matilda at the theatre we are now looking at how to interpret Dahls' larger than life characters. Students will be exploring a variety of Roald Dahl plays and performing scripted extracts. Year 7 will also have a written assessment based on an extract from Matilda where they will analyse how effectively the actor playing Trunchball terrifies Bruce Bogtrotter.

In Year 8 we are continuing to explore melodrama and the conventions of stock characters and an exaggerated acting style.

Having focused on the physical, non verbal aspects of melodrama last term we are now exploring and performing extracts from melodrama plays such as Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber.

What are KS3 students learning in …

Art

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This term Year 7 have continued with the mark-making project, learning how to create a range of tones using biro, pencil, oil pastel and paper. They are now in the process of using these tonal strips, along with the mark making explorations they completed at the start of Year 7 to create some stunning drawings of bulls as part of their investigations into the Lascaux cave paintings. The work we have seen so far has demonstrated real learning and artistic growth; something that can only be achieved with hard work and dedication.

This term has seen students finish their timed sweet drawing and continue with their sustained drawings of sweets. They have worked really hard on these, drawing on knowledge from both Year 7 and Year 8.

Once they have finished their sustained drawings, they are moving on to photo manipulations using the Pixlr app. This is a particularly enjoyable part of the scheme of work, where students get to use their knowledge of art movement they have been exploring to turn their sweet images into their very own Pop Art piece of art! As the project moves forward students will transfer these digital images to paper and paint them.

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Music

This term, Year 7 have been working on singing with a focus on Melody.

It has been fantastic seeing each class create a fantastic sound together and developing their understanding of musical terminology through a practical task.

Like last term, Year 8 have been focusing on two projects. One half of 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. The other half have been working on a Remix project. They have been remixing a song by Katie Perry or by Seventeen and then remixing the song into their chosen genre.

What are KS3 students learning in …

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PSHE

In Year 7 this term, learning has been focussed on Anti Bullying. We have celebrated the work of the Values Leaders in marking this year’s Anti Bullying Alliance theme of: Reach Out by discussing the role of bystanders and upstanders and the importance of letting a trusted adult know if they are concerned about what might happen to them or what they might witness.

Year 8 have spent a lesson on this year’s Anti Bullying Week theme: Reach Out, ensuring that all students know they are supported both at the College and in their community and discussing how important it is they look out for and support each other. Alongside this key lesson we have been exploring the topic of smoking: focussing on tobacco use continuing to decrease in both the adult and young people’s statistics; but also exploring the risks around the rise in popularity of vaping.

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Philosophy and Religion This term Year 7s have been looking at the topic of forgiveness, with a focus on Christian teachings of forgiveness. They have explored a variety of case studies to help them understand the religious reasoning behind why various people have or have not been able to forgive those who have caused them great pain. In doing so, they have been able to query who benefits the most from forgiveness, and whether it is always better to try and forgive.

Year 8 have been exploring gender equality throughout a number of religions, including Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. In doing so, they have analysed various religious scriptures to determine whether or not they suggest gender equality is important. They’ve been asking the question of whether the Catholic Church should allow female Priests and discussing their feelings on the differing religious expectations surrounding dress.

Focus on Key Stage 4 and 5 English Physical Education Media Design Technology Food & Nutrition Pride . Ambition . Community

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in.. …

English

Year 9 began the year with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective novel, ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ – a perfect introduction to the Year 9 theme of Morality. Classes are also looking at narrative poetry in ‘The Lady of Shalott’ or ‘The Highwayman’. The overarching theme of morality will lead into two further texts characterised by intense moral dilemmas: Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, with its tragic tale of ‘starcrossed lovers’ and Arthur Miller’s ‘A View from The Bridge’, which tells a much more modern tragedy of jealousy and betrayal in New York.

In English Language, Year 10 have shone in their opening terms focusing on critical reading and writing skills. Discussions around critical digital readership have been particularly fruitful – especially the importance of triangulating information and thinking twice before sharing or commenting on someone else’s words. Becoming a critical reader is essential to success in GCSE – and, of course, vital to life beyond school. In the new year, they will be focusing on rhetorical skills and persuasive writing, alongside studying ‘Animal Farm’ for its multiple examples of language used for powerful and political effect.

In Year 10 English Literature, students have been working on their first exam text of the year: William Golding’s hard-hitting masterpiece ‘Lord of the Flies’. Some classes have studied ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ play script where Christopher, who has Asperger syndrome, uses his detective skills to solve a crime. They are now moving on, with perfect festive timing, to study Dickens’ ever-popular ‘A Christmas Carol’, with its timely message about poverty and social justice. After Christmas, they will study either ‘Romeo and Juliet’, or ‘Macbeth’ and then poetry.

In Year 11, English Language students have returned to work on the creative writing component of their GCSE exam, developing interesting and believable narratives and learning how to tell them in an engaging and compelling fashion. They’ve practiced their Paper 1 fiction comprehension skills and will be moving on to Paper 2 after Christmas, focusing on non-fiction texts.

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in.. …

English

In English Literature, students have been revising their key texts for Paper 1 – either ‘Lord of the Flies’, ‘An Inspector Calls’ or ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’.

They are also revising Dickens and setting to learn their key quotations, using strategies such as the flashcards provided by the department. After Christmas, they will move on to revising for Paper 2, focusing on their Shakespeare text and the poetry anthology.

In English Literature, Year 12 arrived full of ideas and fascinating discussion of their transition novel – ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. After a month exploring Hardy’s big ideas about love and inequality, they have moved on to their first exam novels, the powerful and extraordinary ‘The Color Purple’, by Alice Walker and Emily Bronte’s gothic classic ‘Wuthering Heights’. After Christmas, they will be exploring the set poetry anthology and their core play, ‘A Streetcar named Desire’.

In Year 13, students are working their way through Shakespeare’s tragic masterclass in manipulation, ‘Othello’, and also studying their exam poetry text, the beautiful collection ‘Skirrid Hill’ by the Welsh poet Owen Sheers. After Christmas, they will focus on unseen poetry and prose, which are important elements of their final exams, and then return to their Year 12 texts for detailed revision.

English Language students began Year 12 with a crash course in word classes, grammar and spoken English. They are already demonstrating their sharper linguistic understanding of the language in in use around them. These first term skills will underpin everything that they do for the next two years.

They are studying Language Change and Language and Dialect this year.

In Year 13, students are uncovering the history of the English Language in all its rich variety – looking at the influences of historical invasion, colonialism, scientific discovery and social development. They are also learning about the processes by which children learn to speak and write. Both of these are central topics for their final exams next year.

How I can help my child learn in English? ✓

Expand their minds and vocabularies with books! Read them, share them, talk about them – enjoy them together!

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Encourage them to write – perhaps keeping a well-written diary or sending letters about their experiences to family or friends.

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Talk to them about their key texts – ask them what the key ideas are and ask them to how the writer presents them. Discuss the impact of key quotations.

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in …

Physical Education XXXXX Key Stage 4 Students have been keeping active through both traditional sports and new and alternative activities. These include exploring the skills and application of Handball, Boxercise, Street Surfing, Tchoukball, Trampolining and Yoga.

Through discovering new activities, the hope is that students fulfil lifelong participation in sport through staying healthy and active.

Our GCSE PE students have been building understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin our success in sport across different elements. Year 9 students are engaging practically in the purpose and function of fitness testing, knowing the protocols and seeing their own levels of fitness.

Year 10 students have been exploring the understanding of how the body functions and analysing movement patterns, whilst Year 11 have completed their NEA coursework alongside delving deeper into sports psychology and the reasons behind exercise.

Further to this, Year 10 students have had an opportunity to explore climbing as one of their practical activities. All fully enjoyed their time at Polegate.

Key Stage 5 Within A-level PE lessons, students have been developing their theoretical understanding towards both their mocks and summer exams. Alongside this, collective video evidence and critiquing their performances have ensured for a busy term for our Year 12 and 13 students.

Sports Leadership Our Year 10 and 11 students have been excellent advocates for the school through leading a number of primary school sports events at Heathfield. Students have managed indoor athletics, hockey and netball primary events for up to 8 schools at a time. These events required students to work collaboratively, manage gameplay and show leadership qualities throughout as they communicated rules and skills to students along with keeping the competitions fair and competitive.

How I can help my child learn in Physical Education?

Physical Education Extra-Curricular XXXXX Students across all years have been extremely engaged within our extra-curricular provision, with numbers exceeding 300 at our after-school clubs across a range of activities that allow students to build upon skills within PE lessons, explore a new sport or engage in in-house competition on a weekly basis. These clubs include

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Football Netball Rugby Basketball Badminton Dance Trampolining Ski Fitness

Beyond our extra-curricular offering, we have had excellent representation across a range of different sports against other schools in Wealden competitions and Sussex county cup competitions.

Football

- Year 7 boys football won the Wealden competition following victories over Uplands, Beacon and Lewes Priory teams - U16 girls football team have reached the QF of the county cup having beaten Weald School and Beacon Academy already - U16 boys have beaten Ifield and Shoreham Academy to secure a place in the last 16 of the county cup Netball - Year 7s are currently unbeaten having beaten all schools in the Ouse Valley competitions.

- Year’s are also unbeaten, having convincingly beaten Uckfield, Chailey, Beacon, Lewes Priory and Uplands Rugby - There has been a range of success across year groups with victories and tight defeats. Our year 11 team are on course to make the county cup final.

Basketball - Our U16 boys side represented well in the Wealden tournament, finishing 2nd in the most recent tournament

How I can help my child learn in Physical Education? ✓

Encourage students to be active daily, through walking, running, cycling, scootering or playing recreational sport

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Consider how you can maintain good health through sufficient sleep, staying physically active and eating healthily

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Promote the lunch-time and after-school clubs on offer for students – Please see the school website for the offering from PE

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in …

Media

Year 9 students are embarking on the brand new Level 2 BTEC in Creative Media Production. So far they have been learning how to use a range of software to create magazine covers, short films and websites. They have used the television studio to create content for their programmes and learned to use a range of editing software too. These skills will all be necessary when they embark on their first pieces of coursework after Christmas.

Year 12 students have begun the Level 3 BTEC in Creative Media Digital Production. For those students completely new to media, they have had a whistle stop tour of the basic software packages they will need. They have been experimenting with pre production practices, considering the media industry from the perspective of the production companies, cast and crew members. They have also been learning the media messages of stylistic codes, concentrating on camerawork and photography, lighting, editing and sound. They are currently practising putting this knowledge into action by recreating some iconic film clips. They are also broadcasting via Radio Heathfield every Wednesday lunchtime.

Meanwhile, Year 10 and 11 students have been completing their websites for their coursework. Their brief was to make an interactive product to promote a new TV talent show. They have used a range of skills to create assets for their final products including videos, photographs and interactive quizzes. This coursework also helps them prepare for their external exam in February, where they will have 15 hours to design and create a website to a set brief.

Year 13 began the term analysing the generic codes and conventions, narrative styles, structures and technical codes in I, Daniel Blake (Loach 2016) Pride (Warchus 2014) and Top Gun Maverick (Kosinski 2022). They now have the chance to show what film buffs they are by choosing some of their favourite films to add to their coursework: writing a micro analysis of visual storytelling and an analysis of formats and structural conventions within their chosen genres. They will use this knowledge to influence their own fictional films which they will create after Christmas.

How I can help my child learn in Media? ✓

Discuss the representation in the things you see around you. What message is it giving? By who? And why?

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Actively encourage students to be creative with their use of technology - their iPads give them the opportunity to create, edit and publish a whole range of media products!

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in…

Design Technology Key Stage 4 XXXXX

Year 9 have just finished the eco amp project where they learnt about different ways designers can produce more sustainable products including how companies use a life cycle assessment to help plan and measure the impact their product will have on the environment. They manufactured their own eco amps from timber using production aids to ensure accuracy and consistency, then individualised them by adding their own design to the front.

Year 10 are working on NEA skills which are a range of different tasks set over one or two lessons to develop the knowledge and skills they will need next June when they start their NEA. They have been recently working on formal drawing techniques learning about and practicing single and two-point perspective drawing. They have also learnt about isometric and exploded drawings which they will use in their NEA and may also be tested on in their written exam.

Key Stage 5

Year 12 recently completed an outdoor seating project which encouraged them to explore a wide range of methods to communicate and develop their ideas including: 3D sketching, modelling in card and computer aided design.

Year 13 are currently work on their NEA portfolios and have reached the stage where they are refining their best ideas through modelling, testing and evaluation before developing a final prototype.

How I can help my child learn in Design Technology?

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Encourage them to question what products are made from and how this might affect the environment.

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Give them opportunities to make or mend things at home.

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Encourage them to attend KS4 & 5 catch up sessions available after school.

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in …

Food & Nutrition XXXXX Key Stage 4 Year 9 have completed their first unit of work covering health and safety in food; this included safe food storage, preparation and cooking, how to reduce the risks of food poisoning and the effects of moulds and enzymes on food products. They have also completed a number of practical lessons to extend their technical skills including portioning a chicken and using each part to make a different dish including chicken Kiev and a chicken ballotine.

Year 10 have completed their NEA 1 investigation into the chemical and functional properties of the ingredients in choux pastry which included planning and carrying out food science experiments to prove a hypothesis. They now working on NEA 2 the theme of which will is plan, prepare, cook and present a range of dishes that are based on North and/or South American cuisine. They have started section A which required them to research key ingredients, cooking methods, recipes and the food culture in these countries, the examples shown here are from last year when the theme was Italy.

How I can help my child learn in Food & Nutrition?

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Encourage your child to practice their practical skills at home by making a healthy snack, a tasty treat or a family meal.

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Visit the local farmers market to purchase fresh produce.

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Practice the recipes we use in school, all recipes can be found here.

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When buying groceries, take your child to learn good habits such as planning, buying seasonally or on a budget.

Alumni News Over the past couple of months we have been pleased to welcome a number of our Alumni back to the college. Visitors to our Sixth form open evening had the opportunity to speak to Freya, Jaz, and Zach, who had come in to tell potential students about the excellent provisions in place to support them through their higher education and potential progression routes.

Jaz is in her second year of an adult nursing degree, and has been a part of heart surgery, and in the past few weeks has taken a patient's bloods for the first time.

Zach is taking a break from education, but is keen to get back to studying physics at University, following some time in employment.

Freya is currently on a placement during her BSc veterinary nursing degree, pictured here with some of the animals she has been working with.

We were also grateful to several Alumni who gave up their time to support the year 13 Wider Curriculum day as interviewers.

At time of writing we are getting ready to invite our 2022 leavers in for their celebration evening in the last week of term. We hope as many as possible will return to collect their A level certificates, to catch up with each other, and to tell us all about their adventures of university life, gap year travels, employment and apprenticeships, so far.

If you have any alumni updates for us please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you, and get as many people involved in the alumni programme as possible.

Whenever you left Heathfield and whatever stage of your education or career, please get in touch using the QR code or by emailing alumni@heathfieldcc.co.uk.

Values Leaders Our Values Leaders have been very busy this year with involvement in a range of activities; from selling ribbons for Mental Health Awareness day to promoting our well-being tree in aid of Anti-Bullying week and much more.

Values Leaders epitomize the Heathfield students’ commitment to transition and across the whole year to standing up for what is right, for integrity.

Already this year, 19 Year 9 students have applied to join this student leadership strand and successful applicants received a day of training from Ms Taylor on how they can support other students with tact and diplomacy.

In addition to the work mentioned in the opening paragraph, Values Leaders have: •

Started term a day early to support the new Year 7 in their transition.

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Created resources and supported the training of new Year 9 Values Leaders.

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Worked in partnership, and met, with students from Bedes and other local schools.

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Sub-committee meetings and working towards projects to promote inclusivity.

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Played an instrumental part in the College being awarded the Rainbow Flag Kitemark again.

YEAR 13 WIDER CURRICULUM “ I found it most beneficial and extremely helpful, it helped improve my communication skills and boost my confidence, I now know what to expect and how to act in an interview.” – Victoria, Year 13 The highly successful Y13 Wider Curriculum Day focussing on progression is back.

All Year 13 students had a 20 minute interview slot to discuss their employability skills with a range of volunteers including local solicitors, Army careers officers, NHS workers, financial advisers, Arts Administrators and CEOs. Students have been prepped for the interview during PSHEe lessons and impressed the Sixth Form team by dressing smartly for the occasion. As ever the Sixth Form Team are grateful for the fantastic support of the Governors, our Enterprise Adviser, Heathfield Alumni and the East Sussex Careers HUB for ensuring we have such a diverse and skilled number of volunteers so that for many Year 13’s, we were able to match them with an interviewer from a career background they are interested in pursuing.

We are really proud of our wonderful students for being ambassadors both for themselves and for our Sixth Form.

HOUSES The House Leaders were delighted by the high level of participation shown in Term 2s House Photography Competition. The theme of this year’s competition was Peace and Joy and students submitted photographs of what gave them Peace and Joy. It was very difficult to select a winner as excellent photographs were chosen by each House. However the final winner was the stunning photo from Batemans House. Congratulations to Batemans for winning the Photography Competition.

Batemans Winner – George Wood

Cade Winner – Oliver Pont

Heffle Winner – Josh Piper

Other notable entries Tower Winner – Evie Lennard

Peter Pan Production This year Heathfield Community College created a wonderful production of the Children's classic, "Peter Pan". Students from Years 7 to 13 engaged and entertained their audiences on Wednesday, 30 November and Friday, 2 December with their creative and original interpretation of this magical play.

Some of the lasting images are of Captain Hook and his pirates "sailing" down the centre of the audience on a flotilla of scooters and The children "flying" past clouds, planets and flocks of seagulls on their way to Neverland. As well as creating these beautiful props the Art department almost stole the show with their fantastically huge crocodile which finally chased Hook off stage and to his doom.

Peter Pan Production

Peter Pan Production

Meg Grocott (Mrs Darling) Peter Pan has been a really great experience and I'm so happy that I've had the opportunity to be involved in something like this. I’ve most enjoyed working with a lot of other students who are also very passionate about drama and performing.”

Sacha Hammond (John) Putting together a production like this takes a lot of hard work, but in this case it didn’t feel like work at all. I had such a great time rehearsing and getting to know the rest of the cast, and I think we’ve managed to put together something we’re all proud of. The production ended up being a real mixing pot of everyone’s ideas and personalities and I think it came out all the better for it.

Wider-Curriculum Year 7 Matilda trip

A-Level Physics Live trip

This term, all of Year 7 visited the Cambridge Theatre in London to watch the incredible production of ‘Matilda The Musical’.

Year 12 Physicists recently went to London for an event designed for A-level Physics students, giving them the chance to hear some of the best scientists who are working at the cutting edge of their specialisms. Inspiring our students who are considering university and careers.

The students were rapt as they watched the show, enjoying the musical numbers and the phenomenal staging. Highlights included the magical chalk writing by itself and a girl being swung by her hair!

The day inspired students to consider choosing these subjects at university in addition to showing how science can lead to an interesting career. The experience was exciting and thought-provoking and gave students the chance to raise issues with the scientists.

Children in Need Heathfield students showed their compassion in abundance in raising money for Children in Need this term.

They donated money to wear nonuniform to school, baked cakes which were then sold, entered competitions such as Guess the Number of Sweets in the jar and took part in a preWorld Cup penalty Shoot out against some of our Sports Leaders.

Eng v Japan, Twickenham rugby trip On Saturday 12 November, a group of our male and female rugby players travelled to Twickenham Stadium to watch England v Japan. The students represented the College brilliantly and were thrilled to see an exciting performance by England, which lead to a 52-13 win.

Heathfield Vine Heathfield Vine Christmas edition includes Christmas film reviews, book reviews and music reviews. There is also a variety of other articles including a moving account of a visit to Auschwitz, a thought-provoking piece on plastic pollution, a warning on vaping and some reflections on the World Cup. http://heathfi eldcollegenews paper.weebly. com/

Wider-Curriculum Wear it Pink Sixth formers dug out every pink item of clothing that they could find and came to College adorned in pink to raise awareness for breast cancer charities on 21 October. The sixth formers got the rest of the school involved by holding a cake sale at break time and selling lots of lovely treats.

Careers Advice This term has been a busy term for Careers provision. In September, all of Year 12 had a visit to Sussex Uni for a tour and session on the step up required for academic learning in Sixth Form. This was swiftly followed by the progression evening for Year 13 on to discuss potential routes after A-Levels and BTECs. October saw our Year 11 students attend the Big Futures evening to discuss progression Post 16. Year 11 also had their Wider Curriculum Day in which they could visit Sussex Uni or Plumpton.

The Heathfield Futures Programme continues this year. Our Law students visited Hastings Magistrates Court. They had the opportunity to visit the cells and learn abut the prisoner officer role. They also got to meet members of the Probation team to find out about the different roles to be played within Probation, spoke with a Judge and the Magistrates.

KS3 and KS4 have had talks from motivational speakers, encouraging their ambition and motivating them to aim high. A local Army Recruitment officer came in to discuss the various roles available within the Army and the different entry routes to get there. There is a local Police Officer who is coming in to discuss roles within the police force.

Our students continue to have access to the school’s Level 6 Qualified Careers Advisor, Mrs Kite, who is available for appointments MondayFriday and is based in the school library.

Heathfield Youth Centre Please see below details of what is happening at Heathfield Youth Centre:

Help and Support: We understand that life sometimes throws up issues or problems that need to be resolved.

We understand that concerns regarding your child’s well-being or progress can be worrying.

We want to work with you to resolve issues as early as possible. Please use the routes highlighted here as a parent: REPORTING A CONCERN. Please encourage your son/daughter to report ANY issue or worry to us so we can address it. If we don’t know, we cannot act and we want to help: • Tell a teacher or your form tutor • Speak to your Head of Year • Speak to your Pastoral Manager • Email help@heathfieldcc.co.uk to report a problem

Dates for your diary Start of Term 3 Tuesday 3 January

Start of Year 13 Mock Exams Start of Year 8 Assessment Fortnight Year 7 on-site Planetarium visit

Monday 16 January Start of House table tennis competition Pre-loved Uniform Sale – Link Hall, 3.15pm – 4.45pm Wednesday 18 January

Motivational Speaker: Ayo Awotona

Thursday 19 January

Year 7 subject feedback evening

Monday 23 January

Year 10 Workshop: Building Healthy, Respectful Relationships Start of Year 8 Wider Curriculum Day (The Arts) - Harry Potter Studio trip

Monday 30 January

Year 10 GCSE Drama Performance to Parents

Tuesday 31 January

GCSE Science Live for Year 10 & 11 Triple Scientists

Wednesday 1 February

Intermediate Maths Challenge (Years 9, 10 and 11)

Thursday 2 February

Year 10 GCSE Drama Performance to Parents

Monday 6 February

Year 10 GCSE Examined Performance (Drama) Broadbridges uniform for sale – Link Hall, 3.15pm – 4.15pm

Thursday 9 February

Year 8 Subject Feedback Evening

Friday 10 February

End of Term 3

www.heathfieldcc.co.uk @Heathfield_CC