Heathfield Headlines Issue 5 - May 2024

Headlines

Term 5 May 2024 Pride . Ambition . Community

Head’s Message

I am delighted to share this edition of Headlines with you so that you can see and be proud of the range of exceptional opportunities that our young people enjoy as well as how much they are excelling in their learning.

As proud as I am of their achievements and as much as I enjoy seeing young people thrive in their learning, I have never been more proud of our students than I was in the last week of term. The compassion they have shown to each other and the support they have shown to staff has been phenomenal. Whether directly affected by events at the end of Term 5 or not, they have all shown understanding, respect and consideration.

Thank you to those who have supported our young people to do that, thank you to those of you who reached out to us and have shown your support. I cannot tell you how much I personally and our staff appreciated it. It is often in the hardest of times that you see what people are made of. We saw clearly and we have much to be grateful for. Thank you.

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

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

YEAR 7

Mrs Woodland

Term 5 has been another busy one for Year 7 who have continued to show an excellent attitude to learning, in and outside the classroom. Students have worked very hard and have impressed many teachers with their focus and enthusiasm to learn, which will no doubt be reflected in their assessments, which have been a focus in the final few weeks. Students have used revision booklets, time in lessons and in their form groups to prepare for the assessments.

Alongside a focus on revision, students have continued to work on their Smart Moves booklets in form time. These booklets have been an important part of transition to secondary school and focus on building resilience and addressing common anxieties of being at school. Students have also begun to put together a form group 'time capsule' with their form tutors, which will be kept and opened again in Year 11.

Special recognition goes to Zoe Piper this term who has recently joined with the Uckfield Girls U12s rugby team and has shown exceptional talent with her phenomenally fast pace and great rugby skills. The team have gone on to win the Sussex League and recently became U12 champs at the prestigious Worthing 10s National tournament. Well done Zoe!

Now that Year 8 students have picked their Options for next year, they should be looking to make the most of the curriculum subjects they will be finishing with next term. It is important that they remain focused and make the most of these lessons to support their wider experiences and knowledge.

YEAR 8

Mrs Krouwel

Looking ahead to the end of the year, the majority of Year 8 students are now preparing for Year 8 Camp. An assembly was held by trip leader Mr Barnett, to explain what students can expect, and to encourage them to start selecting who they want to be sharing a tent with. More support and important information will be provided during Term 6 about the activities available and around safety.

YEAR 9

Ms Adams

This term, Year 9 have been preparing for their Mocks taking place in June. Within lessons, students are supported with revision techniques and topic lists, whilst in form time they have begun to create revision timetables.

Students have completed some assessments towards their final exams in subjects such as creative media and drama, in which they have shown excellent engagement and commitment. Whilst in art and photography, following the Kew Gardens and Brighton trips last term, students have been able to use their research across their projects, producing some fantastic pieces of work.

A group of students have been regularly travelling to local primary schools to support with reading, whilst others have been trained and begun peer mentoring for Year 7 and 8 students. Alongside this, Values Leaders have been involved in a variety of projects. Year 9 have really shown a commitment to developing their confidence and leadership skills throughout these opportunities.

As we look ahead to the mocks next term, it is encouraging to see so many students fully engaging with their GCSE courses and opportunities across the College. The time, effort and commitment students are applying will all pay off in Summer 2025 and 2026 when they sit their final exams.

Term 5 is a big term for Year 10, full of both endings and beginnings. In terms of endings, we are seeing all the hard work of the past two years culminating in final exams and assessments. There is a tangible sense of focus and determination in the year group, as revision and exam practice fill their intensive lessons and, of course, their own study time. It’s also excellent to see the attendance for the year group take a notable up-tick this term.

YEAR 10

Mr Richardson

In terms of beginnings, Year 10 are already starting to look ahead to the next steps in their lives. This started with the Big Futures trip and associated PSHEe lessons. Walking around the exhibitions and stalls, it was a genuine pleasure to hear so many students asking intelligent, complex and challenging questions of the employers and providers in the hall.

As this term of beginnings and endings rounds up, we wish Year 10 the best of luck in their GCSE exams in May and June.

YEAR 11

Mr Holden

Year 11 have been hard at work preparing for their exams. The level of dedication and commitment has been fantastic to see; where students have been routinely attending intervention classes and showing a clear focus in lessons.

The celebration events remain a hot topic with the students. With their last day being 6th June, there will be a Leavers’ Assembly and a BBQ to celebrate all of their hard work. Prom planning is also continuing with the Lead Team considering potential awards and a music playlist for the evening. There will be final details around Prom coming out in the coming weeks and about the drinks reception that takes place beforehand.

To further celebrate Year 11 coming to the end of their journey at Heathfield, they will receive their Leavers’ Hoodies on 24th May, which they are allowed to wear in school from then onwards.

Keep working hard Year 11, it will pay off in the Summer when you open your results.

The Wellbeing Hub

We’re pleased to announce the launch of The Wellbeing Hub - a website that supports both parents and students with all things related to young people’s mental health and wellbeing, including:

● Academics

● Alcohol & Drugs

● Anxiety

● Careers

● Diversity & Inclusion

● Friendships & Relationships

● Mental Health

● Money Matters

● Next Steps

● Online Safety

● Resilience

● Sleep

The Wellbeing Hub has been launched to all students, they have received an email from Miss Surrage with details of how to sign up. Please support your child to sign up. Additionally the link below can be used to create a parent account. Resources for both students and parents include:

● Podcasts

● Videos

● Articles

● Q&As and Top tips

● Careers Advice

● Signposting

Sign up here for the parent account:

• Monthly wellbeing themes

• Live seminars (for parents)

https://club.teentips.co.uk/register/parents/?ca=f32d418dd4057878b809d2d95de2e8c3

VI FORM

Ms White

Exams

Year 13 exams have been taking place this term. We have been so impressed with students commitment and resilience during this period.

Revision sessions held are being attended well and we have seen large numbers of students using the College facilities to revise independently.

Progression Update

It has been a busy term and Year 12 are starting to consider what options are available to them after their A Levels.

Over the past few weeks, students have had a Wider Curriculum Day (see more on Page 25) and a trip to the UCAS Convention to explore University and Apprenticeship providers.

PSHEE lessons are now once a week and these sessions give students dedicated time to research and plan their options. Teachers are able to support with the completion of UCAS applications and CV’s. Our expert Careers Advisor is also meeting with Year 12 students, looking at all of their available options.

If parents/carers have questions about the support being offered, or would like to discuss their child's progression options, please do contact us.

Thank you to all students who helped us as part of the Great British Spring clean this term. Students supported by litter picking in the local area around College. Great British Spring Clean

Sixth Form Quiz

A fantastic quiz was held in Term 5 to support fundraising efforts for the Year 13 Ball. A large number of students attended the quiz, which was designed and run by Amy in Year 13.

Thank you to Amy for all the time spent planning the event and to all students who attended.

This term, two Year 13 students successfully completed marathons whilst raising money for charities. Marathon Success

Eva successfully completed the Brighton Marathon raising money for BEAT.

“I wanted to do Brighton marathon to set a challenge for Amy completed the London Marathon raising money for SSAFA (the Armed Forces Charity) and said “The atmosphere, myself and to raise money for a good cause. Crossing the finish line I had a feeling of accomplishment, I proved that I can do things which initially seem out of reach. The race was brutal with mile 23 to the finish being the most physically and mentally challenging, but the atmosphere was a immense and the support was incredible. The euphoric feeling on completing 26.2 miles will last as a memory for a long time”

the hospitality, the support… nothing beats a marathon - I have most certainly got “the bug”!

• Ask your son/daughter about the

they have experienced

• Encourage them to talk about their understanding and interests with you.

• For more detail on ANY subject look at the Knowledge Organisers on line here: https://www.heathfieldcc.co.uk/?page_id=2446506

What are KS3 students learning in …

Year 8 are being inspired by Malorie Blackman's ‘O and Xs'.

English

Year 7 have now moved on to the chilling tale of 'Coram Boy’, which reveals the treatment of children at the Coram Hospital in the 1750s.

The story presents a dystopian world where the Os are oppressed, which means Callum and Sephy's love for each one another meets disapproval as one is a O and the other is a X.

Maths

Year 7s are being introduced to the world of probability this term. They have had some exciting opportunities to play some games and look at some tricks. Our favourite games are ‘Skunk’ and ‘Play Your Cards Right’. Students will also get the opportunity to think about combinations, for

example, if you went to a restaurant with 3 choices of mains and 3 choices of puddings, how many combinations of meal choices would you have?

Year 8 have been looking at linear graphs this term and recapping their knowledge of linear sequences from the Autumn term when doing so. Students have been able to use technology, such as graphing calculators on their iPads, to investigate the equation of a straight line and what effect changing the gradient and intercept has on a

straight line. Some students have been able to create artwork with straight lines and play games such as ‘marble slides’ to reinforce their understanding of these graphs.

What are KS3 students learning in …

As the weather starts to warm up, Year 7 and Year 8 are looking at plants. Year 7 are looking at plant reproduction and how seeds are formed, as well as food chains and how ecosystems can depend on particular species.

Very apt for our Super Curricular topic of ‘No Mow May’ (see page 35)!

Year 8 are retrieving their Year 7 knowledge about the plant cell and looking at the chemical process of photosynthesis. Students should be using lots of practical skills to investigate the rate of photosynthesis and how this can lead to starch forming in the leaf.

X

History

Our Year 7 historians have just finished their topic on ‘Persecution in the Early Modern period’ and are now investigating the British Empire and Slave Trade. They will be studying some local History through Brighton's involvement in those events, with a case study on Brighton Pavillion. Year 7s will also begin to

prepare for their second History assessment at the end of the month.

Year 8 History students have begun studying the causes, events and consequences of 9/11. Students have looked at what happened on 9/11 and will be starting a very exciting museum project. Year 8 students will be creating their own museum exhibit inspired by their work on 9/11. They may choose to focus on a theme such as heroes of 9/11.

What are KS3 students learning in …

Geography

Year 7 have been studying about weather and climate this term. We have looked at extreme weather events around the world, as well as focusing on climate change. Pupils should now understand some of the causes, effects and potential actions we can take to reduce the impacts of climate change. We have also looked at the climate of the UK and completed a fieldwork investigation into microclimates around the school site.

Year 8 pupils have been studying Ecosystems in Geography this term. We have looked at the different components of ecosystems and how living and non-living parts of ecosystems are closely linked. Pupils should also be able to name some of the major biomes of the world and know where they are located. We have focused on tropical rainforests in recent lessons and pupils should understand why they are so important to protect as well as different strategies that would achieve this. Year 8 pupils will be completing a small fieldwork activity investigating biodiversity on the school site and whether ‘No Mow May’ can have a positive impact on ecosystems.

Computing

In Computing this term, our Year 7 students have been exploring the world of coding using Apple's Swift Playgrounds. They've learnt about subroutines, loops, and algorithms, which are the fundamental building blocks of programming.

Year 8 students have been learning about vector and bitmap images. They have been exploring how to create and manipulate digital images using Photoshop and Illustrator, finally developing their skills by creating their own poster.

What are KS3 students learning in …

Design

& Technology

Year 7 have been learning about developing design ideas through drawing and modelling and have made their final developed idea for a headphone buddy from acrylic using a range of workshop equipment and hand tools.

Our final rotation of Year 7 has been learning about food hygiene, knife skills and traffic light labels on packaging. We have also been exploring different types of heat transfer when cooking. These topics are to keep students safe as we move through the Food curriculum. To apply this knowledge, students have used their practical skills to make fruit salad, pizza toast and fruit muffins.

Year 8 have been developing their problem-solving skills through a contextual challenge exploring the problems people face when working from home. Students identified a client, researched their needs and developed a design through annotated sketches and model making before coming up with a final design proposal.

This term's rotation of Year 8 has been exploring the function of ingredients within food science. They have shown their understanding of this topic by making pizza and scones. Pupils have also been exploring the role that nutrition plays in meal planning and applied this knowledge using a production plan in their practical lesson by making a Bolognese sauce.

What are KS3 students learning in …

French

Year 7 have moved on from Boulogne sur Mer, to find out what Paris has to offer: La Tour Eiffel, L’Arc de Triomphe, Les Champs-Elysées, Le Louvre. We have created a Paris display in the MFL corridor in view of the Olympic Games there this summer. Monuments which we hope our French students will have the

opportunity to see in Year 9. We also looked at what makes a typical French breakfast: i.e. pain grillé, les croissants, la confiture et le chocolat chaud. Miam miam!

Year 8 have worked really hard finding out about French schools. There are mixed views on whether they would prefer to wear their own clothes rather than a school uniform. We have now embarked on a pretend trip to Marrakech in Morocco - a former colony of France where French is widely spoken, with its Médina, La Palmeraie, the vibrant souks, magnificent mosques, les cascades d’Ouzoud and le jardin de Majorelle.

Spanish

In Term 5, Year 7 students have been working hard completing their assessments, which will require them to evidence their listening, reading, translation and writing skills. As a new skill, they are also being taught how to transcribe what they hear accurately. Once they have had their feedback, students will move on to describe where they live and will be expected to develop their subject knowledge with the accurate application of adjectives and understand about using the verb ‘estar’ to describe location.

In Year 8, students are enjoying studying transactional language that will enable them to invite people out and make suggestions for going out. They are using questions such as ‘¿Te gustaría ir al cine? ¿Quieres ir a la playa?’ and showing an understanding of applying some impressive grammar structures, such as infinitive verbs and using an irregular stem-changing verb! Furthermore, they will be expected to use 3 tenses together. Lots to still look forward to!

What are KS3 students learning in …

Physical Education

Our Key Stage 3 students immersed themselves in our summer term activities, with the field full of athletic events, cricket, rounders, stoolball and tennis on the MUGA.

Through these activities, students are developing their understanding of striking and fielding activities before transferring this to competitive gameplay. Our students have also shown their ability to compete at maximal level over a range of athletics events across disciplines of

sprints, running for distance, long and high jump, javelin, discus and shot put.

This term, our U12 and U13 netball teams competed at the county finals in Worthing and performed exceptionally well. The tournament saw the best state-schools from across Sussex pitted against one another. Our Year 7 squad placed 5th despite some strong performances. Our Year 8 team, reached the semi-final but came up short against Downlands, before finishing 3rd after a play-off game against Cardinal Newman.

X Drama

Year 7 have been exploring "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare. We dramatically created the opening storm of the play using our bodies and voices to create a whole class soundscape and we shouted the lines of the desperate characters in the shipwreck at sea over the soundscape. We then read a synopsis of the play and watched a version adapted for children. We explored the

language of Shakespeare through games and fun activities so that it didn't become a barrier in our ability to express ourselves. We are now practically exploring and learning the lines of the dialogue between Prospero and Caliban for a practical and written assessment.

In Year 8, we performed our devised ghost stories using design elements of sound and lighting to create an eerie and menacing atmosphere. We wanted students to appreciate that theatre, or a theatrical experience, is not just about the acting. At present we are exploring naturalistic acting which is the opposite to melodrama explored at the beginning of the year through a play called "Mugged". This play is about teenage gangs, a stolen phone and a violent incident. Year 8 students are developing their ability to interpret script as well as being able to improvise from it.

What are KS3 students learning in …

Art

The Year 7’s continue to impress us with some really stunning work as they move on to the Fabric Lenny project. This project builds on the skills explored in Terms 1 to 4, but with a greater focus on colour mixing and blending. Students are also developing their skills with observational drawing and then learning how to stylise these into beautiful, eccentric and colourful birds. These will then be further developed into colourful layered paper cuts that will be decorated with the black and white designs students have been doing for homework. Keep up the amazing work Year 7!

After carefully practicing their drawing skills and creating detailed portraits of eyes, noses, and mouths, Year 8 Art students are developing their own German Expressionist Portraits. They have recently researched German Expressionism to identify key elements of the movement. Students will start to apply the monochrome colour scheme, exaggerated shapes, and emotive brushwork into their own self-portraits, resulting in a print-making outcome. We look forward to seeing their creative and individual outcomes.

Music

Year 7 have been working on reminding themselves of some of the musical elements that were first covered in Term 1. Year 7 have also had a focus on Rhythm whilst playing some Samba music. They are now focusing on revising towards their assessments at the end of Term 5.

Year 8 have been working on Blues Music or Film Music this term. Students have focused on Blues Music and learning about some of the common features of this style of music, from the 12 bar blues to improvisation. Some students have been working on the Mac's and looking at Film Music, and have created their own music to go alongside a Film.

What are KS3 students learning

This term, Year 7 students continued on the topic of Puberty, which compliments the learning they are covering in Science on reproduction in humans. In our lessons, we focus more on the emotional and social changes of this enormous influence on our development into adults. The importance of kindness to oneself and one’s peers, both online and in person, is emphasised.

Year 8 students have been reinforcing their learning about Healthy Lifestyles by learning about the risks of smoking and vaping. We have been using the most recent resources from the PSHE association and the local authority’s Healthy School’s funded PSHE HUB. We have also been learning about the benefits of an active lifestyle to improve both physical and mental health. This has been through the lens of the Public Health England ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, as well as discussing the ways in which men and boys can be restricted by the stereotypes that exist around what is considered acceptable for them to be active in doing.

X

Philosophy and Religion

The overarching question this term for our Year 7 students has been ‘does religion help people be good?’. We began the term by learning about Jewish food law, in which students were able to gain an understanding of which foods are kosher and which are trefah, as well as where these rules came from. We have also been looking at the Buddhist eightfold path, which Buddhists believe will help them to reach enlightenment. The path sets out guidance on appropriate ways to behave in order to maximise happiness for yourself and others around you. We then contrasted the religious guidance on how to behave by looking at humanism. Students questioned to what extent religion is needed to live an ethical life, or whether using reason and empathy as your guide is sufficient.

Year 8 students have been learning about Hinduism this term. We began by looking into the origins of the religion; students were surprised to learn that the roots of the religion date back around 4000 years. We then looked at the nature of humans according to Hindu belief, which we were able to apply to previous lessons on beliefs of the afterlife and reincarnation. In doing this we read a parable about the human condition, with the underlying message of hope and not giving up, even in adverse circumstances. Students were encouraged to compare their own aspirations to those of young Hindus; from reading the four goals of Hindu life and cross referencing them with the profiles of four young Hindus, they were interested to learn that their goals were not all that dissimilar!

Focus on Key Stage 4 and 5

Pride . Ambition . Community Design Technology

Food & Nutrition

English

Media

Physical Education

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in …

Key Stage 4

Year 9 have been learning about how computers use translators to turn the code they write into binary, so that it can be run by a computer. They now understand different types and levels of programming languages and choosing appropriate translators for a particular need. They have also recapped their binary knowledge and are moving on to how to use hexadecimal.

Computing

In Year 10, students have been working hard preparing for their GCSE Computing exams. In class they have been refining their coding and working on general skills such as completing trace tables and working with different number bases. We are very proud of how hard they've worked and can't wait to see them getting the best possible grades in their Computing GCSEs.

Key Stage 5

Year 12 are learning about the limits of computation and how to use the principles of abstraction to create effective code solutions. They have just finished creating small projects using Tkinter to create a graphical user interface.

Year 13 have been working hard producing their NEA projects. We have had some superb work this year; several students managed to implement a neural network, including a codewords puzzle creator from Artem, a voice activated assistant from Luke and a car price comparison program from Ben. James produced an impressive music streaming program and Bertie created a retro platform game complete with his own sounds and graphics. I was also very impressed by a very well coded chess game from Bohdan and a trip planner using data from real websites to plan bus routes from Charlie.

What are KS4 and 5 students

learning

in …

Drama

Key Stage 4

Year 9 began their GCSE course by exploring the set text ‘Blood Brothers’. They practically explored the theme of how social class affects life chances and enjoyed the opportunity to practise a Liverpool accent. All Year 9 and 10 GCSE Drama students went to see a professional production of the play in Term 3 at The New Victoria Theatre in Woking.

Since Christmas, Year 9 have participated in devising technique workshops and they watched some previous pieces for inspiration. They are now in groups working on their devised pieces exploring themes like refugees, racism at football matches, and the dangers of Social Media. These pieces will be performed to an audience at end of May and then students will write their reflective logs on the devising process.

Year 10 began the academic year with a trip to see the hilarious “The Play that Goes Wrong" which was hugely entertaining. This experience enabled them to answer the theatre question on their GCSE Drama paper. All of Term 1 and 2 was spent preparing for the mock exam in November so we also revisited and revised ‘Blood Brothers’.

Students then worked on a variety of plays for their two scripted extracts from a range of plays including: ‘ Shakers’, ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’,

‘The Importance of Being Ernest’, ‘DNA’, ‘Top Girls’ and ‘Pool no water’.

Key Stage 5

In Term 1, Year 12s explored the set text ‘Equus’ and practised written responses from the performer and designer's perspective for the written exam. We took all the Sixth Form Drama students to see “Oh What a Lovely War” at The Devonshire Theatre” in Eastbourne.

What are KS4 and 5 students learning in …

Drama

Year 12 created a powerful Brechtian piece of theatre about how women suffer in war using this and the play ‘The Trojan Women’ for Component 1 of the Alevel course, where students have to use an extract of a play as a springboard for devising. Students took part in Brechtian workshops as they have to devise in the style of a chosen practitioner. Brecht's political epic style was well-suited to their piece as they are exploring the themes of war and human suffering. Since the performance in April students have been writing their reflective logs on the devising process. We will then read and explore the second set text, Dr Faustus.

Year 13 practically explored the set text ‘Dr Faustus’ in the style of Punchdrunk - a site specific, immersive theatre company who want the theatrical experience to be the same as falling into a film set and feeling "punchdrunk".

In a Punchdrunk performance, the audience are free to roam in dark, eerie places where their senses are bombarded and they lose sense of reality. Year 13 students had to create their own Punchdrunk concept for their original interpretation on ‘Dr Faustus’, as they have to answer the last question from the perspective of a director.

Year 13 also performed an extract from “The Play that Goes Wrong” and a monologue from a different play to an examiner for Component 2 of their Alevel exams.

What are KS4 students learning in …

Latin

XXXXXIn 2021, a cohort of pupils began the first year of the Latin GCSE course at Heathfield Community College. Almost three years later, those same pupils are gearing up towards their GCSE exams! Grammar, vocabulary, translation skills, and Latin literature analysis have been the focus of these pupils in their Latin lessons. The past six months have been spent revising what they already know, covering everything from the very basics to complex grammatical features. All that’s left now is some time to polish those skills.

Meanwhile, Year 10 have started to learn about ‘love and marriage’ in Ancient Rome for their Literature exam, and Year 9 are diving into more complicated sentence structures in the Latin language.

We have also welcomed Mrs Potter, our most recent addition to the growing Latin department!

Pupils aim to appear on the Latin Leaderboard.

Year 11 have prepared for their three Latin exams: Latin Language and Latin Literature (love and marriage for component 2 and the adventures of Perseus for component 3).

How I can help my child learn in Latin?

We have dabbled in some Latin translations about the Roman gods.

What are KS4 and 5

students learning in…

Key Stage 4

Maths

Maths has a cyclic curriculum so we are constantly recapping skills and building on them to extend students knowledge and confidence. Every year group starts with Number Skills and Algebra Skills so we can ensure they are the strong foundations to build on throughout the year.

Year 10 start the year with Algebra and Circles, before being introduced to the exciting world of Simultaneous Equations and Ratio and Proportion.

In year 9 we spend a lot of time focussing on Algebra, Sequences and Graphs as well as the numerical topics such as Ratio, Proportion and Percentages.

Year 11s start with Algebra before moving on to Finance (including every-day topics such as interest rates and value for money). They then move onto Pythagoras, Trigonometry, Probability and Data Representation, as well as furthering their algebra skills looking at equations and graphs.

Key Stage 5

Year 12 start their course looking at the largest part of the A Level coursePure Mathematics. This includes Quadratic equations and their application (the trajectory of a ball being thrown for example). In Year 13, students study Differentiation which involves finding the “Gradient Function”, leading to finding the rate of change for a graph, for example, finding the speed of an object from a distance time graph.

Once the students finish the Pure Maths, they then move on to the applied Maths, which includes Mechanics and Statistics.

Term 3 Wider Curriculum

These pages include details of the wider curriculum events followed by all year groups over the course of the last term.

Pride . Ambition . Community

YEAR 10 BIG FUTURES EVENT

Year 10 embarked on their Wider Curriculum Day to start considering their futures after Year 11 with enthusiasm and focus. Half of their day was spent in school exploring Higher Education with a presenter from the University of Portsmouth, Further Education vocational routes with the vice principal of ESCG Lewes, the website www.careerseastsussex.co.uk which they will use for applications next year and meeting a variety of local employers and learning about their career Journey.

For the second part of the day, we travelled to the Big Futures Show at Eastbourne Sports Park. There were over 80 stalls for the students to network with. Having been prepared in PSHEe lessons, students were expected to visit at least 3 stalls of the local and national employers present, as well as a charity, FE College and a training provider. Some of the most popular stands included those of the 3 Armed Forces, East Sussex College Group, health check activities with the NHS, live plastering displays from British Gypsum and looking at the work produced by students at DV8 College. As we have grown to expect, the employers, FE and Training providers, as well as the organisers, were singing the praises of our students in terms of, not just their behaviour, but the positive approach they took to the Careers Fair as a whole.

This is only the beginning of the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Year 10 will be able to access as they start to navigate their future pathways to employability. We were really pleased that they started this journey so well, please contact our Careers Lead: jtaylor@heathfieldcc.co.uk if you would like more detail or to offer your support in the future.

YEAR 10 SPEAKERS TRUST DAY

“ I have really enjoyed the day and it has helped me understand the importance of using punctuation when I present.”

Thirty Year 10 students took part in a day focused on developing their oracy skills. As part of the Speakers Trust competition, a speech trainer visited Heathfield and shared numerous insights as to how to develop spoken confidence and ability.

The Year 10 students were truly excellent. All students prepared speeches on topics ranging from the portrayal of men and women in the media, to stalking, to the importance of selfbelief. The speech trainer from Speakers Trust was blown away by the quality and said, "It has been the most difficult decision to decide who should go through as you were all incredible.“

Six students have been selected to develop their speeches further and perform them in front of their year group. Two of those students will then go through to the regional final on 27 June at the Brighton Dome.

Year 11 – Leaver’s Hoodies

To celebrate the past 5 years at Heathfield, Year 11s received their Leaver’s hoodies and have been wearing them with pride during the final week of this term.

YEAR 12 PROGRESSION DAY

Our annual Year 12 Progression Day took place this term. The aim of the day is to give students a broad understanding of all the options available to them Post 18. On the day we had speakers talk to students about University, Apprenticeships and Gap Years. We also launched UniFrog, our online platform which supports Careers based research.

“The best bit about the day was that there are so many different career options and it has made me excited for the future.”

YEAR 13 LAST DAY

On Friday, 10th May we celebrated the Year 13s’ final day of College. We were treated to sunshine for the end of year pizza and picnic.

We are so proud of all their successes and wish them luck over the next few weeks.

Wider-Curriculum

KS3 Scrap:Bot Creator Challenge

Heathfield students had an exciting day at Uckfield College this term, as they demonstrated their engineering skills in the Scrap:Bot Creator Challenge. Both groups wowed with their Scrap:Bots, producing a dynamic tree and a vibrant octopus. They showed superb teamwork and problem-solving skills and won four Microbit Servo kits for the school.

Junior Maths Challenge

This term Heathfield mathematicians competed in the UK Mathematics Trust Junior Maths Challenge. Over 110 Year 7 and 8 aspirational students competed in the national competition.

Promoting a love of problem solving, the Junior Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice Challenge. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The students competed really well, with over 40 attaining a bronze, silver or gold award. Two of our students qualified for the Junior Kangaroo, which takes place next term. This is a followon round to the Junior Maths Challenge which only a few thousand students from around the country qualify for each year.

Wider Curriculum

Duke of Edinburgh Practice Walk

On Saturday 27th April, 46 Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh award students and staff met at the Ashdown Forest visitors centre setting in freezing weather and low cloud. Students passed through the impressive grounds of Ashdown Park Hotel before being immersed in the undulating terrain of Ashdown Forest. This was a new route designed to add challenge, to better prepare the students for their expeditions in wild or open country. The groups took turns in leading the map reading from the front, really honing their map reading and compass skills in a technically difficult navigation area.

Thankfully the weather lifted by 11am enabling everyone to enjoy the beautiful views and striking countryside for the remainder of the walk. Despite the copious amounts of mud and unrelenting terrain we covered the 8.5mile route in 5½ hours.

Brighton Marathon

Heathfield students again represented the school as volunteers at The Brighton Marathon Weekend 2024.

Their work involved the construction and operation of a drinks station at Mile 10. Students set up tables, barricades, mixed and poured hi-energy drinks, laying out energy gels and banners in the wind with fabulous positive teamwork.

They kept the energy high with music, smiles and happiness that lasted all day - keeping runners motivated, sharing laughs and encouragement as they handed out drinks.

The Marathon staff described our team as ‘really impressive’ and ‘very professional’, due to their ‘fantastic energy’.

Wider Curriculum

Sixth Form Open Doors – Careers in STEM

Sixth formers enjoyed an enriching visit to Servomex, a local employer in Crowborough that manufactures gas analysis equipment. They received a comprehensive site tour, engaging with staff across various roles and learning about career pathways.

One Year 13 student expressed how eyeopening it was to witness the multidisciplinary teamwork essential for company operations, emphasising the diverse skill sets involved. Matt Ryan, from Career Hubs, commended the students for their outstanding engagement and active participation during the visit, particularly noting their networking prowess and insightful inquiries.

Overall, the experience showcased the multitude of career opportunities available and the importance of collaboration in achieving collective goals.

RSC UK Chemistry Olympiad

Congratulations to Year 13 A level

chemistry students Josh, James and Elke, who competed in the RSC UK Chemistry Olympiad, and achieved bronze and silver certificates (beating over 60% of students nationally). The competition is designed to challenge and inspire, and is a unique opportunity for students to push themselves further and excel in the chemistry field. Budding chemists develop critical problem-solving skills, learn to think more creatively and get a chance to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations beyond the scope of their A level studies.

Wider Curriculum

National Poetry Live Grand Finalist

We are delighted that one of our brilliant sixthformers has been selected to perform at the Grand Finale of the National Poetry by Heart competition to be held on stage at Shakespeare's Globe in July.

Mabb Norris, in Year 12, has been chosen to perform the poem ‘Love (III)’ by George Herbert to an audience of poet judges and representatives from schools across the country.

As part of the winner's package, Mabb will also enjoy an evening performance at the globe, with a meal out with a family member and other winners and a hotel stopover in London before the day of the Grand Finale.

Ms Savage, who co-ordinates the competition within the English department said, 'Mabb's performance was electrifying and it is wonderful that she'll be able to deliver it on stage at one of the most iconic theatres in London.'

Heathfield Equestrian Team

This term the Heathfield Community College Equestrian Team took part in a number of events and experienced some great successes.

Two dressage Teams were in action finishing 1st and 2nd and therefore qualifying for the Championship show in October which is exciting.

They achieve individual placings, with a 1st for Beth, 2nd for Kiera and 2nd and 3rd for Brooke in their respective sections. Lily and Poppy also did well, coming 4th and 5th in their 90cm Jumping class.

At Felbridge, there were also a number of successes with Aimee winning the 60cm Eventers Challenge and Mollie, Lily Sophie, Freddie, Brooke W and Poppy doing really well in the show jumping events.

Wider Curriculum

Brighton Children's Parade

On Saturday 4th May, Batucada Carnival Club and Samba Band took part in the prestigious Brighton Festival Children’s Parade. The theme for the whole event this year was ‘Dream Again’ and our section had ‘Just Dreaming’ as our inspiration. Students chose to explore dreamscapes and nightmares. Sixth form student leaders worked on designs for the big make. Students at Carnival Club have been working on how to construct their feature motifs out of withies and paper since December. Meanwhile Samba Band have been learning their rhythms and rehearsing weekly to prepare for the parade.

The Samba Band group, led by Mr Matthews, played continuously throughout the procession which was quite a feat! The main structure was proudly carried by a few Year 9 and Year 12 students. For most of the Year 7 students, this was their first parade and certainly the biggest. It was lovely to see them enjoying the buzz and atmosphere of the event and to see their smiling faces. From drummers to flag bearers we are all very proud of the students who participated, as well as those who helped to design and make pieces but were unable to participate.

Batucada Carnival Club and Samba Band are open to students in all year groups and new members are always welcome to come along and try out what we do. Please speak to Mrs Damazer, Miss Corbett or Mr Matthews for more information.

“I absolutely loved the parade, seeing everyone smiling felt wonderful to me. My highlight of the day was when a little girl had a shaker and was shaking it along to the beat of the drum. She loved the snake and even came and touched it! I was so happy and proud when everyone kept marvelling at the snake and all the other creations. I had a wonderful time!”

ECO REPRESENTATIVES

Our Eco reps have been working hard recently to educate their peers and actively participate in improving the school environment.

Lily supported Mr Fielding in assemblies to inform students about the Great British Spring Clean and asking students if anyone would like to join our Eco rep student leadership strand. The Eco reps meet once a fortnight in K5 and are keen to hear of any further interest from students. Do contact Mr Fielding for further details.

The Eco reps supported some younger students to complete the Spring Clean of the school site. Mr Fielding said, “the Eco Reps were great this morning in organising the Year 7s to collect rubbish. In 1 hour, we collected 1 full bin bag of recycling and 1 of general waste.” As a follow-up, Mr Fielding spoke to all students in assemblies about their environment and the importance of taking care of it.

In an exciting new project, the Eco reps will be working with our site manager, Mr Bennett, to rewild an area of the school field. Funding for this rewilding has been secured through The Wilding Project, and some hard landscaping will begin over the summer holiday period. In the autumn, the Eco Reps will be busy planting to ensure that this area of the field adds to the College’s burgeoning wildlife credentials. Charles said, “I’m really happy to have an opportunity to make a positive difference to the school environment which will be in place long after I have left the College.”

House Basketball Competition

Our Heathfield Houses competed against each other in a basketball competition during Term 5.

Each year group competed on different days in the gym and over the course of the week. Tower won the Year 7 competition, Cade were winners in the Year 8 competition, Batemans won the Year 9 competition and Heffle won the Year 10 and Year 11 competition.

The overall results were: 1st Heffle, 2nd Tower, 3rd Cade, and 4th Batemans.

Winner!

Well done to Heffle, to our prefects who supported the event and to all the students who took part. We were delighted by the good participation and the friendly competition shown.

Heffle

Alumni News

Heidi Skeggs, who left in 2023, is studying for an Education and Early Years T-Level and is completing the Assisted Teaching route, learning specifically about children aged 5 - 19. The course covers many topics, from children's development to English as an Additional language and Safeguarding.

Heidi is studying within the East Sussex College group at their Lewes campus and says “Lewes has amazing facilities for my course as my classroom is an old preschool, so it is large and still looks like a pre-school or a Year 1 setting. As part of my course I am lucky enough to be gaining experience at Parkside Community Primary School. At the moment I am there 2 days a week and once a month for a whole week. I am working with Year 4 and Year 6. but have gained experience working with other classes. It is going really well and in a couple of weeks I will sit the first part of my exams. I have loved getting to work with the children and it is so special to hear the name "Miss Skeggs" being called when they see you in the morning.”

Good luck with the rest of your course Heidi!

Annalise Harvey is currently in her second year at Lewes College studying Musical Theatre. She tells us “In my first year I was in productions of ‘Sister Act’ and ‘Into the Woods’. I found a love for comedy acting and it seems to be something I’m good at. I also got to compete in the Dance World Cup again out in Portugal. This year I’ve mainly been auditioning for drama school. So far I have been to seven auditions along with the end of year musical where I’m playing Violet in 9to5. I am very excited to be joining Bird College to Study BA Hons Musical Theatre and Dance in September”. Congratulations Annalise!

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.

Monday, 3 June

Tuesday, 4 June

Thursday, 6 June

Friday, 7 June

Monday, 10 June

Tuesday, 11 June

Friday, 14 June

Monday, 17 June

Tuesday, 18 June

Dates for your Diary

Start of Term 6

Enrichment Week Parent Info Meeting – Snowdonia

Last Day for Year 11

Year 12

Art Carne Griffiths Workshop

Year 12 Geography Fieldwork Trip – Coasts

Year 12 Psychology Trip: Bethlem Museum

Year 12 Geography Fieldwork Trip - Heathfield

Year 12 English Literature Trip - Southampton University

Year 12

Economics Linked Careers Talk

"Text Your School Nurse" (Promotion by East Sussex School Health Service)

Ouse Valley Athletics Competition (Yr7-10), Withdean Stadium (Brighton)

Start of Worry Buster workshops with Chloe Surrage

Year 12 Geography Fieldwork Trip - Brighton

Thursday, 20 June

Year 12 Wuthering Heights Trip (20 – 21 June)

Summer Concert

Inset Day

Friday, 21 June

Monday, 24 June

Tuesday, 25 June

Thursday, 27 June

Friday, 28 June

Monday, 1 July

Tuesday, 2 July

Thursday, 4 July

Friday, 5 July

Monday, 8 July

Tuesday, 9 July

Thursday, 11 July

Friday, 12 July

Monday, 15 July

Monday, 22 July

Tuesday, 23 July

Year 11

Prom, East Sussex National

DofE Silver Assessed Expedition, Alfriston & Seaford (21 – 23 June)

Start of House Competition - Food Competition

Sixth Form Oxford University Open Day (25 & 26 June)

Year 7 Subject Feedback Evening

Sussex Regional "Speak Out" Final

Year 12 Geography Fieldwork Trip - Wilderness Wood

Year 10 Taster Day

DofE Gold Expedition (2 – 6 July)

Sixth Form University of Cambridge Open Day Visit

Final 'On-Site' Day for Year 12

Sixth Form Taster Day

House & Sports Competition Day - Years 7 to 10

Heathfield Honours Award Evening

Year 13 Leavers Ball

Start of Enrichment Week

Start of Year 8 Camp

Broadbridges Uniform Sales, 3.15pm – 4.15pm, Link Hall

Year 7 STEM Wider Curriculum Day

End of Term 6