
3 minute read
Message from the headteacher
One of my first duties each morning when I arrive on site is to check cover. Secondly, I check our ‘hotspots’ email which usually points senior leaders towards lessons which are being covered by agency staff. These routines serve to minimise the impact of cover on our wonderful students.
Truth be told I cannot now remember the last time I had a full complement of teachers and support staff. It’s definitely pre-Covid. I had hoped that the vaccine may mean that staff, at least, were protected from self-isolation and absence. In fact, we have up to seven members of (double jabbed) staff off at any one time with Covid. As one returns from isolation after a positive PCR test, another tests positive and goes off. It is beyond frustrating. There may come a point when we cannot staff a timetable and in this eventuality we will have some very difficult decisions to make. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Highfields staff for continually attempting to overcome the physical and psychological challenges presented by Covid.
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Anyway….after this momentary lapse into self-pity …
Ryan Cowling, replete with his Tokyo Paralympics gold medal for wheelchair rugby attended to help us mark the opening of our fabulous new sports facilities at Lumsdale site (you may be able to see a piece on this on the website or in local news media). The best bit for me was the Q&A afterwards for 5 or 6 Highfields students. I LOVED this bit because the students were so inquisitive and curious in their questioning. It made me so proud that this elite athlete was asked really thoughtful and insightful questions. Here is Matteo with Ryan’s gold medal.
This week we have been taking a ‘deep dive’ into art. The fact that Mr Cole is off with Covid didn’t stop us from launching the deep dive via Zoom. It was a brilliant process because it enabled me and Mr Cole to become more acquainted with the learning that Highfields artists undertake in their lessons. Designing a curriculum for years 7, 8 and 9 is a huge challenge, not necessarily because of what you include but what you decide to leave out. In any event here are some examples of what we saw during the week.







Finally, I just want to thank a resident, Mrs C who lives on Asker Lane and took the time to write to us saying: “I congratulate you on the uniform that your pupils are now wearing. They walk past our house on their way to school and it is really noticeable how smart it is. They are still wearing it on their way home. It is a credit to your leadership.” Actually, I think parents/carers get the credit for ensuring students look smart as they come to school. I, if anything, deserve a modicum of recognition for the fact that, as Mrs C points out, they are still wearing our uniform at the end of the day as opposed to having left school wearing a different uniform or, indeed, being in their underwear.
Have a marvellous weekend.
We are (always fully dressed) Highfields.
A Marsh Headteacher