Highfields School Newsletter Issue 6

Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Highfields School Newsletter Newsletter

2020-21

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Our newsletter aims to keep parents and carers up to date with school news, activities and key information throughout the year.

If you have any feedback on or suggestions for the newsletter, please send your comments via email to newsletter@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk Don’t forget to visit our website (www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) for more news and information.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news and for your support.

A Marsh Headteacher

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

Contents: Headteacher’s message ...............................................................................4 Applications to join Highfields School ............................................................5  

Choosing a secondary school for September 2021 – Year 6 families ............................. 6 Year 6 and year 12 families considering Highfields School in September 2021 ............... 6

School News ...............................................................................................8    

COVID responses ...................................................................................................... 8 Road safety .............................................................................................................. 9 Temporary changes to the school day to minimise risk of infection ............................... 9 Empower cyber week .............................................................................................. 11

Careers, College & Apprenticeship News ..................................................... 12          

Resources ............................................................................................................... 12 Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize....................................................... 12 Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds .......................................................... 12 Y11 students – Decisionz Magazine .......................................................................... 12 Y11 Apprenticeships ................................................................................................ 13 Employer broadcast ................................................................................................. 13 Buxton & Leek College Resources and Open day ....................................................... 13 Learn Live - & Free resources .................................................................................. 14 Road to your Future Live evening broadcast - 21st October 6-7pm ............................. 14 University of Sheffield Open Day .............................................................................. 15

Sports Leaders News ................................................................................. 17         

Virtual Bronze Ambassador/Playmaker Primary Conference ........................................ 17 Voice of Sport Group 2020-21 .................................................................................. 17 Girls Active Sports Awards 2020 ............................................................................... 17 Sports Leadership Academy 2020-21 ........................................................................ 18 Sports leaders update .............................................................................................. 18 Youth Sport Trust update ........................................................................................ 19 Quality Mark ........................................................................................................... 19 Boys Move project – Youth Sport Trust ..................................................................... 19 Girls Schools Football project ................................................................................... 19

Extra-curricular sports clubs ....................................................................... 19 School Meals – week 3 menu ..................................................................... 20 Support and information ............................................................................ 22    

Free Microsoft Office for Students ............................................................................ 22 School Website / VLE: ............................................................................................. 22 Free School Meals ................................................................................................... 22 b_line cards ............................................................................................................ 23

Highfields Uniform ..................................................................................... 23

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Reminders ................................................................................................ 24    

Dropping off and collecting students......................................................................... 24 Suitable outdoor wear for students during the autumn/winter terms .......................... 24 Covid-19 measures .................................................................................................. 24 Reminder: Severe peanut allergy (Starkholmes site) ................................................. 25

Community information.............................................................................. 26 

Derbyshire’s Autism Alliance..................................................................................... 26

Coronavirus guidance ................................................................................ 27       

Advice if students (and staff) display symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) .................. 27 Covid-19 absence: a quick guide for parents/carers.................................................. 29 School transport Covid-1 9 notice ............................................................................. 30 Keeping up with learning during absence .................................................................. 31 Guide for students accessing information if self-isolating ........................................... 31 Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline ....................................... 31 Mental Health support ............................................................................................. 32

Highfields School vacancies ........................................................................ 34 Glossary of Abbreviations ........................................................................... 38 Key Staff for 2020-21 ................................................................................ 40 Form Tutors 2020-21 ................................................................................. 41 Highfields School Governing Board 2020-21 ................................................ 42 Key dates for 2020-21 ............................................................................... 43 2020-21 academic year .............................................................................. 44 Highfields School Contact details ................................................................ 44

Disclaimer: Highfields School is not responsible for the quality of products or organisations publicised through articles or advertisements in the school newsletter.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Headteacher’s message If it’s any consolation I am in the same position as you in many respects. Late last week I received a letter from my son’s secondary school that was almost identical to the one we send out (based, as it is, on a Public Health England template). Like ours it did not mention the specifics of cases because no further action was required in response to the letter.

I am lucky to have no one in my household who is clinically vulnerable. I am very well aware that many of you do and that you are having to make difficult decisions which balance the health of those involved against your child’s education. I cannot supersede government advice, but that does not mean that I cannot feel empathy for those who are really struggling to come to terms with the effects of this pandemic.

Every day I remember that I am lucky to have a job: many of my musician friends have not worked for some time and other family members have been laid off or furloughed. That notwithstanding I still find this job stressful from time to time, especially over the last months. On Monday as part of our ‘recovery curriculum’ I spoke with my PSE class about grief, loss and facing adversity. We eventually got into philosophy. Some see philosophy as an academic subject, but I see it as a survival guide for life and a good way to manage stress. On this occasion my Y8s and I considered Stoicism.

As you may be aware, the Stoics believed that we have little control over events, but that we can control our response to these same events. This sparked a debate when one young man challenged me saying that, ‘if someone punches me in the nose, I don’t have any choice but to get angry’.

Another student countered suggesting that, while it was difficult to manage your emotions in this scenario, it is, technically, possible. He then slightly undermined his own point by getting pretty angry in the discussion which ensued.

I feel that philosophy is more important now for young people than it has ever been.

Despite everything, myself and Mr Cole ensure that every day we get into a number of lessons to support teachers and generally get a feel for the challenges they face. This week we took a deep dive into psychology provision and really enjoyed getting to know the joys and challenges of delivering this curriculum for our students. Elsewhere I happened across some Y11 artists who were creating artist studies (see insert) based on the work of Joel Penkman. I had to leave the lesson after a while as her work is based on food and my stomach was rumbling loudly enough to disrupt the lesson.

And then there were the lessons where the heroic classroom staff endeavoured to teach both actually and virtually at the same time. This is nowhere near as easy as it sounds, as we do not have the technology to allow a teacher’s voice and image to be tracked as they move around. This explains why I watched one teacher resolutely holding a laptop in front of his face for the best part of 100 minutes.

On top of Stoicism it is children who get you through the day. Here are the things which have kept me going this week.

1. A bunch of year 10 boys who, for no apparent reason, walked towards me down the corridor in slow motion a la Reservoir Dogs.

2. Maddie who announced she was off to the opticians. When I asked why she thought she needed glasses she stared into the middle distance and stammered, ‘who said that?’

3. Molly, who it turns out, has the same obsession with the film composer John Williams as I do.

Have a great weekend. We are Highfields.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

Welcoming Y6 families to Highfields School

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Y6 families – choosing a secondary school for September 2021 As year 6 families will not have the opportunity to meet our amazing students and staff this year because we have been unable to hold our usual open evenings, we have provided a wealth of information on our website to help you decide if Highfields is the school for you (see details below).

We hope you have all enjoyed our videos and virtual tour, as well as the additional information and resources about Highfields. If you have not had the opportunity to look at our website, please follow the link below to our year 6 dedicated page to find out more: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/parents/year-six-information/ If you have any general questions please contact Mrs Green (Y7 manager) by email, who will be happy to help - tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Applications for places at Highfields School are administered by Derbyshire County Council. To apply for a place at our school by the deadline of 31 October 2020, please follow the link below: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/school-places/secondary-admissions/secondaryschool-admissions.aspx Thank you for considering Highfields School for your choice of secondary school.

Year 6 and year 12 families considering Highfields School in September 2021 Please look at the video of our students and staff, and the virtual tour to give you a sense of our site and transition process: ‘Check out Highfields School’ for year 6 families: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_OaKFSM6n4&feature=youtu.be ‘Check out Highfields sixth form’ for year 12 families (further information on our sixth form opportunities will follow): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFEvGvUoTRg&feature=youtu.be For a virtual tour of Highfields School lower site: https://youtu.be/1bq-YFfwFdI Read through our year 6 information guide for an overview of our school and the guide to Highfields School that provides a more in-depth look into Highfields life: https://issuu.com/highfieldsschool/docs/y6information http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/year-6-information-guide/ The KS3 curriculum booklet provides full details of the curriculum on offer to students in years 7–9: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/KS3CurriculumBooklet-1.pdf We have also included examples of some of the work our students completed during lockdown in our Virtual Learning Studio, further information regarding our uniform, transport and other key areas can be found in the information section: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/parents/year-six-information/

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter School News COVID responses To help parents/carers, staff and students understand our responses to any positive COVID cases I thought I’d update you on the process we go through as a school when we receive notification of a positive case.

When a parent/carer calls to inform us of a positive case we need some key information from them:  The date symptoms started  The date the test was taken  The date the result was received  The names of ‘close contacts’ of their child during social times at school and any students they have spent time with as close contacts after school  If the student caught a bus to school and what number it was.

We also check in to see how the student is feeling.

A close contact is:  A person who has had face to face contact with them within one metre  Contact within one metre for one minute or longer without face to face contact  Someone who has been within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes  A person who has travelled in a small vehicle with them, or near them on a large vehicle or plane I then look at our seating plans to work out how many close contacts there are from lessons, identifying any students who have sat within 2m of them in any lessons during their contagious time prior to developing symptoms. I have to go and look in individual classrooms to check exactly where desks are and how much room there is.

Once I have all of this information I call through to the Public Health England Schools helpline who take the information from me.

If the case is the only one in a year group and if we are confident we have identified all close contacts we only need to ask those students to stay off school and to self-isolate for 14 days.

I then update the Local Education Authority and the school nursing team.

If there is more than one case in a year group, or there is uncertainty around close contacts, then I receive a call back from East Midlands Public Health. They go through all of the information, contact the parents/carers where there are positive cases and review the school risk assessment. They then give school advice on what steps to take next.

So, what have I learnt this week?  It is really important that parents/carers keep children in their home if they test positive or are asked to self-isolate.  It is key parents/carers know where their children are and who they are with so close contacts can easily be traced.  Unless there is a really urgent situation (such as urgent first aid) staff need to keep 2m away from students and other staff so they are not classed as close contacts.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

Public Health send us through the letters to send home to all parents/carers and a different letter for parents/carers of close contacts. We then put these onto school headed paper and send them out directly to you.

It is key to understand that if you are a close contact and take a test, even if the result is negative, you have to self-isolate for the full 14 days.

As we go through this process we are learning more about how the system works and are taking on board all the advice the Public Health give us.

Claire Rifkin Assistant Head

Road safety We are well aware of family concerns regarding road safety. We deploy our staff fully on site to ensure students’ comfort and safety before school, during break/ lunch and after school. We have staff on duty to oversee both sites as students get off and board buses.

We are unable to assume the roles traditionally undertaken by the school crossing patrol and police officers. We constantly remind students through assemblies and form times of the need for careful behaviour around roads.

We remain very concerned at reports of unsafe behaviour on the two mile stretch of road between Starkholmes and Lumsdale. We have relayed these reports to DCC school crossing patrol who have ‘noted’ our concerns and passed them on to the school crossing project officer dealing with the Starkholmes crossing site. Whilst we will continue to raise this issue with our partners in road safety we would ask that you speak to your children to remind them of the need for care whilst on foot in our area.

Temporary changes to the school day to minimise risk of infection Recently we surveyed staff and families about introducing temporary measures to reduce inter year contact at lunchtime with the aim of minimising infection rates. Our intention to further enhance our risk assessment has been made more urgent by the increase in the number of Covid positive cases at Highfields and other local schools.

Only 22% of staff and 10% of families felt that we should continue as we are, with most feeling we should go ahead and trial these changes. Governors are fully supportive of the trial.

You asked a lot of valid questions and raised a lot of points. Here are some clarifications which we hope will help. 

There was a concern from a local primary school about increased congestion if we finished at exactly the same time as them. We are therefore starting and finishing the day 5 minutes later which will reduce congestion at Starkholmes, will give students at Lumsdale more time to get off

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter the later service buses and will reduce the amount of time that students have to wait for buses after school. Therefore start time: 8.45am, finish time for students not in tutorials: 3.20pm 

The time when all students are out together at lunchtime will be reduced very significantly from 65 minutes to 30 minutes. The lunch period for the whole school will be 70 minutes long, but students will spend 20 minutes of this in form time. These form times will be staggered so all that year groups are only in circulation together for 30 minutes.

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We would usually prefer form time first thing in the morning as it provides a good start to the day.

However, currently, safety of students and staff comes first, and we cannot reduce circulation at lunchtime if form time remains at the beginning of the day: it isn’t logistically possible. It is also far from ideal that forms are more widely staffed than they normally are. We intend that our very structured and clear approach to form time means that students will get a consistent diet.

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There is a concern that a small number of students are currently late to form time will now be late to lesson 1 when it starts at 8.45am. This is true. Both eventualities are undesirable and year teams are working tirelessly to improve students’ attendance and punctuality.

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Some teachers are concerned about the impact on revision sessions at lunchtime. These will still be possible but will need to take place over 50 minutes rather than 65 minutes.

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Students with medical needs will be able to collect/take their medicine in form time. This will be arranged on a case by case basis.

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Year teams can visit their forms as normal during their form time.

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Most students will get on buses quite soon after finishing school. Any who have to wait will have a warm and secure place to do so (and get on with some homework if they wish). Students waiting for families to pick them up can also wait here.

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Detentions will be brought forward by 10 minutes.

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All staff will have 50 minutes for lunch. This is typical of secondary schools, even those with a split site. Many staff will have extra time after school to catch up with colleagues.

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School meetings after school will begin 10 minutes earlier. Large scale meetings will remain virtual until further notice.

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A small number of staff would prefer that further changes were minimised. This is understandable, but our priority is safety and reducing infection. Staff and students have half the number of lessons per week to remember. Most lessons will be completely unaffected by this change.

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Science teachers will give technicians 20 minutes at the beginning of lesson 1 to prepare lesson resources.

Next steps: 1. We will draft the temporary timetable and send this draft to staff.

2. We will trial the software launch (on SIMS) in half term.

3. If the software adapts to the temporary timetable without glitches we will launch the trial on the first day of term 2 (Monday 2.11.20).

4. We will provide training for students and give out timetables in P1 Monday 2.11.20.

5. We will review this arrangement in early December.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

Empower cyber week As part of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, CyberFirst have pulled together an exciting array of industry and government speakers to feature in the Empower Cyber Week, from 9-13 November 2020.

Aimed at 12-13 year olds, the online event will provide students with an exciting opportunity to learn about Cyber, with each day featuring a different cyber related theme delivered through on demand video’s and live sessions.

To sign up and find out what’s on and how you can get involved please follow the link below. More sessions are being added daily so please keep checking back to register for the live events. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cyberfirst-empower-cyber-week-tickets-123152170457

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Careers, College & Apprenticeship News Careers Information Resources Careers information, apprenticeship vacancies and higher education information can be found on the webpage under Students-Work Experience and Careers.

http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/students/work-experience-careers/

Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize Explore BBC Bitesize’s brand new collection of free, online careers resources offering a wealth of inspiration and advice for students.

This new resources offer a rich collection of case studies across a wide range of sectors, linking curriculum subjects and the world of work: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers

Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds START is an online careers programme designed to connect 11-18 year olds with their future career potential.

The programme is broken down into sections on ‘world of work’ with a job search according to subject, skill or interest; ‘what to study’ about pathways and qualifications; ‘where to learn’ which views all colleges, universities, sixth forms, training providers and UTC; and ‘employability’ which has sections on work experience, work preparation including CV writing, covering letters and interview preparation.

There is also the facility for students to upload their personal statement and CV, so they can start to build their own careers profile.

Students can access the programme at home via the website (www.startprofile.com) with the student code they have been issued with – contact Mrs Turner for further details.

Y11 students – Decisionz Magazine Please follow the link below to the latest Decisionz magazine. This is a free online publication that provides a wealth of advice and guidance for students who will be looking to take on the next step in their lives post Y11. It provides advice about colleges in Derbyshire, how to make applications to college and sixth forms and information about careers. http://magazine.decisionz.co.uk/books/qdus/#p=1

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Y11 Apprenticeships Year 11 students were shown the link below on how to apply for apprenticeships. We felt it might be useful to parents/carers of Y11 students to view if your son/daughter is thinking of following this path: https://highfieldsmy.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/cgiles_highfields_derbyshire_sch_uk/ERqzZ7aTGzJLhtj4EYtFNcgB nnJvYT1zABhmJztal-hffg If year 11 students have any questions or would like further information, please see Mrs Giles.

Employer broadcast We would like to share the first employer broadcast of this academic year with you (see link below) This will be an opportunity for students and parents/carers to find out about key sectors, ask questions about progression routes, and to understand what opportunities exist for their young people.

What: Road to YOUR future Live broadcast with D2N2 Who: Students and parents/carers When: Wednesday 21 October 6pm Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/122706044081

Buxton & Leek College Resources and Open day

Please follow the link below to access Buxton & Leek College presentations covering what they are able to offer students and to find out more information.

The presentation below is 24 minutes long: https://ca-lti.bbcollab.com/recording/4202da3d91fc465497f782c46bc429fe A shorter presentation below is 15mins long https://ca-lti.bbcollab.com/recording/118788fc24214794b68c334ab6714b0d An open day is planned for November which will be a virtual event that students will need to register for in advance. Dates to be announced shortly.

A link to Buxton & Leek YouTube channel provides a good video library with a wide range of clips including ‘meet the tutor’ videos, interviews with students and the main college film: https://www.youtube.com/user/BuxtonLeekCollege/videos

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter

Learn Live - & Free resources Learn Live have a virtual pod within www.myfuture.org.uk (located within the careers and transitions zone). Within their pod there is a live streaming TV screen – they will be streaming careers linked videos from over 300 organisations continually through the platform, as an example the Royal Navy are streaming currently.

Linked to that within the ‘Welcome to the Careers and Transitions zone’ you will see a ‘more videos’ hotspot with over 150 pre-recorded videos that have been recently added from organisations such as KPMG, Barclays, Mental Health charities etc.

Road to your Future’ Live evening broadcast - 21st October 6-7pm Join D2N2 and Pathway CTM on 21 October 6pm – 7pm for your chance to engage with employers to discover how your skills can be applied to the jobs of the future with the opportunity to ask your questions to a live panel of employers. Register to attend via the link below.

Wednesday 21 October 6pm, Road to YOUR future Live broadcast with D2N2: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/122706044081 Pathway CTM are a national partner for the Careers & Enterprise Company working in partnership with the Careers Hub.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter University of Sheffield Open Day Open day - 17 October 2020 Make Sheffield the start of something special with our online open days. Students, Teachers and Advisors all have the opportunity to explore the campus interactively, and our staff and students will be on hand to answer your questions. Students are encouraged to book their place here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/opendays?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20Schools %20Email#open-days Taster sessions Our online taster sessions help Year 13 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield. We have a number of online taster sessions available to book including Animal and Plant Sciences, Chemistry, English, Languages, Maths, Physics and many more. To book these sessions use the link below: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/visit/tasterdays?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20Schools %20Email Post open day support Following our open day on 17 October, we will host a huge array of on demand content that students can still access for the following weeks. This will include on demand application support from our specialist recruitment team alongside the option to ‘Chat to Us’ about all things Sheffield or the application process.

Virtual Schools Hub - Parents and Carers On our new Virtual Schools Hub, we now have a dedicated ‘Information for Parents’ section, filled with a wealth of resources including ‘Applying to Sheffield’, ‘Studying at Sheffield’, ‘Videos for Parents’ and a number of other useful links for Parents. You can find the information on the following link: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/schools/virtualhub?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=11875631_October%20Schools%20Email Meet the team We now have a dedicated webpage so you can, virtually, meet the team. Please do get in touch if you want to discuss any future engagement opportunities. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/schools/virtualhub/meetteam?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20School s%20Email

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter UCAS Virtual Exhibitions You can join us at a number of UCAS virtual fairs over the coming months. The virtual exhibitions are designed for you to receive tailored information, advice and guidance, each event is subject specific so you can direct students to the relevant sessions for them. To book the free exhibitions click the link below: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/events/find/scheme/virtual-anddigital/type/exhibition?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_Oc tober%20Schools%20Email&dm_i=H9E,72JAN,22A950,SJWL0,1 The University of Sheffield will be available at the exhibitions below.   

Biological and Physical Sciences – 16 October from 10:00 to 16:00 Social Sciences and Humanities – 23-24 October from 10:00 to 16:00 Maths, Engineering and Computing – 2-3 November from 09:00 to 20:00

Translation Competitions Students of French, Spanish, German, and/or Russian in Years 12 and 13 in the UK are invited to submit their translation of an original short text. Only one translation for each language per student is permitted. The texts and information about each competition are available at the following links: French Translation competition 2020 https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/slc/french-translation-competition2020?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20School s%20Email Spanish Translation competition 2020 https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/slc/spanish-translation-competition2020?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20School s%20Email German Translation competition 2020 https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/slc/german-translation-competition2020?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20School s%20Email Russian Translation competition 2020 https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/slc/russian-translation-competition2020?utm_source=experience&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11875631_October%20School s%20Email The closing date for all competitions is Friday 6 November 2020 at 5pm. The authors of the ten best entries for each competition will each receive a prize of a £25 book token and an invitation to take part in a special Translation Workshop held at the University of Sheffield, involving academics, Masters students in Translation Studies and alumni who work in translation-related fields. Winners will be notified by Friday 20 November 2020. The Workshop will be held online on Wednesday 2 December 2020.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Sports Leaders News Mrs Allen (School Sports Co-ordinator) Our sports leaders are usually extremely busy supporting sporting activities not only in school, but also within our partner primary schools and across the wider community. This year for the start of the year initially we are looking at alternative ways for our sports leaders to work and we will let you know how we get on.

Further information on sports leadership can be found on the school website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/students/sports-leadership/

Virtual Bronze Ambassador/Playmaker Primary Conference Year 6 students from Darley Dale Primary School took part in the virtual conference now we are unable to visit schools in person.

Voice of Sport Group 2020-21 The first meeting of the Voice of Sport group will take place virtually on Friday 23 October at 1-1.30pm. This year’s team includes the following representatives: Year Year Year Year Year Year Year

7 – Sophie and Georgia 8 – Esther and Jack 9 – Abigail and Louis 10 – Lucy and Harry 11 – Holly and Reece 12 – Evie, Hettie, Oliver, Sophia, Andrew, Rob and Jack 13 – Matt, Sophie, James and Jayden

Girls Active Sports Awards 2020 The Girls Active Awards now in their fifth year, are a celebration of the work girls eight to 18 are leading, to get their peers more active and enjoying PE and physical activity in their school.

Following the announcement in last week’s newsletter that Alisha and Holly have been shortlisted for one of the 12 categories of awards this year, we have also been informed that Highfields School has been shortlisted for the School’s Award. The awards will be revealed virtually on Tuesday 3 November at 3.30pm.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Sports Leadership Academy 2020-21 Thank you to Highfields students signing up to the 2020-21 sports leaders academy. Again, we have students from all years involved this year.

Students gaining a qualification in sports leadership will learn and demonstrate important life skills such as effective communication and organisation, whilst learning to lead basic physical activities to younger people, their peers, older generations and within the community.

Sports leaders update The sports leaders centre approval meeting took place virtually on Monday 12 October between Mrs Allen and Gareth Buckley from Sports Leaders UK. Mrs Allen completed the Sports Leaders UK tutor refresher course on Thursday 15 October – a requirement for the delivery of the awards/qualifications.

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Youth Sport Trust update Quality Mark

Highfields School has applied for the latest Quality Mark for the Youth Sport Trust.

Boys Move project – Youth Sport Trust

Highfields has been successful, as one of only eight schools nationally, to take part in the Funded Boys Move project 2020/21 - more news to follow

Girls Schools Football project

Highfields has taken the pledge to further develop girls’ football in school. We have been given access to a whole host of resources and opportunities to develop and will keep you updated with our achievements.

Extra-curricular sports clubs The PE department are running the following clubs for students across both sites. These are much reduced to what would usually be on offer but are compliant with the latest Covid-19 guidance. Full details are available from the PE department.

Monday

Tuesday

Week C

Weekly

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Y10 Leaders Mrs Turner/Mrs Allen Y8 table tennis Mr Shirtcliffe

Y11 Leaders JST/JA

Y9 netball Miss Tabbenor Sports leaders - primary Mrs Allen/ Mrs Turner/ Mr Molyneux

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Y10 table tennis / badminton Mr Shirtcliffe

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Y12/13 Leaders Mrs Turner/Mrs Allen Y12/13 table tennis / badminton Mr Shirtcliffe Y7 Leaders Mr Molyneux

Y12/13 Leaders JST/JA Y12/13 table tennis / badminton Mr Shirtcliffe Y8 Leaders Mr Molyneux

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Week A Y9 table tennis/ badminton Mr Shirtcliffe Y7 netball Miss Tabbenor

Week B Y8 netball Miss Tabbenor

Y11 table tennis / badminton Mr Shirtcliffe

Y11 table tennis / badminton Mr Shirtcliffe

Y9 Leaders Wednesday Mrs Turner/Mrs Allen Y7 table tennis Mr Shirtcliffe Y10 football Mr Roberts Thursday

Friday

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter School Meals – week 3 menu Week 3

Monday 19 October – Friday 23 October

During the autumn/winter term and until Covid-19 guidelines are relaxed there will be a reduced menu option for both school sites.

Highfields Grab and Go Menu: Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Main Meal

Organic

Beef

Loaded Roast

Chicken

Catch of

One

Beef

Nachos

Turkey Cob/

Korma

the Day

Burger in

Baguette

a Bun Main Meal Vegetarian Two

Burger in a Bun

Veggie

Loaded Roast

Veggie

Roasted

Nachos

Quorn Cob/

Korma

Vegetable

Baguette

Calzone

All main meals are served with seasonal vegetables and traditional accompaniments.

Light

A selection of hot paninis, jacket potatoes, pasta pots and cold

Bites

sandwiches/baguettes are available daily.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Monday 19 October – Friday 23 October Food available at break: Monday

Bacon Cob

Toast with Butter

Half Toasted Teacake

Croissant

Full Teacake

Garlic Bread

Crumpet Tuesday

Bacon Cob

Toast with Butter

Half Toasted Teacake

Garlic Bread

Full Teacake

Pizza Baguette

Crumpet Wednesday

Bacon Cob

Half Buttered Bagel

Crumpet

Half Cheese Topped Bagel

Toast with Butter

Toastie (2 slices of bread)

Garlic Bread Thursday

Half Toasted Teacake

Crumpet

Full Teacake

Toast with Butter

Bacon Cob

Garlic Bread

Sausage Cob Friday

Bacon Cob

Garlic Bread

Crumpet

Half Buttered Bagel

Toast with Butter

Half Cheese Topped Bagel

Flavoured Naan

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Support and information Free Microsoft Office for Students Students at Highfields School can download Microsoft Office for free on up to five devices, for the duration of their time as a student at the school. Microsoft Office can be installed on compatible desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones. https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/students/office-for-students/

School Website / VLE: Resources are available on the school website www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk Students can access ‘all users’ from home from the Highfields School website:  Go to Highfields School homepage  Click on ‘portals’  Click on ‘student portal’  Enter school IT username (not email address) and password  Find ‘all users Starkholmes’ or ‘all users Lumsdale’ on the right hand side  Select the appropriate department/folder required.

If students have forgotten their password please email reset@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk specifying your user name and tutor group to request a new password.

Free School Meals Families could qualify for free school meals if meeting the following criteria:  Universal Credit, provided there is an annual net earned income not exceeding £7,400 (£616.67 per month)  Income Support  Income-based Jobseekers Allowance  Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999  the guarantee element of State Pension Credit  Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) as assessed by HMRC  Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) Universal Credit has begun to be rolled out in Derbyshire and will affect all areas of Derbyshire by the end of 2022 - full details are available on Derbyshire County Council’s website https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legalmatters/welfare-benefits/universal-credit/universal-credit.aspx Young people age 16 to 18 who receive the benefits or tax credits in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals. Even if you meet any or all of the criteria, families will not be eligible if they are claiming Working Tax Credit. You can sign up for free school meals at any time of year. You or your partner can claim for your children, as long as you live at the same address. You do not have to fill in a separate form for each child, even if they go to different schools. For further information contact the free school meals team on 01629 536400 or 01629 536481.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter b_line cards b_line is Derbyshire County Council’s cut-price travel discount and library card for young people aged 11 up to 19 who live in Derbyshire. b_line cards are free unless a replacement is needed for a lost or damaged card (replacement cards are £5).

There are two types of b_line card:  an orange b_line1 card for 11 year-olds (in secondary school) up to their 16th birthday  a purple b_line2 card for 16-year-olds up to 19th birthday b_line cards are no longer issued automatically. If students want a card (or a replacement card) they must apply online through Derbyshire County Council’s website https://bline.derbyshire.gov.uk/home.faces

Highfields Uniform A strict uniform code is implemented at Highfields School. Our school uniform is easy to source and practical, it helps to promote a community identity, encourages pride in appearance, makes life fair for all students when the same rules apply and reflects the high standards and expectations we have at Highfields School. Staff perform a variety of uniform checks and we ask that parents/carers support our uniform code.

The uniform code is designed to be clear and can be accessed on the following link: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformCode.pdf Parents/carers are encouraged to check with the school on 01629 581888 where they are unsure.

Trutex Direct and Kick Off Sport both stock Highfields uniform. Kick Off Sport also stock the Highfields PE kit. Orders can be placed on line both with Trutex Direct (https://www.trutex.com/) and Kick Off Sport (https://www.kickoffsport.co.uk/highfields-uniform.html) if you know the size and items required without the need to visit a store directly. To assist with purchasing the right sizes Kick Off Sport have produced a size guide (see link below).

Various information has been prepared on our school uniform and can be accessed on the links below or from the school website: FAQs: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformFAQs.pdf Uniform supply list: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2020/09/UniformList.pdf Uniform size guide: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2020/09/UniformSizeGuide.pdf

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Reminders Dropping off and collecting students We would like to remind parents/carers that students should be dropped off and collected outside of the school site in the mornings and at the end of the school day. Parents/carers should not enter or park in the school car park allocated for staff and visitors or bus bays allocated for school transport.

We are always keen to be good neighbours and to protect the safety of all pedestrians and road users.

With this in mind please exercise care and consideration during busy times and take care not to block driveways or to use private car parks of local businesses when dropping off and collecting your child from school. It has been raised by the Rees Partnership at Lumsdale that parents/carers are using their private car park for upper school site students. They have asked that parents/carers find an alternative safe space to drop off and collect each day.

Thank you for your consideration.

Road safety There have been reports from local residents and road users that some students are choosing to walk on the road rather than the pavement when making their way to and from school. We have been talking to students about road safety and reminding them to take care on their journeys and ask that you support us in highlighting the importance of road safety to your child(ren).

We are aware that at Starkholmes in particular there is no school crossing patrol and we have been in contact with Derbyshire County Council regarding this. The pavement is quite narrow in places and there have been near misses reported recently.

Suitable outdoor wear for students during the autumn/winter terms As part of the Covid-19 guidance school is following there is a need for ventilation in corridors and classrooms, as well as students following a one way system around school. This means that children are more exposed than usual to cold temperatures and wet weather. Please could you remind them to attend in warm clothing suitable for the change in weather and, where rain is forecast, a waterproof coat or umbrella.

Covid-19 measures We ask that students are reminded to attend school with masks (more than one if using disposable masks) to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Due to the ventilation in classrooms and students moving outside regularly through the one way system, please ensure that students are wearing layers and warm/waterproof coats when leaving the house now the weather is changing.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Reminder: Severe peanut allergy (Starkholmes site) We would like to remind parents/carers that a student attending Highfields lower school site (Starkholmes) has a severe peanut allergy. Strict avoidance of peanut products is the only way to prevent a life-threatening allergic reaction. We are asking your assistance in providing the student with a safe learning environment.

To reduce the risk of exposure for the student, the Starkholmes site will be peanut free. Please do not send any peanut or products containing peanuts or nuts for your child to eat at any time in any area of the school. Any exposure to peanuts through contact or ingestion can cause a severe reaction. If your child has eaten peanuts or peanut/nut products prior to coming to school, please be sure your child's hands have been thoroughly washed before coming to school. As a guide to ‘peanut products’, the main ones are:  Bags of peanuts  Snickers bars  Cereal bars with peanuts in  Reece’s chocolate products  Chocolate coated peanuts  Peanut butter sandwiches  Products which state they may contain peanuts or nuts (there is presently no law to confirm whether or not the nuts are peanuts)

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Community information Derbyshire’s Autism Alliance

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Coronavirus guidance Advice if students (and staff) display symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) If your child develops symptoms of Covid-19, they must not come to school and should remain at home for at least 10 days from the date when their symptoms appeared. Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

All other household members who remain well, must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. This includes anyone in your ‘Support Bubble’.

Further information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-homeguidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

If you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication, or walking a dog, you should ask friends or family. Alternatively, you can order your shopping online and medication by phone or online.

Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.

Symptoms The most common symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19) are recent onset of:  a new continuous cough(this is defined as coughing a lot for more than an hour, or have three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours),  a high temperature (above 37.8C),  a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia) For most people, coronavirus (Covid-19) will be a mild illness.

If your child does develop symptoms, you can seek advice from the nhs.uk website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/.

If you are concerned about your child’s symptoms, or they are worsening you can seek advice from NHS 111 at https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phoning 111.

How to stop Covid-19 spreading There are things you can do to help reduce the risk of you and anyone you live with getting ill with Covid-19:

Do  

wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter   

wash your hands as soon as you get home cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards.

Further information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Public Health have advised: As schools and colleges across England return, students may feel unwell for example with a sore throat, aches and pains, a stomach upset, a runny nose, tiredness or a headache. If students have these symptoms (without the temperature, continuous cough or loss of smell symptom), then they don’t need to have a test.

The decision as to whether or not they come to school or stay at home should be taken as you would do in normal times (they are not required to stay off school).

Where a child has a sickness bug, as always, they must be kept off school for 48 hours.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter Covid-19 absence: a quick guide for parents/carers

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 06: 16 October 2020

Newsletter School transport Covid-1 9 notice

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Keeping up with learning during absence It is always important for students to try to keep up with learning if absent from school. It is fair to say that the risk of absence will probably be greater this year than under normal circumstances. We have plans in place to support students who need to be absent from school during COVID 19.

If a student has to be at home due to displaying COVID symptoms, or because a family member is displaying symptoms we have put together ‘Always be Doing’ lists for students in KS3 and 4. These comprise of lists of work that students can work through for each subject. These are wide ranging but commonly include activities that will help students to review and consolidate earlier learning.

Many of the activities and resources for the always be doing work can be found on our ‘All Users’ area, which students can access from the school website. Students have been shown how to access this. Students can also keep abreast of what’s happening in class and what has been set for homework by logging in to Show My Homework. We are emphasising work set on Show My Homework to sixth form students and encouraging them to support each other in ensuring they keep up to date by sending lesson notes and instructions if required to absent classmates. Parents and carers can find more information by visiting our website; our Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum guides and post 16 prospectus outline content and can be found in the Key Information section.

If we do have to ask a whole year group to stay at home for a period of time due to a confirmed COVID case within the year group we currently plan to switch to remote learning during timetabled lesson time.

Meanwhile we are stressing the importance of every minute that we have in the classroom. We love having our students back in school, and doing what we enjoy doing best – teaching them in our classrooms, workshops, sports halls and studios. They have really impressed us with their desire to get on with learning. Long may this continue – fingers crossed in school, but should this not be possible at any time their desire to learn will be extra important in making a success of keeping up from home.

Guide for students accessing information if self-isolating For any students self-isolating please see the guide below on how to access your school email account, VLE (virtual learning environment) and SMHW (Show My Homework) from the school website.

All resources and communication between school and students will be via these platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7oWZnLde9I&feature=youtu.be

Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline The Department for Education coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents/carers and young people can contact this helpline by calling 0800 046 8687. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Mental Health support

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Highfields School vacancies Design & Technology Technician Location Reference Salary details Job term Appointment type Hours Closing Date

Highfields School, Matlock JOB/20/02650 Grade 6 ÂŁ6,661.56 - ÂŁ6,813.12 per annum Part-time Permanent 15 hours per week, 38 weeks per year 21 October 2020

We are looking to appoint a part time technician to support the D&T department. The ideal candidate will have experience of safe usage, operation, serviceability, maintenance and correct application of a wide range of machinery together with being highly organised, an effective communicator and have the ability to build excellent working relationships with staff and students.

Highfields is a vibrant and popular school with approximately 1200 friendly and highly motivated students, including 200 in our sixth form. We were judged as a good school by Ofsted in May 2017.

We look to appoint staff who are willing to contribute fully to the life of the school and who are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Highfields is situated in Matlock, the county town of Derbyshire, on the south eastern edge of the beautiful Peak District National Park. It is within easy reach of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

To apply for this position please follow the link below: https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk/education-non-teachingsupport-services-contract-design-andtechnology-technician/23208.job

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter

School Business Assistant – Exam Invigilators Location Reference Salary details Job term Appointment type Hours Closing Date

Highfields School, Matlock JOB/20/02716 Grade 4, ÂŁ9.62 per hour No Guaranteed Hours Relief As and when required 25 October 2020

We are looking to recruit adaptable, well organised, reliable and trustworthy exam invigilators to join our existing team.

This role is essential to the smooth running of the examination process and ensuring correct procedures are followed. Exam sessions are held in the mornings and/or afternoons.

We look to appoint well-qualified staff who are willing to contribute fully to the life of the school and who are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Highfields is a vibrant, popular school and has a strong partnership with the community and local schools.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

To apply for this position please follow the link below: https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk/administrationclericalcustomer-service-contract-school-businessassistant-exam-invigilators/23274.job

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Science Technician Location Reference Salary details Job term Appointment type Hours Closing Date

Highfields School, Matlock JOB/20/02563 Grade 6 ÂŁ15,635.04 - ÂŁ15,990.60 per annum Part Time Permanent 33 hours and 30 minutes per week, 40 weeks per year 1 November 2020

We are looking to appoint a confident, enthusiastic and resourceful science technician to join our high achieving department. You will need to provide efficient and effective support in the preparation of materials, equipment and resources to support teaching and learning. Ideally, you should have experience of working in a school/college and be able to work flexibly and alone, as well as part of a team.

You should be willing to contribute fully to the life of the school safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

and be committed to

Highfields is a vibrant, popular school and has a strong partnership with the community and local schools. It is a co-educational comprehensive school of almost 1200 students, including 200 at post 16. Our students are well-motivated and the school's academic results are good and improving.

Highfields is situated in Matlock, the county town of Derbyshire, on the south eastern edge of the Peak District. It is within easy reach of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

To apply for this position please follow the link below: https://jobs.derbyshire.gov.uk/education-non-teachingsupport-services-contract-sciencetechnician/23121.job

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Vacancy for Midday Supervisor Location Salary details Job term Appointment type Hours Closing Date

Highfields School, Matlock Grade 3 (ÂŁ9.43 per hour) Part-time Permanent 8 hours 20 mins per week, 38 weeks per year Ongoing

We are looking to recruit positive and friendly midday supervisors to join our team. As a midday supervisor at Highfields, you will assist and supervise students at lunchtime and encourage responsible and appropriate behaviour. You should enjoy helping young people and be enthusiastic, patient and discreet as well as being able to work as part of a team.

We are flexible on working days to fit around any other commitments.

The students and staff at Highfields School make it a fantastic place to work. Our students are friendly and confident and we strive to ensure that they achieve the success that they deserve.

We look to appoint staff who are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

Please email recruitment@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk for further information and an application form. If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Rachel Wright on 01629 581888.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Glossary of Abbreviations 5Rs- responsible, resourceful, resilient, reasoning, reflective AA - access arrangements (KS4 / KS5) SAA - suggested access arrangements (KS3) ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder AFL- assessment for learning AHT- assistant headteacher ALPS - data tool (1 is best 9 is worst) ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder BV - British Values CAMHS - Children and adult mental health service CBS - county behaviour support CBT- Cognitive behavioural therapy CEIAG - Careers education, information, advice and guidance CiC- children in care CME - child missing from education CPD - continuing professional development CPLD – continuing professional and leadership development CPT - cognitive processing Therapy CP - child protection CSE - child sexual exploitation DBS - disclosure and barring service (safeguarding) DCC - Derbyshire County Council DFE- department for education DHT- deputy headteacher Disadv - disadvantaged children DSEN - disability or special educational needs DSL- designated safeguarding lead DV- domestic violence EAL- English as an additional language EHCP - educational health and care plan EBACC- English Baccalaureate - suite of subjects defined by government (English/maths/science/ history/geography/MFL) EHO - early help offer EPQ - extended project qualification EWO - educational welfare officer EWA - educational welfare assistant FFT- Fischer Family Trust FGM - female genital mutilation FSM - free school meals FSW - family support worker GDPR- general data protection regulations HI - Hearing Impairment HLTA - Higher level Teaching Assistant HODS - heads of department IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome ICT- information communication technology IDSR - Inspection Data Summary Report (Ofsted) KIT- keep in touch (meeting) KS - Key stage (KS3=Y7-9, KS4=10/11, KS5=12/13) L&T - learning and teaching meeting - in depts

Be the best you can

LAC - Looked after Children LADO - local authority designated officer (safeguarding) LGBT- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual (support group) LD - Learning Difficulty LIO - Local inclusion officer MAS - middle attaining students (L4 in year 6) MAT- multi agency team MAST - multi agency support team (Sheffield) MaBL - Matrix Beyond Levels = assessment tool MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty MFL - Modern Foreign Languages MPS - main pay scale NEET- not in education, employment or training NON PP - non pupil premium NPQH - national preparation qualification for headship NQT - newly qualified teacher NS - next steps PHSE - Personal Health and Social Education PI - Physical Impairment PP - pupil premium P8 - Progress 8 - main headline figure from 2016 PRS - philosophy and religious education PSE - Personal and Social Education QA - quality assurance (often referred to as SESI) QDD - quality development dialogue REHO - re-pooling of early help offer RONI - Risk of NEET Indicator ROV - record of visit (SIP) RQT - recently qualified teacher RWCM - reading, writing, communication and maths SARU – students at risk of underachievement SAR- subject access request SCR - single central record (safeguarding), also Serious Case Review (national safeguarding) SEF - self-evaluation form SEN (K) - SEN support - students who receive - long term - different from and additional to provision SENCO - Special educational needs coordinator SESI - school evaluation/school improvement SISRA - software package used to track student progress SIP - school improvement partner SLT- senior leadership team SMSC - social, moral, spiritual and cultural (aspects of learning) SoW - scheme of work SPLD - Specific Learning Difficulty TA - Teaching Assistant TAF - Team Around the Family TLR - teaching and learning responsibility TSA - teaching school alliance UPS - upper pay scale VI - Visual Impairment

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Communication with school In order to improve communication with parents/carers, ensure we are compliant with the latest Covid-19 guidelines and to reduce the substantial cost and environmental impact associated with the amount of paper and photocopying involved in school mailings all correspondence is sent to parents/carers via email only.

Our aim is that only students’ data sheets, and of course, confidential or personal mail will be posted home. We fully understand that some parents/carers may wish to continue to have paper copies sent home rather than to receive communication by email and we will make arrangements to ensure that it is possible for this to continue upon request.

General enquiries The first point of contact for parents/carers for general enquiries is reception. Reception staff will ask you what the issue is in order for them to help with queries or refer you to a member of staff who can. Please be understanding with your expectations as, unless your call is urgent or considered a safeguarding matter, the majority of staff will not be able to respond to you immediately due to their teaching commitments and a return call may not be until the end of the school day or following day depending on the situation.

Pastoral enquiries and sickness absence If you have any concerns about a student, please contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance either by email (using their initial and surname, ie initialsurname@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) or telephone. If you feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the form tutor or year manager, this can be followed-up with the relevant head of year.

If parents/carers wish to contact the school regarding attendance, please contact the relevant year manager. Each year group has their own year manager to deal with any enquiries or concerns: Lower school site (Starkholmes) - to contact year managers for years 7 or 8 from September 2020, please email as follows: Mrs Green - Year Manager (year 7)

tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mr Tidmarsh - Year Manager (year 8)

dtidmarsh@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Upper school site (Lumsdale) - to contact year managers for years 9-13 please email as follows: Mrs Weightman Edge - Year Manager (year 9)

Hweightman-edge@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Miss Esposito - Year Manager (year 10)

aesposito@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mr Allsobrook -Year Manager (year 11)

callsobrook@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mrs Sargeant - Year Manager (sixth form)

rsargeant@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Subject specific enquiry (subject teacher) If you have subject specific enquiries, we ask that you contact the relevant subject teacher. If you feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the class teacher, this can be followed-up by the relevant head of department.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Key Staff for 2020-21 Headteacher: Mr A Marsh

Deputy Headteacher: Mr P R Cole

Assistant Headteachers: Mr D O’Reilly Mrs C Rifkin Mr M Hodkin

Associate Assistant Headteachers:

Mr K Rodgers - Years 7 and 8 (based at Starkholmes) Miss N Gresswell - Years 9, 10 & 11 (based at Lumsdale) Mrs C Morgan – Curriculum and timetabling

Heads of Year: Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Sixth form

Year Managers: Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Sixth form

Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead Mr J Redhead Mr A Bishton Mrs A Ruston Miss J Hughes Mr M Flett Mrs Green Mr Tidmarsh Mrs Weightman Edge Miss Esposito Mr Allsobrook Mrs R Sargeant

If you wish to report student absences, please contact the relevant pastoral staff to your son/daughter’s year group as indicated above.

Department Contacts: Art – Mrs K Fairbank Business – Mr I Lovatt Computing – Mrs J Hadfield D&T – Miss A Morris Drama & Dance – Miss E Bonsall English – Mr R Key Film Studies – Mr C Warrington Geography – Mrs M Barker History – Mr P Copeland Maths – Miss S Wallhead

Be the best you can

Modern Foreign Languages – Mrs M Bowen Music – Mr K Rowley PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe Psychology – Miss H Ould PRS – Mr R Platts PSHE/L2L – Mrs Turner SENCO – Mr M Hodkin Science – Mrs C Morgan Sociology – Mrs A Serjeant

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Form Tutors 2020-21 Starkholmes (lower school site): Year 7 7BC 7RP 7RHE 7OM 7LT 7PH 7SB

Mrs C Cooper / Ms C Bell / Mr R Ruston Mr R Platts / Miss C Hall Miss R Hendry / Miss H Ould Mrs A Morris / Miss L Poundall / Mrs H Megginson Ms L Tatum / Mrs A Wildgoose Mr P Hill / Mr A Brooks Mrs L Sayers / Mrs L Brailsford / Mrs C Wilson

Year 8 8DC 8TC 8LH 8JOA 8BB 8JHA 8KSW

Mrs E Cruise / Ms E Davies / Miss E Fearn Mrs J Turner / Mr P Copeland / Mr K Rowley Miss L Hamrouge / Mrs J Grainger / Mrs J Clifford Mrs J Andrews / Mr M Webb / Miss R Morley Miss E Bonsall / Mrs N Bonner Mrs J Hadfield / Mr J Garth Mrs Wragg / Miss Fairbank / Mrs Millington

Lumsdale (upper school site): Year 9:

Year 11:

9CAH 9SLH

Miss C Hall / Mrs C Cooper Mrs S Harrison / Mr J Wood (Mrs S

11SA 11LB

Mr S Archer / Mrs J Allen Mrs L Brailsford / Mrs J Allen

9JFG 9IL 9AB 9IR 9RYA

Mrs J Grainger / Mrs A Wildgoose Mr I Lovatt Mr A Brooks / Mrs J Clifford Mr I Richardson Mr R Atkins

11RNS 11MWE 11MC 11KF 11CS

Mr R Nightingale-Smith Mr M Webb / Miss L Hamrouge Mr M Crawford Miss K Fairbank / Ms C Bell Mr C Shirtcliffe

Blakeley)

Year 10: 10EB 10MJB 10KMR 10MO 10RR 10JG 10GPR

Sixth form: Miss E Bonsall / Mr P Copeland Mrs M Barker Mr K Rowley / Mrs E Morris Miss A Morris / Miss H Ould Mr R Ruston /Miss R Hendry Mr J Garth / Mrs L Sayers Mr R Roberts

Be the best you can

12MAB 12RKB 12DM 12MFA 13HK 13HME 13MW 13CJW

Mrs M Bowen Mrs R Brown Mr D Moss Mr K Fairhurst Mrs R Key Mrs H Megginson / Mrs N Bonner Miss R Morley / Mrs C Wilson Mr C Warrington

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Highfields School Governing Board 2020-21 Highfields School is fortunate in the kinds of people who have volunteered to become governors, each bringing a variety of skills and experience to support the school.

The composition of the governing board for 2020-21 is split as follows. Each governor serves a term of office of four years.

Name Miss Angeline Ellson Mr Paul Steeples Mr Rob Atkinson Mrs Allison Beesley Mr Edward Coxhead Miss Lizzy Dence Mrs Amanda Goodall Miss Emma Hill Mr Dennis Holmes Mr Andrew Marsh Mr David Matthews Mrs Antonia O'Donoghue

Governor Type Chair of Governors Co-opted Vice Chair of Governors Co-opted Co-opted Co-opted Co-opted Staff Co-opted Co-opted Parent Headteacher Parent Co-opted

Link Governor Area Leadership and strategy Inclusion (SEND, behaviour, attendance) Finance, resources and personnel Curriculum and standards Safeguarding, H&S, well-being

Full details of Highfields Governing Board can be accessed on the school website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/governors/ We currently have two parent governor vacancies open to parents/carers of students at Highfields School.

In all types of schools governing boards should have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:  ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;  holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its students, and the performance management of staff; and  overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

There is an expectation that on election you will be willing to:  undertake appropriate induction training;  prepare for and attend all meetings regularly;  undertake further training to develop your skills.

If you would like to receive an application pack, please contact Jacqui Wheatcroft via email: jwheatcroft@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk – the closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 23 October 2020.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter Key dates for 2020-21 Please note all calendar dates are provisional at this stage and are correct as of 1 September 2020. The latest government guidance will be followed for all events/activities and any changes to the proposed schedule will be highlighted nearer the time of each event/activity.

2020-21 academic year 1 September 2020 to 23 October 2020 2 November 2020 to 17 December 2020 4 January 2021 to 12 February 2021 22 February 2021 to 1 April 2021 19 April 2021 to 28 May 2021 7 June 2021 to 22 July 2021

INSET days (no students in school) 1 September 2020

30 November 2020 4 January 2021 2 July 2021 22 July 2021

2020-21 provisional parent consultation evenings (tbc – dependent upon latest guidance) We are currently looking at alternative ways of operating parent consultation evenings – further details to follow.

Y8 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 17 November 2020 (Bowler Hall, lower site) Y13 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 1 December 2020 (Wheeldon Hall) Y9 options / parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 12 January 2021 (Sports/Wheeldon Halls) Y11 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 26 January 2021 (Sports Hall) Y12 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 9 February 2021 (Sports Hall) Y10 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 2 March 2021 (Sports Hall) Y7 parents evening (4-7pm) Tuesday 16 March 2021 (Sports Hall, upper site)

2020-21 provisional school events (tbc - further details will be issued prior to each event) Y7 Activity Day, Lea Green (part year group) Wednesday 23 September 2020 Y7 Activity Day, Lea Green (part year group) Thursday 24 September 2020 Autumn series A Level exams Autumn series GCSE exams Y11 mock exams (1) Christmas Concert (7-10pm) A Level Certificates Evening/Leaver’s Social Evening of Theatre (7-10pm) Y11 mock exams (2) Y9 internal exams (none core subjects) Easter Concert (7-10pm) Y10 internal exams GCSEs / A level exam series begins

Monday 5 October – Friday 23 October 2020 Monday 2 November – Monday 23 November 2020 Tuesday 24 November – Monday 7 December 2020 Tuesday 15 December 2020 (Wheeldon Hall) Thursday 17 December 2020 Wednesday 20 January-Thursday 21 January 2021 (Bowler Hall) Monday 22 February – Friday 26 March 2021 Monday 22 March – Thursday 1 April 2021 Wednesday 31 March 2021 (Wheeldon Hall) Tuesday 4 May – Thursday 13 May 2021 Friday 14 May – Tuesday 29 June 2021

Y12 internal exams Y8 internal exams Y7 internal exams Higher Education Evening (7pm) Y9 internal exams (core subjects) Y10 work experience Y6 visit Starkholmes Y7 sponsored walk Y8 visit Lumsdale Y9 enterprise day Y6 parents' evening (time tbc) Whole school sports day School Musical (7.30-10pm)

Monday 24 May – Friday 11 June 2021 Monday 7 June – Friday 11 June 2021 Monday 14 June – Friday 18 June 2021 Tuesday 15 June 2021 (Wheeldon Hall) Thursday 24 June – Friday 25 June 2021 Monday 28 June – Friday 9 July 2021 Wednesday 30 June 2021 Wednesday 30 June 2021 Wednesday 30 June 2021 Wednesday 30 June 2021 Thursday 1 July 2021 (Bowler Hall) Wednesday 7 July 2021 (Lumsdale site) Wednesday 14 July – Saturday 17 July (Wheeldon Hall)

(Tuesday 29 June is exam contingency day)

(Evenings & matinee/evening on Saturday)

2021 exam results days: A Level exam results: 24 August 2021

GCSE exam results: 27 August 2021

The Secretary of State for Education announced that the summer exam series will be delayed by 3 weeks giving students more time to prepare for their exams. Exams will begin on 7 June and end on 2 July for almost all A level and GCSE’s.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 03: 25 September 2020

Newsletter 2020-21 academic year Term dates:

INSET days (no students in school):

Term 1: 1 September 2020* to 23 October 2020 Term 2: 2 November 2020 to 17 December 2020*

• • • • •

Term 3: 4 January 2021 to 12 February 2021 Term 4: 22 February 2021 to 1 April 2021

1 September 2020 30 November 2020 4 January 2021 2 July 2021 22 July 2021

Term 5: 19 April 2021 to 28 May 2021 Term 6: 7 June 2021 to 22 July 2021 * From 2015 schools have been able to consider variations to term dates provided they meet the statutory requirements. With this in mind we took the decision to return to school one day earlier for the start of the new academic year (Tuesday 1 September 2020) and finish the autumn term one day earlier (Thursday 17 December 2020). This was to ensure a smooth start to the academic year rather than students starting back with a staggered start on Thursday or Friday.

2021-22 academic year The following term dates are provisional for the 2021-22 academic year: Term 1: 2 September 2021 to 22 October 2021 Term 2: 1 November 2021 to 23 December 2021 Term 3: 10 January 2022 to 18 February 2022 Term 4: 28 February 2022 to 8 April 2022 Term 5: 25 April 2022 to 27 May 2022 (2 May 2022 is a bank holiday) Term 6: 6 June 2022 to 22 July 2022 INSET days for the 2021-22 academic year will be confirmed.

Highfields School Contact details Lower Site (Years 7 & 8): Telephone:

Starkholmes Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3DD 01629 584020

Upper Site (Years 9-13): Telephone:

Upper Lumsdale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5NA 01629 581888

Website: General email: Admissions: Chair of Governors: SENCO: Newsletter feedback: Careers information:

www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk admissions@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk chair@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk mhodkin@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk newsletter@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk careers@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Be the best you can

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