Highfields Newsletter Issue 21

Highfields School Newsletter Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter

Issue 21: 26 May 2017 Our Newsletter is aimed at keeping parents/carers up to date with school news, activities and key information throughout the year.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on 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.

P R Cole & B P Riggott Co-Headteachers

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter

Contents: Student Bulletin ......................................................................................... 3 Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities ............................................................... 4 School Meals ............................................................................................. 6 Sports Update ........................................................................................... 7 School News ............................................................................................. 9 Parent/Carer Notices ................................................................................ 11 Highfields School Governing Body............................................................. 14 Highfields School Contact details .............................................................. 15 Key Staff ................................................................................................. 16 Key Dates ............................................................................................... 17

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Student Bulletin

Monday 5 June AS & GCSE Exams Year 10 Geography Students visit Edale - Fieldwork

Tuesday 6 June AS & GCSE Exams Year 10 Geography Students visit Edale - Fieldwork

Wednesday 7 June AS & GCSE Exams

Thursday 8 June Polling Day at Lumsdale – limited canteen service available AS & GCSE Exams Highfields School Athletics Club, Tupton - open to all year groups (after school)

Friday 9 June AS & GCSE Exams Year 9 (English)– Author visit from Melvyn Burgess during lessons

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities Starkholmes (Lower Site) Monday

1.00-1.30pm Homework Club in Room 4 1.00-1.30pm Maths Homework Help in Room 5 1.00-1.40pm Boys Football Y8 with J Shipley & J Stevenson 1.10-1.40pm Film Club in Lab 1 with Mrs Green (starting 15 May) 1.00-1.40pm Year 8 Netball with Mrs Wildgoose 3.30-5pm Rugby Training Y7 & Y8 at Lumsdale

Tuesday

12.45-1.15pm Sustainability Club in T2 1.00-1.30 pm Homework Club in Room 4 1.00-1.30pm Science Club & Science Homework Support Lab 2 1.00-1.30pm Scooter Club Y7 & Y8 Boys and Girls with Miss Warburton 1.00-1.30pm Boys football Y7 & Y8 with Mr Clifford 1.15-1.45 pm Highflyers Dance Club in PARTS 1.10-1.40pm The Net (After Oct Half Term)

Wednesday

1.00-1.30 pm Homework Club in Room 4 1-00-1.30pm Art Club in room 12 from October 1.00-1.30pm Girls Football Y7 & Y8 with Miss Spencer 1.00-1.30pm Sports leaders Y7 in Gym 1.00-1.30pm Y7/8 Beyond the Baseline Tennis Project with Mrs Turner

Thursday

1.00-1.30 pm Homework Club with Mrs Green in Room 4 12.45-1.15 pm Science Homework Support in Lab2 1.00-1.30pm Help with Maths- Homework Support in Room 6 1.00-1.30pm Mixed Hockey with Mr Shirtcliffe 1.00-1.40pm Junior Choir 1pm-1.40pm Boys Basketball Y7 & Y8 with Miss Warburton 3.45-4.45pm Musical Theatre Club in PARTS

Friday

1.00-1.30pm Homework Club with Mrs Green in Room 4 1.00-1.30pm Geography Homework Help in Room 2 1.15-1.45pm Book Club in Library – Year7 & 8 Alternate weeks 1.10-1.45pm Drama Club in PARTS 1.00-1.40pm Running club with Mr Hurst 1.00-1.30pm Sports leaders – Year 8 in Gym 1.00-1.30pm Chess Club in Room 8 1.00-1.30pm Year 7/8 Orienteering with Mrs Allen/Mr Molyneux/Chelsea Elliott

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter

Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities Lumsdale (Upper Site) Monday

Lunchtime

After School

Football (Year 9-11) Basketball (All years) 1.10-1.40pm Music Theatre Club 12.45-1.15pm Science Assistance Services in S9 1-1.40pm Maths Revision in M5

3.45-5pm Senior Choir MU1 Duke of Edinburgh 4-5pm Rugby (Y9-10) D&T Year 11 and A Level Catch-Up in C8

Tuesday

Lunchtime

After School

Table Tennis (All years) Badminton (Year 10-11) 1-1.30pm Geography Homework Help and Controlled Assessment Catch-Up in H2 GCSE Computing Catch-Up in IT1 1-1.30pm - Mixed Staff Student Choir - MU1 12.50pm – Running Club

3.45-4.45pm U18 Rugby (Y11-13) 3.45-4.45pm Dance Performance Group in Wheeldon Hall – see schedule

Wednesday

Lunchtime

After School

Volleyball Club (Year 12/13 Only) Sports leaders GCSE Computing Catch-Up in IT1 1-1.40pm Maths Revision in M5 1pm MFL Homework Club in L4

Warhammer Club in C5 (3.45-5pm) Sports leaders 3.45-4.45pm Dance GCSE Catch-Up in Wheeldon Hall 3.30-5pm GCSE Computing CatchUp in IT1 3.45-4.30pm - Senior Orchestra Sixth Form canteen 4.30-5pm - Senior Strings - MU1

Thursday

Lunchtime

After School

1.15-1.45pm Upper School book club in the Library 12.45pm Design & Technology Catch-Up Club in C8 Girls Football Netball (Years 9-11 Girls) GCSE Computing Catch-Up in IT1 12.45-1.15pm Science Assistance Services in S9 1-1.30pm Girl’s Cycling Club

3.45-4.45pm U18 Rugby (Y11-13) Netball (Years 9-11 Girls) D&T Year 11 and A Level Catch-Up in C8 3.45-4.30pm - Senior Wind Band 6th form canteen 4.30-5pm - Senior Jazz Band

Friday

Lunchtime

After School

Badminton Smash-Up (All years) 1-1.40pm Maths Revision in M5 1.15pm Sixth Form Book Club Library (fortnightly) Girls Active/Sky Living for Sport/ Orienteering Project

3.45-5pm - Friday Night Group - 6th form canteen

Be the best you can

on dance notice boards

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter School Meals Monday 5 June - Friday 9 June 2017 Monday

Big breakfast / Veg tortilla layer Hash brown / Mushrooms / Baked beans Apple berry crumble custard / Coca beetroot muffin / Raisin flapjack Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Tuesday

Pastitsio & garlic bread / Quorn stir fry Pasta / Carrots / Crunchy coleslaw Chocolate cracknel / Cookie Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Wednesday

Roast turkey & stuffing / Cauliflower cheese pie Creamed potatoes / Green beans / Carrots Jaffa sponge custard / Cookies / Shortbread slice Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Thursday

Sweet & sour / Vegetable chow main

Polling Day at

Rice / Sweetcorn / Cauliflower

Lumsdale – limited

Cornflake tart custard / Forest fruit muffin / Cookies

canteen facilities (see Parent/Carer section

Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

for details)

Friday

Breaded haddock / Quorn dippers Chips / Baked beans / Mushy peas Fruit swirl sponge & custard / Cookies / Fruit muffin Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Sports Update

Mr C Shirtcliffe (Head of PE)

Results – Under 13 Cricket Team – 22 May Our under-13 cricket team came third in the Rural Derbyshire Cricket Competition at Darley Dale on Monday. The team came very close to the target but fell just short in both games, some excellent cricket was played and as ever the students were a credit to the school.

PE Clubs at Highfields Starkholmes Lunchtime Monday

After School

Table Tennis Year 7 and 8 DM Netball AJW (House/form)

Tuesday Wednesday

Sport Leaders Year 7 (Tennis) Girls Football Miss Spencer Boys Year 8 Football CS

Thursday

Basketball Year 7 ALL EW Kwik Cricket ALL CS

Friday

Running Club PEH Netball Year 7 HH Sports Leaders Year 8 JA

Athletics Tupton Hall School

Wrestling and KS3 Girls cycling will also be running and we will update you with further details.

Lumsdale

Lunchtime

After School

Monday

Kwik Cricket Years 9/10/11 CS

Duke of Edinburgh AJW/SA/HSO

Tuesday

Table Tennis All Years DM

Wednesday

Sport Leaders JA/DM

Thursday Friday

Sport Leaders JA/JST Netball Years 9/10/11 Girls AJW/LL Athletics Tupton Hall School

Sky Living for Sport Project JST Rounders mixed Year 9 and 10 AJW/CS

Fencing, Wrestling and KS3 Girls cycling will also be running and we will update you with further details.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Sports Leaders

Mrs Allen (School Sports Co-ordinator) Our Sports Leaders and Sports Apprentices have been extremely busy supporting sporting activities not only in school, but also within our partner primary schools and across the wider community.

Further information on Sports Leadership can be found on the school website http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/SportsLeadership.html

Higher Sports Leaders Awards Wednesday 17 May saw the Year 13 level 3 Higher Sports Leaders Award external moderation practical exam. The group delivered their final session in Highfields to St Joseph’s Primary School (Year 4 and Year 6).

Grace, Emily and Niamh did a fantastic job in far from ideal conditions in the rain! The young pupils from St Joseph’s engaged fully in all activities undertaken with such passion and enthusiasm for sport.

Once again many thanks as ever to St Joseph’s staff for the support they give the Sports Leadership Academy on such moderation events. The next moderation day will be in June for the Year 12 Community Sports Leaders.

British Orienteering British Orienteering delivered a session for our young Sports Leaders on Friday 18 May, which prepares them for the KS2 primary schools event to be held at Lumsdale in June.

Judith Holt, British Orienteering Chair, delivered the training, including mapping activities and how to use SI equipment, supported by the PE and School Sport Apprentices. Classroom based challenges as well as outdoor training were delivered.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter School News Drama Miss Bonsall On Wednesday 3 May, Year 11 students performed their final exam piece for an audience including parents, students, staff, family and an external examiner!

They created four superb performances from a wordle stimulus supplied by the exam board - performances were about mental health, fame, war and a heist!

They all performed very well and we wish them all the best in their final results!

On Tuesday 9 May, Year 12 Drama students visited Derby Theatre to see an award winning production of Coal. Coal is a physical theatre performance that has inspired the students for their performance exam on 13 June. In this exam students will be creating a performance using text from real life interviews about human trafficking and adding in movement and dance to enhance the delivery of the text.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter In March, the Drama department won a specialist workshop from a professional company in London. This workshop was with Out of Joint (Max Stafford-Clark's theatre company); well known in the theatre world.

When applying for the opportunity to win a workshop (instead of paying the ÂŁ375+VAT) we had to explain why we as a school, the Drama department and the students involved deserved the opportunity.

On 9 May Out of Joint came to the school to deliver their workshop. Year 10-13 Drama students were involved and it was nice to mix the year groups and get them all working together as a team.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Parent/Carer Notices Ofsted Inspection We are very pleased to be able to share our most recent Ofsted report, following the visit of the inspection team on Tuesday 9 May. We had a very full, wide ranging and constructive day and are delighted, but not at all surprised, by the positive outcome. Many thanks to all parents and carers for their support for the inspection, particularly for all the responses to the Parent View Survey.

These were overwhelmingly positive and it was great that the inspection team could see the high levels of engagement and satisfaction that we enjoy. Ofsted recognised that we are a good school and the report identified many of the excellent aspects of the work that we do. Please follow the link below to read the report: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/pdfs/infopdfs/highfieldsschoolofsted.pdf We had been expecting our Ofsted inspection for quite some time. Our last inspection was in September 2012, so we were well over the standard ‘3-year window’, and getting very close to the 5-year point at which the next inspection must take place. Nevertheless, I admit to being a bit caught off guard when the phone went at midday on Monday 8 May and I was told that Ofsted were on the line. From that moment the day took a very different course. Meetings were postponed and new ones to brief students and staff were called, whilst documentation and arrangements for the following day were prepared.

As a school judged to be ‘good’ at our last inspection we had a ‘Section 8’ inspection. These are relatively new, following a shorter one-day format, and are designed to decide whether a school is still a good school. In order to decide this in such a short time the pace is intense. The inspectors covered a huge amount of ground, checking our safeguarding arrangements, meeting groups of colleagues and students, interviewing senior leadership and Governors, observing lessons and social times and analysing the views of parents and carers. The experience is designed to be challenging and developmental. We are pleased that the team agreed with our own judgments about our strengths and improvement priorities. They were quick to identify and praise the strong ethos of our school, the good behaviour of our students and their positive approach to learning, and to identify the wide range of opportunities they enjoy. They were also incisive in probing our areas for development. The final report gives us some clear next steps for improvement, such as further improving the progress and attendance of key groups of students. We are already working on these and will ensure that they remain a core focus of drive to be an even more successful and inclusive school.

P R Cole Co-Headteacher

Year 11 Booster Timetable Update The latest Year 11 exam booster timetable has been issued to students and uploaded to the study skills page of our website and can be accessed via either of the following links: Study Skills page http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/studyskills.html Direct link to the document http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/pdfs/ExamPDFs/StudentBoosterTimetable2017_2.pdf

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter

Reduced canteen service at Lumsdale (Years 9-13) – 8 June 2017 Polling Day The Wheeldon Hall at Lumsdale will be used as a Polling Station on Thursday 8 June and out of use during the day. Catering arrangements for students at Lumsdale will be limited and a reduced menu of hot/cold take way foods will be offered – details as follows:   

No breakfast provision will be available in the morning at Lumsdale.

Food during morning break will be served in the Sixth Form canteen. A selection of pizza slices, paninis, bacon cobs, sausage cobs, toasties, toast, sandwiches and drinks will be available.

Lunch time will be a reduced service in the Sixth Form canteen, consisting of beef burger cobs, hot dog baguettes, veggie burger cobs, hot baguettes, cold sandwiches, drinks and tray bakes.

Students at Lumsdale will be reminded in assembly and if they do not wish to purchase the options available above on this day, they will be advised to bring in a packed lunch.

Rural Action Derbyshire Information Evening (Self-harm) – 14 June 2017 at 6.30pm, Starkholmes As you will be aware NHS Figures show the number of children and young people self-harming has risen dramatically in the past 10 years. The number of girls treated as inpatients after cutting themselves has almost quadrupled since 2005. The sharp upward trend in under-18s being admitted to hospital is more pronounced among girls, though there have been major rises among boys too.

Highfields has seen a large increase in the number of students who self-injure over the last few years. This is a difficult area for staff and parents/carers to understand. It can be extremely distressing. Experts say the rise is confirmation that more young people are experiencing serious psychological distress because they are under unprecedented social pressures.

Young Minds is concerned that children who self-harm and then turn to the internet for help could come across unhelpful information about, and even encouragement to continue, their behaviour.

We have been working with Rural Action Derbyshire to develop staff knowledge about self-injury and self-harm in order to better support our students.

In order to support parents/carers and to improve parents/carers’ knowledge Rural Action Derbyshire are going to run an information evening at Highfields Starkholmes Site on Wednesday 14 June at 6.30pm. There will be a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions.

Your own child may never self-harm but they may have friends that do. This is an opportunity to come and find out more in a friendly and familiar setting so you can support your child with their own actions or with the actions of friends.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter The future shape of education in the area: a proposal Many of you will be aware that successive recent governments have encouraged schools to leave local authority control and to become academies. Academies are self-governing schools that are funded directly from central government; the education they provide remains free. An academy is run by a non-profit making trust board that is responsible for standards in the school.

In recent years academies have been encouraged to group together forming multi-academy trusts and the direction of travel in English education policy suggests that all schools will eventually be part of a multi-academy trust. Derbyshire has been slower than other areas to adopt these changes, but many secondary schools in the county are now making plans to move to the new model of school governance.

Our Governing Body have kept a watching eye on the development of multi-academy trusts and have held a position that Highfields should consider options that would help the school to achieve its key aim of being an excellent school, delivering outstanding outcomes for our young people in a happy, inclusive community. The Governing Body now feel that the possibility of forming a locally based multi-academy trust with Chapel en-le Frith High School and Buxton Community School could help us in achieving our goals.

This proposal has arisen from informal discussion between three schools that have recently been working very closely together and between which a high level of trust exists. We need to stress that this proposal is at a very early stage, with many questions still to be answered.

The are many potential advantages of working together in a trust. It allows us to tackle the challenges of education together, to improve our schools through collaboration, and to become stronger and more financially secure organisations that are more resilient, in a difficult educational environment.

We believe that these schools fit together well because their Governors have all expressed a strong desire to work together with local schools for the benefit the young people of this area. The three schools are in a position of strength, academically and with Ofsted and we understand the local area, its needs and the unique educational challenges it presents.

We need to be clear that we are not proposing a merger of schools; this is about setting up a new body, a trust, to provide management oversight for these three schools in place of the local authority. The schools would retain their autonomy and their individual, distinctive characters. We would commit to helping each other to further improve our schools. So, if done well parents/carers and students should notice little difference, except, potentially, even stronger schools in the future.

The proposal does not preclude the future involvement of other schools. However, we would like to proceed cautiously in our discussions, building a strong core for the trust first, and then considering other secondary and primary schools that might want to join us.

We need now to take the discussions to a more formal basis and we will take as long as is necessary to make sure that such an important decision is the right one. If we reach a stage where a firm, workable proposal exists our Governing Body will consult widely on the plans before agreeing to anything. Any changes will have to pass the test of preserving the very special qualities of this school and clearly benefiting our students in the future. If we do go ahead it is very unlikely the trust will be in place before September 2018.

We are very aware that there will be different opinions on the government’s policy around academies, but we are confident that this proposal has the potential to bring benefits to our schools, our students and our staff. It opens some exciting opportunities and crucially by acting now, we ensure that we are in control of our own destiny. We will of course keep you informed. If you have any questions, please do get in touch either in person or via email headteacher@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Be the best you can

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Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Highfields School Newsletter Highfields School Governing Body

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 Body is split as follows. Each Governor serves a term of office of four years.

Name Mr Peter Cole Mr Ben Riggott

Governor Type Co-Headteacher Co-Headteacher

Responsibility Headteacher Headteacher (Co-opted Governor)

tbc

Local Authority

Ms Helen Crane

Co-opted

Mr Tim Diggle Ms Julie Lane

Co-opted Co-opted

Prof Ranald Macdonald

Co-opted

Miss Rebekah Mitchell Miss Jodie Rogers

Co-opted Co-opted

SEN Link Governor

Mr Paul Steeples

Co-opted

Vice-Chair of Governors

Mrs Claire Bethell

Parent

Ms Julie Birtwistle Mr Jonathan Clarke Mr Nick Newberry

Parent Parent Parent

Mr John Redhead

Staff

Mr Sandy Doull Ms Lizzie Watt

Associate Member Associate Member

Co-Chair of Governors Chair of Student & Community Links Committee Equalities Chair of Finance & Resources Committee Finance Co-Chair of Governors Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee Safeguarding and Anti-bullying

Human Resources and Health & Safety Finance

Please visit the school website for full details of the Governing Body.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Newsletter Highfields School Contact details Communication with school General enquiry (Form Tutor) The first point of contact for parents/carers for general enquiries is the Form Tutor. If parents/carers feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the Form Tutor, this can be followed-up with the relevant Head of Year.

We encourage parents/carers to keep in touch with tutors by using the student planner. There is a space at the end of each week where parents/carers can write a note to the tutor.

Subject specific enquiry (Subject Teacher)

If parents/carers have subject specific enquiries, we ask that they contact the relevant subject teacher. If parents/carers feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the class teacher, this can be followed-up by the relevant Head of Department.

Parents/carers can contact us on the main school number (see below). Reception staff will aim to help with queries or refer parents/carers to a member of staff who can.

Main 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

General email: Newsletter feedback: Admissions: Chair of Governors: Website:

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

Get Involved!

We would love to hear from any parents/carers or members of the community who may be able to contribute to school life, for example talking to students about specialist area of work, supporting mock careers interviews, providing work placement opportunities etc.

Your insights, involvement and support have been crucial to the successes of the school over time and we would like to build on our strengths and develop excellence across the school community.

If you feel you may be able to contribute to the school in any way, please email us detailing the help you could offer at getinvolved@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk – we would be very happy to hear from you.

Your contact details Please ensure you notify us of any changes of address, telephone and email details to ensure our records are up to date in case of emergency.

Be the best you can

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Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Highfields School Newsletter Key Staff Co-Headteachers: Mr P Cole & Mr B Riggott

Senior Assistant Headteachers: Mr D O’Reilly & Mrs C Rifkin

Associate Assistant Headteachers: Mr K Rodgers Mrs A Ruston

- Years 7 and 8 (based at Starkholmes) - Years 9, 10 & 11 (based at Lumsdale)

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

– – – – – –

Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead Mr J Redhead Miss L Hamrouge Miss N Gresswell Miss J Hughes Mr M Flett

Pastoral: Mrs Green - Years 7 & 8 01629 584020 extension 244 Mrs Harper - Years 9, 10 & 11 01629 581888 extension 364 Mrs Bumby - Sixth Form 01629 581888 extension 165 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 & Computing – Mr I Lovatt Dance – Mr D O’Reilly D&T – Miss A Morris Drama – Miss E Bonsall English – Mr R Key Film Studies – Mr C Warrington Geography – Mrs M Barker History – Mr R Hoben

Be the best you can

Learning Support / SEN – Mr A Dawtry Maths – Miss S Wallhead Modern Foreign Languages – Mrs M Bowen Music – Mr K Rowley PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe Psychology – Miss H Ould PRS – Miss S Collis Science – Mrs C Morgan Sociology – Mrs A Serjeant

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Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Highfields School Newsletter Key Dates 2016-17 Academic Year:

2016-17 Bank Holidays (school closed):

Term 1: Term 2: Term 3: Term 4: Term 5:

26 and 27 December 2016 2 January 2017 14 April 2017 (Good Friday) 17 April 2017 (Easter Monday) 1 May 2017 29 May 2017 (Spring Bank Holiday)

5 September 2016 − 21 October 2016 31 October 2016 − 20 December 2016 3 January 2017 − 10 February 2017 20 February 2017 − 7 April 2017 24 April 2017 − 26 May 2017

Term 6: 5 June 2017 − 21 July 2017

28 August 2017 2016-17 CPD Days (school closed to students):

(Summer Bank Holiday)

Monday 5 September 2016 Friday 21 October 2016 Monday 19 December 2016 Tuesday 20 December 2016 Tuesday 3 January 2017

2016-17 Parents’ Consultation Evenings:

Year 12: Year 13: Year 9: Year 8: Year 11: Year 10: Year 7:

Tuesday 22 November 2016 Thursday 8 December 2016 Tuesday 17 January 2017 Tuesday 7 February 2017 Tuesday 21 February 2017 Tuesday 7 March 2017 Tuesday 4 April 2017

(including Option choices for Year 10)

2016-17 School Events (further details will be issued prior to each event along with confirmation of date and times):

Y12 Review Day Y7 Review Day Christmas Concert Year 11 Mock Interviews Evening of Dance Evening of Theatre Y11 Study Skills/Revision Evening for parents Easter Concert Sports Leaders Awards Evening Y10 Health Day Highfields’ Got Talent Show My Homework – Parents Evening Parents’ Evening – Self-Harm Y12 Higher Education Evening Y10 Work Experience Day Y10 Work Experience (2 weeks) Y7, Y8 & Y9 Sports Day Y11 Prom Y6 Visit Starkholmes Y7 Sponsored Walk / Y8 Visit Lumsdale Y9 Enterprise Day School Musical Challenge Day (Whole School) 2017 Exam Results Days: A Level Exam Results: Thursday 17 August 2017

Be the best you can

25 November 2016 (during school day) 1 December 2016 (Starkholmes) 6-7 December 2016 (7.30pm Wheeldon Hall) 31 January 2017 (during school day at Lumsdale) 8 February 2017 (7pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 9 February 2017 (7pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 16 March 2016 (6-8pm Wheeldon Hall) 28 March 2017 (7.30pm Wheeldon Hall) 6 April 2017 (6-8pm Wheeldon Hall) 7 April 2017 (during school day) 27 April 2017 (at Starkholmes) 23 May 2017 (6.30pm Wheeldon Hall) 14 June 2017 (at Starkholmes from 6.30pm) 22 June 2017 (7pm Wheeldon Hall) 23 June 2017 (during school day) 26 June – 7 July 2017 28 June 2017 (during school day at Lumsdale) 30 June 2017 (evening) 5 July 2017 (during school day) 5 July 2017 (during school day) 5 July 2017 (during school day) 12-14 July 2017 (7.30pm Wheeldon Hall) 21 July 2017 (during school day at Lumsdale) GCSE Exam Results: Thursday 24 August 2017 - 17 -

Issue 21: 26 May 2017

Highfields School Newsletter 2017-18 Academic Year The term dates for next year are as follows: Term 1: 4 September 2017 to 20 October 2017 Term 2: 30 October 2017 to 19 December 2017 Term 3: 2 January 2018 to 16 February 2018 Term 4: 26 February 2018 to 23 March 2018 Term 5: 9 April 2018 to 25 May 2018 Term 6: 4 June 2018 to 20 July 2018 INSET Days – school will be closed to students: Monday 4 September 2017 Friday 20 October 2017 Tuesday 2 January 2018 Wednesday 3 January 2018 Friday 6 July 2018

Bank holidays: 25 and 26 December 2017 1 January 2018 30 March 2018 (Good Friday) 2 April 2018 (Easter Monday) 7 May 2018 28 May 2018 (spring bank holiday) 27 August 2018 (summer bank holiday)

School to Home communication In order to improve communication with parents/carers and to reduce the substantial cost and environmental impact associated with the amount of paper and photocopying involved in school mailings all correspondence will be sent to parents/carers via email only.

Our aim is that only students’ Assessment Profiles/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.

Please contact the relevant Pastoral Manager at school to update your details if you do not currently receive email communications from Highfields: Mrs Green - Years 7 & 8 Mrs Harper - Years 9, 10 & 11 Mrs Bumby - Sixth Form

01629 584020 extension 244 01629 581888 extension 364 01629 581888 extension 165

ParentView Survey We would like to remind you that you have the opportunity to give your views of school through the Ofsted Parent View survey below. https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ The survey is designed by Ofsted and is used by Inspectors when making decisions about which schools to inspect and when.

Be the best you can

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