Highfields Newsletter Issue 28

Highfields School Newsletter Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter

Issue 28: 21 July 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.

We would like to thank you for your continued support throughout the year and wish everyone an enjoyable summer.

P R Cole & B P Riggott Co-Headteachers

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter

Contents: Student Bulletin ................................................................................ 3 School Meals .................................................................................... 4 Sports Update................................................................................... 5 Sports Leaders.................................................................................. 6 School News ..................................................................................... 8 Parent/Carer Notices ....................................................................... 16 Highfields Governors' Annual Report to Parents and Staff 2016/17 ...... 17 Highfields School Contact details ...................................................... 19 Key Staff ........................................................................................ 20 Key Dates 2017-18.......................................................................... 21

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Student Bulletin

Monday 4 September INSET Day- no students in school

Tuesday 5 September Years 7, 9 and 12 in school

Wednesday 6 September All students in school

Thursday 7 September All students in school

Friday 8 September All students in school

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter School Meals

Monday 4 September - Friday 8 September 2017 Monday

INSET Day – no students in school

Tuesday

Minced beef with sliced potatoes / Quorn vegetable pie

Years 7, 9 & 12 Boiled potatoes / Carrots / Peas Chocolate crunch & choc sauce / Cookie / in school

Banana toffee muffin / Fresh fruit & yoghurt

Wednesday All students in

Roast beef Yorkshire pudding / Cauliflower cheese pie Creamed potatoes / Carrots / Green beans

school

Cornflake tart & custard / Strawberry muffin /

Thursday

Chicken veg curry & nann / Sweet potato curry

Shortbread slice / Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Rice / Sweetcorn / Peas Choc beetroot muffin / Sticky coca sponge custard / Corny jack / Fresh fruit & yoghurt / Fresh salad

Friday

Battered cod / Quorn Dippers Chips / Baked beans / Mushy peas Choc cracknel / Apple toffee muffin / Fresh fruit & yoghurt Fresh salad

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Sports Update A big thank you to all staff, students and parents/carers who have been involved within the PE Department this year. We have had many successes and wish to further develop and improve our provision next year.

I hope everyone has a restful break.

Many Thanks Mr Shirtcliffe

PE Kit In line with the whole school focus on correct uniform for September – please ensure this includes PE kit. All students will need the following: Shorts:

Black

Rugby Shirt:

Royal blue reversible rugby shirt

Polo Shirt:

Highfields Royal blue and white polo shirt (with white Highfields logo)

Bottoms:

Black tracksuit bottoms or Highfields black leggings with logo (leggings only available from Kick Off Sport)

Socks:

Royal blue football socks

Accessories:

Shin pads/ gum shield (if applicable)

Footwear:

Appropriate footwear for outdoor and indoor use

Hoodies: (optional)

There is an optional Highfields royal blue hoody available to students (please note: the Highfields hoody must not be worn anywhere in school other than in PE lessons)

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Sports Leaders

Mrs Allen (School Sports Co-ordinator) Highfields Combat Sports Day 2017 As a Youth Sport Trust (YST) Combat Hub School our Combat Sports Day took place on Monday 10 July at the Arc for our Key Stage 3 Students. This is an annual celebration event and NGB coaches Trevor Hoskins (Wrestling), Natasha Jonas (Olympic Boxer leading one of the boxing workshops) and Ed Van German (Fencing) joined us.

Students had a chance to work with coaches from four disciplines of boxing, wrestling, fencing and judo during the day. Natasha Jonas presented our students with certificates and medals at the end of the day.

Derbyshire School Games On Tuesday 11 July students from Highfields Sports Leadership Academy were due to be on duty at the Level 3 Derbyshire School Games event at Trent College as officials at the cricket competition, but unfortunately rain caused cancellation of the event after we had left school for the games!

Golding House Event Wednesday 12 July saw the visit of SEN adults from Golding House - they had great fun being taught sitting volleyball with our PE Apprentice Miss Spencer.

Year 13 Community Sports Leaders Also on Wednesday, Peter Mintoft came to visit Highfields to deliver to our Year 13 Community Sports Leaders a safety and child protection course for their visit to the Loughborough level 4 National Games in August.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Wimbledon 2017 Highfields Wimbledon trip 2017 also took place on Wednesday, with staff and students visiting SW19 - the students watched matches on No 2 and Centre Court.

Primary School Combat Sports Day 2017 Friday 14 July was our Primary School Combat Sports Day at the Arc with All Saints, South Darley, St Giles and Castle View primary school students taking park in wrestling, fencing and judo.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter School News Year 10 Work Experience Our Year 10 students have just returned from their work experience fortnight. As always, local employers have been very supportive. Every year the trend changes and this year the most sought after placement was engineering.

Out of the 258 placements we have had students starting as early as 6am, some have experienced working shifts, one student travelled as far as London and a group of students had to learn to use public transport to negotiate their way to Sheffield University for a week. This really does give the students a real feel of the world of work. Students have returned to school with increased confidence and ambition. Some students have been offered weekend and holiday jobs and there has even been talk about possible Post-16 apprenticeship opportunities.

We have received lots of positive feedback from the placements and also from members of the public who have contacted the school after coming in to contact with students over the course of the two weeks.

This week the students have been filling out their debrief forms and I would like to share with you a few of the comments: Local Record office – I enjoyed researching my own family history. The placement was fun and interesting and everyone was very friendly.

Rolls Royce – I had always wanted to be an Architect, but when I attended Rolls Royce it made me realise what a great opportunity it was to see what a real engineer does and made me really want to become one.

Local Primary School – I choose this because I really want to become a teacher.

Local Pharmacy - I thought I knew what I wanted to do after my Year 11. I now know that my work experience has really helped me to decide on the right job.

Local Jewellers – I was not too sure what I wanted to do after my Year 11, but my work experience has given me the true feel of what work is really like. I even got to design a piece of jewellery!

Veterinary Hospital – I was allowed to watch operations, sit in on consultations and worked on reception. It was brilliant.

Local Laboratory – I really enjoyed my work experience and it has made me realise that there are more options out there. It has also made me realise what kind of work place I want to work in.

Local Publishers – I got to write a report and see a local MP. It was great!

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Tourism – A brilliant programme of activities was put together for me. experience.

I really enjoyed work

Local University – I have a fantastic time. Working on projects, computer coding and presentations.

Utilities – Had a great time. Even got to use a computerised mapping system to identify customer problems.

Student Parliament visit to the Houses of Parliament On 11 July members of Highfields’ Student Parliament visited the Houses of Parliament in London.

The aim of the trip was to provide students, from across all three key stages, with a greater understanding of British politics and their place within the political system.

During their visit students had a guided tour, provided by the Parliament Education Service, of the Palace of Westminster. The tour began with a 15 minute 360-degree film production explaining the key events in the changing history of UK Parliament.

Students were given the opportunity to explore the Palace of Westminster and learn about the work of Parliament today. During this time the students were fortunate to witness the Lord Speaker’s Procession - a ceremonial procession in which the Lord Speaker make his way from the official residence within the Palace to their respective Chamber at the start of business.

The tour was informative and thoughtprovoking, giving the students the opportunity to reflect on what UK Parliament of the future might look like and their relationship to that change. Although a downpour in the afternoon prevented the students from viewing Buckingham Palace, the weather did not dampen spirits - a great day was had by all!

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Highfields School Musical - Little Shop of Horrors We are extremely proud of our recent sell-out production of Little Shop of Horrors. With around 90 students involved from Years 7-13 as well as staff members, the performances were a tremendous success. In this parodic musical comedy, geeky flower-shop employee Seymour (played

by Year 12 student Sam Hall), comes across a strange plant. As a result, he finds fame, fortune and love.

Props and scenery were brilliantly created with help from the art department. Head of music, Kris Rowley, ensured the musical performances were to their usual high standard.

The band, which consisted of woodwind, brass, bass guitar, keyboards and drums and percussion was made up of eight students and four staff members of the music department. Backstage was run by Year 10 drama GCSE students, requiring the involvement of only one member of staff, and Year 10 students Charlie Travers and Tom Hall were responsible for lighting. Ellis Ball, in Year 10, took care of the show's photography. The almost 50-strong chorus sang to a very high standard and the lead roles were acted convincingly. Director, Miss Bonsall, choreographed all the dances and was assisted by acting Head of Dance, Miss Keating. Only one staff member was a member of the cast, and that was Mr Redhead, Head of Year 8, as puppeteer of the plant, which was much more difficult than first appeared. An audience member praised "the hugely inclusive cast".

Generous support from the local community was gratefully received, such as flowers supplied by Robert Young Florist, stage set from JEC Scaffolding Ltd and advertising signage from MVIS. 25 different local firms donated raffle prizes.

Director and Head of Drama Miss Bonsall said, "I am tremendously proud of the commitment and talent that our students have shown. We have given six public performances and each one has astounded me with their level of musical and theatrical quality. The performances represent a huge amount of hard work and dedication from everyone involved and I am very excited that we have produced such an impressive level of quality in every aspect of the production - from the acting, singing and dancing to musical accompaniment, backstage and lighting and sound. This was my first full production at Highfields and although it was an incredibly ambitious show with huge pressures (such as getting the plant right!), we feel we pulled it off! I am already looking forward to producing next year's musical."

Be the best you can

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Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Highfields School Newsletter Upper Site Book Club wins Reading Agency Award Book Club members have won a Reading Hacks Award from The Reading Agency for a creative and cultural reading activity by and for young people. Students at Year 9 Book Club submitted their idea of a book themed bake off. The Reading Agency endorses youth-led approaches to running activities so the students made the application themselves, giving them ownership over their project and development of their idea. The Book Club students worked as a team to plan, budget and present their bid, supported by Mrs Brown who runs the Book Club and Leah Watts, a member of Sixth Form Book Club.

On the day of the bake off, the bakers produced amazing and varied cakes with a range of creative book themed ideas. They tasted delicious too!

Ready Steady Bake!

Prizes were awarded in five categories and the winners of each were: Star Bake: Amelia & Mollee for a stunning cake decorated with a gingerbread man and a surprising centre to reflect the main character of the aptly titled book ‘Girl Meets Cake’.

Best link to a book: Olivia & Sylvie for a cake shaped in an excellent and instantly recognisable likeness of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’.

Most creative: Jess & Georgina for baking ‘The Monster Book of Monsters’, a book within a book from the Harry Potter series.

The judges decide

Tastiest: Hannah & Eleanor for their lemon cake filled with homemade lemon curd and ‘Eat Me’ from ‘Alice in Wonderland’ written in jelly tots.

Book Club: Eleanor & Millie for their inspiring idea of a book themed bake off in the first place.

The prizes are a trip to Scarthin Bookshop Café for, very appropriately, books and cakes!

Well done to all the bakers and well done to Book Club for their hard work in winning the award and making their idea a reality.

The Monster Book of Monsters

Be the best you can

Tastiest cake

Star Bake

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Highfest Years 7 and 8 celebrated a successful year with 'Highfest' a festival of achievement. Held after school on the last Tuesday of term at Starkholmes, students enjoyed activities such as a bouncy castle, bobbing for apples (some students got VERY wet!), throwing wet sponges at anyone brave enough to go in the stocks (thank you Mr Cole!), Mexican piñata, which involved trying to explode hanging bags of sweets and a photo booth, where students dressed up and had their photo taken.

Matlock Meadows sold ice cream, and teachers cooked a steady supply of pizza. There was a tuck shop and a music system and everyone had a very relaxed time in the sunshine. Highfest provided a great opportunity to reward those students who have achieved their potential and contributed so positively to school life this year.

Year 7 & 8 students celebrate their love of reading – and cakes!

Avid readers in Years 7 and 8 were treated to an afternoon tea party in the library this week, courtesy of Costa in Bakewell.

All Year 7 and 8 students have been taking part in a year-long reading challenge which aims to enhance their enjoyment of reading and help them to discover new books and authors. In total they have read over 2,000 books over the course of this school year!

Students in the two classes that had read the most books were rewarded with cakes and soft drinks in an afternoon tea party, kindly supplied by Costa in Bakewell.

“We think it’s great that the children are encouraged to read and that they find it so engaging,” said Costa store manager Victoria Swain. “We are privileged to be supporting their success.”

The students enjoyed taking part in the challenge and most felt that their reading had improved because of it. “The reading challenge helped me to read books I wouldn’t usually read,” commented one Year 7 student. “I’ve learnt that reading is a fun pastime.”

“Independent research consistently shows that developing a love of reading can transform a child’s performance in school across all subjects,” said Louise Robinson, Lower School Librarian. “All the Year 7 students have completed a short survey since participating in the reading challenge and we’ve had some very positive results. Students say that they now choose books by different authors and in different genres, they can read more quickly and they have learnt new vocabulary. Almost all students have told us that they feel their reading has improved through taking part in the challenge.”

Thank you to Costa in Bakewell for their continued support of our reading for pleasure programme.

The cakes and drinks made for a great treat for the stars of our reading challenge!”

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Fundraisers for the future Three Year 8 students at Highfields School have quietly and successfully spent the last few weeks fundraising for local charity Ashbourne Animal Welfare.

Every week Aisha, Emily and Katie baked buns and sold them during school break times. They also held raffles, organised the games 'guess the name of the teddy' and 'guess the number of sweets in a jar' and sold ice lollies.

They also managed to overcome nerves and present to both Year 7 and Year 8 assemblies - two full halls of over 200 students - to make a plea for tins of dog and cat food.

As well as collecting tins of food the girls also raised over ÂŁ500. Aisha kept accounts each week and they spent some of their profit on prizes and ingredients and saw their funds grow. Recently the three girls had a tour of The Ark cat and dog rescue centre run by Ashbourne Animal Welfare to hand over the proceeds. The staff at the Ark were extremely impressed by their effort and very grateful for the support.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Bletchley Park On Thursday 20 July, 62 students from Year 10 visited Bletchley Park as part of their maths work about Codebreaking and the role of mathematicians such as Alan Turing during the Second World War. Whilst there, the students participated in a Codebreaking Workshop where they were lucky enough to be able to use one of the original Enigma machines, as well as the modern Enigma App. They also had the opportunity to visit the buildings and hear some of the stories of Bletchley.

Everyone had a great day and all the students were a credit to the school.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Year 7 representing the Great British Transplant Cricket Club Jacques Eyre from Year 7 played for the Great British Transplant Cricket Club against Australia Transplant team at Sandal Cricket Club, Wakefield, Yorkshire last week.

Jacques played alongside his Dad, James Eyre, as the transplant team were a player short. James, who coaches the Year 7 rugby team at Cromford as well as Highfields students, also underwent a double lung transplant in October 2015.

Jacques wasn’t required to bat but he was solid in the field being kept busy at silly point and deep and short square leg, as well as bowling five very economical overs of seam and was very unfortunate not to take at least one wicket.

The British team won the match and the Transplant Ashes!

James Eyre said “None of this would have been possible without the generosity of strangers (organ/bone marrow donors), better known to many of us as heroes, and their families in the saddest moments of their lives”.

“Without the donors these games wouldn't happen and the majority of us incredibly lucky recipients wouldn't be here today”.

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Parent/Carer Notices Start of term – September 2017 A reminder that Monday 4 September 2017 is an INSET day and school will be closed to all students.

Students in Years 7, 9 and 12 only will return to school on Tuesday 5 September 2017 at 8.40am.

All students return to school on Wednesday 6 September 2016 at 8.40am.

Records Update and Key Information As usual, we will be updating our records for the start of September to ensure we hold accurate information on each student. Key information on the 2017-18 academic year and data sheets will be sent out to you during the summer break for you to complete and return by 5 September.

Exam Results Students who have taken exams will be able to collect their results on the following days from the Wheeldon Hall: 

Thursday 17 August (A level) - A2 exam results are available for collection from 8.30am and AS results will be available from 10.30am until 12noon.



Thursday 24 August (GCSE) – Year 11 GCSE exam results are available for collection from 8.30am until 12noon.

If you wish to contact school regarding exam results during the summer holiday, please email exams@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mathematician of the Term Award From September, the Maths department will be relaunching and celebrating the Mathematician of the Term award for Year 7 and 8 students at Starkholmes.

Every term, one student from each Maths class will be awarded with a certificate and prize if they are chosen to be the Mathematician of the Term in their class. The winners will also feature in the newsletter.

Maths teachers will be looking out for students who are trying their best and producing excellent work to win the prize. Watch this space!

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Highfields Governors' Annual Report to Parents and Staff 2016/17 Governor responsibilities In the school’s weekly newsletter, you can see the list of the parents, staff and other friends of the school who make up the school’s Governing Body. It is our job to:  set the vision and strategic direction of the school  hold the head teacher to account for the school's educational performance  ensure financial resources are well spent.

The work done by Governors’ Committees As Governors we are proud of being associated with such a successful, vibrant and friendly school which is at the heart of the local community. Throughout the school, teaching and support staff have gone to great lengths to know pupils well, to help them get the most out of their time at school. This approach has been the top priority in the school plan during the past year.

The Teaching and Learning Committee (Chair Ranald Macdonald) has the aim of nurturing great teaching in the school, and increasing understanding of best practice to motivate and engage students. Last year notable academic successes were achieved by the Sixth Form and Year 11, and the committee received reports on staff professional development which aimed to transfer good practice across different subjects.

It monitored results in different subjects, and any areas of weakness were taken up through the CoHeadteachers’ performance management process.

Governors continued to be committed to ensuring that the school continues to offer pupils a wide range of subjects, including foreign languages, the arts, music, food technology and other subjects which have been given less weight nationally. Achieving this on an increasingly tight budget is a testament to the hard work and attention to detail made by Finance and Resources Committee (Chair Julie Lane) and associated staff.

Governors place a very high value on Highfields national standing in the Sports Leader scheme, and other sporting achievements; engagement in external competitions and visits; and involvement in the local community. We are keen to encourage all activities which involve teamwork, which is such a crucial aspect when pupils start paid work.

The Student and Community Links Committee (Chair Helen Crane, to be replaced in September 2017 by Claire Bethell) has an emphasis on monitoring student wellbeing, and has picked up issues which need attention. The rise of social media, changes in curriculum, the reduced emphasis on work-related subjects nationally have combined to increase the pressure felt by some teenagers. Governors have noted the reduction in agencies outside school who can help; we act as a sounding board to the senior leadership team who manage the effect which these pressures create in school.

We are living through a period of policy and financial uncertainty and the Full Governors’ Committee is looking to the future and the various options that will enable the school to provide an excellent learning and social experience for our students. We will keep you fully informed and consult with you as we move forward with our planning.

Ofsted visit May 2017 A notable success was the long-awaited inspection visit by Ofsted Inspectors. The judgement of the Inspectors was that 'this school continues to be good'. This somewhat bland statement masks the efforts made by students, staff, Governors and parents/carers to make sure that Highfields school is a happy, safe

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Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Highfields School Newsletter

and successful place in which to learn and work. The report also said "You believe that all students can and should - achieve highly." This is central to the school’s core purpose.

Ofsted Inspectors also judged that "Governors are well informed about school life and provide you (the CoHeadteachers) with a good balance of support and challenge. Governors hold you to account well."

The outcome of the Ofsted visit in May reaffirmed our view that the school is moving in the right direction.

We are committed to ensuring the success of every student in the school, whatever their strengths and aspirations.

Senior Leadership Following the departure of Eddie Wilkes as Headteacher and Sheila Laming as Assistant Headteacher, the Governing Body asked Deputy Heads Peter Cole and Ben Riggott to act as Co-Headteachers for the 2016-17 school year and, following feedback, we extended this arrangement to the end of the 2017-18 school year.

Claire Rifkin and Damian O'Reilly continued as Senior Assistant Headteachers and Karl Rogers and Alison Ruston were appointed as temporary Associate Assistant Headteachers. These moves have provided the opportunity for further career/developmental opportunities for a number of staff.

For the second year running, as a result of a predicted budget deficit, a significant restructuring of school staff was undertaken. We would like to thank and commend all staff yet again for their positive and constructive attitude during what must have been a very uncertain time.

We were also very pleased to see the launch of the Highfields School Newsletter this year and hope you all find it as useful as we do as a means of communication.

The Governing Body The Governors are currently (July 2017): Tim Diggle Ranald Macdonald Paul Steeples Ben Riggott Helen Crane Claire Bethell Rebekah Mitchell Peter Cole

Co-opted Governor Co-opted Governor Parent Governor Co-Headteacher Co-opted Governor Parent Governor Co-opted Governor Co-Headteacher

Jon Clarke Nick Newberry Jodie Rogers Julie Birtwistle Julie Lane John Redhead Sandy Doull Lizzie Watt

Parent Governor Parent Governor Co-opted Governor Parent Governor Co-opted Governor Staff Governor Associate Member Associate Member

As a result of work commitments, Tim Diggle stood down as Co-Chair during the year and his place was taken by Helen Crane, with Paul Steeples remaining as Vice-Chair. This group meets regularly with the CoHeadteachers to keep informed of day-to-day developments and consider issues to be taken up by Governor Committees.

Feedback welcome We always welcome feedback from parents and carers, staff, students and members of the community so do feel free to get in touch with us. Our contact details can be found on the school website. Governors would also like to thank the Co-Headteachers, Senior Leadership Team and all staff for their continued commitment to the success and wellbeing of all students in the school. Thank you!

Be the best you can

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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 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 28: 21 July 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 for 2017-18: Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Sixth Form

– – – – – –

Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead Miss J Hughes Mr J Redhead Miss L Hamrouge Miss N Gresswell 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 – Ms Wise 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

SENCO – Mr P Cole 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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Highfields School

Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Newsletter Key Dates 2017-18 2017-18 Academic Year: 2017-18 Bank Holidays (school closed): Term 1 - 4 September 2017 − 20 October 2017 25 and 26 December 2017 Term 2 - 30 October 2017 − 19 December 2017 1 January 2018 Term 3 - 2 January 2018 − 16 February 2018 30 March 2018 (Good Friday) Term 4 - 26 February 2018 – 23 March 2018 2 April 2018 (Easter Monday) Term 5 - 9 April 2018 − 25 May 2018 7 May 2018 Term 6 - 4 June 2018 − 20 July 2018 28 May 2018 (spring bank holiday) 2017-18 INSET Days (school closed to students): Monday 4 September 2017 Friday 20 October 2017 Monday 2 January 2018 Tuesday 3 January 2018 Friday 6 July 2018 2017-18 Parents’ Consultation Evenings: Year 12: Tuesday 21 November 2017 Year 13: Tuesday 5 December 2017 Year 9: Tuesday 16 January 2018 (including Option choices for Year 10) Year 11: Tuesday 30 January 2018 Year 8: Tuesday 13 February 2018 Year 10: Tuesday 6 March 2018 Year 7: Tuesday 17 April 2018 2017-18 School Events (further details will be issued prior to each event along with confirmation of times): Y12 Success in the Sixth Form (for Y12 parents) 13 September 2017 (7-8.30pm - Wheeldon Hall) Y7 Induction 25 and 26 September 2017 (Lea Green) Year 6 Open Afternoon & Evening 5 October 2017 (2-4pm both sites/6.30pm Starkholmes) PTFA Annual General Meeting 11 October 2017 (6.30pm at Starkholmes) Key Stage 3 Presentation Evening 12 October 2017 (6.30pm in Wheeldon Hall) Key Stage 4 Presentation Evening 19 October 2017 (6.30pm in Wheeldon Hall) Sixth Form Open Evening 6 November 2017 (7pm in Wheeldon Hall) Year 10 Curriculum Evening 8 October 2017 (6.30pm in Wheeldon Hall) Careers Convention 9 November 2017 (6pm in Wheeldon Hall) Y12 Review Day 23 November 2017 (during the day) Christmas Concert 12-13 December 2017 (7.30-10pm in Wheeldon Hall) Y13 Certificates Evening 18 December 2017 (7pm in Wheeldon Hall) Evening of Theatre 25 January 2018 (7pm in Bowler Hall) Y8 Waste Watches 1 February 2018 (during day) Y12 DCC Road Safety Day 1 February 2018 (during day) Y11 Study Skills/Revision Evening for parents 8 March 2018 (6-8pm in Wheeldon Hall) Evening of Dance 14 March 2018 (7pm in Bowler Hall) Easter Concert 20 March 2018 (7.30-10pm in Wheeldon Hall) Sports Leaders Awards Evening 22 March 2018 (6-8pm in Wheeldon Hall) Y12 Higher Education Evening 20 June 2018 (7-8.30pm in Wheeldon Hall) Y8 Presentation Evening 21 June 2018 (time tbc in Bowler Hall) Y10 Health Day 23 March 2018 (during the day) Y10 Work Experience Day 22 June 2018 (during the day) Y10 Work Experience (2 weeks) 25 June – 6 July 2018 (during the day) Y11 Prom Date tbc Y7, Y8 & Y9 Sports Day 28 June 2018 (during school day at Lumsdale) Y6 Visit Starkholmes 4 July 2018 (during school day) Y7 Sponsored Walk / Y8 Visit Lumsdale 4 July 2018 (during school day) Y9 Enterprise Day 4 July 2018 (during school day) School Musical 11-14 July 2018 (in Wheeldon Hall) Challenge Day (Whole School) 20 July 2018 (during school day at Lumsdale) 2018 Exam Results Days: A Level Exam Results: GCSE Exam Results: Thursday 16 August 2018 Thursday 23 August 2018

Be the best you can

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Issue 28: 21 July 2017

Highfields School Newsletter 2018-19 Academic Year The term dates for next year are as follows: Term 1: 3 September 2018 − 26 October 2018 Term 2: 5 November 2018 − 21 December 2018 Term 3: 7 January 2019 − 15 February 2019 Term 4: 25 February 2019 − 12 April 2019 Term 5: 29 April 2019 − 24 May 2019 Term 6: 3 June 2019 − 22 July 2019 INSET Days will be confirmed during the year.

Bank holidays: 25 and 26 December 2018 1 January 2019 19 April 2019 (Good Friday) 22 April 2019 (Easter Monday) 6 May 2019 27 May 2019 (Spring Bank Holiday) 26 August 2019 (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 is 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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