Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Highfields School Newsletter Newsletter
2021-22
Issue 32: 10 June 2022
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
-1-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Contents: Message from the headteacher ....................................................................4 Parents/Carers news ....................................................................................5
Free grocery vouchers for low income families ............................................................ 5 Highfields PTFA ......................................................................................................... 5
Sister Act The Musical ..................................................................................6 School sport and sports leaders news ...........................................................7
Rounders England ..................................................................................................... 7 Beyond the Baseline Tennis ....................................................................................... 8 Move and Groove ...................................................................................................... 9 This Girl Can ........................................................................................................... 10 Primary Sports ........................................................................................................ 10 Euro Football .......................................................................................................... 11 OAA day - Aclimatize ............................................................................................... 12
Community News ..................................................................................... 14 Deputy School Crossing Patrol vacancy ..................................................................... 14
Parents/carers of current year 6 students ................................................... 15 Welcome to Highfields School ................................................................................... 15 Cashless catering system.......................................................................................... 15 Weduc communication system reminder ................................................................... 15 September 2022 – Transport to school ...................................................................... 15
School Meals ............................................................................................. 16 Student bulletin ......................................................................................... 17
Extra-curricular clubs and activities.......................................................................... 18
Careers, College & Apprenticeship News ..................................................... 20
Resources .............................................................................................................. 20 Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize...................................................... 20 Unifrog Careers programme .................................................................................... 20 Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds ......................................................... 20 Sixth form career opportunities ............................................................................... 21 My Future app and website ..................................................................................... 21 Speakers for Schools - Youth Card for students ........................................................ 21
Student information ................................................................................... 22
School to home communication ............................................................................... 22 School Website / VLE.............................................................................................. 22 Show My Homework online homework submission guidance ..................................... 22 Always be doing tasks ............................................................................................ 22 Free Microsoft Office for Students ........................................................................... 22
Be the best you can
-2-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Support and resources available ................................................................. 23
Autism telephone support helpline ........................................................................... 23 Ambitious about Autism online platform launch ........................................................ 23 Free School Meal Criteria ........................................................................................ 24 Mental Health support ............................................................................................ 25
Highfields School uniform........................................................................... 27 Communication with school – contact details ............................................... 28
Key Staff for 2021-22 ............................................................................................. 29
Highfields School Governing Board 2021-22 ................................................ 30
Governing board vacancies ..................................................................................... 30
Key dates .................................................................................................. 31
2022-23 term dates and INSET days ....................................................................... 32
Disclaimer: Highfields School is not responsible for the quality of products or organisations publicised through articles or advertisements in the school newsletter.
Be the best you can
-3-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Message from the headteacher I was going to write a piece about the wonderful Sports Leaders Awards evening which happened in the last week of last term, but I noticed that there was a very good article in the newsletter. Nevertheless, I thought it was brilliant, not least because it focused on some students who have overcome significant odds to win awards. At the moment the senior team is wrestling with our improvement plan for 2022-23. We started around the end of February and will brief governors in our next meeting on Thursday evening. The easy bit of any improvement plan is writing it. The difficult bit is ensuring that it makes a difference to children. I imagine most people have stopped reading by now because strategic planning is not exactly sexy. Except it is to me. I’ve been working in school for 28 years and I’ve not yet cracked it. The idea is to change behaviours. Partly you want to change staff behaviours so that everyone adopts practice which is most likely to work. And partly the focus is on changing student behaviours. This is because, as the saying goes, ‘a great student will learn from anyone (even a poor teacher) but a poor student will learn from no one (not even a great teacher)’. Changing behaviour is difficult. Staff are busy. A study showed that educational staff are amongst the most efficient professionals in the workplace. We don’t have long breaks during the day, we don’t attend many meetings, we certainly don’t attend many business conferences, away days, networking lunches, award dinners etc that family and friends in other sectors mention. Our time is spent in the classroom with children. The benefit of this is that we get very good at what we do because we have lots of practice. The drawback is that we don’t see and learn from others’ practice. Although we are always surrounded by young people (which is obviously a wonder) it is quite a lonely profession. For this reason, any time we DO have for training and sharing practice is like GOLDDUST. So currently we are agonising over our training schedule. Which foci to pick and how to ensure that we achieve IMPROVEMENT. Our strategy is pretty simple. We look at research and incoming feedback from stakeholders. Then we longlist a number of possible projects. Then we get rid of anything less likely to work and begin to plan training for the projects remaining. Anyone still reading deserves a nice chocolate biscuit and a cup of tea. Next week I will present our draft plans to governors. Wish me luck. A lot of our evidence comes from dropping into lessons every day - limited time this week but I did see a wonderful English lesson featuring someone I regard as a master/ mistress of their craft. The lesson was challenging, supportive, confounding, revelatory and about ten times as good as anything I could ever produce now I am an old dinosaur. BTW in my last newsletter I explained my disappointment on trying to speak Ukrainian and not getting a response. I have now realised that the child I was speaking to was not from Ukraine - he was from Tansley. This explains his confusion. Huge apologies. Я сподіваюся, що ви проведете приємні вихідні! We are Highfields
Be the best you can
-4-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Parents/Carers news Free grocery vouchers for low income families As part of a national scheme, Derbyshire County Council is providing a free one-off grocery voucher worth £50 per eligible child to families in need to help them pay for food and essential living costs. Full details about the Household Support Fund, including other ways those facing financial hardship can access support from the fund, are available through the link to DCC website below: www.derbyshire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund Distribution of the vouchers by email or text will start in early July and continue throughout the month of July. If parents and carers who are eligible do not receive a voucher by 20 July 2022, they should visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/householdsupportfund where an online form will be available to report missing vouchers.
Highfields PTFA The PTFA are holding their next meeting at 6pm on Wednesday 15 June at Designate on Smedley Street. Everyone is welcome and the PTFA members would love to see you. If you are not able to make it but would like to be added to the email distribution list, please email ptasecretary@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Be the best you can
-5-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Sister Act The Musical
Be the best you can
-6-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter School sport and sports leaders news Mrs Allen, School Sports Co-ordinator
Rounders England On the last day of term, Helen Hawes was in school from Rounders England to train 28 of our sports leaders in the skills connected to being a rounders official. On a sunny but incredibly windy afternoon, Helen put the leaders through their paces and by the end of the afternoon their confidence levels were high. There are so many rules in Rounders that the leaders have to assimilate. They will now be ready to umpire and score at the Highfields Cluster Rounders event.
Be the best you can
-7-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Beyond the Baseline Tennis We saw the concluding session with Jade Windley, GB Tennis player, on Tuesday working with our year 7/8 Beyond the Baseline group of students. Unfortunately, Lea Primary School were unable to attend due to an additional INSET day, so Highfields leaders ran a session for their peers. They all must be commended for their brilliant efforts.
Be the best you can
-8-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Move and Groove The Inter-generational project, Move and Groove, began on Tuesday for the residents at Darley Hall Care Home with seven Highfields leaders in year 9. They played balloon tennis, sang songs, took part in action movements and played a bean bag target game. Following the session students spent time chatting to the residents who were from Darley Hall and Ivonbrook Care Homes. Tutors, Maria, Janice and James set the games up and our leaders and Mrs Allen had a fun time joining in and building relationships at this first session. The feedback received has been brilliant.
Be the best you can
-9-
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
This Girl Can This Girl Can SSP project took place on Wednesday at the Arc. Girls in years 5 and 6 were inspired to take part in rugby led by tutors from Loughborough Uni and Belper Rugby club. Max Marshall lead at the event and delivered sessions on football and dance with our Highfields football activators and Mrs Allen was asked to give an inspirational talk on her life's journey in sport. All the young girls enjoyed the experience.
Primary Sports Our summer block of primary sports evenings started on Wednesday with South Darley Primary. Our year 10 sports leaders were brilliant as ever leading activities centred around tennis with Mr Molyneux.
Be the best you can
- 10 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Euro Football The year 5 and 6SSP EURO football event was held at Highfields on the all-weather pitch after school. Primary schools attending were All Saints, Longstone, Darley Dale and Ashbourne. The Highfields referees did an amazing job again - well done to year 9’s Matteo, Tom, Taylah and Leo and to year 10’s Chloe, Leonie and Molly.
Darley Dale won the girls’ event and Ashbourne A team won the boys’ event.
Be the best you can
- 11 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
OAA day - Aclimatize We hosted Aclimatize on Thursday at Starkholmes. Staff from Aclimatize came to lead primary pupils on our annual OAA day.
Be the best you can
- 12 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
The young pupils were supported by our leaders on the mobile climbing wall, archery and team building activities.
Be the best you can
- 13 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Community News Deputy School Crossing Patrol vacancy Derbyshire County Council are continuing to recruit for the vacancy of Deputy School Crossing Patrol on Church Street at Starkholmes. Details of the job are as follows: School Crossing Patrol Grade 3, £9.60 per hour 08:00-09:00 and 14:50-15:55 For further information please contact either Sue Bolam on 07919 555586 or Ashley Mellor on 07768554384.
Be the best you can
- 14 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Parents/carers of current year 6 students Welcome to Highfields School! Over the coming months we will be in contact with all year 6 families coming to Highfields in September to ensure we can best help you smoothly make the move to being a Highfields student. We will think through all those issues and concerns you might have - What is the school like? How will I find my way around? How do I buy the uniform? What will happen with the buses? Our school website holds all our key information and news, but really specific messages will come from Mr Allsobrook and parents/carers of year 6 students should all be in receipt of his welcome email through our Weduc communication system. Mr Allsobrook will be the year manager for year 7 in September and your first point of contact. In addition to information sent via Weduc, we will regularly update this page of the newsletter with the latest information issued. We look forward to working with families over the coming months to ensure that every student begins their Highfields journey as smoothly as possible. Mrs Ruston Head of Year 7 (September 2022)
Mr Allsobrook Year Manager (Year 7 September 2022)
Cashless catering system The latest information issued to parents/carers of Y6 students is information on our cashless catering system. Please ensure you check your emails and action the electronic consent issued.
Weduc communication system reminder Parents/carers of Y6 students should have received an enrolment email from Weduc. Please ensure you download the Weduc app or register via the Weduc website begin to receive communications from school.
September 2022 – Transport to school The link below is to the Derbyshire County Council website that aims to answer any questions you may have on school transport in September 2022: https://derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/travel/school-transport.aspx The site provides information on the options available for travelling between school and home, including details on free bus travel, timetables and DCC plans and policies for school transport.
Be the best you can
- 15 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
School Meals Week A
Be the best you can
- 16 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Student bulletin Week commencing Monday 13 June: Week A External exams (sports hall) Y12 mock exams
Monday Y8 assembly (Starkholmes)
Tuesday Sixth Form assembly (Lumsdale)
Wednesday Y7 assembly (Starkholmes) Y9 assembly (Lumsdale)
Thursday Y11 assembly (Lumsdale)
Friday Y10 assembly (Lumsdale)
Be the best you can
- 17 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Extra-curricular clubs and activities Starkholmes
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Lunch
After school
Astronomy club (Week A) Y7/8 Y7 Clay modelling club Room 1 GM Y7/8 Science homework support 12.50-1.15 pm Lab 1 Samba Band Junior Choir 1pm -1.40pm Years 7/8 Music Room EM and RK Warhammer (Week A) Room 8 LT Chess Club (Week B) Room 8LT Y8 Netball Court AJW Y8/Y7 Sports Leaders Gym DM Y7 Boys football Field JS Y7 Creative writing and book club EF 1A Girls football Gym/Field LP Table Tennis GYM DM Dance Club 1-1:30pm Year 7 /8 AH Parts Mob Y8 Tech club T1 IR Y8 Film club room 1A Drama Club 1-1:30pm Year 7/8 RHE PArts Mob Y7 Book Club Week A Y8 Book Club. Week B 1.15pm, Lower School Library Samba club Y7/8 Music Computing Club Room 7 Warhammer (Week B) Room 8 LT
Y8 Football Field/Astro JW Y7/8 Art club 3.45-4.45pm Room 12 Warhammer club – all years HWE/AEB (at Lumsdale) GCSE Dance intervention PArts Mob
Dungeons and Dragons (Week A) Y8 Room 1
Rugby Girls/Boys y7/8 Field JW/JS
-
Chess club is back up and running and started with an excitable couples of games between year 7 on Tuesday. If anyone has any chess boards and pieces they would like to donate, they would be greatly received.
Be the best you can
- 18 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Lumsdale
Monday
Lunch
After school
Astronomy club (Week B) Y9 RR English Revision (Week A) Y11 MWE Social Netball AJW Y9/10/11 (Sports hall) Earth Science clubs S7/S4 All years Science homework support club 12.50 – 1.15pm S9 All years
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Sixth Form Football (Week B) DM Astro iMedia coursework catch up (Week A) IT1 Quiz L6 Board/card games KS4 HK Badminton Y9/10/11 and 6th form, Sports hall CS/JA Football Y10/sixth form RS Book club/creative writing (week B) H3 Countdown Club (week A) H3 Sewing and crafts C7 GCSE Geography support; 1-1:30; KS4; MJB; H2 Debate group KS4 PS GCSE D&T Y11 1pm C8 AM Music club (open to beginners, led by sixth formers) MU1 Sport for all girls Y9 Netball RS Computer Science GCSE revision/homework help JH Science homework support club 12.50 – 1.15pm S9 All years Sports leaders sports hall Y9/10/11 JA LP Gardening club outside/H3 CNAT iMedia (this half term only) IT1 Debating club Y9/10/11 Drama
Be the best you can
Duke of Edinburgh AJW Y12/13 Rugby Boys/Girls MAB Y11 Football (Astro) GR Rugby Girls/Boys Y9/10/11 CS/LP Sixth Form Netball sixth form EC/RS Warhammer club – all years HWE/AEB Female Senior Choir - 3.45pm - 4.45pm yr9-13 and staff - MU1 - EM and KMR Whole school musical rehearsals WH/P1/Mu1 Netball – Y9/10/11 (sports hall) (Weeks where no meetings) Sixth form Football (Week B) DM
Primary Evening sports hall Y9 Boys Football Astro JW Y10 Football CS Dance Club Year 9-13 Sixth Form Wheeldon Hall Whole school musical rehearsals WH/P1/Mu1
Netball – Y9/10/11 Weeks where no meetings. Girls Football LP/JS/CS All Years (Astro) Maths club – sixth form RKB/DM Whole school musical rehearsals WH/P1/Mu1
Sixth Form Sports MF/RS
- 19 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
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
Unifrog Careers programme We have signed up to the careers programme ‘Unifrog’ which offers students careers advice, support and guidance. Students in years 10 and 11 have been emailed with the log on details for Unifrog. If students have not received an email, they can access the website through the link www.unifrog.org/sign-in and click on ‘forgotten password’ to reset the password and log in.
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.
Be the best you can
- 20 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Sixth form career opportunities Please visit our website to find the latest sixth form careers opportunities: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-opportunities/
My Future app and website My Future is a virtual gateway to support students with their next steps. • Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities • Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available • Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities • Learn about the employment opportunities in your town To access My Future click on the link below: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/myfuture/
Speakers for Schools - Youth Card for students Speakers for Schools has announced a free mobile app that provides a one-stop shop for 11-25-yearolds for self-led discovery of educational, career and personal development opportunities in a safe environment. Youth Card is uniquely placed to help students by offering:
Free access to UK-wide work experience placements and workshops with leading employers, including: Spotify, Bentley Motors, bp, Google, NHS, Virgin Atlantic, The Financial Times, Santander and the BBC. Free access to UK-wide financial and enterprise programmes. Free access to a UK-wide network of 7,000 youth organisations. Free access to inspiring podcasts, broadcasts and short films by heads of industry and high-profile speakers Free access to a wide range of youth-friendly discounted services in the UK and Europe.
To find out more about Youth Card, visit www.youthcard.org
Be the best you can
- 21 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Student information School to home communication Students should be regularly checking their school email account as well as Show My Homework daily (Monday to Friday during the school term) for the latest updates and homework.
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 username and tutor group to request a new password.
Show My Homework online homework submission guidance Students should be submitting work through the SMHW platform. The link below is from SMHW and explains how to do this or you can follow the steps below: https://help.teamsatchel.com/en/articles/2912000-submitting-my-work-online
Always be doing tasks KS3 and KS4 ‘always be doing’ lists for the spring term for students to work on – please follow the link below to access via the school website. Y7-9 KS3: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jan-2021-KS3-Y7-9-AlwaysBe-Doing.pdf Y10-11 KS4: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Jan-2021-KS4-Y1011Always-Be-Doing.pdf
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/
Be the best you can
- 22 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Support and resources available Autism telephone support helpline A national support telephone helpline has been set up for parents/carers of children with autism. Daisy Chain offer a telephone service to enable families to access advice, support and resources. The service is open to young people, adults and families of those affected by neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim is to provide support and services for those who display traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing differences, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The service is for those pre, during and post diagnosis. The team are supporting families with the following: responding to enquiries from parents/carers, young people and adults and carrying out telephone appointments sourcing, sharing and sending resource packs to support parents with loneliness and isolation creating and sending bespoke resources and visuals To contact the care team, please call 0800 031 5445. Full details are available through the following link: https://www.daisychainproject.co.uk/national-telephone-support-service
Ambitious about Autism online platform launch Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people – please find further details at https://ambitious-youth-network.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/page/ambitious-youth-network This will offer autistic young people aged 16 to 25 a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identity and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel. Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. There will also be opportunities for them to work together and campaign for change.
Be the best you can
- 23 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Free School Meal Criteria 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 aged 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
- 24 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Mental Health support
Be the best you can
- 25 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter
Be the best you can
- 26 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Highfields School 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 for the 2021-22 academic year is designed to be clear and can be accessed on the following link: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/uniform/ The 2022-23 uniform code will be updated shortly. Parents/carers are encouraged to check with the school on 01629 581888 where they are unsure on any item of school uniform. 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 links below). From September 2022 all students are invited to wear non-branded trousers, but girls have the option of a straight, branded skirt (with logo on the waistband) if they wish. These changes are fully in line with recent Department for Education guidance on uniform as we are minimising branding, offering alternatives and working with more than one uniform provider. Please contact finance@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk if you are entitled to financial support with uniform. Various information has been prepared on our school uniform and can be accessed on the links below or from the school website: FAQs: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformFAQs.pdf Uniform supply list: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformList.pdf Uniform size guide: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformSizeGuide.pdf Please also refer to guidance for footwear for our new all-weather pitch: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/08/FootballFoundationFootwear.pdf
Be the best you can
- 27 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Communication with school – contact details 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. 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. Pastoral enquiries & sickness absence If you have any concerns about a student, please contact the form tutor in the first instance either by email 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 please email: Mrs Green – Year Manager (year 7)
tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Miss Esposito – Year Manager (year 8)
aesposito@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Upper school site (Lumsdale) - to contact year managers for years 9-13 please email: Mr Tidmarsh - Year Manager (year 9)
dtidmarsh@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mrs Weightman Edge - Year Manager (year 10)
hweightman-edge@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
General email contacts 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
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
- 28 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Key Staff for 2021-22 Headteacher: Mr A Marsh
Deputy Headteacher: Mr P R Cole
Assistant Headteachers: Mrs C Rifkin Mr M Hodkin
Directors of Catch-up
Mrs C Morgan (Curriculum) Miss S Wallhead (Engagement)
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
Miss J Hughes Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead Mr K Rodgers Mr A Bishton Mrs A Ruston Mr M Flett Mrs Green Miss Esposito Mr Tidmarsh Mrs Weightman Edge 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 – Mrs C Hakin (acting head of department) Drama & Dance – Miss Bonsall English – Mrs H Key (acting head of department) Film Studies – Mr C Warrington Geography – Mrs M Barker History – Mr P Copeland
Be the best you can
Maths – Mrs R Brown/Mrs C Henderson Modern Foreign Languages – Mrs M Bowen Music – Mr K Rowley PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe Psychology – Miss H Ould PRS – Mrs S Blakesley SENCO – Mr M Hodkin Science – Mr R Atkins Sociology – Mrs A Llewellyn
- 29 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Highfields School Governing Board 2021-22 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 is made up of community, parent and staff governors each serving a four year term of office. Name Miss Angeline Ellson
Mr Rob Atkinson Mrs Allison Beesley Miss Joanne Coe Mrs Amanda Goodall Mrs Jade Hadfield Miss Emma Hill Mr Dennis Holmes
Governor Type Chair of Governors Community Vice Chair of Governors Community Community Community Parent Community Staff Community Parent
Mr Andrew Marsh Ms Deborah O’Donovan Mrs Selina Rodgers Dr Ewen Ross Mr Duncan Whittam
Headteacher Community Parent Parent Community
Mr Paul Steeples
Link Governor Area Leadership and strategy Inclusion (SEND, behaviour, attendance) Finance, resources and personnel Eco School committee link Safeguarding (H&S, wellbeing) Curriculum and standards -
Highfields governing board has 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. All
governors are required to: undertake appropriate induction training prepare for and attend all meetings regularly undertake further training to develop their skills
Full details of Highfields Governing Board can be accessed on the school website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/governors/
Governing board vacancies We have two community governor vacancies to sit on the local governing board of Highfields School. If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Angeline Ellson (Chair of Governors) chair@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk or Jacqui Wheatcroft (Clerk to Governors) at jwheatcroft@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Be the best you can
- 30 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter Key dates 2021-22 academic year Term Term Term Term Term Term
1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6:
INSET days (no students in school)
1 September 2021* to 22 October 2021 Monday 27 September 2021 1 November 2021 to 22 December 2021* Friday 3 December 2021 10 January 2022 to 18 February 2022 Wednesday 22 December 2021 28 February 2022 to 8 April 2022 Monday 4 July 2022 25 April 2022 to 27 May 2022 Friday 22 July 2022 * dates that differ from DCC’s published term dates. 6 June 2022 to 22 July 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee additional holiday – Thursday 21 July 2022
Legislation came into force on 1 June 2021 to reduce the number of school days by one day (for this academic year only) to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Thursday 21 July 2022 is in lieu of the additional bank holiday for the Platinum Jubilee falling during the June school holiday week.
2021-22 provisional virtual parent consultation evenings Y13 parents evening (4-7pm) Y12 parents evening (4-7pm) Y9 parents evening (4-7pm) Y11 parents evening (4-7pm) Y8 parents evening (4-7pm) Y10 parents evening (4-7pm) Y7 parents evening (4-7pm)
Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday
16 November 2021 – at school (not virtual) 30 November 2021 – at school (not virtual) 18 January 2022 1 February 2022 18 February 2022 8 March 2022 22 March 2022
2021-22 provisional school events (tbc - further details will be issued prior to each event) Success in the Sixth Form evening Y6 open evening 12-15yr old immunisations – COVID-19 Y7 & 8 Halloween Disco Autumn series GCSE exams opens Sixth form open evening 12-15yr old Flu vaccinations Y11 mock exams (1) A Level Certificates Christmas Concert Y9 virtual options evening Y9 virtual options evening (repeat event) Evening of Theatre (7-10pm) Y9 Teenage Booster & Meningitis ACWY Vaccinations Y7 Valentine Movie Night 12-15yr old immunisations – 2nd dose COVID-19 Y10 Health day Y11 mock exams (2) /Y13 mock exams Y8/Y9 immunisations - HPV Y10 internal exams GCSEs / A level exam series Music Concert (7-10pm) Sports Leaders Awards Evening Y8 end of year internal exams Y12 internal exams Y9 internal exams (none core subjects) Y7 end of year internal exams Y9 internal exams (core subjects) Exam contingency day Y10 work experience week Y6 visit Starkholmes Y7 sponsored walk, Y8 visit Lumsdale, Y9 enterprise day Y6 parents' evening School Musical (7.30-10pm and Saturday matinee)
14 September 2021 7pm (Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale) 22 September 2021 (times as per website) 19 October 2021 21 October 2021 (7-9pm, Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 1 November 2021 11 November 2021 7pm (Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale) 17 & 18 November 2021 (both sites) 22 November – 2 December 2021 (Sports Hall, Lumsdale) 21 December 2021 (Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale) postponed 21 December virtual event – details to follow 13 January 2022 (6.30pm - virtually) 17 January 2022 (6.00pm - virtually) 26 & 27 January 2022 (Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 8 February 2022 14 February 2022 4-6pm (Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 15 February 2022 (both sites) 3 March 2022 (during school day) 7-18 March 2022 (Sports Hall) 26 April 2022 (Starkholmes/Lumsdale during school day) 3-13 May 2022 (Sports Hall) From 16 May 2022 (Sports Hall) 25 May 2022 (Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale) 26 May 2022 6-8pm (Wheeldon Hall) 6-10 June 2022 (in lessons) 6-17 June 2022 (classrooms) tbc June (in lessons) tbc 13-17 June 2022 (in lessons) 27-28 June 2022 (in lessons) 29 June 2022 4-8 July 2022 6 July 2022 6 July 2022 6 July 2022 6pm (Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) 13 July-16 July 2022 (Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale)
2022 exam results days: A Level exam results: Thursday 18 August 2022
Be the best you can
GCSE exam results: Thursday 25 August 2022
- 31 -
Highfields School
Issue 32:
10 June 2022
Newsletter 2022-23 term dates and INSET days 2022-23 academic year Friday 2 September 2022 – Staggered start only Y7, Y9 and Y12 in school Monday 5 September 2022 – all students in school
Term dates
INSET days (no students in school)
Term Term Term Term Term Term
Thursday 1 September 2022 Friday 21 October 2022 Monday 5 December 2022 Thursday 22 December Friday 30 June 2023
1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6:
1 September 2022 to 21 October 2022 31 October 2022 to 22 December 2022 9 January 2023 to 17 February 2023 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023 17 April 2023 to 26 May 2023 5 June 2023 to 21 July 2023
Be the best you can
- 32 -