Student updates

Qualifications and Exams: Years 11 and 13 students

The DFE have published their information about the award of grades this summer to reflect further decisions about appeals and standardisation – full details can be accessed below: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/ 890811/Summer_2020_grades_for_GCSE_AS_A_level_guidance_for_teachers_students_parents_09 062020.pdf

Ofqual video – qualifications process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXuDOrtJY1Q&feature=youtu.be

Ofqual letter for students about grading and qualifications this summer: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/ 878854/Letter_to_students_-_Summer_2020_grading.pdf

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s address to all school leavers

On Friday 10 July, the Prime Minister gave a speech addressing all school leavers. A recording of the address is available to view on both platforms below:

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/borisjohnson?utm_source=7%20July%202020%20C19&utm_medium= Daily%20Email%20C19&utm_campaign=DfE%20C19

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-WsDuO6Gmw

Free Microsoft Office for Students

Students at Highfields School can download Microsoft Office for free on up to 5 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. http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/office.html

Student resources

School Website / VLE:

Resources are available on the school website: www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

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

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

‘Always be doing’ Tasks:

All students have been given ‘always be doing’ tasks to work through during any time spent at home. Copies of the information can be downloaded from our website as follows for each key stage:

Years 7-9 (key stage 3): http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/pdfs/StudentPDFs/KS3ABD.pdf

Year 10 (key stage 4): http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/pdfs/ExamPDFs/KS4ABD.pdf

Study Boost Loughborough University

Loughborough University have set up ‘study boost’ - a free service that aims to support you with the challenging topics you may be facing in core GCSE subjects: biology, chemistry, physics, maths, English language and literature.

All you need to do to is complete the short form with the question that you need help with. One of the university’s study boost mentors will then record a presentation detailing how to solve a similar problem, as well as providing hints and tips as to how to approach the specific topic. Please note that whilst the mentors aim to provide as much help as they can, they cannot complete specific homework or coursework assignments.

You may also wish to review our selection of presentations for further subject advice and guidance. Mentors will aim to respond to your question within one working day. You will be notified, via the email you supply on the form, that your answer is ready. To access the ‘study boost’ website follow the link: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/school-college-liaison/study-boost/