Issue 20

Highfields School Newsletter

2022-23

Issue 20: 10 March 2023

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

Disclaimer: HighfieldsSchoolisnotresponsibleforthequalityofproductsororganisationspublicisedthrougharticlesor advertisementsintheschoolnewsletter.

Message from the headteacher

I love my job and one thing I have got used to is that whatever decision one makes, someone will be unhappy. On Wednesday night, I stayed up until midnight and set my alarm for 4.30am, sleeping with the curtain open to watch the state of the local road. At 6am I contacted the deputy head and we decided, amongst mixed weather reports, to open school. I am on several headteachers’ WhatsApp groups and so knew from those that almost all schools were doing similar. The reason for this, I suspect, is that headteachers are desperately trying to avoid further disruption to children’s education. I got to school at 7.30am and watched the weather gradually deteriorate. We were planning an orderly end to school at lunchtime when my PA informed me that local bus companies were suspending their service and buses could pick up at 11am and not much after. This was at 10.15am. We quickly made a decision and immediately attempted to communicate with families only to find that our communication app was taking 20 minutes to send our texts. To cut a long story short, staff were wonderful and managed to ensure, as far as I am aware, that every single student got home with a minimum of fuss. I took a Y7 student home to Chesterfield, but not before spending some 45 minutes queuing to take on the icy roller-coaster ride that is Slack Hill in the snow. Eventually, I arrived home to find my kids waiting in the freezing cold (who would think to put the heating on?) and a sharply worded complaint in my inbox. Like I say…any decision will invariably displease someone. Thanks to everyone who offered feedback after this joint adventure- all of it was entirely reasonable and, as always, I have learnt from the experience.

I wrote a message to families recently about our views on potential ‘protests’ which have been circulated by social media. I would like to thank you for your replies including the one which was critical of my approach. The response below actually comes from a female student in our sixth form…

“HiSir,asastudentwhoisalwaysencouragingpositivechange,I'dliketo reallythankyouforyourrecentWEDUCmessageconcerningschoolprotests.Thewaythemessage wasconstructedwasperfectandratherthanshuttingstudentsdownandrestrictingchange,you've openeditupinaformalorderthatwillallowforchange.Thisistheexactmessagethatheadteachers needtobesendingoutandratherthansilencingstudents,whichoftenleadstomorefrustration, you'vegivenusavoice.Ifeelproudofthewayourschoolapproachestheseissues.Thankyouso muchforputtingstudentsandtheirissuesfirst.N”

I know I’m biased but I think Highfields students are, absolutely and without argument, the finest young people IN THE WORLD. (By the way, our latest student survey has just gone out and it offers students a voice on toilets/ uniform etc.)

Today (Friday) we felt we had absolutely no option but to move to online learning for students because of advice around disruption to transport and travel. Working from home gave me flashbacks to the amazing response to lockdown from parents and students (for those who were with us at the time). Remember the assemblies? They seem like a distant memory now…the photo here was entered by Harriet in Y7 (now Y9) into an assembly competition we ran. Time flies.

Anyway- please stay safe and have a good weekend.

A Marsh Headteacher

School sport and sports leaders news

Mrs Allen, School Sports Co-ordinator

Primary Schools’ Netball Event

The event took place on a cold but gloriously sunny day with a few added snowflakes !!! (Tuesday 7 March)

Primary schools attending were Darley Dale, Wessington, Lea, Darley Churchtown, All Saint and South Darley.

Teams were in both Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 age groups .

The Highfields Sportsleaders had received officials training from England Netball Development officer Val Kindren early last month and today they put all their hard work into practice. The official of the day was YR 7 Maddie W. Results were as follows

YR 5/6

1st Darley dale

2nd Wessington 2

3rd All Saints

4th Darley Dale Tigers

5th Lea

6th Darley Churchtown

7th Wessington 1

Darley Dale

YR 3/4

1st Lea

2nd Darley Churchtown

3rd Darley Dale Tigers

4th Wessington

5th All Saints

6th Darley Dale

7th South Darley

From this round robin Darley Dale and All Saints have made the large school finals and Wessington and Darley Churchtown have made the small school finals to be held at Lady Manners.

Student Bulletin

Week commencing Monday 13 March 2023: Week A

Monday: Y9 assembly

Tuesday: Y7 and Y11 assembly

Wednesday: Y10 assembly

Thursday: Y8 and sixth form assembly Y11 mock interviews (during school time)

Friday:-

Cake sale at Starkholmes for Comic Relief

See the list of extra-curricular activities taking place at lunch time and after school each day on both school sites.

Family Support Team

HighfieldsandClusterPrimarySchools

FREE

CAMHS Teen Anxiety Session for parents

Date:25th April2023

Time:16:30 – 17:30

Where: Wheeldon Hall, Highfields School (Lumsdalesite)

Jemimah Vine, from CAMHS, will be coming to school to discuss strategies to support your children around worry, anxiety and exam stress

If you have any questions, please email:

familysupport@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

If you would like to attend a similar coffee morning, but are unable to attend due to the time, please email familysupport@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk with times that would be more suitable. If there is demand, we are able to negotiate another session with a different time.

Monday

School lunch menu

Week B menu: week commencing Monday 13 March 2023

Hot dish of the day Light bites

Organic Beef Burger G in a bun G served with mini herb potatoes, baked beans & coleslaw

E/Mu

Vegetable Burger G/Mu

Ve in a bun G served with mini herb potatoes baked beans & coleslaw

E/Mu

Shepherd's Pie M

Tuesday

Cheese Panini

Cheese/Ham Panini

Jacket Potato

Love Joe Wrap/Panini

Pasta Bake

Pasta/Sauce

Desserts Break

Rosalie Biscuit G

Chocolate Crunch G/M

Apple & Cinnamon Cobbler E/G/M

Wednesday

Vegan Shepherd's Pie So Ve

Roast Pork & Stuffing G with creamed potatoes and apple sauce. M seasonal vegetables & gravy

Vegan Sausage

Casserole G Ve

Thursday

Cheese Panini

Cheese/Ham Panini

Jacket Potato

Love Joe Wrap/Panini

Pasta Bake

Pasta/Sauce

Shortbread Slice G

Berry Muffin E/G

Chocolate Orange Sponge

E/G

Friday

Chicken Tikka Masala M with Brown/White Rice Seasonal Veg & Naan G

Vegetable & Lentil Curry seved with Brown/White Rice

Seasonal Veg & Naan G Ve

Battered Fish F/G served with Chips Peas & Baked Beans

Cheesy Bean

Enchilada G/M served with Chips Peas & Carrots Ve

Cheese Panini

Cheese/Ham Panini Jacket

Potato

Love Joe Wrap/Panini

Pasta Bake Pasta/Sauce

Chocolate Orange Rosalie

G

Chocolate Cracknel G/M

Fruit Crumble G

Bacon Cobs

Croissants

Toasties

Toast

Teacakes

Crumpets Fresh Fruit

Yoghurt

Bacon Cob

KP Garlic Bread

Bread Rolls

Cheese Bagels

Toast and Jam

Teacakes

Crumpets

Fresh Fruit

Yoghurt

Bacon Cob

Pizza Baguette

KP Garlic Bread

Toasties

Teacakes

Toast

Crumpets

Fresh Fruit

Yoghurt

Cheese Panini

Cheese & Ham Panini

Jacket Potato

Love Joe Wrap/Panini

Pasta Bake Pasta/Sauce

Oat Cookie G/Su

Chocolate Brownie E/G

Syrup Sponge

Bacon Cob

Sausage Cob

KP Garlic Bread

Cheesy Wheels

Toast/Jam

Teacakes

Crumpets

Fresh Fruit

Yoghurt

Cheese Panini

Cheese/Ham Panini Jacket

Potato

Love Joe Wrap/Panini

Pasta Bake Pasta/Sauce

Cherry & Coconut Cookie

G/Su

Flapjack E/G

Rhubarb & Lemon Sponge

E/G

Bacon Cob

Flavoured Naan

Pizza Baguette

BBQ & Cheese Wraps Toast

Teacakes

Crumpets Fresh Fruit Yoghurt

Monday

Extra-curricular clubs and activities

Students are encouraged to participate in a number of extra-curricular activities that take place either at lunch time or after school across both sites. The list of clubs is regularly updated and students are given the details during tutor time.

Starkholmes (lower school site)

C L U B S

Lunch After school

• Y7 homework club in room 4

• Y8 homework club in room 7 with Mrs Green

• Y7/8 ‘acting for stage and screen’ in the Performing Arts mobile with Miss Scattergood

• Y7/8 sports leaders in the gym with Miss Judson

Tuesday

Wednesday

• Y7/8 dance club in the Performing Arts mobile with Miss Scattergood

• Junior Choir in the Music room with Mrs Morris

• LGBT+ group S6 with Dr Tout and Miss Paley

• Y7 homework club in room 4

• Y8 homework club in room 7 with Miss Judson

• Table tennis in the gym with Mr Searson

• Y8 creative writing in 1A with Miss Fearn

• Geoglebox (Geography-themed TV ... David Attenborough etc) in Room 2

• Y7/8 Astronomy club in Lab 3 with Mr Ruston

• Y7/8 fitness club in the gym with Miss Paley

Thursday

• ‘Boys move’ in the gym with Mr Searson and Mr Waller

• Y7 film club in 1A with Miss Fearn

• Keyboard clinic in the Music room with Mr Rowley

• Computing club in room 4 with Mr Lovatt

• Y7 Craft club in room 1 with Miss Mitchell

• Warhammer and Chess club in room 8 with Miss Tatam

• Y7 homework club in room 4

• Y8 homework club in room 7 with Mrs Green

Friday

• Y7 book club (week B) at 1.15pm in the library

• Y8 book club (week A) at 1.15pm in the library

• Y7/8 gardening club outside HoY

• Y8 film club in 1A with Miss Fearn

• Junior Orchestra in the music room with Mr Stacey

• Warhammer club (all years) with Mrs Weightman Edge and Mr Bishton at Lumsdale (upper school site) from 3.30-4.40pm in C5

• Y7-11 girls’ football on the all-weather pitch at Lumsdale with Mr Shirtcliffe and Miss Paley

• Y8 Dungeons and dragons club in room 1 from 3.30pm-4.30pm with Miss Poundall

• Y7-8 Art club Week B 3.45-4.45 in C6 (Lumsdale) with Miss Sellars

• Y8 boys’ football on the all-weather pitch at Lumsdale with Mr Roberts and Mr Searson

• Mini Musical from 3.30-4.30pm in the performing arts mobile with Miss Bonsall and Miss Scattergood

• Y7 boys’ football on the all-weather pitch at Lumsdale with Mr Roberts and Mr Searson

• Y7/8 rugby on the field with Mr Shirtcliffe

• Y7-8 netball at Lumsdale with Mrs Wildgoose

Monday

Lumsdale (upper school site)

C L U B S

Lunch

• Y11 GCSE further maths in M3 and M4

• Homework club (all years) in H4

• MusicLab (Music Technology) in D3 with Mr. Rowley

• Senior Choir in MU1 with Mrs. Morris / Mr. Rowley

After school

• Warhammer club (all years) with Mrs Weightman Edge and Mr Bishton at Lumsdale (upper school site) from 3.30-4.40pm in C5

• Duke of Edinburgh (week A) with Mrs Wildgoose, Mr Archer and Miss Paley

• Y7-11 girls’ football on the all-weather pitch with Miss Paley and Mr Shirtcliffe

• Y9-13 rugby on the field with Mrs Bowen and sixth form

• Y12/13 netball on courts with Mrs Cruise

• Sixth form football on the all-weather pitch with Sheffield FC

• Y9-13 Art club Week A 3.45-4.45 in C6 with Miss Sellars

Tuesday

• Musical Theatre club (all years) in P1 with Miss Bonsall

• Fitness (all years) in the sports hall with Mr Shirtcliffe

• Homework club (all years) in H4

• Drama club (all years) in P1 with Miss Bonsall

• Badminton ‘smash up’ (all years) in the sports hall with Mr Shirtcliffe

Wednesday

• Y10/11 Computing homework support in IT1 with Mrs Hadfield

• GCSE maths revision with Mr Moss

• Homework club (all years) in H4

• GCSE Geography revision and support in H2

• Boys only drama club (all years) in P1 with Miss Bonsall

Thursday

• Basketball (all years) in the sports hall with Mr Briddon

• Y9-11 science demo club at 1.10pm in S3 with Mr Atkins

• GCSE maths revision with Mr Moss

• Homework club (all years) in H4

• LGBT+ group S1 with Dr Tout and Miss Paley

• Gardening club (all years) in S1

Friday

• Y9-11 sports leaders in the sports hall with Mrs Allen and Miss Paley

• Duke of Edinburgh with Mrs Wildgoose

• Homework club (all years) in H4

• GCSE Business drop-in in H4

• Sixth form football, Sheffield FC

• Year 11 drama intervention from 3.30 -4.30pm with Miss Bonsall

• Year 11 dance intervention at lower site, Performing Arts mobile, from 3.30-4.40pm with Mrs Hollinrake

• Y9-11 boys’ football on the all-weather pitch with Mr Searson, Mr Waller and Mr Moss

• Photography/art GCSE club 3:20-4:30pm C5 with Miss Sellars

• Y9-11 Dance Club in the Wheeldon Hall

• Y9/10/11 fitness club in the sports hall with Mr Waller

• Y7-11 netball on the courts with Mrs Wildgoose

• Sixth form maths drop in with Mr Moss and Mrs Brown

• Wind Band in the 6th Form Canteen

• Dungeons and dragons club, Y9-11 in C8 with Miss Poundall

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

The careers programme ‘Unifrog’ offers students careers advice, support and guidance and students. Students in years 10 and 11 will be given log on details during the year to access Unifrog. www.unifrog.org

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 will be given their student code during the year to be able to access the programme at home via the website (www.startprofile.com).

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 a free mobile app that provides a one-stop shop for 11-25-year-olds for selfled 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

Apprenticeship opportunities

Step-by-step guide to applying for an apprenticeship

The Step-by-step Guide to Applying for an Apprenticeship is a new resource available through the link below:

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/naw2023/?utm_source=mailing&utm_medium=naw+pg&utm_ campaign=naw2023

Finding an apprenticeship

Full details of apprenticeships available can be accessed through the government website on the following link - https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Higher & Degree Listing - Amazing Apprenticeships

Recent vacancy listings can be found through the link to Amazing Apprenticeships below: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/higher-degree-listing/

Student information

School to home communication

All students have a school email account and should check this regularly as well as Show My Homework (checking 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

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/

Y11 mock exams – February/March

Y11 students will start their mock exams on Monday 27 February in the sports hall. Students have been given the mock timetable which is also available on the school website through the link below:

https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Y11-Mocks-March-2023Student-Timetable-with-Back-Sheet.pdf

Summer exam timetables

All exam timetables are available on the school website for the summer exam period and can be accessed via the links below:

GCSE summer 2023 exam timetable – exams start Monday 15 May

https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Student-GCSE-TimetableSummer-2023-Version-1.pdf

A level summer 2023 exam timetable – exams start Monday 15 May

https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Student-A-Level-TimetableSummer-2023-Version-1.pdf

Y12/13 vocational summer 2023 exam timetable – May exams

https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Student-Y1213-VocationalTimetable-Summer-2023-Version-1.pdf

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 is designed to be clear and can be accessed on the following link: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/uniform/.

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/) 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).

Various information has been prepared on our school uniform and can be accessed on the links below or from the school website:

FAQs:

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

The National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline shop of Firs Parade in Matlock take donations of Highfields School uniform.

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:

Mr Allsobrook - Year Manager (year 7)

Email: callsobrook@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mrs Green – Year Manager (year 8)

Email: tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Direct line: 01629 832314 or ext 244

Direct line: 01629 832313 or ext 235

Upper school site (Lumsdale) - to contact year managers for years 9 to 13:

Miss Esposito – Year Manager (year 9)

Email: aesposito@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mr Tidmarsh - Year Manager (year 10)

Email: dtidmarsh@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mrs Weightman Edge - Year Manager (year 11)

Email: hweightman-edge@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Mrs Sargeant - Year Manager (sixth form)

Email: rsargeant@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

General email contacts

Direct line: 01629 832348 or ext 364

Direct line: 01629 832329 or ext 111

Direct line: 01629 832345 or ext 159

Direct line: 01629 832389 or ext 165

General email: info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Admissions: admissions@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Chair of Governors: chair@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

SENCO: mhodkin@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Careers information: 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.

Key Staff for 2022-23

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) Mr G Roberts (Engagement)

Heads of Year:

Year 7 Mrs A Ruston

Year 8 Miss J Hughes

Year 9 Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead

Year 10 Mr K Rodgers

Year 11 Mr A Bishton

Sixth form Mr M Flett

Year Managers:

Year 7 Mr Allsobrook

Year 8 Mrs Green

Year 9 Miss Esposito

Year 10 Mr Tidmarsh

Year 11 Mrs Weightman Edge

Sixth form 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 – Mr C Davies

D&T – Mrs C Hakin

Drama & Dance – Miss Bonsall

English – Mrs H Key

Film Studies – Mr C Warrington

Geography – Mrs M Barker

History – Mr P Copeland

Maths – Mrs R Brown

Modern Foreign Languages – Mrs M Bowen

Music – Mr K Rowley

PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe

Psychology – Miss H Ould

PRS – Mr R Platts

SENCO – Mr M Hodkin

Science – Mr R Atkins

Sociology – Mrs A Llewellyn

Highfields School Governing Board 2022-23

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.

Mr Rob Atkinson Chair of Governors Community Leadership and strategy

Mr Paul Steeples Vice Chair of Governors Community -

Mrs Allison Beesley Community -

Ms Tina Fisher Community -

Mrs Amanda Goodall Community -

Miss Emma Hill Community Inclusion (SEND, behaviour, attendance)

Mr Dennis Holmes Parent Finance, resources and personnel Eco School committee link

Mr Andrew Marsh Headteacher -

Ms Deborah O’Donovan Community -

Mrs Selina Rodgers Parent Curriculum and standards

Dr Ewen Ross Parent -

Mr Duncan Whittam Community -

Mr Mark Webb Staff -

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/

Name Governor Type Link Governor Area

Key dates

Please note all calendar dates are provisional at this stage and are correct as of 1 September 2022

2022-23 academic year

Term 1: 1 September 2022 to 21 October 2022

Term 2: 31 October 2022 to 22 December 2022

Term 3: 9 January 2023 to 17 February 2023

Term 4: 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023

Term 5: 17 April 2023 to 26 May 2023

Term 6: 5 June 2023 to 21 July 2023

2022-23 parent consultation evenings

Y13 parents evening (4-7pm)

Y12 parents evening (4-7pm)

Y9 parents evening (4-7pm) virtual

Y11 parents evening (4-7pm) virtual

Y8 parents evening (4-7pm) virtual

Y10 parents evening (4-7pm) virtual

Y7 parents evening (4-7pm) virtual

CPD days (no students in school)

Thursday 1 September 2022

Friday 21 October 2022

Monday 5 December 2022

Thursday 22 December 2022

Friday 30 June 2023

Tuesday 15 November 2022, 4-7pm (sixth form area)

Tuesday 29 November 2022, 4-7pm (sixth form area)

Tuesday 17 January 2023, 4-7pm (via School Cloud/Weduc)

Tuesday 31 January 2023, 4-7pm (via School Cloud/Weduc)

Tuesday 14 February 2023, 4-7pm (via School Cloud/Weduc)

Tuesday 7 March 2023, 4-7pm (via School Cloud/Weduc)

Tuesday 21 March 2023, 4-7pm (via School Cloud/Weduc)

2022-23 provisional school events (further details will be issued prior to each event)

Success in the Sixth Form evening

PTFA new parent social

Y6 open evening

Apprenticeships evening for Y12/13

PTFA AGM

Halloween Movie Night for Y7/8

Sixth form open evening

Y11 mock exams (1)

Y13 mock exams (1)

Christmas Concert

Christmas disco for Y7/8

A Level certificates evening

Y9 virtual options evening

Y7, 8 & 9 Flu immunisation sessions (NHS team)

Evening of Theatre (7-10pm)

Y9 immunisations - TDP & Men ACWY

Y11 mock interviews

Y11 mock exams (2)

Y13 mock exams (2)

Easter Concert

Y8/Y9 immunisations - HPV

Y10 internal exams

Sports Leaders Awards Evening

GCSEs / A level exam series begins

Y7 end of year internal exams

Y12 mock exams

Y8 end of year internal exams

Y9 internal exams

New Y12 induction sessions

Y13 Prom

Y10 work experience

Tuesday 13 September 2022, 7pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Wednesday 14 September 2022, 6.30pm Designate, Matlock

Wednesday 21 September 2022, 6pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Tuesday 11 October 2022, 7pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Wednesday 19 October 2022, 6pm Lumsdale

Monday 31 October 2022, 4-6pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes

Thursday 10 November 2022, 7pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Monday 21 November – Friday 2 December 2022 (sports hall)

Monday 28 November – Friday 9 December 2022 (sports hall)

Wednesday 14 December 2022, 7-10pm, Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Thursday 15 December 2022, 7-9pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes

Wednesday 21 December 2022, 7pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Wednesday 11 January 2022 – two sessions 6pm/7pm (virtual)

Thursday 19 January 2022 (both sites during the school day)

Wednesday 25 January and Thursday 26 January 2023, 7pm

Bowler Hall, Starkholmes

Tuesday 7 February 2023, Lumsdale

Thursday 16 February 2023 (during school day)

Monday 27 February – Friday 10 March 2023, Sports Hall

Monday 27 February – Friday 10 March 2023, Sports Hall

Wednesday 29 March 2023, 7-10pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Tuesday 25 April 2023, both sites

Tuesday 2 May – Friday 12 May 2023, Sports Hall

Thursday 11 May 2023, 6-8pm Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

Monday 15 May 2023, Sports Hall

Monday 5 June – Friday 9 June 2023

Monday 5 June – Friday 16 June 2023, Sports Hall

Monday 12 June – Friday 16 June 2023

Monday 26 June – Thursday 29 June 2023

Tuesday 27 June – Wednesday 28 June 2023

Thursday 29 June 2023, 7pm

Monday 3 July – Friday 7 July 2023

2022-23 provisional school events (cont/…)

Y6 visit Starkholmes

Y7 sponsored walk

Y8 visit Lumsdale

Y9 enterprise day

Y6 parents' evening

Whole school sports day

School Musical (7.30-10pm)

2023 exam results days (provisional tbc):

A Level exam results:

17 August 2023 tbc

School day:

Break 10:45 11:10

Additional Bank Holiday – May 2023

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Starkholmes

Wednesday 5 July 2023

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Lumsdale

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Lumsdale

Wednesday 5 July 2023, 6pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes

Friday 7 July 2023

Wednesday 12 July-Saturday 15 July 2023, Wheeldon Hall, Lumsdale

GCSE exam results:

24 August 2023 tbc

There will be an additional bank holiday on Monday 8 May 2023 in honour of the coronation of King Charles III and school will be closed on this day.

2023-24 academic year and CPD days:

The term dates for the next academic year are:

• 4 September 2023 to 27 October 2023

• 6 November 2023 to 22 December 2023

• 8 January 2024 to 16 February 2024

• 26 February 2024 to 28 March 2024

• 15 April 2024 to 24 May 2024

• 3 June 2024 to 23 July 2024

School is closed to students on the following CPD days:

• Monday 4 September 2023

• Friday 27 October 2023

• Monday 4 December 2023

• Friday 22 December 2023

• Friday 5 July 2024