2022-23 Issue 01: 9 September July2022 2022
A HeadteacherMarsh
Highfields NewsletterSchool
Don’t forget to visit our website (www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) for more news and information.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 1 -
If you have any feedback on or suggestions for the newsletter, please send your comments via email to newsletter@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Thank you for taking the time to read our news and for your support.
Our newsletter aims to keep parents and carers up to date with school news, activities and key information throughout the year.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 2Contents: Message from the headteacher................................................................................4 Parents/Carers Update..............................................................................................5 Highfields pre-owned school uniform..........................................................................5 Uniform reminders: accessories..................................................................................5 Mobile phones, ipods, electronic devices and earphones..............................................5 School transport........................................................................................................5 2022-23 academic year .............................................................................................5 Highfields Year 6 open event...................................................................................6 School sport and sports leaders news.....................................................................7 British Wrestling and British Fencing coaching opportunities ........................................7 British Judo...............................................................................................................7 Highfields Sports Leadership Academy 2022-23...........................................................7 Sports leaders start of term events.............................................................................8 ‘This Girl Can’ new September challenge with Strava...................................................8 Student Bulletin..........................................................................................................9 School lunch menu.................................................................................................. 10 Extra-curricular clubs and activities....................................................................... 11 Careers, College & Apprenticeship News.............................................................. 14 Resources............................................................................................................... 14 Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize....................................................... 14 Unifrog Careers programme..................................................................................... 14 Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds.......................................................... 14 Sixth form career opportunities................................................................................ 15 My Future app and website...................................................................................... 15 Speakers for Schools - Youth Card for students......................................................... 15 Student information................................................................................................. 16 School to home communication................................................................................ 16 School Website / VLE............................................................................................... 16 Show My Homework online homework submission guidance...................................... 16 Free Microsoft Office for Students............................................................................ 16 Support and resources available.................................................................17 Autism Information & Advice Service – Autism Awareness for parents/carers.............. 17 Autism telephone support helpline............................................................................ 18 Ambitious about Autism online platform launch......................................................... 18 Free School Meal Criteria......................................................................................... 19 Voluntary Sector & Community Services for Children, Young People & Families........... 20 Mental Health support............................................................................................. 23
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 3Highfields School uniform...........................................................................25 Communication with school – contact details...............................................26 Key Staff for 2022-23.............................................................................................. 27 Highfields School Governing Board 2022-23................................................28 Key dates..................................................................................................29 Disclaimer:HighfieldsSchoolisnotresponsibleforthequalityofproductsororganisationspublicisedthrougharticlesoradvertisementsintheschoolnewsletter.
Did you get some rest over the summer break? I did. One of the joys of having worked with some 10,000 children over the last 28 years is that I tend to bump into them wherever I go. Over the summer I met them at places including Bakewell, Sheffield, East Midlands airport and on the Costa Del Sol. Highfields students always seem a bit sheepish about introducing themselves to me (sometimes ex-students have changed a lot so are not always recognisable at first) but I’m always thrilled to see how things are going for them!
Having said this there will be a limit to what they can do about the financial shockwave heading in the direction of schools caused by further rising energy bills and unfunded pay rises for staff (welldeserved of course) which will mean that schools have to find the money from existing budgets
We have loads of building projects underway or in the pipeline and we owe this to governors’ decision to join EMET. Our family of schools have (so far) saved us up to £18,000 per month on energy bills and invested around £1/2 million in ourentrance hall, enhanced security andplanned work torenovate our courts at Starkholmes.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 4Messagefromtheheadteacher
I wanted to thank every single parent/carer who sent a smartly dressed young person in to start the new school year. Everybody has a view on uniform but ultimately governors at Highfields have consulted and then formed a policy and my job is to see that it is implemented properly. I have to say, as a dad, that I am hugely in favour of the firm stance that my kids’ school takes (St Mary’s in Chesterfield). It meansthatthereislittleneed formetoenterargumentsabout skirts, trousers, ties etc because these decisions have been made. Only on non-uniform days (especially in summer) do I get into disputes about the suitability of certain clothing for school. Even if I didn’t agree with the school, I always reckon there’d be little point in falling out with them over uniform given a) I chose that school knowing they were firm on it and b) it’s not in my kids’ interests to be in conflict with their teachers.
HeadteacherAHavelikewantsureAsand,mostandAspeoplekeepsurplusSince2018of-warm-schools-mustnt-be-fewer-teachers(https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/04/the-observer-view-energy-crisis-price-).YoumayrememberthatwhenIjoinedtheschoolintheDerbyshireTimespublishedanarticleaboutHighfieldsdeclaringanunbalancedbudget.thenAlisonWatson,ourbusinessmanager,andIhavetrieddesperatelyhardtobuildupaeachyear.Thissurplusisnowthreatenedbythesetwoadditionalcosts.Restassured,wewillontryinghardtofindvalueformoneyandwillfeedbacktogovernorsassoonasourfinancialhaveproducedourprojections.youknow,myfellowleadersandIaimtogetintoeveryclassroomeverydaytosupportteachersstudents.ThisweekIsawLOADSofwonderfulstarterlessonsbutperhapstheoneIenjoyedwasfromanewrecruitwhocomes,asoftenisthecase,witharangeofexperienceandskillbytheendofthefirstdayhadprettymuchmasteredourHighfields‘housestyle’ofteaching.IfinishtypingthisonThursdayeveningithasjustbeenannouncedthattheQueenhasdied.I’myoudon’tneedmyvoicetoaddtothemanytributesyouwillhearoverthefewdays,butIdidtosaythatImetheronceataschoolinCroydonandsheseemed,apartfromeverythingelse,averyrespectfulandgentleperson.Isuspectshewillbemuchmissed.agoodweekend.Marsh
No students will be allowed to wear more than one pair of studded earrings or any other piercings at any time when on either of our school sites.
Thursday 22 December
Term 6: 5 June 2023 to 21 July 2023
Term 1: 1 September 2022 to 21 October 2022 INSET days (no students in school):
Parents/CarersUpdate
Term 3: 9 January 2023 to 17 February 2023
Friday 21 October 2022
As in previous policies, school accepts no responsibility for any phones/high value items brought onto site. Studentsareremindedtolookafterhighvalueitemsofpropertyverycarefullyiftheyarebrought into school.
Term 4: 27 February 2023 to 31 March 2023
should not be wearing sunglasses as an accessory during the school day.
Mobile phones, ipods, electronic devices and earphones
2022-23 academic year
School transport
Term 2: 31 October 2022 to 22 December 2022
Thursday 1 September 2022
Upon arrival at school students will be reminded to switch off their mobile devices and put them in their bag or locker until the end of the school day. In line with school policy, if a student is using a phone on the school site at any time it will be confiscated and sanctions issued.
As per our uniform policy, the only jewellery permitted to be worn by students is a wristwatch, single pair of stud earrings and a medical alert necklace/bracelet (if applicable).
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 5 -
Ahugethankyoutoeveryonewho donated uniformtoschoolbeforethesummerbreak. Alldonations have been passed on to the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline shop on Firs Parade in Matlock to sell. Stock is selling out very quickly. All future donations can be handed to school or directly to the shop.
Highfields pre-owned school uniform
Friday 30 June 2023
Term 5: 17 April 2023 to 26 May 2023
Monday 5 December 2022
Uniform reminders: accessories
If your child has a bus pass and is eligible for school transport, please remind them to catch their allocated bus. A few students have struggled to board buses that are full due to students opting to catch a different bus home.
We recognise that many parents/carers wish their children to carry a mobile phone for their personal safety. However, students are not allowed to use their mobile phone on either school site.
We advise that if students are thinking of having their ears pierced more than once, or any other piercing, this should be planned at the start of the summer holidays so they can be removed for Studentsschool.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 6Highfields Year 6 open eventHighfields School www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk 01629info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk581888 Year 6 Open Event Wednesday 21 September 2022 from 6.00-8.30pm tomeetusandtoseeournewfacilitiesandresources ourwebsite:www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk HighfieldsSchoolisamemberoftheEMETfamilyofschools
Lessons for our year 12 and 13 students resumed this week with our sixth form students registering for their level 3 course with Sports Leaders UK, and our upper school lunchtime club taking place on Fridays started for years 9-11.
Highfields Sports Leadership Academy 2022-23
The Internal Verification team for this academic year are Mr Shirtcliffe and Miss Paly. Mrs Allen continues as the course centre manager and tutor assessor.
British Judo
Highfields is a combat sport hub school and our first judo sessions start up again next week run by Andy Parton of British Judo. We will update you on how our students progress in future newsletters.
British Wrestling and British Fencing coaching opportunities
Wresting and fencing began this week for some ofour year 7 and 8groupswith our excellent qualified coaches, Trevor Hoskins from British Wrestling and Sally Peat from British Fencing.
Students were involved in the fundamental movements of each sportand both girls’ groups made an inspired start.
Schoolsportandsportsleadersnews
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 7 -
If students wish to purchase sports leaders kit, please see Mrs Allen for a letter and price list. The kit can be paid for via ParentPay. Students should ensure that the order form is completed with the size required and school will order on their behalf and distribute.
Mrs Allen, School Sports Co-ordinator
We have recruited an ex-Highfields student and local FA Coach, Max Marshall, to join our team of appointed tutors for both lunch leaders sessions. Sessions will run at Lumsdale (upper school site) on Fridays and Starkholmes (lower school site) on Mondays also supported by Miss Judson.
‘This Girl Can’ new September challenge with Strava
You could be playing footie with the kids in the garden, doing a bike ride around the block, starting your day with some yoga, walking the dog that little bit longer or using some time from your lunch break to go for a stroll.
Once again ‘This Girl Can’ have teamed up with Strava to launch a new and free Continue Your Comeback challenge, this time to help women and girls get back into being active after the summer.
Sign up: https://www.strava.com/challenges/continue-your-comeback
Activity levels sometimes drop over the holiday period as we change routines and take time away from work and studies, but this latest challenge is designed to help us get back on it.
You’ll find all the support you need in This Girl Can Club, and if you’re new to Strava, here’s a guide on How to get started on Strava.
Tuesday 27 September – Primary Schools mini soccer tournament at Cavendish Fields.
Tuesday 20 September - Tag rugby officials training with Derbyshire Coach, Steve Grainger, at Lumsdale (upper school site)
The new term kicks off with a couple of early events:
And it doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you lastwereactive,orwhereyou’restartingfrom.It’s never too late to make your comeback, and you don’t need to do a marathon to get there!
Registrations are now open, and you can sign up here. We’d love to you to take part and spread the word to your local groups and communities.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 8 -
Allyouneedtodoonthisnewchallengeistoclock up five hours of movement over four weeks between 12 September and 3 October.
Sports leaders start of term events
Students involved will be given full details by Mrs Allen.
That’s just an extra 15 minutes a week compared to our last challenge - the Make your Comeback we launched in May - and any movement counts.
Friday: -
Monday: Y9 assembly
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 9StudentBulletin
Thursday:
Bronze Award Duke of Edinburgh (Flagg)
7pm Success in the Sixth Form evening for parents/carers, Lumsdale
WeekcommencingMonday12September: WeekA
Tuesday:
Y7 and Y11 assembly
See the list of extra-curricular activities taking place at lunch time and after school each day on both school sites.
Sixth form assembly
Wednesday: Y10
Saturday/Sunday:
6.30pmassemblyPTFAnew parent social (Designate, Matlock)
5.30pm Y13 Shawshank Redemption (Derby Theatre)
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 10Schoollunchmenu
Week commencing 12 September 2022
Monday
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.
Y8 book club (week A) at 1.15pm in the library
andNB:WhereclubsarerunningafterschoolatLumsdalelowersitestudentscancatchthe440bustouppersiteexplaintothedrivertheyareattendingaclubatLumsdale.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 11 -
Y7/8 boys’ football on the all weather pitch at Lumsdale with Mr Roberts and Mr Searson
Y7/8 ‘acting for stage and screen’ in the Performing Arts mobile with Miss Scattergood
Mini Musical from 3.30-4.30pm in the performing arts mobile with Miss Bonsall and Miss Scattergood
Wednesday
Extra-curricularclubsandactivities
Y7/8 dance club in the Performing Arts mobile with Miss Scattergood
Y7/8 fitness club in the gym with Miss Paley
Lunch Afterschool
Y8 homework club in room 7 with Miss Judson
‘Boys move’ in the gym with Mr Searson and Mr Waller Y7 film club in 1A with Miss Fearn
Y7/8 rugby on the field with Mr Shirtcliffe
Y7/8 gardening club outside HoY Y8 film club in 1A with Miss Fearn
Y7/8 sports leaders in the gym with Miss Judson
Y8 homework club in room 7 with Mrs Green
Y8 homework club in room 7 with Mrs Green
Warhammer club (all years) with Mrs Weightman Edge and Mr Bishton at Lumsdale (upper school site) from 3.30-4.40pm in C5
CLUBS
Y7-11 girls’ football on the all weather pitch at Lumsdale with Mr Shirtcliffe and Miss Paley
Table tennis in the gym with Mr Searson
Y8 creative writing in 1A with Miss Fearn
Thursday
Y8 Dungeons and dragons club in room 1 from 3.30pm-4.30pm with Miss Poundall
Friday
Tuesday
Starkholmes (lower school site)
Y7 book club (week B) at 1.15pm in the library
Monday
Warhammer club (all years) with Mrs Weightman Edge and Mr Bishton at Lumsdale (upper school site) from 3.30-4.40pm in C5
Sixth form football, Sheffield FC
Sixth form maths drop in with Mr Moss and Mrs Brown
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 C8
Gardening club (all years) in S1 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 C8
Tuesday
Y12/13 netball on courts with Mrs Cruise
Y7-11 girls’ football on the all weather pitch with Miss Paley and Mr Shirtcliffe
Friday
Y11 GCSE further maths in M3 and M4 Homework club (all years) in C8
Y9/10/11 netball on the courts with Mrs Wildgoose
Year 11 dance intervention at lower site, Performing Arts mobile, from 3.30-4.40pm with Mrs Hollinrake
Year 11 drama intervention from 3.304.30pm with Miss Bonsall
Thursday
Lumsdale
Lunch
CLUBS
Y9-11 rugby on the field with Mrs Bowen and sixth form
Duke of Edinburgh (week A) with Mrs Wildgoose, Mr Archer and Miss Paley
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 12 -
Afterschool
Drama club (all years) in P1 with Miss Bonsall Badminton ‘smash up’ (all years) in the sports hall with Mr Shirtcliffe Y10/11 Computing homework support in IT1 with Mrs Hadfield GCSE maths revision with Mr Moss Homework club (all years) in C8
Y9-11 boys’ football on the all weather pitch with Mr Searson, Mrs Waller and Mr Moss
Boys only drama club (all years) in P1 with Miss Bonsall 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 C8
Wednesday
Sixth form football on the all weather pitch with Sheffield FC
Y9/10/11 fitness club in the sports hall with Mr Waller
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
Careers ResourcesInformation
Explore BBC Bitesize’s brand new collection of free, online careers resources offering a wealth of inspiration and advice for students.
Careers information, apprenticeship vacancies and higher education information can be found on the webpage under Students-Work Experience and http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/students/work-experience-careers/Careers.
Unifrog Careers programme
This new resources offer a rich collection of case studies across a wide range of sectors, linking curriculum subjects and the world of https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careerswork:
START is an online careers programme designed to connect 11-18 year olds with their future career potential.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 14Careers,College&ApprenticeshipNews
Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize
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).
Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds
Theprogrammeisbrokendowninto sectionson‘world ofwork’withajobsearchaccording tosubject, 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 onwork experience,workpreparationincluding CVwriting,covering lettersand interviewpreparation. There is also the facility for students to upload their personal statement and CV, so they can start to build their own careers profile.
Sixth form career opportunities
• Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities
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:
• Learn about the employment opportunities in your town
Free access to a UK-wide network of 7,000 youth organisations.
• Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities
Speakers for Schools - Youth Card for students
To access My Future click on the link https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/myfuture/below:
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.
Please visit our website to find the latest sixth form careers https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-opportunities/opportunities:
Free access to UK-wide financial and enterprise programmes.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 15 -
Free access to a wide range of youth-friendly discounted services in the UK and Europe.
My Future app and website
To find out more about Youth Card, visit www.youthcard.org
My Future is a virtual gateway to support students with their next steps.
Freeaccessto inspiring podcasts,broadcastsandshortfilms byheadsofindustryandhigh-profile speakers
• Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available
School to home communication
School Website / VLE
Click on ‘portals’
Click on ‘student portal’
Resources are available on the school website www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
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
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.
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.
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.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 16 -
Studentinformation
Students can access ‘all users’ from home from the Highfields School website: Go to Highfields School homepage
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
Microsoft Office can be installed on compatible desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones: https://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/students/office-for-students/
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 17Supportandresourcesavailable
Autism Information & Advice Service – Autism Awareness for parents/carers
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 Thedisorders.aimis
Ambitious about Autism online platform launch
Thishttps://ambitious-youth-network.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/page/ambitious-youth-networkatwillofferautisticyoungpeopleaged16to25asafeandmoderatedonlinespacetohelp them
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
Autism telephone support helpline
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.
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.
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
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 18 -
Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people – please find further details
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 19 -
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 contacttoortheytoYoungmatters/welfare-benefits/universal-credit/universal-credit.aspxhttps://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legal-websitepeopleaged16to18whoreceivethebenefitsortaxcreditsintheirownrightarealsoentitledreceivefreeschoolmeals.Evenifyoumeetanyorallofthecriteria,familieswillnotbeeligibleifareclaimingWorkingTaxCredit.Youcansignupforfreeschoolmealsatanytimeofyear.Youyourpartnercanclaimforyourchildren,aslongasyouliveatthesameaddress.Youdonothavefillinaseparateformforeachchild,eveniftheygotodifferentschools.Forfurtherinformationthefreeschoolmealsteamon01629536400or01629536481.
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 entitledto WorkingTax 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)
Free School Meal Criteria
www.derbyshireautismservices.orgAcharitybasedinRipley,offering information, advice, guidance and support for children, young people, adults and families across Derbyshire who may be affected by Autism.
Telephone:01246203963
ProducedbyChesterfieldRoyalHospital
AutismEastMidlands FamilyHub
UmbrellaDerbyshire www.umbrella.uk.netAcharitywhichsupports children & young people with any special need, aged 5 to 30, living in Derby City and Derbyshire. They support the individual and their families through their support services, activities, information, guidance and their family support groups.
DerbyshireAutism Services
DerbyshireInformation,Advice andSupportService (DIASS)
NationalAutisticSocietyDerbyandDistrictBranch
Voluntary Sector & Community Services for Children, Young People & Families
www.fair-play.co.ukAcharitybasedincentral Chesterfield, providing services across North Derbyshire, including play schemes, youthclubs, activitydays, independentliving support andhomebased supporttoindividuals aged between 0 and 25 with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.
Fairplay
www.derbyshireiass.co.uk/DIASSistheParentPartnership Service. They provide independent information, advice and support to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents and carers.
Telephone:01332785658
Telephone:01629533660
www.autismeastmidlands.org.ukTheHubisaregularmeetingpoint for families and children affected by ASD. There are activities for children, family support and specialist training and advice.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 20 -
Telephone:01773741 221
Thewww.facebook.com/NASDerbyBranch/officialpagefortheDerbyandDistrict Branch of the NAS. The support group is for parents/ carers of children & adults on the autism spectrum. The group hold meetings which are an opportunity to meet and share information with other parents, other professionals and other people with ASD.
Telephone:07500089571Email:derbyanddistrict@nas.org.uk
Telephone:01909506678
Email: advice@autismeastmidlands.org.uk
NationalAutisticSociety
volunteers with children/young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities. They organise parent forums, providing parents with the opportunity to talk about all the services they receive in Derbyshire. Telephone:01629533666
Theirwww.autismwestmidlands.org.ukwebsiteprovidesresourcesforfamiliesandprofessionals.Theservicealsoofferstrainingtoparentsandprofessionals,holdseventsandactivitiesandsupportsfamiliesintheWestMidlands. Telephone:01214507582
A social opportunity for people with communication difficulties and autism. A Lego club is held on the first Saturday of every month in Chesterfield.
Support Forums
EqualStrands
www.autismlinks.co.uk/support-groupsAwebsitefullofusefullinkstolocalsupport groups, charities and specialist services all in one place.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 21 -
Telephone:01629533190
Email: mark@equalstrands.co.uk
www.derbyshirecarers.co.ukProvidesupport,advice,information and representation for carers in Derbyshire, and hold support groups.
AutismWestMidlands
www.derbyshire.gov.ukProvidesinformationon the support services and signposting for children and families where there may be emerging or low level needs or special education needs.
DerbyshireCareers Association
www.derbyshireparentforums.co.ukAcharitywhichisrunbyparent/carer
Derbyshire County Council Early Help & Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Service (SEND)
DerbyshireParent CarerVoice
AutismLinks SupportGroup
Informative Websites and Links
Telephone:01773833833
www.autism.org.ukAcharitywhichprovides information and advice to autistic people, their families and friends. They also run a range of support services for children, young people and adults. Telephone:02078332299
www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.ukProvidesfamiliesandprofessionalswith support and training on supporting children with sleep issues.
www.youngsibs.org.ukwww.sibs.org.ukAcharitywhichsupports
people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled sibling. They provide siblings with information and support, and additional information for parents and professionals. The charity also host sibling support groups.
YoungMinds
www.youngminds.org.ukAcharityrecognisingtheimportance of mental health and well-being of young people. With practical advice, national projects and information of what to do in a crisis.
Ourwww.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.ukwebsitehassomehelpfuladvice and information on our teams and services including information about ASD, our parent/carer workshops and our Urgent Care Team.
Scope www.scope.org.ukAcharitythatprovide support, information and advice to disabled people, their families and professionals. Telephone:0808 8003333
CAMHS North Derbyshire
www.autismeye.comAnonlinebasedmagazine informing parents and professionals on the latest research and news on Autism. Online subscription is free.
Further resources
Sibs/YoungSibs
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Shout
www.kooth.comFree,safeandanonymous online counselling and support.
TheChildren’s SleepCharity
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 22 -
www.giveusashout.orgShoutistheUK’sfirstfree 24/7 text service for anyone in a crisis anytime, anywhere.
Kooth
AutismEye
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 atHighfieldsSchool. Staffperformavarietyofuniformchecksandweaskthatparents/carerssupport our uniform code.
Various information has been prepared on our school uniform and can be accessed on the links below or from the school website:
Trutex Direct andKick Off Sport both stock Highfields uniform. Kick Off Sport also stockthe 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).
HighfieldsSchooluniform
The uniform code is designed to be clear and can be accessed on the following link: Parents/carershttps://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/uniform/.areencouragedtocheckwiththeschoolon01629 581888 where they are unsure on any item of school uniform.
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 25 -
UniformFAQs: size content/uploads/2021/08/FootballFoundationFootwear.pdfhttps://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-Pleasehttps://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/UniformSizeGuide.pdfguide:alsorefertoguidanceforfootwearforournewall-weatherpitch:
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.
Email: aesposito@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Direct line: 01629 832389 or ext 165
Email: dtidmarsh@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
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.
Please
Email: callsobrook@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mr Tidmarsh - Year Manager (year 10)
Generalemailcontacts
Mrs Green – Year Manager (year 8)
Generalenquiries
Mrs Sargeant - Year Manager (sixth form)
Subjectspecificenquiry(subject teacher)
Pastoral enquiries&sicknessabsence
Admissions: admissions@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
General email: info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Careers information: careers@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Lowerschoolsite (Starkholmes)- to contact year managers for years 7 or 8:
Email: hweightman-edge@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
SENCO: mhodkin@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
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.
Upperschoolsite (Lumsdale)- to contact year managers for years 9-13:
Direct line: 01629 832329 or ext 111
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.
Your
contact details
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:
Miss Esposito – Year Manager (year 9)
Mr Allsobrook Year Manager (year 7)
Email: tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Email: rsargeant@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Direct line: 01629 832348 or ext 364
Direct line: 01629 832314 or ext 244
Direct line: 01629 832313 or ext 235
Mrs Weightman Edge Year Manager (year 11)
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 26Communicationwithschool–contactdetails
Direct line: 01629 832345 or ext 159
Chair of Governors: chair@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Year 7
Year 10 Mr Tidmarsh
Art – Mrs K Fairbank Maths – Mrs R Brown Business – Mr I Lovatt ModernForeignLanguages – Mrs M Bowen Computing Mrs J Hadfield Music Mr K Rowley D&T – Mrs C Hakin PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe Drama&Dance – Miss Bonsall Psychology – Miss H Ould English Mrs H Key (actingheadofdepartment) PRS Mrs S Blakesley Film Studies – Mr C Warrington SENCO – Mr M Hodkin Geography Mrs M Barker Science Mr R Atkins History – Mr P Copeland Sociology – Mrs A Llewellyn
Mr Allsobrook
Sixth form Mrs R Sargeant
Mrs A Ruston
Year 8 Miss J Hughes
Year 11 Mr A Bishton
KeyStafffor2022-23
Year 7
Year 9 Miss Esposito
Year 11 Mrs Weightman Edge
Heads of Year:
Year 8 Mrs Green
Headteacher:
youwishtoreportstudentabsences,pleasecontacttherelevantpastoralstafftoyour son/daughter’syeargroupasindicatedabove.
If
Directors of Catch-up Mrs C Morgan (Curriculum) Mrs S Biggs (Engagement)
Department Contacts:
Sixth form Mr M Flett
Deputy Headteacher: Mr P R Cole
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 27 -
Mr A Marsh
Assistant Headteachers: Mrs C Rifkin
Mr M Hodkin
Year 10 Mr K Rodgers
Year 9 Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead
Year Managers:
Mrs Amanda Goodall Community -
Leadership and strategy
Full details of Highfields Governing Board can be accessed on the school website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/our-school/governors/
Safeguarding (H&S, wellbeing)
Mr Duncan Whittam CommunityVacancy Staff
Highfields governing board has a strong focus on three core strategic functions: ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction holdingtheheadteacherto accountfortheeducationalperformanceoftheschoolanditsstudents, and the performance management of staff, and overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
LinkGovernor Area
Vice ChairofGovernors Community -
Vacancy
Mrs Allison Beesley Community -
Miss Joanne Coe Parent -
Mrs Selina Rodgers Parent
Linkgovernor:Inclusion(SEND,behaviour,attendance)
Mr Dennis Holmes Parent
Name Governor Type
Mr Andrew Marsh Headteacher
Dr Ewen Ross Parent
The composition of the governing board is made up of community, parent and staff governors each serving a four year term of office.
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.
Curriculum and standards
All governors are required to: undertake appropriate induction training prepare for and attend all meetings regularly undertake further training to develop their skills
Finance, resources and personnel Eco School committee link
Mr Paul Steeples
Ms Deborah O’Donovan Community
HighfieldsSchoolGoverningBoard2022-23
Mr Rob Atkinson ChairofGovernors Community (from 28.9.22)
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 28 -
Miss Emma Hill Community
Sixthformopenevening
Thursday22December2022
Tuesday13September2022,7pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Wednesday8February2023,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
INSETdays(nostudentsinschool)
HalloweenMovieNightforY7/8
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 29 -
virtual
Y7parentsevening(4-7pm)
Thursday10November2022,7pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Pleasenoteallcalendardatesareprovisionalatthisstageandarecorrectasof1September2022.
Term3:9January2023to17February2023 Monday5December2022
Tuesday15November2022,4-7pm(sixthformarea)
Y11parentsevening(4-7pm) virtual
provisionalschool
ApprenticeshipseveningforY12/13
ChristmasdiscoforY7/8
Y11mockexams(2)
Y13mockexams(1)
Thursday16February2023(duringschoolday)
2022-23
Term2:31October2022to22December2022 Friday21October2022
Monday21November–Friday2December2022(sportshall)
Y6openevening
virtual
Y13parentsevening(4-7pm)
Y12parentsevening(4-7pm)
Wednesday21September2022,6pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
PTFAAGM
Thursday15December2022,7-9pmBowlerHall,Starkholmes
academic year
Wednesday19October2022,6pmLumsdale
Tuesday7February2023,Lumsdale
Term4:27February2023to31March2023
Y9options/parentsevening(4-7pm) virtual
Wednesday14September2022,6.30pmDesignate,Matlock
Tuesday7March2023,4-7pm(viaSchoolCloud/Weduc)
ParentFocusGroup
Y11mockexams(1)
Monday27February–Friday10March2023,SportsHall
Tuesday31January2023,4-7pm(viaSchoolCloud/Weduc)
(tbc -
PTFAnewparentsocial
Wednesday5October2022,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Term6:5June2023to21July2023
Y8parentsevening(4-7pm) virtual
Y10parentsevening(4-7pm)
LumsdaleWednesday14December2022,7-10pm,WheeldonHall,
Tuesday29November2022,4-7pm(sixthformarea)
Monday28NovemberParentFocusGroup Wednesday30November2022,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Tuesday21March2023,4-7pm(viaSchoolCloud/Weduc)
Tuesday17January2023,4-7pm(viaSchoolCloud/Weduc)
Term1:1September2022to21October2022
Tuesday14February2023,4-7pm(viaSchoolCloud/Weduc)
2022-23parentconsultationevenings
Y13mockexams(2)
SuccessintheSixthFormevening
Y9immunisations-TDP&MenACWY
Term5:17April2023to26May2023
2022-23 events further details will be issued prior to each event)
Tuesday11October2022,7pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Y11mockinterviews
Y9Healthday Friday3February2023(duringschoolday) ParentFocusGroup Wednesday15March2023,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale EasterConcert Wednesday29March2023,7-10pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale Y8/Y9immunisations-HPV Tuesday25April2023,bothsites ParentFocusGroup Wednesday3May2023,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale Y10internalexams Tuesday2May–Friday12May2023,SportsHall SportsLeadersAwardsEvening Thursday11May2023,6-8pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale GCSEs/Alevelexamseriesbegins Monday15May2023,SportsHall Y7endofyearinternalexams Monday5June–Friday9June2023 Y12mockexams Monday5June–Friday16June2023,SportsHall Y8endofyearinternalexams Monday12June–Friday16June2023 Y9internalexams Monday26June–Thursday29June2023 NewY12inductionsessions Tuesday27June–Wednesday28June2023 ParentFocusGroup Wednesday28June2023,4pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale Y13Prom Thursday29June2023,7pm
EveningofTheatre(7-10pm) Wednesday25JanuaryandThursday26January2023,7pmBowlerHall,Starkholmes
Thursday1September2022
Keydates
ALevelCertificatesEvening Wednesday21December2022,7pmWheeldonHall,Lumsdale
Monday27February–Friday10March2023,SportsHall
Monday31October2022,4-6pmBowlerHall,Starkholmes
Friday30June2023
ChristmasConcert
ParentFocusGroup
Y9enterpriseday Wednesday5July2023,Lumsdale
exam
Period1 09:05 09:55 Period4 12:00 12:50 Period6 14:30 15:20
School day:
Wholeschoolsportsday Friday7July2023
A exam results: August2023tbc
Monday3July–Friday7July2023
Y8visitLumsdale Wednesday5July2023,Lumsdale
Y6parents'evening Wednesday5July2023,6pmBowlerHall,Starkholmes
Wednesday12July-Saturday15July2023,WheeldonHall,Lumsdale
SchoolMusical(7.30-10pm)
Y6visitStarkholmes
Level
Start Finish Start Finish Start Finish
FormTime 08:45 09:05 Period3 11:10 12:00 Period5 13:40 14:30
Highfields School Issue01:9 September2022 Newsletter Bethebestyoucan - 30 -
2022-23provisional schoolevents (cont/…)
Y7sponsoredwalk Wednesday5July2023
examresults:
Y10workexperience
GCSE August2023tbc
Period2 09:55 10:45 Lunch 12:50 13:40 TutorialY11-13 15:20 15:30 Break 10:45 11:10
Wednesday5July2023,Starkholmes
2023 resultsdays:
