Highfields School Newsletter Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
2018-19
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
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.
A Marsh Headteacher
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
Contents: Message from the headteacher.............................................................................. 3 Student Bulletin........................................................................................................ 4 Parent/Carer Notices ............................................................................................... 5
Summer 2019 external exam dates .......................................................................... 5
Snow closures – early notice regarding school strategy/risk assessment ..................... 6
Parent/carer survey reminder ................................................................................... 8
Year 10 and Y12 parents/carers – data collection form return reminder ...................... 8
Forthcoming events this term................................................................................... 9
School News ........................................................................................... 10
Buy discounted books and raise money for the school library ................................... 10
Sports Leaders News ............................................................................................. 11
Sports News ......................................................................................................... 13
Careers, College & Apprenticeship News ............................................................ 14
Careers/Employability help ..................................................................................... 14
Resources ............................................................................................................. 14
Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds ........................................................ 14
School Meals ........................................................................................... 15 Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities ............................................................. 18
School club notices ................................................................................................ 20
Book club recommendations .................................................................................. 21
Highfields School Governing Board 2018-19 .............................................. 22 Highfields School Contact details .............................................................. 23 Key Staff for 2018-19 .............................................................................. 24 Key Dates 2018-19 .................................................................................. 25
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Message from the headteacher On Monday 3 December school will be closed to students as staff focus on our ‘Big 3’ improvement priorities. I thought it might be a good idea to share these with you; I’ll explain why at the end. Priority 1 is to embed teaching techniques which reduce underachievement in key groups. Obviously, we need to provide excellent lessons for all students at all times. Within this general aim teachers are now focusing on honing their techniques to draw out the best from students at risk of underachievement (SARU). In particular they are focused on questioning that targets and supports these students and on feedback that provokes a response from the student. Training to help teachers focus on this priority is taking place throughout the year on a number of occasions. Priority 2 is to develop self-regulation in students so they can take greater responsibility for their learning and development. Families will be most aware of this priority because one of the many aspects included is uniform. However, the priority is much wider than just uniform and includes work around behaviour, attendance and relationships. We want your children to be great learners for life and are inspired by the old adage: a great student will learn, even from a poor teacher, but a poor student will never learn, even from a great teacher. Priority 3 is to further increase financial sustainability through intelligent curriculum design and resource management. It is generally accepted that cuts in real terms to schools have meant that school leaders are required to achieve more with less. This priority focuses on developing a high quality curriculum which is cost effective and sustainable. Only by focusing on this priority can we guarantee the longevity of the school. So … some responses on social media have suggested that I am overly interested in uniform when I should be focusing on other aspects of the school. It is true to say that families will be more affected by decisions around uniform than by changes to teaching practice or curriculum review, but I can assure you that, as a proportion of the improvement work we are currently undertaking, uniform is a small (but very important) part of the overall picture. Thank you for the encouraging feedback about my relatively positive start in the school; your emails are very much appreciated. I am only just getting started, however, and have a very high level of ambition on behalf of your children. I hope that I reward the faith that has been put in me by your governors.
Mr Marsh Headteacher
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Student Bulletin
Monday INSET day – school closed to students
Tuesday 8.40am Year 7 assembly / 8.40am Year 9 assembly Year 11 mock exams (26 November - 7 December) in Sports Hall Year 10 geography students – fieldwork in Sheffield (full day) Year 12 parent consultation evening 4-7pm (Wheeldon Hall/Coffee Bar)
Wednesday 8.40am Year 10 assembly School Christmas dinner (both sites)
Thursday 8.40am Year 11 assembly
Friday 8.40am Year 11 assembly (boys) Year 10 geography students – fieldwork in Sheffield (full day) Y7-13 Dales Cross Country (Ashbourne) 1.00-2.45pm
See section on extra-curricular clubs for lunch and after school activities
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Parent/Carer Notices IMPORTANT: EXAM ANNOUNCEMENT Summer 2019 external exam dates For the summer 2019 exam series, a “contingency” exam day has been arranged by the examination awarding bodies, which all students need to be aware of. The contingency day for GCSE and GCE examinations has been put in place “in the event of widespread, sustained national or local disruption to examinations during the June 2019 examination series”. The decision comes following the tragic events of summer 2017, namely the Manchester attack and the Grenfell Tower fire. The Joint Council for Qualifications have decided that they need the option to postpone an exam across the country in the event of an incident and then rearrange for a later date, to allow all students a fair and equal chance. The date that has been set aside as the contingency day is Wednesday 26 June 2019. This means that all exam candidates must be available to sit exams from the date of their first exam up to, and including, Wednesday 26 June 2019. This decision is not a school decision and applies to all students in all schools nationally that run GCSE and GCE exams. We would therefore recommend that parents/carers note that regardless of the date of their last timetabled exam, holidays or other commitments for year 11 and year 13 students should not be booked until after Wednesday 26 June 2019. Provisional timetables for summer 2019 GCSE and A Level exams are now available on the exams page of the school website (http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/exams.html).
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Snow closures – early notice regarding school strategy/risk assessment Feedback from parents/carers, students and staff suggests that communication over snow closures needs to be clear and timely. The handling of snow closures will always create discussion within a school community. I hope that this at least explains our approach in advance of any snow closure. Current challenges around making the school site and approaches clear after snow or heavy ice: Derbyshire County Council prioritises main routes and will not guarantee early clearance and gritting. A local business has agreed to clear both sites but cannot grit. Other companies will not grit because of a perceived fear of litigation. Clearing both sites takes longer than schools who have to clear only one site. We have investigated the purchase of a mini tractor/snowplough/gritter but cannot justify a significant expense for equipment that is needed for only a few days a year. Ice is just as big a risk to opening as snow and is as hard to clear with current resources. There have been a number of accidents on our sites caused by ice and this has resulted in injury to staff and students with resultant absences from work/school. Risks of opening when heavy snow or ice is expected/forecast: Snow and ice increases risk of road traffic accidents for student and staff. Bus services are often cancelled which results in some students being stranded with parents/carers being forced to make arrangements. Student numbers will be high (many are local) but staff numbers may be very low (our staff travel in from locations such as Sheffield, Stoke and Buxton). This can result in students being unsupervised on site. Usually when school is open following heavy snow, lessons are adversely affected and staff can find themselves supervising very large numbers of students with a consequent impact on learning. The sites are surrounded by steep hills and this provides further risk to motorists and pedestrians following heavy snow/ice. Where late notice is given that school is opening (as leaders seek to assess the situation until the last possible moment), parents/carers have reported that pressure is put on them to revise childcare arrangements. Early clearance cannot be guaranteed. Accidents on school sites following snow or ice have resulted in injury, sustained absence and costly litigation in the recent past. Staff/student time which can be used for productive work from home can be wasted on long and hazardous journeys to the school sites only to find lessons being badly disrupted or cancelled due to staff and student absence. Risk of NOT opening when heavy snow or ice is expected/forecast: Parents/carers are caused inconvenience by having to adapt childcare arrangements Learning time is lost, even when students and staff work from home (teachers will issue work to complete via Show My Homework to undertake at home) The leadership of the school will incur criticism if forecast heavy snow does not arrive despite school being closed. School strategy regarding snow closure: November 2018-March 2019 1. The school will seek to communicate clearly with parents/carers and local cluster primary schools when heavy snow or ice is forecast or expected. 2. To minimise the risk to students and staff, and to facilitate childcare adaptations for parents and carers, the school will aim to close as soon as heavy overnight snowfall is probable. 3. The school will seek to announce closure before midnight and definitely before 6.00am. The school accepts that this may result in widespread criticism if heavy snow does not fall or does but doesn’t settle.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Additional guidance for parents/carers - school emergency closure procedure Please read the guidance below on the steps we take if we are forced to close school in an emergency, ie due to extreme weather conditions or equipment failures associated with the change in the weather. We should stress at the outset that this is something we only do with great reluctance, but our overriding concern is the health and safety of our students and sometimes such action is unavoidable. Snow – during school hours: If there is a heavy snowfall during the day while students are already in school, and it becomes clear that getting home at the normal time may be difficult or dangerous, we may decide to close early. If we do close, the following instructions are given to students before they are allowed to leave the premises: •
If students know for sure that they have a safe destination with someone to look after them (such as their own home or a relative, neighbour or friend’s home) and provided they are sure they can reach this destination, they may leave when asked to do so.
•
If students are uncertain whether there is someone at home, they need to check before departure and should telephone to make sure of their arrangements. The school will make its telephones available free of charge to those who do not have a mobile phone, but obviously this may delay departure as we only have three external lines. Students should only leave once they are certain of their arrangements.
It would be helpful if you can discuss at home what you want your son/daughter to do in the event of school closing early so that they know of arrangements in advance. If students cannot make arrangements and are not sure what to do and where to go, they must remain in school in the care of the staff of the school until suitable arrangements have been made. A member of staff will always remain in school with students until everyone has been collected. Snow – overnight: In the event of heavy snow overnight we would ask parents/carers to use their discretion in deciding if it is safe for their child to set off for school. Emergency closures happen perhaps once or twice a year. The school will inform you of closure as soon as the decision is made to close the school, by various means: the school website; BBC Radio Derby or Peak FM and by text and/or email. Once students have been sent home, students and parents/carers should listen to local radio or check our website for further instructions about our plans for the following day. This information is usually posted on the school website by 7.30am each morning. Breakdown of equipment: If, as happens very occasionally, we suffer a complete breakdown of equipment, depriving the school of its basic services, such as electricity or water, we may be forced to send students home for their own safety. The same procedure will be followed as for a snow closure.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Parent/carer survey reminder Thank you to the parents/carers who have completed our recent survey. If you have not had chance to respond the survey is open until Saturday 1 December. Your views are very important to us and we would really appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to complete this. All responses are anonymous, but if you would like a response to any comments, please leave your name and contact details in the ‘any further comments’ section on the survey. Students have also been given the opportunity to take part in a student survey sent through their school email account or as a link through Show My Homework. If your child has not done so, please encourage them complete their survey by Saturday 1 December deadline. Many thanks.
Year 10 and Y12 parents/carers – data collection form return reminder If you have not already done so, please could parents/carers check the recent data collection forms issued with the year 10 and year 12 student profiles, amend if necessary, and return to the relevant pastoral office to ensure we hold the most accurate information on your child. For examination purposes, it is very important that the student’s name corresponds with the name given on the birth certificate because universities and major employers will verify results issued by the examination boards against the name given on the birth certificate.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Forthcoming events this term
Monday 3 December 2018
INSET day – no students in school
Tuesday 4 December 2018
Year 12 parent consultation evening - 4.00-7.00pm in the Wheeldon Hall at Lumsdale
Tuesday 11 December 2018
Christmas Concert - 7.00-9.00pm in the Wheeldon Hall at Lumsdale
Monday 17 December 2018
Year 13 certificates evening - 7.00pm in the Wheeldon Hall
Term 3 Tuesday 22 January 2019
Year 9 options and parent consultation evening – 4.00-7.00pm in the Wheeldon Hall & Sports Hall
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 January 2019 Evening of Theatre - 7pm in the Bowler Hall, Starkholmes
Tuesday 5 February 2019
Year 11 parent consultation evening - 4.00-7.00pm in the sports hall at Lumsdale
Wednesday 13 February 2019
Highfields Got Talent – 7pm (tbc) in the Bowler Hall at Starkholmes
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter School News Buy discounted books and raise money for the school library Scholastic Book Club is an excellent opportunity to purchase some very popular children’s and young adults’ books at sometimes very heavily discounted prices, all in time for Christmas. Thank you to the many parents/carers and staff who purchased books through the Scholastic Book Club in the last twelve months – your purchases have raised over £500 worth of new books for the school library! We are at the moment running our latest Scholastic promotion. There are some great deals – especially on popular series, such as Tom Gates, Cherubs and Dork Diaries – which would make fantastic Christmas presents. Please visit http://schools.scholastic.co.uk/highfields-de4 to browse the latest books available and order online. For every £1 you spend, our school will earn 25p in Scholastic Rewards which will be spent on new books for the school library. All orders will be delivered to school and books will be sent home with your child, so there is no postage to pay. Alternatively, you can arrange to collect them yourself from school. If you would like to purchase any books, please place your order online by 10 December 2018. Mrs Robinson Library
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Sports Leaders News Mrs Allen (School Sports Co-ordinator) Our Sports Leaders and Sports Apprentices will be extremely busy supporting sporting activities not only in school, but also within our partner primary schools and across the wider community. Further information on Sports Leadership can be found on the school website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/SportsLeadership.html
Sports leaders notice board: Wednesday 5 December Dance leaders’ course at Pineapple Studios, London for Highfields staff PE apprentice observation, Mr Hill at Kirk Ireton Primary School
Thursday 6 December Key Stage 2 SEN inclusive sports event at Starkholmes from 1-3pm with sports leaders supporting.
Friday 7 December Level 5 tutor day for primary school PE specialism (9am-3pm) Update on Highfields Projects with Girls Active research staff member, Liberty Venn
Full details are available from Mrs Allen.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Sports leadership events Girls’ cricket masterclass The girls’ cricket masterclass took place on Tuesday 27 November with England cricket legend Lydia Greenway. We were due to have Fran Wilson, but she was called up to go to the Caribbean for the World cup T20 to replace an injured player. Lydia was brilliant and all the girls taking part had a fantastic session. Masterclasses took place during the day for 12 year 9 and 10 girls with Daisy leading the way, joined later by a class of year 7 girls; a group of 11 year 7 girls, including Abi and Erin who play for Derbyshire, developing bowling and batting techniques whilst another group of year 7 girls took part in an indoor game. We will be watching the development of our girls during 2019 as we have a promising team in the making and Lydia has offered some support with this.
Voice of Sport November update On Friday 30 November the Voice of Sport members met to discuss ‘active breaks’, inter-form events and the Youth Sport Trust project feedback.
Apprentice update and CPD On Friday 23 November Highfields PE and school sport apprentices and staff from some of our feeder primary schools took part in a CPD day at All Saints Junior School. Claire Pring and Fran Smee led the course as part of a CPD training programme through County provider, Dominic Limb, looking at teaching gym and dance in the primary setting. It was the final session of 2018 which concludes the series of training. The apprentices have received the following training since September 2018:
Extensive induction programme during the first week of the academic year Fundamentals of movement Inclusion High quality PE Health and Safety Safeguarding Assessment First Aid
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Apprentices will also attend a CPD day in Cannock on inclusive PE as a part of the inclusion project Highfields is involved in with the Youth Sport Trust. The apprentices continue to make good progress in their folder work too, having completed their Employers Awareness modules and Units 1 and 2 of the level 3 course. On Tuesday 27 November Mrs Turner and Mrs Allen visited Carsington primary school to observe PE apprentice Mr Hill deliver a fine indoor fitness session. This was the first of 3 observed sessions and verification visit.
Sports News Mr C Shirtcliffe (Head of PE)
Friday 7 December – Derbyshire Dales Cross Country Championships On Friday 7 December we are taking part in the Derbyshire Dales Cross Country Championships at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Students who are interested in representing the School please sign your name, year and form on the sign-up sheet on the PE notice boards located at both Lumsdale and Starkholmes sites. The event is open to all year groups, but spaces are limited. A letter will follow once the squad is selected.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Careers, College & Apprenticeship News Careers Information
Careers/Employability help If you feel that you can offer your services to school with regard to Careers/Employability please contact the school via email careers@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
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/careers.html
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 (startprofile.com) with the student code they have been issued with – see Mrs Turner for further details.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter School Meals Monday 3 December - Friday 7 December 2018 Week 2 winter menu Monday Tuesday
School closed to students – INSET day Mains
Chicken & bacon pie, creamy vegetable bake
Sides
Creamed potatoes, selection of breads
Veg & Salads
Salad selection, sweetcorn & pea mix
Desserts
Wednesday Thursday
Christmas Dinner Mains
Chicken & vegetable tikka curry, Vegetable tikka curry
Sides
Naan, rice
Veg & Salads
Salad selection, sweetcorn, mixed vegetables
Desserts
Chocolate pear cake, melting moments, carrot cake muffin, fresh fruit, fruit yoghurts
Friday
Mains
Battered cod fillet, Quorn dippers with sweet & sour sauce
Sides
Chips, selection of breads
Veg & Salads
Salad selection, mushy peas, baked beans
Desserts
Fruit Paris sandwich, strawberry mouse, ginger biscuit, fresh fruit, fruit yoghurts
In addition to the options above, the following are available on a daily basis: Hot Snacks
Jacket Potatoes, Hot Paninis, Pasta Bar
Deli range
Protein/salad box, sandwiches/baguettes, deli rolls, wraps
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Menu options available at morning break: Week 2 winter menu Monday
School closed to students – INSET day
Tuesday
Bacon bap
Crumpets
Granola pots
Egg & bacon bap
Teacakes
Cold pasta pots
Filled naan
Wraps
Sandwiches
Toasted sandwiches
Yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Bacon bap
Homemade bread rolls
Cold pasta pots
Egg & bacon bap
Teacakes
Sandwiches
Pizza
Yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Toast
Granola Pots
Sausage bap
Teacakes
Cold pasta posts
Cheese on toast
Crumpet
Sandwiches
Toast
Yoghurt
Fresh fruit
Filled naan
Granola pots
Bacon bap
Homemade
Yoghurt
Bacon & egg bap
wholemeal roll
Granola pots
Homemade garlic
Crumpets
Cold pasta pots
bread
Toast
Sandwiches
Toasted sandwiches
Teacakes
Fresh fruit
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
5 December 2018
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities Starkholmes (lower school site) The following clubs will take place at Starkholmes. Further clubs will be added during the year and students will be made aware of the extra-curricular activities available to them. Time Lunch Lunch Lunch 1-1.30pm 3.30-4.45pm
Club Netball Y8 Sports Leaders Dance Club Science Club Rugby
Tuesday
Lunch 1.00pm
Football Junior Choir – Y7/8
Wednesday
Lunch Lunch
Basketball Drama Club
Thursday
Lunch 1.00-1.40pm
Craft Club Y7-8 girls’ football with female coach Mini Musical (Lion King)
1A
Craft Club Sports Leaders Y7/Y8 book club (alternates) History drop in
1A
Monday
3.45-4.45pm
Friday
Lunch Lunch 1.15pm Lunch
Be the best you can
Room
PArts Mob Lab 1
Member of staff Mrs Wildgoose Mrs Turner Mrs Redhead Science staff Mr Johnston
Music
Mr Shirtcliffe Miss Morris
PArts Mob
Miss Warburton Miss Wright
PArts Mob
Mrs Boothby Miss Warburton/ female coach Miss Bonsall
Library
Mrs Boothby Mr Moss L Robinson
HMob
R Morley
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
Extra-curricular Clubs & Activities Lumsdale (upper school site) The following clubs will take place at Lumsdale. Further clubs will be added, and students will be made aware of the extra-curricular activities available to them.
Monday
Time Lunch Lunch
Club Basketball GCSE Drama Catch Up
1.00pm
Y9-11 girls football club with female coach Rugby
3.30pm
Room P1
Member of staff Mr Johnston Miss Bonsall/ Mrs Rifkin Mr Shirtcliffe/ female coach Mr Shirtcliffe/ Mrs Bowen Miss Morris
3.45pm
Senior Choir Y9-13 female students/staff
Music room
Tuesday
Lunch
GCSE Drama Catch Up
P1
Miss Bonsall
Wednesday
1.00pm 1.10pm 3.30pm 3.45pm
Sports hall P1
Mrs Allen Miss Bonsall Sixth form Mrs Allen/Mrs Turner
4-5pm
Sports leaders Musical Theatre Club Dance Club Sports Leaders Primary Evening Warhammer Club
C5
Mr Crawford
Thursday
Lunch Lunch 1.00pm
KS4 Football GCSE Dance Catch Up Upper school book club
P1 Library
Mr Shirtcliffe Ms Petch Student led
Friday
1.00pm
Badminton/table tennis
1.00pm
SEN Sports Club
1.00pm- Board games and Chess Club 1.45pm Lunch A Level Catch Up (Drama/Dance)
Be the best you can
Sports Hall Sports Hall E4
Mr Shirtcliffe
P1
Miss Bonsall/ Miss Wright
Mrs Allen/Mrs Turner /Apprentices Mr Key
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Highfields School Newsletter
Be the best you can
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
SCHOOL CLUB NOTICES
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter
BOOK CLUB RECOMMENDATIONS This week’s school book club recommendation is ‘The Astounding Broccoli Boy’ One of the books that I like is The Astounding Broccoli Boy because it is fun for everyone and it is a classic. I would rate this book a five star! James (year 10)
Previous recommendations: Yu-Gi-Oh’ - Neil (year 10)
‘Eragon’ - Rhianna (year 9)
‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard’ – Courtney (year 9)
‘Biscuit Barrel’ - Charlotte (year 7)
‘The Hobbit’ – Alex (year 9)
‘Cirque du Freak’ – Aiden (year 8)
‘Unwind’ – Finley (year 9)
‘Wonder’ – Andrew (year 10)
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Highfields School Governing Board 2018-19 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 for 2018-19 is split as follows. Each governor serves a term of office of four years. Name Mr Andrew Marsh
Governor Type Headteacher
Responsibility
Jon Clarke
Local Authority
Ms Helen Crane
Co-opted
Mr Tim Diggle Ms Julie Lane
Co-opted Co-opted
Miss Rebekah Mitchell Miss Jodie Rogers
Co-opted Co-opted
SEN Link Governor
Mr Paul Steeples Ms Lizzie Watt
Co-opted Co-opted
Vice-Chair of Governors Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee
Ms Julie Birtwistle Mr David Matthews Mr Nick Newberry
Parent Parent Parent
Human Resources and Health & Safety Safeguarding
Mr John Redhead
Staff
Chair of Governors Equalities Chair of Student & Community Links Committee Chair of Finance & Resources Committee Finance
Please visit the school website for full details of the Governing Body.
.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Highfields School Contact details
Communication with school General enquiries (reception) The first point of contact for parents/carers for general enquiries is reception. Reception staff will aim to help with queries or refer parents/carers to a member of staff who can. Pastoral enquiries (form tutor/pastoral manager) If parents/carers have any concerns about a student, we ask that they contact the form tutor or pastoral manager in the first instance either by email or telephone. If parents/carers wish to contact the school regarding attendance, the pastoral manager should be the first point of contact. If parents/carers feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the form tutor or pastoral manager, this can be followed-up with the relevant head of year. Subject specific enquiry (subject teacher) If parents/carers have subject specific enquiries, we ask that they contact the relevant subject teacher. If parents/carers feel enquiries have not been adequately addressed by the class teacher, this can be followed-up by the relevant head of department.
Main Contact Details Lower Site (Years 7 & 8): Telephone:
Starkholmes Road, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3DD 01629 584020
Upper Site (Years 9-13): Telephone:
Upper Lumsdale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 5NA 01629 581888
Website: General email:
www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Admissions: Chair of Governors: Newsletter feedback: Careers information:
admissions@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk chair@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.
Get Involved! We would love to hear from any parents/carers or members of the community who may be able to contribute to school life, for example talking to students about specialist area of work, supporting mock careers interviews, providing work placement opportunities etc. Your insights, involvement and support have been crucial to the successes of the school over time and we would like to build on our strengths and develop excellence across the school community. If you feel you may be able to contribute to the school in any way, please email us detailing the help you could offer at getinvolved@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk – we would be very happy to hear from you.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Key Staff for 2018-19 Headteacher: Mr A Marsh
Deputy Headteacher: Mr P R Cole
Assistant Headteachers: Mr D O’Reilly Mrs C Rifkin Mr M Hodkin
Associate Assistant Headteachers: Mr K Rodgers - Years 7 and 8 (based at Starkholmes) Miss N Gresswell - Years 9, 10 & 11 (based at Lumsdale) Mrs C Morgan – Curriculum and Timetabling
Heads of Year: Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Sixth form
Mrs A Hollinrake / Mrs L Redhead Mrs A Ruston Miss J Hughes Mr J Redhead Miss L Hamrouge Mr M Flett
Pastoral: Mrs Green - Years 7 & 8 Mr Tidmarsh - Years 9, 10 & 11 Mrs Bumby - Sixth form
01629 584020 extension 244 01629 581888 extension 364 01629 581888 extension 165
If you wish to report student absences, please contact the relevant pastoral staff to your son/daughter’s year group as indicated above.
Department Contacts: Art – Mrs K Fairbank Business & Computing – Mr I Lovatt Dance – Miss E Bonsall D&T – Miss A Morris Drama – Miss E Bonsall English – Mr R Key Film Studies – Mr C Warrington Geography – Mrs M Barker History – Mr R Hoben Maths – Miss S Wallhead
Be the best you can
Modern Foreign Languages – Mrs M Bowen Music – Mr K Rowley PE – Mr C Shirtcliffe Psychology – Miss H Ould PRS – Mrs S Blakesley PSHE/L2L – Mrs Turner SENCO – Mr M Hodkin Science – Mrs C Morgan Sociology – Mrs A Serjeant
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter Key Dates 2018-19 These dates are correct at the time of going to print. 2018-19 Academic Year:
2018-19 Bank Holidays (school closed):
Term 1 - 3 September 2018 to 26 October 2018
25 and 26 December 2018
Term Term Term Term Term
2 3 4 5 6
-
5 November 2018 to 21 December 2018 7 January 2019 to 15 February 2019 25 February 2019 to 12 April 2019 29 April 2019 to 24 May 2019 3 June 2019 to 22 July 2019
1 January 2019 19 April 2019 (Good Friday) 22 April 2019 (Easter Monday) 6 May 2019 27 May 2019 (spring bank holiday)
2018-19 CPD Days (school closed to students):
Monday 3 September 2018 Tuesday 4 September 2018 Monday 3 December 2018 Friday 5 July 2019 Monday 22 July 2019
2018-19 Parents’ Consultation Evenings:
Year 13: Year 12: Year 9: Year 11: Year 8: Year 10: Year 7:
Tuesday 20 November 2018 Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday
4 December 2018 22 January 2019 5 February 2019 26 February 2019 12 March 2019 2 April 2019
(including option choices for Year 10)
2018-19 School Events (further details will be issued prior to each event along with confirmation of times): Christmas Concert Tuesday 11 December 2018 (7-9pm Wheeldon Hall) Y13 Certificates Evening Evening of Theatre Y12 DCC Road Safety Day Y8 Waste Watches Highfields Got Talent Y10 Health Day Evening of Dance Y11 Study Skills/Revision Evening for parents Easter Concert Sports Leaders Awards Evening (by invitation) Y12 Higher Education Evening Y11 Prom Y10 Work Experience Day Y10 Work Experience (2 weeks) New Y12 Induction Days Y11 Prom Y7, Y8 & Y9 Sports Day GCSE/GCE Exam contingency day Y6 Visit Starkholmes Y7 Sponsored Walk / Y8 Visit Lumsdale Y9 Enterprise Day
Be the best you can
(Please note change of date)
Monday 17 December 2018 (7pm Wheeldon Hall) Wednesday 23 January & Thursday 24 January 2019 (7pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) Tuesday 29 January 2019 (during school day) Thursday 7 February 2019 (Bowler Hall during school day) Wednesday 13 February 2019 (7pm tbc - Bowler Hall) Friday 22 March 2019 (during the school day) Tuesday 26 March 2019 (7pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) Thursday 7 March 2018 (6.30pm Wheeldon Hall) Wednesday 3 April 2019 (7-9pm Wheeldon Hall) Thursday 11 April 2019 (6-8pm Wheeldon Hall) Wednesday 19 June 2019 (7-8.30pm Wheeldon Hall) Friday 21 June 2019 (time tbc Alfreton Hall) Friday 21 June 2019 (during school day) Monday 24 June - Friday 5 July 2019 Tuesday 25 June 2019 (during school day) Thursday 27 June 2019 (during school day) Date to be confirmed Wednesday 26 June 2019 (during school day at Lumsdale) Wednesday 26 June 2019 Wednesday 3 July 2019 (during school day) Wednesday 3 July 2019 (during school day) Wednesday 3 July 2019 (during school day)
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter 2018-19 School Events cont/… School Musical Year 8 Graduation Evening Challenge Day (Whole School) 2018 Exam Results Days: A Level Exam Results: Thursday 15 August 2019
Be the best you can
Wednesday 10 July – Saturday 13 July 2018 (7.30pm Wheeldon Hall) Wednesday 17 July 2019 (7pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes) Friday 19 July 2019 (during school day at Lumsdale) - tbc GCSE Exam Results: Thursday 22 August 2019
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Highfields School
Issue 12: 30 November 2018
Newsletter 2019-20 academic year These dates are provisional and subject to change. 2019/2020 Academic Year: Term Dates 3 September 2019 - 25 October 2019 4 November 2019- 20 December 2019 6 January 2020 - 14 February 2020 24 February 2020 - 3 April 2020 20 April 2020 - 22 May 2020 1 June 2020 - 21 July 2020
Bank Holidays 25 and 26 December 2019 1 January 2020 10 April 2020 (Good Friday) 13 April 2020 (Easter Monday) 4 May 2020 25 May 2020 (spring bank holiday) 31 August 2020 (summer bank holiday)
School to home communication In order to improve communication with parents/carers and to reduce the substantial cost and environmental impact associated with the amount of paper and photocopying involved in school mailings all correspondence is sent to parents/carers via email only. Our aim is that only students’ assessment profiles/data sheets, and of course, confidential or personal mail will be posted home. We fully understand that some parents/carers may wish to continue to have paper copies sent home rather than to receive communication by email and we will make arrangements to ensure that it is possible for this to continue upon request. Please contact the relevant pastoral manager at school to update your details if you do not currently receive email communications from Highfields: Mrs Green - Years 7 & 8 Mr Tidmarsh - Years 9, 10 & 11 Mrs Bumby - Sixth Form
01629 584020 extension 244 01629 581888 extension 364 01629 581888 extension 165
ParentView Survey We would like to remind you that you have the opportunity to give your views of school through the Ofsted Parent View survey below. https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/ The survey is designed by Ofsted and is used by Inspectors when making decisions about which schools to inspect and when.
Be the best you can
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