Issue 17 by Highfields School

11th July2025

Our newsletter aims to keep parents and carers up to date with school news, activities and key information throughout the year.

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

Regular readers will know that I don’t sleep well at the best of times. But approaching the summer musical my insomnia comes less from my usual general worrying about my 1,302 students and more from my complete over-excitement at the arrival of another brilliant performance season. On Tuesday night I had an anxiety dream where Emily Bonsall was directing a show for which I was the musical director. In the dream I sat waiting in the orchestra pit for my cue to start having been told by Emily that I ‘would just know’ when it was time to play the first chord. I waited for what seemed like an eternity with my fingers poised over the keyboard only for the lights to come up to reveal that I was THE ONLY PERSON IN THE THEATRE. I mean…what’s that all about?

Ms Bonsall, who is responsible for this production is, by far and away, the best arts educator I’ve ever worked with. Staging a full musical show alongside teaching and leadership commitments is pretty difficult in the first place. Including 120 students with a huge range of skill levels and needs makes it more difficult. Applying the standards and expectations that Emily has makes it all but impossible. Doing all of this and making it look easy puts her in the pantheon of near super human teacher/directors the likes of which I could never claim to be. I thank her and her amazing staff and student team for all of their skill, expertise and resilience: they are the dream team.

Meanwhile, in Highfields classrooms we ‘teach to the tape’ which means we keep meaningful lessons going until the end of the school year. This leaves no room for ‘filler’ lessons where students spend time watching unrelated DVDs that parents claim (correctly) that they could easily be watching at home. In a science, for example, Dr Tout was using a visualiser to guide students through a lesson on the behaviour of light (refraction/ reflection etc). Many Highfields teachers now use visualisers regularly. They are cameras which show students exactly what they are doing on a small scale (writing/ drawing/ dissecting and the like). For some reason, it is much more effective for students to see teachers writing into an exercise book like theirs than it is to have them writing on the board (with their back to their students).

Anyway…have a lovely weekend. Sorry that Duke of Edinburgh was cancelled due to a staffing issue but I’m a little relieved that we won’t have young people out carrying packs in this heat.

Take care. We are Highfields.

A Marsh, Headteacher

If it is good enough for M&S.. Made by our amazing kitchen for pupils to purchase at lunch.

ERNEST BAILEY SCHOOL

Anthony and Cleopatra School Books have been found in school dating back to 1949, if any old alumni would like us to check for their names and we can try reunite them with their old school books! Please contact cwhyatt@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk.

Christopher completed his Year 10 work experience in the school helping the kitchen. He set about the task of making loaded fries, these were a huge hit with pupils (and staﬀ) and were completely sold out!

Another example of our Kitchen staﬀ producing amazing new foods for the pupils.

“WewatchedJamiethisweekandwe wereblownaway!!Itwasutterly fantastic,thosechildrenandyoung adultsaresotalented. Iamsoso impressedandsogratefulforthese wonderfulopportunitiesyouaregiving ourchildren.”

“I just wanted to extend my warmest congratula ons to everyone involved in Jamie the Musical. We came along to watch the show last night and were absolutely blown away by the incredible talent on display.

Having seen this produc on several mes on large, professional stages, I can honestly say that your performance was every bit as powerful and polished. The energy, commitment, and skill shown by the pupils— and the obvious dedica on of the staﬀ suppor ng them—was nothing short of West End-worthy.

As someone currently working in a school, and previously having taught at St Joseph's in Matlock, I’m well aware of the challenges that schools are facing at the moment. That’s why it felt so important to take the me to share this feedback—schools deserve to celebrate these moments of success, and this was truly a moment to celebrate.

I also a ended Highfields as a pupil from 2003 to 2008, and returning last night to see such a high-calibre produc on filled me with immense pride. I hope all the staff and students involved are feeling rightly elated today—you have created something very special.”

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Eachyear,billionsoftonnesofplasticendupinouroceans,harmingwildlifeandpollutingnaturalhabitats. PlasticFreeJulyhighlightstheurgentneedtoreduceourrelianceonsingle-useplastics.Byparticipating, individualshelpdrivechangeinconsumerhabitsandinfluencebusinessesandgovernmentstoadoptmore sustainablepractices.Everyaction,nomatterhowsmall,contributestoacleaner,healthierplanet.

Seeweblinkformoreinformation

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Plastic

Exci ng Opportunity for Parent Carers!

Supported Internship Opportuni es in Derbyshire for Young People with SEND Workshops

Derbyshire Parent Carer Voice is delighted to invite you to one of our upcoming workshops focused on supported internships for young people with an EHCP in Derbyshire.

These sessions are designed for parent carers of young people in Year 9 and above, par cularly those who are post-16 and exploring op ons for supported employment a er educa on.

What to Expect:

Hear directly from young people who have completed supported internships — their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Listen to parents of recent interns share how these opportuni es helped their young people move closer to their employment goals.

Learn from professionals including the Prepara on for Adulthood Lead Oﬃcer (ISAS), the Supported Internship Coordinator, and Programme Managers from DACES.

Workshop Topics Include:

What is a supported internship? What does a typical day look like?

Why your young person might beneﬁt from one?

Opportuni es available in Derbyshire, including placements at: Chesterﬁeld Royal Hospital, Gulliver’s Kingdom, Lea Green, Amazon

How to ﬁnd out more and apply.

Q&A and open discussion me.

Workshop Dates:

Monday 14th July | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM To Book your place please click here.

Thursday 17th July | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM To book your place please click here.

(Both sessions will be held online)