Message from the headteacher
What a week of ups and downs…
Amongst the downs were conversations with treasured staff members who are having difficult times outside of work- our thoughts are with you. Alongside this, I had a meeting with my boss at the trust who holds me to account for the progress of our children. Although many individual students are set to do well in their GCSEs we can’t accept this as we need every child to ‘be the best they can’. The meeting was positive and productive but extremely challenging. The job now is to make any further changes needed to work towards every single student achieving their true potential. On Wednesday night I explained this to Highfields governors (pictured) who offer me support but also continue to hold me to account for my actions.
On the upside I looked out of the window early on Tuesday morning to see some shadowy characters scrawling in chalk on paths and walls. I was about to tackle them when I realised it was the head of English and her team (including M Webb, also a staff governor) writing down quotations to inspire students on their way into their first English GCSE examination. One of these quotations, featured in the photo read, ‘It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing’. It was spoken, of course, by Shakespeare’s Macbeth about life, but I thought it summed up some of my newsletter stories quite well.
Talking of the newsletter I’ve been working again through surveys to decide whether to continue with my little bits. One parent wrote, “Headteacher’s report is dull and not connecting at all with the parents” (like I said…’told by an idiot’) whereas others were much more positive in tone. In any event we will continue to put my bit in for anyone who wants to read it and will include information which is relevant (although this may lead to some repetition each week of key information- it’s there if you need it- disregard if not).
Also, on the upside, I was asked to do some Y9 options interviews this week and I LOVED them. These meetings are designed to ensure that we have provided as good a fit as possible between soon to be Y10 students and the GCSE options we have been able to offer. As part of the interview we ask students where they hope life might take them, career wise. This year I have had some brilliant responses, from joiner to soldier to construction engineer to marine biologist and priest. Possibly my favourite discussion was with a potential neurosurgeon who had already worked out her study path to reach this goal. Hopefully we have helped students embark on GCSE courses which will take them where they want to go.
Oh, and rehearsals for our summer musical are going like greased lightning (see image right).
And finally…happy Vyshyvanka to all but especially those Ukrainian students who wore traditional dress on Thursday (image left). Дякуємо, що відправляєте своїх дітей до школи в традиційному українському одязі!
So…a mixed week. Another sleepless night over my students but, as usual, got restored by the same wonderful students. We are still Highfields. Have a good weekend!
A Marsh
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Schoolsportandsportsleadersnews
Mrs Allen, School Sports Co-ordinator
Friday 12th May…Yr 10 Sportsleaders had their final IV assessment session. They led 70 pupils from Castle View Primary school in Summer Sports; Our assessors Mr Shirtcliffe and Max Marshall said they were amazing in their energy and engagement and knowledge of the sports.
Tuesday 16th May… The 2023 Play Your Way to Wimbledon Tennis tournament took place for Year 7/8 at Starkholmes. 30 boys and 30 girls entered. The format they undertook was the LTA FAST4. Some exciting Tennis from both the girls and the boys. The following players have made it to the next County round. Ruby C, Phoebe H, Joseph O and Sam W. Well done to all who participated.
Tuesday 16th May… We had four Highfields Year 8 boys go to Matlock CC to officiate at the Districts Primary event. The boys are members of Matlock CC. The cricket club said the boys were fantastic.
Tuesday 16th May… Jayne Allen attended the Connect meeting with the Youth Sports Trust regarding Health and Well Being, Leadership Coaching and Volunteering. Highfields are joint leads for the County in these hub schools.
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Wednesday 17th May… GB Tennis player Jade Windley was in school for the launch of the 2023 Beyond the Baseline Tennis programme. The 12 students from Year 7/8 were excellent Jade commented on their commitment and attitude. The skills and values they put into practice today will be further tested on 21st June when a local Primary school come for the afternoon to try Tennis.
Thursday 18th May… Year 9 Dance leaders were again in Darley Hall Care home for the Move and Groove project. Leaders are growing in confidence each week and the residents are loving the exercise and company.
Thursday 18th May… The Primary schools Golf Tournament took place at Lumsdale. The stations of activities were led by our sports leaders who had been trained to do this by British Golf development officer Alice Lowe a few weeks ago.
Results were as follows
1st Lea 1
2nd Winster
3rd Lea2
4th Tansley
5th South Darley
Praise was heaped upon our Year 7 leader Fletcher from several Primary teachers for his involvement.
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Friday 19th May… Year 12 Level 3 Sports leaders had their IV assessment session today. They were coaching pupils from St Josephs in summer sports. More details in next weeks newsletter.
Coming up before the half term break
Tuesday 23rd May… Highfields cluster Primary schools Kwik Cricket event
Thursday 25th May… The Bunting Cup football event.
The Sportsleadersawardseveningwillbere arranged.Thankyoufor yourpatience.
VyshyvankaDaycelebration
On Thursday 18th May, we explored Ukraine's Vyshyvanka Day in school through form times and assemblies. A year 9 Ukranian student created a PowerPoint presentation to explain Vysshyvanka Day and its importance in Ukraine to other students. It was wonderful to walk around both sites and witness some fascinating discussions and really engaged classes. At Highfields, we always take pride in celebrating diversity and difference.
• A vyshyvanka (vi-shi-van-ka) is a unique Ukrainian shirt with colorful patterns. It represents Ukrainian cultureand isworn for festivals and everyday pride.
• Vyshyvanka patterns symbolise various aspects of Ukrainian culture, history and traditions.
• Each patterncarries its own meaning and significance. Some common symbols found in Vyshyvanka patterns include geometric patterns, such as the sun, stars, and flowers, often represent nature. They can also symbolise harmony, balance, and protection.
• Vysyvanka patterns mayfeature traditional folk motifs like rosettes, birds, animals and mythical creatures.
• Different regions in Ukraine have unique embroidery styles and patterns.Vyshyvanka designs can represent specific regions or villages, showcasing theirdistinct cultural heritage.
• Some patterns on Vyshyvankas are associated with rituals, customs, andbeliefs. For example, certainmotifsmay be used in wedding shirts tobring luck and happiness tothe couple.
• Vyshyvanka is an annualcelebration in Ukraine observed on the thirs Thursday in May since 2006.
• Purpose:To honor Ukrainian national identity, culture, and traditional clothing.
• On this day, Ukrainians proudly wear Vyshyvankas and take part in parades across the country .
• Celebrates Ukrainian cultural identity and heritage.
• Showcases diverse regional embroidery styles.
• Fosters national pride and unity.
• Draws international attention toUkrainian embroidery.
• Preserves traditional embroidery techniques.
• Promotes cultural exchangeand understanding.
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GeneralSchoolInformation
Pleaseseeour updatedwebsiteforthefollowinginformation:
School Uniform
Contact details
Governor information
School Calendar and term dates
Extra-Curricular Clubs/Activities
Exam Timetables
StudentBulletin
WeekcommencingMonday15May2023: WeekB
Monday: Y9 assembly
Tuesday: Y11 assembly
Wednesday: Y10 assembly
Thursday: Y8 and sixth form assembly
Friday:-
See the list of extra-curricular activities taking place at lunch time and after school each day on both school sites on our website.
Freedom Leisure are hosting a PickleballLeadersCourse at the Arc July 7th, its very affordable and accessible, £30 pp bookable on the Pickleball England website: https://www.evregsys.com/ERS2/reg/eventinfo.php?id=14wzkV8U4gfb
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Careers,College&ApprenticeshipNews
Careers Information
Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize
Explore BBC Bitesize’s brand new collection of free, online careers resources offering a wealth of inspiration and advice for students.
This new resources offer a rich collection of case studies across a wide range of sectors, linking curriculum subjects and the world of work:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
Unifrog Careers programme
The careers programme ‘Unifrog’ offers students careers advice, support and guidance and students. Students in years 10 and 11 will be given log on details during the year to access Unifrog. www.unifrog.org
My Future app and website
My Future is a virtual gateway to support students with their next steps.
• Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities
• Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available
• Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities
• Learn about the employment opportunities in your town
To access My Future click on the link below:
https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/myfuture/
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Speakers for Schools - Youth Card for students
Speakers for Schools has a free mobile app that provides a one-stop shop for 11-25-year-olds for selfled discovery of educational, career and personal development opportunities in a safe environment. Youth Card is uniquely placed to help students by offering:
Free access to UK-wide work experience placements and workshops with leading employers, including: Spotify, Bentley Motors, bp, Google, NHS, Virgin Atlantic, The Financial Times, Santander and the BBC.
Free access to UK-wide financial and enterprise programmes.
Free access to a UK-wide network of 7,000 youth organisations.
Freeaccessto inspiring podcasts,broadcastsandshortfilms byheadsofindustryandhigh-profile speakers
Free access to a wide range of youth-friendly discounted services in the UK and Europe.
To find out more about Youth Card, visit www.youthcard.org
Apprenticeshipopportunities
Step-by-step guide to applying for an apprenticeship
The Step-by-step Guide to Applying for an Apprenticeship is a new resource available through the link below:
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/naw2023/?utm_source=mailing&utm_medium=naw+pg&utm_ campaign=naw2023
Finding an apprenticeship
Full details of apprenticeships available can be accessed through the government website on the following link - https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Higher & Degree Listing - Amazing Apprenticeships
Recent vacancy listings can be found through the link to Amazing Apprenticeships below: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/higher-degree-listing/
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