Issue 29

Highfields School Newsletter

2022-23

Issue29: 26May2023

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

If you have any feedback on or suggestions for the newsletter, please send your comments via email to newsletter@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk

Don’t forget to visit our website (www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk) for more news and information.

Thank you for taking the time to read our news and for your support.

A Marsh Headteacher

Disclaimer: HighfieldsSchoolisnotresponsibleforthequalityofproductsororganisationspublicisedthrougharticlesor advertisementsintheschoolnewsletter.

Message from the headteacher

I have nothing against animals (apart from ducks, obviously) and have recently given permission to Brenda, a pigeon, to roost in one of our colonnades at upper site (see image). I will not, however, stand for poor behaviour. On Thursday at approximately 3.37pm I came across a gang of squirrels at lower site plundering one of our bins for morsels of food. When I called out, rather than staying to face the consequences of their behaviour, they ran off in all directions. I chased the one who looked like the leader but, predictably perhaps, he ran up a tree (image below in case you recognise him). I think his name might be Geoff…or perhaps Jeff? I will not be disrespected like this and so I plan to ask Mr Hodkin to disguise himself as a full bin after school so that he can grab the guilty parties as they venture in to steal food. Justice will prevail.

It must be summer because years 7 and 8 are on the fields at Starkholmes. We’ve had a few stops and starts because the students are only allowed to use this area if behaviour is exemplary and litter is non-existent. At the time of writing all going well.

We are in the process of securing our lower site in the same way as we have already (almost) secured upper with a wraparound security fence. This measure is well overdue and will allow us to monitor more closely who enters and leaves site: no more random dog walkers in PE lessons. I will also insist that large signs reading ‘no squirrels’ are placed on the outer side of these fences. As you may have noticed from former newsletters, I always spend a portion of my day sampling lessons to check that students are meeting the expectations of staff and, wherever possible, to recognise and reinforce positive work. This year I am just one of many teachers who has been visiting lessons in the same capacity. In fact, so far this year we have visited each other and highlighted something positive 612 times (we record this using Microsoft Forms). Here’s what teachers say to each other:

“I came to observe a specific group that I am having behavioural problems with. The behaviour was fantastic. Lots of silent work and R2s given out for participation. Lots of cold call and then hands up for extending answers. Plan for reading also used and a very engaging do now task.”

“Clever use of the vocab puzzle brain-break, really interesting / challenging but made accessible extract from Dickens, excellent use of questioning to develop understanding of the extract and prompt longer verbal responses, effective technique for exploring and building understanding of challenging vocabulary”

“Excellent student teacher relationships, years of experience of subject knowledge was clearly evident. Cold call* ensured engagement of all students. Targeted focus on exam technique and all students striving to improve. Clear differentiation, use of supporting scaffolds and WAGOLL**.”

They also take time to offer some tips and hints if they have ideas about how things might be improved further. We know that we can absolutely improve as a team and we are extremely keen to do so, ineverythingwe do.

Anyway, whether you are a pigeon, human being or even squirrel I hope you pass a wonderful weekend and half term break. We are (all) Highfields.

A Marsh, Headteacher

*Cold call is a key questioning technique at Highfields

**What A Good One Looks Like

NewCommunicationsApp

An opportunity has arisen at short notice to replace Weduc which has received very mixed feedback from parents, carers and staff. We have secured a promising contract with a new provider but will need to act swiftly to take advantage of this.

Please support us by following all enrolment requirements from MyEd byIris as soon as you receive them via email and/or text message. We hope that the enrolment messages will begin to arrive via email/text message after the Bank Holiday weekend.

Weduc will be closed on 31 May, and we will not be able to send or receive messages via that platform from 1 June 2023. We anticipate there may be some small gaps in communication over the first few days back and we thank you in advance for your patience and support while we implement the new system.

GeneralSchoolInformation

Pleaseseeour updatedwebsiteforthefollowinginformation:

 School Uniform

 Contact details

 Governor information

 School Calendar and term dates

 Extra-Curricular Clubs/Activities

 Exam Timetables

Schoolsportandsportsleadersnews

Mrs Allen, School Sports Co-ordinator

Friday 19th May… The Year 12 Level 3 Sports Leaders had their final practical assessment for their qualification. They led activities for ST Josephs Primary school.

Tesday 23rd May… Highfields Cluster Cricket tournament was held at Darley Dale CC and the Highfields officials were on hand. They had been trained by Stuart Rudkin in the lead up to the event. Results were as follows:

Year

5/6

25th May… The annual Bunting Cup Football competition took place at Cavendish Fields. The Highfields Sportsleaders were the referees and officials.

Friday 26th May… Voice of Sport meeting took place on line.

The Sportsleadersawardseveningwillbere arranged.Thankyoufor yourpatience.

StudentBulletin

WeekcommencingMonday5June2023: WeekB

Y8endofyearassessmentweek

Y7 geography fieldwork in lessons all week Y12 exams

Silver DofE expedition

Monday: Y9 assembly

Tuesday: Y11 assembly

Wednesday: Y10 assembly

Thursday: Y8 and sixth form assembly

Friday:-

Coming

Up:

Y7 end of year assessments week commencing 12 June

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

UpcomingEvents

Y8 end of year internal exams

Monday 5 June – Friday 9 June 2023

Y12 mock exams

Monday 5 June – Friday 16 June 2023, Sports Hall

Y7 end of year internal exams

Monday 12 June – Friday 16 June 2023

Y9 internal exams

Monday 26 June – Thursday 29 June 2023

New Y12 induc on sessions

Monday 26 June – Thursday 29 June 2023

Y13 Prom

Thursday 29 June 2023, 7pm

Y10 work experience

Monday 3 July – Friday 7 July 2023

Y6 visit Starkholmes

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Starkholmes

Y7 sponsored walk

Wednesday 5 July 2023

Y8 visit Lumsdale

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Lumsdale

Y9 enterprise day

Wednesday 5 July 2023, Lumsdale

Y6 parents’ evening

Wednesday 5 July 2023, 6pm Bowler Hall, Starkholmes

Whole school sports day

Friday 7 July 2023

School Musical (7.30-10pm)

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

Careers,College&ApprenticeshipNews

Careers Information

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/

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/