Highfields School Newsletter Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter
2018-19
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
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 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter
Contents: Message from the headteacher .................................................................. 3 Student Bulletin ......................................................................................... 4 Parent/Carer Notices .................................................................................. 5
Summer exam results collection .......................................................................... 5 2019-20 new academic year ............................................................................... 5 Parent App......................................................................................................... 6 Vacancies on Highfields Governing Board............................................................. 6
School news .............................................................................................. 7
Year 7 Reading Challenge ................................................................................... 7 Maths Challenge Success .................................................................................... 8 Bletchley Park .................................................................................................... 8 Legally Blonde sell out success ............................................................................ 9 Year 11 Prom ................................................................................................... 12 Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Schools Angling Championship ............................. 13 Climate Change Fundraising .............................................................................. 13 A year in the life of Highfields Sixth Form .......................................................... 14
Careers, College & Apprenticeship News ................................................... 16
Careers/Employability help ................................................................................ 16 Resources ........................................................................................................ 16 Careers inspiration and advice from BBC Bitesize................................................ 16 Online careers programme for 11-18 year olds ................................................... 16 Careers, Work Experience and Enterprise .......................................................... 17
Sports Leaders News ............................................................................... 20
Highfields School Achieves Youth Sport Trust Silver Quality Mark ........................ 20 Primary Schools Combat Sports Day 2019 .......................................................... 21 Apprentice update ............................................................................................ 22 Highfields Cluster Champion awards .................................................................. 22
School Meals ........................................................................................... 23 Highfields School Uniform Code ................................................................ 25 Highfields School Governing Board 2018-19 .............................................. 27 Highfields School Contact details .............................................................. 28 Key Staff for 2018-19 .............................................................................. 29 Key Dates 2019-20 .................................................................................. 30 Disclaimer: Highfields School is not responsible for the quality of products or organisations publicised through articles or advertisements in the school newsletter.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Message from the headteacher A parent wrote to me and politely pointed out that I had omitted in my last newsletter to mention our victory in the recent Maths Challenge. I am completely mystified by my omission because I went quite berserk when maths leaders let me know about this victory. Firstly, because we had beaten my old school (who didn’t even make a podium finish) and secondly because I am passionate about maths education, not least because it was my own biggest challenge when I was at school. Please accept my apologies for failing to draw your attention to this wonderful success and well done to the mathematicians involved. Were you lucky enough to see Legally Blonde? I was and so were my family including my daughter and her three birthday treat guests. My daughter sat on the front row and never closed her mouth for the entire show. I have spent my life around the performing arts and so feel totally confident in evaluating this production against other schools. It was totally extraordinary. What’s more it typifies what I feel is an ever strengthening belief at Highfields School that an inclusive approach is NOT synonymous with compromised standards. This show featured a huge range of students with an even greater range of strengths and needs. This enriched rather than restricted the capacity of the company to excel. Transitions, tempo, dynamics, musicianship, harmonies, characterisation, stage craft, all the elements needed to make a production truly successful, were there at the highest standard. Truly and utterly brilliant.
To put on a show like that, triumph against Lady Manners in the debating competition, win the Maths Challenge and beat other Derbyshire Schools soundly in sports events including last week’s cyclocross where we were crowned champions, all in the space of a fortnight makes me very proud to be a part of this school community. Also this week I smuggled myself onto a maths trip to Bletchley Park (amazing), met with school and local employment experts to further develop the link between school and work, overdosed on cake whilst judging a library competition and met with a governor, students and a local renewables specialist to understand how our school might reduce its use of plastic. Your surveys suggested that I should communicate at more length about our strategic work moving forward so you should be receiving a lengthy letter from me soon on that subject. And so, wonderful parents, carers and our newest reader from a school in Richmond, Virginia (seriously), that brings us to the end of the school year. Each child at Highfields has the most amazing potential. Every ounce of this potential will be needed if they are to build themselves and the generations after them a happy and rewarding life. Next year will bring new and exciting challenges but until then it’s time for a rest for students and (some) staff. I hope you and your children manage to get some rest too and I look forward to working with you all again soon.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Student Bulletin
Week commencing Monday 2 September: Welcome back! Monday School holiday
Tuesday School INSET day – no students in school
Wednesday 8.40am - Year 7 and year 9 students only in school Year 7 and Year 9 photographs
Thursday 8.40am - All students back in school
Friday 8.40an – Year 9 assembly
Information on extra-curricular clubs for lunch and after school activities will follow once arranged for this academic year
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Parent/Carer Notices We wish you and your families a very pleasant summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back to school in September.
Summer exam results collection Students who have taken exams will be able to collect their results on the following days from the Wheeldon Hall:
Thursday 15 August (A level) - exam results are available for collection from 8.30am until 12noon.
Thursday 22 August (GCSE) – Year 11 GCSE exam results are available for collection from 8.30am until 12noon.
If you wish to contact school regarding exam results during the summer holiday, please email exams@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
2019-20 new academic year A reminder that there is an INSET day on Tuesday 3 September 2019. The first day back to school for students is as follows: Wednesday 4 September – Students in years 7 and 9 only at 8.40am Thursday 5 September – all students to return to school at 8.40am 2019-20 academic year: Term 1 - 3 September 2019 to 25 October 2019 Term 2 - 4 November 2019 to 20 December 2019 Term 3 - 6 January 2020 to 14 February 2020 Term 4 - 24 February 2020 to 3 April 2020 Term 5 - 20 April 2020 to 22 May 2020 Term 6 - 1 June 2020 to 21 July 2020 2019-20 CPD days (school closed to students): Tuesday 3 September 2019 Friday 6 December 2019 Friday 3 July 2020 Monday 20 July 2020 Tuesday 21 July 2020
Be the best you can
2019-20 bank holidays (school closed): 25 and 26 December 2019 1 January 2020 10 April 2020 (Good Friday) 13 April 2020 (Easter Monday) 8 May 2020 (Friday) 25 May 2020 (spring bank holiday)
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter COMING SOON!
Parent App We will be phasing in a new parent portal/parent app in the new academic year called Weduc. This will make it easier and more convenient for parents/carers to access information about their child’s school life – full details will be issued in advance.
Vacancies on Highfields Governing Board Parent governor vacancy: Are you interested in becoming a parent governor at Highfields? Or do you know a parent / carer with a child in school who would be great in this role? If so, please encourage them to put their name forward in September when details will be issued. A letter will be sent home via your son or daughter at the start of September that will outline what is involved in being a parent governor and the areas of experience we would welcome interest from. The most important qualification is a desire to be part of the team which continually works to ensure Highfields School is a great place to study and work. Co-opted governor vacancies: We are also recruiting for four co-opted governors and if you or someone you know may wish to be considered for the role of a co-opted governor, details will be forwarded in September.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter School news Year 7 Reading Challenge Mrs Robinson
And the winners are … Year 7 students have been taking part in a year-long reading challenge which aims to enhance their enjoyment of reading and helps them to discover new books and authors. Since September, students in year 7 have read an amazing 1,386 books! The winning class this year is 7BW, led by English teacher, Miss Stanley, who retires from Highfields this term after teaching at the school for 20 years. Miss Stanley has been impressed by their dedication and hard work, commenting that “7BW approached the reading challenge with enthusiasm and determination. They have encouraged each other to complete tasks and to do the quizzes in a co-operative, friendly way. The students have worked hard in class and at home to achieve this result.” Students in 7BW read more books than any other class this year – an average of nine per student - and so were rewarded with the Twiggs Reading Challenge trophy and a breakfast party in the Library. We are very grateful to William Twigg (Matlock) Ltd for their support of this year’s reading challenge. “Twigg’s support has been fantastic. Competing for a trophy made the contest much more exciting for the students, and thanks to a very kind donation from Twigg’s we’ve been able to stock the library with some fantastic new books that have been extremely popular.” said lower school Librarian, Mrs Robinson. A recent survey of 15-year-olds found that the difference in reading skills of those who read for 30 minutes a day, compared to those who said they never read for enjoyment, is the equivalent to just over a year’s schooling. So even just a few minutes’ reading every day can make a huge difference to a student’s success in subjects across the school curriculum.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Maths Challenge Success Miss Hall
On Monday 8 July, Highfields School hosted the Peak 11 year 7 and 8 team Maths Challenge. We are extremely proud to announce that Highfields were victorious in winning 1st place. The team comprised of Max and Harley (year 7) and Finlay and India (year 8) who were all truly fantastic. It was an incredibly competitive day and Highfields reached the top spot after a fantastic score during the final round, the relay, which they managed to finish with time to spare! Thank you to all schools who took part in an excellent day. Well done to 2nd place Chapel-en-leFrith and 3rd place Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.
Bletchley Park Mrs Brown
Year 10 have returned from work experience to spend some time looking at maths in real-life contexts. They have had a couple of lessons on financial maths including calculating Income Tax and the cost of living. We then moved onto looking at the role of mathematicians during the Second World War, everyone has watched The Imitation Game and done some work on codebreaking with some of our most talented mathematicians visiting Bletchley Park for an enrichment day that included an advanced codebreaking workshop and tour of the museum.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Legally Blonde sell out success Highfields School’s drama, dance and music departments are incredibly proud of the recent production of Legally Blonde. With 136 students involved from years 7-13, as well as staff members, the performances were a tremendous success - concluding with a standing ovation on Saturday night. This fabulously fun award winning musical is based on the adored movie. It follows the transformation of Elle Woods (played by year 10’s superbly talented Scarlett) as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Elle Woods appears to have it all, but her life is turned upside down when Warner (played by year 13’s Ben) dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, her ex (and his new girlfriend, Vivienne - played by talented year 11, Imogen). With the support of new friends, especially love interest Emmett (Jamie - year 10) and Paulette (Amy - year 12), Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. She also wins the respect of fellow student Enid (Mollie - year 10) as she wins the case for Brooke Wyndham’s (Emily - year 13) trial!
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter The show was directed by head of drama, dance and theatre Miss Bonsall who was incredibly impressed by the students' commitment to the performance and their dedicated focus throughout. Head of music and the shows musical director, Mr Rowley, ensured the musical performances were to an exceptionally high standard. The band, which consisted of woodwind, brass, bass guitar, keyboards and drums and percussion was made up of students and staff members of the music department. “The music was a particular challenge this year - this show is constant musically and very demanding” said Mr Rowley. Both Miss Bonsall and Mr Rowley auditioned the students in February, along with dance and drama teachers Mrs Petch (choreographer) and Miss Wright (assistant director). Since then, the students have rehearsed three nights and three lunchtimes a week, as well as a full weekend just before the performance. Molly, year 13 student, was also on the production team as assistant choreographer. She worked closely with the principal dancers (10 handpicked dance students ranging from year 713), the Greek chorus (also ranging across all year groups) and the Delta Nu girls (played by Daisy - year 11, Charlotte - year 9 and Amber - year 9). Props and scenery were brilliantly created with help from the art department, Tony O’Reilly, work experience students and site staff. Backstage was run by year 9 and 10 drama GCSE students and year 10 students Tom and Cohen were responsible for lighting.
The almost 70-strong chorus and ensemble sang and danced to a very high standard and gave all their energy to every performance. Every single member was accurate and completely in character throughout. After the show a parent commented: ‘I really enjoyed the inclusivity of the show and felt the whole class were fully committed and performed to the highest standard, however large or small their role’. The lead roles managed to really convey a variety of ages and backgrounds of the characters despite the fact that they are all secondary students. A special mention goes to Charlie (year 13) who played ‘shark lawyer and lecturer’ Callahan, demonstrating he was a class act. This year, we had 4 staff members involved, who also played lecturers (Mr Brooks, Mr Redhead, Mr Cole and Mr Flett). Another audience member praised "the hugely inclusive cast" and that "every child had a chance to shine, rotating who was seen on stage throughout”.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter
Generous support from the local community was gratefully received, such as scaffolding set from JEC Scaffolding Ltd and advertising signage firm MVIS. 25 different local firms donated raffle prizes. Miss Bonsall said, "I am tremendously proud of the commitment and talent that our students have shown. We have given six public performances and each one has astounded me with their level of musical and theatrical quality. The performances represent a huge amount of hard work and dedication from everyone involved and I am very excited that we have produced such an impressive level of quality in every aspect of the production - from the acting, singing and dancing to musical accompaniment, set and lighting and sound. This was my third full school production at Highfields and although an incredibly ambitious show with a huge cast, we feel we pulled it off! After Little Shop of Horrors and Footloose being hugely successful, it was a pressure to raise the barre again! But we did! I believe the success is down to the teamwork between the students. They are so supportive of one another and they really pulled together in the last few weeks particularly. It’s important to remember some of our leads had never been in a show before, or a show at Highfields at least! Some had never let their parents hear them sing before either! It was a momentous and special moment for many! I am already looking forward to producing next year's musical.�
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Year 11 Prom Miss Hamrouge
The year 11 prom was held at Alfreton Hall for another brilliant year of celebration. The evening commenced with the students arriving to school in variety of vehicles from VW campervans to Ferraris! After several verses of 'Wheels on the bus' we were welcomed at the venue with drinks and a pianist. We enjoyed a variety of stone baked pizzas prepared in the outdoor pizza oven and then finished with a disco and fireworks. The students all looked amazing and it was a fantastic event to celebrate all of the hard work over the past five years at Highfields.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Schools Angling Championship Harry (Year 8)
On Thursday 27 June three year 8 students, Josh John and myself, went to Aldercar Lane Fishery to participate in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Schools Angling Championship. It was a fantastic day for fishing and lots of fish were caught. I came 4th overall with 9.24kg (20.3lbs) which I was (and still am) very surprised about. John came 15th with 1.475kg (3.3lbs) and Josh came 19th with 0.32kg (0.7lbs). Highfields School came 5th overall which we are all really happy about. Thanks to Young Anglers, Nottingham Anglers Association, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency for making this day possible. We will definitely go back next year!
Climate Change Fundraising India (Year 8)
On Friday 12 July there was an event at lower site to raised money for Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, both of which are fighting climate change and Greenpeace is also helping to reduce plastic pollution. There were stalls such as a bake sale and tombola, which some students kindly donated to, as well as hoopla, sponge throwing and more. It was a great event and lovely to see so many students getting involved, whether it was helping out on the stalls or donating money. The total raised was ÂŁ151.66 which will be split between the two charities and will help to make a difference.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter A year in the life of Highfields Sixth Form Mrs Cruise
What a fantastic year! It has been a great year for Highfields sixth form with a wide range of trips and activities that have enriched the curriculum. The welcome social for year 12 had them stripping the willow and swinging each other in ‘do si do’s’ at a barn dance attended by over 70 students. Then in October half term year 13 students had an unforgettable visit to Iceland which involved spectacular waterfalls, volcanoes and the basalt columns on the south shore. “The Northern Lights were an amazing, awe, inspiring, once-in-alifetime sight that I will never forget. My favourite part of the trip was Gullfoss Waterfall. The views were breath-taking and fascinating, especially the vegetation icicles trapped within the rocks.”
November brought our annual Children in Need antics raising money in superhero costumes providing fun and entertainment for younger students. December was as busy as ever with our usual visit to the Denefield Court Christmas Party and a packed out Christmas Quiz at Designate to raise money for our sponsored charity Helen’s Trust.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter The Helen’s Trust ambassadors have outdone themselves throughout the year with cake sales, a fashion show and a very entertaining ‘Would I lie to you’ show in the spring term. Our Comic relief talent challenge event with a 70’s disco theme caused great hilarity and sparked intense competition between staff and students culminating in an impressive disco dance off. Sheffield continues to be a popular destination for subject trips, business studies students organised a trip to Laser Quest Sheffield and the geography department had a great evening at the crucible Theatre to see ‘Standing at the Sky’s edge.
The Geographers also enjoyed a residential fieldtrip to the Holderness Coast. The last few weeks have been action packed with biology and geology fieldwork as well as students taking part in work experience across a wide range of companies.
We said farewell to a wonderful group of students leaving year 13 and the following day welcomed our new students due to start year 12 in September ready for what promises to be another fantastic year.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
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
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: Explore BBC Bitesize Careers resources
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 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Careers, Work Experience and Enterprise Mrs Rifkin
Highfields is extremely lucky to have a local Enterprise Advisor Anne Ashman. Anne is employed by a local company MVIS, who are based in Tansley. Anne knows the school well as a parent having had three children progress through Highfields, but over the last three years has supported the school in a different way by setting Enterprise Challenges, supporting careers events and helping us create contacts with other local employers. The Enterprise Challenges have encouraged Highfields students to develop the skills needed by employers. Skills such as such teamwork, creativity, resilience and strong presentation have been developed and the work we have done through Anne has deepened the independent learning skills we foster at Highfields through the 5R’s. Anne’s links mean we are able to advertise local apprenticeships to our students and work with other local employers such as Tarmac who recently visited school to promote exciting opportunities within their industry with year 11’s. Every year our year 10 students go on work experience for two weeks in the summer term. This is an opportunity many schools have stopped, but we have worked hard to preserve at Highfields despite funding cuts. This year saw the majority of students have an incredible time in local placements and several students arranging their work experience further afield. Four placements were in London at the Metro Newspaper, Working Title, Women in Sport and the Investec Bank. We had another 15 placements around the country including companies such as Sussex and Sheffield Universities, Aviva, East Midlands Airport and Qualitas Sport. Our students benefitted greatly from their placements and as a result five students have been offered Saturday jobs and three have been offered apprenticeships to date. Some students have been invited back to their work placements to see the results of their hard work including the two students who planned a sports event with Qualitas and are going to watch it actually take place. The experiences the students were given were very diverse. One student worked with an archaeologist and he found some high-status Roman pottery. He also learnt about osteoarchaeology where he identified bones and learnt about how teeth can help assess health when looking at remains. Another helped create a video showing 10 top tips for camping at the YHA and answered questions on their Twitter site. We thank all of the employers that welcomed and supported our students for work experience. It is incredibly beneficial to our students in terms of shaping their future plans and giving them insight into the workplace. Some of the feedback we have received from employers includes:
“He has represented the school and himself impeccably. It has been a pleasure having him in the office. What a lovely young man” - Tarmac
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter “We enjoyed having her with us. She is a lovely girl and very helpful” - Matlock Library “He very much impressed myself and the other members of staff with his resilience!” - Environmental Officer Our support from Matlock Rotary Club has also helped us to support our students in their career planning and for them to fulfil individual ambitions. In recent years Matlock Rotary Club have funded visits for students to attend the National Careers Show at the NEC and have funded smaller individual projects. One member of Highfields Alumni who has really benefitted from support from the Rotary Club in her career is Jess Greatorex. Each year the Rotary give a small bursary to two students and Jess explains below about how this benefitted her “As unlikely as it sounds, I often think about the bursary and how much it helped me get to uni. The laptop I bought with the bursary lasted me all the way through - it actually conked out on me an hour after my last exam, which I thought was impeccable timing. I am currently living in Sheffield so I’m not too far away at all, and life is going well! I went to study history at the University of York. It wasn’t all plain sailing (we only had four contact hours each week, so I found all the independent study to be quite lonely) but I really enjoyed my time there and had lots of great experiences. I was in the RAF Reserves for the first two years and got to do lots of amazing things that I never imagined I would - my first trip abroad was with the RAF, for instance, and they taught me to ski and to sail. Since graduating, I’ve been working in the Civil Service and I absolutely love it (Brexit aside). I am on the Civil Service graduate scheme which involves moving departments a lot, so I have worked in the Department for Education, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Home Office so far. In DfE I worked in digital communications, making sure that everything on the GOV.UK website was accessible and helpful to students, teachers and parents. This was a lot more interesting than you might think. The average reading age of someone searching on GOV.UK is nine years old, so a lot of effort goes into making sure everything is easy to understand. Then I moved to DWP, where I worked in strategy. I did a lot of research on possible future trends that might affect the nature of work (things like the gig economy, increased automation, ageing population etc) so that was super interesting. Currently, I’m at the Home Office and in my favourite role yet! I work on Community Sponsorship, which is a scheme where community groups can get together and sponsor a vulnerable refugee family to resettle in the UK. The groups find a home for their allocated family and help them settle in, supporting them to access English lessons, schooling and healthcare, amongst other things. All of the families have been affected by the Syrian crisis so, you can imagine, it’s a really rewarding job. I get to go on visits to see how the families are settling in, so I have met some really incredible people. I also thought it might be nice to mention that the Rotary Club sparked a bit of a passion for social mobility in me... growing up, I never really thought university was an option for me. Nobody in my family had been to university and it just didn’t seem logistically possible, mainly because I had no idea how I would fund it.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter I often think about how lucky I was to go to Highfields because all the staff were incredibly supportive and taught us to be ambitious. I knew absolutely nothing about universities until you took us on the trips to the Oxbridge Conference and to the Universities of Lincoln and Birmingham. That was also why the Rotary’s bursary meant so much to me - to have somebody say that I was going to get a laptop made me feel like university was more in reach. It was one less thing to worry about. Anyway, I’m now really involved in trying to make the Civil Service more accessible to people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. More than anything, it makes sense for the Civil Service to be as diverse as the public it serves. So, I am involved in mentoring school children and interns from lower socio-economic backgrounds with the hopes it will inspire them to join. I don’t think I would have the same passion for this if the Rotary Club hadn’t done so much to help me - it’s my own way of paying it forward”. If any parents/carers are able to support us in developing our links with local or national companies, or are able to mentor one of our sixth form students who are trying to navigate their way through tough decisions about their future and future employment options we’d love to hear from you. Jess talks about how she is grateful for support and is “paying it forward”, if reading this you realise you have the capacity to do the same it would potentially mean another student will benefit as Jess has. The support from Anne and the Rotary Club is fantastic, we’d love to keep building on this. If you could support us in any way with mentoring or offering work experience placements please contact us at info@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
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
Highfields School Achieves Youth Sport Trust Silver Quality Mark Highfields School has been awarded the Youth Sport Trust Silver Quality Mark for its commitment to physical education (PE) and school sport at its school. The Quality Mark is an online self-review tool which provides schools with a nationally recognised badge of excellence for the quality of its PE and school sport. The tool supports schools to audit their PE provision and identify priorities for its development. Mr Marsh commented “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Silver Quality Mark from the Youth Sport Trust, which recognises our commitment to delivering the best possible sporting experiences for the young people at our school. There are a whole range of educational, health and wellbeing benefits from delivering high quality PE and school sport, and we see on a regular basis that when it is delivered well it can transform the lives of all students.” Schools are awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold status, which reflects its efforts in using PE and school sport to raise achievement across the school. Alison Oliver, Chief Executive at the Youth Sport Trust, said “Congratulations to Highfields School for achieving the Youth Sport Trust Silver Quality Mark. Schools which achieve the Quality Mark, share our belief in the value of high quality PE and sport and the positive impact it has on young people’s journey through education. PE and school sport helps young people to live healthy and active lives and through it, helps them achieve their personal best in school and life. We are delighted to be working with thousands of schools across the country that recognise the competitive advantage this gives to their students.” Youth Sport Trust: Wellbeing. Leadership. Achievement. The Youth Sport Trust is a national charity that is building a brighter future for young people through PE and sport. Through 20 years of experience they have developed a unique way of maximising the power of sport to grow young people, schools and communities through the development of qualities including creativity, aspiration, resilience and empathy. The Quality Mark has been aligned to Ofsted guidance supporting the PE and Sport Premium and comprises a series of straight forward benchmarking statements, where schools can select their level of provision in areas including:
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter
Overall vision of PE, physical activity and school sport Quality of PE Quality of school sport Quality of physical activity Use of PE, physical activity and sport as a catalyst for wider learning
Primary Schools Combat Sports Day 2019 On Friday 12 July the year 8 combat sports day for 2019 was held at the Arc. This event saw 22 students perform in a rotation of activities including wrestling, fencing, judo and boxing/martial arts. The students have been taking part in these disciplines over the year in lessons, so the event was to enhance their learning further. We were very thankful for the input from coaches – Trevor (British Wrestling), Sally (British Fencing) Andy (British Judo) and Paul (Snapdragons).
The students were awarded trophies and certificates and school games value bands. The event saw a visit from Mr Marsh to see how our young players were getting on.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Apprentice update From Friday 12 July - Sunday 14 July, Mr Hill, PE apprentice supported his placement school, Kirk Ireton, over the weekend at Whitehall. The level 5 PE specialism course which Mr Molyneux has completed came to a close with the assessment visit of Gareth Buckley this week. Our four apprentices have been brilliant over their time at Highfields and partner primary schools. Mr Molyneux, Mr Edenbrow and Miss Tabbenor have secured TA posts at Highfields for September and Mr Hill will be going to Sheffield University to start the course to become a secondary PE teacher running alongside a coaching post with Progressive Sports, coaching in schools in the Chesterfield area. Mrs Turner and I thank them for all their efforts and of course wish them well.
Highfields Cluster Champion awards On Thursday 11 July Mrs Allen attended the Olympic day at All Saints. During their assembly All Saints were awarded the Highfields Cluster Champion (Large School) trophy for 2018/19 by Mrs Allen. The Highfields Cluster (Small School) champion trophy for 2018/19 was awarded to Lea Primary school by Mrs Allen on Tuesday 16 July. Well done to both schools!
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter School Meals Monday 2 September– Friday 6 September
Week 3 summer menu
2019 Monday
School holiday
Tuesday
INSET day – no students in school
Wednesday
Mains
Turkey & stuffing, cheese & potato pie
Sides
Creamed Potatoes, Selection of Breads
Veg & Salads
Salad Selection, broccoli, carrots
Desserts
Rhubarb & ginger muffin, Fruit crispy bar, Shortbread slice, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Yoghurts
Thursday
Mains
Kofta meatball in masala sauce, Fresh vegetable tikka
Sides
Savoury rice, Selection of Breads
Veg & Salads
Salad Selection, Peas & sweetcorn mix
Desserts
Manchester tart, Choc cracknel, Lemon sponge, Fresh Fruit, Fruit Yoghurts
Friday
Mains
Haddock fillet, Salmon fillet, Macaroni cheese
Sides
Chips, Selection of Breads
Veg & Salads
Salad Selection, Mushy peas, Baked Beans
Desserts
Choc orange sponge, Fruit yogurt crunch, Fruit scone, 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 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter
Menu options available at morning break: Week 3 summer menu
Monday
School holiday
Tuesday
INSET day
Wednesday Bacon Bap
Thursday
Friday
Crumpets
Cold Pasta Pots
Egg Bacon Bap
Toast
Sandwiches
pizza
Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit
Teacakes
Granola Pots
Sausage bap
Teacake
Cold Pasta Pots
Egg& sausage bap
Toast
Sandwiches
Filled Naan/curry sauce
Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit
Crumpets
Granola Pots
Bacon Bap
Toast
Granola Pots
Egg Bacon Bap
Teacakes
Cold Pasta
BBQ Wraps
Toasted sandwiches
Sandwiches
Crumpets
Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Highfields School Uniform Code A strict uniform code for years 7 to 11 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 at Highfields School. Staff perform a variety of uniform checks and we ask that parents/carers support our uniform code. The uniform code below is designed to be clear. Parents/carers are encouraged to check with the school on 01629 581888 where they are unsure.
Highfields School uniform Footwear:
Shirts:
Jumpers:
Trousers / skirts:
Shoes should be black and polishable with no logos Plain black socks with trousers Plain black tights with skirts During snow and ice, students should wear footwear appropriate to the conditions.
No shoes with heels, logos/other colours/flashes appearing on the design, trainers, boots, ankle boots, canvas/fabric/suede shoes, slipon ballet shoes, flip flops, sandals or fashion shoes
Formal white shirt with stiff collar that buttons to the neck Shirts must be worn with a school clip on tie Shirts must be tucked in Or White polo shirt with school logo purchased from one of our suppliers
No fitted blouses or plain white polo shirts without school logo
Official black school jumpers with the school logo (stocked only by Kick Off Sport or Trutex) should be worn
No hoodies, jumpers or cardigans from another source with a sewn on logo The Highfields royal blue PE hoodie should only be worn during PE lessons and not around school
Plain black formal shoe-length tailored trousers (for boys and girls) or Plain black formal knee length skirt
No tight skirts, short skirts, fashion skirts, fashion trousers, skinny jeans, skinny trousers, low slung trousers, jeggings, tracksuit bottoms, chinos, combats, cords, leggings or denim of any colour, no detail on skirts or trousers such as zips, metal studs or buckles.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Jewellery:
Outdoor wear:
A single sleeper/stud in each ear and a watch
No rings, pendants, necklaces, non-school badges, festival wrist bands, ordinary wrist bands, charity wrist bands (unless sanctioned by school), facial jewellery or other body jewellery (eg nose studs, belly button piercings), tattoos (tattoos are not legally allowed until 18 years of age)
Warm weather resistant winter coat suitable for outdoor use
No leather jackets, denim jackets, hoodies (including plain black hoodies) or plain black cardigans. These items are not waterproof and will not be accepted as outdoor wear. School jumpers should be worn for warmth
Outdoor wear must be removed upon entry to the school building and stored in lockers Outdoor wear must not be worn in classrooms or during lessons
Hairstyles:
Hair should be of natural colour and not extreme in terms of style or cut Plain hair bands can be worn - no flowers or bows
Belts:
Plain black belts (without studs) can be worn to hold up trousers and not for decoration
Scarves:
Scarves should never be worn in classrooms or during lessons
Make-up:
Heavy make-up is not acceptable in school (no mascara, blusher, eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick or fake tan) No nail varnish, false nails or nail extensions are allowed Students will be issued with appropriate ‘wipes’ in order to remove heavy make-up or nail varnish
Bags:
Bags should be of a suitable size to accommodate A4 sized books, folders and other equipment
Equipment:
All students are expected to have pens, pencil, ruler, rubber, calculator and any subject specific equipment every day
Please note: Many department stores also stock the items we list as non-logo wear. Please be cautious when purchasing uniform from retailers, as many advertise and sell fashion trousers/skirts as school uniform, but not all would comply with Highfields uniform code. If you require advice before making a purchase, please contact school. Where a term is disputed (e.g. ‘skinny’ or ‘short’) a senior leader will decide whether or not clothing reflects uniform code. Full details of our uniform code can be accessed through the following link to our website: http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/uniform.html
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
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 Paul Steeples Ms Julie Birtwistle Ms Julie Lane Miss Jodie Rogers Mr Tim Smith Miss Angeline Ellson Mr David Matthews Mr Nick Newberry Mrs Sheila Evans Mr Andrew Marsh Miss Lizzy Dence
Governor Type Co-opted / Chair of Governors Co-opted / Vice Chair of Governors Co-opted Co-opted Co-opted Parent Parent Parent Local Authority Headteacher Staff
Please visit the school website for full details of the Governing Body. There is currently a vacancy for a parent governor and four co-opted governors – full details will be issued in September.
Be the best you can
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
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 39: 19 July 2019
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 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter Key Dates 2019-20 2019-20 academic year Staggered start: Wednesday 4 September 2019 – Years 7 and 9 ONLY in school (no year 8, 10, 11 or sixth form) Thursday 5 September 2019 – All students in school
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) Friday 8 May 2020* 25 May 2020 (spring bank holiday) 31 August 2020 (summer bank holiday)
INSET days (no students in school): Tuesday 3 September 2019 Friday 6 December 2019 Friday 3 July 2020 Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 July 2020
* Change to May Bank Holliday: Next year's early May bank holiday has been moved back by four days for the whole of the UK to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day. May Day was scheduled to be held on Monday 4 May but will be put back to Friday 8 May for 2020 only.
2020-21 academic year These dates are provisional and subject to change. 2020/2021 Academic Year: Term dates: 2 September 2020 to 23 October 2020 2 November to 18 December 4 January 2021 to 12 February 2021 22 February 2021 to 1 April 2021 19 April 2021 to 28 May 2021 7 June 2021 to 22 July 2021
Be the best you can
INSET days (no students in school): Dates to be confirmed
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Highfields School
Issue 39: 19 July 2019
Newsletter 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 year managers at school to update your details if you do not currently receive email communications from Highfields: Lower school site (Starkholmes): Mrs Green
Year Manager (year 7) tgreen@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mrs Weightman-Edge
Year Manager (year 8) Hweightman-edge@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Upper school site (Lumsdale): Mr Briddon
Year Manager (year 9) sbriddon@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mr Allsobrook
Year Manager (year 10) callsobrook@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mr Tidmarsh
Year Manager (year 11) dtidmarsh@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
Mrs Bumby
Pastoral Manager (sixth form) pbumby@highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk
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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