Highfields Hosts Second Successful Apprenticeship Information Evening

At Highfields, preparing students for the future is a top priority, and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to support their next steps. Last week, we proudly hosted our second Apprenticeship Information Evening, an event designed to give students and their families a deeper understanding of apprenticeship opportunities.

This tailor-made evening focused entirely on apprenticeships, exploring how they work, the wide range of career pathways available, and the benefits of gaining practical, on-the-job training while earning a qualification. Students had the valuable opportunity to meet industry professionals, ask questions, and receive personalised advice to help them take their first steps toward a successful career.

The event was a fantastic success, and we look forward to continuing to provide students with the information and opportunities they need to make informed choices about their futures.

Highfields Takes Part in British Science Week with Hands-On Learning and Live Animal Encounters

Highfields students embraced this year’s British Science Week with a range of interactive lessons and workshops focused on the theme Change and Adapt. From hands-on experiments to live animal encounters, students across all key stages explored how adaptation has shaped life on Earth and how science continues to help us evolve.

Key Stage 3 students delved into the various challenges humanity has encountered throughout history, highlighting the critical role of adaptation for survival. They investigated how technology has aided our adaptability and participated in a "Survival of the Fittest" hands-on activity, utilizing different tools to mimic bird beaks in diverse environments.

For Key Stage 4 and 5, students took part in workshops featuring advanced equipment provided by Amgen UK, a prominent global independent biotechnology firm dedicated to creating innovative medicines for serious health conditions. Through the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE), the company has introduced over a million students worldwide to hands-on biotechnology education, equipping both teachers and students with research-grade tools at no cost.

Year 13 Biology students engaged in a genetic engineering project designed by Amgen that closely aligned with their curriculum on manipulating genomes. They had the opportunity to genetically modify a DNA segment, verify its functionality using PCR, and insert it into a bacterial cell with specialised equipment typically found in university settings. This experience deepened their understanding of theoretical concepts while allowing them to enjoy the exciting aspects of scientific research!

The Amgen Biotech Experience offers an extraordinary opportunity for our students, many of whom may never encounter university-level equipment and resources. It has been a true joy to impart these skills and hopefully inspire the next generation of geneticists and science researchers.

Students in Years 9, 10, and 12 Biology participated in an introductory program focusing on the significance of measurements, and learned to use a micropipette for handling small volumes. They then completed a challenge to create an image using a set of coordinates and their micropipette.

A highlight of the week included a visit from Simon Airey, known as Animal Man, who brought his remarkable collection of animals to the school. With over 40 years of experience in educational presentations, Simon's focus on the theme of Change and Adapt was perfectly aligned with our objectives. Year 7 students were captivated by his knowledge, not only regarding the animals he showcased but also concerning the urgent need for human adaptation in response to the ongoing loss of biological diversity—a significant global issue driven by an expanding human population and rising resource demands.

Throughout the day, Simon presented to all 280 Year 7 students in three separate sessions. Students were astonished by the unique adaptations of animals, such as the Chinchilla, which possesses 80 hairs per follicle compared to humans' single hair per follicle. While beneficial, this trait has unfortunately contributed to a 90% decline in the wild Chinchilla population over the last 25 years due to hunting and habitat loss.

Simon also introduced the students to his pygmy African hedgehog, which amazed everyone with its spines made from the same protein found in human hair and nails. As the day went on, students learned about the essential role of insects in pollination, discovering that many everyday products, including chocolate, depend on these vital creatures. They were also introduced to a range of invertebrates, such as Giant Borneo stick insects, Madagascan hissing cockroaches, and Giant African millipedes. The emperor scorpions, which appeared black under visible light but glowed under UV light, left a lasting impression on the students, some of whom overcame their fear of spiders by handling various species of tarantula.

Simon’s presentation continued with fascinating tree frogs and the well-known Giant African Bullfrog, affectionately named Jabba. The finale featured an exploration of the captivating world of reptiles, where students encountered species like a baby tortoise, a Yemen Chameleon, a monitor lizard, and a selection of impressive snakes, including a boa constrictor and a Brazilian Rainbow Boa raised by our own Mr. Frost.

The students were absolutely fantastic, eager to absorb every piece of knowledge shared. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Amgen UK and Simon Airey for their support in making this week truly remarkable.

Highfields Celebrates the Life of Former Chair of Governors

On Thursday 6th March, Highfields bid a fond and final farewell to a pillar of the Highfields community, Keith Sedgebeer. Keith was a member of the local governing board for over twenty years, for most of that time serving as Chair of Governors and the Chair of the Lykos Trust board.

Keith’s was a life full of music, travel and love of education. Keith was appointed as General Inspector for Schools (Music) in Wolverhampton, having previously been Music Adviser for Hertfordshire and following a 10-year career as Head of Music Departments in Grammar and Comprehensive schools in Warwickshire and Coventry. During his time as a Music Inspector, he was presented with the ‘Most Innovative Initiatives’ Award, for his work in promoting Music Education in Special Schools and the Multi-Cultural Community. 

Keith also conducted the Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra for over 30 years, during that period they were invited every year to represent Great Britain in International Music Festivals all over Europe, both West and East. Notably, they were the first orchestra to play in East Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

In 2017 Keith won the Teacher of the Year accolade at the Express & Star’s Great Big Thank You Awards in recognition of his contribution to education in the city over four decades.

Working with Highfields, he set the culture and ethos we are so proud of today, reminding all of us of the transformative power of music and education. Although many staff and students may not have had the privilege of meeting Keith, his wisdom, experience and dedication have enriched the lives of everyone who has been a part of Highfields.

Mr Tate, Headteacher, shared his experiences of Keith, stating “Keith has seen the school through many difficult times in his same inimitable style. Everything that he has done has been unwaveringly values driven with young people at the heart of every decision, a belief in local representation and accountability and only a slight bias towards the importance of music and the arts!”.

Keith’s charm and caring nature won the hearts of many throughout his life, which was evident as Highfields staff, past and present, joined over a hundred people in attendance at the funeral last Thursday. We would like to thank Keith’s family for inviting Highfields to join them in celebrating his life.

Lastly, we would like to say a final, heartfelt thank you to Keith himself. You held a special place in the hearts of everyone here, and we will remember you with a smile, and cherish the happy times shared together.

Happy Highfields - School Named in Official Ofsted Ranking

Highfields is proud to announce that we have been recognised as one of the top 14 schools in the country for student happiness, according to Ofsted Parent View analysis (2020-2025). An incredible 99% of parents and carers reported that their child is happy at Highfields—a testament to the positive and supportive environment we strive to create every day.

This outstanding achievement is a reflection of our hardworking staff, dedicated students, and the unwavering support of parents and carers. At Highfields, we are committed to not only delivering academic success but also fostering a school community where every student feels happy, healthy, and valued.

Seeing these results only strengthens our motivation to continue developing a thriving and happy Highfields community. Thank you to everyone who makes our school such a fantastic place to learn and grow!

A Thrilling Reward - Year 11 Watch 'An Inspector Calls'

A group of Highfields Year 11 students were given the opportunity to watch Stephen Daldry's adaptation of 'An Inspector Calls' at the Wolverhampton Grand last week. The reward was offered to students who had taken part in the HSWV English Revision Podcast, drama students and pupils who have been working hard in their English lessons! Our Y11's represented the school well and were intrigued by the set design. This was a brilliant opportunity for pupils to see the production come to life and gave them their own opportunity to 'inspect' the Birling family. Read a review from one of our pupils below.

“An Inspector Calls” at the Grand Theatre - Poppy Vaghela

Lights were all on the street of Brumley, set in 1912, the Birling’s house loomed over an Edwardian style street. I had expected the whole stage to simply be the Birling’s dining room where Priestley set “An Inspector Calls” but uniquely enough it was the Brumley streets that lay in front of me and perched in the middle was the beautiful Birling house. Interestingly, the production began with children running round the streets. I was captivated by the setting’s stunning symbolism, the house towered above the street’s slums perfectly embodying the hierarchy of class system of the time.

The play begins from outside of the Birling household, we can hear the faint proposal of Shelia and Gerald’s engagement. Voices grow louder and peering through the windows we hear Mr. Birlings famous capitalistic speech. Setting the scene as a view from the house outside highlights how sheltered the upper-class life of the Birling family is and viewing it from afar makes it look like a dollhouse, which could be a metaphor for their perceivably perfect life.

From stage-left enters the Inspector... Mysteriously dressed in dark clothes and a black hat, he speaks no words. He instead waits in front of the house as Mr. Birling declares his selfish views. The Inspector’s silence builds tension as he struts in front of the house nearing the door. The actor moves slowly, taking his time to open the door making it all the more dramatic when he does. With a great air of moral superiority, he knocks, and, in an instant, the house opens up. All at once the stage is set and the interrogations begin.

One line of inquiry at a time, we see the characters torn apart by the Inspectors weighty words. Each investigation more dramatic than the last and with each character’s responsibility revealed the stage begins to crumble. Using the stage to emphasize dramatic events was extremely effective and highlights the drama in each interrogation. With the house opened up, the scenes seem to take place lower down on stage, thankfully not behind the wall of their dollhouse. Perhaps this was used to symbolize how all the characters are taken down from their high positions and made equal with the Brumley community when the Inspector disrupts the traditional class system views.

The show perfectly pours emotion into the words of the play. Watching it was intriguing, enjoyable and worthwhile. The slight tweaks to the setting emphasize drama and make the play extremely immersive. Overall, I recommend watching this interesting production and give it five moral stars.'

Amazing Authors and Hidden Heroes - Highfields Celebrates World Book Day

Thursday 6 March was World Book Day and as well as ensuring £1 book tokens went out to every year 7 and 8 student, Highfields saw a whole host of activities and events across the week, including book swaps, quizzes, word searches, scavenger hunts and the battle of Book Vs Film.

We had the return of the staff lanyard hunt, with twenty members of staff harbouring fugitives from the library- book characters who were on the loose! Congratulations to Rosie Tyrer-Wylde in 7C who was the first to complete the challenge! Our lower school students also put their creative skills to the test in English lessons by turning either a wooden person bookmark into a favourite book character, or a miniature wooden door into a doorway to their favourite book world. There were some brilliant interpretations of different books and characters, and the students really enjoyed the task. Several of their pieces were donated and can now be seen on display in the library.

The Readathon is also back! Year 7 are being challenged to read as much as possible in two weeks, while raising money through sponsorship for the charity Read for Good. Parents can help support students in their reading not only by sponsoring them, but by discussing their reading list and target, or by reading along with them.

As an exciting new event for World Book Day, Highfields was pleased to welcome local author Charlie Hill to host an event with hard working year 7 and 8 students. Several students purchased copies of Charlie’s book, The Burning Sword, which he was kind enough to sign for them, and as part of the workshop the whole group were challenged to come up with ideas for a short story. There were so many brilliant ideas being shared, some of them very prescient, from murder mysteries and romances to conspiring governments and the dangers of AI and self-driving cars!

Finally settling on two young people who travel to an island to investigate a virus cloud that seems to take over people’s minds, our students were given the task to go and write a short story based on that concept.

“I was incredibly pleased with the success of our author event this year, the students involved came up with some really interesting ideas for short stories and I look forward to reading any that are finished and submitted to the library. I imagine Charlie Hill has inspired a few of our budding authors to keep working, keep practicing, and keep pushing to improve their skills. I was also impressed by the doors and characters students have created, they will certainly make the library brighter”

-          Miss Hallam, Librarian

“It was lovely to see how excited students were in completing the lanyard hunt and having discussions about the books/characters with members of staff. There was real buzz in the library with lots of students bringing in their book swap tokens, happy to be selecting and taking home their 'new' books.

English staff said how engaged their classes were with the classroom activities which allowed students to be creative whilst also discussing the books they have enjoyed, either as a child or now. All of Year 7 and 8 understood the importance of the World Book Day charity and how they might 'read in their own way' to read for fun. A fantastic day had by all!”

-          Miss Squire, Head of Year 7 and 8 English

The deadline for the Readathon is Friday 21 March, with a donation submission deadline of Friday 28 March. Anyone who would like to sponsor a year 7 can make their donation at https://readathon.my.salesforce-sites.com/sponsor/R4G_SponsorPupilFindSchool1

Details on where to spend book tokens can be found at https://www.worldbookday.com/books-and-tokens/books/participating-retailers/

Year 11 Get Their Ducks in a Row with 'Plan To Succeed Day'

Amid the whirlwind of academic preparation, Highfields held its much-anticipated annual Plan to Succeed Day—an event dedicated to equipping Year 11 students with essential strategies for mastering their upcoming GCSE exams. The day was packed with insightful workshops and interactive activities, all designed to enhance revision techniques and deepen students' understanding of effective learning.

Eager students participated in sessions that demystified the revision process, focusing on the 4Rs approach—Revisit, Reduce, Rehearse, Recall. These workshops provided practical tools to refine study habits and improve knowledge retention, ensuring students were well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Beyond revision strategies, the event also emphasised time management, stress reduction, and the importance of self-care during exam season. Armed with newfound confidence and a structured approach to their studies, students left feeling motivated and ready to tackle their exams with determination.

A standout moment of the day was the distribution of mini rubber ducks, each carrying the playful yet powerful message: "Don't duck out of your revision." This lighthearted symbol served as a reminder of the commitment and perseverance needed for academic success.

Reflecting on the event’s impact, a spokesperson commented, "Plan to Succeed Day is a cornerstone of our Year 11 programme, providing students with the skills and mindset needed to excel. By fostering proactive revision habits, we aim to prepare them not just for exams, but for lifelong learning."

As Year 11 students enter the final stretch of their GCSE journey, Highfields extends its heartfelt support. With resilience, dedication, and the strategies gained from Plan to Succeed Day, they are well-equipped to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.

With exams on the horizon, the entire Highfields community stands behind its students, cheering them on every step of the way. Backed by dedicated teachers, supportive peers, and a strong revision toolkit, they are ready to rise to the challenge and embrace the bright future that lies ahead.

Celebrating the Wonderful Women of Highfields

At Highfields, every day is an opportunity to celebrate achievement, dedication, and community—and this week is no exception. In honour of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, our DiverseCity Club students have created a special display to recognise some of the fantastic women who help make Highfields the incredible place it is.

From teachers and support staff to catering and cleaning teams, these strong, intelligent, and remarkable women work tirelessly every day to educate, support, and care for our students. Their dedication helps create an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

While every member of our school community is an essential piece of the Highfields puzzle, this week, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all the women who inspire us, support us, and make a difference every single day.

Happy International Women’s Day from everyone at Highfields!

Highfields Receives Life-Saving Bleed Control Kit Donation in Memory of Local Resident

Highfields School has been kindly donated a Bleed Control Kit by local resident Mrs Valerie Hutchings, in memory of her late husband, Dave. This generous contribution provides a vital addition to the school’s first aid resources, helping to enhance emergency response capabilities.

A Bleed Control Kit is designed to provide life-saving treatment in cases of severe bleeding. It contains essential items such as super-absorbent dressings, haemostatic dressings, foil blankets, a resuscitation face shield, and a tourniquet. From January 2026, all first aid courses will include specific training on how to use these kits, ensuring more people have the skills to respond effectively in critical situations.

The kit will be kept in the main school reception, where it will be accessible to staff, students, and even members of the public in an emergency during school hours.

Members of our Sixth Form Leadership Team—Head Girl Khushi and Deputy Head Students Kyle and Aoife - were honoured to welcome Mrs Hutchings to Highfields and learn more about the importance of the Bleed Control Kit. They showed great enthusiasm in understanding how the equipment could be used to save lives.

Highfields School extends its deepest gratitude to Mrs Hutchings for her thoughtful donation, which will serve as an invaluable resource for both the school and the wider community.

Highfields Students Get a Taste of the Culinary World for National Careers Week

As part of National Careers Week, Head Chef James St-Clair and Pastry Chef Bella from Hoar Cross Hall visited Highfields on a bright and sunny Tuesday morning to inspire and engage our Year 9 Food Technology students.

James wowed the class with a showcase of seasonal spring/summer desserts, including a white chocolate and strawberry tart, elegantly finished with a red tuille biscuit. The students had the fantastic opportunity to watch the chefs in action, ask insightful questions, and explore potential apprenticeships within the hospitality industry.

It was a morning full of culinary delights, giving students a first-hand look at the skills, creativity, and career opportunities within professional kitchens. A huge thank you to James and Bella for sharing their expertise and inspiring our young chefs of the future!