Mischief Managed - Students discover the magic behind the scenes

A group of Highfields film enthusiasts were given a fantastic opportunity on Friday 28th February, as they attended the Pinewood Futures Festival, held at the legendary Pinewood Studios. The event is the largest careers fair in Europe for those aspiring to work in the TV and film industry, bringing together some of the biggest names in cinema.

Students had the chance to engage with industry giants, including The Walt Disney Studios, Industrial Light & Magic, The British Film Institute, and Actors Studio. From prop making and set design to costume creation and studio surveying, they explored the vast and exciting careers available in film and television production. A particular highlight was stepping into a life-sized set recreation of a lush, enchanted forest, complete with the Mad Hatter hosting a whimsical tea party at its centre.

As if that wasn’t enough, the group then made their way to Harry Potter World, where they immersed themselves in the magic of the wizarding world. Students stepped inside the Hogwarts Express, posed for photos while chasing the elusive Golden Snitch, window shopped in Diagon Alley, and even hunted Horcruxes in Gringotts Bank.

The experience was truly inspirational, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the industry they love while opening their eyes to potential future careers in film and television.

Life is the bubbles! - Highfields presents 'The Little Mermaid Jr'

Highfields School dove into the new half term with a splash, as our talented Lower School students took to the stage to perform ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’. Based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen and Disney’s beloved adaptation, the production brought to life the enchanting story of a mermaid’s sacrifices for love and acceptance.

As always, the sheer abundance of talent at Highfields meant that many roles were double, triple, and even quadruple cast—because while one mermaid is wonderful, four is truly magical! Audiences were transported to mysterious fathoms below, where they were treated to so-fish-ticated dancing, bewitching melodies, and plenty of laughs.

A huge thank you to our incredible students for their dedication, energy, and talent in delivering such a spectacular show. We can’t wait to see where your next theatrical adventure takes us!

Work hard, play hard - Year 11 stay at Condover Hall

With the pressure of upcoming exams looming, Year 11 students at Highfields were invited to take part in a unique and revitalising experience designed to balance intensive study with much-needed relaxation. The school organised a residential study weekend at Condover Hall, offering students a refreshing change of environment while ensuring they remained focused on their GCSE preparation.

Nestled in the heart of picturesque countryside, Condover Hall provided the ideal setting for a weekend that blended learning with leisure. Students swapped their usual classroom routine for a range of activities, including aerial rope courses, trapeze, archery tag and an indoor game of laser tag. These exhilarating challenges not only offered a welcome break from academic demands but also encouraged teamwork, resilience, and a spirit of adventure.

Despite the emphasis on outdoor pursuits, academic study remained a key part of the weekend. Students dedicated focused time to revising core subjects such as Maths and English, benefiting from an immersive learning environment free from everyday distractions. With renewed energy and motivation, they approached their studies with fresh determination.

As the weekend drew to a close, students celebrated their achievements with a lively disco, bringing the experience to a joyous conclusion. Laughter, music, and camaraderie filled the air, marking the end of a weekend packed with valuable lessons and unforgettable moments.

As they return to their studies, Highfields wishes them continued success and perseverance. With memories of adventure and teamwork to inspire them, they are well-equipped to tackle their GCSEs with confidence and determination.

Beyond the horizon: Highfields Students Shine at STEM Enrichment Day at RAF Cosford

A group of Highfields students had the incredible opportunity to take part in a STEM Enrichment Day at RAF Cosford, organised by the Jon Egging Trust. The event provided hands-on experiences and inspiring insights into science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) careers, with contributions from industry experts.

The day began with engaging mini-lectures from representatives of the NSA, CAA, and the RAF Museum, who shared their STEM backgrounds and career journeys. Students then moved on to interactive workshops, tackling the challenges of space exploration. They learned about thrust, temperature, and pressure and even got the rare chance to interact with an actual Soviet Russian space suit and solar panels from the Hubble Space Telescope.

One of the highlights of the day was the Mars Rover Drop Challenge, where students worked in teams of four to design and build a landing system to protect a Mars rover. With a limited budget and a strict time frame, every Highfields group successfully completed the challenge, ensuring their rovers landed safely—demonstrating both creativity and scientific problem-solving skills.

To round off the experience with an explosive finale, students constructed their own bottle rockets. Their efforts were recognised when Highfields was awarded ‘Most Creative Rocket Design of the Day’, a fantastic testament to their ingenuity and teamwork.

Throughout the day, students showed enthusiasm, engagement, and determination, representing Highfields School brilliantly. The experience not only deepened their understanding of STEM concepts but also inspired them to consider future careers in these exciting fields.

A huge thank you to the Jon Egging Trust and RAF Cosford for hosting such a fantastic event!

From Ludwig to Lightsabers - A Live Orchestral Performance

On 11th February, a group of Year 10 and Year 12 music students from Highfields had the exciting opportunity to experience the magic of a live orchestral performance at The Halls, Wolverhampton. Organised by Wolverhampton Music Service (WMS), the concert aimed to educate Key Stage 3 students from across the city on the evolution of orchestral music through the ages.

The performance took the audience on a musical journey through history, from the iconic opening notes of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5—composed in 1808—to John Williams’ powerful score from Star Wars. Each piece showcased how orchestral music has developed over the centuries, bringing classical masterpieces and cinematic scores to life.

The concert featured talented musicians from Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra and rising stars from Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra, demonstrating the city’s vibrant musical talent.

Our students left the event inspired, having gained a deeper understanding of orchestral music and the importance of live performance in bringing history to life.

Highfields would like to extend its thanks to Wolverhampton Music Service for organising such a memorable event and providing our students with this fantastic cultural experience.

Highfields won't take this gift for granite!

Llandrinio’s school outdoor activity centre is set to benefit from a much-needed car park resurfacing, thanks to a generous donation from Heidelberg Materials (Criggion Quarry) The contribution will provide a safer and more accessible space for visitors, staff, and students attending outdoor education programs.

The improved surface will enhance accessibility, ensuring a better experience for all who use the facility. A spokesperson for Heidelberg Materials said,

“We are proud to support local initiatives that benefit the community, and we hope this upgrade will make a real difference for those visiting the centre.”

The school has expressed its gratitude for the support, highlighting the positive impact this will have on students and outdoor learning activities.

Expedition Excellence: The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Evening

On Thursday 6th February , Highfields school hosted its annual Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards Evening, celebrating the incredible achievements of our young participants. The event recognised the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of the students who completed their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Mr Moody, who highlighted the importance of the DofE program in fostering essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. The audience were treated to tales of students' experiences who shared their unique journeys, challenges, and the sense of accomplishment they felt upon completion.

A highlight of the night was the presentation of certificates and badges presented to the participants by  Rose Cook-Monk, a celebrated charity worker for the West Midlands, amid applause and cheers from proud family members, friends, and mentors.

 A captivating slideshow highlighting thrilling expeditions through challenging terrain was enjoyed by all. Special congratulations went to Kendrick, Erin, Rhihannah, Kyle, Sarah, Aoife, and Kyrun, who will have the honor of visiting Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Award.

Special guest Rose Cook-Monk , delivered an uplifting keynote address, emphasising the value of perseverance and community service. Their words left a lasting impression on the audience, encouraging the young awardees to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and express our gratitude to the volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make the DofE program possible. We look forward to seeing even more young people take on this life-changing challenge in the coming year.

Here’s to another year of inspiring journeys and remarkable accomplishments!

Highfields Students Join Wolverhampton Youth Council to Shape the City’s Future

Highfields students Poppy and Joseph are stepping up to help shape the future of Wolverhampton after being selected to join the City of Wolverhampton Youth Council. They will work alongside 47 other young representatives from schools across the city, who were recently announced at an official event in the Council Chambers.

In their new roles, Poppy and Joseph will act as ambassadors for the voice of young people, encouraging their peers to engage with the community and participate in local decision-making. They will collaborate with the City of Wolverhampton Council’s directors and support Wolverhampton’s two Youth Members of Parliament (Youth MPs) to address the key issues affecting young people in the city.

Harleen Nahal, Chair of the Youth Council, said:
"We are committed to ensuring that young people’s ideas, concerns, and aspirations are not only heard but embedded into decisions that affect their lives. With the support of our dedicated participation officers, we will continue to co-produce policies, services, and initiatives in collaboration with members of the council to create change that reflects the needs of Wolverhampton’s youth and help make Wolverhampton an even better place for the future."

Everyone at Highfields would like to offer huge congratulations to Poppy and Joseph. Their dedication to making a difference—both here at Highfields and across Wolverhampton—is truly inspiring. We are excited to see all the incredible things they will achieve in their roles on the Youth Council.

Inspiring Futures - Highfields Careers Fair

On 29th January, Highfields School welcomed students, parents, and carers to its annual Careers Fair and Year 9 Course Choice Evening. With over 50 exhibitors in attendance, the event provided invaluable insights into future education and career pathways.

The Careers Fair brought together a diverse range of local and national employers, colleges, apprenticeship and training providers, and universities. More than just an information-sharing event, it served as a platform for fostering connections and inspiring aspirations.

Students had the opportunity to engage with industry representatives, gaining firsthand knowledge of various career options and the skills and qualifications needed for success. From apprenticeships to university degrees, the fair catered to the wide-ranging ambitions of Highfields students.

Parents and carers played an active role, joining their children in discussions with exhibitors. The event created a supportive environment for families to explore options together, ensuring students receive the guidance they need to make well-informed decisions about their futures.

Running alongside the Careers Fair, the Year 9 Course Choice Evening provided essential guidance as students considered their academic journey at Highfields. Attendees explored the broad range of subjects available, helping them make informed choices about their future studies.

This combination of events created a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, empowering students to make confident decisions about their education and careers. By bringing together a wealth of exhibitors and resources, Highfields School reaffirmed its commitment to supporting students in their aspirations.

Highfields at the Hilton

Hospitality & Catering students at Highfields recently enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Hilton St. George’s Park, the 5-star luxury hotel and home of England’s football team training ground. The visit provided valuable insight into the various front and back-of-house departments, giving students a real-world perspective on hotel operations and the luxury guest experience.

The day began with an informative presentation on careers and progression routes in the hospitality industry, inspiring students to explore future opportunities. They then got hands-on with practical activities, including towel origami, chocolate writing, and crafting raspberry daiquiri mocktails—experiencing hospitality in action.

To round off the visit, students engaged in an ‘Ask the Experts’ panel, where staff from food and beverage, housekeeping, and front-of-house departments shared their knowledge and answered questions to support the students’ Unit 1 exam preparation. A guided tour of the hotel and grounds completed the immersive experience.

The visit was both educational and inspiring, providing students with a deeper understanding of the industry. A fantastic experience that showcased the exciting possibilities within Hospitality & Catering!