Cooking up a storm: Highfields welcomes professional chef.

Year 10 students were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience as James, the head chef from the prestigious four-star Hoar Cross Hall, visited Highfields. The session showcased professional techniques and skills that left the students inspired and eager to learn more about the world of gastronomy.

James led the students in preparing a range of exciting dishes, demonstrating advanced techniques such as pastry-making, fish preparation, and meat filleting. Under his expert guidance, the students explored the precision, creativity, and passion required in professional kitchens.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience, gaining invaluable insights into the culinary arts. The visit enhanced their practical skills and gave them a glimpse into the possibilities of a career in the hospitality industry.

As a department, we are excited about building on this experience and look forward to welcoming more professionals to share their expertise with our vocational students. A huge thank you to Chef James and Hoar Cross Hall for inspiring the next generation of culinary talent!

New York, New York - Year 13 take on the Big Apple

Eighteen Year 13 students, accompanied by four dedicated staff members, recently embarked on a spectacular four-day adventure to the heart of the Big Apple: New York City. The trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and vibrancy of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Each day was packed with activity, with students exploring the city on foot, taking in breathtaking sights, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Central Park: Students enjoyed the serenity of the park’s peaceful paths amidst the bustling cityscape.

• New York Rangers Game: The electrifying atmosphere of an ice hockey game was a thrilling introduction to American sports.

• Broadway Show: Experiencing the magic of Broadway brought awe and inspiration.

• Statue of Liberty: A ferry ride to see this global symbol of freedom was a poignant and memorable moment.

• 9/11 Memorial: A time for reflection and paying respects at this powerful site of remembrance.

• One World Observatory: Breathtaking views from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

• Brooklyn Bridge: A picturesque walk across this historic landmark offered stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Empire State Building: Ascending the iconic structure was a true bucket-list moment.

This exhilarating journey gave our students a taste of New York’s dynamic energy, providing them with cultural enrichment and unforgettable memories as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.

We’re proud to offer our students such life-changing opportunities, ensuring their time at Highfields is filled with extraordinary experiences. New York, you were incredible!

Support Highfields while you shop!

Highfields School is thrilled to be supported by the Co-Op Local Community Fund, an incredible programme that helps fund initiatives across the UK in partnership with local causes. During the pandemic, the Co-Op fund raised nearly £5,000 for Highfields, enabling us to purchase new microphones for our school shows, enriching both the students’ performances and the audience’s experience. Now, with the upcoming production of The Addams Family, we are reaching out once again to ask for your support.

Our Lykos Academy Musical Theatre Group has brought outstanding performances to our community, from Matilda and Hairspray to SpongeBob the Musical. These shows are a beloved part of Highfields life, filling our school with joy and allowing students to develop valuable skills—teamwork, self-discipline, and creativity—that reach far beyond the stage. Funding from initiatives like the Co-Op Local Community Fund helps us provide the equipment and resources our students need to grow their talents and make each production even more memorable.

Your support can make a huge impact, not only enhancing the quality of our shows but also bolstering our performing arts education for years to come. Plus, by supporting Lykos Academy Musical Theatre Group, the Co-Op will give you the chance to be a winner yourself! Click the button below to find out more and make a difference in the lives of our young performers.

Thank you for helping us keep the arts alive at Highfields!

Not so long ago in a museum far, far away. . . .

Our Year 9 Film Studies students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational day out, visiting the Sky Academy at Sky Studios in Elstree and making a quick stop at the National Sci-Fi Museum in Milton Keynes. This unique opportunity provided students with firsthand experience in both high-tech filmmaking and the artistry behind some of the most iconic sci-fi movies.

At Sky Studios, students got to work in professional TV studios, using state-of-the-art digital technology to produce their own scripted drama. With the support of Sky’s expert team and access to incredible studio equipment, their creative visions took shape on screen within hours. The experience offered an inspiring look into the screen industry, helping students develop new skills and understanding of professional media production.

The trip also included a visit to the National Sci-Fi Museum, where students explored an impressive collection of props, costumes, and memorabilia from legendary sci-fi films. Here they were transported to faraway galaxies, battles at Helm’s Deep, war games in Westeros and sent ‘Back to the Future’. Seeing the creativity and craftsmanship involved in “movie magic” left students inspired to take on new challenges in their Year 9 film projects.

A huge thank you to Sky Academy and the National Sci-Fi Museum for providing an unforgettable day! We can’t wait to see where this inspiration leads as students continue exploring film throughout the year.

Year 8 and Year 9 Engage in Powerful Theatre Experience with Gazebo Theatre Company

On Tuesday, October 22nd, Year 9 and Year 8 students at Highfields were captivated by a Theatre in Education performance from the Gazebo Theatre Company. In a morning performance for Year 9 and an afternoon showing for Year 8, Gazebo brought an intense and thought-provoking piece to life, tackling complex issues like peer pressure, the dangers of gang involvement, county lines, and the difficult consequences of risky choices.

The production was exceptionally well-acted, immersing students in a storyline that challenged them to reflect on these topics. In an interactive twist, students were invited to suggest potential outcomes for the characters and offer practical solutions for seeking help and escaping difficult situations. This interactive element engaged the students deeply, encouraging them to think critically about real-world scenarios and how to handle them.

Both year groups showed maturity and insight, especially in the concluding Q&A session, where they shared thoughtful ideas and asked insightful questions. This powerful experience served as an enriching cross-curricular opportunity, blending Drama and Citizenship for Key Stage 3, and offering students not just a memorable performance but important life lessons.

A huge thank you to Gazebo Theatre Company for this impactful production, which left a lasting impression on our students.

Highfields marks Mental Health Awareness Day with colour and compassion

At Highfields, we are deeply committed to providing our students with not only academic success but also emotional support, ensuring their mental health is always a priority. To promote World Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10th, we organised a vibrant and meaningful day filled with activities to remind students and staff about the importance of looking out for one another.

Staff members participated by wearing an item of yellow, a colour that symbolises hope and positivity in mental health awareness. The day’s events included a spirited game of dodgeball in the sports hall during lunch, and yellow sweets were sold to raise awareness for mental health causes. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, fun, and a crucial message about reaching out when times get tough.

In 2023, one in five children and young people in England aged 8 to 25 were reported to have a probable mental health disorder. At Highfields, we take this statistic seriously and aim to make a difference in the lives of our students. Mental Health Awareness Day provided a perfect opportunity to remind students and parents of the support systems we have in place.

Our safeguarding team works tirelessly to support students, alongside our highly qualified in-house counsellors, who offer personalised one-on-one and group sessions. We are proud of our dedicated staff who are always ready to lend a helping hand and listen.

If you would like to learn more about how to support your child's mental health, please refer to the flyer linked below. And always remember, it's okay to ask for help—reaching out is the first step.

Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all our students.

Students and Staff Celebrate Diwali

During form time this week, students have been reflecting on the story of both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, considering how light can always overcome darkness. Students were also asked to create their own message of positivity and look at how these two important occasions are marked. Messages from students and staff were written on to colourfully decorated lamps, which were displayed in reception. 

A message from Mrs Stanley, writing “As a school, we place high importance on acknowledging commemorations such as Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. The stories relating to these celebrations can remind people of all backgrounds that we must protect one another and always aim to promote fairness and equality."

Celebrations were held in school, as well as marking the occasion with delicious Indian food for KS3 and KS4 students. Miss Kaur & Mrs Suleman said “Diwali is such an important celebration to so many students and staff in school. It was lovely to see so many students across school participate in the sharing of messages and everyone coming together at lunch time to enjoy divine menu we had."

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas from all at Highfields and from the DiverseCity team!

"To you I am bound for life and education". - Students review Shakespeare's Othello

Last week some of our A-Level English Literature students had the opportunity to watch Othello at the RSC Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Being a set text, this was a brilliant and invaluable experience for our students who represented the school immaculately and responded brilliantly to the play itself. Please read some snippets of reviews below written by our talented students!

The direction was skillful with the interval being after Othello is convinced by Iago that Desdemona has been cheating on him with Cassio, creating tension as we wonder how Othello will respond to this. Furthermore, Desdemona’s final full scene alive consists of her maids undressing her ready for bed while a golden light illuminates and emphasises that she has no secrets. Yet, tragically, Othello will not realise this until it's too late when he kills himself to join her in death, symbolised by the very same box used to open the play, perhaps symbolising the cyclical nature of jealousy that will never be quenched. - Lucy

Juliet Rylance’s portrayal emphasises Desdemona’s increasing isolation as Othello’s trust erodes under Iago’s manipulation. Anastasia Hille’s Emilia offers a different, more hardened perspective on the limitations placed on women. Her cynical understanding of men and the power they hold over women is apparent when she speals about the unequal treatment women receive. Hille has a empowering voice that demands attention on her, highlighting her powerful, newly progressive views on women and demonstrates similar issues regarding society today outside the walls of the theatre. The relationship between the two women is clearly established as Emilia helps Desdemona get undressed and ready for bed and the characters including caring acts like taking down her hair highlights the female bond between the two. However, I do wish that this production explored the friendship between the two women deeper as not many close interactions are seen between the two women. - Lizzy

The pacing of the play is electric, with dramatic twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Shakespeare’s masterful use of soliloquies allows us to delve into the minds of the characters, especially Iago, whose motivations and manipulations are as chilling as they are fascinating. The portrayal of Desdemona was particularly striking to me; she embodied true strength and become a beacon of power as a tragic victim of deceit, whilst the complexity of Othello’s character is equally compelling. However, we may want to question, should the play be named Iago or Othello? You may need to watch the play to discover. - Sophie

Romeo who? A student review of '& Juliet'

Highfields School recently organised an unforgettable trip to see the musical “& Juliet” at the Grand Theatre, which was an enriching experience for all involved. As a Year 9 student navigating my GCSE drama studies, this outing allowed me to immerse myself in the world of theatre and ignited my passion for acting even further.

From the moment we entered the theatre, the electric atmosphere was palpable. The Grand Theatre’s stunning architecture and vibrant ambiance set the perfect backdrop. As the lights dimmed and the music began, I felt a rush of excitement. The performances were spectacular—each actor brought their character to life with authenticity and energy, captivating both me and my classmates. The innovative storyline, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, explored themes of love, identity, and self-discovery that resonated deeply.

Witnessing such a vibrant performance inspired me to appreciate the complexities of acting. The emotional depth, clever staging, and powerful choreography enhanced our understanding of drama far beyond the classroom. This trip fostered a sense of community among my classmates, as we shared thoughts and impressions after the show, reinforcing that theatre is a collective experience.

As I navigate my GCSE drama studies, opportunities like this make me feel supported and motivated. The experience reminded me that pursuing a career in acting is a achievable goal. The trip deepened my appreciation for theatre and reinforced my belief that with passion and dedication, I can turn my dreams into reality. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future adventures in theatre!

Written by Patience

Highfields Students Shine in World Poetry Day Competition

In celebration of World Poetry Day, three talented Year 9 students from Highfields took part in a local schools poetry competition hosted by Wolverhampton Grammar School. The event coincided with Black History Month, and the special guest judge, G.M. Linton, shared her personal journey to becoming a writer while reflecting on her heritage and her family’s legacy as part of the Windrush generation.

Highfields was proudly represented by Nia, Patience, and Anvi, who performed their original poems on the theme of heritage. Each student delivered powerful pieces, expressing what heritage means to them, and they were exceptional ambassadors for our school.

The competition was intense, but Highfields stood out. Anvi's poem was highly commended in the Years 8-9 category for its insight and creativity. In a particularly proud moment for the school, Nia won the main prize, earning high praise from the judges for her extraordinary ability to communicate her thoughts and emotions so vividly.

We are incredibly proud of Nia, Patience, and Anvi for their participation and achievements. Their heartfelt poems captured the essence of heritage and identity, and we encourage anyone interested to read these award-winning pieces, which are attached here.

Congratulations to all three students for their inspiring work and for representing Highfields with such creativity and passion!