School Production: Oliver!

Once again our Performing Arts team produced the goods in their recent production of Oliver, February 26th to March 1st.

Oliver was the choice of the students and decided upon twelve months ago, before they had even completed Joseph! It was a good choice and the show was sold out for all three performances!

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Highfields productions are always a delight for students and audiences because they include so many students working closely with a range of staff. The cast, stage crew and musicians ranged from Year 7 to Year 13 and it was great to see how much they worked as a team supporting and encouraging each other. It is sad that we will be losing some leading lights, who will be taking up university places in the Autumn, but wonderful to see some huge talent coming up through the ranks.

The cast, band and stage crew all attended a matinee of West Side Story at the Birmingham Alexandra Theatre as a reward for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. We look forward to next year’s production!

To see photographs from Oliver, and other performances at Highfields, go to: www.hswv.org.uk/school-performances

Highfields Hosts Cue Zone Into Schools 'Steve Davis Day'

The ‘Cue Zone into Schools’ initiative was introduced at Highfields in April 2013 by Sports/PE teacher Mr T. Rowley. It aims to increase grassroots participation in snooker whilst also developing students’ mathematical abilities through a version of the game known as functional snooker.

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The Snooker Day was held in our Sports Hall

We were supplied with four six foot tables which are all used at lunchtimes to teach students the game of snooker. In addition there is a coaching session, after school, every Tuesday led by professional snooker coach Andy Highfield, a former Highfields student.

Challenge Winner, Jack Gibson, photographed receiving his award from Steve Davis. Jacks prize was a flat screen HD TV!

Cue Zone’s first year at Highfields culminated in a fantastic event led by six times world champion Steve Davis. 64 Highfields students participated in a snooker tournament and were given the opportunity to play a frame against Steve. They also took part in a ’60 second challenge’ to pot as many reds as possible in one minute.  Jack Gibson won this challenge and was awarded with a flat screen HD television!

It was a very different and thoroughly enjoyable day with students and Mr Rowley featuring on BBC Midlands Today and BBC Radio WM. Cue Zone were delighted with the event and spoke very highly of Highfields’ staff and students and their participation in the event.

You can watch the video on the BBC Midlands Today Facebook page:
 

Building on the success of the day...

Cue Zone will continue to run and hopefully grow in numbers; our latest aim is to increase female participation. Snooker has now been added to the BTEC Level 2 Course Unit ‘Practical Sports Performance’ where students will be required to learn the intricacies of the game and show a clear understanding of the rules and regulations.

Amnesty International Workshop

On Tuesday 4th of March, twenty students from year 10 took part in a workshop with a representative from Amnesty International. The workshop was focused on women’s rights across the world with a particular focus on the current debate about women’s rights in Egypt.

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As well as taking part in an interactive workshop contextualising the impact of the struggle for equal rights for women in Egypt, students drafted formal letters to their local MP, Paul Uppal, asking him to make contact with Egyptian politicians. Students were given a real insight into how organisations like Amnesty can bring real political change across the world, as well as offering them a real life context to apply the work they have done across English and Citizenship.

The students who participated in the workshop were selected as part of Highfields' programme for the Most Able students. We are working to provide opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, to stretch and challenge our Most Able students. We believe that this real-life and enriching experience will encourage greater engagement with the curriculum and an increased drive to succeed, which will have a positive impact across the school.

“We really enjoyed the visit from Amnesty and hope to hold many more events in the future- watch this space!”

— Miss Davies, English Teacher

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www.amnesty.org.uk

What is Amnesty International?

Amnesty International is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organisation. They are a non-governmental organisation focused on human rights with over 3 million members and supporters around the world. They work to protect men, women and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

Young Curators: Introducing the Team

The Young Curators Programme was set up at the end of October last year and since then we have been hard at work.
 

We have had fortnightly meetings discussing what we want to do with the gallery space, and have come up with the exhibitions we are going to hold. We have been discussing a name for the gallery since the Programme started and, with much deliberation, we are at a stage where we have a clever, unique gallery name and a professional logo to go with it. Additionally, we have drafted and branded the brief and criteria to send out to artists for submission of their work for the exhibition; therefore we have made great progress since we started.

However, there is still much to be done, there are many elements of the exhibition yet to plan, all of which must be completed to a strict deadline. These objectives include elements such as planning the launch party and finalising the entire brief, then sending it out to a variety of art representatives. Once we have received all of the artwork we will have the task of installing the artwork into the gallery space.
 

Meet the Team...

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Aaliyah, Year 10

My name is Aaliyah and I’m in year 10 and now part of the young curator’s team. I am excited to be part of the team, because I enjoy all forms of art and I find inspiration in art galleries. In addition I think that it will help me in the future as my aspiration is to become a fashion journalist.

The project helps me develop both my team work skills and independence and to meet deadlines. It also allows me to express myself whether that is through art or while writing a piece of fashion journalism.

The project also allows me to develop my confidence and skills in public speaking and expressing myself to a group persuasively, whilst also allowing me to know other students on a better level.

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Amber, Year 11

My name is Amber Jarrett. I am in year 11 and my favourite subject is History because I am interested in the past and how it has affected the present.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators Project because it was something new, it seemed like a new challenge and something that would also be fun. Also it would be a chance to have a say in the things that happened around school and to make a difference in the way the school looks.

In the future I hope to be a Forensic Scientist, and I think that this project will help with this because they both involve analysis and this will help me become better at this. It will also give me an idea of how to solve problems in a practical way and to think outside the box.

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Anna, Year 10

My name is Anna Felton and I am in year 10. My favourite subjects are English and History because I’m interested in how the world works and how cultures develop and interact.  I applied for the curators programme because I have many creative ideas for our new gallery and I want to develop my organisational and marketing skills, and take part in a mature and independent project .

 I think the gallery is a great prospect for Highfields future as it is a unique innovation, one which many other schools do not have the opportunity to have, and I am thrilled to be part of it and to develop the community of the school.

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Ashleigh, Year 13

My name is Ashleigh Millman – I’m in Year 13 and currently take Art and Design, English Literature and Film Studies. I thoroughly enjoy each of these subjects but my favourite is film – the endless different styles and genres of film mean you never see the same thing twice; it never stops being interesting and surprising to study.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ Project because I think it’s great that Highfields is promoting creativity and as Head Girl I wanted to support this and take part in a project that would not only challenge me, but open up the world of art to the wider community and students of our school.

Art is something that holds a different meaning to everyone. My aim by taking part in this project is to create a gallery that conveys a message to each and every person that enters it. I’d like everyone to have their own opinion on what they see, and inspire them to think on the subject matter and the world around them.

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Christos, Year 13

I'm Christos Makarounas (18). I am Head Boy at Highfields and currently study English, History and Politics. I saw the Young Curators Project as a brilliant outlet to further my own creativity, to work in a team of individuals as a unit, and to have some active involvement in curating art, expression and design.

 I also see the project as a valuable experience to work in a team; as the art of compromise, whilst conveying personal ideas and beliefs in order to persuade and help a group reach decisions, is a fundamental skill for anyone. Overall, I wanted to bring a thoughtful and diverse aspect to the group, promoting the consideration of a wider range of art forms and mediums that the gallery could operate through.

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Lewis, Year 11

My name is Lewis Francis and I’m in Year 11.

My favourite subject is ICT as I find technology and computing very interesting. I enjoy using computers and creating digital images, posters and presentations.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators Project because I enjoy planning and organizing events. I wanted to get more involved in school events and take part in more clubs and projects. I thought it would be good to make decisions about the school gallery for the school and community to come and enjoy.

In the future I would like to own my own business and open an Adventure Centre therefore this project will allow me to understand more of planning and organising. It will also enable me to see what working professionally in a team would be like and running projects.

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Lucy, Year 11

My name is Lucy Siviter and I am a student in year 11. My favourite subject is art because I find art really interesting and it allows me to be creative and expressive.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ Project because not only do I already have a passion for art at school, but I also hope to develop an artistic career in the future. The Young Curators Project provides me with the opportunity to develop an understanding of exhibitions, gallery spaces and how they operate which will be invaluable in the future. I think that being on the young curator’s team will help me discover more areas of art and artistic practise and it will give me an opportunity to learn and develop a variety of different organisational and speaking skills.
 

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Sofie, Year 12

My name is Sofie Gill and I am Year 12 student that is currently studying English Literature, Film, History and Psychology. I am highly passionate about my subjects however, History and English are my most favorable as I have a natural passion and interest for these subjects and enjoy understanding people and cultures.

I applied to take part in the Young Curators’ programme due to it being a fantastic opportunity for me to get involved with the community of the school and to take part in something new and challenging. I enjoy being creative with my work and participating in different projects and I therefore thought that this project was the perfect opportunity to take part in a refreshing and exciting activity.

The project also provides me with an ideal opportunity to develop my skills in terms of organisation and teamwork and to progress my ability in compromising.

The Curation Team in the gallery space at Highfields

Success at the regional British Schools Gymnastics Competition

On Saturday 1st February a team of five gymnasts from Highfields took part in the artinregional British Schools Gymnastics Competition, at Fenton Manor, Stoke-on-Trent.

Fourth Place!

Ellie Martin, Holly Silvester, Chloe Sharman, Ieva Jucyte and Tasha Bagri all competed on both floor and vault, performing to a high standard on both pieces of apparatus. The girls finished in fourth place and were great ambassadors for the school. Congratulations!

Pictured, left to right: Holly Silvester, Sophia Broadmeadow, Ellie Martin, Ieva Jucyte, Tasha Bagri

Success at the Regional British Schools Gymnastics Competition

On Saturday 1st February a team of five gymnasts from Highfields took part in the artinregional British Schools Gymnastics Competition, at Fenton Manor, Stoke-on-Trent.

Fourth Place!

Ellie Martin, Holly Silvester, Chloe Sharman, Ieva Jucyte and Tasha Bagri all competed on both floor and vault, performing to a high standard on both pieces of apparatus. The girls finished in fourth place and were great ambassadors for the school. Congratulations!

Pictured, left to right: Holly Silvester, Sophia Broadmeadow, Ellie Martin, Ieva Jucyte, Tasha Bagri

PayCare - Business Link Event

Monday 27th January saw Highfields host its first business link event for a Wolverhampton local employer. Paycare Ltd who specialise in personal and corporate healthcare insurance, used the school facilities to hold their corporate marketing strategy meeting.

As well as the use of our Learning Resource Centres the school also provided hospitality and catering. This was prepared by our very own Year 11 BTEC Hospitality students who had to source and purchase the food for the event and ensure the menu met with Paycare Ltd’s requirements. The standard of food they produced was exceptional, showcasing to the Paycare team some of the real talents our students possess.

In addition two of our Year 13 'A' level Economics students were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to participate in the marketing strategy meeting. This provided them with an invaluable insight into the importance marketing plays in  business strategy and development as well as the experience of being involved in a high level Board meeting.

Highfields' students 'meet and greet' the Marketing Strategy Team

Left to right; Libby McKenna-Fraser, Isabella Hampton, Joseph Mills, Rehaan Patel

Manisha, applying the finishing touches to her crème pâtissière tarts.

Hospitality and Catering Team

Left to right; Miss Williams, Raman Cheema, Margret Mutoko, Jordan Evans, Amy Leo, Jessica Davies, Manisha Hayre, Miss Smith

 Year 13 Economic students Quais Khan and Amanjeet Maheru with Paycare chief executive, Kevin Rogers. 

Lunchtime

in the Gallery restaurant

PR photo at the front of Highfields

Left to right; Quais Khan, Year 13 student; Kevin Rogers, Paycare chief executive; Mark Capel, Highfields' Headteacher; Amanjeet Maheru, Year 13 student; Adrian Jeavons, Careers and Business Links Manager.

At Highfields we believe that contextualising students learning through ‘real life’ work experiences is of paramount importance in terms of helping them understand how their learning in the classroom transfers to the world of work. 

We are very grateful for the opportunity to support Paycare with their event and look forward to working with them again in the future. Any businesses who wish to discuss potential opportunities to work with us and our students can contact Adrian Jeavons by emailing ajeavons@hswv.org.uk.

If you would like to find out more about Paycare and the services they offer please go to http://www.paycare.org

The 'Gastronaut Roadshow' Visits Highfields!

Yesterday we enjoyed a visit from celebrity chef, Stefan Gates, who performed his 'Gastronaut Roadshow' for Highfields students. This visit was a prize won by our Health and Social Care students who participated in Wolverhampton City Council's 'Learning for Success 2013'.
 

Stefan's show was watched by 250 Year 7 and Key Stage 4 Food Technology and Catering students.  The show was a spectacular and entertaining combination of food experiments, showing how food can explode, fuel a rocket and change the colour (acidity/alkalinity) of water. Students enjoyed seeing how freezing food affects its smell and how some foods affect our bodily functions. Stefan provided students with much food for thought; he demonstrated, for example, how eating insects could help solve the problem of feeding the growing world population.

It was a fast and lively show, lots to laugh about with a good measure of food science and nutrition thrown in!

“A mind-blowing mix of science and extraordinary cooking, with video clips and lots of audience participation. Stefan performs custard-powder flamethrowing, fries an egg on a piece of paper, conducts a vegetable orchestra and if you’re lucky you’ll get to try his insects, jellyfish salad and bum sandwiches.”

— www.thegastronaut.com

Highfields staff and students joined in the experiments. Jack Walker, Year 11 froze cheese with a fire extinguisher. Ethan Salter, Year 7 encountered exploding food and Sophie Bates along with Ms Thomson tasted some unusual foods!
 

Ethan Salter - Exploding Food

Jack Walker - Freezing Cheese

Jack Walker - Freezing Cheese

Changing the Colour of Water

Ms Thomson and Sophie Bates - Tasting Unusual Foods

Here is a video from Stefan's YouTube channel.  This wasn't part of the show, but hopefully it will give you a 'taste' of what went on!

Birmingham University Activity Day

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A group of Year 10 students visited The University of Birmingham (The Times University of the Year 2013-14) for an aspirational activity day on the 22nd January. 

The university organised an interesting program for us, including a tour of the impressive Edgbaston campus, as well as ‘myth busters’ and ‘outside the box’ careers education workshops.

Activities were led by students currently studying at the university, who were on hand to talk to our students about university life and how it could benefit them, as well as answering any questions they had about higher education, and addressing any concerns about student finance, graduate employment or entrance requirements.
 
Students took part in a short workshop before the visit to get them thinking about their post-16 progression route and help them get the most from the day.

Photographs taken by Kyedel Thompson,
Year 10

Season's Greetings from Highfields!

Congratulations to Year 9 Student, Bernice Johal, who has won our Christmas Card competition!

As an eco friendly gesture, Highfields has once again opted to send an e-card as an alternative to greeting cards.

Bernice's entry was chosen as the winning design because of the detail and effort that had clearly gone into it.  We especially like that Santa is wearing the 'Highfields' Uniform!

A donation on behalf of the school will be made instead, to the charity:

Birmingham Children's Hospital

To view our e-card, click here