Hundreds expected at Highfields' Open Morning

Hundreds of prospective pupils and parents are set to flock to Highfields for the school's annual Open Morning, where they can get a glimpse of the state-of-the-art £44 million facilities and take part in dozens of interactive workshops and activities showcasing what the school has to offer.

The Open Morning will take place from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, September 24th.

Hands-on scientific experiments, Guitar Hero music challenges, a Dragons Den-style enterprise competition, performances of Macbeth, trampolining and gymnastics displays, pizza making demonstrations and psychology experiments are among the many activities lined up for the hundreds of visitors expected on the day. Visitors can also learn how to pack a rucksack as part of a Duke of Edinburgh display, contribute to the community logo design with the art department and showcase their culinary skills in a fundraising 'bake-off' to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Headteacher, Mr G.Tate, will speak to parents in The Lyceum from 10.15am-10.45am and again from 11.15am-11.45am.

                To view our latest prospectus, click here

Mr Tate said: “Our Open Morning is a wonderful opportunity to give prospective students and visitors a glimpse at the many things we do at Highfields.

"At Highfields, we pride ourselves on providing youngsters with a high quality education, an engaging curriculum and a wide range of extra-curricular activities to enrich their learning experiences. 

"We relish the opportunity to open our doors to visitors to showcase what our school is all about and everything that makes Highfields so special."

The Open Morning comes after Highfields celebrated its best ever GCSE results. A total of 75% of students achieved five A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics this year, up from 73% last year, with 58% achieving at least one A* or A grade - a rise of 8%. A total of 28% achieved three A* or A grades, up from 24% last year. 

Visitors who would like to see Highfields at work during the day should call Mrs Thomas on 01902 556530 to arrange an appointment on on of the following dates:

• Tuesday 27th September at 9:30a.m. or 11:30a.m.
• Wednesday 28th September at 9:30a.m. or 11:30 a.m.
• Thursday 29th September at 9:30a.m. or 11:30a.m. 
• Tuesday 4th October at 9:30a.m. or 11:30a.m.
• Wednesday 5th October at 9:30a.m. or 11:30a.m.
• Thursday 6th October at 9:30a.m. or 11:30a.m.

If you have booked a visit on one of these dates please park as directed.

 

For a full programme of activities and events taking place during the open day, please click the image opposite:

 

 

Highfields to stage High School Musical

We’re delighted to announce that our next production will be feel-good stage musical, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - and we're now inviting students to audition for a role in the production.

The musical - which became a global phenomenon thanks to the original film version featuring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens - features a host of uplifting songs, including Start of Something New, Breaking Free, What I've Been Looking For and We’re All In This Together.

The production will take place from Wednesday, March 1 - Saturday, March 4 and students can now register their interest in taking part ahead of auditions next week.

The musical follows two high school juniors from rival cliques - basketball team captain, Troy Bolton, and shy straight-A student, Gabriella Montez - to explore the themes of growing up and relationships, and has been described as a modern-day adaption of Romeo & Juliet.

Sharon Bishop, Head of Performance, said: “We asked our students for their input before deciding which production to stage and there was overwhelming support for High School Musical. We are delighted to have now been granted the licence for the show.

“High School Musical ticks all the boxes - as well as the moral message at its core it also features a host of feel-good songs that are guaranteed to be a hit with students and audiences.

“Highfields’ school productions are a big part of school life and our previous productions have been great successes. We are confident that this year’s will be just as successful - if not even better.

“We have so much talent at Highfields and we would love to invite students to sign up to take part in the production. It’s always a great experience putting on our shows and we can’t wait to get started on staging another spectacular school production.”

Rehearsals for the production will take place in The Lyceum every Thursday until 5pm. Principals will be required to stay until 7pm as well as some Saturday mornings.

Students involved in the production are asked for a £25 contribution to go towards the costs of staging the show, which includes a rehearsal/show t-shirt and priority ticket booking. 

School productions are a huge part of life at Highfields:

We've done it again! Students achieve school's best ever GCSE results

Highfields is celebrating its best ever GCSE results. 

A total of 75% of students achieved five A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics, up from 73% last year, with 58% achieving at least one A* or A grade - a rise of 8%. A total of 28% achieved three A* or A grades, up from 24% last year.

The school’s top attainers include Kaylum McCann, Eleanor White, Bernice Johal, Simran Koretaine, Mark Morey, Gurjeevan Sidhu, Amandeep Tukhar, Aman Verma, Amy Geeson,  Pawandeep Bhatoa, Priya Jakhu, Aaron Lakhanpal, Lakhdeep Panesar - who between them have achieved 81 A*s and 59 As.

Kaylum, who achieved 10 A*s and one A, said: “I’m speechless. I thought my mock exam results were good and that they were the best results I could hope for but I have done even better for the real thing and I am delighted.”

Kaylum is now going on to study Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Computer Science at Highfields' Sixth Form.

He added: “I hope to do my A-levels and then go on to study Physics at university to eventually work in research."

Mrs N.Clifton, Head of Upper School, said: “We’ve done it again! 

“These are the best results we have ever had. Our students had a tough task to improve on the record-breaking results we achieved last year but they have done it and have done themselves, their families and the school proud. It is an incredible achievement.

“We are delighted that the hard work and dedication shown by our students, parents and staff has paid off. I would personally like to wish all of our students picking up their results the very best of luck with whatever they go on to do next, and look forward to seeing many of them back in Sixth Form next term.”

Simran Koretaine is now preparing to move into Highfields' Sixth Form to study English Literature, Psychology, History and EPQ after achieving 7 A*s and 4 As.

She said: "I am really pleased with my results. I have worked so hard and have done far better than I ever expected."

Mark Morey achieved 7A*s, 2As and 2Bs and will now move on to study Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and ICT at Highfields' Sixth Form. He said: “I’m over the moon. It's nice to see that all of the hard work has paid off at the end.

Mark, who hopes to one day work in aerospace engineering, added: "Some of the subjects were a struggle for me, including English, but I have been rewarded rewarded with an A*. I am very happy and my family are very proud."

Amandeep Tukhar achieved 7A*s, 3As and 1B.

He said: "I’m glad all of the hours I have put in towards my GCSEs have been worth it. I hope to one day move into dentistry."

Amandeep will go on to study Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Mathematics at Highfields' Sixth Form.

Students celebrate A-level success

Students are celebrating a positive set of A-level results - with around 100 now preparing to move on to university after securing their required grades.  

Students achieved a 99.4% pass rate -  73% of them being the top A*-C grades. With the school also achieving its second highest ever average A-level points score per student, 2016 has been another successful year for Highfields’ Sixth Form students.

Among those celebrating top grades are talented scientists, Hanvir Rai and Brian White, who are now set to join the ranks of the academic elite after securing their places at the world-famous University of Oxford.

Brian secured A*s in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, as well as an A in Mathematics, whilst Hanvir achieved the top A* gradings in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Punjabi. Their results have secured the pair their places at the university, which is ranked the top university in the UK and second in the whole world.

Brian said: “A-levels have been a lot of work and sometimes stressful but I got on with it and I am really happy with my results.”

Mr K.Blower, Head of Sixth Form, said: “It has been another good year for AS and A-level results. Overall, we had a 99% pass rate and there were some fantastic individual results.

"More than 100 students are now expected to secure their places at university. I would like to personally wish them all the very best of luck as they go on to the next stage of their lives."

Fifteen students achieved one or more A* gradings. They are: Saima Akhtar, A* English; Charlotte Bailey, A* English; Anisha Bhandari, A* Sociology; Jacob Bloomer, A* English; Cameron Guy, A* English; Sharna Khabra, A* English; Nathan Painter, A* Mathematics; Gurpria Pooni, A* Psychology & Sociology; Hanvir Rai, A* Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics & Punjabi; Gugan Sangha, A* Psychology; Baneet Sarai, A* English; Lydia Sillitor, A* Sociology; Kyam Villkhu, A* Mathematics; Brian White, A* Physics, Biology, Chemistry; Luke Wilcox, A* Economics.

Headteacher bids fond farewell to Highfields

Headteacher, Mr M.Capel, is bidding a fond farewell to Highfields as he retires after almost a decade at the helm.

Mr Capel took over as Headteacher of the school in 2007 and led the huge project to move it into its state-of-the-art £44 million building in 2012.

Under his leadership, Highfields has seen academic standards improve year on year, with it celebrating record GCSE results last year and being heralded by Ofsted as Good with outstanding features. It was recently named the most popular school in Wolverhampton, with 747 pupils applying for 252 Year 7 places this September.

Graham Tate, who has been Deputy Headteacher at Highfields for the past 12 years, will take over as Headteacher from September.

Mr Capel is one of a number of a number of long-standing members of staff retiring from the school ahead of the summer break. They include English teacher Mrs L.O’Shea, Religious Education teacher Ms G.Neale, History teacher Mrs C.Hall and Product Design teacher Mr S.Mark, who have worked at the school for a combined 95 years.

Mr Capel said: “It has been a real privilege to work with so many dedicated and outstanding colleagues, with students who want to learn and develop and with parents who want the very best for their children. 

“I would like to say a huge thank you to them for the tremendous support and goodwill they have shown to both me and the school over the last nine years.

“It will be difficult not being at Highfields every day. I will miss the people, the atmosphere, the energy and the enthusiasm of a truly unique establishment but I am looking forward to retirement to spend more time with my grandchildren, working in my garden and walking around the golf course.

“My nine years at the school pale into insignificance against the combined years of service of Mrs O’Shea, Ms Neale, Mrs Hall and Mr Mark. It has been a privilege to work alongside such colleagues and I wish them all a very happy retirement.

Mrs O'Shea, Mr Mark, Mrs Hall and Ms Neale are retiring after a combined 95 years at Highfields

“I will take my retirement knowing that the school is in very safe hands under Mr Tate. I have every confidence that he will be an outstanding Headteacher in ensuring that Highfields continues to be an excellent school where every child really does matter.”

Mr Tate, who worked as Acting Headteacher at the school last year while Mr Capel was on secondment to Ofsted, said: “Mr Capel’s legacy is a school that works to give each and every one of our students the best possible foundation to go on to succeed in their lives. The Highfields community that he has played such a huge part in shaping is one that staff and pupils are proud to be a part of.

“I wholeheartedly share Mr Capel’s values as a Headteacher and will take these forward as Highfields moves into the next stage of its development as we work to make a great school even better.”

Students rewarded for effort with Summer Social

Students were rewarded for their outstanding effort and behaviour during a Summer Social event.

More than 130 Year 9 students attended the event, which included a barbecue, DJ and bake sale on the outdoor terrace, a rock concert in the Activity Studio and Gaming in the Lecture Theatre. 

Entry to the event was ticket-only, with students earning an invitation for achieving five positive signatures for their behaviour, efforts and achievements over the past half-term.

Mr C.Rhodes, Year 9 and 10 Manager, said: “The event was held to reward students for their hard work and they all had a wonderful time.

“They were able to take part in a number of activities, including a DJ and barbecue on the terrace in the glorious weather. It was a fitting reward for their efforts and a great way to round off their half-term before the summer holidays.”

New Staff Governor appointed

We are delighted to announce that Sharon Bishop, Highfields’ Head of Performance, has been appointed to the school’s governing board.

As a Staff Governor, Ms Bishop will take on a range of duties and responsibilities to ensure Highfields maintains it high standards of education for all pupils. She will regularly scrutinise academic performance, financial management and curriculum proposals as well as assisting in staff appointments.

Ms Bishop said she was delighted to have been appointed on to the school’s governing board and was looking forward to utilising her experience in her new role.

She said: “Through my role co-ordinating performance events, workshops and classes for the school and wider community, I am a passionate advocate of Highfields School and our place in our community.

“It is very important in a changing educational climate that Highfields School continues to maintain its high standards, core principles and vision. In these changing times, the role of staff governor is more important than ever and maintaining openness between staff, governors and parents throughout decision-making processes is absolutely vital.

"Highfields’ strengths are its integrity and transparency within both the local and wider communities and I am proud to be playing this part in the next stage of the school’s development.”

Summer showcase raises hundreds of pounds for charity

A fundraising evening which saw students take to the stage to showcase their singing, dancing and musical talents has raised more than £900 for charity.

Radio DJ, Dicky Dodd, hosted the annual Summer Showcase evening, which was staged to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

The event was organised by Highfields’ sixth-form student, Zoe Maxfield, whose dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago.

A number of businesses and organisations donated goodies to support the event, which were auctioned off, given away as raffle prizes or sold on the night. They included a signed Wolves shirt and posters, theatre tickets, meal vouchers, Costa Coffee hampers, a keyboard, CDs, Build-a-Bear and huge Thorntons chocolate egg.

The event has raised more than £900 for the charity, with the figure expected to rise to more than £1,000 once a rare collectible bear and doll house have sold on eBay.

Zoe said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the event, including Costa Coffee, Signal 107, Dicky Dodd and everyone who came along on the night to bid in the auction and buy raffle tickets. I am delighted that we have been able to raise so much money for Prostate Cancer UK.”

Youngsters performed over two nights as part of the school’s annual Summer Showcase, with the second night designated as the charity evening.

Ms S.Bishop, Head of Performance, said: “Our students put on two wonderful shows for audiences.

“We were delighted to dedicate the second night of our Summer Showcase to Zoe’s dad to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and are over the moon with how much was raised.”

Film honouring WWI soldiers wins DIGI award

A poignant film created by Highfields students to honour those who lost their lives in the Battle of the Somme has won an award.

Feargus Flanagan, Jacob Kholi, Rachel Chaza and Giaa Lawrence celebrate their DIGI Award

Students captured video footage during an emotional trip to the Somme where they got an insight into the sheer scale of devastation of the First World War conflict during visits to the battlefields and cemeteries. The 16 students then edited the film back in school when they returned from their trip as a tribute to those who lost their lives.

The film has now won the Best Short Film KS4 category at the Digital Learning Awards (DIGIs). 

The DIGIs are held annually to celebrate the achievements of learners and teachers in digital film and creative media. Students walked the red carpet for this year’s glittering ceremony at the Grand Theatre before being presented with their prize.

The film has also been entered into a national competition through the Into Film charity organisation, which celebrates the importance of film in education.

English teacher, Mr D.Cooper, who mentored the students, said: “They were up against some pretty stiff competition from other schools but the judges called their film poignant and thought-provoking and commented on their clever use of subtle filmmaking techniques.

“The students wanted to pay their respects and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"The result is a fitting contribution to our commemoration of the centenary of the battle."

The Battle of the Somme, which took place between July and November 1916, was one of the largest of the First World War, with more than 1 million casualties.

Students scale new heights in Duke of Edinburgh's expedition

Students are feeling on top of the world after successfully completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award practice expedition - as they start the countdown to the real thing.

Fourteen sixth-form students from Years 12 and 13 travelled to the Peak District for the practice expedition, which saw them navigate their route over challenging mountain terrain and fend for themselves in the remote rural location.

The expedition took place from Saturday to Tuesday with the aim of giving students the chance to hone their navigation skills ahead of their real DofE Gold Award expedition to the Lake District later this month.

Students each carried a 70-litre rucksack containing their clothes, food and sleeping bags for the duration of the expedition and had to set up three camp sites and cook for themselves. They scaled three peaks, including the 462m-high Win Hill and 517m-high Mam Tor whilst also hiking 604m up Kinder Scout as part of their expedition, which started at Ladybower Dam and finished at Hope Valley. 

Mr C.Moody, who runs Highfields’ Duke of Edinburgh’s programme and accompanied the students on the expedition, said: “It was a fantastic experience which gave our students the chance to hone their navigation skills ahead of the real expedition at the end of the month.

“It is really hard work, with students having to navigate their route whilst carrying a heavy rucksack containing everything they need.

“They worked as a team and did an incredible job. Their resilience and commitment was superb and if they all perform to the same level in the Lake District they will all achieve the Gold standard for their expedition unit.”

The trip comes just weeks after sixth-form student Chloe Tolley travelled to Buckingham Palace to be presented with her prestigious DofE Gold Award.

She was one of a number of Gold Award holders invited to the special palace presentation, which was organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the international DofE programme.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme was launched 60 years ago with the aim of inspiring, guiding and supporting young people in their self-development. The awards scheme challenges students and allows them to discover the world around them whilst providing them with invaluable skills and experiences to improve employment prospects.