Shakespeare to be celebrated during arts festival

The life and works of Shakespeare will be celebrated by students from Highfields, Penn Fields and Wolverhampton College as part of an exciting Olympic legacy-funded arts project.

Students have spent weeks rehearsing as part of ‘The Shake of Things’ project, which will culminate in an action-packed festival for all the family at The Arena Theatre on April 23rd.

The project has been made possible thanks to ‘Spirit of 2012’ Olympic legacy funding and has seen dozens of students working with industry professionals on a number of live performances as well as film production. 

Rehearsals have taken place on Tuesday evenings at Penn Fields School over a number of weeks and Ms S.Bishop, Highfields’ Head of Performance, said everyone was excited about showcasing their hard work at the festival.

The festival will take place from 12-5pm and includes free entry and buffet for all visitors. Our students will be performing a short version of Macbeth from 12.45pm, followed by dance duet Superficial Love - based on Romeo and Juliet - at 1.30pm. A film created by students also based on Romeo and Juliet will be screened at 1.45pm before members of Highfields’ own dance group, Barefoot Dance Company, will perform a selection of contemporary numbers based on Shakespeare works from 3-3.45pm.

The event will also include workshops celebrating the Bard’s life and works. 

Ms S.Bishop, Highfields' Head of Performance, said: “It has been wonderful to collaborate with Penn Fields School and Wolverhampton College on such an exciting project.

"It is a true privilege to have been awarded this 'Spirit of 2012' Olympic legacy funding and to be involved in this high-profile arts project, which has given students the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals to celebrate Shakespeare’s works.

“After weeks of hard work, we are now looking forward to seeing the results of all of our students’ efforts at the festival on April 23rd. The day is packed with lots of activities and performances to provide fun for all the family. We hope to see you all there.”

Sprit of 2012 is an independent trust, established with a £47m endowment from the Big Lottery Fund, that works to recreate the spirit that radiated from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It promotes wellbeing and social cohesion and challenges limiting perceptions of disability by funding partners that provide opportunities in sports, physical activity, arts and culture, volunteering and social action.

Funding for the project was secured under the category of collaborating secondary schools, special schools and Further Education providers.

Students pick up revision tips during 'Plan To Succeed' Day

Year 11 students were given top tips and advice about making their exam revision count as part of a special day dedicated to ensuring they succeed in their GCSEs.

Students took part in a number of workshops and activities as part of the Plan To Succeed Day, which took place on March 22nd.

They learnt about applying the ‘4Rs’ throughout the day and each received a goody bag featuring a clear pencil case, pen, pencil, post-it notes and highlighters to aid their revision.

Students worked in groups to construct their own revision timetables and materials making use of a range of techniques including mind maps, flash cards, route systems and quizzes with prizes handed out for the best materials created on the day.

Mrs N.Clifton, Head of Upper School, said: “The purpose of the day was to allow Year 11 students to develop their revision skills and strategies and raise awareness of the need to be revising now.  

“Our school exam results were positive and the experience gave our studentsan indication of the areas in which they need to improve on for the real thing.

“This day was all about giving them the advice and ideas to make sure they get the most out of their revision time and adopt revision methods that best suit them so they achieve their potential in their exams and put themselves on the road to success in the future.”

Students are now being encouraged to share their own revision resources through the Create Like Share area on the school website. Four prizes worth £25 each will be given out for the best resources shared between students over the Easter holiday.

Budding lawyers shine in mock court competition

Budding lawyers took to the stand to argue a moot problem as part of a law competition hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.

Lauren Callaghan and Reece Leel represented Highfields in the competition. They analysed a legal problem, researched the relevant law, prepared written submissions and presented a legal argument before a panel of judges from the University's Law School in the form of a simulated court hearing. 

Highfields was one of six schools to make it through to the finals of the competition and secured second place, missing out on first place by just two points.

Lauren and Reece were presented with a finalists trophy and received a £20 Amazon voucher each, presented to them by High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Dr Keith Bradshaw.  

Teacher, Mrs C.Madden, said: “The judges praised the students highly for their efforts in preparing and presenting their case, likening the standard of their moot to that of undergraduate level students.  

“The experience has been extremely valuable in building up the confidence of our students, in particular their presentation and public speaking skills.  

“There was a great sense of team spirit throughout and the students should be very proud of their achievements in the competition.”

Consultation into proposed new P.E Kit designs

A consultation has been launched into plans to introduce a new P.E Kit for all students in the future.

Students are now being encouraged to have their say over proposed new P.E Kit colour schemes and designs.

The current PE kit for girls is a white polo shirt and navy shorts or skirt. Boys currently wear a black polo top or t-shirt and black shorts.

Two alternative designs have now been put forward - black and red or navy and gold - and students are being urged to have their say. Students should submit their views via the survey form on Office 365 before the end of Monday, April 3rd.

Headteacher, Mr G.Tate, said: “We are considering changing the P.E Kit to one that is more contemporary, athletic and professional looking. We are now asking students what they think of some possible new colour schemes and designs.”

Governors are also having their say over possible kit design changes before the consultation is extended to parents and carers in the future.

Click here to have your say in the survey

BBC Live Lesson brings Computer Science to life

Learning was brought to life with a live Doctor Who-themed BBC lesson which showcased the importance of computer programming.

Doctor Who and the micro:bit was part of the BBCs Live Lessons programme, which took place on Tuesday, March 28th and involved all Year 7 students.

Each student received a BBC micro:bit and used it to solve a fictional disaster scenario whilst coming face to face with one of Doctor Who’s deadliest foes.

During the live event, students developed their computational thinking by exploring a number of Computer Science topics, including algorithms, different types of errors and the components that go into an algorithm.  

The live lesson was delivered at Highfields as well as other schools across the country as part of a collaboration between the ICT and Computer Science department.

Mr S.France, Head of Innovations, said: “A great deal of planning and preparation was put into the event by Mr D.Capewell, Head of Digital Media, and his team. 

“The students had been really looking forward to it and they thoroughly enjoyed the live lesson. It was a fantastic end to the term.”

Highfields raises funds for Comic Relief

Charity spirit swept Highfields as students and staff showed their support for this year's national Comic Relief fundraising campaign.

As part of the fundraising festivities, students and staff donated £1 to the cause to wear an item of red clothing for the day. Staff also took part in a netball tournament and dodgeball competition whilst students baked cakes to raise funds.

Comic Relief aims to bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people across the world, whilst tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. The charity hosts a Red Nose Day extravaganza every two years on the BBC, supported by celebrities and politicians, to help raise millions of pounds for the cause.

Ms J.Parker, Head of Lower School, said: “Highfields is proud of the support that students, parents and staff give to both national and local charities, raising thousands of pounds each year.

“It has been great to see so many people getting involved in the activities we put on to support the Comic Relief campaign. I want to thank everyone for their support, helping to make this a day to remember whilst making a difference.”

WATCH: Highfields' Sky Sports special

Students got a taste of life working for Sky Sports News after producing and presenting their own promotional video showcasing the vast choice of extra-curricular activities available at Highfields.

A group of Sixth Form PE Ambassadors and GCSE PE students travelled to the Sky Skills Studios in London to create their film, which highlights the range of sporting activities on offer for all students, including rugby, football, athletics, hockey, cricket and dodgeball.

Their film highlights the benefits of Highfields’ continued drive to encourage students to take part in extra-curricular sporting activities and lead healthy lifestyles. It has been created just months after the Government vowed to increase their focus on sport and PE provision in schools in light of shocking figures that show up to 40% of children in some areas are classed as obese. 

Head of PE, Mr C.Brickwood, said: “We strive to enrich the curriculum with a range of sporting activities, nurturing talent in a variety of sporting disciplines whilst encouraging our students to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

“We run sports sessions before and after-school as well as lunchtimes to complement the curriculum and develop well-rounded and healthier students.

"The visit to the Sky Skills Studios gave the students a chance to film, produce and present a film highlighting the benefits of taking part in one or more of the many extra-curricular sporting activities we run. It was a great experience for them.”

The trip has taken place ahead of a visit to Highfields by retired athlete, Daniel Caines, who enjoyed a highly successful career in which he was World, Commonwealth, European and Europa Cup Champion in the 400m and 4X400m relay, representing his country at two Olympic Games.

The athlete will be in school on Wednesday, April 4th, to mentor, motivate and inspire students.

WATCH: Our film promoting extra-curricular sporting activities at Highfields

Science brought to life at Big Bang Fair

Science was brought to life for more than 100 students during a trip to The Big Bang Fair at Birmingham’s NEC.

The event is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK, featuring a host of theatre shows, workshops and exhibits.

As well as taking part in a range of interactive activities, students got the chance to meet employers as well as representatives from colleges and universities to learn how STEM subjects are used to solve problems in the workplace and in society. 

Mr M.Lee, Head of General Science, said: “The aim of the trip was to introduce students to the wealth of career opportunities there are in STEM subjects and to bring the science they study in the classroom to life.”

Students showcase Spanish speaking skills

Students put their Spanish language skills to the test during a visit to The University of Birmingham.

A group of Year 12 students visited the university for a Spanish Languages Day, attending workshops on A Level topics including Spanish history, gastronomy and cinema. They also got the chance to look at authentic items from countries including Peru, Mexico, Cuba and Ecuador.

All of the workshops were conducted in Spanish and the students also attended a talk about the undergraduate courses offered in Modern Foreign Languages at the university.

Mrs A.M.Darby, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, added: “The group then went to Tapas Revolution for a late tapas lunch where they sampled a variety of authentic Spanish tapas and conversed with the Spanish waiters in the target language. 

“A most enjoyable day was had by all.”

Survey reveals support for HP Streams for students

Students and parents have given their overwhelming support to the introduction of HP Streams for all Year 7 students.

HP Streams were introduced for the new intake of students at the start of the academic year in September 2016 to aid their studies and homework.

The devices mean all students can access the full Microsoft Office suite of programs from anywhere at any time, as well as the ‘Show My Homework’ portal.

In a recent school survey to pupils and parents, the system was given a big thumbs-up with students giving it an overall rating of 4.44 out of 5.

One student said: “It has made learning quicker and more visual.”

Others commented on how their HP Stream had made it easier to research information about subjects at any time, as well as helping them with spelling and grammar.

Parents, who pay a monthly contribution towards the lease of the devices, have also given their backing to the scheme, with 97% saying they are happy with the system. Asked to give a rating out of 5 as a tool to support their child’s education, parents gave the devices an overall score of 4.37.

One parent said: “This is a fantastic scheme that supports my daughter with her learning and enables her to quickly and safely access additional learning materials which are helping her to feel more confident and be successful.”

Another parent said the device had been ‘invaluable’ whilst it was also described as a ‘great all round tool for learning and homework’.

Mr A.Cheetham, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We introduced HP Streams for all Year 7 students in September 2016 and recently conducted a survey to see how students and parents rated the system as an aid to school studies and homework.

“We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response.”