Talented young actors spent a week of the summer studying the works of Shakespeare, before bringing one of his plays to life on stage.
Dozens of youngsters took part in this year’s Shakespeare Summer School, which ran during the first week of the holidays.
Students spent Monday to Wednesday rehearsing The Bard’s comedy Twelfth Night before taking a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to watch the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company perform Julius Caesar on Thursday. Having been inspired by the professionals, they then performed their short play in front of family and friends on Friday.
Ms S Bishop, Head of Performance, said: “Our Shakespeare Summer School is always a popular event on the calendar and this year was no exception.
“The students did a great job of bringing to life one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies. They worked very hard during an intensive week of rehearsals and the trip to see the Royal Shakespeare Company provided the perfect inspiration for their own fantastic performance to end the week on a high.”
Raise the roof by joining our Community Choir!
Students, staff, relatives and friends of Highfields and Penn Fields are being invited to raise the roof by joining a popular Community Choir, which is returning after the summer break.
The Highfields and Penn Fields Community Choir will hold its first rehearsal after the holidays on Wednesday, September 13th. It will then meet every Wednesday from 5.45pm-7pm in Penn Fields School.
The choir was launched in March as the latest link-up between Highfields School and Penn Fields School. It is led by ‘choir master’ Andy Womble, from Wolverhampton Music Service.
Highfields’ Head of Performance, Ms S Bishop, said: “The choir grew in strength, numbers and volume before the summer holidays and we would love to invite even more people to join now we are back.
“It is open to all students, parents and staff from both Highfields and Penn Fields. It doesn’t matter what level you consider yourself as a singer, it’s not X Factor - just a fun, friendly gathering to enjoy a sing song!”
Refreshments will be provided at choir meetings and it is hoped crèche facilities will be available if required from September 20th.
Horrors of Third Reich brought to life on emotional trip
History was brought to life for Highfields students during an emotionally-charged trip to Germany and Poland, as they stepped into the past to learn about the horrors of Hitler’s Third Reich.
The week-long coach trip to Berlin and Krakow is an established fixture on the school calendar which takes place every two years and allows students to reflect on the inhumanity and brutality of the Second World War.
Students spent three days in Berlin where they visited sites with dark memories of the work of Hitler and the Nazis - including the stunningly moving Memorial to the Jews of Europe. They also saw the remnants of the divided city, the eastern part of which was stranded in the Communist block until 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down, and visited other important landmarks including the DDR Museum and German Bundestag.
The group then travelled to Poland and the medieval city of Krakow where students were given some free time to explore and visit the famous salt mines. However the main reason for the visit – a tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp - was never far from their minds. Students spent a sombre morning touring the vast and terrible Auschwitz 1 and Birkenau death camps, set up in the Second World War by the Nazis with the express purpose of eliminating the Jews and other minorities.
Trip organiser, Mrs C Hall, said: “Highfields has been taking student groups on the exciting and exhausting coach journey to Berlin and Krakow for many years now. Started by the History Department to build students’ understanding of the terrible story of Hitler’s Third Reich, the tour has become something of a school tradition, regarded as equally important to all students with a wish to learn about humanity in the modern world.
“There is much to reflect on for the students, who witness much evidence of the cruelties and inhumanity of brutal dictatorships, but there is also much optimism in the recovery of the bright and busy city of Berlin and the way nations are moving forward together following the horrors of the past.”
Teacher, Mr D Cooper, who accompanied students on the trip has summed up the experience:
Organised by the History department, the recent school wide visit to the German capital Berlin and Polish city Krakow offered staff and students so much more than just a visit to the past. With excellent curriculum links to English, Citizenship and RE as well as History, students were immersed in a variety of experiences and visits which broadened both their knowledge and life experience.
A city walking tour of Berlin enabled students to witness first hand the impact of both the Second World War and post-war hostilities, with evidence of conflict; bullet holes, bombing destruction and post-war division in the form of the Berlin wall scattered amongst the beautiful old and stunningly modern architecture of the now cosmopolitan city. Students paid a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, the Eastside Gallery and the site of the famous Nazi book burning, where thousands of literary works were burned because they did not meet the Nazi ideal.
Students also visited the DDR museum, which gave them a wonderful interactive insight into life on the east side of Berlin during post-war Soviet rule. A visit to the German Bundestag, the parliament building, which has become iconic to so many of Germany’s 20th Century struggles, was a particular highlight. Students were able to sit in the public gallery and see for themselves the room in which German government meets.
Evidence of Soviet fighting in those famous last days of the war as the Third Reich fell is littered all over the building, beautifully preserved to act as a reminder of the German battle for Democracy. There was even chance to walk past the door of Angela Merkel, although she was not in her office at the time!
Perhaps the most poignant visit was made just outside of the centre of Berlin, in Wannsee, where students visited the property which hosted the infamous Wannsee Conference of January 1942. The idyllic house is situated on a beautiful lake, where just across the water many Germans holidayed each year. It is here that high ranking Nazi officials decided upon the ‘Final Solution’; a decision which sealed the fate of millions of Jews in the three years that followed. The visit served as a stark reminder of what happens when humanity fails and provided much needed context for our trip to Krakow.
In the beautiful Medieval city of Krakow, students enjoyed free time to look around the square and visit the oldest market hall in Europe. Students were able to get a real feel of the city with a visit to their famous salt mines. A two-hour underground tour provided a fascinating overview of both the economic and industrial context of Krakow, a much needed change of context from the morning visit to Auschwitz.
The visit to Auschwitz was in many ways the pinnacle of the visit. It is hard to describe the atmosphere, the nature and reaction of the place. Even for those of who visited, it perhaps clouded our perception of the events of the Holocaust rather than clarify them. The visit was divided into two parts; Auschwitz I: The site of the concentration and work camp, and Auschwitz II: Better known as Birkenau, with its infamous railway lines and huge imposing watch tower.
The trip was ended perfectly with a visit to a Jewish museum in Kazimierz, the Jewish district of Krakow. Here students met with a Holocaust survivor, and listened impeccably to her story which was delivered in Polish and translated by a museum curator for us. Walking back to the main square of Krakow to begin our journey home, we were able to walk through some of the streets in Kazimierz and take in the atmosphere, including some sites which were famously filmed in Steven Spielberg’s production Schindler’s List. It was a very fitting end to a wonderful trip enjoyed by both staff and students alike.
GCSE result success for students
Highfields is celebrating yet another outstanding set of GCSE results - with 109 students achieving the highest gradings of 7 or above in English or Maths.
A total of 71% of students achieved a standard pass in both English and maths, whilst half of all students achieved the new strong pass in both subjects.
Thirty students achieved the highest Grade 9 rating in English Literature and English Language, out of just 13,000 nationally, whilst Gurkeerat Sandhu attained a 9 grading in English Literature, English Language and Maths - one of just 2,000 students nationally to do so. He also achieved another 5 A* and two A grades.
Sixty percent of students achieved a Grade 7 and above, or an A* and A, whilst 32% of students got three or more 7-9 or A* and A grades. (Grade 7 is equivalent to an A grade/ Grade 8 is equivalent to A* and Grade 9 is the new highest attainment grade)
Additionally, special congratulations go to Tasha Bagri, Jeevan Bains, Akaal Basra, Jacob Davis, Ekrahh Dawood, Emma Deakin, Shiv Julka, Emily Round, Tamzin Sandhu, Davinder Singh and Simran Uppal, who all achieved 11 grades of 7-9, A* or A.
Mrs N Clifton, Head of Upper School, said: “We are very proud of the effort and achievement of all students and staff. I would like to thank all parents for their hard work and continued support and wish our students all the very best of luck for the future.”
Take a look at our gallery of GCSE celebration pictures:
Students celebrate A-level success
Students are celebrating positive AS and A-level results, with the number achieving the top A* and A grades soaring by 36% from last year.
Sixth Form students achieved a 99.7% pass rate - 78% of them being A*-C grades. Those achieving the top A* and A grades has jumped from 18.7% last year to 25.5% this year.
Mr K.Blower, Head of Sixth Form, said: “It has been another good year for AS and A-level results. Overall, we had a 99.7% pass rate and there were some fantastic individual results.
“More than 100 students are now expected to move on to university. I would like to personally congratulate them on achieving fantastic grades after working so hard and wish them all the very best of luck as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.”
Thirteen students achieved one or more A* gradings. They are: Abi Akande, A* Maths and Further Maths; Rattan Bhorjee , A* Sociology; Sarah Cox, A* English and Sociology; Anna Felton, A* English and History; Nadia Hussain, A* Sociology; Simran Kular, A* History; Navneet Marway, A* Biology, Chemistry, Maths; Akshay Patel, A* Sociology; Dhruv Patel, A* Maths; Georgina Rogers, A* Sociology; Kuljit Singh, A* Punjabi; Kaitlin Turner, A* Law; Sophie White, A* English.
Hundreds enjoy Community Fun Day
Hundreds of people flocked to this year’s fundraising Community Fun Day at Highfields to enjoy an action-packed programme of fun activities, live entertainment, games and challenges.
The school opened its doors to members of the public for the extravaganza, which took place on Saturday, July 15th and raised around £1,300 for the school’s chosen charity, Compton Hospice.
A bouncy castle, rodeo bull, inflatable bungee run, welly wanging and tug-of-war were among the activities on the day, as well as a ‘Sponge The Teacher’ stand. Visitors also got the chance to put their knowledge and skills to the test in a range of challenges, including an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality challenge, an arts quiz and a product taste comparison test.
Highfields students performed songs and dances for visitors during the day, whilst the crowds were also entertained with a cake competition and cupcake decorating tutorial. This year’s event was made extra special by the inclusion of the school’s Sports Day, which saw students compete in a range of disciplines to win awards for their form groups.
Headteacher, Mr G Tate, said: “We were delighted to open the doors of our school for this year’s Community Fun Day. There was so much going on throughout the day for the whole family and we all had a great time.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to join us for the event and especially those who donated to our chosen charity, Compton Hospice.
Spectacular send-off for students at prom
From tuxedos to tiaras, top-of-the-range sports cars and gorgeous gowns, leaving proms provided a spectacular send-off for Highfields’ Year 11 and Sixth Form students.
Year 11 students turned on the style for their celebration at the Grand Station, in Wolverhampton City Centre, whilst Sixth Form students enjoyed a night of festivities at The Mount Hotel in Tettenhall.
Mrs N Clifton, Head of Upper School at Highfields, said: “The Year 11 prom was a wonderful celebration of the end of the school year for our students who have worked so hard towards their GCSEs.
“The event gave our Year 11 students the chance to let their hair down and enjoy themselves in style after all of the hard work they have put into their exams.
“There were some wonderful outfits and modes of transport on the night. It was the spectacular send-off the students deserved.”
The proms marked the end of the school year for students, who are now awaiting the results of their GCSE and A-Level exams before moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
Following the prom celebrations, all Year 11 students returned to school for their emotional Leavers’ Assembly, where awards were handed out to honour special achievements or particular events.
Students who have achieved three 'Crème de la Crème' nominations during Year 11 were given special recognition at the event. Each Crème de la Crème nomination was given as a result of students achieving all green progress reviews. Those who were recognised include Ekrahh Dawood, Armanjot Kailley, Jasmine Kaur, Ryiana Munroe, Parez Namiq, Amit Ohri, Surina Patel, Tamzin Sandhu, Gurkeerat Sandhu, Sanjna Saroop, Jasraj Sidhu, Alix Sutherland, Jared Tuckwell, Simran Uppal, Amy Williams, Devon Nelson, Anup Sharma, Pritpal Marway, Jacob Davis, Sahli Wahbi and Megan Billen. Students were also recognised for achieving 100% attendance during Year 11.
Mrs Clifton added: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on the incredibly mature way in which they approached their GCSEs.
“It has been a pleasure to see them mature, grow and develop into such confident, talented and skilled young adults. We look forward to seeing them in August for their results before they move on to the next chapter in their lives."
To watch our prom video, click here
To watch a montage of photographs of our Year 11 students over the past year, click here
Budding directors celebrate DIGI success
Budding movie directors from Highfields are celebrating after bagging prestigious DIGI Awards for films they created in school.
A talented group of filmmakers from Year 8 won the Best Short Film cate-gory (Key Stage 3) for their horror film, The Reckoning, which follows a school boy who takes revenge on his bullies. Sixth Form students, Ayesha Di’Angelo and Jemma Payne, also picked up an award for Best Short Film for their psychological drama, The Pretty Picture.
The film was originally created as part of their A-Level course but was submitted to the DIGIs on the advice of Film Studies teacher, Mr D Cooper. It explores the story of a woman locked away and neglected by her husband after he ignores her mental illnesses.
Jemma said: “As soon as the film had been submitted we forgot all about it so being nominated for an award was a huge shock. The fact that we were even nominated was enough, but to actually win is just amazing.”
The DIGIs are held annually to celebrate the achievements of learners and teachers in digital film and creative media. This year’s ceremony took place on Monday, July 10th at the Grand Theatre, where members of the public and family & friends of the nominees gathered to celebrate the success stories. The theatre even laid on a red carpet for nominees to enjoy a true awards night experience.
Mr Cooper said: “Both films were up against some stiff competition so it is a great achievement for them to have won their categories. They should feel very proud of what they have created."
To watch The Reckoning, click here
To watch The Pretty Picture, click here
Induction gives students a taste of life at Highfields
Highfields was filled with anticipation and excitement as hundreds of eager Year 6 students preparing to start at the school in September took part in their induction.
The induction started with an assembly in the Lyceum where students were greeted by Head of Lower School, Ms Parker, before taking part in a number of taster lessons to give them an idea of what to expect from the average school day at Highfields. They also had time to get to know their form tutors and other children in their form by taking part in a number of team-building activities.
Students from Year 8 and 9 acted as ‘buddies’ and ‘junior leaders’ during the induction event, which took place on July 3rd and 4th.
Ms Parker said: “The process of moving to secondary school can be intimidating but the 'junior leaders' were at the door to greet our future students with an enthusiastic smile and the ‘buddies’ made sure that the Year 6 students settled in well and that nobody had any worries or problems.”
Each ‘buddy’ was assigned a form and attended every lesson with the Year 6 students to make sure that they were confident and happy about starting at Highfields in Year 7 in September. This ‘buddy’ programme will also continue throughout the start of Year 7 to reassure students and ensure they all get off to a good start at the school.
Year 6 students who took part in the induction said they had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
One student said: “Induction was so much fun. I can’t wait to start in September!” Another said: “Before induction I was quite nervous but now I can barely handle my excitement.”
Visitors going wild for wolf trail
Wolf fever is gripping the city, with people going wild for its colourful new trail of wolf sculptures - including one designed by talented art students from Highfields.
The 5ft sculptures have hit the streets as part of the Wolves in Wolves project. Thirty sculptures have been placed around the city at points of interest, allowing people to explore its best attractions. It is the city’s biggest ever public art event.
Students were selected by members of staff from the Art department to transform the school’s wolf into a colourful piece of art before it was sent out to form part of the city-wide sculpture trail, which will run until September.
They worked on the design with representatives from WV Active, which has sponsored the sculpture. It includes blue swirls to represent the city’s swimming pools and silhouettes to showcase the many activities on offer at its leisure centres, as well as the colours of the Highfields logo.
The sculpture called ‘Zeus’ has now taken pride of place outside the Civic Centre.
Art teacher, Ms P Thomson, said: “We are very proud of the students involved - Kasia Pinkiewicz, Sara Malik, Alice Gunning, Lauren Sandland, Lucy Evans and Millie Jones. We are also delighted that two ex-Highfields students, Katie Keith and Danielle Rowbottom, were also selected to have their inspiring wolves included in the trail.
“There are 30 stunning sculptures on display so I would urge everyone to go out and hunt them all down over the summer.”
Wolves in Wolves has been organised by The Outside Centre and Enjoy Wolver- hampton, with support from Wolverhampton City Council. The wolf sculptures will be auctioned off for charity once the trail ends.
The project has drawn comparisons with The Big Hoot, which saw colourful owl sculptures placed around Birmingham to raise cash for the city’s Children’s Hospital.
