Highfields marks National Careers Week 2021

Students will be looking forward to the future as Highfields marks National Careers Week 2021.

Although lockdown restrictions mean the school cannot mark the event in its usual style, students will be encouraged to look ahead to life after school by learning more about the career opportunities available to them throughout the week.

A special assembly looking at local market information from the Department for Work and Pensions will be sent out to students from Years 9-11 to watch from home while teachers from across the school will be including careers-related activities in their lessons.

Students are also being given the opportunity to visit a virtual careers fair here during the week.

The annual National Careers Week (NCW) is a celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK with the aim of supporting young people leaving education for the future.

Highfields is committed to providing all students with careers advice and support to enable them to reach their career dreams. Each year the school hosts a packed programme of activities, workshops, trips and presentations to mark the national event, as well as a careers fair featuring dozens of employers, university representatives and apprenticeship providers.

Mr P Rose, Highfields’ Head of Middle School and Careers Leader, said: “Due to coronavirus restrictions and lockdown we are unfortunately unable to host our usual packed programme of activities, events, talks and trips to mark National Careers Week, but we are still committed to providing our students with inspiration for the future.

“We will be encouraging students from all year groups to look forward to the future and learn more about the opportunities available to them after school, giving them an insight into the range of pathways they can take to fulfil their career dreams.”

Students can request a Careers Interview by emailing careerguidance@hswv.co.uk

Aladdin announced as latest musical production

Highfields has announced it will stage family favourite Aladdin as its next musical production.

Virtual auditions will be taking place in the coming days for budding performers wanting to showcase their stage skills in the musical spectacular.

The show, which is set to be staged during the summer term, is open to all students from Years 7, 8 and 9.

The musical is set in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah and tells the story of a poor young man who is granted three wishes by a genie in a lamp, which he uses to woo a princess and to thwart the sultan’s evil Grand Vizier. 

Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said she hoped the production could be performed in front of live audiences.

It comes after the school’s latest production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat had to be live-streamed from the Lyceum Theatre due to strict Covid-19 restrictions.

Ms Bishop said: “We are really excited to be getting under way with our latest musical, Aladdin.

“It’s a great show, with brilliant songs, big dance numbers - and, of course, a magic carpet.

“The production is open to every Key Stage 3 student who wants to take part and we are hoping to at least double cast the principal roles, possibly even triple cast them, to give as many students as possible the chance to shine on stage.

“Due to Covid restrictions, our last performance of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was put together in very unusual circumstances with only a handful of socially distanced rehearsals and a live-streamed performance.

“Although we are still not sure exactly what measures will be in place going forward, I am hopeful we will be able to perform our version of Aladdin in front of live audiences in our Lyceum Theatre at some point during the summer term.”

All students have been emailed audition details.

Students encouraged to take part in Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day takes place every year on the second day of the second week of February, with the aim to provide a safer and better internet experience for all. Fifteen countries across the world celebrated the event which aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.

Students at Highfields are in a privileged position as they all have their own laptops that support their experience of teaching and learning. Due to the current third national lockdown, students are spending a lot more time learning and socialising online.

Mrs Bates, Assistant Headteacher, said, ‘It is extremely important that students understand how to stay safe online. It is also vital that they have time away from the internet and their devices to improve their well being as well as their physical and mental health.’

This week students have been given information relating to being safe online during their lessons. They have explored the following topics: Social Media, Sharing Images and Videos, Online Gaming and Remote Learning.

The following tasks were set for students to complete in the own time during this week:

• Online Safety Quiz

• Mindfulness Internet Safety Colouring sheet

• Write a text message to a friend outlining why you don’t think they should post a photo or video of a Year 10 student being pushed over at the park on their way back from school

• You are in charge of a social media campaign to help support online safety around sharing photos and videos. Create:

  • Two posts for either Twitter or Instagram

  • A hashtag to support your campaign for example, #AskBeforeYouPost

•  Create a leaflet/ poster on one of the topics that we have covered to promote being safe online

If students choose to complete any of the tasks above, they are encourage to send these to abates@hswv.co.uk.

For more information on Internet Safety please read our Online Safety at home Newsletter or visit our Online Safety Page.

Apprenticeships celebrated during week-long campaign

Students are being given the chance to learn more about the range of apprenticeship opportunities available to them and the benefits they bring as part of a week-long national event.

Highfields will be marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the work of apprenticeships in every sector. 

A digital assembly by Victoria Standing, from Workpays - a training provider which designs and delivers workplace apprenticeship programmes - will feature as part of the event.

Victoria said: “The theme for this year's week is 'build the future', with the aim for the campaign to encourage employers to celebrate the diversity of opportunity and value that apprenticeships bring, and how they can help individuals and employers build their future.”

Students are also being encouraged to take part in a series of Workpays webinars which will be running throughout the week at Workpays Events | Eventbrite

The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships, taking place across the country, will showcase how apprenticeships have helped employers and apprentices alike of all ages and backgrounds. 

Bringing together apprenticeship ambassadors, MPs, training providers, apprentices, parents and employers, National Apprenticeship Week highlights the work being done across the whole apprenticeship community to promote apprenticeships and their impact.

Mr P Rose, Highfields’ Careers Lead and Head of Middle School, said: “We are delighted to be marking National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing to our students the great benefits apprentices can bring to employers and employees alike.

“Although Covid has prevented us attending any physical events, there are a number of digital resources, events and webinars available to them throughout the week.

“Apprenticeships are now more popular than ever. They are no longer just associated with skilled trades such as engineering or construction, but offered in pretty much every business sector. Understanding the range of opportunities available and the many benefits apprenticeships bring should provide great inspiration for our students for the future.”

Click here for more information on Apprenticeships

Covid testing areas created in school

Highfields’ sports hall and activity studio have been transformed into Covid testing centres to ensure the safe return of all staff and students in the coming weeks.

Lateral Flow Testing is already under way on site for the limited number of staff and students who have returned to school following the Christmas break.

But provisions have already been ramped up to enable mass testing in preparation for the green light being given for schools to return fully.

Five testing bays have been set up in the activity studio for staff and students, along with a further four bays in the sports hall for site staff, including caretakers and cleaners. The facilities allow for hundreds of tests to be delivered daily.

Since school partially returned after the Christmas break for selected students and those of key workers, staff on site are already receiving weekly tests, with slots available for them to book between 8am and 9am on Mondays to Thursdays. The tests will be available to students on site from next week.

The Government has indicated that the ability for schools to return after the February half-term is partly dependent on them having the capacity to deliver mass testing.

Headteacher, Mr G Tate, said: “We are continuing to develop our capacity to carry out Lateral Flow Testing in school.

“Staff and students who are regularly attending school during this period of closure are able to access weekly tests and we expect to be able to test all students on their return to school, whenever that may be.

“The ability for schools to deliver mass testing on site will factor into the Government’s decision-making process when it comes to fully reopening classrooms.

“We are delighted to have used this time to have developed our testing capacity to enable us to provide hundreds of daily tests and ensure the safest return of our students and staff when we are told this can happen.”

Despite schools being forced to remain closed due to the Covid pandemic, students from all year groups are benefiting from a comprehensive remote learning programme, with a full curriculum of live lessons being delivered via Microsoft Teams.

Mr Tate, said: “Whilst we were of course very disappointed that it has been necessary to close all schools for most students, we have been determined to make this period of remote learning as positive and worthwhile an experience for students as possible.

“We are continuing to teach our full curriculum during lockdown. The normal timetable is being delivered as live lessons via Microsoft Teams.

“We are clearly in a very fortunate position as a school with every student having their own HP Stream device, although we appreciate that there can be a whole host of challenges thrown up by remote learning, and have digital support available for anyone experiencing technical issues.

“Students are engaging well with their live lessons, and I would like to thank you all for your support as we navigate these unprecedented times.”

And the winner is...

After the live streaming of ‘Highfields Got Talent – Christmas Special’ was brought to an abrupt end last night after technical difficulties, it was recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel this morning. The competition has been available to watch all day with the vote open until 6 pm.

The judges scores meant that Paige and Millie, James Casey and The Snowflakes were the top three acts. The public then had the opportunity to vote for their favourite act. After receiving over 365 views and nearly 1000 votes we are pleased to announce the winner of Highfields Got Talent – Christmas Special 2020 is… James Casey!

James will receive a £50 gift voucher alongside a framed certificate signed by Ms Bishop and the judges.

You can watch Highfields Got Talent - Christmas Special by clicking here.

Christmas at Highfields – All wrapped up!

To end this extraordinary year, Highfields has embraced Christmas celebrations with the aim of boosting the Christmas spirit and giving everyone a joyful lift as we head towards the new year.

Highfields’ embrace of the Christmas spirit has been visible from afar, with lights in the windows at the front of school for the very first time. Once in school, the large Christmas tree in Reception and other decorations within Learning Schools certainly make the school feel festive. Whilst the lights are debuting, our Highfields Christmas tree is always up this time of year; even in this most unusual of years. Near the front of school there is also a donation site for food and other items in aid of the Good Shepherd Ministry because ultimately; without the spirit of giving, the spirit of Christmas rings hollow. This generosity is especially important in a year which has seen many people’s living standards decline.

Leading these incredibly charitable efforts is Mrs Hartshorne who told us, “Staff and students have been incredibly generous. Once again, there have been a variety of donations of food and hygiene items, and local people will truly benefit. The Good Shepherd do incredible work helping to support people with various personal, social and health needs, and without doubt will make good use of everything Highfields have donated.”

In the Communications Learning School, a Christmas Tree of Books has been established in the Library aiming to inspire interest in reading whilst encompassing Christmas vibes. Alongside all other Learning Schools, a staff sing-along competition was a definite highlight of Highfields’ Christmas activities, leaving students thoroughly entertained. The winners were announced at the end of the Highfields Got Talent show which is available to watch on our YouTube channel. The competition celebrated the talents of our students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. After receiving many auditions from students across the school, the judges; Mr Tate, Mrs Brickwood and Mrs Jevon, narrowed them down to 8 finalists; Anna Tabner, Paige and Millie, Alex Hill, The Three Amigos, James Casey, Effie Bladen-Hayes, Lilly Lowery and The Snowflakes. They then gave a score to each act which decided their position on the leader board. The top 3 acts are now in the public vote, meaning you will decide the winner.

Also on the school’s YouTube channel is a carol service, presented in partnership with St. Bart’s Church. This featured the Highfields Head Team reading passages from the Bible that are at the heart of Christmas. Ms Bishop, Head of Performance, told us, “The carol concert was watched by over 200 people and was a delightful evening in these challenging times.”

Finally, this week the winning entry of this year’s Christmas card competition was chosen. The design was hand drawn by Alex Hill in Year 7; Alex’s talents are endless! It was digitalised and then shared with staff and students.

We have certainly not held back on Christmas cheer this year. Mr Tate said, “Despite the frustrations of this term, I am very proud of how well we have all coped. We have seen an incredible amount of change and challenge and yet we have been able to keep school operating relatively normally. This would not have happened without the energy, commitment and dedication of staff, the resilience and responsible attitude of students and great support from you all at home. I think we all thoroughly deserve a good Christmas break and can look forward to the new year with real hope and optimism.”

Indeed, at Highfields the Christmas festivities were as extensive as ever and we hope that the smiles, that were more infectious than anything at Highfields this Christmas, can continue into the new year.

Written By Joseph Regan - Year 13

End of Term Celebration for Year 11

Students from Year 11 who achieved an all-green on their most recent progress review were invited to a special ‘Crème de la Crème’ lunch. It is more important than ever that our Year 11 students put the effort into their studies and ensure they work hard in lessons to progress towards their targets.

Titled ‘The school of achievers’, Upper School students must live up to the high outcomes set in previous years. With only 20 school weeks until the summer exams start it is crucial that students go into the new year with their heads focused on achieving the best grades they can. Events such as this really motivate students to do so, as they are rewarded for their efforts.

Students enjoyed a buffet lunch alongside ‘cake and cordial’ and all received a gift from the Upper School Team. Mr Treble, Head of Upper School said “These students thoroughly deserve this special treat, they have worked so hard during what has been a difficult term with many of them having to isolate on multiple occasions. We are all very proud of these students for achieving an all-green progress review and they are most certainly on track for success in their summer exams”

The show goes on!

Hundreds tuned in to watch talented performers take to the stage in Highfields’ live-streamed musical production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

The cast was delighted to showcase their talents to audiences at home - including Beverley Knight - with their version of the much-loved production, despite the coronavirus pandemic putting a stop to crowds in the school’s Lyceum theatre.

The Performance department was able to secure an extra special prop for the showcase on December 5 - the dreamcoat worn by Joe Sugg when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. And they were equally delighted to have received a £4,751 grant from the Co-op Community Fund to pay for brand new mics for the cast. The mics will now be used for all upcoming performances at the school.

Performers gave up two weeks of their summer holidays back in August to start rehearsing for production, but the packed rehearsal schedule had to be ripped up due to strict Covid-19 measures.

Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said staging the show despite the hurdles the team had to overcome, was one of the proudest moments of her career.

She added: “Thank you to everyone who watched the show and for all of the warm messages of support.  

“We are so proud of the cast, some of whom had only five days of rehearsal.  

“It has been really challenging at times, but last night was one of my proudest moments in 25 years teaching without a doubt!”

Among those watching the performance was soul superstar Beverley Knight, who played the role of Narrator in a production of Joseph when she was a student at the school.

She sent the cast her congratulations via video message. In it, she said: “Yes, Highfields! Job well done! I watched it, I sang along. I thought you were all marvellous.”

If you missed the live show tickets are now available to purchase to watch the recording. Click here for more information.

Tickets on sale for much-loved musical

Tickets have gone on sale for this year’s musical production, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, which will be live-streamed to audiences next month.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic hindering extra-curricular activities and rehearsals, the show must go on - and performers are delighted to showcase their talents with their version of the much-loved production.

The show will be streamed live from the Lyceum Theatre from 7.30pm on Saturday, December 5.

The Performance department has even been able to secure an extra special prop for the showcase - the dreamcoat worn by Joe Sugg when he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.

Performers gave up two weeks of their summer holidays back in August to start rehearsing for production, but the packed rehearsal schedule had to be ripped up due to strict Covid-19 measures.

Despite this, the team are confident of staging another show-stopping production.

Ms S Bishop, Head of Extra-Curricular Performance who directs all of the school’s acclaimed productions, said: “Staging our productions always takes an enormous amount of commitment and hard work, and this year we have been faced with the added challenge of the ongoing pandemic.

“We haven’t been able to rehearse as we usually would, but we’re not going to let that stop us! The show must go on, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, so there’s been a lot of work going on from homes to ensure we can put on another fantastic show.

“We have an amazingly talented bunch of young performers and we hope to see you all tuning in from the comfort of your homes for an evening of top entertainment.”

School musical productions are usually open to every student who wants to take part, but because of the strict restrictions on numbers this year, Ms Bishop emailed performers who appeared in the 2019 Addams Family production and worked on a ‘first come first served’ policy. 

It is Ms Bishop’s third time directing Joseph at Highfields, albeit the first with social distancing measures in place.

Based on the ‘coat of many colours’ story of Joseph from the Bible’s Book, the show, by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of the world’s best loved musicals.