Windrush era explored with creative collaboration

Performing Arts students are exploring migration, racism and prejudice as part of a creative collaboration with Wolverhampton’s acclaimed Gazebo Theatre company.

Professional actor Jannette Barrett got into character during a live-streamed workshop to share the experiences of Connie, who travelled to the UK from Jamaica during the Windrush era in the 1940s.

Students ‘hot-seated’ Connie about her experiences which Janette - whose father Anthony Augustine Joseph was one of the few Black Navy Officers to receive a Commendation from Winston Churchill during WW2 - answered in character.

Fellow actor Dennis Ffrench - whose mother came to England from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation - facilitated the virtual workshop.

The event is part of the theatre company’s More Than A Moment project, which is enabling students across the region to explore the important themes around migration, and the prejudice experienced by people in the UK.

Students from Year 8 and 9 will now produce their own creative work - from dance, drama, music or poetry - based on the themes raised in the workshop, which will be uploaded to the company’s online More Than A Moment gallery.

Students in Year 9 will also be collaborating on a performance which will be performed to parents virtually.

The More Than A Moment project follows on from the company’s hugely successful programme called ‘Sorry! No Coloureds, No Irish, No Dogs’ which saw the actors tour schools and community groups with live performances highlighting the experiences of the Windrush generation.

Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and  Windrush Day Grant Programme, the More Than A Moment project gives students and groups the chance to explore their artistic response to the theme of Windrush which will be celebrated and shared in the online gallery.

Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said: “The workshop was really enlightening and a great way for students to learn more about the experiences of the Windrush generation, the prejudices they faced and the positive impact they made to Britain’s illustrious history.

“Our students got so much out of the event and they have been inspired to now work on their own creative art - whether it be dance, drama or music - which will be shared in Gazebo Theatre’s online gallery.”

Students have also been able to ask Jannette and Dennis about their professional lives and experiences as part of the school’s celebrations to mark National Careers Week.

Life-saving science being celebrated

The science that is saving lives during the Covid pandemic is being explored by Highfields students as part of a national celebration.

The school has been successful in securing a grant as part of British Science Week to deliver lessons about the science protecting the nation from the virus, thanks to a bid from the school’s Lead Practitioner for Science, Dr S Taylor.

The curriculum for Year 8 students is being collapsed for two lessons for students to explore the subject.

They will be learning about the science behind the ‘hands, face, space’ message promoted by the government during the pandemic in the first lesson. Lesson two will focus on the science of vaccines, including how they work and myths associated with them.

As well as the Covid-focused lessons, students are also being given the chance to enter a competition explaining the 'science of vaccination in a box’. To take part, students have been asked to create models in a shoe box showing how vaccines work.

British Science Week is a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

This year’s event runs from March 5th-14th with the theme of Innovating for the Future.

Although this year’s celebrations are different due to the Covid pandemic, a host of events and activities have been lined up to celebrate all things STEM, including online talks and presentations.

Organisers behind the national celebration said that nine in 10 children want to take an active stance in changing the world, having been spurred on by major world events such as Covid and climate change.

'Mystery reader' competition to mark World Book Day 2021

Reading and books are being celebrated at Highfields to mark World Book Day 2021.

The annual event aims to promote reading for pleasure and celebrates everything to do with books, including the authors, illustrators and the children who read them.

Usually the world of make believe is brought to life in school as students and staff dress as their favourite fictional characters to celebrate the event.

And, despite the Covid pandemic putting a stop to this year’s elaborate celebrations, the school has found ways of igniting a lifelong love of reading among students. 

Some students and staff still took the opportunity to dress up for the day, on Thursday 4th March, while the idea that ‘reading is power’ was explored during English lessons. As part of the theme, a variety of interactive and online resources were used to encourage students to read a wide range of interesting and challenging texts, while teachers talked about their favourite books and shared extracts from their favourite childhood stories and poems.

As part of the World Book Day celebrations - organised by Head of Communications Learning School, Mrs K Allen - students are also being invited to take part in a competition for the chance to win £30 worth of book vouchers.

Twenty-three members of staff - one for each letter of the alphabet - have posed behind their favourite books for the Who’s Behind The Book? competition. Students are being invited to guess who the mystery readers are for the chance of winning the prize. Entry forms have been emailed out and must be returned to KAllen@hswv.co.uk by Friday 12th March.

This year marks the 24th year of World Book Day, which is acknowledged globally in more than 100 countries across the world.

The World Book Day charity, along with National Book Tokens Ltd, offers 15 million £1 book tokens to children nationally - one for almost every child under the age of 18 in the country - every year.

For more information about the list of books on offer with World Book Day tokens, click here.

Students getting creative in lockdown

Students have been capturing stunning shots on camera and getting creative in the kitchen by whipping up delicious meals and desserts.

Lockdown has done little to dampen students’ creative spark as they put their photography, cooking and baking skills to the test.

Members of the school’s Year 9 Photography Club - which was launched in January - have captured dozens of images during lockdown which have now been used to create a stunning display in school ready for students’ return.

Each week students are given a new theme and submit their work for the chance of being named Photographer of The Week.

Themes so far have included ‘welly walk’, ’still life’, ‘black & white’, ‘food glorious food’ and ‘objects in ice’ - which saw them use trays, Tupperware and balloons to freeze their objects in before capturing the process of the ice melting.

Ms P Thomson, who runs the club, said: “Photography Club was launched in January during lockdown as a digital platform to share creativity through photography.

“The club is a really fun way for students to get creative - and all students need is a camera phone. The standard so far has been amazing, and we’ve had some incredible photographs submitted. It is great to now see some of them on display in school.”

Meanwhile, students from all year groups have also been showcasing their culinary skills by whipping up a range of tasty treats, including homemade bread, pasta dishes and cakes.

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.