Students inspired by Virtual Careers Fair

This year’s Careers Fair was a huge success! Over 1000 visitors have viewed the virtual careers site so far, looking for inspiration and guidance about future career paths.

Videos from a range of experts have been made available on the school’s website, including representatives from the NHS, HSBC and the RAF. Students can also hear from representatives from various colleges and universities across the country to explore the various opportunities they have available.

On the day of the event, students were encouraged to email questions directly to the experts in order to find out more about careers available in their field of expertise. Many exhibitors were very impressed by the excellent questions asked by Highfields students, and many have expressed keen interest in working with Highfields School to support students with CEIAG in the future. 

Mr Rose, Careers Lead said, ‘Student engagement was really impressive with students asking really incisive and interesting questions to the exhibitors.’

Mr Rose went on to say, ‘We were also thrilled that from the careers fair, some students managed to secure work experience opportunities which we are always on the lookout for.’ 

‘We were disappointed not to be able to hold the Highfields annual Careers Fair face to face in the building, but the Virtual Careers Fair, 2022, proved to be the biggest yet.’

All agreed that this was an excellent opportunity for students to see what is on offer for their futures after Highfields. One Year 9 student said, ‘The Virtual Careers Fair really helped me make decisions for my course choices, I enjoyed watching the videos especially the one from the NHS because I want to study medicine at University’. 

Next year Highfields hopes to host their biggest ever annual Careers Fair at school, welcoming students, parents, carers, and exhibitors into the building.

Highfields celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month

Highfields celebrated LGBTQ+ History month in February with an assembly by Ms Hannon celebrating the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, but also highlighting their struggle. Ms Hannon said, ‘Understanding and recognition is incredibly important for the LGBTQ+ community to feel seen and heard in society, and it starts here with education in our schools.’

The Library displayed books by LGBTQ+ authors which students were able to check out and read. Additionally, at the entrance to each learning school posters were displayed of prominent individuals throughout history who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The posters included individuals from a range of school subjects such as Computing and ICT with Alan Turing being displayed. Turing was a pioneering Computer Scientist he was the first person to propose the idea of a computer program, led the team that created the machine which cracked the German Enigma code. Others were more current, such as Olympian Nicola Adams and poet, playwright and novelist, Jackie Kay.

Highfields is a very inclusive school and celebrating LGBTQ+ History month is just one of the ways in which the school support students who identify as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual and gender identities).

Sixth Form Duke of Edinburgh's Award students on top of the world

A group of Year 13 students have completed their Gold DofE expedition, putting them one step closer to gaining their award. Unfortunately, the group previously had their expedition put on hold because of the pandemic, so they were eager to get out and about once they had been given the green light! The expedition was completed in two parts: their practice, which was based on the Long Mynd, and the assessed section which was in the Peak District.

Students had to be completely self-sufficient for all four days, whilst navigating the wild terrain independently in two groups.  They started at Ladybower reservoir ascending Winn Hill and finishing at Rowter Farm campsite, near Winnats Pass.  Their second day involved crossing the ridge of Mam Tor, then moving campsite to Edale. During their trek, the group were lucky enough to see the filming of the Games of Thrones prequel “House of the Dragon”, and even spotted the acclaimed actor Matt Smith! 

The third day proved to be their toughest challenge as the route involved navigating Kinder Scout and down to Jacobs Ladder, then returning to Edale.

Mr Moody, DofE Manager said, ‘Both the assessor and I were extremely impressed by all the students.’ 

Mr Moody continued, ‘When they reached the summit of Kinder Scout they all became very overwhelmed as this was, for many of them, the first time they had navigated and climbed over 600 metres into the mountains.’

‘When we were back at Edale they all could see the finishing line and I could personally see how all of them had matured and developed as young people from when they first started on their Bronze award.’

Students now have only the residential section left to complete, and they are in the process of planning what they are going to do.  The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a highly rewarding scheme providing students with a wealth of transferable skills to prepare students for the wider world.

Outdoor days put Lower School students to the test

With restrictions easing, Highfields have been able to restart the Lower School Outdoor Education Programme based at both Llandrinio and Lake Vyrnwy.  Year 8 students have been working with Bethania Adventure to perfect their raft building skills at Lake Vyrnwy.  To succeed, students learnt the fundamental design required to enable their raft to have enough buoyancy to hold up the eight students in their team. 

Mr Moody, Head of Outdoor Education said, ‘Students must pay attention because the better their design and the tighter their knots, the drier they will be!’

Once their rafts were built, their team had to sail them out to the island where they spent some time learning about the amazing history of the dam. In particular, students were fascinated to learn about the lake’s importance in terms of providing flood protection for the people of Llandrinio.

Year 7 students have also been out having fun out at Llandrinio for their own adventure day! Students have taken part in either a trepidatious expedition through Breiden Forest, or have completed a challenging orienteering course through Llanymynech Heritage Site. As part of both activities, Mr Moody has encouraged the students to appreciate the significance of the landscape they have explored. Mr Moody said, ‘The year seven activity day is designed to encourage students to engage with others within the year group, to build stronger friendship groups.’

An impressive 140 Year 8 students took part in activities at Lake Vyrnwy, and the Year 7 activity day will be continuing into next half term with 190 students eager to take part.  All students so far have been very positive about their experiences. Mr Moody said, ‘For many, this has been their first school trip for two years because of the pandemic.’

Students wow audiences with magical musical

The Lower School production of ‘Aladdin Jr’ was an eagerly anticipated affair, with a considerably longer rehearsal period than expected due to Covid restrictions.  Undeterred however, the production team embraced this opportunity to include so many new Year 7 students to the school – and they certainly did not disappoint!

‘Aladdin Jr’ is quite possibly the liveliest of the Lower School productions Highfields has produced so far. With show numbers like ‘Friend Like Me’ and ‘One Jump’. The soundtrack is well known and loved by children and adults alike. 

Ms Bishop, Director of Performance said, ‘It was a visually spectacular show, with the Lyceum being transformed into an Arabian Palace. A big thank you to the Art Department and talented Art students getting involved with painting pieces of set and making props.’

Ms Bishop went on to say, ‘Audiences were clearly thrilled by the performances and the students did themselves proud with very mature and accomplished performances and some real comedic moments too, particularly from Henry Shore as Iago and Heath Beech as Jafar.’

Most of the principal roles were double cast to ensure opportunities were available to as many students as possible. The Genies, expertly played by Millie Rutter and Skyla Williams narrated the show and both gave outstanding performances, leading a hugely talented cast of over 40 students.

Audience members were in awe of the stunning magic carpet scene when ‘A Whole New World’ was sung beautifully by Santana Aspinall and Oscar Timmins on the Wednesday and Thursday, and Lauren Weir and Anika Patel on the Tuesday and Friday.  This song was made all the more spectacular as they were singing on a real magic carpet that the production team had hired. This was certainly a magical moment which left the audiences amazed!

Spectacular send-off with Year 11 prom

From tuxedos to tiaras, top-of-the-range sports cars and gorgeous gowns, a leaving prom provided a spectacular send-off for Highfields’ Year 11 students.

Students turned on the style for their celebration at Wolverhampton’s Park Hall Hotel.

The event had been rescheduled from its original date in July due to Covid restrictions and topped off a day of celebrations for students, who had picked up their GCSE results earlier in the day.

 Mr D Treble, 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 over a difficult period filled with disruptions, lockdowns and remote learning.

“The event gave our students the chance to let their hair down and enjoy themselves in style after such a strange year.

“Despite the pandemic affecting their normal school routine, students achieved some fantastic GCSE results, and this prom was the perfect way to mark their achievements and celebrate moving on to the next chapter in their lives.”

The event included an extra special live performance by talented student James Casey, winner of Highfields Got Talent 2020 Christmas Special. James played the guitar and wowed his peers with a number of hits including Wonderwall by Oasis.

Mr Treble said: “It was a lovely addition to the celebrations and something we’ve never done at prom before. All of the students really enjoyed it and were cheering him on and singing along.”

GCSE results celebrations

Highfields is celebrating another fantastic set of GCSE results.

Almost a third of students attained 9-7 grades in English and Maths while 68% achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in both subjects, and 84% attained a standard pass (Grade 4 or above).

Mr D Treble, Head of Upper School, said: “I’m delighted for our students, who have achieved such a fantastic set of GCSE results despite another year filled with disruptions and uncertainty.

“It has been a difficult year for students, and they should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Despite the pandemic affecting their normal school routine, they continued to work hard and strive to achieve their GSCE goals.

“It’s also pleasing to see so many students choosing to return to Highfields’ Sixth Form. We expect to have more than 200 students in Year 12 next year.

“All of our Year 11 students are looking forward to their prom tonight which is a much-needed celebration of their work and achievements.”

Special mention should go to some exceptional achievements: Lewis Hopkins - nine grade 9s and one grade 8; Aidan Moore - eight grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7; Freya Martin - eight grade 9s and two grade 8s; Abigail Regan - eight grade 9s and two grade 8s, and Laila Ladher - five grade 9s, three grade 8s, one grade 7 and one grade 6.

Alongside these very high attainers are large numbers of students who have made some quite exceptional progress during their time at Highfields. Mr Treble added: “A special mention should go to Kameron Chander and Aimee Evans who have made the most progress of all students but there are so many of the year group who can be very proud of their achievements. They have a bright future ahead of them. It has been a privilege to support them on their journey.”

Exams were cancelled again this year for the second year in a row due to the Covid pandemic and replaced with teacher assessed grades. Schools could use a range of evidence for grades, including "mini-exams", coursework and mock exams - with one in five schools having a sample of their grades checked by exam boards.

Sixth Form students celebrate A Level results

Sixth form students are celebrating positive A Level results, with a 100% pass rate achieved - and almost a third of all results being A* and A grades. 

Out of the 138 students receiving their results, more than 100 are now preparing to move on to university, including one who has secured the top grades needed to study medicine at prestigious Oxford University.

A total of 34 A* grades were given out as well as 61 A grades. Just under a third of all results - 32% - were A* or A grades, while 58% were A*-B and 82% were A*-C.

Steve Pycroft, Head of Sixth Form, said: “We are so proud of our students and what they have achieved in a very strange and challenging year.

“Coronavirus and lockdowns meant they didn’t get to sit their exams, but they have done a brilliant job despite the disruption.

“I would like to wish them all the very best of luck as they move on to the next chapter of their lives, whether that be university, apprenticeships or work. They have done themselves, their parents and the school proud.”

There were a number of standout performances this year.

Among them was Sara Malik who was awarded three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and is now preparing to study Medicine at Oxford University. Upon receiving her results, a delighted Sara said: “I’m so pleased to be going to Oxford to study medicine. Everyone has worked so hard over the past two years and I’m really grateful for all the help and support I’ve received during my time at Highfields.”

Deputy Head Boy Joe Regan also got a full house of A*s in Economics, English and Maths and will be studying Economics and Finance at Queen Mary Uni of London.

Several students achieved at least two A* grades, including Aqsa Anwar who received A*s in Law and Sociology and an A in Psychology. Anika Patel was another to secure two A*s, this time in Physics and Computer Science alongside an A in Maths and will be going on to study Computer Science at Nottingham University. Hannah Tomlinson is preparing to study History at Bristol University after achieving A*s in History and Sociology and an A in English.

Other success stories include Charis Ukaeze who achieved an A* in Psychology and As in Biology and Chemistry and will be moving on to a degree apprenticeship, while Cameron Wilcox will be moving to Leeds University to study Economics after securing an A* in Maths and A grades in Economics and Physics.

Millie Wright will be moving to Chester University to complete an Adult Nursing degree after achieving a Distinction* in Health & Social Care, a Distinction in Applied Science and an A in Criminology.

Exams were cancelled again this year for the second year in a row due to the Covid pandemic and replaced with teacher assessed grades. Schools could use a range of evidence for grades, including "mini-exams", coursework and mock exams - with one in five schools having a sample of their grades checked by exam boards.

Councillors support talented students during show rehearsals

Talented young performers preparing to stage Highfields’ upcoming musical, Aladdin, were given support during their half-term rehearsals by a Wolverhampton councillor.

Merry Hill councillors, Simon Bennett and Wendy Dalton, popped into the school to speak to students who have given up some of their holidays to rehearse for the production.

Thirty-five students from Years 7-9 took part in the half-term rehearsals - 10 more than attended Easter holiday rehearsals since Covid rules were relaxed.

Councillors Bennett and Dalton spoke to students about their preparations for the show, watched some of their musical and dance numbers take shape and congratulated them on their efforts.

Students made the most of the half-term sunshine to work outdoors on some of the show’s famous songs - which include Arabian Nights, Prince Ali, A Whole New World and One Jump Ahead - as well as getting to grips with dance numbers and dialogue.

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.

It is hoped the show will be staged in November in front of live audiences in the school’s Lyceum Theatre, with a spectacular opening night featuring a firework display!

Aladdin is being staged after the school’s most recent production, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, had to be live-streamed from the Lyceum Theatre due to strict Covid-19 restrictions at the time.

Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said: “Once again, our students have given up some of their holiday to rehearse for the show, which we are all so excited about.

“Since rules were relaxed on May 17th, we’ve been able to have more students in school rehearsing and we made the most of the half-term sunshine to work on the show outside.

“The effort, commitment and enthusiasm of our students really is incredible, so it was great to receive support from our local councillors, Simon Bennett and Wendy Dalton, who came in to speak to them, watch some of the numbers taking shape and congratulate them. 

“Our productions take an enormous amount of dedication, and he recognised how much work they put in to make them such a success.

“Aladdin is a great show, with so many catchy songs and big dance numbers, and the rehearsals so far have gone very well, so I know our talented students are going to put on another wonderful show in the summer.

“It will be even more special if the students get to perform in front of a live audience - and I really look forward to the whole community getting behind them to celebrate with them.”

Principal roles have been double cast or triple cast to give as many students as possible the chance to shine on stage.

Highfields bids fond farewell to leavers

Highfields has bid a fond farewell to Year 11 and Year 13 students - and is now preparing to give them a spectacular send off with a prom and leavers party planned for the summer.

A special assembly was held in school for Year 11 students, giving the class of 2021 the chance to celebrate their school life as they prepare to move on to the next chapter.

As part of the celebrations, awards were handed out to honour special achievements or particular events, whilst old photographs and videos were shown documenting students’ time at Highfields.

They then went outside to sign shirts and say their goodbyes.

Sixth Form students marked their last day at Highfields with a get together in the school’s Lecture Theatre where photos were shown and memories were shared.

Head of Sixth Form, Mr S Pycroft, said: “It was lovely to have so many Year 13 students join us for our leavers celebration. 

“They have made such a positive contribution to the school community during their time at Highfields, and we are immensely proud of everything that they have achieved. 

“They have coped with the challenges of Sixth Form admirably and I am confident that further success awaits them in the future.”

A Year 11 prom is set to take place at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel’s Grand Marquee on 1st July.

The Year 13 leavers event is scheduled at the same hotel on 8th July. Tickets for the event are still available, costing £20.