Work experience is The Way forward

A group of Year 10 students had the opportunity to learn new skills and gain an understanding of the World of Work at a special Work Experience provided by the Department for Works and Pensions. 12 students were invited to attend a three-day Work Experience Programme at The Way youth Zone in Wolverhampton city centre.

Sessions revolved around work stations from the world of work, with virtual employers in manufacturing and production, warehouse and packing and administration.  Students were given the opportunity to sample each work sector and develop real life skills that students can then transfer into future employment, an apprenticeship or college.

There were a number of fun and engaging team building exercises to build transferable skills such as communication, team work, leadership and above all, confidence.  At the end of the experience there was the opportunity for everyone to explore their aspirations.

Here’s what a number of students had to say about the experience:

Zack Newby: I really enjoyed the work experience and it was fun working there and learning new skills’.

Carl Hill: I had a fun time at The Way.  It improved my communication skills and teamwork skills and everyone there is very kind!

Sukhwinder Baglee:  I think the work experience was amazing because we experienced how the work place works. And getting to bond with friends probably the best 3 weeks we all have thanks for the opportunity.

Students Celebrate World Book Day

The power of reading was brought to life when students and staff dressed as their favourite fictional characters to celebrate World Book Day.

Snow White, Jane Eyre and Sherlock Holmes were among the colourful characters who turned up to school as part of the festivities, alongside the entire cast of 101 Dalmatians.

The annual World Book Day is a celebration of books, authors, illustrators and reading which aims to ignite imaginations and help students gain a lifelong passion for reading.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Everyone is a Reader’ and Lower School students will continue to explore this idea in their English lessons during this half term.

A number of events were held in school to celebrate World Book Day, including the very first ‘Highfields Book Swap’ where students and staff were invited to exchange books they had previous enjoyed. Students across the school also each received a World Book Day token, which could be used towards the purchase of books from several High Street stores.

School Librarian, Miss Hallam, said, “It was fantastic to see so many staff and students get into the spirit of the day with their creative costumes, and the success of the book swap goes to show how much students still value reading and physical copies of books, comics, and graphic novels. The love of reading is still alive at Highfields, and it made for an incredibly rewarding day, and I am really looking

Maths Day Marked with Pi

Students at Highfields celebrated World Maths Day in style this year, with a range of challenges and competitions for all year groups to get involved with.

First held in 2007, World Maths Day is now celebrated each year and encourages students across the globe to enjoy the fun of maths!

During the day, students entered an online competition on Mathletics where they were playing maths related games against students all around the world in a series of competitions and tournaments.

Additionally, at lunchtime pies were served decorated with the Pi symbol along with cakes garnished with ‘I love Maths’ icing. These treats went down very well with students and teachers alike - and certainly got us all talking more about maths!

Miss Green, who led the competitions on the day, said, “Students don't always see the link between maths now and the importance of it when they grow older, so days like this engage them and encourage us all to enjoy maths to the fullest before the next stage of their education.”

Audiences wowed by Puppet Masterpiece

Highfields’ Upper School production of Avenue Q proved to be just the ticket to entertain eager audiences earlier this month!

The musical tells the story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a dilapidated New York apartment all the way out on ‘Avenue Q’. He soon discovers that although the residents seem affable, it's clear that this is no ordinary neighbourhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Ms Bishop, Director of Performance said, “This was one of the most ambitious shows we have staged in recent years; not only have the cast had to learn lines but they but also a totally new skill: puppetry.”

Ms Bishop went on to say, “Audiences were intrigued and impressed by the puppetry as this is something that most won’t have seen before in a show.  All of the students did themselves proud with very professional performances.”

 The laugh-out-loud musical certainly impressed the audience, with many saying it was the funniest show Highfields have ever performed - and some even comparing the performance to a West-End show!

 Most noticeable, however, was the return of the fantastic school band, whose talent certainly did not disappoint.

Ms Bishop said, “We really have missed the band and the cast have missed performing alongside them. It’s great to showcase live music and performance again, they’re all individually very talented and audiences loved watching them as much as the cast”

Own Clothes for Red Nose Day

Charity fever swept through Highfields for this year's national Comic Relief campaign, as students were encouraged to come to school in their own clothes and donate money for the cause.

Highfields also sold cakes to raise funds, with delicious treats available such as tasty rocky road bakes and Red Nose Day themed cupcakes. Parents were encouraged to donate via Parent Pay, and members of the Inclusion team collected donations from our very generous students throughout the day. In total, the school raised an impressive £1500, which will support Comic Relief to make a difference to the lives of millions of people across the UK and the world.

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. I want to thank everyone for their support, helping to make this a day to remember whilst making a difference.”

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.

Highfields Show Support for Ukraine

Highfields have been showing their support and solidarity for the Ukrainian people by creating a powerful ‘Wall of Support’ this week. Students and staff have been invited to use blue and yellow handprints to write messages to those involved in the conflict. The final result demonstrates a powerful display of support for the Ukrainian people, which will be displayed on the website and on the digital signage around the school.

Earlier this year, after months of tensions and intense diplomacy, Russian forces invaded Ukraine.  This crisis has prompted world-wide support for Ukraine with many people displaying a blue and yellow stripe, the country’s flag, to show their support.  

Ms Thompson, Lead Teacher of Art, said, “We wanted to do something creative, and make something that would have a big impact, to prompt students to find out about the crisis. Thank you to all of the staff and students who came down to add their handprint, the final piece is very effective.”

Students also received a powerful assembly from Deputy Headteacher Mr Cheetham, who talked to students about the history of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

To find out how you can support Ukraine head to https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/news/how-you-can-support-ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

Students plan for the future during National Careers Week

National Careers Week saw students, parents and staff take part in a range of careers related activities throughout the week.  Staff across the school revealed their previous jobs while students had the opportunity to think about their dream job.  Careers activities in lessons and form time allowed students to look into careers in different sectors, and explore qualifications, pathways and local market information.  An Apprenticeship workshop led by ASK Amazing Apprenticeships informed Year 10 students of the range of apprenticeships available and how to apply, and our very own careers advisors ran sessions on interview skills and CV writing.  On-line webinars from Worcester University in the evenings gave students and parents and carers useful information on a range of vocational courses and careers.    

The main event was a Speakers 4 Schools presentation from Amy Smith, Head of Talent, at the innovative visual effects company Framestore.  The company have been involved in major blockbusters including Harry Potter, Spider Man and Marvel.  Students Years 10, 12 and 13 were inspired to ‘follow their passion’ as they found out about all the different careers available in the creative industries.

A year 10 student said, “I didn’t realise there were so many different jobs in the visual effects industry.  You don’t have to be an artist or good at IT.  Companies like Framestore need accountants, legal, payroll and recruitment”

Mr Rose, Careers Lead at Highfields, said, “I’m so pleased with how well students engaged with the opportunities provided by National Careers Week.  We place great importance on Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) at Highfield, and we provide activities all year round, but National Careers Week is a chance to really expose students to careers, make them realise the possibilities that are out there and spark an interest in their future.  Next year National Careers Week at Highfields School will be bigger than ever”.

New Photography course popular with students

GCSE Photography is new to the curriculum this year and has already proved to be a very popular subject amongst Year 10 students at Highfields.

As part of the course students have had the opportunity to go to Birmingham to take photographs to use as part of their course. Students are currently working on the theme of 'Structures & Viewpoints' so they photographed a series of different architectural styles from a variety of different angles. They will then develop their work in school using their images to experiment with using digital and art techniques.

Ms Thomson, Head of Art, said ‘We are really pleased with the take up of GCSE Photography, students have been really engaged with the subject and we have many talented photographers in the groups’

A Photography Club was also launched to the whole school community this term encouraging students to pick up their cameras or phones and take some photographs. The first challenge was 'Reflection' and the responses to the theme were very creative.

Ms Thomson said, ‘The quality of images and clever use of editing was impressive. Congratulations to Photographer of the week, Freya Perry, and special mentions go to Hemani Chadha & Abigail Powell who also make some excellent contributions.’

UK Youth Parliament calls on young people to have their say

There was a real buzz at Highfields last week for the Youth MP elections. Polling booths, ballot papers and candidate statements were delivered to the school for students to take part in the local election.

The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) provides opportunities young people in their local area to make a difference to issues that matter to them. The UKYP promote the importance of young people’s voices, and aims to create opportunities for children and young people to be their best. This year, over 30 young people applied to stand as Youth MP in Wolverhampton, including our very own Maya Patel in Year 8!

Students were shown videos in Form Time time to explain the ‘Make Your Mark ballot’, before listening to the Youth MP Candidates’ videos. The candidates’ full statements could then be read on the Youth Parliament webpage.

Mrs Hartshorne, Head of Citizenship, said ‘It is really important for students to engage with the process from a young age in order that they might become responsible and thoughtful voters.’

Mrs Hartshorne continued, ‘Students were fully engaged in discussions on who was best to represent them in the youth council. They thought carefully before selecting their candidates as they understood the difficulty in choosing a person to represent them when they hold a position of power.'

'The event created excellent discussion on how we vote in the UK and when students are able themselves to vote in local and general elections. It is a really effective and immersive way for students to understand how democracy works and how important it is to have a voice and agency in the democratic process.’

Year 11 work hard and play hard at study residential

Year 11 students preparing for their upcoming GCSEs enjoyed a study session with a twist at PGL! Around 75 students travelled to Borreaton Park in Shrewsbury for the two-night revision residential trip from February 17th-19th.

Students were taught in small groups honing their skills in Maths and English, in order prepare for the GCSE examinations this summer. During the weekend, the students also participated in a number of outward-bound activities including; Kayaking, Giant Swing, Rock Climbing & Orienteering.

Highfields teaching staff and students really valued the input from Sixth Form students who supported the residential working with Year 11 students on an individual basis.  

Mr Treble, Head of Upper School said, ‘A highlight of the residential was the campfire on the first night where students gathered to star gaze, listen to music and dance the night away!’

Mr Treble continued to say, ‘The residential is a very valuable experience for our students. They all did extremely well to balance hard work and commitment to their studies with exciting activities provided by the PGL staff.’ 

‘Unfortunately, due to storm Eunice the weather in Shrewsbury wasn’t the best but no storm was going to stop our Year 11 students in their quest for success!’