Sixth Form dress to impress at their prom

Students turned on the style for the glamorous celebration at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel.

The hotel was transformed with Hollywood-style glitz and glamour for the fun-filled celebrations the in Orangery, which marked the end of their time at Highfields for Year 13 students.

Mr Pycroft, Head of Sixth Form, said: ““It was fantastic to see so many of our Year 13 students celebrating together after completing their A Level exams. They have overcome so many challenges during the past few years and we couldn’t be more proud of them. After having their Year 11 prom cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, it only seems fitting that they were able to sign off on their time at Highfields with such a brilliant evening.”

The prom marked the end of school life for Highfields’ Year 13 students, who are now awaiting the results of their exams before moving on to the next chapter of their lives, whether it be University, Apprenticeships, a gap year or employment.

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Year 12 students plan their next steps

The whole of Year 12 took part in a visit to the University of Birmingham across two days. This was an opportunity for them to talk to current university students about life at university and their post-18 options. The visit included a number of activities, such as, a tour of the University of Birmingham campus, workshops on applying to university and writing a personal statement and a presentation on student finance.

Mr Pycroft, Head of Sixth Form said, “This was a valuable experience for our students and they got lots of useful information from the trip.”

Year 12 students also attended a UCAS exhibition where more than 150 exhibitors, including vast majority of UK universities and a wide range of apprenticeship providers were in attendance. There were several talks that students could listen to, such as, ‘The Student experience’, Student finance and accommodation.

Mr Pycroft said, “This exhibition takes place every year and it is a vital event for students wishing to apply to university next year. It gives them all the tools they need and it is a fun day out!”

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Spectacular send off for Year 11 Students

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

The celebration was held at Wolverhampton’s Park Hall Hotel, in the stunning Orangery. 175 year 11’s were in attendance, who all arrived in style, in Aston Martins, Bentley and even a classic Land Rover Defender.

A highlight of the evening was Sweet Caroline being played through the speakers. All in attendance sang along on the dance floor in honour of the Year 11 Team's earlier performance to this song at the Leavers assembly the day before.

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 the last year”

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

Mr Rhodes, Raising Achievement manager said, “It was nice to have the prom back where it belonged at the end of the summer exams, the first time in 2 years the students have been able to enjoy the evening without any covid restrictions.”

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Rugby reward trip for students

On Sunday the 19th of June Highfields school was able to secure a small group of tickets for England versus the Barbarians at Twickenham.

The students who were lucky enough to go were among the schools rugby teams. The trip was a reward for the students from years 9 and 10 who reached the semi-final of the Staffordshire cup and the year 7 team who won the Staffordshire bowl competition.

Staff and students managed to get to Twickenham just in time to join in singing the national anthem. The budding rugby fans were in awe of the impressive stadium and watched nearly 80 points scored. Unfortunately, it was a win for the Barbarians 52 – 21 before England head to Australia for their tour.

Mr Moody, Teacher of PE said, “This was an excellent opportunity for the boys to see international players performing on the highest stage and it’s an experience they will never forget”

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Last day at Highfields for Year 11 Students

Highfields has bid a fond farewell to Year 11 with a special assembly which was held in school for students, giving the class of 2022 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.

After the assembly the students gathered in the restaurant to sign shirts and say their goodbyes.

Head of Upper School, Mr Treble, said: “It was lovely to have so many Year 11 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 the last couple of years admirably and I am confident that further success awaits them in the future.”

Posted on June 29, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Year 6 Students get taste of life at Highfields

Primary school students due to join Highfields in September have been given their first taste of life at the school, taking part in a range of team-building outdoor activities.

They were set several problem-solving challenges, including a spider web, blindfolded obstacle course and an orienteering activity. All the challenges are designed to develop new skills in preparation for moving to secondary school. It is also an opportunity for students to experience the school during a normal day alongside other students who are in lessons.

The Yr 6 transition sessions have taken place over the past week, giving all 280 students set to start in September the chance to get a feel for Highfields whilst meeting staff and fellow students from other primary schools. All students will then return to Highfields for two days in July for their full induction.

Mr C.Moody, Outdoor Activity Manager, said: “The transition sessions provide Year 6 pupils with an opportunity to take part in a number of fun, outdoor activities and challenges whilst meeting students from other schools who will be joining Highfields with them in September.”

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Beverley Knight invites Hairspray Cast to West End!

The cast of 'Hairspray' were lucky enough to be invited by Highfields Alumna, Beverley Knight, to the Garrick Theatre in London's West End. The star paid for 50 staff and students to watch her in a matinee performance of the hit musical ‘The Drifters Girl’.

The show, which received a standing ovation from the audience, was absolutely fantastic with breathtaking choreography and uplifting songs, students said Beverley's stunning voice is even more powerful and moving live.

Beverley said, ‘"I believe passionately that children must be able to see their aspirations to know they can achieve them. I had a little Q&A with the kids after the show, and it just lifted my soul to see the fire in the eyes of these young performers’

After the show, Beverley went down to speak to the students alongside two other cast members. They chatted, answered questions, and posed for photos as well as signing many autographs!

Ms Bishop, Head of Performance said, 'The show was fantastic and it was very generous of Beverley to invite our students to watch it. The story of the Drifters is fascinating and has moments of real tragedy but lots of humour too. We were all on our feet at the end and I know lots of the students have downloaded the which is brilliant!'

Posted on June 10, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Climate Change Collaboration

Year 9 have been working on a collaboration project linking to climate change. They spent time researching their chosen topic by looking into activist such as Greta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough, people they felt engaged and inspired by in order to create a powerful dance piece.

Students worked in small groups to portray different ideas such as the 4 elements, current ways to make a change and the impact on future generations.

Some students took inspiration from KQED Arts with the idea of creating an outside-indoor environment with the use of green confetti before taking the piece to be performed outside. They worked hard to create and modify the dance to suit the performance environment.

Storyboards were created to portray ideas on how each section of the choreography would piece together, building to the climax section where all dancers performed in unison.

Miss Weblin, Dance Teacher said, “All of the students worked very hard to make sure their timing was correct. They all chose a still pose to end the dance to show the impact climate change will have, which was very effective.”

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Football success for Highfields

This year Highfields managed to get three teams into football cup finals. Year 8 Girls and Year 10 Boys played against St Chads and Year 7 Boys were up against Wolverhampton Grammar School.

All three finals were hosted at Old Wulfrunians Football Club and were officiated by Highfields students, who did their Referee badge at Highfields through the Birmingham FA: Reuben Brickwood, Ieuan Owen, Jake Green, Jude Webb, Seb Darville, Lewis Smith, Jake Green, Jake Farley-Moss.

After a nail-biting Semi-final for the Year 8 girls’ team against Wolverhampton Grammar School winning 3-2, they went on to play a very strong St Chads team. Unfortunately, they had a team full of club players, therefore, the girls fell victim to a 10-0 defeat. Despite the loss, they all had a fantastic afternoon, and it was great experience.

The Year 7 boys had more success; they got to the final full of optimism after a tough but exciting few games.

Mr Brickwood, Head of PE said, “There was challenging competition to select the final squad and the 12 that were selected had shown great dedication to training all year and fought hard to beat league champions, St Chads, in the semi-final to set up the showdown against Wolverhampton Grammar.”

The game ending 3-1 to Highfields, with a stellar, fighting performance from the Year 7 boys, who thoroughly deserved to lift the Corke Cup after a memorable first campaign. Officials awarded Freddie Box the player of the match but every one of the 12 played their part on the day.

Finally, the Year 10 boys had similar success as not only were they recently crowned Division 1 Wolverhampton league winners, but they were up against Our Lady & St Chad's in their cup final.

The game concluded 3-2 to Highfields in a tense game which was led brilliantly by captain Jude Webb, ending the season as double winners!

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Lewis Francis.

Ex-students celebrate at Gold DofE Awards ceremony

Achieving your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a big deal as it shows you have the skills, determination, and mentality to really succeed. All young people who achieve a Gold Award are invited to a Gold Award celebration event at a Royal Palace, attended by a Member of The Royal Family.

Over the last couple of years, a number of Highfields students carried out their Gold award, which involves volunteering, learning a new skill, completing a physical activity and going on a residential. Not forgetting the challenging 3-night 4-day expedition. The students completed their award earlier on in the year, therefore, it was their turn to be awarded.

The presentation took place in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and students were a part of a group of approximately 50 Gold Award holders. The ex-highfields students who attended were Hannah Griffiths, Jessica Drew, Sanar Nisar, Amreeta Kaur-Gill, Amarpreet Singh, Jindveer Khangura, Vishal Patel and Emily Walker.

Mr Moody, DofE Manager, said “This was a very special reward for all their efforts over their DofE journey that had been delayed because of the pandemic. They should all be very proud of their commitment and effort in their personal development whilst completing their award and I’m personally very privileged to have led them through their award and wish them all the best in the future.”