Highfields Welcomes British Heart Foundation Chief Executive for Inspirational Talk

On Friday, June 21st, Highfields School had the honour of hosting Charmaine Griffiths, the Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, for an inspiring talk with our A-Level Science students. This event, which was part of the Speakers 4 Schools programme, offered students a unique opportunity to gain insight from a leading figure in the field of scientific research and innovation.

Charmaine Griffiths, who holds a PhD in Neuroscience from University College London, shared her journey and experiences, highlighting the many exciting and impactful career paths that a background in science can offer. Her talk emphasised the passion and power of research and innovation in improving lives, illustrating how scientific endeavors contribute to advancements in healthcare and overall well-being.

During the presentation, Charmaine discussed her role at the British Heart Foundation, detailing the organisation's mission and the critical work they do in combating heart disease. She provided an overview of the various research projects and initiatives undertaken by the foundation, demonstrating the real-world applications of scientific research.

The students engaged enthusiastically in the Q&A session that followed, posing thought-provoking and intelligent questions. They inquired about the challenges and rewards of working in scientific research, the future of heart disease treatment, and the ways in which young scientists can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Charmaine's responses were both informative and encouraging, sparking further curiosity and ambition among the students.

The event was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of scientific inquiry and the potential each student holds to make significant contributions to society.

Highfields School extends its gratitude to Charmaine Griffiths for her time and inspiring words. We look forward to seeing how this experience will motivate our students to pursue their own paths in science, with the hope that they, too, will one day make meaningful contributions to improving lives through research and innovation.

Highfields Triumphs in Touch to Twickenham Rugby Tournament

Highfields School is proud to announce the success of our Year 9 mixed-gender team in the Touch to Twickenham rugby tournament, a national programme designed to promote non-contact rugby participation in schools across England.

What is Touch to Twickenham:

• Open to Year 9 mixed-gender teams

• 8-a-side with a minimum of 4 female students on the pitch at all times

• Year 9 events scheduled for April-May 2024 with finals day at Sixways Stadium, Worcester in June

• Tiered events catering to both novice players and those with prior rugby experience

Our talented team emerged victorious in the local city-wide tournament, earning their place in the regional finals where they will compete against teams from as far south as Bristol and Bath. This achievement highlights the dedication and skill of our students, as well as the inclusive and supportive spirit of the Touch to Twickenham programme.

We look forward to seeing our team continue their journey and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming regional finals. Go Highfields!

Highfields Year 12 Students Visit Oxford University

Recently, twelve Year 12 students from Highfields had the exciting opportunity to visit Oxford University, accompanied by Mr. Dean and Mrs. Macdonald. The trip included students with diverse academic interests such as English Literature, Psychology, Computer Science, Medicine, Mathematics, and Engineering.

The visit focused on Oriel College, which has a permanent outreach link with Highfields. Students engaged in an informative session about Oxbridge applications, interacted with current Oxford undergraduates, and enjoyed a tour of both the college and the wider university. Additionally, they visited Mr. Dean’s alma mater, Keble College, exploring its hall and chapel.

The educational excursion also included a visit to the university’s Natural History Museum and the Pitt Rivers Anthropological Museum, enriching the students' experience with a taste of Oxford's rich academic and cultural heritage.

Mr. Dean praised the students, stating, “Our students were a credit to Highfields and participated intelligently in some mock interview questions from the tutor at Oriel. We are really keen to encourage our students to apply to Oxbridge if they have the requisite ability and interest, and the activities on the Oxford trip allowed our students to meet people like them and start to break down some of those stereotypes. The students said they really enjoyed the day and have found it informative in making their UCAS choices.”

The visit was a great success, providing valuable insights and motivation for the students as they consider their future university applications.

Highfields Joins the Excitement of WolvOlympics

On Thursday, June 13th, Highfields had the privilege of participating in WolvOlympics, an inspiring event that brought together 92 schools across Wolverhampton. Organised by the ConnectEd Partnership, WolvOlympics followed the success of the 2022 Community Games, which celebrated the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As part of the event, each school was assigned a different country to represent, and Highfields proudly represented Spain. The ‘Olympic Torch’, which had traveled through all participating schools, was handed over to us by our neighbours at Penn Fields. To mark this special occasion, Spanish flags were hung, sombreros were worn, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and entertainment.

The event featured a fantastic dance performance by our student Competition Dance Team, and our PE Student Ambassadors guided Penn Fields students through a series of outdoor games. Despite the cool weather, the smiles on everyone's faces warmed the atmosphere, making it a memorable and heart-warming event.

Highfields Celebrates UK Maths Challenge Success

Highfields School proudly hosted an event to present certificates to the 80 Year 7 and Year 8 students who achieved Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards in the UK Maths Challenge, which took place in April. Out of 150 students who participated, we were thrilled to see so many of them excel and earn these prestigious awards.

The UK Maths Challenge is a nationwide competition that inspires a love of problem-solving through unique and challenging mathematical questions. We are delighted at the achievements of our students, with 11 being awarded Gold, 27 Silver and 42 Bronze.

Freddie Hambrook in Year 8 achieved the best score from our school, while Orlaith Doyle achieved the highest result for Year 7. These outstanding performances highlight the dedication and mathematical prowess of our students.

This event not only celebrates their success but also encourages a continued passion for maths and problem-solving. Congratulations to all our award winners!

Thank you to all students who participated and to the teachers who supported and inspired them. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence in maths at Highfields.

Highfields Students Shine in Spring Term School Games Competitions

This Spring term, Highfields students have showcased their talent and dedication in a series of inter-school sports competitions as part of the School Games. Competing against several local schools, our athletes have demonstrated exceptional skills, sportsmanship, and determination across various events.

Our students' commitment to developing their skills in PE lessons and extra-curricular clubs has paid off, resulting in numerous standout achievements:

• Year 7 Boys Football Team: Finished joint top of their league, narrowly missing the league title by goal difference.

• Year 7 Girls Futsal Team: Secured 1st place in the city tournament.

• Year 8/9 Girls Futsal Team: Achieved 1st place in the city tournament.

• Year 7/8 Girls Football Team: Finished 1st in the city tournament.

• Year 9 Netball Team: Took 1st place in the city tournament.

Here’s a full roundup of students’ outstanding performances and achievements during the Spring term:

A big well done to our students for their hard work, perseverance, and enthusiasm. You have all exemplified the true spirit of sportsmanship, and we are excited to see you achieve even greater heights.

We look forward to sharing more updates on our achievements in the Summer term as our students compete in inter-school games competitions, including rounders, cricket, and athletics!

Keep up the fantastic work, Highfields athletes!

Rising 'Pot'stars - Year 8 master ceramics

This year saw the introduction of a brand new course to Highfields, GCSE Art, Craft and Design. Replacing GSCE Fine Art, this course seeks to broaden the creative horizons for the students allowing them to express through different mediums. To prepare future GCSE students for this exciting new course, ceramics has been added to the Key Stage 3 curriculum giving them access to exceptional pottery facilities, complete with a wide array of glazes, state-of-the-art equipment, and a large electric kiln.

Recently, Year 8 students have had the chance to immerse themselves in the world of ceramics, creating impressive final pieces over the last two terms. During the spring term, five Year 8 classes embarked on a project, themed around "fungi." Students delved into the intriguing realm of mushrooms and toadstools, crafting ceramic spoons inspired by the Turkish studio potter Victoria Baba. They also created 2D artworks influenced by Turkey Tail fungus and the artist Raymond Saa, exploring both the artistic and natural beauty of fungi.

In the summer term, four Year 8 classes focused on creating ceramic "Evil Eye" hanging amulets. After researching the symbol's significance in various cultures and producing detailed pencil drawings of eyes, students designed their own unique "Evil Eye" pieces. They also studied contemporary craftspeople inspired by the symbol, including ceramicists and textile artists who are successfully selling their work globally.

Throughout these projects, students employed a range of pottery techniques, such as slabbing, modeling, coiling, and sgraffito. Their creations underwent a biscuit firing followed by an earthenware glaze firing, resulting in vibrant and colorful finishes.

The dedication and creativity displayed by the Year 8 students has been remarkable. Their efforts not only highlight their artistic skills but also their ability to connect with diverse cultural themes through the medium of pottery. Highfields School is proud to support and nurture the talents of these young artists.

A Royal Welcome for Gold DofE Award Achievers

Over the weekend a number of Highfields leavers celebrated achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award in Buckingham Palace Garden, hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as Patron of the DofE charity.

The ex-students joined thousands of young people and their loved ones from across the UK for a festival-style celebration which was one of four taking place over two days at the Palace, recognising over 8,000 young people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.

Buckingham Palace Garden had been transformed into a festival-style celebration for young people, with giant deckchairs, bunting and garden games and activities. Attendees had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and other inspiring speakers, such as broadcasters Vick Hope and Clive Myrie – both DofE Award holders themselves – astronaut Tim Peake and TV chef Matt Tebbutt. Attendees also had the chance to pick up career advice from actors, presenters, authors and campaigners, at stages throughout the garden.   

Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: "The young people here today have achieved something exceptional, and it is wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future. DofE is all about proving to yourself just what you are capable of, and the young people here today have showed the world that their potential is limitless. I can’t wait to see what they go on to do next.”

We here at Highfields would like to congratulate the students on such a fantastic achievement and we cannot wait to see all that these remarkable young people will go on to achieve.

YOU'RE HIRED! Year 12 practice interview skills with Microsoft

In an initiative aimed at equipping students with essential employability skills, over 50 Year 12 students at Highfields recently participated in mock interviews conducted by 10 esteemed professionals from Microsoft.

The day-long event, a cornerstone of the school's annual calendar, provided students with a unique opportunity to experience the intricacies of real job interviews. Prior to the interviews, students underwent a formal application process, mirroring the steps involved in a genuine job application. Only those who successfully secured an interview invitation had the chance to participate, adding an element of authenticity to the experience.

Throughout the day, students showcased their talents, aspirations, and potential to the Microsoft professionals, who offered valuable feedback and guidance tailored to each individual. From refining their communication skills and learning to articulate their strengths and ambitions, students benefited from the opportunity to engage with industry experts.

The mock interviews served as a stepping stone for students as they navigate their career journeys. By simulating real-world interview scenarios, the event instilled confidence and also provided invaluable insights into the expectations of prospective employers.

Highfields would like to thank Microsoft for their partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. The school looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence, empowering students to realise their full potential and pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

Building for Success: Year 10 Visit Lovell Homes Construction Site

Last week, Year 10 Construction students from Highfields embarked on an insightful journey to a housing estate under construction by Lovell Homes in Oldbury, Birmingham. The purpose of the trip was to acquaint students with potential construction job roles and provide inspiration for their upcoming coursework.

Upon arrival, students were treated to an induction video, a prerequisite for all new contractors. Chris and Colin from Lovell Homes then took the reins, guiding students through the initial steps on the career ladder. They discussed college and apprenticeship options, highlighted potential careers, shared common pay scales, and outlined the essential skills required for success in the industry. They addressed all student queries, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available.

Following the informative talk, Chris and Jackson led the students on a tour of the construction site, offering glimpses into homes at various stages of completion. From groundwork and foundations to internal structural fittings and the impressive show home, students were immersed in the intricacies of construction. Their keen interest was palpable as they learned of each stage and witnessed the craftsmanship firsthand.

Highfields would like to thank Chris, Colin, Jackson, and Lovell Homes for generously hosting the visit and providing invaluable insights into the construction industry. Special thanks are also due to Penny from the Department for Work and Pensions for her assistance in organising the trip, which has empowered our students to envision and pursue their potential future job roles.