Highfields New Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cohort Embarks on Expedition Journey

We are delighted to announce that our new Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cohort has begun their expedition journey. Group one successfully completed their practice expedition from July 11th to July 13th in Snowdonia, guided by the experienced team at Gecko.

The practice expedition was a formidable test, both physically and mentally, requiring the students to overcome numerous challenges. The journey began in Betws-y-Coed, with the second day featuring the demanding Bryn Tyrch loop near Capel Curig.

Over the course of the three days, the weather presented a mix of conditions, ranging from rain to sunshine, and even included a battle with midges. Despite these difficulties, our students displayed remarkable determination and resilience.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing both groups complete their assessed expedition in the Peak District between now and October. Congratulations to our Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cohort for their perseverance and commitment!

Highfields School Celebrates Pride Month with Inaugural Pride Club Activities

This year marked the first year of our Pride Club at Highfields School, and they ensured that Pride Month was celebrated and highlighted throughout the school in grand style. The month was filled with vibrant activities aimed at fostering inclusivity, raising awareness, and celebrating the diversity within our community.

Pride Month Activities:

• Post-it Note Display: All students were given a post-it note to write messages for Pride Month, which were then turned into a colorful and inspiring display.

• Rainbow Ribbon Sales: Rainbow ribbons were sold to students and staff, with proceeds going to Mind Out, an LGBTQ+ mental health service.

• Bake Sale: Pride Club members made and decorated cakes to raise additional funds for Mind Out.

• Movie Screening: An afterschool screening of "Nimona," a sci-fantasy film with excellent LGBTQ+ representation, was enjoyed by many.

• Guest Speakers: Two ambassadors from the charity Just Like Us gave a talk via Teams to Pride Club about their experiences and offered advice to the students.

• End-of-Month Celebration: Pride Club concluded the month with a celebration featuring rainbow decorations, music, and a party buffet.

Students shared their thoughts on the importance of celebrating Pride Month at school:

• “It would make me feel more comfortable about being myself.”

• “To raise awareness about the importance of mutual respect and tolerance amongst students. It would be a brilliant celebration of individuality for LGBT+ students.”

• “It would be great because it would make the school more inclusive, and it would help school be and feel like a safer space.”

Pride Club meets every Tuesday and provides a safe space for students to talk, share, and be themselves. We at Highfields are incredibly proud of the efforts and achievements of our students in celebrating themselves and each other, and in raising awareness of Pride Month.

Thank you for being unapologetically you!

Highfields Students Shine at SSAW Awards Evening

On Tuesday night, 12 Highfields students and their parents attended the SSAW awards evening at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton. This event was a night of celebration as awards and trophies were presented to Wolverhampton city champions in a variety of sports.

Hosted by ConnectEd, the evening brought together all Wolverhampton schools with winning teams in city competitions to celebrate the sporting successes of their students. Highfields students proudly represented their teams, collecting trophies for their victories in table tennis, football, futsal, dodgeball, netball, and touch rugby.

Additionally, three of our students were nominated for special individual awards: the Nick Shaffrey Student of the Year Award, the Spirit of the Games Award, and Most Improved Athlete.

The evening was a fantastic celebration of athletic achievement, and we extend a huge congratulations to our students for their well-deserved awards.

Highfields Hosts 'Guess the Job' Morning

On Tuesday 2nd July, Highfields hosted a ‘Guess the Job’ morning, an engaging event aimed at broadening Year 8 students' understanding of various careers. We welcomed nine visitors from diverse sectors, including construction, the police force, acting, microbiology, the judiciary, and pharmacy.

Year 8 students were invited to interview each professional, asking insightful questions such as:

• What qualifications did you need for your job?

• What’s an apprenticeship like?

• What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

• What do you do in your job on a day-to-day basis?

This interactive approach allowed students to guess the visitors' professions based on their responses. Impressively, around 20 students managed to guess at least five jobs correctly.

This event, which has been held at schools across the borough, proved to be a fantastic way to inspire students and break down stereotypes associated with certain industries. By providing firsthand insights into various careers, the 'Guess the Job' morning helps students make informed decisions about their academic futures as they approach the time to choose their Year 9 course options.

Highfields Achieves Quality Mark in Holocaust Education

Highfields School is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Quality Mark in Holocaust Education for 2024-2028. We are only the 26th school throughout the country to receive the mark. This prestigious accolade confirms our school's outstanding provision and evolving specialism in Holocaust education. Our teaching and learning in this area is highly effective, positively contributing to policy,curriculum, pedagogy, and practice.

As a UCL Beacon School, Highfields offers research-informed learning experiences that result in empathetic and insightful outcomes. Our students are inspired and empowered by their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. In partnership with UCL, Highfields has rapidly become an ambitious 'Beacon' committed to sharing best practices, refining and developing innovative approaches, and looking forward to future advancements.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Miss Tappenden for spearheading our Beacon work, along with all staff who supported the Quality Mark assessment process. We also thank everyone involved in Holocaust Education over the past few years, including form tutors who delivered Holocaust Memorial Day activities, contributing to the 'thought tree' in reception.

Miss Tappenden remarked on the award, "We are thrilled to have been awarded Quality Mark status in recognition of the hard work undertaken thus far and our commitment to the ongoing development of outstanding Holocaust Education. The process was rigorous but deeply supportive; I really felt like Nic was championing the work we have done at Highfields and supportive of the areas for development that we had identified in our own self-assessment process. The QM process enabled me to celebrate our successes with pride and left me feeling inspired and hopeful for the future. Our young people deserve the very best, and our Beacon School journey has empowered us to embed pedagogical principles into Holocaust Education that will stay with our students for life. Achieving Quality Mark is a huge step forward and signposts our commitment to our young people as well as a continued relationship with UCL."

We also want to thank our incredible students for their respectful, knowledgeable, and honest insights and reflections. Their commitment to learning has been outstanding, and their sophisticated, nuanced understanding allows them to apply their knowledge to the modern world, their local context, and the global community.

If you would like to read our full UCL report from the QM process, please visit Holocaust Education.

We look forward to continuing our journey in providing exceptional Holocaust Education at Highfields.

Highfields Students Shine at Industrial Cadets Gold Award Showcase

On Thursday 27th June, Mr. Hallett proudly accompanied our EDT students to the University of Birmingham for their showcase as part of the prestigious Industrial Cadets Gold Award. This journey began in October, with students dedicating weekly sessions to collaborate with mentors from Mott MacDonald Bentley and Ansaldo Nuclear. The process also included an enriching overnight trip to De Montford University, where students constructed models to provide innovative solutions to their project brief.

Mr. Hallett guided two dedicated teams to the event, and we are thrilled to announce that one of our teams won the coveted teamwork award! Aoife and Anika, the remarkable duo, were recognised for their extraordinary effort in tackling their project as a team of two, while most teams comprised 4-7 members. The industry experts were particularly impressed by the high quality of their project and report, noting that their achievements would have been commendable for a team of six.

Both teams received glowing feedback, reflecting their hard work, skills, and dedication throughout the process. This showcase highlighted their impressive technical abilities, their resilience and collaborative spirit.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students involved, especially Aoife and Anika, for their exceptional teamwork and perseverance.

A Night to Remember - Year 11 Celebrate at the Molineux

On Friday, June 21st, Highfields School had one final, glamorous send off for our Year 11 students with an unforgettable prom night at the Molineux Stadium. The evening was a spectacular celebration of the students' hard work, achievements, and the cherished memories they have created during their time at Highfields.

Students made grand entrances, showcasing their unique styles and creativity as they arrived in an array of impressive vehicles, from classic cars and convertibles to transit vans and even HGVs. Each arrival added to the excitement and set the tone for the elegant affair that was about to unfold.

The venue was beautifully decorated, providing the perfect backdrop for the night's festivities. The students, dressed in stunning gowns and dapper suits, looked every bit the part of young adults ready to embark on their next journey. It was heartwarming to see how much they have grown and matured over the years.

Mr. Treble, Head of Upper School, expressed his pride and admiration for the Year 11 students, stating, "It's truly heart-warming to witness the growth and success of our students. The prom night not only signifies the end of an era but also serves as a reminder of the bright futures that await them. We wish them all the best as they embark on their new adventures."

Throughout the evening, laughter and dancing filled the room as students celebrated their successes and reflected on their time at Highfields. The prom offered a perfect blend of fun and nostalgia, allowing everyone to cherish their high school memories while looking forward to the bright futures that lie ahead.

The night was not just a celebration of academic achievements but also a testament to the bonds of friendship and the sense of community that Highfields fosters. It was a fitting send-off for a remarkable group of students who have left an indelible mark on our school.

As we say goodbye to our Year 11 students, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their future endeavors. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and look forward to seeing the amazing things they will accomplish. Thank you, Year 11, for all the memories. You will be missed.

Highfields Bids Fond Farewell to Year 11 Students

Last week, Highfields School bid an emotional farewell to our Year 11 students, marking the end of an important chapter in their educational journey. The special assembly held was a heartwarming occasion, celebrating their achievements and reflecting on the many memories they have created over the years.

The assembly kicked off with a slideshow of the years. With pictures sent in from students, parents and teachers alike, we watched them grow from fresh-faced Year 7 students into bright, vibrant, wonderful young adults.

Highfields never likes to let achievements go unrecognised, but this assembly approached things a little bit differently by handing out humorous awards such as "Most likely to win the lottery and lose the ticket", “Most likely to become a Disk Jockey” and “Most likely to appear on Broadway”. The awards brought smiles and laughter to the audience, highlighting the unique and memorable personalities within the year group.

Adding a special touch to the event, the Year 11 team, along with teachers and teaching assistants, created a hilarious and heartfelt music video set to Natasha Bedingfield's song "Unwritten", as a tribute of their time together over the years.

As the assembly drew to a close, students participated in the long-standing tradition of signing each other's shirts. This act of camaraderie and friendship was a poignant reminder of the strong bonds formed during their time at Highfields. The school grounds were filled with laughter and tears, as students shared their hopes and dreams for the future.

Miss Brough expressed her admiration of the Year 11 students, stating “It has been a pleasure to have shared their journey over the past 5 years. I am incredibly proud of them all and I wish them the very best of luck for their next chapters. “

"It has been an absolute privilege to witness your growth, resilience, and achievements during your time at Highfields. As you embark on new journeys, remember the lessons you've learned and the friendships you've cultivated here. We have every confidence that you will go on to make a positive impact in the world." stated Mr Treble, Head of Upper School.

 All of us here at Highfields wish the Year 11 students the very best in their future endeavors. Whether they are continuing their education, starting careers, or exploring new paths, we have no doubt that they will achieve great things.

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!