Hark! The Lykos Angels Sing

Friday the 13th might bring misfortune for some, but for Highfields, it was a day of festive joy and harmony! The inaugural Lykos Christmas Choir brought together students from Highfields and local primary schools Springdale, Warstones, and Spring Vale to delight Wolverhampton shoppers with a stunning performance in the Mander Centre.

The choir’s beautiful singing, accompanied by beaming smiles, lit up the shopping centre, spreading festive cheer to all. One security guard was so moved by the heartwarming melodies, he was brought to tears!

From classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the serene Silent Night, the students captivated their audience with every note. Warstones Primary delivered a particularly memorable rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas in British Sign Language before all the students raised the roof with Slade’s festive anthem Merry Xmas Everybody.

A huge thank you to the staff and students of Springdale, Warstones, and Spring Vale for joining us in this magical event. Together, we’ve created memories to cherish and set the stage for many more wonderful collaborations in the future.

Here’s to the Lykos Christmas Choir—a new festive tradition in the making!

Mysterious and Spooky - Highfields ‘Addams Family’ Spooktacular

While Christmas is on the horizon, Highfields recently embraced the spooky season with a hauntingly spectacular production of The Addams Family. Following the success of our 2019 show, we couldn’t resist revisiting the ghoulishly delightful tale, this time with a brand-new cast of eager and talented students.

To showcase the extraordinary talent at Highfields, many roles were double or even triple cast, allowing each performer to bring their unique spin to the eerie ensemble. The result? A chilling yet charming spectacle filled with deadly dancing, macabre music, and torturous fun. Our cauldron truly overflows with wickedly wonderful talent!

The show’s themes of acceptance and being true to oneself resonated deeply, reflecting the spirit of our Highfields community. We extend our darkest gratitude to all who brought this sinister spectacle to life.

To the cast: your performances were spellbinding, chilling, and as dazzling as Morticia's thorny yet beautiful roses. To the crew: your backstage wizardry crafted perfection unseen, weaving the threads of the Addams’ peculiar world.

Finally, to our supporters: your unearthly devotion and generosity were the lifeblood of this fiendish family reunion. You are the sparks in Uncle Fester’s experiments and the melody behind Lurch’s groans.

Thank you for making The Addams Family a ghostly triumph!

Year 11s Explore Future Pathways at Staying in Learning Day

Year 11 students at Highfields were inspired to look beyond their current studies and explore the wide range of options available to them during this year’s Staying in Learning Day.

An annual highlight of the Highfields calendar, the event offers students the chance to engage in interactive workshops and activities designed to support their educational and career aspirations. Tailored to individual interests, the day helps students make informed decisions about their futures by providing hands-on experiences and expert guidance.

For those planning to pursue A-Levels at Sixth Form or college, workshops covered a variety of subjects, including Maths, Science, English Literature, Film Studies, Catering, Health & Social Care, and Law. These sessions provided students with a glimpse into the demands and rewards of further education.

Additionally, industry professionals visited Highfields to deliver practical advice and demonstrations, offering insights into a range of careers such as Automotive, Hair and Beauty, Construction, Performing Arts, Media, and Engineering. These sessions highlighted real-world applications and career pathways, inspiring students to consider diverse opportunities.

Mr C Rhodes, Highfields’ Upper School Raising Achievement Manager, said: “The event provides students with information and guidance on the pathways and progression routes available to them post 16. It is a great opportunity for them to process the decisions they will be having to make shortly."

At Highfields, we are dedicated to empowering our students with the knowledge and confidence they need to achieve their goals. Staying in Learning Day is a vital part of this journey, equipping Year 11s with the tools to make informed and exciting decisions about their futures.

Cooking up a storm: Highfields welcomes professional chef.

Year 10 students were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience as James, the head chef from the prestigious four-star Hoar Cross Hall, visited Highfields. The session showcased professional techniques and skills that left the students inspired and eager to learn more about the world of gastronomy.

James led the students in preparing a range of exciting dishes, demonstrating advanced techniques such as pastry-making, fish preparation, and meat filleting. Under his expert guidance, the students explored the precision, creativity, and passion required in professional kitchens.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on experience, gaining invaluable insights into the culinary arts. The visit enhanced their practical skills and gave them a glimpse into the possibilities of a career in the hospitality industry.

As a department, we are excited about building on this experience and look forward to welcoming more professionals to share their expertise with our vocational students. A huge thank you to Chef James and Hoar Cross Hall for inspiring the next generation of culinary talent!

New York, New York - Year 13 take on the Big Apple

Eighteen Year 13 students, accompanied by four dedicated staff members, recently embarked on a spectacular four-day adventure to the heart of the Big Apple: New York City. The trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable experiences, offering students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and vibrancy of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Each day was packed with activity, with students exploring the city on foot, taking in breathtaking sights, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Highlights of the Trip:

• Central Park: Students enjoyed the serenity of the park’s peaceful paths amidst the bustling cityscape.

• New York Rangers Game: The electrifying atmosphere of an ice hockey game was a thrilling introduction to American sports.

• Broadway Show: Experiencing the magic of Broadway brought awe and inspiration.

• Statue of Liberty: A ferry ride to see this global symbol of freedom was a poignant and memorable moment.

• 9/11 Memorial: A time for reflection and paying respects at this powerful site of remembrance.

• One World Observatory: Breathtaking views from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

• Brooklyn Bridge: A picturesque walk across this historic landmark offered stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Empire State Building: Ascending the iconic structure was a true bucket-list moment.

This exhilarating journey gave our students a taste of New York’s dynamic energy, providing them with cultural enrichment and unforgettable memories as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.

We’re proud to offer our students such life-changing opportunities, ensuring their time at Highfields is filled with extraordinary experiences. New York, you were incredible!

Support Highfields while you shop!

Highfields School is thrilled to be supported by the Co-Op Local Community Fund, an incredible programme that helps fund initiatives across the UK in partnership with local causes. During the pandemic, the Co-Op fund raised nearly £5,000 for Highfields, enabling us to purchase new microphones for our school shows, enriching both the students’ performances and the audience’s experience. Now, with the upcoming production of The Addams Family, we are reaching out once again to ask for your support.

Our Lykos Academy Musical Theatre Group has brought outstanding performances to our community, from Matilda and Hairspray to SpongeBob the Musical. These shows are a beloved part of Highfields life, filling our school with joy and allowing students to develop valuable skills—teamwork, self-discipline, and creativity—that reach far beyond the stage. Funding from initiatives like the Co-Op Local Community Fund helps us provide the equipment and resources our students need to grow their talents and make each production even more memorable.

Your support can make a huge impact, not only enhancing the quality of our shows but also bolstering our performing arts education for years to come. Plus, by supporting Lykos Academy Musical Theatre Group, the Co-Op will give you the chance to be a winner yourself! Click the button below to find out more and make a difference in the lives of our young performers.

Thank you for helping us keep the arts alive at Highfields!

Not so long ago in a museum far, far away. . . .

Our Year 9 Film Studies students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational day out, visiting the Sky Academy at Sky Studios in Elstree and making a quick stop at the National Sci-Fi Museum in Milton Keynes. This unique opportunity provided students with firsthand experience in both high-tech filmmaking and the artistry behind some of the most iconic sci-fi movies.

At Sky Studios, students got to work in professional TV studios, using state-of-the-art digital technology to produce their own scripted drama. With the support of Sky’s expert team and access to incredible studio equipment, their creative visions took shape on screen within hours. The experience offered an inspiring look into the screen industry, helping students develop new skills and understanding of professional media production.

The trip also included a visit to the National Sci-Fi Museum, where students explored an impressive collection of props, costumes, and memorabilia from legendary sci-fi films. Here they were transported to faraway galaxies, battles at Helm’s Deep, war games in Westeros and sent ‘Back to the Future’. Seeing the creativity and craftsmanship involved in “movie magic” left students inspired to take on new challenges in their Year 9 film projects.

A huge thank you to Sky Academy and the National Sci-Fi Museum for providing an unforgettable day! We can’t wait to see where this inspiration leads as students continue exploring film throughout the year.

Year 8 and Year 9 Engage in Powerful Theatre Experience with Gazebo Theatre Company

On Tuesday, October 22nd, Year 9 and Year 8 students at Highfields were captivated by a Theatre in Education performance from the Gazebo Theatre Company. In a morning performance for Year 9 and an afternoon showing for Year 8, Gazebo brought an intense and thought-provoking piece to life, tackling complex issues like peer pressure, the dangers of gang involvement, county lines, and the difficult consequences of risky choices.

The production was exceptionally well-acted, immersing students in a storyline that challenged them to reflect on these topics. In an interactive twist, students were invited to suggest potential outcomes for the characters and offer practical solutions for seeking help and escaping difficult situations. This interactive element engaged the students deeply, encouraging them to think critically about real-world scenarios and how to handle them.

Both year groups showed maturity and insight, especially in the concluding Q&A session, where they shared thoughtful ideas and asked insightful questions. This powerful experience served as an enriching cross-curricular opportunity, blending Drama and Citizenship for Key Stage 3, and offering students not just a memorable performance but important life lessons.

A huge thank you to Gazebo Theatre Company for this impactful production, which left a lasting impression on our students.

Highfields marks Mental Health Awareness Day with colour and compassion

At Highfields, we are deeply committed to providing our students with not only academic success but also emotional support, ensuring their mental health is always a priority. To promote World Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10th, we organised a vibrant and meaningful day filled with activities to remind students and staff about the importance of looking out for one another.

Staff members participated by wearing an item of yellow, a colour that symbolises hope and positivity in mental health awareness. The day’s events included a spirited game of dodgeball in the sports hall during lunch, and yellow sweets were sold to raise awareness for mental health causes. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, fun, and a crucial message about reaching out when times get tough.

In 2023, one in five children and young people in England aged 8 to 25 were reported to have a probable mental health disorder. At Highfields, we take this statistic seriously and aim to make a difference in the lives of our students. Mental Health Awareness Day provided a perfect opportunity to remind students and parents of the support systems we have in place.

Our safeguarding team works tirelessly to support students, alongside our highly qualified in-house counsellors, who offer personalised one-on-one and group sessions. We are proud of our dedicated staff who are always ready to lend a helping hand and listen.

If you would like to learn more about how to support your child's mental health, please refer to the flyer linked below. And always remember, it's okay to ask for help—reaching out is the first step.

Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for all our students.

Students and Staff Celebrate Diwali

During form time this week, students have been reflecting on the story of both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, considering how light can always overcome darkness. Students were also asked to create their own message of positivity and look at how these two important occasions are marked. Messages from students and staff were written on to colourfully decorated lamps, which were displayed in reception. 

A message from Mrs Stanley, writing “As a school, we place high importance on acknowledging commemorations such as Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. The stories relating to these celebrations can remind people of all backgrounds that we must protect one another and always aim to promote fairness and equality."

Celebrations were held in school, as well as marking the occasion with delicious Indian food for KS3 and KS4 students. Miss Kaur & Mrs Suleman said “Diwali is such an important celebration to so many students and staff in school. It was lovely to see so many students across school participate in the sharing of messages and everyone coming together at lunch time to enjoy divine menu we had."

Happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas from all at Highfields and from the DiverseCity team!