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!

"To you I am bound for life and education". - Students review Shakespeare's Othello

Last week some of our A-Level English Literature students had the opportunity to watch Othello at the RSC Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Being a set text, this was a brilliant and invaluable experience for our students who represented the school immaculately and responded brilliantly to the play itself. Please read some snippets of reviews below written by our talented students!

The direction was skillful with the interval being after Othello is convinced by Iago that Desdemona has been cheating on him with Cassio, creating tension as we wonder how Othello will respond to this. Furthermore, Desdemona’s final full scene alive consists of her maids undressing her ready for bed while a golden light illuminates and emphasises that she has no secrets. Yet, tragically, Othello will not realise this until it's too late when he kills himself to join her in death, symbolised by the very same box used to open the play, perhaps symbolising the cyclical nature of jealousy that will never be quenched. - Lucy

Juliet Rylance’s portrayal emphasises Desdemona’s increasing isolation as Othello’s trust erodes under Iago’s manipulation. Anastasia Hille’s Emilia offers a different, more hardened perspective on the limitations placed on women. Her cynical understanding of men and the power they hold over women is apparent when she speals about the unequal treatment women receive. Hille has a empowering voice that demands attention on her, highlighting her powerful, newly progressive views on women and demonstrates similar issues regarding society today outside the walls of the theatre. The relationship between the two women is clearly established as Emilia helps Desdemona get undressed and ready for bed and the characters including caring acts like taking down her hair highlights the female bond between the two. However, I do wish that this production explored the friendship between the two women deeper as not many close interactions are seen between the two women. - Lizzy

The pacing of the play is electric, with dramatic twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Shakespeare’s masterful use of soliloquies allows us to delve into the minds of the characters, especially Iago, whose motivations and manipulations are as chilling as they are fascinating. The portrayal of Desdemona was particularly striking to me; she embodied true strength and become a beacon of power as a tragic victim of deceit, whilst the complexity of Othello’s character is equally compelling. However, we may want to question, should the play be named Iago or Othello? You may need to watch the play to discover. - Sophie

Romeo who? A student review of '& Juliet'

Highfields School recently organised an unforgettable trip to see the musical “& Juliet” at the Grand Theatre, which was an enriching experience for all involved. As a Year 9 student navigating my GCSE drama studies, this outing allowed me to immerse myself in the world of theatre and ignited my passion for acting even further.

From the moment we entered the theatre, the electric atmosphere was palpable. The Grand Theatre’s stunning architecture and vibrant ambiance set the perfect backdrop. As the lights dimmed and the music began, I felt a rush of excitement. The performances were spectacular—each actor brought their character to life with authenticity and energy, captivating both me and my classmates. The innovative storyline, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic, explored themes of love, identity, and self-discovery that resonated deeply.

Witnessing such a vibrant performance inspired me to appreciate the complexities of acting. The emotional depth, clever staging, and powerful choreography enhanced our understanding of drama far beyond the classroom. This trip fostered a sense of community among my classmates, as we shared thoughts and impressions after the show, reinforcing that theatre is a collective experience.

As I navigate my GCSE drama studies, opportunities like this make me feel supported and motivated. The experience reminded me that pursuing a career in acting is a achievable goal. The trip deepened my appreciation for theatre and reinforced my belief that with passion and dedication, I can turn my dreams into reality. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future adventures in theatre!

Written by Patience

Highfields Students Shine in World Poetry Day Competition

In celebration of World Poetry Day, three talented Year 9 students from Highfields took part in a local schools poetry competition hosted by Wolverhampton Grammar School. The event coincided with Black History Month, and the special guest judge, G.M. Linton, shared her personal journey to becoming a writer while reflecting on her heritage and her family’s legacy as part of the Windrush generation.

Highfields was proudly represented by Nia, Patience, and Anvi, who performed their original poems on the theme of heritage. Each student delivered powerful pieces, expressing what heritage means to them, and they were exceptional ambassadors for our school.

The competition was intense, but Highfields stood out. Anvi's poem was highly commended in the Years 8-9 category for its insight and creativity. In a particularly proud moment for the school, Nia won the main prize, earning high praise from the judges for her extraordinary ability to communicate her thoughts and emotions so vividly.

We are incredibly proud of Nia, Patience, and Anvi for their participation and achievements. Their heartfelt poems captured the essence of heritage and identity, and we encourage anyone interested to read these award-winning pieces, which are attached here.

Congratulations to all three students for their inspiring work and for representing Highfields with such creativity and passion!

Highfields Welcomes Former Dyson Engineer for Inspiring Cardboard Modelling Workshop

The Design and Technology department recently invited a former Dyson engineer to host a hands-on workshop for Year 12 and 13 Product Design students, inspiring them to bring their design ideas to life through the art of cardboard modelling. With a career built on innovation and precision, the engineer shared invaluable insights into how to create accurate and successful prototypes using this simple, yet versatile, material.

The workshop emphasised the importance of mastering the fundamentals of cardboard modelling, from cutting, folding, and scoring. By working closely with the students, the engineer demonstrated how cardboard could be a powerful tool for visualising complex ideas, testing design functionality, and iterating quickly before committing to expensive materials.

 Students were guided through various techniques, such as creating stable joints, using layers for strength, and employing templates for precision. They learned that by carefully measuring, planning, and executing their models, they could effectively communicate their design intentions and overcome challenges.

 The workshop not only equipped students with practical skills but also fostered creativity and problem-solving, leaving them motivated to push the boundaries of their designs. By the end of the session, they gained confidence in their ability to model accurately, paving the way for their future success in design and engineering.

Year 11 GCSE Food Students Attend the 30th Annual Ludlow Food Festival

Recently, our Year 11 GCSE Food students had the fantastic opportunity to attend the 30th annual Ludlow Food Festival. The weather was kind to us, offering perfect conditions for a day full of learning and exploration.

Students were able to sample a variety of local produce, ranging from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked goods, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s culinary heritage. The historic Ludlow Castle provided a stunning backdrop to the lively festival, where people from all of the region could enjoy live cooking demonstrations, talks from food writers or get hands-on with craft and food and drink workshops.

Amongst the wide array of culinary delights on offer, students were particularly amazed to discover a vibrant purple cauliflower, sparking curiosity and discussions about different varieties of produce.

The day was very educational and inspiring for our budding chefs, reinforcing their knowledge of food heritage and sparking new and creative cooking ideas.

From Highfields to Atlanta: Student Artwork celebrated by Netflix

'Allison Hargreeves from The Umbrella Academy'

Highfields is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of our students who recently gained international recognition for their artistic talents. Salena, a Year 13 student, submitted several pieces of fan art to Netflix's annual event, Netflix Geeked Week, a live showcase announcing upcoming shows, trailers, and featuring segments like the newly introduced "Hall of Fandom." This special segment allows artists, cosplayers, and digital creators to share their work with the Netflix community.

Our talented student submitted artwork inspired by popular Netflix series such as The Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things, and Squid Game. Despite not expecting a response, Salena wanted to be involved in such a unique opportunity and submitted several pieces. To her surprise and delight, a portrait of the character Allison Hargreeves from The Umbrella Academy was selected as one of the top 10 fan art pieces by the Netflix team!

The excitement grew as fans were invited to vote for their favourite piece from the top 10, with the winner being announced live at Netflix Geeked Week in Atlanta. The event was attended by several Netflix stars, including actors Xolo Maridueña and Jacob Bertrand from Cobra Kai. Our student's work was presented to a large audience, and her Instagram username was prominently displayed during the broadcast allowing fans to see more of her wonderful artwork.

Although Salena didn’t take home the final prize, having her artwork showcased to nearly ten thousand people and being recognised by a global platform like Netflix is an extraordinary achievement. This experience has been a thrilling and unforgettable milestone for the student, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and creativity.

At Highfields, we encourage our students to seize opportunities and explore their passions, and this accomplishment is a shining example of the outstanding talents within our school community. Well done Salena!

Highfields Students Conquer Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition in Peak District

A group of determined Highfields students recently completed their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold Expedition, trekking through the stunning yet rugged terrain of the Peak District. The four-day journey, a core component of the prestigious DofE Award, tested the students' endurance, teamwork, and navigation skills, as they traversed one of the UK’s most challenging landscapes.

Starting near Hope, a well-known gateway to the Peak District, the adventure took the students across steep ascents and unpredictable weather, culminating at the iconic Kinder Scout plateau. Carrying heavy rucksacks filled with camping gear and supplies, the students faced long days of trekking, often in tough conditions. Each day offered new challenges, from the breathtaking views at Mam Tor to physically demanding climbs, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.

A particular highlight of the expedition was the challenge of navigating without technology. Armed with just maps and compasses, the group successfully navigated the diverse terrain, relying on their training and teamwork to overcome obstacles — a key aspect of the DofE Gold challenge.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award, established by Prince Philip in 1956, is a renowned youth achievement program that helps young people develop life skills, confidence, and resilience. The Gold Expedition, the highest level of the award, requires participants to plan, train for, and complete a four-day, three-night adventure in the wild, entirely self-sufficient.

Congratulations to all of group one for your outstanding efforts, determination, and enthusiasm throughout the expedition. You have made Highfields proud!