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!

Students celebrate GCSE results

Highfields students have once again demonstrated their hard work and determination with another excellent set of GCSE results.

More than half of all students attained at least one grade 7 and almost a third of all students achieved three or more grade 7s in total. While almost 60% achieved a strong pass (Grade 5 or above) in both English and Mathematics, and 77% of students achieved a standard pass (Grade 4 or above) in both English and Mathematics.  

Mr D Treble, Head of Upper School, said: “This year’s GCSE results are a true reflection of the determination and resilience of our students. We also extend our thanks to our dedicated teachers and supportive parents who have played a crucial role in guiding our students to success. We are exceptionally proud of all their achievements and wish them every success in the future.”

Special mention should go to some exceptional achievements: Freya Perry - nine grade 9s and one grade 6; Finley Powell - six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7; George Bridges - six grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 6; Joel Roberts - five grade 9s, three grade 8s and one grade 7, and Govind Maan - six grade 9s, one grade 8 and two grade 7s and one grade 6.

Alongside these very high attainers are large numbers of students who have made some quite exceptional progress during their time at Highfields. Mr Treble added: “A special mention should go to Ashvir Dhaliwal, Alyssa Round, Ethan O’Reilly and Millie Flannery who have made the most progress of all students but there are so many of the year group who can be very proud of their achievements.”

As our students prepare for the next stage of their academic journey, whether that be continuing with A-levels, vocational courses, or entering the world of work, we are confident that the skills they have developed will lead them to further success.

Once again, congratulations to all our students on their fantastic achievements.

Students celebrate A Level results

Congratulations to all Highfields Sixth Form students who achieved another fantastic set of A Level results.

Out of all the students receiving results, close to 100 are now preparing to move on to university, with several doing degree apprenticeships with companies including Barclays, E. On and Jaguar Land Rover. Of the successful grades, 22% of all results were A* and A grades, while half achieved A*-B, and the overall pass rate was 98%. Additionally, 63% of all grades on Applied courses were Distinction* or Distinction (A* and A equivalent).  

As ever, there were a number of standout performances. Chief among them was Toby Macdonald, who was awarded four A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Maths and an A in AS Further Maths. He is now taking a gap year and is hoping to apply to Cambridge University to study Maths. Selina Malik, who got three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths is off to Oxford University to study Medicine. Bao Thy Nguyen achieved three A*s in Art, Computer Science and Maths and an A in AS Further Maths and will be studying Computer Science at St Andrews.    

Other standout performers achieving 2 A*s and an A include Tsezzy Omar who will be starting a degree apprenticeship with E.ON (Computer Science- A*, Maths- A*, Physics- A); Gursevak Sandhu who is off to Aston University to study Computer Science (Computer Science- A*, Psychology- A*, History- A); and Jacob Connor who will also be studying Computer Science at University of Bristol (Computer Science- A*, Maths- A*, Physics- A)

Several other students achieved A* grades, including Amelia McGoldrick with an A* in History in Religious Studies and B in English Literature and who will be studying English at Durham University. George Taylor, with an A*in Design with A in Maths and B in Physics, is going on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Liverpool.

Miss Smith, Head of Sixth Form said, “Yet again we are blown away by the fantastic achievements of our Year 13 students. They have shown incredible determination and perseverance to reach this point and their efforts have justly been rewarded with an incredible set of results. So many students have secured their first-choice next steps and we couldn't be prouder of them. On behalf of everyone at Highfields, I would like to wish them all the very best for the future.” 

More students than ever are pursuing Apprenticeship opportunities this year. Abdulramon Salawu will be completing a degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover after receiving an A* in Psychology and As in Computer Science and Maths. Amrit Kuldip has secured a degree apprenticeship with E.ON achieving an A* in Computer Science, A in Maths and B in Physics.

Aranbeer Moore beat over 2000 applicants to secure the only place on the degree apprenticeship programme with Barclays with an A in Product Design B in Business Studies and C in Maths.

Special mentions also go to Head Girl, Pavan Gohani, who will be studying Medicine at University of Nottingham (As in Biology and Chemistry and a B in English Literature). Malikah Dawood (A* in Psychology, As in Biology and Chemistry) hopes to pursue a career in Dentistry. Esha Rajput, will study Economics at Manchester Metropolitan, (A* Law A Business). Jovan Gaddu, will be pursuing Aerospace Engineering at University of Birmingham (A*s in Maths & Physics and A in Economics). Leigh Cashmore (Criminology- A* Sociology- A Psychology- B) will be studying Criminology, Policing and Investigation at Birmingham City University. And Joshua Parnaby has secured a place on Veterinary Medicine & Surgery at University Central Lancaster.

Highfields congratulates all of our outstanding students on their remarkable A-level results. Their hard work, determination, and passion have truly paid off. We are immensely proud of all of our students’ achievements and excited for the bright futures that lie ahead for each of them. Well done! 

Celebrating Year 7 Spanish Students with A Tapas Fiesta to Remember

As the school year draws to a close, we are filled with pride and admiration for our Year 7 Spanish students. Their dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm for learning have been truly inspiring. To honour their exceptional efforts, we organised a special Spanish Tapas Party at the end of the term, celebrating the achievements of 36 remarkable students.

Throughout the year, our Year 7 Spanish students have demonstrated a passion for the language and culture that has surpassed our expectations. From mastering vocabulary to engaging in lively conversations, their commitment to their studies has been unwavering. It's been a joy to witness their growth and progress. Their determination and enthusiasm have been a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and a love for learning.

The Spanish Tapas party was a delightful event filled with laughter, music, and, of course, delicious food. Students had the opportunity to taste traditional Spanish dishes, enhancing their cultural experience and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It was a perfect way to celebrate their accomplishments and to look forward to more exciting learning adventures ahead.

As we celebrate the end of this school year, the MFL Department wants to extend their heartfelt congratulations to all their Year 7 Spanish students. You have made us incredibly proud, and we can't wait to see what you achieve next.

Keep up the fantastic work, and here's to many more achievements in the future!

¡Felicitaciones y buen trabajo!

Highfields Shines at the Young Wolf Awards

The Young Wolf Awards provided a fantastic showcase of the remarkable work our students have completed over the year in Film Club and Film Studies. Lower School students displayed their newfound knowledge of filmmaking and genres, while Year 9 and above celebrated their achievements in Film Studies. The showcase included a diverse array of short films, animations, film reviews, and magazine articles published in Film Junior.

The evening was a tremendous success, with students dressed to impress and walking the red carpet. The winners were delighted with their awards, but all the nominees should be proud of the hard work and dedication they have shown throughout the year.

This event marked the grand finale of the Young Wolf Film Festival, a month-long celebration of film at Highfields. Highlights of the festival included an after-school screening of Mean Girls (2003), two film quizzes, a Filmmaking Workshop Day for the nominees, and an exciting trip to London to watch Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Congratulations to all our talented students for their impressive work and contributions to the festival. We look forward to seeing even more creative achievements in the future.

Highfields Summer Concert: A Spectacular Showcase of Talent

On Thursday, July 11th, Highfields hosted its annual summer concert, defying the typical British weather with an indoor spectacle of musical talent. The event featured a variety of performances, highlighting the diverse skills and resilience of our students.

Highlights of the evening included:

• Previews of Upcoming Shows: A special vocal quartet of our mermaids, performed by Nell, Avneet, Lucia, and Anya, captivated the audience with their harmonious preview.

• Remarkable Resilience: Jamie showcased his determination by restarting his rendition of "I Bet That You Look Good on The Dancefloor," and Effie powered through a sore throat to deliver a grungy performance of "Black Sheep."

• Loud and Energetic Drumming: Toby and Evie brought a bit of rock and metal to the concert with their powerful drumming in "Chop Suey" and "Explosure."

• Audience Engagement: Harley closed the show with a rousing rendition of "Hey Jude," complete with audience interaction, leaving everyone in high spirits.

The evening was a fantastic display of our students' talents and dedication, demonstrating not only their musical abilities but also their resilience and passion. Despite the gloomy weather, the concert was a bright and memorable event, showcasing the vibrant and talented community at Highfields.

Year 8 Students Explore the Ethics of Zoos in English Issues Topic

In our Year 8 English Issues Topic, students have been preparing for an assessment titled, "Should animals be kept in zoos?" Through extensive research, they explored the role of zoos in conservation projects and raising awareness about endangered animals. To support their arguments, they watched evidence-based documentaries and engaged in in-depth discussions.

To enhance their learning experience, we organised a trip to a zoo, allowing students to see firsthand how zoos operate and interact with zoo keepers. This visit provided invaluable insights and opportunities to ask pertinent questions.

One of the highlights of the trip was the bird show, where vultures, exotic parrots, and owls soared through the sky simultaneously, leaving the students in awe. Additionally, students had the unique experience of feeding parrots, with one parrot particularly fond of a student's hair, nibbling at it playfully while perched on his head.

The trip also helped some students overcome their fears. Despite their initial apprehension, several students bravely entered the parrot cage, demonstrating courage and curiosity. Furthermore, students had the chance to hold and stroke various animals, including a snake and a cockroach, adding a hands-on element to their research.

This enriching experience has deepened their understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding zoos and provided them with memorable, real-life interactions with the animals they are studying.

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!