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| postcode = DE4 5NA
| postcode = DE4 5NA
| LEA = [[Derbyshire]]
| LEA = [[Derbyshire]]
| ofsted = 112950<ref>[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344]</ref>
| ofsted = 112950
| staff =
| staff =
| enrollment = 1414 <ref>[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344]</ref>
| enrollment = 1414 <ref name="Highfields at Ofsted">[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344 Highfields at Ofsted]</ref>
| gender = [[Coeducational]]
| gender = [[Coeducational]]
| lower_age = 11
| lower_age = 11
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}}
}}


'''Highfields School''' is a [[coeducational]] [[secondary education|secondary]] [[comprehensive school]] located in [[Matlock, Derbyshire]]. The school has 1,414 [[pupil]]s (male and female) on roll <ref>[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344]</ref> with 247 in the [[sixth form]] <ref>[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344]</ref> and is split across two sites in the town 1.7 miles apart. <ref name=autogenerated1>[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en-GB&geocode=15709129476901085237,53.130270,-1.552690%3B15863050870392922026,53.147285,-1.535098&saddr=Starkholmes+Rd+%4053.130270,+-1.552690&daddr=53.147375,-1.535157&date=28%2F02%2F2008&time=16:17&ttype=dep&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=17&sll=53.147993,-1.534063&sspn=0.002986,0.009978&ie=UTF8&ll=53.141056,-1.541262&spn=0.023889,0.079823&z=14&start=0 Google Maps<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It is an [[Arts College]] that specialises in the performing arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupDownloadFile.asp?GroupID=21483&ResourceId=573365|title=Introduction to Highfields School|accessdate=2007-12-24 |format=PDF |work=}}</ref>
'''Highfields School''' is a [[coeducational]] [[secondary education|secondary]] [[comprehensive school]] located in [[Matlock, Derbyshire]]. The school has 1,414 [[pupil]]s (male and female) on roll <ref name="Highfields at Ofsted"/> with 247 in the [[sixth form]] <ref name="Highfields at Ofsted"/> and is split across two sites in the town 1.7 miles apart. <ref name=autogenerated1>[http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&hl=en-GB&geocode=15709129476901085237,53.130270,-1.552690%3B15863050870392922026,53.147285,-1.535098&saddr=Starkholmes+Rd+%4053.130270,+-1.552690&daddr=53.147375,-1.535157&date=28%2F02%2F2008&time=16:17&ttype=dep&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=17&sll=53.147993,-1.534063&sspn=0.002986,0.009978&ie=UTF8&ll=53.141056,-1.541262&spn=0.023889,0.079823&z=14&start=0 Google Maps<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It is an [[Arts College]] that specialises in the performing arts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupDownloadFile.asp?GroupID=21483&ResourceId=573365|title=Introduction to Highfields School|accessdate=2007-12-24 |format=PDF |work=}}</ref>


==The School Day==
==The School Day==
The school day consists of a 20-minute registration period between 8:40 and 9:00 am, six 50-minute 'periods' or lessons (2 before break, 2 between break and lunch and 2 after lunch), a 20-minute break between 10:40 and 11:00am and a lunch break between 12:40 and 1:50 pm. Lessons end at 3:30 pm but numerous clubs run after school.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
The school day consists of a 20-minute registration period between 8:40 and 9:00 am, six 50-minute 'periods' or lessons (2 before break, 2 between break and lunch and 2 after lunch), a 25-minute break between 10:40 and 11:05am and a lunch break between 12:45 and 1:50 pm <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School">[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf 2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School]</ref>. Lessons end at 3:30 pm but numerous sports clubs run after school. <ref>[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/page81.html Extra Curricular Sports, Highfields School]</ref>


School buses are provided by numerous companies, including [[G&J Holmes]] and [[Hulleys of Baslow]] but mainly by [[Slacks Travel]]. Buses leave both sites to numerous drop offs around the county at 3:40 pm. Morning services are also operated, the majority following the reverse of the afternoon buses.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
School buses are provided by numerous companies, including [[G&J Holmes]] and [[Hulleys of Baslow]] but mainly by [[Slacks Travel]]. Buses leave both sites to numerous drop offs around the county at 3:40 pm. Morning services are also operated, the majority following the reverse of the afternoon buses.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}


It has however, been recently proposed that the school day is altered so that the lunch is shortened by 15 minutes to 50 minutes and the school day ends 15 minutes earlier, at 3:15 pm each day <ref name="Highfields School">http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Shorten%20lunchtime%20by%2015%20mins.pdf</ref>. However, more recent letters have been sent home to inform both students and parents that now 5 minutes will be deducted from Lunch and added to break instead. This means the school timetable alters slightly but finishes and starts at the same time. This was done because it was a problem for some parents to collect their child or children from school at 3:15pm <ref name="Highfields School">http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>.
It was however, been recently proposed that the school day is altered so that the lunch is shortened by 15 minutes to 50 minutes and the school day ends 15 minutes earlier, at 3:15 pm each day <ref name="School Day Alteration Proposal, Highfields School">[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Shorten%20lunchtime%20by%2015%20mins.pdf School Day Alteration Proposal, Highfields School]</ref>. However, it was decided to deduct 5 minutes from Lunch and add 5 minutes to break instead. This means the school timetable alters slightly but finishes and starts at the same time. This was done because it was a problem for some parents to collect their child or children from school at 3:15pm <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>.


<!-- ==Discipline Policy==
<!-- ==Discipline Policy==
Line 80: Line 80:
==Uniform==
==Uniform==


Incorrect Uniform is a C3 offence under the consequences system <ref>[http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=90050 Highfields School ::: Prospectus ::: School Dress<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. One ear stud and a watch are allowed but no other jewellery is allowed unless it had been discussed with the school. Body piercings and '[[hoodie]]s' are not allowed. Incorrect uniform may be asked to be removed. Sixth form students have no set uniform but have to stick to a controlled dress code <ref name="Highfields School".>http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>.
Incorrect Uniform is a C3 offence under the consequences system. One ear stud and a watch are allowed but no other jewellery is allowed unless it had been discussed with the school. Body piercings and '[[hoodie]]s' are not allowed <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>. Incorrect uniform may be asked to be removed. Sixth form students have no set uniform but have to stick to a controlled dress code. <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>.


The school policy clearly states that only plain black or brown footwear may be worn and that shoes must not have any logos or motifs. The school dress involves a black jumper with the school logo, plain black trousers of skirt and a white polo shirt with logo. A full length shirt may be worn but only with a red tie with a school logo. All outdoor clothing must be removed indoors and must be plain black without logos (if possible) <ref name="Highfields School".>http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>.
The school policy clearly states that only plain black or brown footwear may be worn and that shoes must not have any logos or motifs. The school dress involves a black jumper with the school logo, plain black trousers of skirt and a white polo shirt with logo. A full length shirt may be worn but only with a red tie with a school logo. All outdoor clothing must be removed indoors and must be plain black without logos (if possible) <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>


The school policy also states that hair gel is allowed but inappropriate colours or styles are not allowed and students may be asked to change hairstyle by teachers <ref name="Highfields School".>http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>.
The school policy also states that hair gel is allowed but inappropriate colours or styles are not allowed and students may be asked to change hairstyle by teachers <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>.


The school PE kit includes navy Blue shorts, white trainers or football boots, a royal blue rugby shirt with reversible white strip and royal blue knee length socks. A gum shield is recommended for rugby and hockey, as are shin pads. There is also a royal blue polo shirt with logo which is only allowed in Summer. For Technology lessons students need two aprons, one for working in the workshop, although the school does supply students with aprons if they haven't got one. The other apron is used for cooking. The school also supplies these but at a charge of 20p per lesson.
The school PE kit includes navy Blue shorts, white trainers or football boots, a royal blue rugby shirt with reversible white strip and royal blue knee length socks. A gum shield is recommended for rugby and hockey, as are shin pads. There is also a royal blue polo shirt with logo which is only allowed in Summer. For Technology lessons students need two aprons, one for working in the workshop, although the school does supply students with aprons if they haven't got one. The other apron is used for cooking. The school also supplies these but at a charge of 20p per lesson.

The list of school uniform in more detail can be found [http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=90050 here]


==Sites==
==Sites==
===Lower site===
===Lower site===
Situated at [[Starkholmes]], and the smaller of the two buildings, it is the site used by year 7 and 8 students. The head of Starkholmes site is Sheila Laming.<ref name="school">[http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=89584 school-portal.co.uk]</ref> The building used to be the site of Charles White's Secondary Modern School but was converted in 1982 when the three pre-comprehensive schools merged. <!--(See History Section)-->
Situated at [[Starkholmes]] it is the site used by year 7 and 8 students. The head of Starkholmes site is Sheila Laming. <ref name="Key Information"/> The building used to be the site of Charles White's Secondary Modern School but was converted in 1982 when the three pre-comprehensive schools merged (See [[Highfields School#History|History]])
{{wide image|Highfields school 01.jpg|800px|Panorama of lower site.|240px|left}}
{{wide image|Highfields school 01.jpg|800px|Panorama of lower site.|240px|left}}


===Upper Site===
===Upper Site===
Situated at [[Lumsdale]], it is used by years 9–11 and sixth form. The head of Lumsdale site is Lynn Davies; this is the main site.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Situated at [[Lumsdale]], it is used by years 9–11 and sixth form. The head of Lumsdale site is Lynn Davies. <ref name="Key Information"/>


===Site redevelopment===
===Site redevelopment===
Redevelopment of both sites was due to start after Christmas 2007 with the bulk of the work to be performed during the summer holidays of 2008.<ref name="Newsletter">[http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupNewsItem.asp?GroupID=21483&NewsID=27302 Autumn Newsletter]</ref>
Redevelopment of both sites was due to start after Christmas 2007 with the bulk of the work to be performed during the summer holidays of 2008.<ref name="Autumn Newsletter, Highfields School">[http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupNewsItem.asp?GroupID=21483&NewsID=27302 Autumn Newsletter, Highfields School]</ref>


====Starkholmes====
====Starkholmes====
At Starkholmes several major areas will be addressed such as replacing the 'Terrapins' ([[portable classroom]]s), where [[English studies|English]] and [[Drama#Drama in education|Drama]] are taught, with permanent structures, the installation of a reception area and a new ventilation network as well as redecoration of the main building.<ref name="Newsletter"/>. As of summer 2009, the terrapins have been demolished, redecoration has taken place, the ventalation system has been installed and the Art facilities have been redeveloped.<ref name="Highfields School">http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>
At Starkholmes several major areas will be addressed such as replacing the 'Terrapins' ([[portable classroom]]s), where [[English studies|English]] and [[Drama#Drama in education|Drama]] are taught, with permanent structures, the installation of a reception area and a new ventilation network as well as redecoration of the main building.<ref name="Autumn Newsletter, Highfields School"/>. As of January 2010, the terrapins have been demolished, redecoration has taken place, the ventalation system has been installed and the Art facilities have been redeveloped. <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>


====Lumsdale====
====Lumsdale====
At Lumsdale the development has already begun. The installation of a lift between the ground floor and the library was completed in October 2007. There will also be some more major building developments such as the enclosing of the open-plan walkways into corridors, refurbishment of toilets, remodelling of reception, building a new section between the sixth form area and Performing Arts block and the installing of a new ventilation system.<ref name="Newsletter"/> As of summer 2009 the 'Coffee bar' has been upgraded into an open enterance space, air conditioning has been installed, doors replaced and a new seclusion unit developed. <ref name="Highfields School">http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/2009%20Summer%20info%20sheet%20to%20parents.pdf</ref>.
At Lumsdale the development has already begun. The installation of a lift between the ground floor and the library was completed in October 2007. There will also be some more major building developments such as the enclosing of the open-plan walkways into corridors, refurbishment of toilets, remodelling of reception, building a new section between the sixth form area and Performing Arts block and the installing of a new ventilation system.<ref name="Autumn Newsletter, Highfields School"/> As of January 2010 the 'Coffee bar' has been upgraded into an open enterance space, air conditioning has been installed, doors replaced and a new seclusion unit developed. <ref name="2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School"/>


==Key staff==
==Key staff==
*Dr Ramsey Tetlow - Headteacher <ref name="school"/>
*Dr Ramsey Tetlow - Headteacher <ref name="Newsletter">[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/newsletter.html Newsletters, Highfields School]</ref>
*Mr Gary Peat - Deputy Headteacher <ref name="school"/>
*Mr Gary Peat - Deputy Headteacher <ref name="Key Information">[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/Key%20Information%20&%20Calendar.pdf Key Information, Highfields School]</ref>
*Mrs Lynn Davies - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Upper School) <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Lynn Davies - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Upper School) <ref name="Key Information"/>
*Miss Sheila Laming - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Lower School) <ref name="school"/>
*Miss Sheila Laming - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Lower School) <ref name="Key Information"/>
*Mrs Rose Waterfall - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Post-16 Education) <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Rose Waterfall - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Post-16 Education) <ref name="Key Information"/>
*Mrs Maggie Brown - Permanent Head of Year 7 (2008/2009 onwards) <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Maggie Brown - Permanent Head of Year 7 (2008/2009 onwards) <ref name="Newsletter"/>
*Mrs Jill Rickells - Head of Year 8 (2008/2009) <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Louise Redhead - Head of Year 8 (2009/2010) <ref name="Newsletter"/>
*Mr Mike Basford - Head of Year 9 (2008/2009) <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Jill Rickells - Head of Year 9 (2009/2010) <ref name="Newsletter"/>
*Mrs Gill Donaldson - Head of Year 10 (2008/2009) <ref name="school"/>
*Mr Mike Basford - Head of Year 10 (2009/2010) <ref name="Newsletter"/>
*Mrs Maureen Wilson - Head of Year 11 (2008/2009) <ref name="school"/>
*Miss Jane Hughes - Head of Year 11 (2009/2010) <ref name="Newsletter"/>
*Mrs Jane Spencer - Head of Educational Support Services <ref name="school"/>
*Mrs Gill Donaldson - Head of Educational Support Services <ref name="Learning Support">[http://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/learningsupport.html Learning Support, Highfields School]</ref>
*Mr Tony Jones - Director of Performing Arts <ref name="school"/>
*Mr Tony Jones - Director of Performing Arts <ref name="Key Information"/>


==Ofsted inspections and performance==
==Ofsted inspections and performance==
Line 125: Line 123:
The summary of the inspections reads: ''The school and inspectors agree that this is a satisfactory school with some good features, and there is a strong commitment and determination to make improvement''. This contrasts to the [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/112/112950.pdf 1999 report] which said ''On balance, the school has more strengths than weaknesses.''
The summary of the inspections reads: ''The school and inspectors agree that this is a satisfactory school with some good features, and there is a strong commitment and determination to make improvement''. This contrasts to the [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/112/112950.pdf 1999 report] which said ''On balance, the school has more strengths than weaknesses.''


The history department was inspected in 2007. The subsequent report, which can be read [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf here], stated that ''Pupils’ achievement and standards are outstanding'' <ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf</ref>, ''Teaching and learning are outstanding'' <ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf</ref>, ''The quality of the curriculum is good, with outstanding features'', <ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf</ref> ''Leadership and management are outstanding'' <ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf</ref> and that ''Inclusion is outstanding''<ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf</ref>. The overall conclusion of this inspection was that the department was ''Outstanding'', and achieved a grade 1.
The history department was inspected in 2007. The subsequent report, which can be read [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf here], stated that ''Pupils’ achievement and standards are outstanding'' <ref name="2007 History Inspection">[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/91318/(as)/112950_319959.pdf 2007 History Inspection Report]</ref>, ''Teaching and learning are outstanding'' <ref name="2007 History Inspection"/>, ''The quality of the curriculum is good, with outstanding features'', <ref name="2007 History Inspection"/> ''Leadership and management are outstanding'' <ref name="2007 History Inspection"/> and that ''Inclusion is outstanding''<ref name="2007 History Inspection"/>. The overall conclusion of this inspection was that the department was ''Outstanding'', and achieved a grade 1 <ref name="2007 History Inspection"/>.


The last whole school inspection was in February 2009. The school was below its grade 2 ''good'' target, with a ''satisfactory'' grade 3, but with improvements since the last inspection. The final report, which can be read [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344 here], stated that ''Highfields is a satisfactory school with several strengths. Its students develop well into mature and considerate citizens who take an active part in school life and the community.''<ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344</ref> It also noted the school's performance, ''Students make satisfactory progress academically as they journey through the school and standards are above average. Notably more than 70 % of students in 2008 attained five or more higher GCSE grades which surpasses the school's attainment in previous years. However, this masks some significant variation between groups of students.''<ref>http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344</ref>.
The last whole school inspection was in February 2009. The school was below its grade 2 ''good'' target, with a ''satisfactory'' grade 3, but with improvements since the last inspection. The final report, which can be read [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344 here], stated that ''Highfields is a satisfactory school with several strengths. Its students develop well into mature and considerate citizens who take an active part in school life and the community.''<ref name="2009 Inspection">[http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/display/(id)/106344 2009 Inspection Report]</ref> It also noted the school's performance, ''Students make satisfactory progress academically as they journey through the school and standards are above average. Notably more than 70 % of students in 2008 attained five or more higher GCSE grades which surpasses the school's attainment in previous years. However, this masks some significant variation between groups of students.''<ref name="2009 Inspection"/>


Details on the school's recent performance in public examinations can be found [http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupNewsItem.asp?GroupID=21483&NewsID=25923 here]. Highfields was the third best-performing school in Derbyshire at A-level in 2007 according to the BBC tables <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/830_alevel_lea.stm]</ref> and the seventh best-performing at GCSE<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/830_gcse_lea.stm]</ref>, both of these higher than their normal placings in these league tables.
Details on the school's recent performance in public examinations can be found [http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupNewsItem.asp?GroupID=21483&NewsID=25923 here]. Highfields was the third best-performing school in Derbyshire at A-level in 2007 according to BBC tables <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/830_alevel_lea.stm A-Level Results, BBC (2007)]</ref> and the seventh best-performing at GCSE <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/830_gcse_lea.stm GCSE Results, BBC (2007)]</ref>, both of these higher than their normal placings in these league tables.


==Racism study==
==Racism study==

Revision as of 13:31, 3 January 2010

For the school in Wolverhampton, see Highfields Science Specialist School.
Highfields School
Address
Map
Upper Lumsdale

Matlock
,
Derbyshire
,
DE4 5NA

England
Information
TypeState comprehensive
Established1982
Local authorityDerbyshire
SpecialistArts College
OfstedReports
HeadteacherDr Ramsey Tetlow.
GenderCoeducational
Age11 to 18
Enrollment1414 [1]
Colour(s)Black & White

   

Blue & White (Sports Kit)

   
Websitehttp://www.highfields.derbyshire.sch.uk/

Highfields School is a coeducational secondary comprehensive school located in Matlock, Derbyshire. The school has 1,414 pupils (male and female) on roll [1] with 247 in the sixth form [1] and is split across two sites in the town 1.7 miles apart. [2] It is an Arts College that specialises in the performing arts.[3]

The School Day

The school day consists of a 20-minute registration period between 8:40 and 9:00 am, six 50-minute 'periods' or lessons (2 before break, 2 between break and lunch and 2 after lunch), a 25-minute break between 10:40 and 11:05am and a lunch break between 12:45 and 1:50 pm [4]. Lessons end at 3:30 pm but numerous sports clubs run after school. [5]

School buses are provided by numerous companies, including G&J Holmes and Hulleys of Baslow but mainly by Slacks Travel. Buses leave both sites to numerous drop offs around the county at 3:40 pm. Morning services are also operated, the majority following the reverse of the afternoon buses.[citation needed]

It was however, been recently proposed that the school day is altered so that the lunch is shortened by 15 minutes to 50 minutes and the school day ends 15 minutes earlier, at 3:15 pm each day [6]. However, it was decided to deduct 5 minutes from Lunch and add 5 minutes to break instead. This means the school timetable alters slightly but finishes and starts at the same time. This was done because it was a problem for some parents to collect their child or children from school at 3:15pm [4].


Uniform

Incorrect Uniform is a C3 offence under the consequences system. One ear stud and a watch are allowed but no other jewellery is allowed unless it had been discussed with the school. Body piercings and 'hoodies' are not allowed [4]. Incorrect uniform may be asked to be removed. Sixth form students have no set uniform but have to stick to a controlled dress code. [4].

The school policy clearly states that only plain black or brown footwear may be worn and that shoes must not have any logos or motifs. The school dress involves a black jumper with the school logo, plain black trousers of skirt and a white polo shirt with logo. A full length shirt may be worn but only with a red tie with a school logo. All outdoor clothing must be removed indoors and must be plain black without logos (if possible) [4]

The school policy also states that hair gel is allowed but inappropriate colours or styles are not allowed and students may be asked to change hairstyle by teachers [4].

The school PE kit includes navy Blue shorts, white trainers or football boots, a royal blue rugby shirt with reversible white strip and royal blue knee length socks. A gum shield is recommended for rugby and hockey, as are shin pads. There is also a royal blue polo shirt with logo which is only allowed in Summer. For Technology lessons students need two aprons, one for working in the workshop, although the school does supply students with aprons if they haven't got one. The other apron is used for cooking. The school also supplies these but at a charge of 20p per lesson.

Sites

Lower site

Situated at Starkholmes it is the site used by year 7 and 8 students. The head of Starkholmes site is Sheila Laming. [7] The building used to be the site of Charles White's Secondary Modern School but was converted in 1982 when the three pre-comprehensive schools merged (See History)

Panorama of lower site.

Upper Site

Situated at Lumsdale, it is used by years 9–11 and sixth form. The head of Lumsdale site is Lynn Davies. [7]

Site redevelopment

Redevelopment of both sites was due to start after Christmas 2007 with the bulk of the work to be performed during the summer holidays of 2008.[8]

Starkholmes

At Starkholmes several major areas will be addressed such as replacing the 'Terrapins' (portable classrooms), where English and Drama are taught, with permanent structures, the installation of a reception area and a new ventilation network as well as redecoration of the main building.[8]. As of January 2010, the terrapins have been demolished, redecoration has taken place, the ventalation system has been installed and the Art facilities have been redeveloped. [4]

Lumsdale

At Lumsdale the development has already begun. The installation of a lift between the ground floor and the library was completed in October 2007. There will also be some more major building developments such as the enclosing of the open-plan walkways into corridors, refurbishment of toilets, remodelling of reception, building a new section between the sixth form area and Performing Arts block and the installing of a new ventilation system.[8] As of January 2010 the 'Coffee bar' has been upgraded into an open enterance space, air conditioning has been installed, doors replaced and a new seclusion unit developed. [4]

Key staff

  • Dr Ramsey Tetlow - Headteacher [9]
  • Mr Gary Peat - Deputy Headteacher [7]
  • Mrs Lynn Davies - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Upper School) [7]
  • Miss Sheila Laming - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Lower School) [7]
  • Mrs Rose Waterfall - Assistant Headteacher (Head of Post-16 Education) [7]
  • Mrs Maggie Brown - Permanent Head of Year 7 (2008/2009 onwards) [9]
  • Mrs Louise Redhead - Head of Year 8 (2009/2010) [9]
  • Mrs Jill Rickells - Head of Year 9 (2009/2010) [9]
  • Mr Mike Basford - Head of Year 10 (2009/2010) [9]
  • Miss Jane Hughes - Head of Year 11 (2009/2010) [9]
  • Mrs Gill Donaldson - Head of Educational Support Services [10]
  • Mr Tony Jones - Director of Performing Arts [7]

Ofsted inspections and performance

The school was inspected in full by OFSTED in 2006. The inspection report can be read here. The summary of the inspections reads: The school and inspectors agree that this is a satisfactory school with some good features, and there is a strong commitment and determination to make improvement. This contrasts to the 1999 report which said On balance, the school has more strengths than weaknesses.

The history department was inspected in 2007. The subsequent report, which can be read here, stated that Pupils’ achievement and standards are outstanding [11], Teaching and learning are outstanding [11], The quality of the curriculum is good, with outstanding features, [11] Leadership and management are outstanding [11] and that Inclusion is outstanding[11]. The overall conclusion of this inspection was that the department was Outstanding, and achieved a grade 1 [11].

The last whole school inspection was in February 2009. The school was below its grade 2 good target, with a satisfactory grade 3, but with improvements since the last inspection. The final report, which can be read here, stated that Highfields is a satisfactory school with several strengths. Its students develop well into mature and considerate citizens who take an active part in school life and the community.[12] It also noted the school's performance, Students make satisfactory progress academically as they journey through the school and standards are above average. Notably more than 70 % of students in 2008 attained five or more higher GCSE grades which surpasses the school's attainment in previous years. However, this masks some significant variation between groups of students.[12]

Details on the school's recent performance in public examinations can be found here. Highfields was the third best-performing school in Derbyshire at A-level in 2007 according to BBC tables [13] and the seventh best-performing at GCSE [14], both of these higher than their normal placings in these league tables.

Racism study

Highfields took part in a study in 2004 which was reported by the Department of Education. The interest arose from the school choosing to look at diversity despite its very low ethnic mix. A theatre group presented plays that centred on racism in towns like Matlock. The study led to collaborations with dissimilar schools in Derby that were funded by an interested company.[15]

History

Highfields was founded in 1982 when the tripartite education system in Matlock ended, there were three schools in Matlock; Charles White's Secondary Modern, John Turner's Secondary Modern and Ernest Bailey's Grammar School. These schools were merged to create Highfields, a comprehensive. The site of Charles White's became lower site of Highfields, Ernest Bailey's was converted to the council record offices, John Turner's was demolished and the site is now the parkway housing estate and a new school was built to house the new Upper Lumsdale site

The original headmaster, David Marshall, was headmaster from 1982 when the school was founded until he was replaced by Ian Alford however his name lives on as it is the name of the school sports hall. However by 2006 Mr Alford left the school too for a job in the Derbyshire LEA and was replaced by Dr Ramsey Tetlow, the current headmaster who among many things has implemented the school's new Performing Arts status, received in 2006 and brought a new deputy headmaster to the school

References

  1. ^ a b c Highfields at Ofsted
  2. ^ Google Maps
  3. ^ "Introduction to Highfields School" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-12-24.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h 2009 Summer Information Sheet, Highfields School
  5. ^ Extra Curricular Sports, Highfields School
  6. ^ School Day Alteration Proposal, Highfields School
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Key Information, Highfields School
  8. ^ a b c Autumn Newsletter, Highfields School
  9. ^ a b c d e f Newsletters, Highfields School
  10. ^ Learning Support, Highfields School
  11. ^ a b c d e f 2007 History Inspection Report
  12. ^ a b 2009 Inspection Report
  13. ^ A-Level Results, BBC (2007)
  14. ^ GCSE Results, BBC (2007)
  15. ^ Here, There and Everywhere: Belonging, Identity and Equality in Schools, by Robin Richardson, p6 accessed 25 February 2008
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