Autumn 2025

7 November – NEWSLETTER

EDITION 43

Head’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to the second half of the autumn term at Highbury Fields School, I hope you had a restful half term break. This week’s newsletter is packed with exciting news – from Sixth Form Open Evening to student feedback on our new Commitment to Learning programme.

At the end of last term, we wrapped up our Black History Month celebrations. Students enjoyed learning about the importance of culture and heritage through a series of assemblies, workshops and activities, of which you can find students’ work below.

We have also welcomed our new Student Leaders for this academic year. Student leadership at Highbury Fields plays a vital role in ensuring students’ voices are heard, as well as championing important areas of inclusion, which sit at the heart of our school culture. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the successful candidates – I look forward to seeing their ambitions as Student Leaders come to life.

Tim Fox
Headteacher

Reminder: Vote for the next Parent Governor

Voting for the next Parent Governor closes on Friday 14 November at 3pm. Please ensure you cast your vote in time as any received after the closing date will not be counted.

You can read the candidates’ statements and cast your vote below:

Meet the nominees

Voting ballot

Please note: Each parent/carer can only vote once, regardless on the number of students you have attending the school. If you do not have the necessary technology to vote electronically, please contact the school office for a paper ballot form.

Commitment to Learning

As we settle into the new term, students and staff have been reflecting on our approach to our commitment to learning and the community policy, empowering students to REACH their full potential. REACH stands for the characteristics that we encourage students to demonstrate in school and onwards in their life: Responsibility, Effort, Ambition, Contributions, and Honesty.

In extended form time on Monday, we focused on Responsibility and tailored the theme for each year group:

Year 7: My Role in Our Form
Year 8: Contributing to the School Environment
Year 9: The Wider Community
Year 10: Role Modelling and Leadership – Supporting Others
Year 12: Taking responsibility for my extracurricular development
Year 13: Taking responsibility for mock exam preparation.

As part of our ongoing development of the programme, we asked students to share their feedback on this week’s extended form time sessions:

Black History Month Celebrations

BHM Artwork

In recognition of Black History Month in October, Year 10 students produced mixed media artwork inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Many students were inspired by Basquiat’s crown motif, which challenges the symbol’s conventional uses in classical portraiture, where crowns are predominantly seen on monarchs or divine figures.

KS3 Black History Month Workshops

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, students across Key Stage 3 took part in vibrant and inspiring workshops led by the Eastside Schools Workshops team. Each year group had the opportunity to explore creativity and culture through a different art form, linked to this year’s national theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”

Year 7 students took part in an energetic drumming workshop, learning about rhythm, teamwork, and the cultural significance of percussion in African and Caribbean traditions. Year 8 students explored movement and expression through a dynamic dance session that celebrated identity and community.

BHM Poetry

While, Years 7 and 8 were exploring African and Caribbean cultures through music and movement, Year 9 students became “Lyrical Legends,” crafting spoken word pieces that celebrated empowerment, heritage, and pride.

The sessions were a wonderful way for students to connect with Black history and creativity, celebrating both cultural roots and the importance of artistic expression. A huge thank you to the Eastside team for leading such engaging and inspiring workshops!

To learn more about this year’s Black History Month theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk.

SIXTH FORM SUCCESS

Open Evening

Just before the half term break, we welcomed Year 10 and 11 students from across Islington to our annual Sixth Form Open Evening.

Sixth Formers did a fantastic job as ambassadors of the school, answering questions about our courses and student life at Highbury Fields Sixth Form. Our Sixth Form Centre was buzzing throughout the evening and we look forward to opening applications on Friday 28th November.

Check out our new Sixth Form prospectus

Maryam’s account of the Year 12 History trip

-Written by Maryam, 12/Earhart

In October, A-level History students went to Kerry James Marshall’s ‘The Histories’ at the Royal Academy of Arts. Marshall describes himself as a historical painter, retelling Black events, stories and perspectives from both continents and in between. The 11 rooms were filled with paintings of various sizes and had different themes.

One of my favourite rooms, titled the ‘Invisible Man’, uses a monochromatic palette and plays on the use of caricatures in some of the paintings – one particular painting forced the audience/viewer to continue the search for the ‘hidden’ Black man; this painting puts a painted white canvas next to a black canvas that included a Black man. Many people in the class stared at the white painting for longer than necessary to try to find the White man, perhaps suggesting our tendency to search for White men in places where they are not, it could also perhaps be suggesting that the White man (that wasn’t there) requires other shades to be present and seen whilst the Black man can be seen even when the background is a very similar shade to him.

This was one of my favourite pieces as there’s lots to discuss and the gallery has so much on offer (I would recommend everyone see) but the whole day challenged and forced us to look at Black American history in a new light that would be useful to our history course but also our own opinions of America.

Other news from across the school

HFS welcomes new Student Leaders

At the end of last term, we welcomed our Student Leaders for 2025-2026.

They will lead whole-school student feedback, deliver assemblies and represent Highbury Fields at key events. They will also drive forward school events which recognise important global issues from Gender Equality to Mental Health and Wellbeing. Through these opportunities, our students develop confidence, responsibility, and pride in shaping the inclusive and supportive culture of Highbury Fields.

“I’m really excited to lead on religious and spiritual diversity at Highbury Fields. I love learning about different religions and helping our school celebrate everyone’s beliefs.”

– Livia, Year 7 Student Leader

“As a Year 7 Student Leader, I’m excited to be the voice of my year group and to contribute to making our school community even stronger.”

– Wren, Year 7 Student Leader

“I became a Student Leader because I believe everyone’s voices should be heard. I’m excited to be a cultural heritage champion and to continue to ensure all students feel valued, included, and proud to be part of Highbury Fields.”

– Thandiwe, Year 9 Student Leader

“I’m proud to help lead at Highbury Fields, a school where students are supported, encouraged, and inspired to reach their full potential every day.”

– Matilda, Year 8 Student Leader

We look forward to sharing more Student Leadership news with you all over the coming months.

Trips and Enrichment Activities

Our School Sleepover

Written by Livia, 7/Adichie

Everyone at the Year 7 sleepover had loads of fun! The first thing we did was have takeaway pizza and garlic bread which was really tasty. Then we had our silent disco (which was almost everyone’s favourite part). Some of the Year 11s were helping out and played a series of songs that we all knew and liked. Everyone loved singing along and dancing with their friends. Lots of people also got the opportunity to make new friends which was really nice.

Once we couldn’t dance any more, we changed into our pyjamas and watched The Lorax with snacks that we had brought. At around 11pm, we all brushed our teeth and the lights got turned off.

We were all awake by 7am the next morning and the teachers called us into the lunch hall for breakfast. We had hot chocolate and croissants which were delicious. After breakfast, we all got our stuff together and slowly started getting picked up and taken home.

Overall, I think it was one of the best sleepovers I’ve ever been to and a great way to bond with new friends as well as old ones.

Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge Workshops

During October, students in Year 10 took part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge workshops. Each workshop was designed to develop their public speaking skills and gave them the opportunity to give and receive feedback.

We are pleased to share that a group of shortlisted students will be going through to our Assembly Final on 11th November and two lucky winners will compete at the Regional Final at the end of the month.

Shortlisted candidates

Adams – Ellie and Gabriella
Carter – Lilja and Isis
DuPre – Kenza and Eden
Earle – Agnese, Matilda and Leila
Ganguly – Afia, Ahlam and Najma
Jemison – Mia, Theadora, Sadie and Alys

Good luck to our winners!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ HFS Rewards ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Attendance

Here are last week’s top performing forms for their attendance:

Top Forms for Attendance in each year group
Year 7: 7/Frida Kahlo – 98. 40%
Year 8: 8/Margaret Atwood – 98.28%
Year 9: 9/Barbara Hepworth – 95.93%
Year 10: 10/Mae Jemison – 96.86%
Year 11: 11/Margot Fonteyn – 97.62%
Sixth Form: 13/Tanni Grey-Thompson – 96.76%

Merit Awards

Students have continued to demonstrate excellent commitment to learning, through high attendance and merit achievements. We’re impressed that this week over 150 students have received merit awards!

30 Merits – Form Tutor Merit
Year 7: Qamar, Oshun, Amélie, Serafina, Eleri, Juwariah, Aisha, Farha, Edilish, Aida, Tanem, Sumaiyah, Lara, Sarah, Anisa, Masal, Ruqayyah, Yumna, Amirah, Bilen, Feyza, and Meriem
Year 8: Aleena, Daisy, Elle, Aisha, Natalia, Divine, Zerrin, Shiloh-Anne, Alexandra, Mikhaila, Brooklyn-May, Sabrin, Halima, Duru, Lyra, Azka, Minni, Hazvinei, Liyana, Cyreen, and Ruby
Year 9: Kadra, Lily-Rose, Safi, Angelique, Sudem, Nailah, Asma, Safa, Houda, Aasiya, Naz, Amelia-Rose, Fouzia, Ja’Kayla, Retaje, Helena, Anna, Thandiwe, ZamZam, Alessia, Charis, Lexi, Yasamin, Zara, Inaaya, Diyanah, Alisia, Ella, Hana, Lila, and Amira
Year 10: Ahsoka, Amiee, Lilja, Kenza, Jasmine, Tia, Ahlam, Keira, Asia, Malek, Saeedah, Hana, Sana, and Emine
Year 11: Rana.

60 Merits – Head of Year Merit
Year 7: Fatimah, Sarah, Elif, Avana-Mae, Lilla, Sara, Lily, Kayla, Amorè, Asia-Chenae, Ayla, Emmylou, Layla, Hadjer, Martha, Violet, Mila, Ellora, Alvira, Mia, Sorayah-Rose, Zoe, Nadira, Andita, Ellie, Greta, Poppy, Abigail, Razan, Alisha, Jawhariyo, Teayanna, Anaiya, Iris, Maeve, Rosa, and Milly
Year 8: Masa, Greta, Darcey, Leen, Jessica, Lily-Rose, Freya, Lyra, Alice, Leticia, Shiloh-Anne, Mary Jane, Erin, Bianca, Amelie, Lavin, Anisha, and Elise
Year 9: Aya and Lila.

120 Merits – Headteacher Merit
Year 7: Molly, Elvie-Storm, Talyah, and Barlin
Year 8: Sarya, Ellisha, and Iqlas.

Students of the week

This academic year, we have introduced ‘Students of the Week’ to recognise individuals who have demonstrated excellent commitment to learning and the community. Here are last week’s successful students:

Year 7
7/Chimamanda Adichie – Chloe
7/Frida Kahlo – Maya
7/Helen Sharman – Molly
7/Junko Tabei – Tanem
7/Rosa Parks – Jessica
7/Winona LaDuke – Safina.

Year 8
8/Alicia Keys – Elfida and Tessa
8/Jane Goodall – Phoenix
8/Margaret Atwood – Jessica and Angel-Faith
8/Marie Curie – Taima
8/Serena Williams – Nawaal.

Year 9
9/Barbara Hepworth – Sudem
9/Helen Keller – Alice
9/Katherine Johnson – Shaiyarna, Myah, and Ilana
9/Maya Angelou – Yasmin and Gaia
9/Olga Korbut – Zara and Zayna
9/Wangari Maathai – Amelia G and Amelia Z.

Year 10
10/Jacqueline Du Pré – Gabi
10/Kadambini Ganguly – Tia
10/Nicola Adams – Asia
10/Sylvia Earle – Naima.

Year 11
11/Kelly Holmes – Haliyat.

Support for Parents

Smartphone Safety & cyberbullying webinar for families

Wednesday 12 November and Thursday 20 November | 6pm

In collaboration with The Diana Award, looking at the impact of bullying on young people, we’re offering parents and carers a 45 minute webinar to explore cyberbullying and smartphone safety.

In this interactive 30 minute session, young people will explore:

How their phone grabs and holds their attention
Banter vs bullying
How parents can help young people stay safe.

Keeping children safe: online & beyond

ParentSafe is an online resource for parents seeking immediate information about the complexities for the digital age your children are growing up in.

From managing screen time to handling difficult conversations, this platform offers guidance and top tips to parents who are intereseted in learning more about online safety.

Find out more about ParentSafe