23 October – NEWSLETTER

Hello everyone, 

I am excited to be writing my very first ‘staff welcome’ after 19 years at Highbury Fields! I can’t imagine working anywhere else because over the years, I’ve really been made to feel that I belong here, and I hope that the work I do makes others feel the same, whether that’s for staff, students or their families.

One of the many highlights of my academic year is always the weekend residential to PGL, and this year was no exception. You may have seen the photos, but what sometimes can’t come across clearly enough is how courageously the students face their own fears, as well as supporting others to do the same. I’ve been lucky enough to accompany the students every year since we began running this residential and I cannot recommend it enough. I would advise all Year 7s to sign up for PGL if their families are able to do so. Once out of their ‘comfort zones’, children really do build a bank of valuable skills such as determination, adaptability and responsibility, as well as empathy and collaboration.

This week, we’ve been ‘honouring our communities’ for Black History Month 2026 in a multitude of ways, including through assemblies and form times, a visit from author Paula Akpan, African drumming and lyrics workshops plus a stunning balcony display. Ms Beswick and the Schools Wellbeing Service piloted a black history focus group, which is hopefully the first of many. We’re now looking forward to rounding off the week with Safii Koji’s gig this evening. We’re grateful to everyone who’s been involved in the planning and delivery of the celebrations because it has been a brilliant way to end the half term. 

Let’s not forget that it was also ‘languages week’ during which staff and students have been showcasing their linguistic talents. It always brings out our competitive natures, so we look forward to finding out which member of staff have showcased their talents the most impressively. We very much enjoyed the delicious selection of world food on offer at lunchtime, too, so a huge thank you to the kitchen staff for putting the ‘languages week’ menu together. 

Finally, I could not possibly write a newsletter welcome without a focus on wellbeing, especially for our Year 11s who I know will be diligently using the half term break to revise. If this is the case for your daughter, please remind her that our brains are most productive when they are rested and fuelled, so be sure to sleep, hydrate and eat well, too. I hope every family makes sure to enjoy some quality time together doing what they love. I look forward to hearing what everyone has gotten up to once we return to school. 

I wish you all a safe and restful half term break, and we look forward to seeing all students bright and early on Monday 2^nd November. 

Ms Jackson
Director of Inclusion and DSL

Free School Meal News – Is your child eligible?

The government has expanded the eligibility to free school meals, which means more students are able to access this benefit. 

Benefits to your child: free lunch; 10% off trips; sixth form bursaries

Benefits to the school and all students: Extra funding for the school which benefits all students

Don’t miss out and apply today. Full details in the attached letter.

As part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, our newly elected Student Leaders attended a special event organised by Islington Council at the Arsenal Hub. 

Students took part in a series of small-group workshops led by local organisations and specialist agencies, including representatives from Finsbury Park Mosque, Islington Chabad, the Islington LGBTQ+ Forum+, the Traveller Movement, Islington Police, and the Council’s Refugee and Asylum Seeker Team.

Through discussion and dialogue, students learned about different forms of hate crime, the impact discrimination can have on individuals and communities, and the importance of challenging prejudice and reporting incidents when they occur.

The workshops provided a valuable opportunity for students to hear directly from community leaders and experts, ask thoughtful questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of people from different backgrounds. Throughout the event, our students represented the school exceptionally well, demonstrating maturity, empathy and engagement.

The visit concluded with a tour of Emirates Stadium, giving students the chance to explore one of the borough’s most iconic venues and reflect on the day’s learning together.

Over 90 students joined our school sleepover, with the vast majority staying until Saturday morning for a night of dancing, laughter and time with friends.

Students arrived with an impressive array of bedding and, in some cases, enough luggage for a cruise! Our Year 9 Big Sister helpers were on hand to help Year 7 settle in, organising sleeping arrangements as the school gym and Drama room became temporary dormitories for the night.

School staff oversaw the evening, and a big thank you goes to everyone who helped set up before students arrived. Their preparation helped the night run smoothly and gave everyone the chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

After a dinner of pizza, chips and garlic bread, it was time for the “not so silent” disco, which was a highlight, thanks to our sixth formers, who put plenty of thought and preparation into creating a playlist to get everyone dancing. Students filled the dance floor, singing along and showing off their moves until 10.50pm. Yes, a little past their usual bedtime!

Most then chose to stay up for the classic film Hocus Pocus before attempting to settle down for the night. For some, sleep finally arrived at around 2am, so there were certainly a few tired faces by Saturday morning!

As ever, the sleepover lived up to its reputation: a little sleep and a lot of fun. Above all, it gave students the chance to spend time together, build new friendships, strengthen existing ones and make happy memories.

The sleepover was a fun and helpful experience for the Year 9’s, we learnt valuable skills of responsibility and taking control. All the Year 9’s had a great time helping the Year 7’s, eating and dancing. The Year 7 Sleepover is a highlight for the Year 7’s when they are settling into secondary school. Being part of that is not only nice for them but also for us. I would have loved help from Year 9’s when I was settling in, so to give them that little help makes a big difference. The whole big sister programme was amazing and helping at the sleepover was the cherry on top. Thank you for the experience.

Year 12 Politics students visited Parliament to gain a first-hand understanding of the UK’s political system and democratic institutions. During the visit, they explored the historic Palace of Westminster, learning about the functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords and seeing where key political debates and decisions take place.

A particular highlight of the trip was an interactive workshop on elections. Students examined the methods political parties use to win support, communicate their messages, and campaign effectively during elections. They then worked collaboratively to create their own political parties, designing party names, developing manifestos, and planning campaign strategies aimed at attracting voters. Each group had the opportunity to present its ideas and explain how it would appeal to different sections of the electorate, including issues surrounding AI Data Centres and Student Loans. This will allow students to effectively apply their learning to their topic on democracy and participation.

‘It was interesting actually SEEING it in person, rather than on TV’ – Tasnimah

‘It provided me with valuable insight into how the British Democracy functions and the responsibilities of those who represent us’ – Rano 

‘Overall, a very insightful, enjoyable and memorable trip’ – Patricia

Our Sixth Form students were delighted to welcome acclaimed historian, journalist and author Paula Akpan for an engaging talk and workshop exploring African history, culture and heritage. Drawing on her acclaimed book, When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors, Paula brought to life the stories of powerful African women whose legacies are often overlooked, challenging students to question traditional historical narratives and consider the impact of colonialism on how history is remembered.

Student feedback was exceptional, praising Paula’s passion, knowledge and thought-provoking approach. The workshop offered a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ perspectives, deepen their historical understanding and celebrate the richness and diversity of African history.

“It was an extremely insightful experience into the margins of history, and I plan to incorporate it into my future studies surrounding colonialism and black diaspora.” — Keianna

“It was truly fascinating to learn about African history with all the complexity that is so often denied to it by Western historians.” — Laura 

In keeping with our ambition for academic success for all, our Year 11 students have spent some time planning revision timetables in preparation for mock GCSEs after the half term break. Tutors have encouraged students, however, to also be mindful of their wellbeing, exploring ways in which they can ensure they are pacing themselves carefully and keeping well.

We had much to congratulate the students for already in our half-termly celebration assembly, acknowledging just how much incredible effort the year group have made. We are really proud of them for seeing the long term view and for their willingness to keep practising and trying, even when things are more difficult.

Year 11 have also continued in their usual routines, in PSHCE this week exploring the implications of deepfake technology, focusing on its impact on trust, privacy, and media authenticity. We hope that this analysis of the ethical dilemmas posed by deepfake use will help students to navigate the digital world with confidence and awareness.

– Ms. Wild

Year 7: Spanish & French – Introducing and giving basic information about myself   

Year 8: Spanish  – My daily life (using technology / daily routine) 
Year 8: French – Free time activities (including sports & instruments) 

Year 9: Spanish  – Chores & pocket money 
Year 9: French – Describing past holidays

Year 10: Spanish  – My social life (arranging to go out, and describing recent outings) 
Year 10: French – My life at school (including rules, and memories of primary)

Year 11: Spanish  – Describing where I live 
Year 11: French – My local area & my ideal home

Year 12: Spanish  – Modern & traditional values in Hispanic societies; Celebrity culture 

Year 13: Spanish  – Monarchies & dictatorships; Immigration in Spain; “La casa de Bernarda Alba” – a play by Federico Garcia Lorca

A-level Spanish is completely different to KS3 and GCSE – now Spanish is not just a language you’re learning, it’s a means of expressing your knowledge about and views on a range of controversial and deeply relevant social and artistic issues. Whilst examining these issues, students will, of course, deepen their understanding and knowledge of the Spanish language, learning the complex vocabulary and grammar that will allow them to fully access and appreciate the ideas and cultures they will encounter. 

“Los valores tradicionales y modernos” (Traditional and modern values) belongs to Theme 1: Aspects of Hispanic society – current trends. It includes a variety of topics which examine how Hispanic societies (not just Spain but other Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America) have changed over time in terms of their values: 

Los cambios en la familia (Changes in the family): different types of twenty-first century family and how they differ from the past. 

Actitudes hacia el matrimonio y el divorcio (Attitudes towards marriage & divorce): changing views of marriage, religious weddings, civil marriage and divorce. 

La influencia de la Iglesia Católica (the influence of the Catholic Church): religious history, Catholic traditions and changes in the Church’s social influence.

– Haven

– Almira

– Emi

– Zahraa

Here you can see how much time our Year 10 and Year 11 Languages students have spent learning on our online platform Education Perfect, since September. The top spots go to Nati (11hrs!), Coumba (8hrs) and Nora (8hrs) – incredible dedication, well done. 

Hello, my name is Violet and I am a Year 8 student leader. I want to share to with you that I particularly enjoy drama, english, history. I find these subjects most enjoyable and my best. I also really value the environment created. Outside of school I do many clubs like gymnastics, netball, and drama. I would say I am confident and I like to present that in my clubs.

I contribute to the HFS community by helping teachers when needed and being kind to those around me. A highlight of the year so far has been going to PGL. I loved it so much and got to know students and teachers so much better. This year I am really looking forward to do work experience in November. I want to contribute to my community even more by taking part in this. 

– Violet, Year 8

I am Eliza, one of Year 8’s new Student Leaders! Outside of school, you will find me doing musical theatre, playing piano, dancing, or figure skating. 

One thing I would really love to do as a student leader is make school a place where everyone feels included and listened to. Not everyone is going to put their hand up in class or be the loudest person in the room, but that does not mean they do not have great ideas! I would love to try and bring new things to HFS, give students more opportunities to try new activities, and make sure their opinions matter. 

A highlight of my year so far has been the PGL residential, which was so fun! I learnt a lot about my classmates and got closer to my friends!! I am really excited to see what being student leader brings and hopefully turn some of my ideas into actual things rather than just letting them live rent-free in my head. 

– Eliza, Year 8

50 Merits
Form Tutor’s Merit
.

Year 7: Indigo, Isma, Shevari, Nancy, Keris, Maya, Faridatun Zahra, Amalia, Liliana, Amoria, Ayana, Hanifah, Asma, Arina, Shayla, Indigo
Year 8: Lauren, Hawi, Chaeyoon, Elif, Temidayo, Lilla, Tanem, Amina, Martha, Teayanna, Safina
Year 9: Sarya, Hannah, Maryam

100 Merits
Head of year’s Merit
.

Year 9: Masa
.

Year 7
7/Ada Lovelace – Giorgia and Alisha
7/Andrea Levy – Inas
7/Isatou Ceesay – Amalia and Antonia
7/Kelly Holmes – Zeriqa and Destiny
7/Malala Yousafzai – Amara-Grace
7/Margot Fonteyn – Zarinah and Camille

Year 8
8/Chimamanda Adichie – Alice
8/Frida Kahlo – Hannah
8/Helen Sharman – Lilla
8/Junko Tabei – Amina
8/Rosa Parks – Spoghmay
8/Winona LaDuke – Maryam

Year 9
9/Alicia Keys – Aisha
9/Margaret Atwood – Sagal-Rahma
9/Marie Curie – Lyra
9/Nawal El-Saadawi – Lyra
9/Serena Williams – Cecilia

Year 10
10/Barbara Hepworth – Sophia
10/Katherine Johnson – Ja’Kayla
10/Maya Angelou – Fatimazahra
10/Wangari Maathai – Lila

Year 11
11/Angela Carter – Anisa and Sabiha
11/Jacqueline Du Pre – Marwa
11/Kadambina Ganguly – Kaamila
11/Mae Jemison – Alys
11/Nicola Adams – Ellen
11/Sylvia Earle – Talia

Year 11
12/Rosalind Franklin – Peter

Year 7 – Aurelia, Arina, Destiny, Hafizh, Maryam, Molly, Kahlo
Year 9 – Anu and Eleanor
Year 10 – Shakti, Houda, Karis, Fatimazahra, Tanzila, Angeles
Year 11 – Kourtney, Ceylin, Gizem
Year 12 – Millie
Year 13 – Raima