HIGHAM LANE SCHOOL

Issue 44 April 2019 Welcome To Our Cracking Easter Edition! DEAR Parents/Carers/Students, achievements, World Book Day, high- In this `eggciting’ Easter edition of HLS flying business students, continued Express, I know you will enjoy reading sporting successes, plus much, much about one of our Anti-Bullying more! Ambassadors securing a prestigious We wish you all a Happy Easter! national role, remarkable reading PHIL KELLY, Headteacher

Dedicated Anti-Bullying Ambassador secures TOP-TIA impressive national role! APPOINTMENT! THE passion and drive shown by one of Higham Lane School’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors has been rewarded with an impressive place on The Diana Award National Youth Board for 2019-20! Year 10 student, Tia, recently secured the prestigious role and teams-up with seven other students who will act as a voice for their peers by speaking on a nationwide level regarding anti-bullying issues, representing their respective schools and The Diana Award’s Anti- Bullying Programme. A delighted Tia enthused: ``I am very honoured to be given this amazing opportunity. I’m thrilled and can’t wait to work with such a kind, caring and exciting organisation which is dedicated to raising awareness and tackling all types of bullying.’’ Tia’s work on a national level will involve the following: ● THRILLED! Tia is looking forward ● Attending regular Youth Board meetings to working with The Diana Award in London to share her ideas on how to National Youth Board. Please turn to P2 Higham Lane School, Shanklin Drive, Nuneaton, CV10 0BJ Tel: 024 7638 8123 Email: [email protected]

Fax: 024 7637 0550 www.highamlaneschool.co.uk

2 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

● STANDING UP TO THE BULLIES! Tia (right) and Higham Lane School’s Year 10 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors at one of The Diana Award training sessions. From left: Hannah, Izzy, Kim, Grace, Lisa, Calli, Esther and Tia.

Beating the bullies!

From P1 what is right and supports her would like to organise cultural how to behave towards others tackle bullying in schools and peers tirelessly.’’ events and festivals at our and getting them to reflect on communities. Although Tia will lead on School. the impact their attitude and ● Working closely with other tackling racism and ● Explicitly create an ethos behaviour has on people, Youth Board members and be discrimination, she and culture which emphasises without actually giving them a national voice for all anti- endeavours to raise care, kindness and respect in the opportunities to learn bullying ambassadors. awareness of all types of every interaction. Moreover, about different people, their ● Support The Diana Award bullying — both within Higham she aims to empower values and ideologies, in as an organisation, helping Lane School and on a national students and staff with kind meaningful ways. them to keep up-to-date with level. words and supportive ● Give students the current trends and issues that Tia pledges to work closely gestures so they can be the opportunity to talk about their young people are facing in with her fellow Anti-Bullying best possible versions of heritage and background in a and out of school. Ambassadors to: themselves. safe space as well as learn ● Having the opportunity to ● Create awareness of racism ● Specifically focus on about others. It is important travel and speak at various and discrimination through developing a knowledge-rich students are given similar events. For example, visit drama performances which curriculum whereby students messages in each lesson so Facebook’s headquarters in portray common stereotyping are educated on citizenship that it becomes embedded Dublin and Google’s hub in and discrimination which values and have the into daily practice. London, attend a debate at people face and accept on a opportunity to learn about ● Clarify misconceptions and the European Parliament in daily basis. She would like to different cultures and establish clearer boundaries Brussels and participate in a work with local youth clubs communities more explicitly. around what is acceptable meeting at 10 Downing Street and organisations to put this Sometimes, teachers are so and what isn’t: sometimes to help co-ordinate National together. In addition, she focussed on telling students bullying can be so subtle (it Anti-Bullying Week. involves low level behaviours), ● Interviewing very special it goes undetected or is guests. labelled as ‘harmless banter’. ● Helping recruit new staff It becomes ‘normalised’ or members and adapt or escalates further down the change workshops and line. In order for the School to programmes to better support create an environment where others. students speak-up, this needs ● Being featured on The to start by educating students. Diana Awards website, in Higham Lane is very proud of newspapers, on the radio or Tia and wish her all the very even TV. best during the The Diana The School’s Student Award National Youth Board Leadership Co-ordinator, Miss assignment and with her Arshad, said: ``I’m absolutely invaluable Anti-Bullying work delighted for Tia. She is a very within School alongside fellow ambitious, compassionate and Ambassadors. positively headstrong young ● DREAM TEAM! Higham Lane School’s Year 10 Anti- MISS ARSHAD, Student lady who always stands up for Bullying Ambassadors. Leadership Co-ordinator

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 3 How are we doing and Readers where are we heading?

IN A recent address to staff regarding the teacher training, and has a partnership future of Higham Lane School, with 11 partner schools across both Headteacher, Phil Kelly, answered the primary and secondary phases in big questions on everyone’s lips: How collaboration with the University of are we doing and where are we heading? Warwick. Mr Kelly was pleased to report the Looking forward, the School is working School is doing really well! With a on a curriculum review, further enhancing Progress 8 score of 0.46, it places staff wellbeing and making improvements Higham Lane among the top 15% of to its facilities and site. schools nationally and eighth out of 55 However, schools in England are facing schools with similar intakes nationally. the first real-term cuts to their funding In addition, the Sixth Form chalked-up since the mid-1990s, a leading think tank an impressive first set of A-level results has warned. Spending per student is to in 2018 while its intake is growing year- fall 6.5% by 2019-20, according to the on-year. Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). Attendance is significantly above the School funding must be increased by national average with persistent absence £5.7 billion if every child is to receive the well below the nationwide figure. education they deserve, says a new An effective Behaviour for Learning report from the Association of School and Policy is in place with very low numbers College Leaders. of fixed term exclusions and zero Higham Lane is proud of its excellent permanent exclusions, while the School curriculum but realises that changes provides effective internal sanctions by ● 2020 VISION! Headteacher, Mr need to be made to the taught curriculum way of internal exclusion, inclusion and Kelly, was pleased to report that and extra-curricular opportunities to cater detentions, and provides active on-call Higham Lane School is doing really for the needs and interests of all learners support every lesson. well but will continue to make in an ever-changing student intake. Higham Lane also has an excellent improvements for the benefit of Changes being considered include reputation for work with Children Looked students and staff alike. courses for students struggling with After and students with special needs GCSEs and more focus on `soft skills’ — and disabilities. Professional Development to its staff, teamwork, problem solving, inter- It is highly-regarded by parents/carers, complemented by bespoke career stage personal skills and resilience. prospective parents and the local training programmes for improving and In a nutshell, the 2020 Vision for community, resulting in every year group outstanding teachers. Higham Lane School is to continue to being over-subscribed. Higham Lane is also an Aspiring improve and make it an even greater The School offers excellent Continued Teaching School, providing expertise in place to be for students and staff alike. Music exam successes Staff farewells and new arrivals! CONGRATULATIONS to the following Higham Lane School Music students have recently passed their AT THIS time, we say farewell to We would like to thank Amanda Associated Board Examinations. several colleagues. Hampton, who has done a superb Matt Lardner has taught Maths on a job as Acting Subject Leader. Grade 5 temporary contract. We thank him and Sarah Beaumont, Subject Leader wish him every success in his next for Art and Photography, will also be Alicia (10H2) Clarinet Pass position. returning, but not until May half term. Rebecca Temple has also assisted We are really grateful to Stacey Holt Grade 4 us in Maths. We are grateful for her for doing such an excellent job as positive contribution and wish her Acting Subject Leader. Ruby (11H2) Clarinet Pass continued success in her teaching. Changes of Role Duncan Bailey has worked hard as Shanice Moore has done an Grade 3 Assistant Subject Leader for excellent job as Subject Leader for Milee (9H1) Piano Distinction Geography. We are grateful for his Geography in terms of increasing the contribution and wish him every profile of the Department and Grade 2 success in the future. enhancing the quality of its resources. Nirvana Plante has helped us out in She is now stepping down from this Scarlett (9L1) Flute Merit the MFL Department teaching French position to take up the Assistant and Spanish. We are grateful for her Subject Leader post. Craig Eddon is Mylo (8H1) Clarinet Merit fine teaching and wish her well. taking up the reins of Subject Leader, Next term we welcome Ian Mansell as having held this position previously at Adam (7S3) Clarinet Pass a teacher of Maths. We also welcome HLS very successfully. We wish Craig back from maternity leave Natacha every success in his new role. Maisie (8L3) Flute Pass Finley as Subject Leader for MFL. MR KELLY, Headteacher

4 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the English Department/Learning Resources Centre Celebration time for readers!

● PAGE BOYS AND GIRLS! Proud Year 8 students (above) and Year 7 (below) show off the certificates awarded for consistently passing their Accelerated Reading tests.

AVID readers who consistently pass their Accelerated school year! Each reader was also presented with a certificate Reading tests — collaboratively run by the English in recognition of their ongoing reading achievements. Department and Learning Resources Centre — have been Mrs Somel, Subject Leader for English, said: ``Sincere thanks rewarded with lunchtime meals as way of a celebration. to the librarians, Mrs Turner and Mrs Gunn, and English The two lunches — one for Year 8 students and a second for teacher, Miss Aiello, for organising these events, which not Year 7s — were hosted by the LRC on consecutive days in only raise the profile of reading but are also a lovely way of March. acknowledging students’ efforts.’’ Those invited along comprised students of all ability ranges, MRS SOMEL some of whom were very reluctant readers at the start of the Subject Leader for English

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 5

News from the English Department/Learning Resources Centre

Headteacher’s reward for `Word Millionaires’!

● MAGICAL MILESTONE! Headteacher, Mr Kelly, congratulates Year 7 and Year 8 students at the first-ever `Hot Chocolate With The Head’ event, held to honour the record-breaking number of early `Word Millionaires’.

LITERARY-LOVING Year 7 and Year 8 book lovers have Headteacher, Mr Kelly, was so impressed with the students’ produced a record number of `Word Millionaires’ in quick fire achievements that he hosted his first `Hot Chocolate With The time! Head’ event as a celebration. The students were set the Accelerated Reader task by the In addition, the `Word Millionaires’ and other `Star Readers’ Learning Resources Centre in September, and no less than have their names emblazoned on a display outside Chine Hall 17 managed to pass the magical milestone by March — a for all the School to see! record number for the time of year. MRS SOMEL, Subject Leader for English

● HALL OF FAME! The Accelerated Reader display in Chine foyer.

6 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the English Department

Character building for World Book Day! THE 2019 World Book Day inspired several members of staff to dress up as their favourite literary characters from popular books through the ages. Their aim was to prompt discussion amongst students while also raising the profile of reading for pleasure. Curiosity about the various characters — ranging from Lady Macbeth to Cruella De Vil — provoked lots of interest from students as teachers spent the first 10 minutes of every lesson explaining who they were and their particular book. The day again proved to be a huge success, not only creating a real buzz around the School, but also communicating the message that reading is fun and key to high achievement.

MOANING MYRTLE Mrs Aiello

LADY MACBETH Ms Hadjistasi ONE DALMATIAN and CRUELLA DE VIL Miss Johnson and Mrs Blyth

THE HANDMAID’S THE GREATEST TALE WILLY WONKA Mr Bottrill Ms Tutt Mr Ind

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 7

SHERLOCK HOLMES Mr O’Grady

LADY MACBETH Mrs Somel HOMELESS GIRL `NO AND ME’ Miss Hampton

ALICE IN ANTONINA ZABINSKI DEMON DENTIST WONDERLAND GANGSTA GRANNY `THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE’ Dr Smith Miss Walmsley Ms Riley Ms Lewis

8 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

STAFF dressing-up annually for World Sidwell, along with two further members provide any additional information and Book Day (see previous pages) has of staff and a number of students names, please put it in writing and post prompted HLS Express to raid the dressed as various literary characters, to: HLS Express, Higham Lane School, archives and find this delightful ranging from Little Bo Peep to the Mad Shanklin Drive, Nuneaton, CV10 0BJ. photograph dating back 70 years. Hatter. Unfortunately, it is not known Alternatively, please email to Dated 1949, the image features Higham what occasion was being marked. [email protected] Lane Junior School Headteacher, Miss If you appear on the photo or can FAO Steve Nikols.

If you had to choose between buying sanitary wear or eating, Red Box which would you choose? In August 2017, Plan International UK conducted a study among Project 14-21 year old girls and young women which found that: HIGHAM Lane School’s Red Box Project scheme, described More than a quarter of girls said they used a sanitary opposite, is now in operation. product for longer than its intended use because they The Red Box is housed in the couldn’t afford a fresh one. Library office, where girls can collect items from 8am until 4.15pm Monday, Tuesday, 1 in 10 1 in 7 have 48% of girls in Thursday & Friday and 8am- have been struggled to the UK are 3.30pm on a Wednesday. UNABLE TO We hope that students will not afford sanitary embarrassed by AFFORD feel embarrassed to ask for the protection their periods sanitary protection Red Box. This is a free and confidential service and staff will be discreet when students ask to 49% have missed an entire day of school because of their period; use it. If students aren’t comfortable of which 59% have made up a lie or an alternate excuse. asking the librarians out loud, Almost one-third (32%) have missed more than one day of school then a written note can be discreetly passed. because of their period. We will also be looking for donations for the other Red Whether it’s period poverty, not being able to ask at Boxes, which are currently located in schools and community home, or just being caught short, we want to areas within the borough, so any items you can donate would be let girls keep their dignity. greatly received by the librarians or myself, who will then forward the items to the Red Box Project. MRS MITCHELL Subject Leader for CPSHEEd

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 9

GIFTS GALORE! Above and below, members of the Junior Leadership Team and Year Ambassadors with the wide array of everyday items donated by Higham Lane School’s generous students. Act of kindness from caring students! THE caring nature of Higham put together before running delivered to the charity `Feed ground in several countries Lane School’s charitable out of bags! the Hungry’, who distributed around the globe. students was shown earlier These were collected the Kindness Kits to their local MISS ARSHAD, Student this term when they were together by Mrs Bowers and partners working on the Leadership Co-ordinator invited to bring in a series of everyday items to help make up Kindness Kits. A Kindness Kit is a box filled with brand new essentials which are then sent to needy children, aged 10-13, in less privileged countries such as Romania, Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa. Containing stationery, toiletries and small items of clothing, the kits are really simple but, for someone who doesn’t own many possessions, they are an amazing gift. It also shows that people in other countries can be caring, generous and compassionate. Over a three-week period, the School’s Junior Leadership Team, along with Year Ambassadors, asked fellow students to bring in useful items such as exercise books, pencils, soap and socks. Thanks to an overwhelming response from students, a total of 53 Kindness Kits were

10 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the English Department Junior reporters make the news! AROUND 90 Year 8 Higham Lane students took part in the 2019 BBC Young Reporter event, previously known as BBC News School Report Day. The national competition, which involves group project work, invites students to write, film and broadcast their own news stories. In the weeks leading up to the event, students worked in small groups to complete their films. This year’s topic was `Positivity’, and groups reported on sport, charities in the local area, whether social media can have a positive influence and people overcoming adversity. Then, on the big day itself, Thursday, March 6, the newshounds came off timetable to become cub reporters. Their task, presented by the BBC in the morning, was to produce a one-minute bulletin on either National Women’s Day or Commonwealth Day. All the students worked exceedingly hard on their reports and enjoyed being able to look back at the finished products at the end of the day. MRS AIELLO, English Department

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 11

News from the English Department

12 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the Business Department

● Mrs McKernan’s team 1. ● Mrs McKernan’s team 2.

● Mr Naisbitt’s team. ● Ms Singh’s team.

High-flyers in the world of business! ● Mr Vora’s team. THE inaugural Year 9 develop a marketing campaign into teams and allocated a choosing the best marketing Apprentice Airline for a new budget airline. Their number of lessons to prepare strategy from each class, Advertisement Competition task was to create a brand; their finished product. leaving five remarkable event took place early in the film, edit and produce a 60- The first round involved all groups. spring term. second television advert; Business students and they We then arranged a final and Inspired by Episode 6, Series design the airline’s uniform and had to pitch their campaign to drafted in three of the toughest 14, of BBC’s `The Apprentice’, prepare a five-minute pitch. a group of Sixth Form students judges in the school: students were given a brief to The students were organised who were responsible for Headteacher, Mr Kelly, Mrs Davies and Miss Hemmings. It was a difficult decision for the panel but, following much deliberation, the ‘Universal Airline’ team was announced as the 2019 winners, and received a £50 cash prize donated by a Coventry-based home improvement business. The judges and the Business Department alike were astonished with the level of work and commitment demonstrated by all the finalists. It was a wonderful event that gave the Business students a real opportunity to put what they had learned, during lessons, into practice. MS SINGH ● HIRERS AND FIRERS! The three judges — Miss Hemmings, Mrs Davies and Mr Kelly. Business Department

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 13

News from the Business Department

● YOU’RE HIRED! The 2019 Apprentice Airline Advertisement Competition winners — Ms Singh’s `Universal Airline’ team of Kamyar, Sienna, Ben and Thomas.

● WE’RE IN THE MONEY! The judges present the winning team with their cash prize of £50, courtesy of a Coventry- based home improvement company.

● TRAIL BLAZERS! The five teams of budding entrepreneurs who competed in the final of Higham Lane School’s inaugural Apprentice Airline Advertisement Competition.

14 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

Year 11 — Your exams are almost here . . !

THERE’S not long left now until your ● Creating posters and mind maps. function properly if you haven’t had exams. Have you started revising? The enough food or sleep so make sure you answer should be YES! ● Highlighting key words for each take it seriously. topic. If you haven’t already done so, you need ● Make sure you stay hydrated and drink to start revising NOW – DO NOT LEAVE ● Making revision cards. plenty of water. Stay away from energy IT TOO LATE! drinks. They can give you a boost to ● Looking at past exam papers. begin with, but then make you tired. Planning ahead will help you achieve your goal. ● Using different colours (paper/pens). ● Take time to relax.

When are your exams? ● Test yourself regularly. This is Think about yourself important. It will help to identify your ● Start by making a list showing the weak areas and build your confidence as ● Focus on what you need to do and not order they come in so you can plan your your strengths increase. what other people are doing. Everyone revision accordingly. If Maths is one of is different and you must do what is best your first exams, make sure it is one of Do not work all the time! for YOU. the first subjects you start revising. It is important to work for around 40 ● Don’t be afraid to ask for help. See ● Prioritise the subjects that may need minutes before taking a short break. If your teachers, Progress Leader, more attention than others. you work for too long in one go, your Learning Mentor, parents/carers or brain will get tired, making it harder to friends. ● Ask for help and attend any catch-up remember all the information. classes that are on offer. You cannot ● Remember that this period of hard revise something that you do not fully Eat and sleep well work and stress will not last forever! understand. ● Do something in your break. You ● Preparing for your exams may seem Make a space for yourself could call a friend or have something to like a lot of work, but the more prepared eat. Use these things as a reward for you are, the more you will achieve. Your ● Revise somewhere that you won’t be your hard work before moving on to goal is in sight. Strive to achieve your distracted. another topic. best!

● Make it comfortable. ● Get into good habits – go to bed at a I wish you every success! reasonable time and make sure you ● Keep the space tidy and when you take always have breakfast. You cannot MISS AYLIFF, Learning Mentor a break, move away from your revision space. REVISION What is the ● Turn your phone off while you revise – aim of my no social networking! Leave it in another revision? room if you can’t trust yourself. Revision is looking back at information you ● If you feel silence would help you work have previously learnt. The aim is to make a series of key points relating to a subject. better, let others around you know that You need to understand the information, you are working. know the information and remember it for You need key points, phrases or words to the exam! prompt you to remember the information stored in your brain. ● If silence doesn’t help, try playing How should I background music instead, or use some You should aim to have a card or A4 sheet structure my What can I with the key points for each topic or sub-topic. headphones to reduce the risk of outside revision? do to revise? distractions. Tell someone what Technique ● Have an aim for the session, e.g. by the you have learnt end of this session I want to be able to answer questions on . . . By now, you should know what revision techniques are out there. The important ● Think about what you already know and Make spider identify the bits you need to spend more diagrams thing to remember is to use whatever times on. works best for you, regardless of what ● Break topics down into chunks. Make posters and works best for your friends. These are ● Make notes with key points, phrases or stick them on the wall YOUR exams! words.

●Test yourself. Think about using the following:- ● Have a tick list so that you can see your progress. Highlight key points Ask parents or ● Summary notes. in notes or books friends to test you ● Look over your notes one month, one week and one day before the exam. ● Reading out loud when memorising.

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 15

Developing skills!

IN MARCH, the School was lucky enough to receive a STEM day, delivered by the Smallpeice Trust on behalf of MTC Coventry, for our Year 9 and Year 10 students. The STEM day offered students the opportunity to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work with others on a fun design-and-make project based around a music speaker. STEM Day activities are designed to complement the National Curriculum in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by demonstrating the link between what is taught in the classroom with the wider world. In addition to students receiving information about future career and HE/FE (Higher Education/Further Education), along with apprenticeship options, they were also able to put their creative thinking into action and learn time management, team work, problem-solving, enterprise, personal and social skills. MRS MITCHELL, Subject Leader for CPSHEEd

16 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

IN KEEPING with tradition, Higham Lane School’s magnificent school orchestra, flute and string ensembles, school choir, musicians guaranteed the Yuletide period got off to a superb African drummers and guitarists played an assortment of start courtesy of three cracking Christmas concerts. songs, ably supported by several other performers with their Igniting the festive celebrations was the annual Carol Concert, interpretations of traditional carols, popular festive songs and held as usual at Nuneaton’s St Nicolas Parish Church. compositions. Then, as in recent years, during the week leading up to the Subject Leader for Music, Mrs Davenport, commented: ``A Christmas holiday, students were invited to play a matinee big thank-you is extended to all the fantastic musicians for their performance at Reg Hadden Court, situated opposite the hard work and dedication which provides us with such School in Shanklin Drive, where residents and staff thoroughly wonderful concerts year after year. enjoyed a feast of festive tunes. ``Many thanks also to the parents and carers of students This was followed, two days later, by a Christmas Concert at involved for their continued support, encouragement and the School, a large audience packing into Coombe Hall for a ferrying to practice sessions and concerts!’’ magical evening of musical entertainment. MRS DAVENPORT, Subject Leader for Music Under the directorship of Mrs Davenport and Mrs Watson, the ● More photographs can be found on the HLS website!

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 17

18 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 19

● OWZAT? Player of the Tournament in the 2018 Cricketer Village Cup competition, Mr Sayed, is presented with a commemorative hand made bat by Gunn & Moore’s Tom Coffey (left) and Glamorgan all-rounder Craig Meschede. Mr Sayed bowled over with cricketing award!

AN OUTSTANDING all-round cricketing opener was fantastic for his 121 but he fantastic tournament which is great for a display for his team has earned Higham ended up playing a couple of false shots, small club like ours. We’re away from Lane School Science teacher, Ahsan got out and then I had my way with any big cricket clubs and it’s hard to Sayed, top accolade in the 2018 Gunn & them,’’ reflected Mr Sayed. attract players, so this is a really Moore-sponsored Cricketer Village Cup He followed up his bowling stint by important way of bringing players to the awards. hitting an unbeaten 97 to help his North club. It gets our name in the papers so In January, GM hosted the CVC Warwickshire outfit to chase down the we can attract local talent.’’ `Performance of the Round’ competition 280 target in the final over of the game, The four nominees were also treated to when Mr Sayed was vying with three to which he humbly added: ``I don’t think a tour of the company’s Nottingham other nominees for the prestigious I’ll play a better knock than that!’’ factory, giving them the opportunity to `Performance of the Tournament’ title. As winner of the `Performance of the see how GM’s bats are hand-crafted on Mr Sayed was delighted when he was Tournament’ award, Mr Sayed received site, and the players also received a announced as the recipient, courtesy of a bag of GM kit and a hand-made cricket commemorative bat with details of their a truly talismanic display in Fillongley’s bat. performances etched onto the face. round five victory over Hagley. The awards were presented by Tom Mr Sayed concluded: ``I want to thank The Worcestershire side batted first Coffey, GM’s Marketing Manager, along Gunn & Moore for the fantastic tour. It’s and, thanks to a century from one of their with Glamorgan’s South African all- been eye-opening to find out how we get openers, were off to a flying start. rounder and GM ambassador, Craig from the point where the wood is However, fine bowling figures of 4-45 Meschede. sourced to the point where the bat is from Mr Sayed pegged back their innings Looking forward to the 2019 Cricketer made, along with an inside look at all the to 279 all out. Village Cup, which GM is once again fantastic people with all their great ``We were behind from ball one. Their sponsoring, Mr Sayed said: ``It’s a skills.’’

20 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the Physical Education Department

Players pitch in with an impressive

season! ● SENSATIONAL START! The Year 7 football squad.

THE Year 7 football squad players have matches can be sorted for the summer against a very physical Kingsbury team continued their impressive start at term. but went down 6-3 in the end to finish Higham Lane School. The team has now After winning the District five-a-side league runners-up. played numerous league fixtures and tournament, the girls qualified for The Year 9 football squad has friendly matches, meaning no less than February’s West Midlands finals. In a experienced a mixed season, eventually 25 Year 7 students have represented the very competitive tournament, the eight- finishing fourth in the league. School this year! strong squad played superbly well to win The Under-14 District League was very The friendlies against Etone, on their their first four group games against The competitive with six teams qualifying for Astroturf pitch, was an excellent chance Priory, Idsall, Telford Park and Thomas the league finals. In Higham’s group of for the boys to obtain match practice Estley. three schools they beat Etone 1-0, but together during the winter period. Each In their final fixture they lost to lost out 1-0 to Nicholas Chamberlaine time the boys were divided into seven-a- Leasowes School, the eventual winners, courtesy of a fluke goal. side teams and played a number of but still progressed through to the semi- Nevertheless, a great improvement on games in very cold conditions. Overall, finals. Unfortunately, the girls lost 2-1 to results from last year and hopefully the the boys enjoyed a great deal of Sandwell Academy, which meant they progress can continue into Year 10. success, winning several games. finished fourth overall in the West It has also been a mixed season for the In the District League, they eventually Midlands area. An amazing Year 10 football squad who chalked- finished top and progressed through to achievement. Well done girls! up four wins, four draws and four losses the league finals where they faced St After the Year 8 football squad’s to finish fourth overall in the league. The Thomas More. Higham played superbly success in the National Cup, they team seem to play better against more well, under the management of Mr continued to produce some excellent difficult opposition and their effort and Caputo, to win 3-1 and are now through football to eventually finish top of the attitude has been excellent in all fixtures to the County Cup semi-final against table and progress through to the league this season. Kenilworth School. finals against Nicholas Chamberlaine The Year 11 football squad finished top The Year 7 girls’ football team have, and Kingsbury. of the District League and played against unfortunately, not experienced much Nicholas Chamberlaine could only field Polesworth in the league final. They game time this term as no fixtures could six players so it was left to Higham Lane performed superbly well to win 6-1 and be arranged with other schools in the and Kingsbury to battle it out for are now through to the County Cup area. Hopefully, a number of friendly honours. The boys played extremely well semi-final against Aylesford School. The Year 12/13 football team has produced an impressive inaugural year of football. They finished unbeaten in the league to win the first-ever Under-18 District competition by five points. In the National Cup, the boys progressed through to the last 32 colleges in the country where they faced an away trip to Thomas Telford School, who won the competition last year. In a very tough match the boys played extremely well but eventually lost 4-2. Still, a very impressive achievement to be in the top 32 colleges in the country! Performance tables:- P W L D F A Dif Pt Pos Year 7: 9 5 2 2 11 7 +4 17 1st Year 8: 10 7 1 2 28 13 +15 23 2nd Year 9: 9 3 2 4 14 11 +3 13 4th Year 10: 12 4 4 4 10 6 +4 16 4th Year 11: 7 5 1 1 18 3 +15 16 1st Year 12/13: 4 3 0 1 7 3 +4 10 1st ● AMAZING! The Year 7 Girls’ football team. MR WILSON Assistant Subject Leader for PE

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 21

News from the Physical Education Department Badminton bonanza! Key Stage 3 Girls Myton, who they beat — The Year 9 girls’ badminton again winning 5-0 — to finish team has shown good tournament winners. A improvement over the season. fantastic team performance. In November, they finished Well done boys! runners-up in the District Key Stage 4 Girls tournament and since then The Year 10 and 11 girls’ they have won two league badminton team has played fixtures, drawn one and only superbly well this year, lost one game — 6-2 to the romping home in the District eventual winners. This means tournament and winning their the girls finish the season as three league matches to league runners-up. retain the crown. Key Stage 3 Boys In the Coventry, Solihull & The Year 8 and 9 boys’ Warwickshire finals the boys badminton team has enjoyed played some excellent a fantastic season on court. badminton to win their first In November, they won the two games against Stoke ● THE KEY STAGE 3 BOYS’ BADMINTON TEAM. District tournament and Park and Tudor Grange. performed convincingly in all Unfortunately, they were then performed exceptionally well DISTRICT LEAGUE five league fixtures to top the defeated by a very strong this year. They easily won the Key Stage 3 Girls — District League. Arden School team, who have District tournament and in the Runners-up: Beat George In the Coventry, Solihull & previously won the National league they won five matches Eliot 1-0 and Polesworth 6-2; Warwickshire finals they beat tournament, meaning the girls and drew one, with eight boys drew 4-4 with Twycross and Park Hall 5-0, Westwood 5-0 finished third overall in the representing the School, to lost 6-2 to Nicholas and Ernesford 5-0 to easily competition. finish league winners again. Chamberlaine. win their group. This meant Key Stage 4 Boys In the Coventry, Solihull & Key Staqe 3 Boys — the team progressed through The Year 10 and 11 boys’ Warwickshire finals they won Winners: Beat George Eliot to the final where they played badminton team has also their first game 3-2 against 8-0 Hartshill 7-1, Twycross Alcester, won their next game 7-1, Polesworth 7-1 and St 5-0 against Harris and won Thomas More 8-0. their final game 3-2 against Key Stage 4 Girls — North Leamington, who had Winners: Beat George Eliot an England player in their 8-0, Hartshill 8-0 and team. Polesworth 6-2. This meant the boys Key Stage 4 Boys — progressed through to the Winners: Beat George Eliot final where they faced a very 8-0, Hartshill 5-3, Twycross impressive Arden School, who 6-2, Polesworth 8-0 and took the title. Nicholas Chamberlaine 7-1; However, finishing runners- drew 4-4 with St Thomas up in the tournament is a More. superb achievement for the MR WILSON, Assistant ● THE KEY STAGE 4 BOYS’ BADMINTON TEAM. team. Well done boys! Subject Leader for PE Fine displays from indoor athletes THE Year 7 indoor athletics girls’ team (Lexi, Libby, Luke, Ryan and Ty) came a close second in the town Anisa, Alex, Nikola, Chloe, Becca and Bryony) were in competition. fine form while winning the Nuneaton indoor athletics The Year 8 girls’ team (Beth, Alice, Lucia, Gracie, competition. Maddie, Katie, Lily and Millie) finished joint first with Stand out performances came from Libby in the Polesworth in the Nuneaton competition. four-lap and six-lap races while the relay teams were Pick of the individual performances was Beth, who victorious in both their events. The team progressed triumphed in her six-lap race, while both relay teams through to the Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire won their respective events. competition, representing North Warwickshire, where Unfortunately, following a count back of the number of they finished fifth overall. first placings, it was Polesworth who progressed All the Higham girls were fantastic and a credit to the through to the next round. School, putting in maximum effort in all events, The Year 8 boys’ team (Jack, George, Will, Dan, Mason, particularly Bryony who finished second in her six-lap Jay and Miles) also finished as runners-up following race. spirited displays from all the runners. The Year 7 boys’ team (James, Duncan, Harry, Alfie, MISS CHINN, Subject Leader for PE

22 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

News from the Physical Education Department

Year 7 Netball Squad Year 8 Netball Squad

Year 9 Netball Squad

HLS EXPRESS April 2019 23

News from the Physical Education Department

Year 10 Netball Squad Year 11 Netball Squad

Year 12/13 Netball Squad

24 HLS EXPRESS April 2019

● TONS OF TALENT! Higham Lane School’s netball teams have enjoyed another outstanding season on the courts.

THE Higham Lane School netball following victories over Twycross, juggernaut thunders on as another Polesworth, Nuneaton Academy and sensational season has resulted in the Nicholas Chamberlaine. Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 teams all being Another In addition to romping to the Nuneaton & crowned Nuneaton & District champions! District title, where they scored an Remarkably, all four sides boast a 100% impressive 95 goals while only conceding success rate in this competition, having two, the Year 9 team clinched runners-up triumphed every year while attending the superb spot in the County competition and third School! place in the Coventry, Solihull & In addition, following a string of Warwickshire tournament. The girls also impressive performances on court, the season for finished as league champions for the third Year 8 and Year 9 teams finished as year on the bounce. league champions (with Year 7 still to be Last, but not least, the Year 8 team was decided). The competition is not open to crowned Nuneaton & District victors and Years 10 and 11. Higham’s league champions while Year 7 are also Year 12/13 started their campaign in District winners and still on-track to top the style back in October at the Warwickshire league standings. competition where they beat Rugby mighty Among the talented Higham Lane teams, School, Princethorpe, Alcester Grammar, the School has helped nurture a number Stratford and old rivals King’s High on of fantastic individual athletes who are their way to the title. playing at an elite level at their sport. Following this success, the girls went on netball These include HLS Sixth Form players to secure the Coventry, Solihull & Megan, Eli Mae and Eleanor, who are all Warwickshire title for the second year in turning out for Wasps’ Hub teams, while succession, beating King Henry VII, teams! Georgia has the accolade of being Wasps’ Bablake, Tudor Grange and King’s High Under-19 captain. School. Chloe, Hannah, Beth and Freya are The team progressed and represented Year 11 won the Nuneaton & District County players in their own right, the latter the area in January’s West Midlands tournament comfortably, beating St also appearing on court for Loughborough finals. Once again, the girls performed Thomas More, Nicholas Chamberlaine Lightning. superbly well but unfortunately missed out and Hartshilll on the way to make it five MRS DAVIES, PE Department on a semi-final place after finishing a very wins in five years in the competition, while ● For individual team photographs please creditable third in their section. Year 10 secured their town title turn to P22/23.