Room; all students thoroughly enjoyed working and learning together.

Our recent Sports Day was a wonderful occasion where July 2018 competition was at its height! Despite the intense heat new school records were made; Freya J in Year 9 smashed the record for both the High Jump and the Javelin; Katie W Dear Parents also broke a Javelin record. Vanessa A in Year 7 secured a new school record for the discus. Congratulations to Chanel As we come to the close of another academic year I cannot house as the overall winner for the day and to all help but reflect on the many positive events that have been participants - thank you for your team spirit, your part of the Highsted experience… determination to succeed and your commitment to your House. In June Mrs Tiernan-Powell and I were invited to attend the Kemsley Girl Guides Equalities Tea Party in Year 10 Enterprise was a tremendous event, with over 12 acknowledgement of those suffragists who campaigned for businesses trading during the week, students appreciated the equality of opportunity for women across the country. the challenges of planning a business idea in addition to Our attendance at such an important event was very appreciating the level of tenacity that is required to make a humbling, reminding us of our history – the centenary of business succeed; congratulations to all involved for your women getting the vote; women who were willing to make a hard work and team spirit. difference. If that was not enough, the Folk Band had a unique …and to all those Highsted girls making a difference, the opportunity to accompany earlier this week Miss Arden and summer term introduced a new Head Girl team to the school Mrs Kelly to the Big Jam recording studios in community. Comprising of Head Girl, Princella B, Deputy to compile their first recorded album. The students Head Girls, Emily Y and Amber P and Senior Prefects succinctly captured the experience as ‘awesome’ and I am Victoria W, Alice D and Erica O; we look forward to how sure, like me, you are looking forward to hearing their their leadership of the student body will enhance the school work. The recorded album will be available for purchase in community. Congratulations girls for securing such important the new academic year; thank you to the Music Department positions and we look forward to working with you during for securing this exceptional experience for our students! the year ahead! As I come to the end of this section of Highsted Highflyers, This week students in the lower school celebrated their I cannot forget to acknowledge the great charity work that success in receiving their school awards. Former student, House groups have been committed to - whether it was Miranda Black, returned to her beloved Highsted to share Franklin’s recent music event for the British Heart with students across the lower school all that can be achieved Foundation or Chanel’s charity afternoon for Sateda – a if you work hard; follow your passion and be committed to charity standing up against domestic abuse, the staff body making a difference in the world you are part of. Her opening has been impressed with the level of social conscience and slide echoed the lasting words of a former Head Girl when civic duty that has been apparent within the Highsted six years ago she proclaimed, ‘you can take the girl out of community. To all students for your many and varied Highsted but you cannot take Highsted out of the girl’ contributions, thank you. arguing that she was living testament to this truth. Miranda, having secured a first class honours degree in English I sincerely wish you all an enjoyable summer with family Literature from Queen Mary, University of London is and friends and we look forward to seeing you on currently in local government working on strategic planning Wednesday 5. September, when the whole school will to support vulnerable elderly people and those with acute return for the new term. mental health problems in a London borough. Senior Prefect With thanks for your continued support of the school. for Key Stage Three, Victoria W thanked Miranda for her inspiring words of encouragement and being a true role All good wishes model to the lower school.

Last week the school was engaged in its enrichment curriculum exploring the theme of Mystery. Students across the age groups selected activities from Quidditch to Lacrosse, hawking to dissection, attending Bushcraft, or the Panic Anne Kelly Headteacher UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge at times during our short visit to the area. We also saw Highsted Konungshvur, which is the largest hot spring in the area but does not erupt. After this, we drove to Faxi waterfall All Year 8 pupils sat the UKMT Junior Mathematics located on the Tungufljót river, and then went to Kerið, a Challenge on 27 April during a warm Period 4 lesson. The 6,500-year-old volcanic crater lake which was frozen when event took place in the hall and involved pupils answering 25 we visited. The final destination of the day was the Blue multiple choice questions. The catch? It’s in the name. The Lagoon, a geothermal spa located in a lava field questions required some creative thinking from the pupils and in Grindavík. We spent a couple of hours in the lagoon, in most cases some extensive problem solving. Couple this which was very warm at 38˚C, and also got free smoothies with the risk of penalty deductions for incorrect answers or and silica mud masks. guessing and pupils had to be very accurate and thoughtful about their work.

Shortly after, Highsted received the results: 17 students received a Bronze Award (requiring 49-60 points), 12 students received a Silver Award (requiring 61-74 points) and 1 outstanding student received a Gold Award (requiring over 75 points) – Elena I.

Elena I also qualified for the Pink Kangaroo. This is an additional, harder challenge that pupils sit should they exceed On our third day, while en route to our first destination, we a certain threshold in the main challenge. This means that drove alongside Eyjafjallajökull (E15), the volcano Elena scored over 82 points in the initial challenge. responsible for the April 2010 eruption that caused enormous disruption to air travel across western and northern Europe. While in Iceland, we also saw a Iceland Trip number of other volcanoes including the ‘Angry Sisters’: Hekla and Katla. Hekla, nicknamed the ‘Gateway to Hell’, During the is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes and has produced Easter holidays, one of the largest volumes of lava (around 8km3) of any a group of Year volcano in the world in the last millennium. Katla is one of 13 students and the largest and most famous volcanoes in Iceland, and can 3 teachers went be regarded as one of the most powerful volcanoes in the on a geography world. Our first stop trip to Iceland. of the day was at After arriving in Skógafoss waterfall, snowy Keflavik one of the largest on 3 April, we met our coach driver and tour guide who took waterfalls in Iceland, us to Sandvík, where we walked over the Leif Eriksson and then we visited bridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic Sólheimajökull, a plates. We also went to Stampar Crater and then to the glacier between the geothermal area of Krýsuvík with boiling mud pools at volcanoes Katla and Eyjafjallajökull. We walked on the Gunnuhver. Here, we had the opportunity to experience glacier, which was still covered in ash from the 2010 E15 geothermal power in a natural setting with boiling mud eruption, and discovered a number of small ice caves. Next, springs surrounding the world’s largest blowing steam vent. we went to the southernmost village in Iceland, Vík í We then returned to our hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital Mýrdal, where we shopped for souvenirs before walking and largest city, for the night. along the black sand beach, formed from the remnants of basalt lava from previous volcanic eruptions. We then The next day, our first drove to Reynisfjara beach, another black sand beach, stop was at Þingvellir, where we saw the Reynisdrangar (towering, spiky basalt which is home to sea stacks jutting out from the ocean) and went inside the Iceland’s ancient Halsanefshellir cave which was surrounded by geometrical Viking parliament and basalt columns. After this, we went to the Seljalandsfoss is a UNESCO world waterfall that stands at the roots of the Eyjafjallajökull heritage site. Here, we walked between the Eurasian and volcano, and then visited the nearby Gljúfrabúi waterfall North American plates at the only place on the planet where which is the mid-Atlantic ridge (formed by the two continental plates partially hidden moving apart at this constructive plate boundary) surfaces inside a narrow above sea level. Next, we went to the famous Gullfoss gorge. We then waterfall, and then we visited the Geysir Hot Springs area, returned to the where the Great Geysir is located; this was the first geyser hotel where we described in a printed had dinner and source and has lent its prepared for our Northern Lights tour at 10pm. name to hot sprin gs all Unfortunately, we did not get to see the Northern Lights, over the world. Geysir is but still had a memo rable evening thanks to the beautifully now mostly dormant, but clear, starry skies, and the tales of Icelandic folklore our nearby Strokkur (one of tour guide told us on the coach journey. We returned to the Iceland’s most famous hotel just before 2am, and the following morning we got up geysers) erupted several early to go to Keflavik airport from where we flew back to teachers were involved. Heathrow. Two teams ‘Red Chillis’ and ‘Green Peas’ used a Everyone range of fresh ingredients had an including vegetables, incredible fruits, meats, pulses, time on herbs and more to cook the trip, the best meal in just 15 and we all minutes. The student audience adopted the roles of food found our critics, tasters and judges. The ‘Red Chillis’ won both visit to Iceland to be a very enjoyable, educational, beautiful rounds of this event with Session 1 winners Miss Arden, and fascinating experience. Abbie R, Year 13 Alexandra H and Katie S cooking a chicken stir fry and noodles; and Session 2 winners Mrs Faik, Natalia F and Imani Cheers for Hollie K cooking spicy rice and vegetables.

From Thursday Monday 11 June May 3 to Saturday to Friday 15 June May 5, Imani I, is Healthy Eating along with her Week itself and cheerleading team Highsted ‘Lime Crush’, participated in a represented range of England and her activities club – ‘Intensity throughout the Cheer Extreme’ – week – all aimed in Orlando, at promoting healthy food. On Monday representatives Florida at the Cheerleading International Competition, The from the Royal Marines visited the school providing Year Summit. Imani’s team had to work hard to win one of the 300 10 students with an opportunity to participate in team places in the international portion of The Summit, winning challenges involving healthy lifestyle choices. For the rest the European finals to earn their bid to enter the international of the school, Monday’s lunchtime activities focused on competition. eating a healthy balanced breakfast. During the rest of the week, each day focused on a different aspect of health and Imani said, diet: Tuesday’s aim was to get students to eat more fruit “We all using a communal trained very fruit bowl; hard for a Wednesday’s focus long time was keeping before hydrated so fruit going and infused water was continued to made available to train when students as well as we were there. We competed three days in a row and ended a visit from the up with the accomplishment of coming 8th in the world for ‘waterman’ – representative from Southern Water – who our division. It was an amazing experience!” was available to answer water questions and quiz students to see whether they are a ‘water hero’; Thursday was ‘Get Highsted are incredibly proud of Imani and her Active’ day and aerobic sessions were put on at lunchtime achievements. for all to join; and finally on Friday all students and staff were asked to make a pledge to have a healthy week every week. Highsted’s Healthy Eating Week Healthy Eating O n Friday 8 June, Highsted celebrated the arrival of Healthy Week is organised Eating Week with a visit from the ‘Healthy Food Roadshow’ by the British delivered by Chef Ian Rotherham from the Fun Food Nutrition Company. The show details the importance of eating a Foundation and healthy breakfast, what it means to have a balanced diet and over 4300 schools how to put together a healthy balanced meal – with a focus and nurseries on making across the UK took better food part this year – choices. meaning over 1.8 million young people are participating. Roy Ballam, The climax of Managing Director and Head of Education at the British the show was Nutrition Foundation said: ‘We’re delighted that Highsted an exhilarating is joining in BNF Healthy Eating Week, live ‘cook off’ providing pupils with the opportunity to have fun and learn between the valuable lessons about food and nutrition. Schools play a chefs – both vital role in helping to shape pupil health and wellbeing.’ students and Schools Track and Field Athletics Event at schools out of the 244 Julie Rose Stadium on Saturday 9 June 2018 schools who entered the competition. In order to win this place they had to Vanessa A, Freya and Elena J represented Highsted at the design a robot that could Kent Schools Athletics event on Saturday 9 June 2018. battle it out against other machines in the arena. Vanessa A impressed in the Year 7 Shot Put to finish with They have had the 7.15m and Silver medal position. Elena J in Year 11 ran just opportunity to work the short of a PB in the 1500m steeplechase to take bronze in Science & Engineering faculty at Greenwich University in 5.28.73min. Freya J in Year 9 qualified for the 75m hurdles Medway on this project and been inspired to want to final and finished 4th in 12.55seconds. achieve the first ever win for a girls’ school.

Year 12 Geography Field Trip The team comprises of: Tolu O, Alexandra G, Kiruthigaa A, Abigail P, Aimee W and Jessica W. All the students on From the 11 to the 15 of June, Year 12 Geography students the robot building team are in Year 10 and have been visited local areas around Sittingbourne to collect data for working on this project as part of Highsted’s focus on their coursework projects. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the curriculum to raise the profile of careers in On the first day Human Geography students ventured down Sittingbourne High Street where they conducted a range of studies to gather information on urban regeneration and engage with local people to explore their views on the regeneration of Sittingbourne. On Wednesday the group visited Margate to collect further information before switching to Physical Geography on Thursday at Herne Bay and Bishopstone Glen and Friday at Botany Bay. Here the focus was measuring beach and cliff profiles, timing infiltration rates and looking at longshore drift.

On returning to school, students had the responsibility of organising and checking their data independently to ensure they had what they needed and were able to analyse it thoroughly in order to prepare for their Geography Coursework. Overall, the students enjoyed the hot weather and had a productive and fun filled time. Engineering and Design. Each student was awarded a trophy to recognise their excellent designs – which are now Highsted’s Carnival of Colour on display at Highsted.

The robot showdown starts in September and the school O n Saturday 16 June, Year 5 students from 37 different primary schools in the local area visited Highsted Grammar look forward to seeing the students’ robot in action. Visit School to take part in an activity day – ‘Carnival of Colour’. the link below to learn more about the competition and find The activity aims to engage students in an enriching and fun out about purchasing tickets: filled day, giving them the opportunity to meet new friends https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/extreme-robots-chatham- and explore life at Highsted. This year the theme was based show-4-tickets-39040218344 on Rio’s annual carnival – looking at South American: culture, art, animals and carnival celebrations – culminating Cambridge Chemistry Challenge in a full carnival procession involving music, dance and a display of created art work. This year at Highsted, 12 science students took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge on the 22 June. There During the day, students were able to: develop creative were a total of 7951 entries this year across the country and writing skills by imagining they were visiting the real Rio a total of 54 students won Roentgenium Awards (scoring Carnival for the first time and experiencing the sights, create 49 points or more), 644 students won Gold Awards (scoring masks and headdresses in art, learn about samba music, 30-48 points), 1418 students won Silver Awards (scoring create Rio style carnival food, discover the world of South between 22-29 points) and 2901 students won Copper American animals and play various fruit themed games. Awards (scoring between 14-21 points).

“I loved the different things we did. Our leader Victoria was 100 out of 10! Everything was amazing!” – Year 5 student.

Overall, the day was a great success and the school is already starting to plan for next year’s event.

Highsted Students Prepare to Battle it Out – Robot Style

T his year Highsted students won a place in the ‘Robot Wars’ Schools’ Competition 2018, being chosen as one of only 22 At Highsted, Erica O, Charley-Mae O, Khivani P, Khusbu P and Laura S all achieved the Copper Award; Heather W achieved a Silver and Rosie M achieved a Gold, scoring in the top 5% of entries.

The school is incredibly proud of these students’ achievements – well done all!

‘Grease’ at Highsted – The Creation of the Car

Over the last 8 weeks, Highsted students from all year groups (along with the support of the Design & Technology Department) have been working tirelessly to create a car from scratch for the school’s production of ‘Grease’.

The team created the On top of this mammoth job, students also created all the body of the car period signs and props used in the production. Students all out of papier- demonstrated their amazing artistic and problem solving mâché and a talents and should be incredibly proud of their efforts in the wooden support making of the Grease car. frame, using screws to hold it all together. Sixth Form Trip to a Science Symposium at This took almost 10 litres of glue and 4 litres of red, black and white paint! They made the number On the 26 June 2018, KS5 students taking a science subject plate using a laser cutter and yellow acrylic and a vinyl cutter for A Level had the opportunity to listen to university to make the lettering. Constructing the wheels was also a researchers giving talks about their current research at challenge as the team’s first attempts were too round in shape Sevenoaks School. After a lengthy journey (time not and had to be re-moulded to ensure the correct wheel distance), they took their places in a lofty lecture theatre curvature. They completed their creations by using silver along with students from several other schools in the area. coloured bowls for the centres of each wheel. The first talk discussed the opportunities that are arising from the increasing understanding of the human genome An important task was creating the grill. In 1978 (the era and the influence of the relatively new area of epigenetics when Grease was released), the grill would have been made on drug discovery and the molecular targeting of small out of stainless steel and taken up the majority of the space active compounds. This talk was quite in depth but there on the front of the car whereas cars today have much smaller were many areas mentioned that will be covered by biology grills. Students utilised a 2D Design computer program to get A Level students in Year 13. the measurements of the grill right and then cut it out of cardboard which was then painted a steel grey colour. In the The second talk was presented by a forensic science end, this wasn’t used as part of the car’s final design but lecturer from UKC. This talk focussed on how science from students had a lot of fun creating it. all three disciplines can be brought into developing a crime scene description, with the third describing cutting edge research directed towards understanding how living cells, able to replicate, evolved – the pre-biology origin of life. The final talk described the different types of prion diseases and how researchers are still trying to visualise the erroneous proteins involved. Steps have been made towards this objective but no mechanism is yet understood that shows how these proteins are formed. Prion diseases are involved in the aging process of many people and once the cause can be identified and the mechanism of formation understood, it hopefully will be possible to interfere with the processes and affect a cure.

Listening to scientific talks like these is a valuable opportunity for students at Highsted since it allows them to experience the types of short talks that are available in all university departments on a weekly basis. The day was Every little detail was carefully and painstakingly put highly informative and students were inspired by the many together by the talented team including a bumper (with paint career prospects and exciting new developments in science. used to create the two different types of bumper needed in the musical – the rusty old one and the transformed new and shiny one), a windscreen and even working lights.

Big Bang Fair

On a sunny and warm 27 June day, 37 students from Year 7 and 8 boarded a bus for a STEM adventure in Sussex. The activities on offer were spread out over 10 different locations within the main Sussex showground.

There they watched several exciting and interactive shows such as: engineering from the cradle to the grave, which showed us how science has enabled us to see into the womb; trap urine in Fleur H, Natalia F, Mollie W and Abbie D have spent the nappies, secure children when travelling; and develop past few months at additional fitness training sessions and crumple zones and cryogenic freezing humans for the future. 7’s training sessions to ensure they are at their peak of The magic of science wowed with: a display of chemistry and fitness prior to their involvement in these games. We would physics, with big bangs and flying saucers and a very large like to wish the girls the best of luck and success in their saw being played with a violin bow to show sound and upcoming games. resonance. Around the site, tents Grease is the Word’ at Highsted and buildings housed over 100 representatives Highsted’s school from universities to production this industry and more; with year was the interactive challenges Musical: Grease. from British Airways to It was incredible Hadlow Agricultural how more than a College. Some of the quarter of the most exciting displays seen were the non-Newtonian fluids school turned up on the speaker, a 27kg Boa Constrictor, Archimedes’ screw, for the audition metallic felt tip pens to make circuits and programme actions process. with different colours and various live animals. Therefore, to meet demands, the directors decided to involve three casts, Overall, the site was an incredible display of innovation and making it highly inclusive and an opportunity for everyone the students had a brilliant time. to get involved. Whether it was backstage, acting, dancing or in the orchestra, there was a role for everyone!

Natalia F to Attend ‘Paris World Games’ for Many hours of hard work (including weekends) were put in, involving the full cast, the orchestra and the backstage Rugby crew. The experience was very rewarding for all involved, as students were able to collaborate with actors and Highsted’s Natalia F, Year 9, was selected to play with an musicians across the different year groups and had a real Australian rugby team at the Paris World Games. Four girls sense of community. from the Aylesford U15’s Rugby Squad had the honour of being asked to play with the Brisbane team travelling over from Australia for the U15’s 7’s tournament in France.

This amazing experience has developed from the original link held with the Harlequins Ladies’ team, and thanks to Michelle Mayhew, Head of Female Rugby Operations at Harlequins, and the Aylesford coaches. They were able to recognize 4 team players who could develop their skills further and enhance the Brisbane team.

The girls travelled to Paris to meet their new team mates on Tuesday 3 July where they then attended their elite training camp with them before ultimately being involved in both the On Wednesday 27, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 of June, opening ceremony and the closing ceremonies, and compete each cast created an engaging and uplifting performance, against the best in the world for the U15’s 7’s tournament. each with their own interpretation and identity. This created When they left the training camp on Monday 9 July, they had a captivating and entertaining performance over all three achieved lifetime friendships and once in a lifetime nights. The orchestra performed outstandingly and opportunities. enhanced the bold, uplifting atmosphere within the auditorium. Ecology Field trip The audience’s feedback of the feel-good production reflected its vibrant tone and mood, resulting in Highsted The A Level biologists carried out their required practical at Grammar School producing this famous musical to a Longbeech North Wood, just to the north of Ashford on professional standard. Monday 2 July.

They arrived by minibus to boiling hot weather and lots of insects. The day began by a walk and talk of the woodland (owned by the Woodland Trust). The South East Area Manager Clive Steward, described the plans of the Woodland Trust to change the Sweet Chestnut and Larch coppice back to native broad leaved woodland. He also pointed out many of the unique archaeological artefacts at the site that stem back many hundreds of years.

The ecological work began with the collection of data for a Spearman’s Rank correlation, linking tree circumference with tree ring number and hence, tree age. This was followed by a BBQ lunch, cooked over open fires by Ms Grease Review Coles and Dr Clapp. A range of food was provided – rabbit tikka skewers, bunny burgers and game burgers.

On the 27-29 June, Highsted Grammar unveiled captivating The afternoon temperatures soared even higher resulting in performances of Grease that had been in the works for many higher than normal lethargy in the students but all worked months by stalwart staff and students. With every year and extremely hard to complete their work. Overall, the trip was every upcoming production, the cooperation between a success and students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. students of all ages and teachers alike, alongside a motivational sense of school spirit have been a necessity for ensuring successful performances that Highsted hope Highsted Sports Day audiences will remember until the next production, and this year has been no exception. On Friday 6 July, Highsted celebrated its annual Sports Day with records broken and a tightly contested set of overall The opening night was an immediate success, with a “lower scores for each House. This year the theme for Sports Day school” cast taking to the stage to transport audiences to late was ‘The FA World Cup’ with each House representing a 50’s America to entertain with a well-known, well-loved country playing in the football competition. musical. Highsted’s staff and students mirrored the pride of friends and family in the audiences, as they realise that once Keller drew again that the many months of hard work that had gone into France for their learning lines and music, had been rewarded. Our younger country and students taking part, in particular, revealed themselves to be decorated their exceptionally talented dancers as they performed during support area on musical numbers such as “Shaking at the High School Hop” the field with and “Born to Hand-Jive” which were choreographed by Dani French flags, O (Year 13). Highsted are eager to continue to present the ‘Tour de France’ abilities of these gifted students in future productions that hats and students they hope will be equally successful. and staff dressed in red, white and blue clothing. They also celebrated the For the following two nights, Highsted’s “upper school” cast country’s most famous food by having Mr Webb run the adopted the roles of Grease’s beloved quirky characters. For final leg of the staff relay while eating a baguette. Chanel’s many of the actors taking part in Grease this year and for area was Egyptian themed, complete with pharaoh masks Highsted’s Head of Department for Music, this has been their and some students final performance in a school production and they absolutely dressed as pyramids did themselves justice and showcased all the talent they had and mummies. Seacole to offer for audiences as their “last hurrah”. chose to show off Japan’s popular Needless to say, the orchestra’s immense contribution cannot ‘Pokemon’ game with be neglected to be mentioned, particularly due to their students dressed as dedication to the play’s success. This is representative of the pokemon creatures, commitment of the school community to Highsted and all along with two that it does. students dressed as sumo wrestlers. Each year there is a competition for the best dressed and decorated support area For those who were lucky enough to attend Grease’s sell-out for each House and third place was awarded to Eliot for its nights, they will certainly concur that the quality of this Mexican themed display which included chilli peppers, production will be difficult to beat in the future, but by no sombreros and a giant cactus. Second place went to means will this halt our Drama and Music Departments from Franklin for its amazing Brazilian carnival as students took endeavouring to consistently improve with every production. to the track with samba instruments and made a musical procession through the sports field. Finally, first place was awarded to Roddick for its Spanish extravaganza including: Spanish tapas, leading up to the performances on 27 – 29 June. There were flags, castanets, a four performances in total, the first was a matinee mock bull fight performance to the Over 55’s club, and the following three with students were evening performances. With three different casts, due acting as bulls and to the overwhelming amount of pupils auditioning, we had matadors; and a our work cut out! All three evenings ran brilliantly, with group of students wonderful reviews from the parents, teachers and governors dancing the in attendance. flamenco. All students put in a The final event within the music department was the tremendous amount of effort to support their sports teams and ‘Nothing But Treble’ singing day. As an annual event, the should be commended. singing day has developed over the past few years and this year we learnt 4 songs in workshop style sessions. With 6 As for the results, different schools in attendance and representation from both Chanel were primary and secondary schools, the concert in the school overall winners of hall at the end of the day was an uplifting community event. the day with a The concert also included a performance from Highsted’s whopping 673 close harmony group ‘The Origin’. points, closely followed by Eliot Citizenship and Enterprise Week – with 609 points Wednesday’s Mysteries and Roddick with 585 points. Highsted’s annual Citizenship and Enterprise Week began Congratulations go to record breaking students this year: today. Students of all year groups were excited to start their Freya J in Year 9 broke both the High Jump and the Javelin activities and get involved. Year 10 immediately set to record (with scores of 1.46 metres and 22.10 metres); Katie decorating the area W in Year 8 also broke a Javelin record with her score of under the canopy, 25.95 metres; and finally Vanessa A in Year 7 broke the preparing their Discus record with her score of 17.02 metres. market stalls, producing advertising and selling their various creations. This year some of the enterprise projects involved: henna tattoos, photo booths and ‘tidy up wizards’ – ready to clean out your cupboards and freshen up your storage areas. There was also a range of food and drink on offer from fresh lemonade to fruit kebabs and smoothies.

The rest of the school were involved in the mysterious activities on offer this year, developing new skills and meeting new friends. The highlight of the day was definitely: ‘Care of Magical Creatures’ – part of the Highsted is incredibly proud of the efforts of all students and ‘Hogwarts, A Mystery’ activity, where students were able staff, everyone made the day an enormous success. to watch a birds of prey display and then learn how they feed, hunt and chase down their prey. Students were also Music Department Events able to get up close by holding the amazing range of birds for themselves. Later, Hogwarts students used the magic of This term has been a busy one for the music department. We chemistry (or should I say potions!) to create hidden shapes have had two large community events, as well as the school and writing that mysteriously appeared after being set on production. fire.

The term began with the first Swale Recorder Festival, which was hosted by the Highsted Grammar Music Department and organised in partnership with Kent Music and the Local Soundhub. In total 8 different schools were involved in an afternoon of recorder ensemble rehearsal, led by professional musician and ex-Highsted student Nicky Catterwell. This was followed by a mass performance in the school hall for parents and carers to watch. Feedback from both parents and teachers of the children involved was positive and a great day was had by all!

Following half term, the run down to the school production of ‘Grease the Musical’ began. With many hours of rehearsals being put in by the cast, orchestra, dancers and extras alike, the music department was a hive of activity Other activities First up was ‘Murder at the Great Gatsby’ film, where included: R4 students who had taken part in the drama activity dazzled being transformed the audience with musical and dancing performances. There into a haunted was also a series of dramatic scenes – completely mansion – improvised by students, who had no scripts – revealing a inspiring students thrilling tale of glamour, smoky back rooms and murder to write creatively most foul. The audience was also treated to a ‘behind the and imagine they scenes’ video, showing the making of the ‘Half Moon were trapped Club’ and demonstrating all the fantastic talent behind the inside, trying to final film. escape; police investigations as students sifted for clues among Jack the Ripper letters in the ‘Criminal Minds’ After this, students were shown the process behind the activity, pompom mayhem in T block as giant pink woolly making of ‘Mysterious Stone Circles’ including beautiful balls began to populate the area; and budding scientists painted designs and intricate clay structures. This was explored the inner secrets of plants, sheep eyes and fish – followed by the crime team from ‘Criminal Minds’ which certainly produced an interesting smell. demonstrating all they had learned behind famous crimes such as the murders committed by ‘Jack the Ripper’ and the Citizenship and Enterprise Week – Thursday’s infamous murder of Mr Johnson – right on Highsted school Mysteries grounds! The morning showcase was finished off with the ‘Fragments’ group presenting their colourful print work and Today the then the audience were given an insight into the magical festivities at and mysterious world of ‘Hogwarts, A Mystery’ – looking Highsted’s annual at potion making, Quidditch, owl care, and creepy Citizenship and scarecrow created in ‘Herbology’ to protect the newly sown Enterprise Week vegetables. continued. Year 10 Enterprise The afternoon showcase kicked off with the team from tempted their ‘Masters of Suspense’ who showed all they had learned public today with about Alfred tie-dye T-shirts, Hitchcock jewellery and fruity pancakes. Hogwarts students were flying and through the field on hockey sticks, er, I mean broomsticks, in described a fantastic game of Quidditch and the ‘Mystery Food’ how they activity were creating a variety of puzzling delicacies – had been which cupcakes were ‘real’ and which were actually mashed inspired by potato was indeed a mystery. Some brilliant art work was him to create taking place in T block too as students moulded clay, wove some short materials together and sewed up massive sheets of fabric suspenseful coloured with beautiful print designs. films of their own. This Highlights of the was followed by the ‘Haunted House’ creative writing day included: the group who regaled their silent and attentive audience with transformation of tales of shadows, ghosts, terror and gruesome deaths. the drama room ‘Enigmatic Materials’ presented a detailed presentation on into the ‘Half Moon the making of pom-poms, macramé, crochet and weaving – Club’ complete the final construction was both highly original and very with cabaret colourful. There was an interactive section in the showcase singers, bars, back as the ‘Mystery Food’ team called on brave audience alleyways and a members to risk the ‘Highsted Bushtucker Trial’ and eat murder to be cleverly disguised meat and potato cupcakes and melon solved. The atmosphere was tense as detectives questioned frogspawn. Bushtucker volunteers Mr Wallace and Anais their suspicious looking student suspects. Murder seemed to N, Year 9, both commented that the ants were surprisingly be rife at Highsted as Mr Johnson was found dead and it was tasty. The ‘Dissection’ team shocked and stunned the up to students in the ‘Criminal Minds’ activity to solve the audience with their steely nerves as they worked to case. Their only clues were an avocado, a secret diary and discover the inner secrets of plants, eyeballs, hearts, fish some gruesome vomit – complete with a mysterious half- and even rats! Finally, the students who had been on trips digested Jaffa Cake – what did it all mean? Who was behind this week to Botany Bay and the Panic Room in Gravesend; this foul killing? and those out on a Geocaching hike shared their experiences and some memorable moments captured in art work and photographs. Citizenship and Enterprise Week – Friday’s Mystery Showcase This was without a doubt one of our most successful and enjoyable Citizenship and Enterprise Weeks yet and it was On that most mysterious of days, Friday 13, Highsted a fabulous way to end a great year at Highsted – well done students gathered together in the main hall to celebrate all the to all staff and students involved! activities from Citizenship and Enterprise Week. The showcase was a chance for all students participating to share with each other all that they had achieved during the week. Bushcraft Art and Photography News…

From Wednesday 11 The Art and Photography Department has had a fantastic July to Friday 13 July, Year 8 students went and exciting year with new projects and clubs! Year 7 on their annual explored African Art, embracing new materials and medias, ‘Bushcraft’ trip. They creating vibrant coloured and patterned designed life size got involved with activities such as how Zulu shield. Year 8 students created their Day of the Dead to make fires and inspired textile skulls, whilst year 9 explored jelly-fish and developed various painterly techniques, before embarking on a GCSE Taster skills needed to survive in the wild. project ‘Animal Portrait’. Our GCSE and A Level students The staff running the have been working hard creating a magnitude of exciting activities were outcomes with a range of medias. A selection of the work is energetic, enthusiastic on display around the school. and kept the students cheerful during their time in the great Ms Rodwell and Mrs N Lennox outdoors. Shannon B Teachers of Art and Photography and Zara P, two Year

8s from the trip, commented: ‘We were always laughing. We learnt lots of new skills such as making splints and other first aid skills too. We were glad to have the opportunity to attend this trip and would definitely recommend it to Year 8s next year!”

Lower School Awards

The Lower School Awards Ceremony is a time for celebrating all of the hard work the students have put into this academic year. Students from Years 7,8 and 9 received awards in areas such as attendance, attainment and progress among others. There were also musical performances from Branwyn H-E who played a saxophone solo, and Ella C, who played the guitar and sang.

The guest speaker this year was Miranda Black – an ex-Highsted student who left the school six Above is a selection of some of our Year 7’s life size Zulu years ago. She gained a shield outcomes. Students worked collaboratively in pairs first class honours exploring the theme African Art. We are very pleased with degree from the new project and the outcomes produced. Student feedback University of Queen suggests they enjoyed the mixed media outcomes and the Mary in London. She exploration of a range of medias. was the president of her student union at Year 8 university and now works for a local council in London. She is passionate about mental health issues and has worked both at university and at the council to promote understanding of these issues.

The main theme of her talk was that our students should not be afraid to be different and should in fact embrace these differences, use them in their favour. She went on to say that standing out is a positive in the real world. It was a meaningful and heartfelt address and the students were inspired to be brave as they started to take the next steps in their lives.

Year 9 range of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The library has also hosted the Carnegie Reading Group which looked at some of the best new titles of the year. If any other students would like to read the shortlisted books they are all in the library for you to borrow. Finally the library transformed into Hogwarts for citizenship week and we had a really enjoyable time being inspired by the works of JK Rowling to create artwork and creative writing.

Thank you to the library helpers and to the new students Year 10 who have volunteered to help next year.

‘This term in GCSE Mrs Day art our Year 10 class LRC Manager explored a new topic and techniques Year 7, 8 and 9 Rounders Tournaments focusing on ‘ceramics’ which we In Term 6, Year 7, 8 and 9 took part in Rounders are linking to out Unit Competitions against schools in the Swale District. Year 7 2; ‘Spaces and Places’ and 8 came 2nd in their tournaments and Year 8 smashed a coursework. Ceramics 19th Century Sport into the 21st Century, winning their is the process of competition. working with clay that can be modelled and moulded to create different shapes and designs. We have structured our Year 7 Match Report ceramic work to link to unit 2 by basing it off of favelas On Wednesday 27 June the Year 7 Highsted Rounders architecture in Brazil. Favelas are small tightly packed Team went to Westlands School to play in a Rounders buildings or houses that are built up across a large area, tournament. Overall they placed second in the tournament, normally towering up hills. We have incorporated the design narrowly missing out to Oasis who beat them by one of favelas into ceramics by building up multiple layers of rounder to win overall. The first match was against clay; this can then be worked into by scratching with Westlands. Highsted played very well in this game with different types of tools to build texture and surface pattern. strong fielding performances. They then faced Oasis, which Once our ceramic piece has been fired we will then glaze and was by far the hardest game we played, and unfortunately put different colours lost because their bowler was very strong and applied good of crushed glass into tactics in throwing the ball close, which meant it was hard the gaps to create to hit cleanly. The final match was against SCC which different textures Highsted won with strong fielding performances with and effects. It will awesome catches from deep fielders which sealed the then be re- fired in a victory. kiln to harden the glaze and melt the Year 8 Match Report glass to finish the The competition was held for Year 8s at Westlands final piece. I have liked working with ceramics because it has on Wednesday 20 June. There were four offered different opportunities to explore a new skill set that schools in total including Highsted, the other schools were: can be used in future projects.’ Oasis , SCC and Westlands. Overall, they played three games, one against each team. The first game was Year 10 student against SCC, they batted first while Highsted fielded, at the end of their 6 minutes they had scored 3 ½ rounders. The Library Update teams switched sides and Highsted were now batting, at full time Highsted had scored 8 ½ rounders compared to their 3 It has been a really ½ so Highsted successfully won that game. The next game busy term for the was against the hosts, Westlands. This time round Highsted LRC. Mrs Day and had to bat first while they fielded, at the end Highsted had 5 the team of library rounders. The teams then switched sides. At the final helpers have been whistle they only had 3 ½ rounders, which meant Highsted reorganising the won again by 1 ½ rounders. The very last game was against fiction section into Oasis Academy. Highsted were lucky enough to field first genres so hopefully so knew what they had to beat. After their batting time was it will make it over, Oasis had scored a total of 4 rounders. Highsted easier for you to find what you are looking for. We also successfully got 6 rounders and beat them. The Year 8s launched our Shelf Help section during Mental Health came out victorious against all other schools and worked Awareness week which has lots of resources to help with a really well together as a team.

Team: Katie W (c), Eleanor W, Amelia W, Amelia C, Katie M, Esme B, Ellie V, Karine M, Avril T, Meghan B and Gloria A.

Year 9 Match Report On Wednesday 13 June, Highsted played two rounders matches, one against Oasis Academy, and the second one against Westlands. The team adapted well to playing together but unfortunately Oasis won the first match. However, Highsted went on to win the second match against Westlands. Well done to the Year 9s for some well fought matches.

Team: Ayo A, Grace H, Shannon B, Natalia F, Isabelle B, Katie S, Hannah F and Summer L.

Miss Donnelly would like to congratulate Lucie B and Ella T for making the reserve Squad for the U16 Kent Schools’ Football team, as well as Abi H for maintaining her place in the first team. This is a tremendous achievement and one the PE Department are very proud of!

Simmonds School Uniform Shop

Highsted Grammar School uniform is available during term time from our School Uniform Shop onsite at the School, adjacent to the School Hall

(Open Tuesday, Thursday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Wednesday

3:00pm – 5:00pm) Telephone 01795 229535

Free School Meals

If your child is under 19 and in full-time education, you may be able to get free school meals for them. The quickest and easiest way to apply for school meals is to apply online. a) Who can get them?

Your child must attend a maintained school (most schools in Kent are maintained schools) or receive alternative education approved by Kent County Council.

Children attending private or independent schools can't get free school meals.

You must receive one of these benefits to qualify:  Income Support  Income Based Jobseekers Allowance

 Child Tax Credit (not including Working Tax Credit) - if the household income is below £16,190  Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit  an income-related Employment and Support Allowance  support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 if you are an asylum seeker

Evidence of benefit may be requested after you apply.

You can apply online at: http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free- school-meals#tab-2

Staffing Update

Staffing Update At the end of the academic year, Highsted would like to say goodbye to some dedicated members of staff as they develop their careers in new and varied situations…

Mr Englefield has decided to leave the teaching profession at this time in order to explore a new career in accounting. I am pleased to inform you that Mrs Allen will be joining the school as AHT Head of Maths and Whole School Assessment and Reporting. Mrs Allen is currently a successful and experienced Head of Maths at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School in Bexley.

Mrs Culley joins the school as an Assistant Headteacher of Key Stage Four and teacher of Chemistry; currently Mrs Culley works as the Head of Science at Sir Roger Manwood Grammar School in Sandwich. Mrs Culley replaces Mr Quinn whom, as you know, left the school in June to commence his promotion to Deputy Headteacher at Folkestone Grammar School for Girls.

Miss Bradford is relocating with her family to Surrey and so she is replaced by Mr Finney, an experienced Maths teacher from .

Ms Arden has secured her long desire to relocate with her family to west Kent and so she will be replaced by Mr Ware, Director of Music and Performing Arts at Norton Knatchbull Grammar School in Ashford.

Mr Taylor-Richardson teacher of English and Head of House (Chanel) has secured a promotion at Oakwood Park Grammar School. Mr Rosedon, an experienced teacher of English from Dover Grammar School for Boys will replace him.

Further to his promotion to the Head of MFL at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, Mr Johnson has resigned from his position as teacher of MFL and Head of House. Mrs Lloyd will be joining the school as his replacement. Mrs Lloyd currently teaches at . The school also welcomes Mrs Guibert-Paxton as the new Head of MFL and Miss Damien as additional members to the MFL department.

Miss Kelly teacher of Psychology and leader of the Extended Project is moving to live and work in the Middle East. Miss Kelly will be replaced by Miss Kerr currently a Psychology teacher at Dane Court Grammar School in Thanet.

Mr Stanley is moving in to the independent sector after eleven years of service to the school and so Mr Wang will be joining the science department as his replacement. Additionally, the school welcomes Mr Jones from St Edmunds Independent School in Canterbury as our new Head of Physics.

We look forward to the exciting contributions of all staff as the new academic year approaches.

August

Thursday 16 A-Level Examination Results Day Thursday 23 GCSE Examination Results Day

Term 1 September

Monday 3 Staff Development Day 1

Tuesday 4 Staff Development Day 2 Wednesday 5 Whole School Returns

Friday 21 Jeans for Genes Day

Year 11 Robot Wars Monday 24 School Photographs

October

Wednesday 3 PSHCEE Focus Day 1 Swale Youth Parliament

Thursday 4 Open Evening

Monday 15 Harvest Festival Wednesday 17 Harvest Festival

Friday 19 End of Term 1

Monday 29 Start of Term 2

Monday 29 Staff Development Day 3 November

Thursday 1 Senior UK Maths Challenge

Sunday 4 Lessons from Auschwitz

Tuesday 6 PSHCEE Focus Day 2 Year 7 Tea Party

Senior UK Maths Challenge Thursday 8 Post-16 Information Evening

Sunday 11 Swale Borough Council Ypres Trip

Tuesday 13 Lessons from Auschwitz

Monday 19 Year 8 Charity Bazaar Tuesday 20 Lower School new parents evening

Wednesday 21 Lessons from Auschwitz

Thursday 22 House Drama Competition Saturday 24 Highsted Christmas Fair

Wednesday 28 PSHCEE Focus Day 3

Thursday 29 Year 12 Parents Evening

December Tuesday 4 Lights for Love

Thursday 6 Christmas Concert

Monday 10 Christmas Festival Concert

Wednesday 12 Awards Evening Thursday 13 Year 7 Pantomime Trip HIGHSTED GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Monday 17 Carol Service Highsted Road Sittingbourne Tuesday 18 Year 12 Celebration Trip Kent Wednesday 19 End of term ME10 4PT

Christmas Jumper Day Phone: 01795 424223 Fax: 01795 429375 Thursday 20 December to Wednesday 2 January – E-mail: [email protected] Christmas Holiday. Thursday 3 January - Start of Term 3.